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Tourism Management 99 PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN PALANI HILLS

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 PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN PALANI HILLS

1. Introduction

Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry and are the major source of foreign exchange earnings for
many developing countries. The world Tourism Organisation (WTO) reports that receipts from
international tourism grow by an average annual rate of 9% between 1988 and 1997. The number of
international tourist arrival reached more than 664 million in 1999 (well over 10% of the World’s
population). In 2012,International tourists arrivals grew by 4%surpassing a record one tourists globally
for the first time in history.Asia and Pacific saw the highest growth of all regions with 7% more
international tourists. International arrivals reached 1035 million, up from 996 million in 2011. Demand
held well throughout the year, with a stronger than expected fourth quarter. Despite ongoing economic
challenges the growth of internal arrivals worldwide is expected to continue in 2013 at a similar to slightly
slower pace ( +3% to +4% )and in line with UNWTO long term outlook tourism towards 2030, which
projects an average growth of 3.8% per year between 2010 and 2020.

2. Eco-Tourism

Among the various type of tourism, Eco tourism is gaining popular at international level. The World
Conservation Union (IUCN) defines ecotourism as: “...environmentally responsible travel and visitation to
relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying
cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact,
and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations” (IUCN, 1996).

The travel industry defines ecotourism as: “purposeful travel that creates an understanding of cultural
and natural history, while safeguarding the integrity of the ecosystem and producing economic benefits
that encourage conservation . . . The long-term survival of this special type of travel is inextricably linked
to the existence of the natural resources that support it” (Bandy, 1996 quoting: Ryel and Grasse

Tourism Management 99
1991:164).The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as: “responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people”. According to the World
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) tourism that involves travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas
with the specified objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and
animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects [both of the past and the present] found in these areas is
defined as ecotourism. An optimum number of environment friendly visitor activities, which do not have
any serious impact on the ecosystem and the local community and the positive involvement of the local
community in maintaining the ecological balance are some of its key elements (UNWTO, 2002).

2.1. World Ecotourism summit: To familiarize the importance and development of Eco tourism, The
World Ecotourism summit was held in Quebec City, Canada from 19th to 22nd May 2002. This was the
principle event to mark 2002 as a international year of Ecotourism. The summit was the initiative of the
WORLD Tourism Organisation (WTO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It was hosted by
Tourisme Quebec and the Canadian Tourism Commission. iThese four organizations were the partners
responsible for the summit. The purpose of the summit was to bring together governments, international
agencies, NGOs, tourism enterprises, representatives of local and indigenous communities, academic
institutions and individuals with an interest in ecotourism and enable them to learn from each other and
identify some agreed principles and priorities for the future developments and management of
Ecotourism.
The main themes discussed in the international meet are:

A. Ecotourism planning and policy- the sustainability challenge.

B. Regulation of Ecotourism: institutional responsibilities and frameworks
C. Product development, Marketing and promotion of Ecotourism: fostering sustainable products
and consumers.
D. Monitoring costs and benefits of Ecotourism: ensuring equitable distribution among all
stakeholders

3. Objectives

The main objective of the study is to discuss the principle and components of Ecotourism, to discuss the
issues and resources available in the Palani hills and to provide better suggestions for the development
Ecotourism in Plani Hills.

4. Components of Eco-tourism

The main components of Ecotourism are

 Contributes to conservation of bio-diversity.

 Sustains the well being of local people.
 Includes an interpretation/ learning experience.
 Involves responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry.
 Is delivered primarily to small groups by small scale businesses.

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  Requires lowest possible consumption of non renewable energy resources.
 Stresses local participation, ownership and business opportunities, particularly for rural
people.

5. Principles of Ecotourism

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.

6. Ecotourism in Palani Hills

The Palani Hills are a mountain range in Tamil Nadu state of South India. The Palani Hills are an
eastward extension of the Western Ghats ranges, which run parallel to the west coast of India. The
Palani Hills adjoin the high Anamalai range on the west, and extend east into the plains of Tamil Nadu,
covering an area of 2,068 square kilometres . The highest part of the range is in the southwest, and
reaches 1,800-2,500 metres (5,906-8,202 feet) elevation; the eastern extension of the range is made up
of hills 1,000-1,500 m (3,281-4,921 ft) high. The range lies between the Cumbum Valley on the south,
which is drained by the Vaigai River and its upper tributaries, and the Kongunadu region to the north.
The northern slopes are drained by the Shanmukha River, Nanganji River, and Kodavanar River, which
are tributaries of the Kaveri River. The range lies mostly within Dindigul district, except in the western
portion, where it forms the boundary between Dindigul district and Theni district to the south. The hill
station of Kodaikanal lies in the southern central portion of the range.

