Looking for a wildlife holiday for going wild with the kids? Here are tips for wildlife trip in India and a few things you should know before going wild with the kids;
Choose a perfect wildlife park for your kids
Adventurous or laid back? Know their safari type and select a destination that offers the perfect experience. If your kids are keen on water, you can opt for Thekkady, where boat safaris and bamboo rides are available to explore the jungle.
Child and family-friendly safari lodges
Opt. for family-friendly lodges, especially a lodge that offers many activities and entertainment options for the kids. With a swimming pool, jungle trails, wildlife activities and check-lists for kids, you can indulge them in a lifelong outdoors experience.
Make it a relaxed trip
Safaris are generally two to three hours long and can be hectic. To reduce the burden of a tiresome journey, extending your trip for a few days rather than a day or two would be a great option.
Set Expectations
Safaris introduce your little ones to nature, wildlife and traditional rural cultures. However, urban children have little exposure to wildlife, it is always good to brief them on what to expect there. If they know about the park, its flora and fauna, and some wildlife Glossary in advance, a wildlife trip becomes more exciting.
The little rangers check-list
Encourage them to take part in various adventures that might interest the children, such as taking a pledge to ‘go green’, learning about conservation, practice cycling and walking, identifying animal droppings, tracking skills, and understanding the rich insect life of the wilderness.
Picture courtesy Waxpole Hotels, Jayati Dutta
Exclusive jungle ride and private tours
Consider booking a private ride and a guide who will focus not only on showing you newer things but also energizing your kids if they aren’t familiar with safaris and would increase their curiosity about wildlife.
Finally, make sure you don’t forget to carry your cameras with you. Capturing fascinating and beautiful moments is the thing that younger kids today are always looking up to.
Give some reward to your kids
Your kids have made an effort to know nature better, and they deserve some prizes. Ask the jungle resort and arrange a special dinner, campfire, or poolside day fun for them with some special mocktails.
