Amit Sankhala: The diversity of India allows us to experience so much on a short trip of 2 weeks to India. You can stay in amazing historical Palaces, see iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, experience the pulse of our religion in Varanasi, trek in the Himalayas and also see Tigers in the wild. The Culture of India in itself is very diverse between north, south, east, or west, but the story of how it all weaves together is magical. For first timers to India, you get a sensory overload.
The Suite Sojourn: You travel to Africa regularly — what have those experiences taught you? We’d love to hear about the ways your personal trips to Africa have influenced how you design and guide safaris in India.
Amit Sankhala: There is no question, that the history of African Safaris, first in the hunting world and then development of tourism over the years, has allowed their tourism industry to flourish with beautiful lodges, private conservancy experiences, top notch guiding and well networked Air Service where you can fly lodge to lodge. My trips to Africa have certainly taught me a lot and in fact, our last camp Jamtara Wilderness has hints of an African Safari Camp. Guiding is the most essential tool to any safari. And India has come a very long way in top notch wildlife guiding and beautiful camps. One of my most essential learnings from Africa was – Include your communities in every aspect of the safari experience and upskill them over time, so they can progress as well. Ultimately, wildlife crime only flourish because the locals have a hand in it, and many times, they are fed up of Human Wildlife conflict situations. Involve them in the process and show them the value in protecting our habitat. They have done this for centuries, all we are doing is reminding them, that they are the ultimate protectors of their forests.
The Suite Sojourn: Ranthambore is often the first place that comes to mind when people think of Indian safaris. You’ve mentioned it’s become a bit of a “victim of its own success.” What other parks or regions do you recommend for a more immersive or exclusive experience? For travelers doing a classic Golden Triangle itinerary, why should they consider adding Central India instead?
Amit Sankhala: Ranthambore is a very beautiful park. With the backdrop of a Fort, Ranthambore has to be one of India’s most picturesque landscapes. But it also sits on the Golden triangle route and its quick accessibility from Delhi, attracts large number of crowds and every hotel chain in the world flocking to make a resort. Don’t let me discourage you from going there, as you will see good wildlife, if you are on a cultural centric trip. It’s the perfect fit. But for me, going a little deeper into Central India, allows me to have a little more peace and quiet moments with wildlife. Try to going to an area where there aren’t many other lodges, and you will see the wildlife flourish even outside the parks. There was time, when it used to take 18 hours on a train to get there, but today, with excellent connections, you can start in the morning and be in a camp for lunch. Hence, the travel times have drastically reduced, and also allows you to connect to the must dos of India.
The Suite Sojourn: Also, beyond tigers — what other wildlife can one expect to encounter on a safari in India?
Amit Sankhala: Depending on where you are in the country, there is abundant wildlife almost everywhere. Wild Elephants, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Asiatic Lions, One Horned Rhinos, the list is endless.