The lower elevations of the Palani Hills, between 250 and 1,000 m (820-3,281 ft), are part of the South
Western Ghats moist deciduous forests ecoregion. Above 1,000 m (3,281 ft), the deciduous forests
transition to the evergreen South Western Ghats montane rain forests. In the highest portions of the
range, above 2,000 m (6,562 ft), the montane rainforests give way to shola-grassland mosaic, made up
of frost-tolerant montane grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted shola forests.

The Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a Protected area in Dindigul District. The Park will
be an upgrade and expansion of the 736.87 km² (PRO) Palani (Kodaikanal) Wildlife Sanctuary which was
established in 2008. The park includes about 36% of the 2,068 square kilometres (798 sq mi) in
the Palani Hills. The park is located between Latitude 10°7' - 10°28' N and Longitude 77°16' - 77°46' E.

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Central location 10°14′43″N 77°31′26″E is 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) east northeast of Silver Cascade
Waterfall and 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) E X NE of Kodaikanal Lake.

In 1906, the great undulating plateau on top of the Palanis comprising four Forest ranges were
consolidated under the Indian Forest Act of 1878 and designated by the British Government as a single
Reserve Forest, from Kodaikanal town to the Kerala state border in the west and
the Bodinayakkanur town limits to the south, and given the name of the Ampthill Downs. It was over 53
square miles (140 km2) in extent and about one quarter of it then consisted of sholas and three quarters
was open, rolling, grassy downs.ii The Ampthill Downs area is now named Upper Palani Shola Reserved
Forest and totals 145.7 square kilometres (56.3 sq mi) (36,000 acres) of forest land. It is the largest
reserve forest division in the Palani Hills. The core of the proposed Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary awaiting
government notification is located in this division. iii In 1988, the new 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi)
Kodaikanal-Berijam Wildlife Sanctuary was included in the protected area proposals considered to be of
national priority status by the Wildlife Institute of India. iv In the early 1990s, the Tamil Nadu Forest
Department submitted a proposal to the State government to protect much of the Palani Hills by
declaring the area a wildlife sanctuary or a national park. vThe proposed park area includes only reserve
forest land. These forests are already among the protected areas of Tamil Nadu. Their upgrade to Wildlife
Sanctuary and National Park will increase their IUCN status from level VI - Protected Area with
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources to IV - Habitat/Species Management Area or II -National Park and
improve the habitat and wildlife conservation of the area.The Sanctuary has been under consideration of
vi
the Government of India in consultation with the Government of Tamil Nadu since 1999. The actual
park boundaries have not been finalized. In 2007, proposals for declaration of Kodaikanal Wildlife
vii
Sanctuary were under consideration of the Government.

On August 13, 2012, in an apparent change away from plans for notification of parts of the Palani Hills as
a separate wildlife sanctuary, the Tamil Nadu Gazette notification attached parts of Kodaikanal and
Dindigul divisions of reserve forests to the buffer zone ofAnnamalai Tiger Reserve. About 5155.42
hectares of forest land belonging to Palani Hills Northern Slope, Andipatty reserve forest, 4,344.53 acres
in Kudraiyar block forest and 5,548.49 hectares in Mannavanur Range in Kodaikanal will be included in
the buffer zone. The villages and hamlets that now form part of the Palani Hills buffer zone
are Poondi, Mannavanur, Kilavarai, Polur, Kavunchi, Kumbur,Kilanavayal, Kukkal, Pazhamputhur and
Puthurpuram.

The increasingly important economic role of Eco-tourism, including:

trekking, hiking, camping, mountaineering, rock climbing and bird watching may help local vested
interests to welcome this new Protected area. It remains to be seen whether the Wildlife Sanctuary and
National Park will stimulate or stifle commercial development and tourism. The decision to finally
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establish the Park must balance short term financial benefits of the status quo versus long
term stability of the natural and human community.

