ISA ACTIVITY: BULLETIN BOARD ON ECO TOURISM: INDIA & EGYPT

We S.K.S. Public School are delighted to present before you the first glimpse of tourism project activity done by the students of class IX.

Tourism Project Activity: Tanta Modern

We S.K.S. Public School, Raniganj, India, are glad to post the latest pictures of the students of Tanta Modern School, Egypt sent to us presenting the tourism project about various spheres of tourism in Egypt.

TAKE A ROUND AROUND INDIA

TITLE: TAKE A ROUND AROUND INDIA…..!

1. Kerala Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala have its own charm and life on it is unlike the other destinations in India. Amidst the paddy fields and lush green palm grove these backwaters has its own gentle rhythm hewed out from the rivers which flows down from the Western Ghats to the coast. Enjoy a frolic cruise on the backwaters along the breathtaking vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues on the houseboats, known as Kettuvallam which are the cargo boats that once plied in the backwaters to carry heavy cargo such as Rice, Coconut & Spices and also to provide living accommodation for the boatman. These are now changed over to luxurious accommodation for eco friendly travelers.

Where to stay: ATDC Houseboats, Alleppey

Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

2. Munnar, Kerala

Covered with an extensive layer of forests, grasslands and tea orchards and dotted with several species of exotic flora including the rare Neelakurinji flower, Munnar at an elevation of 1,700 meters is a snug hideout for eco travellers. The small but picture-book hill town in Idukki district in the Western Ghats is home to several protected areas that houses many threatened and endemic species of flora and fauna including the Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, and Gaur amongst the mammals; and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Orange-Crowned Warblers, Nilgiri Pipit, Scarlet Minivet, and Broad-tailed Grassbird amongst the avifauna. If you are travelling to Munnar during the spring and summer seasons you might chance upon the purple-blue hue patches beautifully lying over the lush green bed… that would be a streak of luck though. The gushing streams gutting through the whispering woods and winding lanes cutting through mountains make Munnar one of the popular eco green tourism destinations in India.

Where to stay: Misty Mountain Resort

Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

3. Thodupuzha, Kerala

The gateway to the Thommankuthu Waterfalls in Idukki district, Thodupuzha is one of the least explored destinations in India that snug knavishly in the Western Ghats. The seven-step waterfall that was revealed to the world in 1920 by Mr. Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, a legendary hunter, is one of the major eco-tourism destinations in Kerala. The pleasant surrounding dolled up with an evergreen forest blanketed over the rolling hills and housing several species of avifauna and mammals… squeeze gently in the frame of a perfect eco-tourism holiday.

Where to stay: Vettoms Lakeview Resort

Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

One of the popular weekend getaways in South India, Kodaikanal is graciously set in the Palani Hills, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys, of the eastward spur of Western Ghats at an approximate altitude of 2,130 meters. Kodaikanal was dotted in the map of India as a summer retreat by the British in 1845 and later due to its propitious location gifted by the forests and grasslands topping the hillsides… it bloomed as one of the major eco-places in India. This mighty hill station in South India is endowed with a nature’s basket comprising the montane rainforests that houses some of the endemic flora and fauna, waterfalls, and perennial streams cutting through the valleys. The Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Guna Caves, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, and Berijam Lake are some of the major natural attractions in Kodaikanal. Further, the Palani Wildlife Sanctuary composing a mystical environment tuned up with several waterfalls, namely the Fairy Falls, Neptune Falls, Pambar Falls, Thaliar Falls, Alanthoni Falls, Poombarai Falls, Skamba Falls, and more… is no doubt a haven for naturalists and worth exploring. The proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which will be an up gradation and expansion of the Palani Wildlife Sanctuary, will cover an approximate area of 737 square kilometers giving shelter to several threatened species and plant life. The region is mostly inhabited by the Paliyan tribes who are the descendants of the Dravidian people and are famed as traditional nomadic hunter-gatherers, honey hunters and foragers.

