Things to Carry
- A good and positive mood
- Track pants/ loose trousers or jeans - full length
- T-shirts - ( please avoid bright colored and shiny clothes)
- Extra pair socks
- Mosquito Repellent
- Sun hat/ screen
- Walking / Trekking / Sport shoes
- Digi / Video Camera
- Torch / Flashlight /headlight with spare batteries
- Medicines you need
- Tiffin Box to carry lunch
- Refreshments / chocolates / energy bars/ Energy Drinks / sugar salt mixture ( for the poor)
- Water bottle - 2 Liters
- Toilet paper / wet tissues
- Toiletries ( tooth brush, paste, small towel/napkin, comb, shampoo)
- Biodegradable plastic bags medium size to carry waste
- Photo Id ( passport, Employee/College Id, Pan card/Election Card/ Driving License) with a photocopy
- A rucksack / haversack, in other words a bag u can put all your stuff in and hang on your back, try to keep the bag as light as possible.
- 2 Labeled emergency Notes with your name and address, phone numbers, emergency contact name and number, Blood Group, doctors name and number, with information on any medicines you take and any allergies you have with food or medicines, keep 1 in pocket and 1 in bag.
- Sleeping Bag or a bed sheet
- Warm Clothes - It may get cold during night.
PRECAUTION IN THE JUNGLE
Do's and Don'ts:
- Do not expect to see wildlife in the National parks as a matter of routine. Be patient to locate them. Do not be disappointed even if you don't see any animals.
- Silence and discipline are two main requirements for a visit to a wildlife trek, both for success and personal safety.
- Small groups rather than big should be formed.
- Early morning and late afternoon are rewarding.
- Avoid going alone on foot in a ' jungle'. Avoid loud color clothes. Use colors with camouflage you in the jungle. Avoid using perfume.
- Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks.
- Carry sufficient batteries and a spare camera, as opportunities are rare. Books on Indian animals and birds are useful for identifying the different species.
- Do not disturb or tease animals. It is unfair as well as dangerous.
- Trekkers should take anti-leech measures. Use jungle boots, caps and a walking stick. Watch for plants, which could cause allergy. A briefing on this will be given by the Trek lead.
- Carry medicines for common ailments.
- No smoking. Do not throw lighted objects carelessly. This may cause fire.
- Avoid using transistors and radios in National parks. Do not disturb the peace and tranquility.
- Do not throw away any food. This could be harmful to the inhabitants.
- Always remember - animals have the right of way and you are only a visitor.
- Do not judge the actions of animals from a human angle. They follow certain biological behavior, which may be unknown to us. Never interfere. Just watch.
- Do not go away from your group, until & unless advised.
- Get as many details as possible about the National parks before entering it.
- Do not cross the safe distance limit to an animal. Your leader will advise you on this.
- Carry your notebook to record as many details as you can. This will be helpful.
- Fix a tag on your luggage for identification.
HELPFUL HINTS DURING A WILDLIFE TRIP
- In India, hospitals are located in large towns only. In rural area and interiors, first aid is hard to find and it may take a couple of hours before you can reach a doctor. So, it is best to carry your basic medicines along, though the team will have all the possible necessary First Aid Kit.
- Mosquito repellents should be used at all times.
- Walking shoes are a must for nature walks.
- Use of UV protective sunglasses and an anti tan lotion is a must in winter and in summer.
- Winter attire: A warm jacket, gloves, and a cap are a must during park rounds in the mornings and evenings.
- Summer wear: Wear light cotton trousers and full sleeved loose shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Laundry facility is available in most parks.
- Avoid wearing whites or bright colored clothes during rounds or walks, as it distracts the animals.
- Smoking & alcohols are strictly prohibited inside the forest.
- Please do not throw any non-biodegradable waste in the forest premises, as it could cause serious injuries to the animals.
- Please leave your surroundings cleaner than you found them.