conservation of the environment and the forest has exercised the minds of Indian rulers from the earliest of times.

In the 3rd century BC, the Emperor Ashoka issued edicts to protect forests and natural wealth. Later during the region of the Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, "forests free from fear" were identified and protected. In more recent times, it was the administration and princely rules that demarcated and reserved forests as private preserves.

Today many of these form the nucleus of India's wildlife sanctuaries and parks. The demands of rapidly increasing population continue to put pressure on surviving forests in India. Vast herds of black buck, that roamed the northern and western plains 50 years ago, are now found only in sanctuaries and around the villages of the Bishnoi tribe, who protect them.

The Project Tiger initiated in 1973, is today a massive attempt at the conservation of the tiger and its total environment. It covers 23 National Parks and Sanctuaries and its success can be gauged from the fact that the number of tigers in India has gone up significantly since the project was launched.

India, currently, has around 80 National Parks and 441 Sanctuaries dotted around the country. While some are inaccessible many have excellent facilities for visitors.

Depending its own excitement. It may be done from elephant - back, from watch towers or even a boat - and the thrill of spotting herds of wild elephant, deer, a rhino or even a tiger, in its natural environment, is very difficult to match.