Eco-tour

Thai elephant camp pioneering elephant-friendly tourism in Thailand

Posted by Shashwat Raj on May 30, 2018

 
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Government of India should look at replicating this model in the country – World Animal Protection


30 May 2018: Happy Elephant Care Valley, in Chiang Mai, Thailand is about to embark on a landmark agreement to transition to become a truly elephant-friendly venue. This move will end all contact between tourists and elephants at the camp, to meet the growing demand for responsible elephant experiences.


The transformation of the venue is pioneered by World Animal Protection as part of a coalition of leaders in the travel industry, including TUI Group, The Travel Corporation, Intrepid Group, G Adventures, EXO Travel, Thomas Cook Group, and others.


Elephants in many venues across Thailand still offer rides that are the result of elephants suffering a cruel and intensive training process.  A 2017 KANTAR global study showed the number of people who find elephant riding acceptable has dropped by 9% (from 53% to 44%) in just three years. The research also showed that eight out of ten (80%) of tourists would prefer to see elephants in their natural environment, proving elephant-friendly tourism is on the rise.


In India there are around 3000 elephants in captivity and are being used for entertainment purposes such as rides at Amer Fort in Jaipur. Elephants are wild animals and not for our entertainment.


Happy Elephant Care Valley is a ground breaking development for both elephants and tourists. It will be a very real example of an attraction where tourists can see elephants behaving naturally and freely as part of a herd. It will demonstrate that elephant-friendly experiences are possible, without forcing cruel interactions with people. We hope it paves the way for creation of similar facilities in India and brings about a change in the attitude of tour operators and tourist demand for elephant rides. This is replicable and doable in our country and we urge the Indian government to engage other stakeholders to come up with a sustainable solution like this and help protect elephants from abuse,” said Gajender K Sharma, India Country Director at World Animal Protection.

 

The elephants at Happy Elephant Care Valley were previously from farms and riding camps, and until recently it was possible for close interaction between tourists and the elephants, being able to ride, bathe and feed elephants at the venue. This stopped when the travel industry coalition presented a business case demonstrating the rise of elephant-friendly tourism. The transition will see the elephants free to behave as they would in the wild; free to roam the valley, bathing in mud, dust, water or grazing as tourists experience the wonder, standing at a safe distance.


Steve McIvor, CEO at World Animal Protection, said:


“With the support of the world’s leading travel companies, this agreement is a significant milestone for World Animal Protection. It will show that high welfare venues for elephants can be commercially viable for elephant camp owners - encouraging them to value and care for their animals.”

Eco-tour

Eco-tour to Kashmir

Posted by Sheikh Gulzaar on March 20, 2018

 
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The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre'Herb Garden plays a central role in the education of our students. Botanical medicine students study and cultivate a variety of medicinal plants throughout their life cycle. Many of these plants are harvested at their seasonal peak for creating medicinal tinctures and salves. Nutrition classes use the cultivated culinary herbs and organic vegetables in the instition's whole-food kitchen lab. The garden is designed, cultivated and managed by students and volunteers under the guidance of the garden manager and assistant garden manager with a combined total over 21 years of experience.
More details at : http://jkmpic.blogspot.in

Eco-tour

kiwi cultivation in Kashmir

Posted by Sheikh Gulzaar on January 02, 2018

 
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Growers in Kashmir  are getting into kiwifruit in a diversification move away from the traditional apple crops of the region. 

Kiwis were introduced to the region in the 1950s, but only recently has interest in exotic crops created a viable demand for it. 

Currently only green kiwifruits are in production, but there are plans to introduce golden varieties also.

A farmer in South Kashmir area of  Pulwama district, Mahmood Khan, who had taken up cultivation of exotic fruits more than a decade back, said, "We started growing kiwi on experimental basis some 9 years ago. There were hardly any buyers for it then. But our patience has paid off, as now, the demand for it has risen in fruit markets of  India, Pakistan, Gulf, and other middle-east countries. It fetches good returns in local market also and tourists also like to buy these."

More details at : 
http://jkmpic.blogspot.in/2017/11/kiwi-plantation-in-uttarakhand-india.html

Eco-tour

Herbal Garden Tour,Kashmir

Posted by Sheikh Gulzaar on October 11, 2017

 
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High Altitude Himalayan Herbal Garden 

Mr. O.P. Sharma, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat social activist from Budgam ,Dr. Farooq Ahmad Bhat from Awantipora,Mohd Aslam Dar Botany Scholar from Tral ,Noor ul Amin, Sheikh Gulzar is a 2nd-generation, herbalist, author, botanist & journalist, Ms.Sheikh Masarat Gulzar and students Scholars from SKUAST ,Chadoora accompanied the resource persons and plant experts to acquaint themselves with lesser known plants like aromatic lemon family Gas plant Dictamnus albus ,High altitude highly traded aromatic Kuth Saussurea costus ,aromatic umbellifer Chohore ,Chora Angelica glauca roots used as spice and quite decorative Kasmir Mallow Sazposh Lavatera cashmeriana growing in the local plant repository being maintained by Mr. M. Yousuf Bhat.

