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Our Heritage "Eco-Tourism for Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection-A

Study on Kudremukha National Park, Karnataka" *Vinaya Kumara K S
**Dr.Binoy T A *Assistant Professor, Depar...

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Our Heritage
ISSN: 0474-9030

Vol-68-Issue-30-February-2020

“Eco-Tourism for Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection- A

Study on Kudremukha National Park, Karnataka”

*Vinaya Kumara K S **Dr.Binoy T A

*Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Pooja Bhagavat
Memorial Mahajana Education Centre, PG Campus, Mettagalli, Mysore, Karnataka.
** Chairman, Dept. of PG Studies and Research in Tourism Administration, Kuvempu
University, Shankaraghatta, Shivamoga. Karnataka.

Abstract:
Ecotourism is a sub-component in the field of sustainable tourism development in the
world wide. Ecotourism is perceived as an effective tool for sustainable development. It focuses
primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats,
as well as cultural artifacts from the locality of the place and symbiotic and complex relationship
between the environment and tourist activities is possible when ecotourism philosophy is
translated into appropriate policy, careful planning and tactful in effective tourism planning and
development in India . Kudremukha is a mountain range and name of the peak located in
chickmagalore district in Karnataka. Kudremukha national park is the second largest wildlife
protected areas belonging to a tropical wet evergreen type of forest in the WestrenGhats. This
paper highlights the Significance of Ecotourism for Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection and
its Socio-cultural and economic benefits to the local community. Ecotourism is seen as a win –
win solution for the preservation and conservation of tourism resources in India.

Key Words: Eco-Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Local Community, Natural and Cultural
Heritage.

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Introduction:
Tourism is not an activity for pastime and entertainment but is an enriching and energizing
activity. Tourism is the right vehicle for a developing country like India which is on the path of
modern economic growth through structural transformation of the economy. The value-added
effect of tourism is increasing. Sustainable tourism has vast scope in India by convergence of
landscapes with finances capes, techno capes, and Media capes.
India‘s tourism industry has witnessed upsurge in recent years, paying rich dividends to both
consumers and producers. The role of Tourism is essential in the economic and socio-cultural
development of a country. Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in India. The
tourism industry employs a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled. Hotels, travel
agencies, transport including airlines benefit a lot from this industry.
Tourism promotes national assimilation and it generates foreign exchange. It promotes cultural
activities and tourism also promotes the traditional handicrafts sector in the community. The
tourist gets an insight into the rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage in India. India is one
of the popular Eco-tourist destinations in Asia.
India offers a wide array of places to see and things to do. The delighting backwaters, hill
stations and landscapes make India a beautiful country. Historical monuments, forts, beaches,
places of religious interests, hill resorts, etc. Add to the grandeur of the country. They attract
tourists from all over the world. India is probably the only country that offers various categories
of tourism. These include history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, spiritual tourism,
Ecotourism, sustainable tourism etc,.
Objectives of the Study:
The main objective of the study is to Ecotourism for Natural and Cultural Heritage Protection.
The sub objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To study the Eco-Tourism potentiality of Kudremukha.

2. To understand the Do‘s and Don‘ts of Ecotourism for protection of Natural and Cultural
heritage at Kudremukha.

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Scope of the Study:

The study scope covers the Ecotourism for Natural and Cultural heritage protection. The study
area covers Kudremukha national park and in and around tourism destinations of kudreremukha
belt (Mullodi, Balagal and Samse villages). The present study is purely secondary based data
and pure conceptual paper. The data has been collected through various secondary sources which
include various research paper reviews, magazine, websites and newspaper articles.
Problem Statement:
Tourism activities in addition to generate the positive impacts, it can also generate negative
impacts on the Socio-Cultural and the natural environment. It can lead to Cultural and
environmental pollution or environmental degradation. Therefore, the present Tourism Practices
in Kudreremukha are not in Sustainable way. However, the present study critically analyses the
Ecotourism initiatives for the protection of natural and cultural heritage at Kudremukha.

