You are on page 1of 16

ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism is:

"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the
well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and
participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

minimize impact
build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
provide direct financial benefits for conservation
provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism:

Sustainable tourism is: "Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing
opportunities for the future."*

"Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political
leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism ... requires constant monitoring
of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should
... ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable
tourism practices amongst them." (World Tourism Organization, 2004)

Sustainable development implies "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987)

Responsible tourism:

- minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts


- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities
- improves working conditions and access to the industry
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater
understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
- provides access for physically challenged people
- is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

(Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations, 2002

SPOTS IN ASSAM- MAJULI,DIBRU-SAIKHOWA,JATINGA

MAJULI

Majuli is the largest fresh Water mid-river deltaic island in the world. It is situated in the upper reaches of the river
Brahmaputra in Assam within the latitude of 26045’ N – 27012’ N & longitude of 93039’ E – 94035’ E with mean height of 84.5
Mt. above MSL. This landmass, with a population of 1.6 Lakhs, majority being tribals, has a very rich heritage and has been the
abode of Assamese Vashnavite culture with tremendous option for spiritual and Eco-tourism. The island is a bio-diversity
hotspot and has rich ecology with rare breeds of flora and fauna.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

Majuli at a Glance
The largest Mid-river Deltaic island in the World with a population 0.16 Million
It is the Abode of Assamese Vaishnavite Culture religion preserve in the Vaishnavite Monasteries called Sattras, a
National Classical Dance form of India the Sattriya Dance evolve in the Sattras of Majuli.
A visible living tradition of men and nature relationship evolved over centuries by a protracted process of assimilation
of diverse ethnicities.
Located in South Asia.
Situated in India's North Eastern State of Assam.
It is a Sub-division of District Jorhat of Upper Assam.
This island is in the middle of the Brahmaputra, India's most tempestuous river, which is 2880 Km. long from its source
to destination and bay of Bengal.
It is located 1100 Km from the mouth of the river Brahmaputra in Tibet.
Its land mass extends for a length of about 80 KM along east-west direction.
It lies between latitudes 26045' N and 27010' N and longitudes 93040' E and 94035' E and covers an area of about 880
sq. Km.
The average height of this island above mean sea level varies from 85 to 95 meters.
Majuli Island experiences annual Flood and Land Erosion.
A bio-diversity hotspot with a very unique assemblage.
The Island has a tremendous potential for Spiritual, Cultural and Eco-tourism.
The Cultural and National uniqueness of Majuli’s Heritage is presently undergoing scrutiny and consideration for
declaring it as World Heritage site as Cultural landscape by UNESCO.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

Courtesy- www.majuli.org

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

RANGAGORA
DIBRU-SAIKHOWA NATIONAL PARK, TINSUKIA, ASSAM, INDIA

You are a part of mother earth, of Nature, of environment?


Could not you see Nature beckoning you? We are sure;
you too must have a fervent desire to enjoy the beauty of
Nature, to render your little but precious service towards
conversation of Nature. We promise to be with you in your
enjoyment of the sheer beauty of Nature, your
understanding of Nature and preservation of Nature.
Aiming at environment preservation and all round
development of the society through eco-tourism, we at
Hrishikesh Travels have selected such spots of Dibru-
Saikhowa and the North East
India where tourists shall enjoy
programmes related to culture
and tradition of various ethnic
tribes, historical relics and
monuments, rich bio-diversity
and. Captivating natural beauty

SPECIAL MEASURES TAKEN BY US TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE AND TOTAL SATISFACTION:

(a) We have tied up with a number of local people/NGO of the tourist spots as competent guides on our own initiative. They
shall be with the tourists all along to explain the local history, culture, resources and characteristic features of the spots.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

(b) We have ensured that excessive expenditures do not mar the pleasure and fun of the tourists. The local people at the
tourist spots shall render service heartily with responsibility. The expenditures to be borne by the tourists for
professional service of these local people shall be minimum.

(c) Willing tourists shall get all the necessary information in advance from our office through website, e-mail,
correspondence and over phone.

SOME DO’S FOR YOU


(a) Do not leave behind anything except your footprints in the Natural environment and eco-system. Do not bring back with
you anything except photographs and experiences.

(b) Be familiar with and have a sense of respect towards the geography, history, tradition and culture of the spots you visit.

(c) Never buy from the spots that you visit rare animals, birds etc and objects or artifacts made of limbs of such animals.
This precious act of yours shall be of great help towards preservation of endangered species.
(d) Please do not move anywhere under any
circumstance without our guide.

(e) Avoid alcoholic beverages in Natural environment.

(f) Please do not wear dresses of excessively bright


colour in the tourist spots.