7. Mountains

The Palani hills are most prominent towards the west, ranging from 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) to 2,553
metres (8,376 ft) (5,906 ft - 8,376 ft). The ten most prominent peaks are:

TABLE: 1
MOST PROMINENT PEAKS IN PALANI HILLS
Sl.No
Name of the Peak Height in Meter

1 Vandaravu 2,553

2 Ibex Peak 2,517

3 Vembadi Peak 2,505

4 Gundar 2461

5 Karunmakadu 2451

6 Sandana Parai 2404

7 Venkombu 2327

8 Tina Vardi 2270

9 Perumal Malai 2236

10 Vellari Malai 2229

The hill station of Kodaikanal stands in a 2,195 m (7,202 ft) high basin at the southern edge of the
central part. The eastern end of the park is made of hills 1000–1500 m (3,281 ft - 4,921 ft) high.viii

The Tamil Nadu Department of Geology and Mining has completed detailed Geo-Technical Studies of the
ix
Palni Hills determining moderate to high landslide danger in much of the area.

8. Waterfalls in Palani Hills

There are many waterfalls throughout the Park which are popular tourist attractions. Some of the
prominent falls associated with the park are

TABLE: 2
WATER FALLS IN PALANI HILLS

Sl.No Name of the Waterfalls Location

1 Alanthoni Falls Manjampatti Valley

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 2 Bamen Falls Indira Gandhi Nationla park

3 Bear Shola 2 km from Kodaikanal

4 Fairy Falls 5 km from Kodaikanal

5 Glen Falls Vilpatti

6 Gundar Falls

7 Neptune Falls 14 km Kodaikanal

8 Palar Upper Falls 27 km from Kodaikanal

9 Palar Lower Falls 27 km from Kodaikanal

10 Poombarai Falls

11 Pambar Falls 3 km from Kodaikanal

12 Silver Cacade 8 km from Kodaikanal

13 Skamba Falls 8 km from Kodaikanal

14 Snake Falls Just below Pambar Falls

15 Thalaiyar Falls Highest (279m) water fall in

Tamilnadu

16 Gaur Vellaiya Falls 11 km on Kodai – Munnar road

17 Kathirikkai Falls Kodai-Munnar road

18 Dolphine Nose Falls Dolphin nose

19 Vandaravu Falls Vandaravu Peak, South west

corner of Palani Hills

20 Kudi raiyar Falls 4 km northwest of Kukkal

21 Polur Falls NA

22 Poodi Falls NA

23 Kumbakarai Falls Palani foot hills, near Perikulam.

24 Allinagaram Falls Allinagaram reserved forest

9. Tribals in Palani Hills

Nomadic Paliyan tribes people have been seen living in some of the several caves in Manjampatti Valley.
Paliyan people can be seen near Kukal Cave. The Tamil speaking Pulayan are referred to as the
MalaPulayans, a group categorized as scheduled caste by State government of Tamil Nadu. Their
traditional livelihood is foraging yams and small gaming in the nearby forest areas combined with

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cultivation of several species of minor millets in small plots located near their hamlets to meet their
subsistence requirements.

They live in small hamlets in huts and government constructed colonies. The sedentary life started with
the construction of group houses by the government in the early sixties. The community is vertically
divided into two sub divisions called Koora and Kanni, further subdivided into 47 sub sects. Each sub sect
is called Kootams, which regulates certain social events. Each kootam has it own deity, which is common
to the entire group and once yearly the members of the same kootam assemble to worship the deity.x

Many native tribals in the Palani Hills have partially assimilated modern culture but are marginalized on
the fringes of society. Their social, economic and physical survival has become a difficult challenge for
xi
them and several public and private agencies. Their ancient culture in this area is well documented.
Relics and artifacts of the Paliyan tribes people can be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. xii

10. Facilities for Tourists

The accommodation facilities are very few. Only Forest department guest houses are available and it
mostly occupied by the government officials. The connecting roads are in poor condition. There are no
exclusive restaurants for tourists and food is available at local restaurants. Due to poor transport
facilities, accommodation facilities the inflow of tourists are low. But the tourism spots are highly
attractive.