Concept of Eco-Tourism:
Ecotourism is the fastest growing sector, with an estimated growth rate of 10 to15%, of one of
the largest industries in the world tourism (Pano 1995). Ecotourism has been defined as
environmentally responsible, enlightening 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 visitor impact, and provides for beneficially
active socioeconomic involvement of local populations .
According to this definition, ecotourism can involve both cultural and environmental tourism
and, in addition, benefits to the local population should be an integral part of the activity.
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‖.

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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 Organization (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.

Principles of Ecotourism:
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that
those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following
ecotourism principles:
 Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
 Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
 Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
 Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
 Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
 Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host
countries' political, environmental, and social climates.
 Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
 Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in our community and
work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
Concept of Natural and Cultural Heritage:

Heritage is that which is inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed
to future generations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States
defines heritage tourism as "travelling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that
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authentically represent the stories and people of the past," and "heritage tourism can include
cultural, historic and natural resources.

Natural heritage refers to the sum total of the elements of biodiversity, including flora and fauna
and ecosystem types, together with associated geological structures and formations
(geodiversity). The term "Natural Heritage" was picked up by the Science Division of The
Nature Conservancy when, under Robert E. Jenkins, Jr., it launched in 1974 what ultimately
became the network of state natural heritage programs -- one in each state, all using the
same methodology and all supported permanently by state governments because they
scientifically document conservation priorities and facilitate science-based environmental
reviews. When this network was extended outside the United States, the term "Conservation
Data Center" was suggested by Guillermo Mann and came to be preferred for programs outside
the US. Despite the name difference, these programs, too, use the same core methodology as the
50 state natural heritage programs.

Cultural Heritage is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed
on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic
expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either Intangible or Tangible
Cultural Heritage (ICOMOS, 2002).

As part of human activity Cultural Heritage produces tangible representations of the value
systems, beliefs, traditions and lifestyles. As an essential part of culture as a whole, Cultural
Heritage, contains these visible and tangible traces form antiquity to the recent past. Cultural
Heritage can be distinguished in: Built Environment (Buildings, Townscapes, and
Archaeological remains), Natural Environment (Rural landscapes, Coasts and shorelines,
Agricultural heritage) and Artifacts (Books & Documents, Objects, and Pictures).
Eco-Tourism in Karnataka:

The state of Karnataka is one of the top ten domestic tourism destinations in India and was
ranked fifth in 2016. The state has various tourism assets such as beaches, hill stations, heritage
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monuments, national parks, wild life sanctuaries etc. Given the variety of the tourism assets, the
state is promoted under the tagline ―One state, many worlds‖. Karnataka rich with scenic beauty
is located at the southern part of India. Resourceful with all kind of verities including temples,
wild life sanctuaries, waterfalls, cosmopolitan cities, valleys, hill resorts, beaches etc., Karnataka
is a must visit state in India for all tourist enthusiasts and will not get disappointed. The weather
is very moderate at southern districts. The temperature remains ideal throughout the year. Most
part of the Karnataka state are agriculture lands as the state is rich in rivers. The western part has
Arabian sea and then the range of Western Ghats follows. This is the eighth largest state in India
both in area and population. This state is famous for its natural beauty, rich culture and pleasant
climate. Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka and is famous as IT hub housing many small
and large IT companies. Kannada is the official (spoken and public correspondence) language of
the state.

