Wildlife conservation holiday in India. Helping Dreamers Do

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£1995

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13 Days excluding flights

More info:This project runs on specific dates. Please enquire for further information.

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“Join a team of volunteers working within the wildlife reserves and community projects of central India. Immersive two week tour for animal lovers.”

Highlights

Description of Wildlife conservation holiday in India

This two week volunteering holiday in India allows you to witness the country's wildlife first-hand as well as experiencing life working within some of central India's best-loved wildlife sanctuaries and on local community projects supported by Tiger Watch.

From the sloths of the Agra Bear Sanctuary to the elephants of the Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre, you'll be placed in the privileged position of being able to help conservation efforts where they're needed most.

Starting in downtown Delhi you'll be immersed in the urban chaos of India's capital before journeying to Agra from where the Mughal architecture of the Taj Mahal takes centre stage. After experiencing one of the world's most iconic and romantic settings you'll be invited into a much more natural realm, just 15kms outside of Agra. The Agra Bear Sanctuary is the largest rehabilitation centre of its kind and is supported by International Animal Rescue and Wildlife SOS so as to offer a safe and secure environment for bears who've suffered greatly at the hands of man.

During your two days at the sanctuary you'll help by feeding the bears and working on construction projects to help provide further environmental enrichment. Following on from this immersive voluntary conservation experience you'll be invited to help walk elephants on their hunt for food through the forests and fields of the Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre, also close to Agra. There are no chains for the elephants here and walking with them is an absolute pleasure and your kind words and praise will not fall on deaf ears.

Two more of India's wildlife sanctuaries lie in wait as you bid Agra farewell and head to firstly, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and secondly, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve. Both of these protected wildlife environments have been created to help preserve India's indigenous animals in the most natural way possible. Chatting to local children about the importance of wildlife conservation is just as important and meaningful as seeing animals in their natural habitat. An absolute privilege, and one that you, nor they, will ever forget.

The final leg of this wildlife conservation holiday is the Pink City of Jaipur where more Mughal style comes to the fore before you finally make the return journey to Delhi as you prepare to head for home.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.com

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2019: 22 Apr, 6 May

Vouchers

Accepted

Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Wildlife conservation holiday in India

Environment

This voluntour is conducted in conjunction with organisations like 'Wildlife SOS' and 'Tiger Watch'. Travellers will be able to spend two completely unforgettable days at the 'Agra Bear Rescue Centre'. Founded by 'Wildlife SOS', a charity established in 1995 to preserve and conserve India's natural heritage, forests, and array of flora and fauna, and supported by 'International Animal Rescue', this centre now holds the title of being the world's largest sanctuary for sloth bears. All of these bears have been rescued from the horrific 'dancing bear' trade, and during their time here travellers will be able to help out with the feeding of the resident bears, the construction of hammocks for them, the creation of enrichment for them and the cleaning of their enclosures. After their time in the bear sanctuary, travellers will be able to visit the Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre - another of Wildlife SOS's ventures and India's first chain free elephant camp. Here, they will be able to walk with the elephants, create enrichment for them and help in the preparation of their food. What's more, direct donations to the sloth bear sanctuary (U$100) and the Mathura Elephant Rescue Centre (U$ 50) are included within the project price.

Community

This voluntour allows travellers the opportunity to get fully integrated into local community life, incorporating visits to both the 'Moghiya Hostel' and the 'Dhonk' village - both local initiatives founded and conceptualised by the NGO 'Tiger Watch'. Travellers will be able to spend time with the children being educated at the Moghiya Hostel, helping to educate them in the importance of wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. The Moghiyas, a local tribe, were declared by the police as a criminal tribe, and they were considered to be the centre of all poaching in and around Ranthambore. The hostel then is an essential way of trying to change their lifestyle and showing them of other ways of making their living. 'Dhonk' village is a similar local responsible community initiative formed with the support of ‘Tiger Watch’, whereby local villagers and ex-poachers are taught how to make and sell handicrafts in and around Ranthambore. Travellers will be able to interact with villagers, learn about the art and culture of their region and even help to suggest new ideas for them. What's more, a donation of U$50 will be donated to the Moghiya Hostel and U$50 to the 'Dhonk' village will be made for each individual traveller on the voluntour.