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Time Business News
7 hours ago
- Time Business News
Indian Wildlife Tour Packages for Nature and Safari Lovers
India's landscapes are as diverse as its cultures—stretching from dense rainforests to dry scrublands, marshy mangroves to alpine forests. Tucked within these varied ecosystems is an extraordinary range of wildlife. Whether it's the majestic Bengal tiger stalking silently in Ranthambhore or elephants walking in herds through the forests of Kerala, Indian wildlife tour packages offer a real connection to the untamed world. These packages are not just sightseeing trips; they are curated journeys into raw nature. Wildlife lovers, photographers, birders, and conservation enthusiasts all find something meaningful in these tours. From tiger safaris to bird-watching retreats, every trip unveils a side of India that often remains unseen. Indian wildlife tour packages offer structured yet immersive experiences in the heart of nature. Most packages are designed to minimize human interference while allowing visitors to understand natural habitats responsibly. Here's why these tours are becoming popular among travelers from around the world: Diverse Wildlife : India is home to over 100 national parks, 500+ wildlife sanctuaries, and 13 biosphere reserves. : India is home to over 100 national parks, 500+ wildlife sanctuaries, and 13 biosphere reserves. Endemic Species : These include animals found nowhere else on Earth like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, and Nilgiri tahr. : These include animals found nowhere else on Earth like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, and Nilgiri tahr. Ecological Education : Many tour operators include conservation-based activities, helping visitors understand the ecosystem's balance. : Many tour operators include conservation-based activities, helping visitors understand the ecosystem's balance. Comfort & Access: From luxury jungle lodges to eco-camps, accommodations are available near most reserves. Different forests and terrains in India cater to different interests. Here's a breakdown of some of the best Indian wildlife tour packages based on location and wildlife specialties. Ideal for those wanting a close view of Bengal tigers in a dry deciduous forest, Ranthambhore is one of India's most accessible tiger reserves. The terrain makes it easier to spot wildlife, especially during the summer. Highlights: High tiger sighting probability Historical Ranthambhore Fort within the park Jeep and canter safari options available Best Time: October to June Home to the world's largest population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tall elephant grass and marshy surroundings are perfect for rhino, elephant, and water buffalo sightings. Highlights: Elephant safaris Migratory bird sightings Wetland ecosystem diversity Best Time: November to April India's first national park, Jim Corbett is a mix of grasslands, river belts, and hilly terrain. Perfect for bird watchers and those seeking Himalayan wildlife, this park offers night stays deep within the forest zones. Highlights: Over 600 bird species Himalayan foothill wildlife Riverine forest ecosystem Best Time: November to June Located in the Western Ghats, Periyar offers lush green views and boat safaris on Periyar Lake. You may witness elephants drinking water along the banks or spot otters and other aquatic life. Highlights: Boat cruises Eco-tourism treks Indigenous tribal village tours Best Time: October to May These adjacent reserves form part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet forest experience, they offer well-managed safaris with minimal crowd interference. Highlights: Leopard and elephant sightings Bird photography tours Forest stay options Best Time: October to March Indian wildlife tour packages are not limited to safari rides. Many offer a mix of adventurous and educational experiences. Certain parks like Satpura and Periyar allow regulated jungle trekking. These walks, accompanied by guides and forest officials, let you witness wildlife at ground level—paw prints, claw marks, and untouched trails. India is a paradise for bird lovers, with places like Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Chilika Lake in Odisha hosting thousands of migratory birds during the winter months. The Sundarbans in West Bengal and the Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh offer unique wildlife sightings from the water—crocodiles, dolphins, and river turtles, among others. Some parks like Pench and Satpura offer limited night safari . These allow sightings of nocturnal creatures like hyenas, civets, and owls. Each region of India holds different species. Here's a glimpse of animals commonly encountered during Indian wildlife tour packages: Bengal Tiger – Found in parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Ranthambhore – Found in parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Ranthambhore Asiatic Lion – Only in Gir National Park, Gujarat – Only in Gir National Park, Gujarat One-Horned Rhinoceros – Kaziranga, Pobitora (Assam) – Kaziranga, Pobitora (Assam) Elephants – South India, especially Wayanad, Bandipur, and Periyar – South India, especially Wayanad, Bandipur, and Periyar Snow Leopard – Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Winter tracking tours) – Hemis National Park, Ladakh (Winter tracking tours) Leopards – Common in Bera (Rajasthan), Kabini (Karnataka), and Satpura Most parks are closed during the monsoon (July to September). For the best sightings, March to May is considered ideal, though it can be hot. Safari permits, especially in popular zones like Ranthambhore or Bandhavgarh, are limited and get sold out quickly. Pick tour providers who follow ethical practices like regulated safari movement, local community employment, and minimal plastic usage. Wear neutral-colored clothing, avoid perfumes, carry binoculars, and always listen to the forest guide. Booking a wildlife trip independently is possible but not always practical. Here's why curated Indian wildlife tour packages work better: Time-Saving : Saves the hassle of securing permits, transport, and