Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options
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<strong>Tourism</strong> practices currently perpetuated in this ecologically sensitive area<br />
and even in Protected Areas invariably show a trend on development at any<br />
cost. There is an all out effort to fully exploit current spaces in tourism zone<br />
and further expand spaces in other zones.<br />
All sorts of tourism development in these high1y sensitive ecological areas<br />
notified as the Manipulation Zone and earmarked for tourism, is a matter of<br />
concern. As an approach to questioning the current development pattern<br />
and paradigm that is only helpful for preventing access to common property<br />
resources and siphon off resources of the local people, has warranted a<br />
critical appraisal of impacts of tourism in these crucial areas. Among the<br />
various protected areas present in the <strong>Nilgiris</strong> <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong>, the<br />
following four are receiving maximum attention for the development of<br />
ecotourism.<br />
2.1. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary<br />
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamilnadu is situated in the northeast<br />
portion of the <strong>Nilgiris</strong> plateau. It consists of four ranges, namely Kargudi<br />
Range (54.6 sq Km). Theppakadu Range (89.5 sq Km). Mudumalai Range<br />
(96.6 sq Km) and Masinagudi range (80.4 sq Km). The Mudumalai Wildlife<br />
Sanctuary is the focal point of attention of all kinds of tourists and tourist<br />
planners in the era of ecotourism development.<br />
The facilities that are provided to the tourists are a vehicle ride, elephant ride<br />
and stay at the watchtower. Although there are no hotels for boarding and<br />
lodging, the Tamilnadu Forest Department provides these facilities for<br />
nominal rates. These are rest houses at Theppakadu, Kargudi and<br />
Masinagudi. Dormitory facilities are also available.<br />
2.2. The Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary<br />
Established in the year 1973. the Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary is about 344 sq.<br />
Km in extent. The Sanctuary exists as two bits. Tholpetty, near<br />
Mananthavady is contiguous with Nagarahole of Karnataka. The Muthanga<br />
Bathery-Kurichiat Ranges are nearer to Sulthan Bathery and border<br />
Mudumalai of Tamilnadu and Bandipura of Karnataka. Rich in biodiversity.<br />
the Sanctuary is an integral part of the <strong>Nilgiris</strong> <strong>Biosphere</strong> <strong>Reserve</strong>. which has<br />
been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological and<br />
cultural heritage ofthe region.<br />
7 Ni/agiri. : Fading Glory