Published on
Oct 19, 2026, 08:30 IST
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Travel expert Jose Ramapuram advocates that we look beyond wildlife experiences to the stories Indian forests tell
A tiger sighting might be the highlight of a wildlife holiday, but it is rarely the only thing worth discovering in a forest, says Jose Ramapuram, Executive Director, Marketing – Evolve Back Resorts. Bird calls, animal tracks, native plants, and the lives of communities around the habitat all tell a story about the landscape, he avers. He points out in this article that the experiences that bring these details into focus can give travellers a better understanding of the places they visit.
Animal sightings are unpredictable, and no safari can promise an encounter with a particular species. Guided nature walks, birdwatching, and interpretation centres offer visitors other ways to explore a destination, while helping them understand how its different species and habitats are connected.
In This Article
An Appreciation Beyond Animals
A forest has much more to offer when we take the time to understand it. Naturalist-led walks and experiences can help guests discover the ecosystem beyond scheduled safaris. The role of the naturalist is central to this approach; they help guests to notice what they might otherwise miss – from bird calls to the life around a waterbody – and to understand how these seemingly-small details fit into the larger ecosystem. Gradually, the experience shifts from waiting for an animal sighting to appreciating the forest as a whole.
This understanding has a practical value, too. Learning about animal behaviour and habitat needs helps visitors appreciate why they must maintain their distance from wildlife, follow designated routes, and respect forest regulations.
The People Of The Forest
The people who live alongside forests bring another perspective to the experience. Their familiarity with seasonal changes, native species, and local traditions can help visitors understand a landscape beyond what they see on a guided excursion.
Tourism businesses can draw on this knowledge by involving local guides and creating opportunities for visitors to experience regional food, crafts, and cultural practices. Such participation can also support livelihoods through guiding, hospitality, and other visitor services.
Jabarkhet Nature Reserve in Mussoorie, for example, offers guided walks through a privately-managed forest. In Ladakh, interest in snow leopards and high-altitude wildlife is opening up opportunities for specialised guiding and nature-based experiences.
Focus On The Ecosystem
India’s natural habitats extend well beyond its established tiger reserves. The grasslands of central India, the wetlands, the Western Ghats and the Himalayas each support distinct wildlife and offer different experiences.
Project Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh has brought greater attention to semi-arid habitats and the ecological importance of grasslands. Such landscapes offer scope for wildlife tourism to introduce travellers to ecosystems they might not have considered visiting.
For resorts and tour operators, this means developing experiences suited to each destination, from birdwatching and guided walks to longer stays that allow visitors to explore at a more considered pace.
A Shared Responsibility
For hospitality businesses, creating this understanding also comes with a responsibility to protect the habitat. The aim is to help guests connect with the landscape without disturbing it. After all, the value of a wildlife stay lies not just in what guests see, but in what they learn to appreciate and respect.
All views are the author's own. Femina cannot be held liable for any mishap arising thereofAlso Read: 5 African Safari Destinations You Must Experience Beyond Masai Mara
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