Where the wild things are

Follow migratory birds, swim with glowing plankton, watch turtles paddle out to sea, spot a red panda. India's safaris now go beyond tiger tracking. Pack your bags!

- Shraddha Chowdhury

India is home to more than 92,000 known species of fauna. And yet, when the family books a wildlife holiday, pulling on khaki shorts, and filling up the Thermos, all we've largely wanted to do is spot a tiger. Thankfully, things are changing.

Earlier this month, the cabinet approved an outlay of Rs 2602.98 crore to continue the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats. The money will go towards protecting not only tigers, cheetahs and elephants, but the very ecosystems that allow them and other species to thrive.

India is now home to 106 national parks and 573 wildlife sanctuaries. Another 200-odd are being considered, linking neighbouring areas to create denser, richer habitats. There are new biodivesity hotspots, new trails, new visitors and new surprises in our forests and coasts. Take a look:

For birding enthusiasts

The map now spreads past Rajasthan's Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Birdwatching and tracking groups have sprung up, contributing to better data on where to spot a rare winged visitor.

At Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, more visitors now look up. The area is home to more than 600 avian species. "There's always something incredible to spot, including the collared falconet, owls, woodpeckers, fish eagles and waterfowl," says Latika Nath, author, photographer and wildlife conservationist.

Across the North East, local communities have shifted from hunting birds to birdwatching.

Around the Mishmi Hills, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, homestays and lodges offer tours so that tourists can spot rarities such as the Bugun Liocichla and two species of tragopans, or up to 10 species of laughing thrushes.

"There's tented accommodation and expeditions run by local communities at Eaglenest," says Anish Andheria, president of the Wildlife Conservation Trust.