Eco tourism is the heartbeat of Karnataka and Pulsating with life time experiences, where we
inhale the silence of the moment that brings peace to our soul-twinkling rivers, sweeping
landscapes, majestic wildlife, Ivory beaches and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Karnataka is
a home to some of the world heritage sites. Its geography has created some of the awesome eco-
tourism places like Madikei, Agumbe, Coorg, Shimoga and many more. The gateway to paradise
on earth where nature best kept secrets has been ecologically preserved and natured for the
family. A dramatic pause in time when Jungle and Resorts lets we enjoy a breath of spring
protected and preserved all its natural way. Karnataka tourism has chosen Jungle and Resorts to
conserve ecology and wildlife because of its responsibility and commitment to preserve wildlife
and protect our environment from deforestation air and water pollution and more. To make it
easier for us to take a break from urban living, Jungle and Resorts provides creature comforts at
all its eco-tourism destinations in Karnataka. A unit of Karnataka tourism Jungle Lodges and
resorts was established almost two decades ago. Set amidst natural landscapes of babbling
brooks and beckoning hills, each resort is an oasis of peace with an enchanting atmosphere. Eco-
tourism in Karnataka is expected to receive a big boost with the state cabinet on 15 August 2013
approving the proposal to set up Eco-tourism Development Board. It could help the government
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immensely in protecting the wildlife, creating awareness about it, encouraging eco-tourism,
forest safaris and also prevent damage to eco-system in the name of tourism. Karnataka
Ecotourism will promote responsible travel to natural areas and provide opportunities for visitors
to experience firsthand, understand and quietly enjoy states natural and cultural heritage. This
will lead to conservation of nature sustaining of ecological processes increased respect for local
cultural and tradition and tangible improvement in the local economy .Ecotourism provides the
recreation and promote understanding about nature and wildlife conservation priority to bio-
diversity conservation, ecosystem functioning and socio-economic development.

About Kudremukha National Park:

Kudremukha national park Known for its bio-diversity and mineral wealth, Kudremukha is
located in the Chickmagalore district of Karnataka. In Kannada, Kudremukha means
‗horse‘s face‘ and the place gets its name from a peak that resembles the face of a horse.
The beautiful landscapes of Kudremukha are a big crowd puller.

There are dense forests around the town and wildlife spotting is popular, even though the
forest cover makes it difficult to spot animals easily. You need to go deep in the jungle to
catch a glimpse of the wildlife. Three vital rivers — Bhadra, Nethravati and Tunga —
originate from the region.

The trekking trails through dense forests and tropical riverbeds with varying degrees of
difficulty attract those seeking an adrenaline rush. Tourist can see rare orchids and enjoy
the fresh mountain air as tourist explores the grassland. The Kudremukha range of
mountains was declared a national park in 1987. Tourist need to have prior permission and
a licensed guide to trek the summit.

The Kudremukha National Park is the second largest protected region in the Western Ghats
that is spread over an area spanning 600 sq km. The region is home to langurs, macaques,
barking deer, malabar giant squirrels and chitals. Leopards, t igers, jackals and wild dogs
have also been spotted here. The best time to visit Kudremukha is between October

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and February. The region in and around Kudremukha receives about 7,000 mm of rainfall
per year. With five sacred ponds l0ocated near the town — Amba Teertha, Naga Teertha,
Vasishtha Teertha, Rudra Teertha and Varaha Teertha — Kudremukh is also a popular
pilgrimage. Hanuman Gundi is one of the famous waterfall here.

Present Tourism Practices at Kudremukha:

Kudremukha National Park is divided into four ranges including Kudremukha, Kerekatte,
Kalasa, and Shimoga. It is surrounded by thick hilly forests, mainly evergreen and semi-
evergreen near the coastal plain in the west. Coffee and tea plantations extend in the north and
east boundaries. Kudremukha, also spelt as Kudremukha is a mountain range in
Chikkamagaluru district and also the name of a small hill station town situated near the
mountain. Kudremukha town is an iron ore mining town where the Public Sector Company
Kudremukha Iron Ore Company Ltd operated till the last decade. Surrounded by green hills
covered with forests, the town is known for its scenic beauty. The dense forests limit the scope
of sighting wildlife despite the area being rich in wildlife.

