Agasthyamala biosphere

Agasthyarkoodam is a 1,868-metre-tall peak within Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala in the Western Ghats of South India.

1. SEMINAR ON AGASTHYAMALA BIOSPHERE RESERVE TEPS 2019 Guided by BABU RENGARAJ Assistant Professor Presented by ARYA S MADHU MBA Travel and Tourism KITTS, Trivandrum

2. TOURISM AND ECOTOURISM What is tourism Although many of us have been “tourists” at some point in our lives, defining what tourism actually is can be difficult. Tourism is the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes for not more than one consecutive year .. With tourism sector contributing to ~10% to the global GDP and accounting for 1 in 11 jobs worldwide, it has emerged as a powerful instrument for socio-economic development. It is the largest service industry globally in terms of gross revenue as well as foreign exchange earnings.  What is Ecotourism Ecotourism (Part of sustainable tourism) As an eco-tourist, you decide to travel in a way that shows respect to nature and does not contribute to its degradation.  It is a part of  environmental conservation. It is understanding what the needs of the people are who are local to the area so that you can help to improve their quality of life. It is learning more about the history of other cities and preserving the historical landmarks . Thenmala is the first planned ecotourism destination. “Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015).  Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.”

3. TYPES OF ECO TOURISTS According to United Nations Hard Eco tourist Soft Eco tourist Adventure Eco tourist .

4. INFRASTRUCTURE TOURISM Physical Cultural Service Governance ECOTOURISM Eco lodges Tree houses Canopy walking

5. AGASTHYAMALA BIOSPHERE RESERVE ( established in 2001 ) Location : The Western Ghats Trivandrum-78km | Bonacaud-28km | Vithura-198km | Quilon-123km | Palode-56km | Nedumangad-33.6km | (This includes the trek distance of 28kms ). Established in 2001 and includes 3,500.36 km 2  (1,351.50  sq  mi) of which 1828 km² is in  Kerala and 1672.36 km² is in Tamil Nadu ( Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu and the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala) Listed under UNESCO's world list of biosphere reserve (March 2016) Administrative authorities:  Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Conservator of Forests Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney , Peppara and Neyyar , are located in the site, as well as the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve . The reserve hosts 2,254 species of higher plants, 79 species of mammals, 88 species of reptiles, 45 species of amphibians, 46 species of fishes, 337 species of birds ( biogeographical ‘hot spot’), Arogyapach a , one such famous and rare medicinal plant is found here , Tiger, Ancient Elephant and Nilgiri Tahr . H ome to Kanikaran tribes from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala (3000)

6. INFRASTRUCTURE Time to visit : January to March Online booking (closed for this year)-500rs 100 persons a day Entry till 11AM INFRASTRCTURE PHYSICAL : Canteen (veg), camps, first aid and wireless service provided by the locals, narrow and rocky paths ,no drinking water (streams), no shops on the way, no plastic zone (strict checking) CULTURAL : Religious worships, (idols of Hindu Gods and Agasthya muni at the top), tribes have immense knowledge and hence they works as guides (Tamil n Malayalam)- against pilgrimage SERVICE : 32 local guides (accompanies every groups), No network coverage, no google map service, camps are set in ATHIRAMALA (night stay) GOVERNANCE : Managed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu Govts , allowed only through forest department permits or online booking, Strict verification and checking, Insurance for travelers,orientation class, Police escorts for women.

7. ACTIVITIES Two day trekking Pilgrimage Photography Adventures Rope climbing This tribal settlement relies on the biological resources for their survival here (fishing, agriculture and hunting), works as local guides, have immense knowledge about medicinal plants, have built camps for providing first aid and wireless service, carries food to the canteen from Kottur . Time to visit : January to March Things to carry : Food, water, camera, walking stick, salt, money, glucose, caps, socks Eco development project for biodiversity conservation. Women entry is allowed (100 registrations, First women to climb : Dhanya Sanal )

8. Do’s and Don’ts Do’s Follow the guidelines Should carry food and water Should travel in groups Keep silence Don'ts No plastic, alcohol, drugs, perfumes Do not wear fluorescent color dress People below 14 years are not allowed Do not go to core areas

9. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Biosphere hotspot I ncluded in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO . Best trekking experience Efficient and effective management THREATS Intruders Sandal trafficking Idol worship WEAKNESS Poor infrastructure Pilgrimage Less Facilities No exclusive website OPPORTUNITIES Provide booking reservations for foreign tourists.

10. CONCLUSION Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks in Kerala and is famous for it’s rare medicinal plans and herbs. This peak is  part of the Western Ghats and towers to a height of 1868 meters above sea level. Agasthyakoodam (commonly known  as Agastya Mala / Agasthyamalai / Agathiyar Malai  and   Agastyarkoodam ) is also a  famous pilgrimage center know after the sage Agasthya . The pilgrimage involves a trek of 56km (28km one side) from   Bonacaud / Bonaccord  making it a  trekker’s paradise. The  main attractions  of Agasthyakoodam  are it’s evergreen forests, grasslands,rare herbs, biodiversity, mind blowing scenic beauty  and the chance of  seeing wild animals. Other places of tourist importance include  Bonacaud Estate,  Meenmutty Falls and Ponmudi   . The main activities you can indulge in are adventure, photography and trekking. You can also spend time in the small streams at the base camp.