Component-I (A) – Personal details:

Tourism in National Parks and Hill Stations of India

Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.

Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy Former Director, NITHM.

Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy & G. Mahender Reddy NITHM, Hyderabad.

Prof. P Narayana Reddy REVA University, Bangalore.

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Component-I (B) – Description of module:

Subject Name Indian Culture

Paper Name Tourism in India

Module Name/Title National parks and Hill stations of India

Module Id I C / T I / 31 National Parks and Hill Stations and tourism Pre requisites in India Study about national parks and hill stations of Objectives India

Keywords Hill Stations, National Parks and Tourism

E-Text (Quadrant-I): Introduction India’s National Parks define the most diversified beauty at its pristine location with versatile attraction. Not only in terms of culture, festival and eloquent historical monuments; but this incredible land is best accosted with a variety of wildlife living amidst the astonishing landscape and a wide range of floral beauty. Indian wildlife is perfectly known as rich and diverse. India is home for tigers and Tiger tourism. Learning outcomes This module provides an overview of tourism in national parks and hills stations. After reading the chapter you will be able to understand the following:  The importance of national parks and hill stations?  Major national parks in India  Major hill stations in India  Benefits of tourism in national parks 1.0 National Parks and Tourism Protected areas are cultural artefacts and Areas protected legally have a long history. For example, some historians claim that some areas were specifically set aside in India for the protection of natural resources over two millennia ago. National Parks in India belonging to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category II protected areas. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, established in 1936, is the first National Park in India. The benefits of National Parks can be seen to accrue at three levels: society, park and tourism management and individual visitors. Society creates parks for the following social benefits:  redistribute income and wealth;  increase opportunities for employment;  gain foreign currency;  assist community development;  promote the conservation of natural and cultural heritage;

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 sustain and commemorate cultural identity;  provide education opportunities to members of society;  promote health benefits; and  expand global understanding, awareness and appreciation. Tourism operators and park managers view tourism as a means to:  promote conservation;  develop heritage appreciation;  generate revenue;  learn from others;  create employment and income;  develop long-term sustainable economic activity;  make a profit, and  manage resource extraction. Individuals or tourists seek out experiences in parks to do the following:  promote conservation and preservation;  gain health benefits;  enhance personal experiences, which include: o cognitive objectives (for example, learn about nature and wildlife); o affective concepts (for example, gain peace of mind); o psychomotor desires (for example, get exercise);  participate in a social experience;  achieve family bonding;  spend quality time with peers;  provide the opportunity for courtship rituals;  meet people with similar interests;  achieve group team building;  achieve time and cost efficiency;  feel personal accomplishment;  explore history, and  reaffirm cultural values.

1.1 National Parks and Biodiversity India, a mega diverse country with only 2.4% of the world's land area, harbours 7-8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of . It is also amongst the few countries, that have developed a bio geographic classification for conservation planning, and has mapped biodiversity-rich areas in the country. Of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots, four are present in India and they are represented by the Himalaya, the Western Ghats, the North-east and the Nicobar Islands. Considering the

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outstanding universal values and exceptionally high levels of endemism in the Western Ghats, 39 sites in the States of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have been inscribed on the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2012. These National Parks and sanctuaries are today the most visited sites in India. Tourists flock here to enjoy the unmatchable wilderness at distinct regions. The tourists, or better to say the wildlife lovers can find the best opportunities for a safari tour, sightseeing, bird-watching, fishing and angling, river crossing, camping and the best of all the famous tiger tours at different paradises of the tigers in India. To make the wildlife experience more rewarding, the Wildlife Authority of India has made these destinations more extensive by making them popular tourist spots with major attractions and with the provisions of many accommodations like hotels, lodges and resorts in the vicinity or at their outskirts. 2.0 National Parks in India As of April 2012, there were 112 National Parks. All National Park lands encompassed a total 39,919 km (15,413 sq mi), comprising 1.21% of India's total surface area. A total of 166 National Parks have been authorized. Plans are underway to establish the remaining scheduled parks. Following are the major National Parks in India. Kanchendzonga National Park: Kanchendzonga National Park, located in Sikkim, covers an area of 850 square kilometres. It is home to many endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Dog. The Park is enclosed by the mighty Himalayan ranges and preserves a rich biosphere including many medicinal plants and herbs and alpine grasses. It mostly contains a mixed forest of oak, fir, birch, maple and willow, also houses several species of mammals and birds. Among the mammals’ sloth bear, Himalayan Tahr, civet, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan blue sheep, serow, goral and takin are some of the major attractions. Kanchendzonga National Park can be reached through trekking and requires necessary permit from the State Home Department and State Chief Wildlife Warden. The best time to visit the Kanchendzonga National Park is between April and May. Kaziranga National Park, Assam: This National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique natural environment. Kaziranga covers an area of 430 sq. km comprising alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests and is crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra. With the influence of the river Brahmaputra, the park has formed several geographical features such as sandbars, riverine flood-formed lakes and chappories that have contributed in safeguarding the highly diverse and visible species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The park houses the largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, which is the major attraction for several wildlife enthusiasts. Other significant population of animals includes the wild elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar, Asiatic water buffalo, eastern swamp deer, hog deer, jungle cat, leopard cat, fishing cat, mongoose, civet, pangolin, sloth bear, golden langur, golden jackal, and many more. Among the reptiles, the reticulated python, rock python, king cobra, Russell’s viper, monitor lizard and common krait inhabit the region in large numbers. The park also includes fifteen species of turtles. Wildlife safari in the park is possible by elephant or jeep. The best time to visit this park is from mid-October to March. Manas National Park, Assam: Manas National Park is home to rare and endangered wildlife like the Indian rhinoceros, tiger, Assam roofed Turtle, Hispid Hare, Golden Langur and Pygmy Hog. The park with the influence of the Manas river mostly comprises a mixed forest of sub-Himalayan light alluvial semi-evergreen, East-Himalaya mixed moist and dry deciduous, low alluvial savanna woodland, and Assam valley semi-evergreen alluvial grasslands. It shelters approximately