Where to stay: Black Band Cottages

Nearest Railhead: Kodai Road

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

5. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Comprising the districts of Coorg and Mysore and covering an approximate area of 644 square kilometers, the Nagahole National Park is home to some of the endemic animal species like tiger, leopard, and dhole. Other common mammals and reptiles that are spotted are chital, sambar, barking deer, jackal, sloth bear, mongoose, hyena, wild boar, squirrels, vine snake, rat snake, bamboo pit viper, Indian rock python, Indian monitor lizard, and common toad. Amongst the avifauna… darters, oriental white ibis, greater grey headed fish eagle, and red headed vulture are some of the ‘near threatened’ ones, whereas the blue winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, and the white bellied treepie remain the major attractions being rare spotted for wildlife enthusiasts. The Nagarhole National Park, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is also one of the Tiger Reserves in India and together it is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site due it is rich biodiversity.

Where to stay: Jungle Inn

Nearest Railhead: Mysore

Nearest Airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore

6. Galgibaga Beach, Goa

Despite being located in one of the busiest tourist hubs in India, the Galgibaga Beach in Goa still remains the cleanest beach in India and is well known for turtle nestling. Being one of the secluded beaches in India that is close to the popular Palolem Beach resort, the Galgibaga beach is least affected by tourists even during the peak season. Thus it offers you a pleasant getaway where you can dream of an ideal walk over the solitary silver sand dotted with palm trees. If you are travelling during the winter season then you might be lucky to see some Olive Ridley turtle nests/eggs. Because of this ecological factor… the Galgibaga Beach comes under the purview of the forest department.

Where to stay: The Fern Gardenia Resort, Canacona

Nearest Railhead: Madgaon

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport

7. Tyda, Andhra Pradesh

The bountiful nature surrounding this small village of Tyda is virtual and vestal modesty that is secretly set in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 700 meters (approximately). It is one of the unexplored places in India and thus springs up as an eco-tourism getaway in India with a rich bed of exotic flora including medicinal and aromatic plants. The region is also home to several endemic animals and birds such as the chital, sambar, Panther, Wolf, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Chinkara, Chowsingha, and Nilgai amongst the mammals AND red-chested pod chards, pintails, herons, egrets, migratory ducks, water birds, pelicans, teals, ibises and storks amongst the bird species. The region also facilitates many activities like camping, forest trails and trekking.

Where to stay: Jungle Bells

Nearest Railhead: Visakhapatnam

Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport

8. Chilika, Odisha

India’s largest coastal lagoon and the world’s second largest… the Chilika Lake and its surrounding environment are home to a number of migratory birds and animal and plant species. The area, covering over 3,500 square kilometers, houses the Irrawaddy Dolphins,  green sea turtle, dugong, blackbuck, Spoon billed sandpiper, limbless skink and fishing cat amongst some of the endemic species; Milk fish, Indo-Pacific tarpon, Ten pounder, Bream, Hilsa, and Mullet amongst some of the aqua fauna; Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Goliath Heron, Grey and Purple herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, Storks and Black-headed Ibis amongst some of the migratory birds; and Asiatic Dowitchers, Dalmatian Pelican, Pallas’s Fish-eagles, migrant Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Spot-billed pelican from some of the rarest bird species. The ecosystem dotted with more than 700 species of flowering plants is also a shelter to a large number of mammals, reptiles and other amphibians. The region comprising a group of small islands was declared as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention and is one of the major eco-tourism destinations in India that encourages the wildlife photographers, bird lovers, and naturalists.

Where to stay: Panthanivas Barkul

Nearest Railhead: Balugaon

Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneshwar

9. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

Home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sunderbans National Park covers an approximate area of 1,330 square kilometers. It is the royal residence of the Bengal tiger and the region with 54 small deltaic islands is also a shelter to a variety of bird, reptile, invertebrate species and amphibians. Some of the endangered species, other than the Royal Bengal Tiger, which are found in the Sunderbans National Park are the Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Gangetic dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle and Mangrove horseshoe crab. Among the endemic marine mammals…the Bryde’s whale, Humpback whale, Irrawaddy Dolphins, Ganges River Dolphins, and Humpback Dolphins are sparsely found near the coastal area. Many conservational projects are being undertaken by the government to protect the rich biodiversity of Sunderbans National Park, which is one of the best national parks in West Bengal. The park being located at the confluence of many distributaries of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal receives some unique geographical features, mudfalts being one of those features that is largely dependent on tidal currents. The Chargheri Char mudflat in the Sunderbans is open for the tourists, and can be visited during low tide. 