(g) Decide a convenient day for your tour and please make
necessary bookings in advance.
DIBRU-SAIKHOWA
The Govt. has recognized, Dibru-Saikhowa is a reserve
forest, a Sanctuary, an Important Birds Area (IBA) a National
Park and a Bio-sphere Reserve. However, its importance is
not confined to that. In fact, Dibru-Saikhowa is endowed with
such characteristic features and potential that it is likely to be
one of the most important tourist spots in the world one day.
It is a National Park on a river island which is the most
famous wet land in India. It is the only National Park in India
where eight rivers flowing from various directions have met.
On the other hand many naturalists claim that Dibru-
Saikhowa is the largest river island National Park (340
Sq.mtr.) in the world. Many channels from these rivers again
intersect one another in the heart of the dense forest of Dibru-Saikhowa, adding to the natural beauty of this National Park. The
Kalomi Nullah is the main attraction among these channels. The starting point of the Borluit or the Brahmmaputra proper at the
lower part of this National Park which is the confluence of the Dibang, the Siang and the Luit rivers, is the most attractive place
for the tourists. Besides its flora and fauna, especially Salix tree, Orchids, River Dolphins, Wild Horses, Marsh Babbler, Falcated
Teal, Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-Breasted Parrot Bill, White Winged Wood Duck, Bengal Florican, Giant Chenga Fish etc. In fact,
Dibru-Saikhowa is a bird watcher’s paradise. About 500 species of various migratory and local birds have been sighted here till
now as per record. It needs to be mentioned that Dibru-Saikhowa is the only National Park in India which houses wild horses.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

Another attraction of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is two forest villages inside the National Park, viz. Laika and Dodhia – of the
Mishing Tribe. The ethnic diversity, lifestyle and cultural tradition of other ethnic tribes such as the Mottocks, the Morans, the
Sonowal Kocharis and the Nepalis are also quite attractive for interested tourists. Dibru-Saikhowa has immense potential as a
flood tour spot since most of the areas of this National Park remain under flood water during the rainy season. The number of
picnickers that come to Dibru-Saikhowa during winter is the highest in Assam. This National Park is situated at a distance of 8
kilometers from Tinsukia – the hub of trade and commercial activities in Upper Assam. The nearest airports are Mohanbari
(Dibrugarh) and Nadua (Chabua) – 30 kilometers and 20 kilometers respectively from Tinsukia.

TWO SPECIAL PACKAGES IN DIBRU-SAIKHOWA:

Package No 1: (Eco-friendly picnic or Educational Tour)

This package is arranged during the period October to March every year. This is the best time for the bird watchers in Dibru-
Saikhowa. This is also the best season for trekking since the rivers, channels dry-up during this period. This package is for
those who intend to savour the local culinary delicacies in the midst of scenic beauty of wilderness without causing any damage
to nature; for those who want to have a view of the flora and fauna of the National Park and those who want to be familiar with
the tradition, culture and history of the local people. Such tourists are served breakfast in the early morning and are taken on a
guided tour to Maguri-Motapung Beel (IBA) for watching the migratory as well as local birds. After the lunch at the Eco-Camp,
the tourists are taken for trekking inside the National Park. On return journey they are shown river dolphins at the Dolphin Point.
They are then taken for a river cruise on country boats along the river Lohit to have a glimpse of the spectacular sunset of
Dibru-Saikhowa which is followed by camp fire at the Eco Camp.

Package No 2: (Flood Tour)

Each and every tour of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park during the period from April to September is adventurous. Most parts of Dibru-Saikhowa
remains inundated with flood water during this period and rowing through the innumerable channels and nullahs during this period is an
invitation to adventurous pleasure. Watching various birds and orchids rowing through the lines of Salix trees, taking food on changs
(temporary raised bamboo platforms), enjoying the wild natural beauty
from the Kalomi Camp are other attractions of this package.

Besides these, interested tourists can have tours of their


own choice and itinerary by prior arrangement with
Hrishikesh Travels,Guwahati- is now operating in other spots
such as Kaziranga, Nameri, Manah, Mazuli, Tawang,
Eaglenest, Malini Than, Dihing Patkai, Namdapha,
Parshuram Kunda, Tezu, Bhismak Nagar, Miodia, Hunli,
Anini, Sadiya, Phaneng Village, Barekuri Hoolockgibbon
Park, Brahmaputra-Luhit-Siang-Dibang rivers etc besides
Dibru-Saikhowa.
The General Packages of Wave Ecotourism:

1. Educational Tour
2. Group Picnic
3. Adventure Tour – (a) Tracking, (b) Rafting, (c) Swimming, (d) Wild-life
watching, (e) River Cruise, (f) Flood Tour
4. Ethnic-Pilgrimages – Historical Places Tour

5. Film and Documentary shooting


6. Jungle Camping and Nature Photography

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

Expenditure:

Package No. 1 & 2

For Native Tourists, the expenditure of these tours is Rs. 475/- per person, which includes food, entry fee into the National Park and Ferrying
across rivers. For foreign tourists be rate charge same except an entry fee which is extra.
For camera, however, extra fees have to be paid EXTRA

Cottage Charges
For one night stay including dinner & breakfast Rs. 3,200/- for group of 1-5 persons

and Rs.4,200/- for group of 6-10 persons

For nature activists and students, there is provision for concession @ 20% to 50%.