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55 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles. Out of these wildlife, the Asian elephant, gaur, Asian water buffalo, slow loris, hoolock gibbons, otters, sloth bear, barking deer, sambar, chital and hog deer amongst the mammals are commonly sighted. Bird species like giant hornbills, jungle fowls, brahminy duck, egrets, pelican, eagles, falcons, bee-eaters, herons and ospreys are the major attractions for bird lovers. The best time to visit this park is during the winter season. Dachigam National Park: Dachigam is a well-known national park, located at 22 kilometres from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The terrain in the area ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. The park is the habitat of the endangered Hangul or the Kashmir stag. There are over 150 species of birds inhabiting in the park's vicinity. Colourful pheasants include the Crimson Tragopan, the iridescent Monal Pheasant with its glittering plumage, the Blood Pheasant and the Koklass Pheasant. The golden Eagle and the bearded Vulture or Lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies. Namdhapa National Park, Arunachal Pradesh: Namdhapa is a popular national park, and an ideal eco-tourism destination. It is widely known for housing four kinds of wild cats – the common Indian leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard and tiger. The vast ecosystem comprising of an extensive montane forest and dotted with several species of plants, diversified landscape at different altitude that ranges from an elevation of 500 meter to 4,500 meters. Eco tourists can stay in forest tent houses when they visit Namdhapa. Jim Corbett National Park: Also sometimes referred to as mini Kenya of India, Jim Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand and it was one of the first wildlife reserves to come up in the country. It is a popular attraction for tourists looking for thrill and adventure. The national park is home to tigers and a host of other wild animals including elephants, barking deer, sambhar, and a host of bird species as well. Located in the foothills of the , Jim Corbett national park is a flourishing place for the flora and fauna and is a home to 110 species of trees, 50 species of mammals and 580 species of birds, making it a perfect ecotourism destination for all the animal lovers across the world. Gir National Park: Gir National Park is the home of the rare Asiatic lion, and is located in Gujarat. The park sprawls over an area of 3386 sq.km. This is a protected area and has a remarkable mix of deciduous forest along with teak acacia and banyan. Besides this the Maldhari tribe exists in harmony with the natural eco-system with the place. Sundarbans: Sundarbans is a well-known ecotourism site, located in West Bengal. It is the home to Bengal tigers. Most prominent features of the delta include wildlife sanctuary, bird sanctuary, crocodile projects, the tidal rivers, water channels, trees make it a perfect destination for eco tourists. It is also home to several animal species, which are closer to extinction. The Sundarbans cover an approximate area of 1,330 sq. km. It has 54 small deltaic islands and also a shelter to a variety of birds, reptiles, invertebrate species and amphibians. Wild species include Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Gangetic dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle and mangrove horseshoe , Humpback whale, Irrawaddy Dolphins, Ganges River Dolphins. Humpback Dolphins are found near the coastal areas. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand: Nanda Devi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the northern states of Uttarakhand. This place is a feast to senses with two of its constituent destinations namely