 Where to stay: Royal Bengal Resort

Nearest Railhead: Howrah and Sealdah

Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

10. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim

Covering an approximate area of 1,784 square kilometers and ranging from an altitude of about 1,800 meters to 8,500 meters… the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve or Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the high altitude national parks in India and the only national park in Sikkim. It is home to a large variety of alpine vegetations including medicinal plants, animals and birds at different altitude and thus representing a rich ecosystem that also include many glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and streams. Amongst the mammals the snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, wild dog, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Himalayan blue sheep, serow, goral and takin are the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts… and birds like Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird and Eagle make it a haven for bird lovers. The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve also offers lot of adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping… which makes it easier for the travellers to explore the rich biodiversity. The Green Lake Trek and Dzongri Goechala Trek are some of the best alpine treks in Sikkim that passes through the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.

Where to stay: Red Palace Hotel and Resort, Yuksom

Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

Indo Egyptian Tourism2

Exploring Heavens In India

Ecotourism in India is emerging as one such responsible endeavor in order to undo some of the damage.Ecotourism or 'ecological tourism' appeals to socially- conscious individuals, which typically involves travelling to offbeat destinations where flora,fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Eco travel is meant especially for tourists willing to venture into a vacation far away from the commotion of rest of the world and learn about the different cultural and geographical beauty of a place. ecotourism, a nature- based travel, is relatively a new trend that aims to conserve the natural resources(environment)and improved the well- being of the local people. 'Cultural Tourism' and 'Heritage Tourism' are older terms in comparison to Ecotourism, as they are about offering tourists a glimpse of cultural nuances and exploration of historical destinations. On the other hand, Ecotourism in India is different ; it has border inferences since the place might be naturally as well as historically and culturally rich. Letting eco - conscious travelers enjoy the best possible joy of being in complete serenity and harmony with the nature, eco - travel is an ideal model created by nature- based modern sustainable tourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves of well being of local people". Thus, Ecotourism in India aims to integrated nature conservation , local communities and travelers. Hence, it is a good way to spend yours holidays by getting closer to nature and indulging in all activities like camping, trekking, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing across the Ghats, glaciers, desert and safaris etc.

Tourism In Egypt

Egypt's tourism industry is among the most diverse and vibrant in the world. Beyond the pristine beaches and year - round sunshine, Egypt's long and varied history, rich cultural heritage and unique geographical features  make it popular destination for adventure, Eco, sailing, diving, health and cultural tourism and for the  religious tourism two sites of importance.

There is a remarkable development of existing tourism sectors like group tourism, beach tourism and cultural tourism through tightening of quality controls, capacity and infrastructure development. Boarding of the tourism offering to also include key sectors like business travel, conventions and special areas like Golf, Yachting, Medical, Adventure and Sports. Expanding  the sources of tourism to include more tourists from Asia and the wider Middle East through dedicated marketing campaigns.

Developing new areas of the country, most notable Egypt's North coast, which represents one of the finest under developed areas on the Mediterranean sea. Provision of incentives for investors to invest not only in hotels, but also in services like shopping and associated infrastructure . Implementation a comprehensive sustainability strategy to ensure that the envisaged growth can be absorbed while maintaining Egypt's valuable tourism assets for future generations

Indo Egyptian Tourism1

Tourism

Introduction

We present you a marvelous and judicious selection of tourism data collected by the students of our school S.K.S. Public School, Mangalpur, Ranignaj, in the form of a blog developing the Eco Tourism of India and Tourism of Egypt. The students of class IX & X have spanned their attention and efforts to bring this activity successful under the ISA program proposed by the British Council.  We are also indebted and thankful to Tanta Modern School, Egypt for their collaborative and active support in making this blog successful. The students have taken manifold efforts to provide the followers of the blog a complete and enriching experience of tourism of both the countries. We always welcome suggestion and feedback from our followers for the enhancement of the content and blog development.