Of all the parks I have ever visited in India, Bandipur is probably the worst 'visitor experience' I have had, with very poor guiding/interpretation, restrictive, uninterested and poor driving in a shoddy park bus and little information to help inspire. If this is what wildlife tourism gets in Bandipur its no wonder that wildlife is more interesting when feeding on the animals on the roadsides of the park!!!

We need to make the wildlife experiences both fun and inspiring, and involved them as part of the solution, making tourism and tourists proactive in their respond and ambassadors for protection - not allow them to become reactive, uninspired and uninterested - otherwise you can be sure that tourism will become part of the problem!

A total and comprehensive upgrade and 'upliftment' of park guides and guiding qualifications across India, with recognized qualifications, experience and performance remuneration would have a profound effect on both the visitors experiences and the passion by which such guides would interpret, advocate and commit to codes and conduct both inside and outside parks to the benefit of educating people and protecting wildlife.

TOFT's Travellers Codes carried by Tour Operators, DMC's and TOFT hoteliers and lodge keepers are aimed at setting the best standards, but they need to be reinforced on the ground (in hotels and lodges) by initial briefings to visitors on arrival or over dinner, and by guides and naturalists at the start of every game drive.! To be honest Taj safaris are the only company that have done this briefing to me in a comprehensive way in ten years of wildlife travel in India.

Lets all commit to such practices - its an easy start!

Julian Matthews