Aniruddha Mookerjee
(Jhampan)





The tail of a Malabar
Flying Squirrel acts as
a stabilizer in flight,
much like the tail of
a kite, and as an
adjunct airfoil,when
"braking" prior to
landing on a tree trunk





An adult tiger needs
about 10 lb. of meat a
day, but can eat up to
90 lb. in one sitting





The Asiatic Black
Bear is mostly
found in the
Northern parts of
India. They have
highly developed
senses and their
strong forelimbs and
sharp claws help
these husky animals
climb trees

Ask the Expert


Aniruddha Mookerjee spent his childhood in small towns in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, growing up with a variety of pets that included tiger cubs, deer, and birds. He started his career in print journalism in 1982 and went on to work in senior capacities with national and international newspapers, including Reuters and Time. Jhampan has travelled and reported extensively in India covering insurgencies, extreme left movements, riots and elections, apart from ecology and conservation, which is his main interest.  Television came next in 1990 and then he worked as an independent documentary film maker on such subjects as global warming, renewable energy sources, traditional knowledge, sustainable livelihoods, and man-animal conflicts. Jhampan is currently Senior Director Programmes and COO of Wildlife Trust of India, and also heads Earth Camps, a company promoting responsible wildlife tourism and providing experiential learning opportunities for the young in the wild.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to India?
A: A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required. Visas are required for India.

Q: What's the best time to travel?
A: Generally, India's climate is defined by three seasons – the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool, each of which can vary in duration from north to south. The most pleasant time to visit most places is during the cooler period: November to around mid-February.

Q: How many shots do I need?
A: No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless you are coming from or passing through contaminated areas. There is a possible risk for malaria if visiting the wildlife parks so you should take necessary precautions. It is also suggested that you have an up-to-date tetanus shot. You may also want to take inoculations against Hepatitis A and/or B, and Typhoid. Please consult your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any addi­tional health precautions. For outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s web site at http://www.who.int/en/. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Avoid all tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.  Bottled water is recommended and available everywhere (hotels tend to provide bottled water free of charge and Classic Escapes provides it during meals and in the buses.) Be sure to use bottled water even when brushing your teeth. Be prepared to purchase bottled water from a reputable source and NOT from a street vendor. (It is common for street vendors to re-fill discarded water bottles with normal water), and carry a plastic thermos or bottle to be refilled at clean sources. You will require considerably more liquid than you normally do, and while there is ample beer, non-alcoholic sodas are also available. Avoid eating raw vegetables, fruit which you cannot peel, and food from street vendors.

Q: How in shape do I need to be?
A: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Your exploration of India will include some walks, some strenuous and at either high altitudes or humidity levels. These walks last several hours but are given at a decent pace in order to closely examine the culture, flora and fauna of the area. Always bring along water, bug repellant and a good hat to protect yourself during these adventures.

Q: I plan on enjoying the shopping, as well. Are credit cards accepted?
A: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and Diners Club are generally accepted by large establishments. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in U.S. Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Surprisingly, ATMs are common (especially in the cities). Local banks will give you notes in local currency. Keep your traveler’s checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works well in the marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Q: Any packing suggestions?
A: Just a few! Following is my recommended packing list:     

  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or chargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
  • Sun hat with a brim
  • Long Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good rubber-soled walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Light rain gear or windbreaker
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS  (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by many establishments)
  • Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc.)
  • Visas, tickets, passports, money etc.
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Journal with pencils/pens

Q: That should do it for now, Jhampan.  Any other suggestions?
A: Just pack a sense of wonder, adventure and humor! I look forward to sharing my beautiful country with you.