India is an amazing tourist destination where the most and least adventurous of travelers can experience an exotic culture that will leave them inspired. Ged Caddick, founder of Terra Incognita Ecotours has been enchanted with India for most of his life. It was one of his first ecotourist destinations when he launched his charitable ecotour company ten years ago. This spring, Ged is gearing up to launch his best India trip yet – all while making a huge difference to wild tiger conservation.
“Our ecotours are designed to give back in a big way to the places we visit,” explains Ged. Every traveler donates a percentage of their trip cost directly to WWF – India, the organization tasked with the critical conservation efforts to save one of the most endangered and majestic mammals on earth – the tiger.”
Ged’s ecotourists spend eleven days visiting two of the countries’ national parks searching for – and observing – wild tigers. Corbett National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park are renowned for their tiger habitat and incredible wildlife viewing. “We guarantee our tourists will see endangered tigers,” says Ged. “Because we employ only the most knowledgeable local guides, they know where to find the tigers and safely take us to them. Nothing on earth compares to the first time you look directly into the eyes of a wild tiger. Words simply can not explain the experience.”
Ecotours.com attracts travelers who want an adventure of a lifetime, but want to make a difference as well. “Our tours give directly back to the places we visit,” explains Ged. “In India, we have dinner with the scientists of WWF India who are tasked with saving these magnificent animals from the brink of extinction. It’s a humbling experience to learn everything they go through to save these animals. Often our ecotours inspire a lifetime of charitable giving by travelers to our conservation partner. They develop a bond, a shared personal experience with the plight of these wonderful creatures.”
WWF India scientists have their work cut out for them. They are tasked with reducing human-tiger conflict and working with local communities to develop sustainable alternative livelihoods and reducing pressures on tiger habitat. They are also responsible for minimizing the illegal trade in tiger parts and other wildlife. They build awareness about tiger conservation and strengthen tiger protection by providing need-based infrastructural support to the forest department.
“The support we get from Ged’s ecotours helps us immensely,” says WWF India. “Our charitable partners are the only reason we are able to do what we do to protect this magnificent endangered animal. Without donors like Terra Incognita Ecotours, tigers would be losing their battle for survival in densely populated India.”
Terra Incognita’s Spring India excursion departs Monday March 11th for ten days and eleven nights.
Terra Incognita Ecotours, www.ecotours.com