stay separately : Saves the hassle of securing permits, transport, and stay separately Guided Experience : Knowledgeable naturalists offer deeper insights : Knowledgeable naturalists offer deeper insights Better Zones Access : Established operators often get access to core safari zones : Established operators often get access to core safari zones Local Support: Packages often include local community guides, meals, and even cultural programs To make the most of your journey, wildlife trips are often combined with cultural or relaxation destinations. Ranthambhore + Jaipur : Wildlife plus heritage : Wildlife plus heritage Kaziranga + Meghalaya : Forests plus caves and waterfalls : Forests plus caves and waterfalls Corbett + Rishikesh : Jungle experience followed by river rafting : Jungle experience followed by river rafting Periyar + Munnar : Wildlife and tea plantations : Wildlife and tea plantations Bandhavgarh + Khajuraho: Safari with temple architecture Indian wildlife tour packages are not just vacations—they're windows into ecosystems that are thousands of years old. They carry the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of natural silence, and the possibility of seeing rare species in their original habitats. Whether you're chasing the elusive tiger or simply soaking in the jungle air, these tours bring a new perspective on life. India's wildlife is not confined to postcards or documentaries. It's real, raw, and waiting to be experienced—responsibly and respectfully. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
9 magical noctourism activities worth staying up for
2. Night safari in Chiang Mai, Thailand Thailand's first night safari park, just outside Chiang Mai, offers a structured yet atmospheric encounter with nocturnal wildlife. The Chiang Mai Night Safari is divided into tram zones—Savanna and Predator Prowl—where you can observe everything from giraffes to Bengal tigers under artificial moonlight. While it's not exactly the Serengeti, it gives visitors a safe, guided experience of animals in their after-dark routines. Noctourism here leans more curated than wild, but it's no less captivating. 3. Night diving in Kona, Hawaii Diving after sunset can be eerie, but off the coast of Kona on the Big Island, it's exhilarating. Here, nocturnal manta rays gather to feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. Noctourism in Hawaii isn't limited to beach bars and luaus—this surreal underwater ballet between humans and marine giants takes the night-time experience to another level. It's best done with reputable dive centres experienced in the area's currents. 4. Desert safari under the stars in Wadi Rum, Jordan Wadi Rum's sandstone cliffs and rust-coloured dunes transform under moonlight. While daytime safaris are common, it's at night that this ancient desert earns its reputation as the 'Valley of the Moon'. Bedouin-led camps offer stargazing with traditional music and stories. The absence of light pollution means even amateur astronomers will be amazed. Noctourism here combines celestial observation with deep cultural immersion. 5. Urban light hikes in Hong Kong Hong Kong's skyline is iconic, but head up to Victoria Peak or the Dragon's Back trail at twilight and you'll see why noctourism has a place in city life, too. The trails are cooler, quieter and framed by the glow of skyscrapers below. Guided night hikes are available for less confident trekkers, offering both safety and a fresh perspective on this high-density metropolis. 6. Bioluminescent kayaking in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Mosquito Bay in Vieques gets all the attention, but nearby Fajardo is just as magical and more accessible. Paddle out after dark, and each stroke ignites microscopic dinoflagellates, lighting up the water in eerie neon blue. This is noctourism at its most science-fiction. Tours are often led by marine biologists who explain the phenomenon, adding depth to what might otherwise feel like pure fantasy. 7. Northern lights chasing in Tromso, Norway Aurora tourism is now its own category, but few places make it as accessible as Tromso. Located above the Arctic Circle, this small Norwegian city offers night-time aurora chases by van, snowmobile or even dog sled. Noctourism here isn't passive—you need to layer up, brave the cold and often stay out until 2 or 3am. The reward: a curtain of green, pink and purple undulating across the polar sky. 8. Exploring night markets in Taipei, Taiwan Taipei's night markets are a masterclass in noctourism done right—open-air, chaotic and endlessly edible. Shilin Night Market remains the most visited, but Raohe Street offers a more local atmosphere with pepper buns baked in clay ovens, oyster omelettes sizzling on griddles and queues forming for black pepper beef cubes. It's not just about food; fortune tellers, carnival games and late-night shopping make it a full sensory experience. This is nightlife with a uniquely Taiwanese flavour, best savoured without a plan. 9. Wandering Shibuya after dark in Tokyo, Japan Shibuya's famous scramble crossing is a spectacle by day, but it transforms after dark into a neon-lit theatre of urban life. Venture beyond the lights and you'll find late-night ramen counters, vinyl bars and narrow alleys like Nonbei Yokocho, where the city's pace shifts into something slower and stranger. Just around the corner, the 24-hour Don Quijote packs in everything from snacks to electronics, open all night and buzzing with life. Noctourism in Shibuya thrives on contrast—hyper-stimulated one minute, deeply local the next. Whether you're navigating a jungle by firefly light or savouring midnight ramen in Tokyo, it changes how you see a place. More than just a gimmick, these after-hours activities reveal layers of culture and nature that are invisible by day. NOW READ In defence of 'tourist traps': 10 tourist attractions in Asia that are worth the queues How to prevent 'flight face' while travelling 10 profound quotes on travel from famous writers through the ages
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Garbage Dumped Everywhere, Domestic Workers Fleeing: What Is Happening In Gurugram?