Tourism Activities are:

1. Trekking, Bird Watching, jeep safari (Ganapathi katte to Singsaar road) and Mountain
bike are the tourism activities in Kudremukha.
2. Bhagawathi Nature Camp is located inside the Kudremukha National Park.
3. Trekking is permitted from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm (as per forest rules).
4. The Lakya Dam there is drained most of the time and Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, on
the other hand, is a pleasant place to visit; entry is allowed from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

There are about 13 trekking routes in Kudremukha; the following are the major ones tourist
preferred trekking routes:

1. Samse - Kudremukha - Samse. The duration of this trek is around 4 days and 3 nights
and it covers a total distance of about 40 km.
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2. Navoor - Hevala - Kudremukh - Navoor. The duration of this trek is around 5 days and 4
nights and it covers a total distance of about 60 km.
3. Navoor - Kudremukha - Samse. The duration of this trek is around 5 days and 4 nights
and it covers a total distance of about 50 km.
4. Horanaadu - Sringeri. The duration of this trek is around 3 days and 2 nights and it
covers a total distance of about 30 km.

The Basic Eco-Tourism Do’s and Don’ts for Ecotourism:

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional
tourism on the natural and cultural environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local
people. The following are the Do‘s and Don‘ts for Natural and Cultural Heritage protectio n
at the site.

Do's:

1. Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc.
These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in
municipal dustbins only.
2. Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures with respect.
3. Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic
entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
4. In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with
mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water
source.
5. Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before
taking a photograph.

Don'ts:

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1. Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is
illegal and the environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of
the region has to be protected at all costs.
2. Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and
bathing.
3. Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
4. Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
5. Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw
bottles in the wild.
6. Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets.
Respect local traditions.
7. Polythene and plastics are non bio-degradable and unhealthy for the environment
and must not be used and littered.

Recommendations:

For the successful establishment of Ecotourism destination in Kudremukha the certain

planning, principles that must guide and protect the Natural and Cultural heritage and
Development at the destination are:

1. Apply Strict Conservation measures to the Natural areas and the site.
2. Establish Carrying capacity Standards at the place especially Physical and Socio-
Cultural carrying capacity.
3. Develop Small Scale tourist facilities at the Kudremukha National Park.
4. Provide well trained tour Guides for Ecotourism Awareness and protection Purpose
at the site.
5. Prepare and distribute Eco-Tourism Codes of Conduct to Stakeholders for their role
in Protection of Natural and Cultural heritage protection through ecotourism.

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6. Local communities in the ecotourism development by providing those jobs and

Incomes at the site.
7. Government should provide financial incentives to the local communities for
promoting Ecotourism as a means of motivation for protection and Conservation of
Natural and Cultural heritage. A great lack of investments and findings can be
realized in the direction of ecotourism development. Government should encourage
Public-Private-Partnership in this regard.
8. Create awareness regarding the need of protection of environment among the tourist
and hosts. Lack of awareness can be felt toward the relationship between
environment and tourism. People, especially local Community find it hard to
correlate tourism and environment. So there is need of creating awareness too.
9. There is need the proper co-ordination between the Governing bodies for the
Economic Development of the region and should take initiative for protection and
development of Eco-site.
10. There should be a hike in entrance fees or package fees in order to more
development of the eco-site which one of the sustainable approaches for ecotourism
development in Kudremukha.
11. The distance of vehicle should be far away with the main site so that the ecotourism
site should not be harmed.
12. The carrying capacity should not be overburdened in order to sustain the life of the
site and Rigid Implementation of rules and regulation needs to be ensured in order
to get maximum benefits from the ecotourism destination at a place.

Conclusion:

Ecotourism is a form of Sustainable tourism developed in natural and cultural areas,

whose goal is to acknowledge and to appreciate, brings the awareness, of preservation and
Conservation of nature and local culture of the place. Which includes conservation ensures
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an active involvement in generating benefits to the local population and the Aboriginal
communities. It focuses primarily on experiencing, educating and learning about nature and
its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional
tourism on the natural and cultural environment and enhance the cultural integr ity of the
local people.

References:

Online source:

1. https//ibef.org/industry/tourism-hospitality
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4. https://www.holidify.com/places/kudremukh/sightseeing-and-things-to
5. http://www.karnatakaholidays.com/kudremukh-national-
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Maharashtra: A Review, Scholars academics journal of biosciences (SAJB) 2013:1(6) 251-253,
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TheWorld Conservation Union. Gland, Switzerland.

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