• Rajasthan,Wildlife
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Safari Etiquette at Bandh Baretha: How to Be a Responsible Wildlife Visitor

A sanctuary is first of all a home for wildlife and only second a place for visitors. Good etiquette protects animals, keeps you safe and makes your own experience richer. These guidelines apply wherever you watch wildlife, and they fit Bandh Baretha especially well.

Before You Enter

• Follow the official rules. Entry, vehicle and photography rules are set by the forest department and can change. Ask at the entry point or your stay.
• Go with a guide where possible. Local guides know the tracks, the animals’ habits and the safest way to watch them.
• Plan quiet timings. Early morning and late afternoon are the best hours, and they are also when animals are least stressed by heat and noise.

During the Safari or Walk

1. Keep your voice low. Loud talking, music and shouting frighten animals and ruin everyone’s experience.
2. Stay in your vehicle or on the path. Where you are told to stay inside, stay inside. Never step out for a better photo.
3. Keep your distance. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
4. Do not feed or call animals. Feeding changes natural behaviour, and playing recorded bird calls can disturb nesting birds.
5. No flash photography. Sudden flashes can startle animals and birds.
6. Let animals cross first. Switch off the engine and wait patiently.

Leave No Trace

• Carry out all rubbish, including food wrappers, bottles and tissues.
• Avoid single-use plastic. A reusable water bottle makes a real difference.
• Never smoke or light fires. Dry forest burns quickly, and fire is a serious threat to wildlife.
• Do not pick plants or collect souvenirs. Photographs are the only keepsake you need.

Drones and Special Equipment

Drones can frighten birds and are restricted in many protected areas. Do not fly one without written permission from the authorities.

Teach the Next Generation

If you travel with children, explain these rules before you start and make them part of the game: whoever sees the most animals while staying silent wins. Our family picnic guide and birdwatching guide have more ideas.

If Something Goes Wrong

Report injured animals, illegal activity or fire to the forest staff immediately and do not try to handle the situation yourself. Rescue and enforcement are their responsibility.

Responsible visitors help Bandh Baretha stay quiet, clean and wild for years to come. For more on conservation, read Save Hills of Bandh Baretha and Forest Cover in Bandh Baretha.