Introduction to

Geography of Tourism

Authors
Ajay Kumar (Gautam)
Manpreet Kaur
Komal Jallu
Suyash Pawar
Poorvesh Pandit

AkiNik Publications
New Delhi
Published By: AkiNik Publications

AkiNik Publications
169, C-11, Sector - 3,
Rohini, Delhi-110085, India
Toll Free (India) – 18001234070

Authors: Ajay Kumar (Gautam), Manpreet Kaur, Komal Jallu, Suyash

Pawar and Poorvesh Pandit

The author/publisher has attempted to trace and acknowledge the materials

reproduced in this publication and apologize if permission and
acknowledgements to publish in this form have not been given. If any
material has not been acknowledged please write and let us know so that we
may rectify it.

© AkiNik Publications
Edition: 1st
Publication Year: 2022
Pages: 170
ISBN:
Book DOI: [Link]
Price: ` 765/-
 Preface

Tourism has become one of the most important factors in change in the
world today. It is considered by many as the world's largest industry, tourism
promotes regular migration, resource exploitation, development processes
and inevitable outcomes in areas, economic, social and geographical. It is
amazing that increasingly seeking attention. Tourism Geography shows how
local ideas can inform as well enlighten the tourism subject. The book
explores the features they have promote the development of domestic and
international species tourism, highlighting the ways in which tourism
patterns have been developed once and for all to continue to emerge. The
various economic, environmental and social impacts that tourism may have
on its destinations are explored, and an exploration of ways in which tourism
planning can be done to help control the development and production of
sustainable forms of tourism. Based on lessons from around the world,
Tourism Geography offers a brief review of designated tourist destinations
and shows how new patterns in the production and use of tourist destinations
exist to make fashion for new tourist destinations of the twenty-first century.
This book is intended as a test book for under graduate students in Tourism.
It will be a valuable reference to professional faculty members, Scientists,
and students. The author acknowledges their indebted to the authors of
various books, bulletins, monographs, periodicals and published papers from
which most of the material in this book is drawn. The authors are indebted to
several individuals and organizations for the supply of useful material the
book spread over 10 chapters providing in depth description of key contents
issues and topics. The first chapter Introduction of Geography Tourism
Second chapter Basic Concepts in Tourism, Third Chapter Terminology used
in Geography, Chapter fifth Map Reading, Chapter sixth International Date
Line, Time Zones, Chapter seventh Geography-Physical and Human
Aspects: Relief, Climate, Flora & Fauna, Economy, Population,
Transportation & Communication, Eighth Chapter Flora and Fauna, Ninth
Chapter Hill Stations & Plains in India, Chapter Tenth Deserts and Coastal
areas of India, Eleventh Chapter Islands of India, Twelfth Mountain Ranges
in India (Himalaya, Aravali, Vindya, Satpura, Karakoram, Eastern and
Western Ghats, Purvanchal), Major Passes, Mountain Peaks, Thirteenth
Chapter River system of India: Indus, Ganges and Peninsular rivers.
Fourteenth Chapters Major Wetlands and Water Bodies of India. Ramsar
sites in India.
 Contents

S. No. Chapters Page No.

Introduction of Geography for Tourism Concept of 01-11
1.
Geography
2. Basic Concepts in Tourism 12-27
3. Terminology used in Geography 28-39
4. Basic Concept of Geography: Locational Aspects 40-48
Geography-Physical and Human Aspects: Relief, Climate, 49-56
5.
Economy, Population, Transportation & Communication
6. Flora and Fauna 57-82
7. Hill Stations and plains of India 83-103
8. Deserts and Coastal areas of India. 104-117
9. Islands of India 118-136
10. Mountain Ranges in India Major Passes, Mountain Peaks. 137-153
11. River system of India: Indus, Ganges and Peninsular rivers. 154-160
Major Wetlands and Water Bodies and Ramsar Sites in 161-166
12.
India
13. Question Bank 167-169
 Chapter - 1
Introduction of Geography for Tourism Concept of
Geography