It is desirable that a group should comprise of at least 10 tourists for reasons of


expenditure.

Cottage charges: For one night stay including dinner & breakfast : Rs.3,200/- for a group of one to five persons and Rs.4,200/-
for group of six to ten persons. (PRICES ARE SUBJECTED TO CHANGE)

The pearl horse found at the Dibru-Saikhowa


National Park. Tinsukia District has 79 feral horses
at its inhabitants at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
The feral horse(escaped and living wild) has escaped
the Army camps of World War-II, while others were
left loose during the earthquake here in 1950. These
79 horses are third and fourth generation of those
tamed army horses.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

N.C.Hills ............
Some call it a Magic land......
Some call it a Green Paradise......
& some, the God's Picture Book..
Each place of the district has something celestial & amazing to offer......
Journey through this land means to stir up your mind & kindle your imagination.........
Let's discover this wonderland ....

"The North Cachar Hills"

HAFLONG: Up in the rugged terrains stands Assam’s only hill


station Haflong, where one can see the rainbow down below. It is the Dist.
Head Qr. of N.C.Hills District. The hills emerge from the heart of Assam like
chorus of silent hymns & rise up to the sky like the crescendo. The sportive
clouds play around the cliffs like gleeful children. The limitless green rolls
away to distant horizon in a beautiful rhythm. Hilly Assam is a land of
sensuousness. A heaven to the senses where one touches the sweetest
dream with one’s finger. The mountains float in the distant sky. The clouds
descend & snugly lie below one’s feet.
Where to stay :
Circuit House, Dak-
Bunglow ( Addl.
Circuit House),
Council's Guest House, Hotel Elite, Hotel Jayashree, Hotel Eastern.

What to wear : Heavy woollen in Winter. Cotton in Summer.

Other attraction : Exciting Trekking in Borail Hills, Traditional


dances of the Tribals.

JATINGA: Just 9 kms from Haflong. World wide famous for


bird mystery (Birds Harakiri). The migratory birds come during the
months August to November & it becomes the ornithologist's
attraction. From the elevated watch tower one can see them yielding to
their death wish & their little plumage dropping down.

MAIBANG:Located on the bank of the river Mahur and 53


kms from Haflong. Maibang once flourished as the capital of
Dimasa, kachari Kingdom. Stone house & temple of Kachari king &
other ruins of the kingdom are the main attractions of the place.
Where to stay : P.W.D. Guest House, Irrigation I.B.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

UMRANGSO:112 km from Haflong & 224 kms from Guwahati .The huge Hydel plant has come up under North East
electric Power Corporation(NEEPCO) with dams in the Kopili river.
Near Umrangso, there is a Hot spring( GARAMPANI),the water of which is believed to have medicinal value.

Where to stay : NEEPCO Guest House, P.W.D. Guest House,D.C.'s I.B., & other Guest Houses of Cement factories.

PANIMOOR:Approximately 120 kms away from Haflong, & 8-10


kms from Haflong Tiniali,The Kopili River turns into a thrilling waterfall,
rolling over the rocks of Panimoor.

Where to stay : Forest Inspection Bunglow, PWD IB at Diyungmukh

Other beautiful places of N.C.Hills are Laisong, Semkhor, Gunjung,


Khorongma, Harangajao, Pathar Nalla waterfalls in the Khrungming
Reserve Forest etc.

JATINGA –NC HILLS

As fog comes on a moonless night......


When the wind blows in direction right....
Jatinga turns into an island of search light,
& birds appear like ghosts from nowhere.

Jatinga, famous for the phenomenon of birds “committing


suicide”, is located on a spur of the Haflong ridge, the head
quarter of the district. It itself is an offshoot of the main
ridge of the Borail range. It is centrally located at the
junction of the roads leading to Haflong, Lumding and
Silchar. Here the mist & fog lie like a veil around the
beautiful face of the damsel from September to November.
During these late
monsoon
months,
mysterious
behaviour of birds takes place. However, some other conditions
are also necessary for the phenomenon to occur. The air must be
foggy, cloudy or misty. If there is slight rain, it would be even
better. The wind must be from south to north. It should be
moonless dark nights. And the best time is between 7 p.m. and
10 p.m.

