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Eco TourismThe Greens, Himachal Pradesh

Eco Tourism first came into existence in the early 1980s and since then it has startedto develop pretty well around the world. Eco tourism or ecological tourism is a multifaceted term. Ecology here refers not only to the environment, or the wildlife andforest reserves, but it also has social connotations to it. Ecological tourism is"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves thewell-being of local people" (by international eco tourism society). Accordingly, animportant aspect of eco tourism is also safeguarding nature, which locals and touristsboth have to ensure.

Eco tourism is a relatively new term and concept and has been acknowledged in Indiaoff late only. Himachal Pradesh is one such beautiful state in India where eco tourismis developing in its pure form. Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly blessed witheverything that makes it a first choice of eco tourists.

Moreover, the state has also developed many facilities for eco tourist. There are 400forest bungalows at vantage points, dedicated nature trails have been framed andtrained guides and porters are available too.

Eco Tourism Attractions

The Greens

Nature comes alive in its every possible form here. Green forests spreading overmiles of hilly terrains. Oaks, maples, birdcherry, hazelnut, walnuts and many otherbeautiful trees lend Himachal a beauty that is beyond words. There are 3240 speciesof plants in the state. National Parks in Himachal Pradesh are a perfect place for ecotourists. Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu is one of the prime protected landsand is a perfect place to enjoy nature at its best. Himalayan Nature Park near Shimlahas over 100 hectares of Western Himalayan temperate forests that are rich withfloral varieties. Another famous spot in Himachal is Potter's Hill Van Vihar. It coversaround 100 hectares of Western Himalayan temperature forest that are rich withfloral diversity. These are just few of the many places in Himachal Pradesh where onecan enjoy the oneness with nature. Sangla valley and Chamba valley are such otherplaces.

The Wildlife

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh is another big draw in its ecotourism chart. Its differenttypes of terrain, pleasant climate and vegetation are very suitable for wildlife tosustain, survive and flourish. Snow leopards, Himalayan brown beer, Ibex, Yak, thebeautiful manal bird and Western tragopan, Musk Deer and many more. HimachalPradesh has 32 wildlife sanctuaries with 64 species of mammals, 43 reptiles and 516varieties of aquatic fauna. The facts speak volumes about the richness of state in

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terms of its wildlife reserves. Renuka wildlife sanctuary, Churdhar sanctuary, both inSirmour, Chail Sanctuary in Solan are some of the more popular names with tourists.Maharana Pratap Sagar is the state's famous wetland and is angler's delight.

The Tribes

Another crucial link in eco tourism are the local people who help preserve the naturetrails. The tribals in Himachal Pradesh are a major component of eco-tourism. Theentire areas of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur near Ladakh and Tibet were once full ofdifferent tribal groups. However, over a period of time, the tribal population of thestate has decreased since more and more tribals have migrated to other places andhave risen enough to support separate families. A prominent tribe of Himachal are theShephards (known as Gaddis here) who rear goats and sheep and keep moving withthem to higher pastures in summers and lower, more warmer regions in winters.

Another prominent tribal group is that of Kinnars inhabiting the district of Kinnaur.Some of them are engaged in horticulture and agriculture. They also rear goat andsheep for wool. Their marriage customs are very interesting. All the brothers in thefamily share one wife, however this tradition is changing slowly. Like Kinners, there isalso another tribal group called Lahule, mainly so since they live in Lahaul area. Theyare an intermixed tribe. They are racially intermixed tribe with Tibetans. Verycolourful people in terms of dresses and ornaments, their valley comes on the traderoute to Ladakh and Sinkrang.

Kullu Tourism

Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu (1220m) was once known as Kulanthpitha - `the end of the habitable world`.Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of theshining river Beas, lay the fabled `Silver Valley`.

Kullu got its first motorable access only after Independence. The long centuries ofseclusion have however allowed the area to retain a considerable measure of its

traditional charm. Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous valleys - each ofwhich is a visual delight and seems more beautiful than the other.

The `Silver Valley` has nature`s treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers onthe high meadows. This wealth nestles by every tree in the splendid forests, it burstsforth in the blooms and in the fruit of every orchard. Here are riches which cannot bemeasured and echo down the ages with the words of every myth and ancient legend -and glow in the warm smiles of its gentle people. There is pleasure in every step you

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take in these enchanted valleys and in every gurgle you hear in the clear mountainstreams

Kullu Attractions

Raghunath Temple

In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To atone forthe sin, he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - LordRama. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today,is greatly revered.

Raison

By the banks of the Beas -and on the Kullu-Manali highway - Himachal Tourism runs a

camping site here. Ideal for a taste of adventure.

Shoja

At 2692 m, this is a vantage point for a complete panorama of the Kullu area - snowpeaks and valleys, meadows and forests, rivers and streams.

Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura

One of the most charming temples in the Kullu valley, this is renowned for its intricatestone carvings

Kasol

An open glade by the banks of the river Parvati. Clean white sand separates the lushgreen grass from the waters. A good spot for trout. Himachal Tourism has a TouristHut here.

Naggar

For 1400 years this was the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle isnow a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of theRussian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.

Other Attractions

Kullu DussehraWhen Dussehra celebrations come to an end in the rest of the country, they begin atKullu. Over 600 local deities come to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This is a timewhen the valley is at its colourful best.

Fishing and Adventure

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The Kullu valley has numerous places for trout fishing. These include Katrain, Raison,Kasol and Naggar, then along the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj Valley and in theHurla khud.

The valley is the nucleus of several trek routes. Some major ones are over theChanderkhani Pass to Malana, over the Jalori Pass or Bashleo Pass to Shimla, and over

the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan.

The river Beas offers excellent opportunities for white water rafting.

Shopping

Shawls, local tweeds, rugs (`namdas`), foot wear (`pullan`), baskets, natural oils(almond and olive), caps.

Getting There

By Air

The airport at Bhuntar is 10 km from Kullu, where taxis and buses are available.

By Road

By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is 530 km and from Shimla this is 240 km.From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Kullu.

By Rail

The closest narrow guage railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 95 km from Kullu.