Geography is a field of science dedicated to the study of lands, the features,

the inhabitants, and the phenomena of earth. A literal translation would be
“to describe or write about the earth”. The first person, to use the word
‘Geography’ was Eratosthenes (276-194 BC).
Geography is largely the study of the interaction of all physical and
human phenomena and landscapes created by such interactions.” It is about
how, why and where human and natural activities occur and how these
activities are interconnected.
Definitions
Richard Hartshorne, 1959
“Geography provides accurate, orderly, and rational description and
interpretation of the variable character of the earth surface. It is that
discipline that seeks to describe and interpret the variable character from
place to place of the earth as the world of man.”
S.W. Woolridge and J. Gordon East
“Geography seeks to discover the spatial relationships of the manifold
features, physical and human.”
Preston E. James
“Geography is that field of learning in which the characteristics of
particular places on the earth’s surface are examined. It is concerned with the
arrangement of things and with the association of things that distinguish one
from another. Geography seeks to interpret the significance of likenesses and
differences among places in terms of causes and consequences.”
Branches of geography
Geography is divided into three main branches
1. Human geography

Page | 1
 2. Physical geography
3. Integrated geography
4. Geometrics
5. Regional geography
1. Human geography: It is a branch of geography that focuses on
the study of pattern and processes that shape the human
society. It encompasses the human, political, cultural, social &
economic aspects.
2. Physical geography: It is a branch of geography which aims to
understand the physical problems and issues of lithosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere (land), and global flora
and fauna patterns (biosphere).
3. Integrated geography: It is the branch of geography that
describes the spatial aspects of interactions between humans
and the natural world. It requires an understanding of the
traditional aspects of the physical and the human geography, as
well as the ways that human societies conceptualize the
environment.
Integrated geography has emerged as a bridge between the human and
the physical geography, as a result of the increasing specialisation of the two
subfields. Furthermore, as human relationship with the environment has
changed as a result of globalization and technological changes, a new
approach was needed to understand the changing and dynamic relationship.
Examples of areas of research in the environmental geography include:
emergency management, environmental management, sustainability, and
political ecology.
4. Regional geography: It is that branch of geography which
studies the regions of all sizes across the earth. The main aim is
to understand, or define the uniqueness, or characteristics of a
particular region that consists of natural as well as human
elements.
5. Geometrics: Geometrics is a branch of geography that has
emerged since the quantitative revolution in geography in the
mid-1950s. Geometrics involves the use of traditional spatial
techniques used in cartography and topography and their
application to computers. Geometrics has become a widespread
field with many other disciplines, using techniques such as GIS
and remote sensing.

Page | 2
Tourism and geography
Tourism: “The activities of a person travelling outside his or her usual
environment for less than a specified period of time and whose main purpose
of travel is other than exercise of an activity remunerated from the place
visited.” WTO (World Tourism Organization)
Tourism geography: is the study of travel and tourism, as an industry
and as a social and cultural activity. It is that branch of science which deals
with the study of travel and its impact on places. The geography of tourism
is dominated by number of key themes, which relate location, place, space,
human and cultural characteristics, and the movement of people. The
geography of tourism is also concern with the flows of tourism from
generating countries to the destinations. These can be heavily influenced by
the economic and political factors, with the flows of tourism from
traditionally from developed countries to the less developed countries.
Scope of geography
Geography has acquired the status of science that explains the
arrangements of various natural and cultural features on the earth surface. In
general, the natural phenomena like mountains, rivers, lakes etc. change
slowly while the cultural elements like buildings, roads, crops, change fast.
Travelling from one place to another you notice that the trees number and
types of trees change from area to area. This is all because of continuous
interaction between the environment in which we live in and the way we use
it. The study of geography is about observing such patterns.
Another aspect of geography is to understand the factors, how do social,
cultural, economic and demographic factors change our physical landscape
and create new or altered landscapes by human interventions. For example,
human settlements are transformation of forests or barren lands for living
purpose by human being.
As earlier, even today geographical information about an area is
available through reports, travel diaries and gazetteers. At present maps can
be drawn by using satellite images using Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) tools.
Thus, the scope of geography is in various disciplines, like armed forces,
environment management, water resources, disaster management,
meteorology and planning and various social sciences. Apart from that, a
geographer can help in day to day life like tourism, housing and health
related activities and more.