Eco-tour

Budget Tour to Kanha National Park

Posted by Uday on September 02, 2016

 
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The charisma of tiger is unparalleled, especially whence right through the childhood the animal has been a mythical figure always prevalent in your thoughts.  As you grow up the tiger becomes real, bigger and bigger, and you yearn to see it..at least once in lifetime.   

Please show me the tiger at least once that is what tourists from far off land say to me as a naturalist guide. “I promise my best,” is all that I can say.” 

I do not wish guests from far away to go away without seeing the tiger. For some it could one and only trip due to time, cost constraints and other places on the wishlist.  But let me tell you, in spite of all my efforts some tourists do go back without seeing the elusive big cat. It is impossible to beat the tiger every time come what people say.  But among the few unlucky ones many are able to come back or some have seen the tiger elsewhere.  That gives me solace. 

Not all inbound or Indian tourists are rich but they still yearn to see the tiger and all the wonderful animals.But for many budget tour is the only recourse to this wonderful experience.  So here is how we will make possible this tiger safari. 

Kanha National Park is a biodiversity hub and amazing terrain full of enchanting landscapes. You just lose your amid the magical and esoteric surroundings. 

Photography amateur or professional will store your memory for ever. Only professional filming equipments that are charged whence they carry special permission to make a documentary. Hence do not carry one if you are not making a film.     

You can travel to Jabaplur by  overnight rails which are not as pricey as the flights.  Also travel by local bus from the nearest destination Jabalpur to Kanha, bus ride though uncomfortable cost much less. I do it many times whence on assignments and am still fighting fit. He!He!       

If you look for accommodation online, you will find luxury hotels, a stay in one of these cost a nose. Hence search for budget hotels and you will find a few.

Nevertheless since on budget you will not be traveling on holidays and the busy New Year period, so you arrive here and get an accommodation in the hotel that suits your purse.  

Usually economy hotels have their own restaurant, but there are independent ones which offer a cheaper fare as well. The food is good, only you have to eat it hot..the curries I mean. Even on economy do not drink local water since you do not have immunity to local pathogens. Drink mineral water which is well sanitized.       

To make an expedition in park, both in the morning and evening, you need to book gate entry or ticket as it is called in general lingo. The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has made some changes in the reservation system at Kanha...in fact in all the popular reserves that are within.

Hence on budget stay reserve your ticked early on the booking system at MP Online website. This site is owned by MP Government since only it can issue a permit. Kanha is under the jurisdiction of the MP State Government. 

Whence confirming the ticket online book the single ticket. In this category you have to pay only for yourself presuming you are traveling solo. Other tourists will automatically be enrolled till the figure reaches six. Hence in this case the permit/ticket cost will be shared.

You need to hire an open jeep for excursions each time. On single ticket you need not worry since the jeep hire would be divided equally among all riders. 

Another option  if you have missed it online you approach the current window at the gate. This issue current tickets that are available under its twenty percent quota plus those which have not been booked or cancelled online.  At the current window you can opt for sharing the excursion and jeep ride.  This will fetch your cost down further.  I am sure you will be able to enjoy the park in less money.      

Whence online for Kanha accommodation booking you can ask the hotel management to get the ticket for you. This will save you lot of trouble. The hotelier naturally will do a good job for all prerequisites.    

Eco-tour

Snippets from Gokarna: India’s Best Kept Secret Beach?

Posted by madhushri on July 03, 2016

 
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Since I moved to Manipal in 2012, I have explored more beaches than ever before! I have always loved the sea because I believe, it lets you find your soul. For further clarity you might like to take  Travel Lessons; Find your soul, what are you, by my favorite teacher- The Sea!

Ever since I developed a beautiful relationship with the ocean, I have been on a voyage to discover pristine, undisturbed beach destinations from Gujarat in the North-west, to Kerala in the South-west. I have explored Puducherry in 2015, on the East coast and have been to West Bengal in 2008 but never have I come across something as unique as Gokarna. Gokarna is that place where your body and mind get the much deserved break from the daily hustle and bustle of life! So whenever I feel like relaxing in the arms of wavy blue waters- Gokarna it is with no second thought!

I pen this as my flight takes off and flies over the Indian Ocean. So here’s a soulful photo journey of this secret beach in India-

Read more on my blog:

Also let's connect on: FacebookTwitter and Instagram 

Eco-tour

Ecotourism- A way for you to have your cake and eat it too!

