Forest dept creates tourism spots in Eastern Ghats
Chennai: This summer, ditch the crowd and discover the tranquil beauty of the Eastern Ghats, where the state govt's eco-tourism wing is offering a refreshing alternative to the usual getaways in the Western Ghats.
The Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR) has launched eco-tourism across seven picturesque and culturally rich destinations within the Eastern Ghats. According to I Anwardeen, chief project director, these spots were handpicked for their distinctive landscapes and cultural value.
What sets this initiative apart is its community-driven model. Local tribal communities manage these tourism sites under the supervision of district forest officials.
The income generated directly supports these communities, enhancing their livelihoods while promoting conservation.
The destinations include two locations each in the Salem and Namakkal forest divisions, and one each in Tiruvannamalai, Hosur, and Tiruppattur.
Visitors can experience these eco-friendly retreats at prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000, making them both affordable and impactful. The trekking sheds are thoughtfully placed in secluded, hill-surrounded areas where even mobile connectivity is absent, allowing for a true escape into nature.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
In Namakkal district, Kolli Hills stands out with its Akaasaganga waterfall, where guests staying in trekking sheds can relax in natural surroundings. The area is also known for its abundant pineapple and tapioca cultivation and boasts thousands of medicinal plant species used by traditional healers.
Aiyur village in the Hosur Forest Division is another highlight. Here, a forest department guest house nestles within a bamboo grove. From October to February, the weather remains delightfully cold. A zipline installed on-site offers adventure amidst the serene forest, and a waterfall lies just a few kilometers away.
These examples are just a glimpse of the offerings in the Eastern Ghats developed by the TBGPCCR.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Masula beach festival concludes on grand note in Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada: A sea of people gathered at Manginapudi beach to spend some time there and experience various adventure water sports, on the last day of the four-day Masula beach festival. It was organised by the tourism and sports authority of AP, along with Krishna district administration. The crowd turnout was relatively high as Sunday was a holiday, and tens of thousands of people arrived to attend the beach festival and took a dip in the sea. The festival, organised after a hiatus of nearly six years, exceeded expectations, with around 12 lakh people expected to visit the beach festival over the last four days. They immersed themselves in beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, heli rides, para gliding, sea kayaking, and other water sports competitions. Aiming to develop Manginapudi Beach into a world-class beach, attract international tourists, and promote tourism, state govt organised the four-day beach festival in the coastal town of Machilipatnam from June 5 to June 8. A host of celebrities from the Telugu fraternity attended the beach festival. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo There were singers, musicians, and dancers who performed at the music concerts and dance performances organised as part of the beach festival. Additionally, the local residents recognised the huge tourism potential at Manginapudi beach, and requested govt to make the beach festival a regular affair. They urged excise minister and Machilipatnam legislator Kollu Ravindra to conduct the beach festival every year henceforth.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Chariot built in city to be pulled during Rath Yatra in Ireland
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: A specially crafted chariot built in Bhubaneswar will be pulled during the Rath Yatra in Dublin and Cork this year, after being assembled in Ireland. Components of the chariot, which is 12-ft high and 8-ft wide, and decor, weighing 1,322 kg, completed a 9,000-km journey over 4 months, from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, then to a Gujarat port to Rotterdam, and finally to Dublin by road. The chariot was assembled at Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre Ireland (VHCCI), Dublin, where it remains stored following a successful road test. The chariot has been built by Basudev Maharana, a carpenter from Old Town area along with his two associates. "Getting a skilled carpenter capable of constructing a portable and cost-effective rath proved difficult and required months of searching. Eventually we selected Basudev Maharana, who completed the work in July last year," said Amit Misra, a member of Odia Samaj. Odisha craftspersons created custom-made cloth, horses and wheel components. Maharana used sal wood for its water-resistant properties and longevity. "On Akshaya Tritiya, we worshipped the wood as per our tradition and started work," said Maharana. The logistics presented significant challenges, particularly transporting the consignment of chariot parts, covers and décor to Dublin. The total expenditure, including construction, transport, customs and handling, amounted to Rs 10 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что о вас может рассказать поза во время сна? Удивительные Новости Undo From now on, the chariot will be assembled and dismantled annually. "Volunteers with DIY expertise assembled the chariot components using photographic references," he added. "As Lord Jagannath's devotees, we maintain the traditions and custom. The chariot and Rath Yatra celebration following complete rituals as practised in Puri, demonstrates our gratitude, love and dedication to Lord Jagannath, who governs our hearts and minds," said Misra.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Philippines now visa-free for Indian tourists
Philippines now visa-free for Indian tourists NEW DELHI: Philippines has joined the increasing ranks of countries that have become visa-free for Indian tourists from Sunday. Post-Covid, several places have gone either visa-free or visa-on-arrival to attract the high-spending desi tourists. These include Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka (free electronic visa), Seychelles, Maldives, Philippines, Indonesia (visa on arrival) and Hong Kong (online pre-clearance required), according to Travel Agents Federation of India VP Anil Kalsi. 'Indian nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days for tourism purposes, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation/ booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination,' according to the website of the embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi. The reason for this change is also stated clearly: 'enhancing tourism arrivals from India.' 'Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible period of 30 days for tourism, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination,' it adds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Forget To Block Ads Before Sunday Lifestyle Tech Tips Click Here Undo These updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals can be availed of at any Philippine port of entry, and are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in order to be admitted into the country without a visa. 'Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals. Indian nationals who are eligible for e-Visas may also apply through the official Philippine e-Visa website . The DFA reminds that e-Visas may not be extended or converted to other visa-based stay or other admission status categories,' the embassy says. India has seen a spurt in outbound travel post-Covid by its nationals, while foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) to the country are yet to return to 2019 levels. In 2024, India is provisionally estimated to have received about 97 lakh FTAs, about 1.4% more than the previous year. India had crossed the 1-crore FTA mark for the first time in 2017 and had peaked at 1.1 crore in 2019. On the other hand, more Indians are travelling to foreign shores than they did in pre-Covid times. Barring the West, other countries — especially in Southeast Asia — are going all out to woo the high-spending desi globetrotters by majorly simplifying visas to boost their economies. The travel industry in India is requesting Govt to take steps to help boost inbound numbers that will create much-needed jobs and earn forex.