Page | 3
 Geography has acquired the status of science that explains the
arrangements of various natural and cultural features on the earth surface. In
general, the natural phenomena like mountains, rivers, lakes etc. change
slowly while the cultural elements like buildings, roads, crops, change fast.
Travelling from one place to another you notice that the trees number and
types of trees change from area to area. This is all because of continuous
interaction between the environment in which we live in and the way we use
it. The study of geography is about observing such patterns.
Another aspect of geography is to understand the factors, how do social,
cultural, economic and demographic factors change our physical landscape
and create new or altered landscapes by human interventions. For example,
human settlements are transformation of forests or barren lands for living
purpose by human being.
As earlier, even today geographical information about an area is
available through reports, travel diaries and gazetteers. At present maps can
be drawn by using satellite images using Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) tools.
Thus, the scope of geography is in various disciplines, like armed forces,
environment management, water resources, disaster management,
meteorology and planning and various social sciences. Apart from that, a
geographer can help in day to day life like tourism, housing and health
related activities and more.
Importance of geography in tourism
Geography is fundamental to the study of tourism, because tourism in
geographical in nature. Tourism occurs in places, it involves movement and
activities between places and it is an activity in which both place
characteristics and personal self-identities are formed, through relationships
that are created among places, landscapes and people.
Physical geography provides the essential background, against which
tourism places are created and environmental impacts and concerns are
major issues that must be considered in managing the development of
tourism places. Following points are helpful to identify importance of
geography in tourism industry as:
1. Geography is very important from tourism point of view as
mountains are the major attraction for tourism similarly, desert,
island, sea, glacier are also physical features and these all are major
attraction of tourism.

Page | 4
 2. In tourism weather, season and climate plays very important part
because in winter season people travel for activities like skiing,
snowboarding etc and they wanted to visit warm places running
away from cold winter from their hometown. The places with
pleasant climate are always popular and major contribution in
tourism field as people travel to this destination throughout the year.
3. Vegetation, flora and fauna also play a very important role in
tourism as it attracts number of tourists.
4. Geography is important in designing tour and tour packages.
5. Geography is helpful in travel agency business.
6. With the help of geography, we gain knowledge of maps and
directions.
7. Geography is helpful in airlines as we can get knowledge about
important cities of worlds and important airports etc.
How characteristics of the tourism system relate to geography?
• Rural tourism: Focused on countryside
• Urban tourism: Focused on town & cities
• Spa tourism: Travel for health & wellness
• Sport tourism: Focused on spectators travelling to sports events.
• Eco tourism: Based on nature
• Heritage tourism: Focused on heritage cities and Heritage buildings.
Contents of geography
Geography content can be divided under the following categories as
shown below

Page | 5
A. Physical geography
Physical geography (also known as geosystems or physiography) is one
of the two major sub-fields of geography. Physical geography is that branch
of natural science which deals with the study of processes and patterns in the
natural environment like the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and
geosphere, as opposed to the cultural or built environment, the domain of
human geography.
It has a number of sub-branches which treat different kind of physical
phenomena.
1. Geomorphology: Geomorphology: is the field concerned with
understanding the surface of the Earth and the processes by which it
is shaped, both at the present as well as in the past. Geomorphology
as a field has several sub-fields that deal with the specific landforms
of various environments e.g. desert geomorphology etc.
Geomorphologists seek to understand why landscapes look the way
they do, to understand landform history and dynamics and to predict
changes through a combination of field observations, physical
experiments and numerical modeling.
2. Hydrology: Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement,
distribution, and quality of water on Earth and other planets,
including the hydrologic cycle, water resources and environmental
watershed sustainability. Thus the field encompasses water in
rivers, lakes, aquifers and to an extent glacier, in which the field
examines the process and dynamics involved in these bodies of