Posted by madhushri on July 03, 2016

 
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The Ecotourism Society (TES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.”  On 17th and 18th of Oct a group of nature enthusiasts from Bangalore, Mysore and Coimbatore flocked together to explore the Annamalai hills in Tamil Nadu. The relationship between human beings and nature is so beautiful that anyone as young as 5 or as old as 50 years can experience and enjoy it. You need not be 21 to fall in love, just set out on an exploration in the forests and feel the magic!


Read more on my blog

Let's stay connected on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram




Eco-tour

An eco tour at Lohagarh Fort Resort Kukas Jaipur

Posted by Pratap Singh on April 25, 2016

 
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In one of our previousposts here we shared that in Jaipur elephant safari has brought many travellersclose to the life of an elephant as after the ele-safari tour they came to knowabout a few thing on elephants which they would have never thought.

And todaywe just find out a eco-friendly resort near the elephant safari tour place bythe name of Lohagarh fort resort. Now we are writing about this resort as ithas proven that eco-tourism can be a real earning luxury business and they haveproved it.

Now Lohagarhfort resort is a 12-acre area which was previously dead part near Aravallihills (Kukas) and team Lohagarh invest their time and money to convert thiswaste land into lush green gardens. The first developed 5 cottages along with apool and restaurant which they later added 6 more cottages, 2 tree houses and afew Swiss tents and a nice bar.

Well youcan say that what’s the big deal? Now the big deal here is that none of thesecottages, tree house etc, has plastic and everything here is natural ororganic. Like the walls of the cottages is made up of white stone with low useof cement, not even a single interior or furniture has plastic or lead and theyhave created 80% of the resort as green zone, highest one can have in anyresort in Rajasthan.

So whenyou enter this place there is a cave like entry which is like 200-300 mts andleads you to their restaurant. From there you can see the pool and the treehouses. One thing which I really like that their pool have a shape of smalllake which is quite unique and the rope which they have added above is awesome.

The walklike 100 mts and you will find your cottages and a few mts ahead is their SwissTent. A walk of the complete resort will definitely shed a few pounds.

So do visit Lohagarh FortResort in Jaipur Rajasthan and do checkout their tree house and suites beforebooking them.

Eco-tour

My two favorite places in Rajasthan to come close to India Elephant and Tiger

Posted by Pratap Singh on April 11, 2016

 
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Hi to all. I am Pratap Singh from Jaipur and I operate a small cab firm name Rajputana Cabs which assist travelers in exploring Jaipur & complete state of Rajasthan by renting cars in Jaipur, offering taxi from Jaipur to Ajmer & complete state. As this is my 1st post on Indian Wildlife Club, I have chosen Eco-tour as the category as I want to share amazing destinations near Jaipur and in whole Rajasthan where one can go and enjoy a family or friend wildlife eco-tour. Along with this I also want to share the advantages locals (who live near or in the wildlife regions) gets which return favor the natural state of these National Parks.

So 1st those destinations which one can choose for Safari.

1. Elephant Safari at Nahargarh Sanctuary Jaipur - Every one knows about the elephant ride of Amber fort in Jaipur but not all know that there is a small forest sanctuary in Jaipur which is now famous for Elephant safari. Its Nahargarh Sanctuary and here one can enjoy a 2-3 hour elephant ride of the park and also gather lots of information about the life of Indian elephants.

This small imitative of elephant safari started in 2009 and now its welcoming more than 500 travelers every day to enjoy this small trip which in return has given jobs to many elephant owners and especially to old elephants which were tagged as retired from Amber fort duty.

2. Ranthambore National Park - Almost every wildlife enthusiast knows about the tigers national park of Ranthambore and especially the media attention of a man eating tiger name Ustad. If not thencheck this link from Indian express.

Keep man eaters apart Ranthambore has become a global renown Tiger national park which is rated as the best sanctuary of Tigers in India. At Ranthambore many photographers were able to take fine images of Tiger able to hunt in water which even featured in TV documentaries of National Geographic. Here is the youtube version of the movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDGNFdu37k4

And there are some wildlife destinations in Rajasthan but no one gets more attention these 2. But stil they are worth seeing and the best way to do that is by visiting the royal state of Rajasthan.

Eco-tour

Maredemilli eco -tourism

Posted by K.Vinai Bhushan on August 28, 2015

 
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I   visited  Maredumilli forest in april 3rdweek 2014 ,which is 80 km from historic town rajahumdry – andrapradesh. Theforest was very green even in hot summer. Falls were running with good amountof water. Thick forest with some good number of animals in cluding big cats.The pplace wa very cool and rainy. We have visited some water falls, coffeeplantations and a river. We tasted the local famous bamboo biryani too.  The accomidation facilities are good and atreasonable fares.  Visit www.vanavihari.com.


Regards

   



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