Travel Tips
.. Eco Friendly Tourism
Nestled in the Western Himalayas, the
State of Himachal Pradesh offers unlimited opportunities to one and all to
enjoy nature in its most pristine state. The very mention of the State
instantly evokes images of the mighty Himalayas with lofty snow-capped
peaks, meandering rivers, perennial springs, vast streaches of alpine
measows and lush green forests known to harbour a variety of plants and
animals.
A State with unlimited eco-tourism options
The
majestic coniferous trees from an enchanting backdrop to the mountains with
broad-leafed species like the Oaks, Maples, Birdcherry, Hazelnut, Walnut,
Horsechestnut and Rhododendrons adding grandeur to the landscape. Whereas
the ivies clinging to the trunks of stately Cedars appear to veil secrets of
Nature, the vines flowing from atop the trees seem to invite the visitors
with open arms. The violas popping up from under the forest floor and the
riot of colors provided by the anemones, primulas, buttercups and many other
herbs in the alpine meadows lay a colorful feast before eyes of the
beholder.
Besides plants. the State also provides a very congenial
habitat to a wide variety of Himalayan fauna. The Himalyan Tahar and the
Ibex can be spotted as silhouettes on the high ridges in the
trans-Himalayas. The Brown Bear and Musk Deer roam happily in the temperate
forests, in the company of colorful pheasants including the Monal, the
Western Hornes Tragopan, the Koklas and the Kalij. The lucky ones can even
be traeted to rare sight of critically endangered species like the Snow
Leopard and Snow Cock.
Also known as the 'Abode of Gods', the State
conjures up visions of ancient temples, with exquisitely carved wooden
panels, occupying almost every hilltop and the festivities associated with
these religious places. Even a casual glimpse at the traditionally attired
local deities being carried in meticulously decorated palanquins, devotees
dancing to the rhythmic play of traditional drums and clarions, leaves a
lasting imptint on one's mind.
This natural and cultural richness
of the State coupled with its simple peace loving people and traditional
hospitality makes the State a most favoured tourist destination. Anybody
with a zest for life, a spirit of adventure and a love for nature will find
all that his heart desires amongest the pristine environs of Himachal
Pradesh.
Traditional Tourism Missed Opportunities
The
State's wild frontiers have hitherto remained out of reach for tourists
mainly due to lack of infrastructural availability. Moat of the tourism,
till now, has been limited to the towns, with occasional stories to the
nearby forests and other attractions. Unaware of what they are missing, the
tourists wander amongst the shops and restaurants not much different from
their native places. Many a tourist not finding the opportunities to their
taste beat a hasty retreat from the State. The State not only loses the
clientele and goodwill of the tourists but also loses an opportunity to
spread its message of conservation of nature for and wide.
Eco-Tourism
A new era of nature enjoyment and learning
The State, live to
the need for providing better opportunities to the visitors to enjoy its
natural beauty and cultural heritage, now aims to allow the use of its
infrastructure for the benefit of the tourists.
The State Forest
Department alone manages more than 400 forest bungalows located at
vantage-points across the lenghth and breadth of the State. It also manages
a 5000 kilometers long network of bridle paths and inspection trails
criss-crossing through the most beautiful forests of the State. This gives
visitors a myriad opportunities to trek across mountain passes, to remote
temples, crystal clear lakes and traditional villages. These facilities
beckon the young and the old alike to come and enjoy the best of Himachal
Pradesh in all its splendor. To assist the tourists, the State Forest
Department is actively engagged in identification and development of
eco-treks along these bridle paths. 'Nature Parks' are also being developed
to provide tourists a nature education experience. These 'eco-tourism' - a
tourism that is ecologically sustainable and culturally sensitive, and that
provides insights to the tourists into natural beauty and cultural richness
of the State.
Boarding and lodging facilities are available at
forest bunglows located along these eco-treks and the local communities are
being geared up to provide services of trained guides, porters and Nature
Parks is to be facilitated through eco-tourism societies specially set up
for the purpose.
To suit all ages and physiques, the eco-treks have
been categorised into easy, moderately difficult and adventurous treks.
Interpretation signs along these routes will educate visitors about the
salient features of the place and client their participation in conservation
of Himalayan ecology.