Page | 6
 water. Similar to most fields of physical geography it has sub-fields
that examine the specific bodies of water or their interaction with
other spheres e.g. limnology and ecohydrology.
3. Glaciology: Glaciology is the scientific study of glaciers, or more
generally ice and natural phenomena that involve ice. Glaciology
also has a vast array of sub-fields examining the factors and
processes involved in ice sheets and glaciers e.g. snow hydrology
and glacial geology.
4. Bio-geography: It is concerned with the biological phenomena in
space, especially in terms of the distribution of various kinds of
floral and faunal species. Biogeography may be subdivided into
plant or floral geography, animals or faunal geography, and human
ecology.
5. Climatology: It is the study of the climate, scientifically defined as
weather conditions averaged over a long period of time.
Climatology examines both the nature of micro (local) and macro
(global) climates and the natural and anthropogenic influences on
them. The field is also sub-divided largely into the climates of
various regions and the study of specific phenomena or time periods
e.g. tropical cyclone rainfall climatology and paleoclimatology.
6. Meteorology: It is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the
atmosphere that focuses on weather processes and short term
forecasting (in contrast with climatology). Meteorological
phenomena are observable weather events which illuminate and are
explained by the science of meteorology. Meteorology phenomena
are observable weather events that illuminate, and are explained by
the science of meteorology. Those events are bound by the variables
of Earth's atmosphere: temperature, air pressure, water vapour, and
the gradients and interactions of each variable, and how they change
over time.
7. Pedology: It is the study of soils in their natural environment. It is
one of two main branches of soil science, the other being
edaphology. Pedology mainly deals with paedogenesis, soil
morphology, soil classification.
In physical geography pedology is largely studied due to the
numerous interactions between climate (water, air, temperature),
soil life (micro-organisms, plants, animals), the mineral materials
within soils (biogeochemical cycles) and its position and effects on

Page | 7
 the landscape such as laterization.
8. Palaeogeography: It is the study of historical geography. The term
generally refers to the study of physical landscapes, but it can also
refer to the study of human or cultural environments. When the
focus is specifically on the study of landforms, the term
paleogeomorphology is sometimes used instead.
9. Coastal geography: It is the study of the dynamic interface
between the ocean and the land, incorporating both the physical
geography (i.e. coastal geomorphology, geology and oceanography)
and the human geography of the coast. It involves an understanding
of coastal weathering processes, particularly wave action, sediment
movement and weathering, and also the ways in which humans
interact with the coast.
Coastal geography, although predominantly geomorphological in its
research, is not just concerned with coastal landforms, but also the
causes and influences of sea level change.
10. Oceanography: It is the branch of physical geography that studies
the Earth's oceans and seas. It covers a wide range of topics,
including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics (biological
oceanography); ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid
dynamics (physical oceanography); plate tectonics and the geology
of the sea floor (geological oceanography); and fluxes of various
chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and
across its boundaries (chemical oceanography).
11. Environmental Geography: It is a branch of geography that
analyzes the spatial aspects of interactions between humans and the
natural world.
The branch bridges the divide between human and physical
geography and thus requires an understanding of the dynamics of
geology, meteorology, hydrology, biogeography, and
geomorphology, as well as the ways in which human societies
conceptualize the environment.
B. Human geography
Human geography is a branch of geography that focuses on the study of
patterns and processes that shape the human society. It encompasses the
human, political, cultural, social, and economic aspects. It is further divided
into various sub-branches.
1. Cultural geography: Cultural geography is the study of cultural

