Jaisalmer
Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent edifice of massive yellow sandstone ramparts and bastions bathed golden in the sunlight. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput King, after whom it is named – and till today exudes an age-old aura of valour and royalty.
Apart from the spectacular golden fort or Sonar Qila, as it is known locally, Jaisalmer also boasts of some beautifully constructed medieval Havelis and a Jain temple.
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Eco Tourism
Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Eco-tourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world’s natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-tourism.
Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the tourism-related income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and training programs.
Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that’s what eco-tourism is all about. Whether it’s about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.
Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.
Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.
Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending – not a market to be taken lightly.
What is Eco-tourism?
Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.
The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” This means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles:
- Minimize impact
- Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
- Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
- Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
- Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
- Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate
- Support international human rights and labour agreements
Aware of the Environment - Today the “Green Laws” of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had. In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisation’s are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country. Some basic do’s and don’ts of eco-tourism are listed below:
Do’s
- Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
- Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
- Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
- In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
- Respect people’s privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph.
Don’ts
- Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
- Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
- Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
- Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
- Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
- Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
- Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.
As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!
Golden Rules When You Travel
- Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.
- Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting tourism’s impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
- Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.
Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world.
Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet. Some of these are given below
Golf Tourism
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India endeavours to work as a catalyst and active supporter for the development of Golf Tourism in the country.
Sports tourism in India is gaining interest, especially after the successful completion of Commonwealth Games 2010. One of the latest trends in golf tourism is the fact that there has been a recent surge in the interest levels amongst youth, the world over.
India has several golf courses of international standards. Further, golf events held in India also attract domestic and international tourists. With international tourists expected to grow in the next few years, it is important that India has the right product to meet the need of the visitors.
In order to tap this growing interest in golf tourism, Ministry of Tourism is creating a comprehensive and coordinated framwork for promoting golf tourism in India, capitalizing on the existing work that is being carried out, and building upon the strength of India’s position as the fastest growing free market economy.
Recognizing this potential to develop Golf as a niche tourism product for attracting both International and domestic tourists, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organized a one day Workshop on “Promotion of Golf Tourism” on 21 Jan 2011. The objective of this workshop was to evolve a road map for formulating strategies for development and promotion of golf tourism in India. Based on the outcomes of the Golf Tourism workshop, the Ministry of Tourism has drafted the “Guideline for the Ministry of Tourism’s support to promote golf”.
Trimbakeshwar
Located in Trimbak village in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, Trimbakeshwar Temple enshrines one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva. Built in the Indo Aryan style, the temple is surrounded by a massive stone wall. A unique feature of the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra.
Mondays are considered particularly holy and the priests carry the idol of Trimbakeshwar in a palanquin on their shoulders around the temple. The annual festival of Shivratri is also celebrated with great pomp and gaiety and attracts thousands of pilgrims from different parts. Every 12 years Trimbakeshwar, also spelt Tryambakeshwar, plays host to the mega Kumbh Mela that attracts millions of pilgrims.
Cool retreats
The imposing six-story Scottish baronial mansion known as Viceregal Lodge, summer seat of the British government until the 1940s, is undoubtedly Shimla’s best-loved colonial attraction. Shimla, which has the distinction of inspiring scenes from Rudyard Kipling’s Kim, is also a base for visitors who come to seek adventure in other parts of the state.
Courtrallam
The waterfalls for which Courtrallam is famous, are formed by a sharp three stage drop of about 91 m (300 ft) by the Chittar river. Several other seasonal and a few perennial rivers such as the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region.
A large number of tourists come here mainly to bath in the falls which are believed to have medicinal properties which has earned Courtrallam the title of the Spa of the South.
Luxury Trains
If you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill resort provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this ‘toy train’ treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way along with the breathtaking view make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!
Access to Ooty
Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.
Shimla
The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating experience.
Access to Shimla
A broad gauge line up to Kalka connects Shimla. ‘The Toy Train’ covers the distance of 96 km between the two stations within six hours.
Major Trains to Mettupalayam
The Nilgiri Express connects Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the nearest city is 90 km away and linked to all the major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train services.
Matheran
The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on main line of Central Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. As the little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.
Access to Matheran
The toy train to Matheran commences from Neral (Mumbai Pune line), which is connected from Mumbai by local train. The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about 1 1/2 hours. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.
Darjeeling
The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a ‘toy train’ being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny centuryold engine is connoisseur’s delight. The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. The 7 1/2 hour ride is a journey especially for rail buffs.
Access to Darjeeling
New Jalpaiguri , the starting point of the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India.
Andaman & Nicobar
Visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a unique and exhilarating experience. Spectacular scenery, white sandy beaches and swaying palms combine with monuments and museums, world-class diving, swimming and sun basking make this a truly out-of-the-world experience.
The Archipelago contains 362 volcanic islands scattered in the Bay of Bengal, with only 37 of these being inhabited. These lush green islands have colourful historical past, with strings of invasions by the French, Dutch, Japanese and British and wars between settlers and the native tribes. The Cellular Jail, where hundreds of Indian revolutionaries were imprisoned during the Indian freedom struggle, still stands tall.
Descendents of these political prisoners and the local tribes of the area are the inhabitants of modern day Andaman and Nicobar. The tropical rain forests that loom close to the seashore are home to unique species of birds, and to tribes that still haven’t learned to use fire. jQuery(‘.print-icon a, .email-icon a’).click( function(){ return false; });
People and lifestyle
In a country as diverse and complex as India, it is not surprising to find that people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the numerous distinctive manners, habits and food that will always remain truly Indian. According to five thousand years of recorded history.
From the eternal snows of the Himalayas to the cultivated peninsula of far South, from the deserts of the West to the humid deltas of the East, from the dry heat and cold of the Central Plateau to the cool forest foothills, Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography. The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ in accordance to the place of origin.
Indians believe in sharing happiness and sorrow. A festival or a celebration is never constrained to a family or a home. The whole community or neighbourhood is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. A lot of festivals like Diwali, Holi, Id, Christmas, Mahaveer Jayanthi are all celebrated by sharing sweets and pleasantries with family, neighbours and friends. An Indian wedding is an occasion that calls for participation of the family and friends. Similarly, neighbours and friends always help out a family in times of need.
Ethnically Indians speak different languages, follow different religions, eat the most diverse varieties of food all of which add to the rich Indian culture.The beauty of the Indian people lies in the spirit of tolerance, give-and-take and a composition of cultures that can be compared to a garden of flowers of various colours and shades of which, while maintaining their own entity, lend harmony and beauty to the garden – India!
Beaches of India
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| The beaches offer miles of nirvana in Pondicherry to all those in seach. Cool and soothing waters, clear and sparkling sands in splendid seclusion. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea. | ||||||||||||||
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