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Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park. These are popular among eco-friendly tourists, trekkers and mountaineers. Valley of flowers, for most part of the year, remains frozen with a thick sheet of snow. But in summers it bursts into different colours, making it a haven for botanists and nature lovers. The vast expanse of forest, with more than 600 species of flowering plants and also medicinal plants and other alpine trees, giving shelter to some of the endemic Himalayan animals and birds attract a large number of wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and leisure travellers. Great Himalayan National Park: It is located in Kullu region in the state of . The park was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 1,171 sq. km. Great Himalayan National Park is a major source of water for the rural and urban centres of the region with four major rivers of the area originating from the glaciers in the park. It is also a source of sustenance and livelihood for the local community living close to park. The flora of the park shows similarities with the Mediterranean and Tibetan as well as cis-Himalayan regions. The Great Himalayan National Park is known to host a wide variety of vertebrate fauna more than 300 species, including several charismatic, threatened and regionally endemic species. From the lofty pines and spruces and the great, spreading horse chestnuts of the lower valleys, to the dense cushions and prostrate branches of the alpine herbs and junipers, the park presents an endless variety of vegetation. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3.0 HILL STATIONS OF INDIA The hill stations are high-altitude towns or areas and major tourist attractions for tourism, especially as a place of refuge from the summer heat. Many have picturesque lakes as their focal point, making them excellent places for boating and other recreational activities. The Indian subcontinent has seven principal mountain ranges and the largest of all is the Himalayas that lies in the northern part of India. Then, there is Shivalik range that also lies within the same region which has some famous hill stations that include Dalhousie, Kullu, Shimla, Nanital and many more. Most of the hill stations in India are located in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya in the Himalayas and in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Western ghats. Some of the hill stations in India are listed below by state. Since all these hill stations are world famous, they are frequently visited by tourists on a summer vacation tour. Due to this almost all of the above hill stations are well connected by rail, road and air services to major Indian cities. The following are some of the major hill stations in India and popular for tourism. Auli: Auli lies towards the north of the state of Uttaranchal in Chamoli district and forms a part of the Garhwal mountain range. Auli is an important ski destination in the state and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, with a panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is believed that this pretty location is blessed with the sacred visit of Sankaracharya.Auliis popular and a ski destination in India. It is surrounded by high peaks like Mana, Kamet and tallest of all Nanda Devi. The place has a cool climate all through the seasons. Nainital: Nainital is in the state of Uttarakhand and adored by millions and is often referred as the ‘Lake District’ of India. It is a destination for all kind of tourists. It is well connected with the major cities by road. Shimla: Shimla was summer capital of the British, now it is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, with beautiful landscape and is highly appreciated for its ethnic culture and eternal beauty. Shimla is also an architectural paradise, flaunting many splendid colonial architecture buildings.

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Dalhousie: Dalhousie is one of the most popular hill stations located in in Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is a gateway to Chamba District and contributes majority in tourists’ movement in the state. Some major tourist attractions of the town include Dainkund Peak, , Bakrota HillsVillage Lohali, Bakrota Hills, Dalhousie Cantonment, Sadar Bazar and Tibetan Market. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a hill station and a popular skiing destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It became a part of the independent princely state of Jammu and Kashmir after India’s independence. This hill station lies in PirPanjal range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,730 m. The soil in Gulmarg comprises glacial deposits, lacustrine deposits and moraines of pleistocene era covering shales, limestones, sandstones, schists and other varieties of rocks. Gulmarg Gondola (cable cars) is a tourist attraction in itself and has one of the highest cable cars in the world. Dharamshala: Dharamshala is located at 18 kilometres from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station. It has good connections with other parts of North India and most people come to Dharamsala by bus. Dharamsala is an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Some famous places to see around are Bhagsu Waterfall, Dal Lake, Dharamkot, the cricket stadium, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Tibet Museum, KunalPathari and Tsuglagkhang Complex. Kufri: Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. The name is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language. The Himalayan Nature Park and the Indira Tourist Park are the nearby tourist attractions around Kufri. Founded in 1819 by the British, the popularity of the hill station remains as a tourist spot. It is especially popular among trekkers. Popular treks can be to Manali, Shimla, Rewalsar, Fagu, etc. starting from Kufri. 4.0 SUMMERY National parks help to take care of places with natural or biological, social, economical and historical value. National parks preserve habitats for a wide range of native plants and wildlife. Parks maintain biodiversity and protect endangered species. These national parks are major tourist sites providing recreation to the tourists. They provide people with opportunities to learn about natural flora and fauna as well as to explore and admire the beauty of diverse environments. Today these national parks are the most visited sites in India, to enjoy the unmatchable wilderness at distinct regions. In some national parks the tourists or better to say, the wildlife lovers can find the best opportunities for a safari tour, sightseeing, bird-watching, fishing and angling, river crossing, camping and the best of all, the famous tiger tours at different paradises of the tigers in India. Same is the case with select hill stations of India which are attracting large number of Tourists.

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