Banerjee urged everyone not to panic as specific districts are being selected now, emphasising that it is their duty to protect citizens. She warned that if BJP believes it can delete voters' names and win elections as it did in Delhi and Maharashtra, it is making a 'significant mistake." 'Speaking Bengal is being treated as a crime. I don't think speaking any other language is a crime. If we don't object to other languages, why are you torturing people who speak our language? The nation will collapse if this continues," she said. Earlier last week, Banerjee had led a protest march from Kolkata's College Street to Esplanade against the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states and threatened a 'second Bhasha Andolan" (language movement). No Clarity The Haryana government or Gurugram Police are yet to issue clarity on what the verification process is about and how many people have been detained. Meanwhile, with no clarity on the issue, fear is driving workers away from Gurugram as they are scared of consequences. 'We don't know why this is happening. Yesterday, some policemen came to our house too asking for our IDs and also checked our phones. While they left when we showed them our Aadhaar and phones, some of our neighbours were detained on not being able to produce valid ID proofs," said one of the domestic workers, working in a Sector 70 society, adding that they could not figure why some people were being detained and others were let off.
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Preview: India's Playing 11 dilemma for 4th Test vs England in Manchester
he high-octane five-match Test series between India and England—christened the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy —is poised to capture the imagination of cricket fans once again, with the fourth Test set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. With the series finely balanced, England lead 2–1, courtesy of victories at Headingley and Lord's, while India responded with a thumping win at Edgbaston, marking their first-ever Test triumph at the iconic Birmingham venue. A series full of contrasts and character What has made this series unforgettable so far is the sheer contrast in playing conditions and the way both teams have adapted. The first two Tests were dominated by batters, with runs flowing freely across both sides. Shubman Gill, India's newly appointed captain, capitalised on the batting-friendly surfaces, compiling a mountain of runs and displaying maturity beyond his years. The third Test has already entered the books as a classic—a game where momentum swung constantly and neither team could pull away until the final session of Day 5. Ultimately, England edged India by 22 runs in a thriller that left fans breathless. With each match delivering its own storyline, the rivalry has moved beyond tactics—into the realm of character and resilience. Social media aptly coined it ' Bazbrawl ', a term that captures both the combative spirit and moments of high-class cricket from batters and bowlers alike. One of the most admired efforts came from England skipper Ben Stokes, who earned high praise from India pacer Mohammed Siraj for bowling two extended 10-over spells on the final day at Lord's. 'Hats off to him,' Siraj said. 'As a fast bowler, that was a top effort.' As is now a hallmark of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, England have once again named their Playing XI two days ahead of the Test. India, on the other hand, are waiting to assess pitch conditions and player fitness before locking in their combination. With injuries clouding multiple positions, including that of Rishabh Pant and Akash Deep, the team management is treading cautiously. What lies ahead at Old Trafford? With just a day before the toss, fans eagerly await a clearer picture of India's Playing XI, pitch conditions, and whether any debutants may get a call-up. Business Standard breaks down India's potential line-up and the tactical puzzles ahead of this pivotal clash at Old Trafford. Shadow of injury looms over India's pacer pool As India's pace battery went full throttle during their first outdoor training session ahead of the fourth Test, Akash Deep cut a quiet, uncertain figure. Fresh off a bowling fitness assessment under the watchful eye of bowling coach Morne Morkel, the Bengal pacer did not get the green light to bowl in the nets. Still nursing the groin strain he sustained during the Lord's Test, Akash briefly rolled his arm over before stepping aside—his body language betraying more than words ever could. With his participation hanging in the balance, the Indian camp faces a critical decision for the third pacer's role. Anshul Kamboj added to main squad, debut on the horizon? Alongside Prasidh Krishna, the uncapped Anshul Kamboj went full tilt in the nets—fired up and potentially on the brink of a dream debut. Initially called up as a cover for the Akash Deep, the Haryana pacer was formally inducted into the main squad on Monday. Bowling alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, Kamboj impressed with his pace and consistency, sending down intense spells for close to an hour. He also padded up for a quick batting stint, suggesting he could provide some resistance with the bat or hit some important runs like Akash Deep. Siraj leads the intensity, Bumrah warms up cautiously If there was a pecking order on display, Mohammed Siraj made sure he led from the front. He bowled with fierce rhythm against India's top-order trio—Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant—hitting hard lengths and constantly challenging the bat. Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, appeared more cautious. Initially finding the practice surface too slippery, he moved to the centre wicket for additional overs in the outfield, likely to ensure match-day readiness without compromising on footing. Pant keeps and bats pain-free: Good news for India In what will come as a relief for Indian fans and selectors alike, Rishabh Pant appeared to have fully recovered from the finger discomfort that kept him from donning the gloves at Lord's. On Monday, the wicketkeeper-batter not only completed a pain-free keeping session, but also batted with ease for nearly an hour. His fluency with the bat and characteristic banter—this time shared with skipper Shubman Gill—was on full display, signalling a likely return to full duties in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Nair vs Sudharsan: The middle-order puzzle continues The training session also revived the selection debate around Karun Nair, who batted with focus and resolve, attempting to strengthen his claim to the No. 3 slot. But Sai Sudharsan, his likely challenger, was not far behind—solid in the nets and sharp during slip catching drills, indicating his readiness for getting another chance in India's XI. With Nitish Kumar Reddy heading back home due to a knee injury, team balance and batting depth remain under review. Jaiswal joins slip cordon duties In another quiet subplot, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has largely focused on his top-order batting role, was seen doing catching drills in the slips. His presence there hints at a reshuffled cordon, possibly in response to fielding changes following Nitish Reddy's exit. Jaiswal dropped as many as four catches in the first Test at Headingley, which India lost by five wickets.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet Rory McIlroy's billionaire neighbor with 7,000 cars, 39 tigers and $15K haircut habit
Rory McIlroy had added a posh $9 million mansion to his portfolio of homes, and while the UK neighborhood is packed with plenty of wealthy figures, there's one neighbor in particular who leads an opulent lifestyle that's gonna be hard for the 2025 Masters champion to contend with. The professional golfer, 36, and his wife, Erica Stoll, 37, purchased the luxury Wentworth estate back in 2023 after announcing that they wanted to leave the US for a quieter life in the UK. The couple has been living in a $11 million mansion in the iconic Bear's Club Community in Juniper, Florida, since 2012. After winning the 2025 Masters back in April, McIlroy, who is originally from Northern Ireland, brought his wife and their daughter, Poppy, 4, along to check the status of the renovations. The couple reportedly spent several million dollars on the construction of their dream home. "We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and been since trying to settle in, and it's amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you, and sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while," McIlroy told The Telegraph on July 9. "There's a detachment from the sort of week-in, week-out grind when you get back over here," he said regarding his new pad. "You play PGA Tour golf for the first 25, 30 weeks of the year, and you need to completely get away from it—because this world of golf can become all-encompassing." "In this last fortnight, I felt like I could detach and sort of hide in a way. I needed that. My game needed that." Meet Rory McIlroy's billionaire neighbor who has over 7,000 cars and 30 Bengal tigers The estate is housed in an area with several other high-profile names, including Elton John and British singer and actor Cliff Richard. However, billionaire Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 79, who lives next door, takes the cake for having one of the highest net worths at an estimated $30 billion, per Celebrity Net Worth. According to the "Mirror," the Sultan owns over 7,000 cars, including more than 500 Rolls-Royces, as well as a private zoo that boasts 30 Bengal tigers and an extensive range of exotic birds. When you reach billionaire status, good haircuts clearly become a priority, as the outlet reports that McIlroy's new neighbor dishes out over $20,000 (USD) to regularly fly his personal barber, who works at London's Dorchester Hotel, out for a trim. MORE: Rory McIlroy is officially a magician at the Open Championship Bolkiah was crowned the Sultan of Brunei in 1968 and is now the longest-reigning monarch in the world, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. He primarily resides in the Istana Nurul Iman in Brunei, a residence considered the world's largest palace, boasting a staggering 1,788 rooms. In addition to his role as Prime Minister of Brunei, the Sultan also holds several other positions in finance and defense. MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS: Deion Sanders breaks silence on health amid undisclosed illness Babe Ruth card from his early years sells for record price Conor McGregor reignites romance with fiancée Dee Devlin after affair rumors swirl Klay Thompson flaunts luxury watch gift from 'sweet' girlfriend Megan Thee Stallion Cavinder twins share first update after undergoing breast augmentation together
