The project is based in a national park in southern India about an hour from Mysore and three hours from Bangalore by road. The part of the park where you will be assisting the Rangers is not open to the public and is therefore a totally protected habitat, not only for tigers but also Sambal Deer, Indian Forest Elephants, Wild Boar, Sloth Bears and dozens of species of bird and monkey.
On arrival in Bangalore airport, you will be met by our local coordinator who will introduce you to the other volunteers before taking you to your hostel accommodation. Bright and early the following morning, your private transfer will take you to the national park where you’ll meet the Chief Ranger and his team.
A full and thorough induction will be given by the Chief Ranger and the local conservation society before you enter the jungle so that you have a full understanding of the history, context and practice in relation to tiger conservation in India. Training will be given on the tasks expected of you. There will also be safety training in relation to jungle living and how to react to wildlife encounters in the forest.
The Tiger population in India is at an all time low with extinction being a real threat. From numbers of over 40,000 at the turn of the 20th century there are now as few as 1,400 in the whole of the country. The tiger population has suffered at the hands of poachers who sell the skins and organs to countries where they are used for alternative medicines
In a concerted effort to halt the decreasing population, the Indian Government recently instigated Project Tiger. The overall objective is to protect the remaining tigers and to create a safe environment in which they can breed. Additionally, the programme aims to provide employment opportunities where poachers can use their knowledge of the forests to become Rangers and earn a living whilst protecting the tigers instead of poaching them.
Working directly with the Chief Ranger and his team you will be patrolling dense deciduous forest looking for signs of tiger, elephant, Sloth Bear and Wild Boar. There are approximately 10 known tigers in the forest where Rangers have been assessing the territory of the cats and monitoring them on a daily basis to ensure their welfare.
Other tasks include counting prey animals such as deer and monkey in defined research areas and monitoring water holes. There will also be opportunities to accompany the Rangers on their night patrols and stay in their shelters in the centre of the forests.
Of course, a guarantee of a face-to-face encounter with a tiger or elephant cannot be given.
These are wild animals in their natural environment in an area of national park that is strictly off limits to people and so they are still extremely wary of humans. Saying that, the Rangers are expert trackers and know the park like no other but again, an encounter cannot be guaranteed.
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- The accommodation is basic, but safe secure and clean. Staying at the project really helps you get in the spirit of the project and share the experience with like-minded people.
- There are 6 static tents with thatched roofing that sleep 3-4 people. The camp has no electricity as it strives to be as close to nature as possible but paraffin lamps are used at night. There are good standard western style toilets and hot water is provided for washing.
- All food is organic and made from raw ingredients, even butter is made in camp and if you like, field cookery lessons can be given - there is no cooker, only a wood fire. But don’t worry the food is tasty, traditional fare.
- All meals are included in your 13-night stay in the jungle, bed and breakfast for the days staying in Bangalore.
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- There is a fixed duration of two weeks. You will volunteer on weekdays with time off on the weekends to explore the area at your leisure.
- Programmes start on Saturdays. Please contact us for dates.
- Please arrange your flight to arrive in Bangalore anytime before midday Saturday.
- The hottest months are June – July and we would recommend you take part outside of these months.
- International flights are not included.
- On arrival at Bangalore airport, our local coordinator will arrange transport to meet you in the arrivals lounge and take you to your accommodation.
- A simple tourist visa is all that is required for this project. UK citizens, please click here to download a Visa Application Form from the Indian High Commission in London (visa costs £30).
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements
- Our local partner provides 24-hour support.
- There are no specific skills required to participate on this programme, other than a passion for animals.
- Volunteers need to be mature, calm, and confident and demonstrate initiative.
- Minimum age 18 yrs. No maximum age.
- Good spoken English is also required.
- A medium – good level of fitness and mobility is required.
- Please be aware that there are a lot of creepy crawlies in the forest so if you really are not fond of them this is probably not for you.
Please be aware that in addition to covering accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the ongoing efforts of the project.
2 week programme £890
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Tiger Trail India
