A time with the tigers in India

India has been experiencing a worrying decline in its tiger population over the last four years, but holidaymakers can help conserve the country's tigers.

Since 2002, the number of tigers in the wild in India has halved to around 1,500, largely down to demands being made on the tiger's habitat, poaching and the illegal trade in tiger skins.

Tigers in the wild are a uniquely natural sight, but there are currently more tigers in captivity in the US than there are in the wild.

But by being involved in responsible tourism, holidaymakers can help conserve and boost the Indian tiger population, while enjoying the sight of tigers roaming free.

The best of way of doing this is by visiting the country's national parks. Entrance fees go towards protecting the tigers' habitat and educating the community against the tigers' plight.

One of the best tiger experiences can be enjoyed at Bandhavgarh national park, which boasts one of the densest tiger populations in the country. There is an abundance of other exotic wildlife for the tourist to watch as well, including more than 250 species of birds, monkeys, gazelles, leopards and sloth bears.

Or check out where Rudyard Kipling found the inspiration for The Jungle Book at Kanha national park. It is a beautiful expanse of meadows, lakes, streams around which tigers, bison, barking deer and black bucks roam.

In Kanha holidaymakers can choose to stay at the luxurious Tuli Tiger Resort, where you will stay in air-conditioned safari tents and can relax in the swimming pool or fish in the lake after a day's trekking around the park.

For more information visit www.colours-of-india.co.uk XXX