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![[Walk on the wild side]](15lead.gif)
Anita Bora
Mouth agape, eyes wide open, and a feeling of pure surprise: that's the look best associated with most fans of the National Geographic, around the globe. And with good reason, too. Who else has, for well over a century, showed us stuff we would never have known existed?
Launched in 1996, National Geographic Online came courtesy its parent channel, which, for those who haven't been paying attention, is among the largest and most respected sources of scientific and geographic information in the world.
Today, six years after its launch, the award winning site continues to be a treasure trove of special features, with interactive sections, dispatches from explorers, up-to-date news, photo reports, and loads more covering travel, photography, science, history and the environment.
Explore deep space with the Hubble Telescope, dive into the wild blue with National Geographic Adventures, browse through their Explorer and Traveller magazines or book yourself for expeditions and adventure trips.
Though not extensive in coverage like its parent site, National Geographic India was launched with the same intention -- to enrich TV viewing experience and make the channel truly interactive.
Says Jayant Shah, a spokesperson for the site: "We wanted to give local relevance and support to the National Geographic Channel, India, in all its on-air and on-ground activities. It helps us reach people who may or may not be watching our channel, thus extending our reach beyond the airwaves."
So what do you get? Just about everything under the sun, and beyond it: Events, contests, information off the beaten track, fun, heritage, adventure, and even highlights of the Channel's upcoming television programs. The content is geared towards a younger audience because, as Shah justifies, "This seems to be a reflection of the channel where the audiences are growing ever younger."
The 'Off the Beaten Track' section currently has information on national wildlife parks in India, like the Kanha National Park and Corbett Park. The '113 Years of Heritage' section takes you through the history of the Society, while 'Adventurers' lets you read about explorers and scientists working on National Geographic research projects.
An interesting section that can be incorporated is for travellers seeking answers to their queries. Shah assures us that plans are in the pipeline. He adds that the 'Off the Beaten Track' initiative is being expanded to include a panel of experts on areas such as wildlife, ecology and conservation. There are plans to run exclusive online contests as well. He also says that interactivity is one of main areas of focus, and that more features are being developed which will be better suited for low bandwidth environments such as India.
Something to look forward to is the Map Machine, via a link with Nationalgeographic.com, which aims to bring greater relevance to the audience by enhancing details in India specific maps. Plans are also being drawn up to develop different sections of the site that will promote and reflect the Channel, i.e., adventure, wildlife, science, etc.
While National Geographic is one online destination that can never be dull, the desi version is definitely in need of more in-depth features. The inclusion of interactivity and in-depth stories will, however, make it a permanent bookmark for wildlife and adventure lovers in the country.
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