Curiously, most of the doomed birds do not attempt to fly away


after they land near the lights. They look dazed and disheveled, perhaps due to the trauma of the whole
shocking experience. Such birds fall easy prey to the villagers. Some of the birds hovering around the light
sources are brought down by a vigorous swing of the bamboo poles. Catapults are also used to bring down
www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

the birds in flight as well as those perching on the trees and bushes near the light sources. However,
contrary to the popular belief, birds do not commit suicide. Under circumstances not yet fully explained,
these birds get caught in the fog and wind, get
disoriented and seek solace of the light sources
put out by the villagers. They hit against trees
or other objects and get injured in their flight
towards the light source. The villagers hit the
hovering birds with bamboo poles or catapults
to bring them down

Various studies have been conducted to unravel


the causes behind this phenomenon. The
record maintained show that 44 species have
been attracted to the light sources. It has been
established that the birds are not attracted to
the entire Jatinga Ridge but only to a well-
defined strip, 1.5 km long and 200 metres wide. Invariably the birds come in only from the north and
attempts at placing the lights on the southern side of the ridge to attract the birds have failed. Another
interesting fact has been brought out is that no long distance migratory bird gets attracted to the light
traps. The victims are resident birds of the adjacent valleys and hill slopes.

The unusual behaviour of the birds seems to occur due to the peculiar weather conditions at Jatinga. There
also appears to be a correlation between the breeding period of the birds and the Jatinga phenomenon.
Studies also reveal that the flight of water birds to Jatinga may be attributed to heavy rains and floods and
submergence of their natural habitat in the surrounding areas. It has been observed that there was a high
congregation of birds at Jatinga during 1988 which happened to be a year of high floods. Renowned
ornithologists Dr. Salim Ali, Dr. S.Sengupta, A. Rauf etc have carried out researches on this subject.
However, no single hypothesis comprehensively explains the Jatinga mystery till date. The problem
deserves deeper scientific study from various angles.

North Cachar Hills. . . . . . a heaven to the senses where one touches the sweetest dream with one’s fingers,
mountains float in the distant sky and the clouds descend to lie
below one’s feet. . . . .

Adoringly described by the visitors as 'Switzerland of the


East', the North Cachar Hills is a district garlanded by hills.
This dreamland of north-east is an unending saga of
undulating hills and valleys, gently flowing streams and
waterfalls, where the very breeze that wafts across the
paddy fields and the bamboo forests is redolent with the
fragrance of the land in which man and animal live in perfect
harmony with nature.

Whether you
travels by road or take the quaint train over the century-old
track, the scenes that unfold in an unending procession
seem like picture-postcards, crafted by gifted hands that
understand something of the pristine beauty of nature. The
towns and villages that come into view through the rolling
mist and the clouds that float around blend so beautifully
with the emerald-green landscape that the visitor begins to
wonder how this paradise survived so long against the
march of progress.

www.hrishikeshtravels.info
ECOTOURISM NORTH EAST INDIA

Waiting to be discovered are a hundred other wonders that


seem one with the legends and folklore of the land and its
people. A fascinating mosaic of ethnic, cultural and tribal
mix, the people of N.C.Hills embody in their lives all the
values derived from centuries of shared living on the lap of
nature. Equally enticing is the flora and fauna of the land,
which has the famed Jatinga village where, drawn by some
mysterious
alchemy of
earth and
sky,
disoriented
birds come
in thousands in the cloudy months of September
and October to a flaming tryst with the dinger.

Savouring the customs and traditions of the people,


their colourful festivals and bazaars and their hospitality
compete with the local brew makes a visit to NCHills
doubly rewarding. The salubrious climate round the
year, the leisurely pace of life and the bounties of nature all
combine to beckon the tourists with the promise of an experience they would love to treasure.

Courtesy- N.I.C., N.C.HILLS DISTRICT UNIT ON BEHALF OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, N.C.HILLS,


ASSAM

Discover North-East
India
Hrishikesh Travels
(Approved by Dept. of Tourism Govt. of
Assam)

H.O : 38, Survey, Chandan Nagar,


Beltola,

Guwahati - 781028, Assam,India.

B.O : Nagaon, Kaziranga, Dibrugarh ,


Pashighat
E-mail:
hrishikeshtravels@gmail.com
info@hrishikeshtravels.info

Contact : 91-9954364952, (8AM-8PM)


9864504986
SMS-09435032013 (24 HRS SMS ONLY)

Tel-(Kaziranga) : 91-3776-262420
Fax : 0361-2269453

www.hrishikeshtravels.info

You might also like