11. Recommendations

To improve the inflow of tourists the following recommendations are suggested

 The government should establish open dialogue with local communities, private companies and
NGOs.
 Government should develop transparent communication, consultation and decision making
process.
 Public-private partnership should be seen as a key facilitating mechanism, particularly for
informing and educating the travelling public about the consequences of their travels as well as
their potential for beneficial action.
 Capacity building and awareness programme has to be conducted among local communities to
participate effectively in sustainable Ecotourism development programme.
 Human Resource development training programme has to be organized to enable the indigenous
people and local communities to Plan, manage and develop Ecotourism activities.
 A strategy has to be designed in order to develop Ecotourism marketing using electronic medias
and internet facilities to attract national as well as global visitors.
 Infrastructure like roads, accommodation and services could be improved in the destinations to
attract more visitors. The concept of Ecolodges has to be introduced to facilitate the tourists to
have better accommodation.
 Formulate Ecotourism plans jointly between public agencies ,NGOs and other stakeholders, with
long term vision and clear goals.

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  Develop tools to assists in planning and management of ecotourism (eg. Appropriate land use
planning and visitor management techniques)
 Government should facilitate by involving development agencies, NGOs, private businesses and
others in building local capacity, to encourage participation and employment of local people.
 There should be a cordial relationship among Tourism department, Forest department and
Environmentalists and to take a collaborative approach for planning and policy development in
Ecotourism and Biodiversity.

12. Conclusion

By increasing local capacity building and employment opportunities, ecotourism is an effective vehicle for
empowering local communities in the Palani Hills to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable
development. By effectively implementing the above recommendations the tourist inflow into the Palani
Hills will be improved and there by the economic conditions of the local community will be developed.

References:

1. http://www.ecotourism.org/filedepot?fid=15
2. http://www.ecotourism.org/ties-research-papers
3. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14724040208668109
4. http://www.ecotourism.org/membership?gclid=CP_VuqK42LUCFY966wodYHMApg
5. http://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Ecotourism/111
6. http://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Ecotourism/24801
7. Ecotourism Development in India, Bhatt
8. Ecotourism: Impacts, Potentials and Possibilities?: Stephen Wearing, John Neil, 2009
9. Ecotourism David A. Fennell: Nov.2007.
10. Ecotourism:An Introduction, David A. Fennell: Nov.2007.
11. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Martha Honey, Aug.2008

Endnotes:

i
http://pub.unwto.org/WebRoot/Store/Shops/Infoshop/Products/1269/1269-1.pdf
ii
Francis, W. Indian Civil Service (1906). "V - Forests". Madras District Gazateers - Madura. Madras: Superintendent, Government
Press. pp. 139 - on the Palni Plateaus.
iii
Roshan, George. "National Parks and Sanctuaries : Kodaikanal". Wildvistas. Retrieved 1 April 2010
iv
Mathur, Vinod B.; Rogers, W. Alan; Panwar, Hemendra S. (2002). Wildlife Protected Area Network in India: A Review.Full Volume.
Dehra Dun: Wildlife Institute of India. pp. Summary of Protected Area Proposals Considered to be of National Priority Status.
v
The Hindu, Frontline,Volume 20 - Issue 16, August 02–15, 2003, "On The Danger List" by Ian Lockwood, an excellent and
comprehensive description of the Palani Hills "On The Danger List"
vi
environment and forests department, policy note on forest department 2001-2002, demand no. 44 - forests and demand no.58 -
capital outlay on forests
vii
Selvaraj, N., Minister for Forests. "1.5.3. Biodiversity Conservation, Landscape and Protected Areas Management". POLICY NOTE
2006–2007 Demand No. 15. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Forest Department. pp. 4. Retrieved 25 March 2010
viii
Gurung Dr. Harka (Sept, 1999) "Mountains of South Asia", Asia Pacific Mountain Network,Vol. 4, No. 2, retrieved Mar 23,
2010"Mountains of South Asia"
ix
Industries Department, POLICY NOTE - 2005-2006, DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINING Industries Dept.
x
^ Surukumar, R.; Venkataraman, Dr. Arun; Varma, Surendra; Kumar, N. Venkatesa (October 1998). The Asian Elephant In
Southern India, Dindigul - Territorial Forest Division - Data. A GIS Database for Conservation of Project Elephant Reserves. Centre

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 for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore: Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, Asian Elephant Conservation
and Research Centre. pp. 53
xi
Ibid
xii
www.travelportalindia Shenbaganur Museum.com

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