India has been famous for its wildlife all across the World. The tiger has put India on the World map as far as eco tourism I concerned. But there are many key stone species that offers interesting animal watching experience to wildlife lovers US Zoos.
Wildlife tourism in India is a big industry and covers all major National Parks and sanctuaries. In order to cater to a growing number of wildlife lovers and birders many travel agents now offer package tours. The professional package tour operators in India provide various packages depending upon the clients. The demand for luxury package tours have been steadily rising in India. Earlier budget tours were more in demand.
The changing profile of group tours has given rise to luxury hotels and wildlife resorts in India. The demand for package tours for birding has also gone up. More and more birders are arriving in India for birding. The hot spots are Bharatpur and North India.
But other sectors are also opening up for birding. Birding in Western India is already established activity. In Southern India especially Kerala wildlife and birding tour packages are gaining popularity. Many bird tour operators provide packages for professional birders with specialist bird guides. These guides are based locally and offer their expertise to the foreign birders.
Similar scenario exists in case of wildlife tourism but this sector is already established in the country. Tiger safaris are very popular in India and lion safaris at Gir are picking up. Many wildlife watchers now desire to see the Asiatic lion in the wild.
These destination are much favored by wildlife and nature photographers and film makers. The films made by acclaimed photographic companies as Discovery, BBC and National Geographic have given widespread publicity to the plight of the tiger in India. It has also encouraged tourism in India by spreading awareness.