Page | 8
 products and norms and their variations across and relations to
spaces and places. It focuses on describing and analyzing the ways
language, religion, economy, government and other cultural
phenomena vary or remain constant, from one place to another.
2. Development geography: Development geography is a branch of
geography which refers to the standard of living and quality of life
of its human inhabitants. In this context, development is a process
of change that affects people's lives. It may involve an improvement
in the quality of life as perceived by the people undergoing change.
In development geography, geographers study spatial patterns in
development. They try to find by what characteristics they can
measure development by looking at economic, political and social
factors.
3. Economic geography: Economic geography is the study of the
location, distribution and spatial organization of economic activities
across the world. Economic geography has taken a variety of
approaches to many different subject matters, including but not
limited to the location of industries, economies of agglomeration
(also known as "linkages"), transportation, international trade,
development, real estate, gentrification, and the relationship
between the environment and the economy and globalization.
4. Health geography: Health geography is the application of
geographical information, perspectives and methods to the study of
health, disease, and health care.
5. Political geography: Political geography is a specific field of study
within the more general field of human geography that examines
how people in specific locations around the world have organized
themselves into distinctive political groups, and how they influence
and interact with each other.
It is the study of how space is made into territory - that is to say,
how political communities divide the world between themselves. It
can be summarised as the inter- relationships between people, state,
and territory.
6. Demography: Demography is the statistical study of populations,
including of human beings. Demography encompasses the study of
the size, structure, and distribution of these populations, and spatial
and/or temporal changes in them in response to time, birth,

Page | 9
 migration, ageing, and death. Based on the demographic research of
the earth, earth’s population up to the year 2050 and 2100 can be
estimated by the demographers.
7. Religion geography: Religion geography is the study of the impact
of geography, i.e. place and space, on religious belief.
Another aspect of the relationship between religion and geography
is religious geography, in which geographical ideas are influenced
by religion, such as early map- making, and the biblical geography
that developed in the 16th century to identify places from the Bible.
Thus, geographers are less concerned about religion, but are more
sensitive to how religion as a cultural feature affects social, cultural,
political and environmental systems. The point of focus is not the
specifics of religious beliefs and practices, but how these religious
beliefs and practices are internalised by adherents, and how these
processes of internalization influence, and is influenced by, social
systems.
8. Transportation geography: Transportation geography, also
transport geography, is a branch of Economic geography that
particularly investigates the movement of and connections between
things of interest to people: people themselves, vehicles,
commodities, information.
At the most basic level, humans move and thus interact with each
other by walking, but transportation geography typically studies
more complex and regional or global systems of transportation that
include multiple interconnected modes like public transit, personal
cars, bicycles, freight railroads, airplanes and more. Transportation
geography measures the result of human activity between and
within locations. It focuses on things such as travel time, routes
chosen, and modes of transport, cost and resource use.
9. Tourism geography: Tourism geography is the study of travel and
tourism, as an industry and as a social and cultural activity. Tourism
geography covers a wide range of interests including the
environmental impact of tourism, the geographies of tourism and
leisure economies, answering tourism industry and management
concerns and the sociology of tourism and locations of tourism.
Tourism occurs in places, it involves movement and activities
between places and it is an activity in which both place

Page | 10
 characteristics and personal self-identities are formed, through the
relationships that are created among places, landscapes and people.
Physical geography provides the essential background, against
which tourism places are created and environmental impacts and
concerns are major issues that must be considered in managing the
development of tourism places.
10. Urban geography: Urban geography is the sub-discipline of
Geography which concentrates on those parts of the Earth's surface
that have a high concentration of buildings and infrastructure.
Predominantly towns and cities, these are settlements with a high
population density and with the majority of economic activities in
the secondary sector and tertiary sectors.
C. Regional geography
Regional geography is a branch of geography that studies the world's
regions. A region itself is defined as a part of the Earth's surface with one or
many similar characteristics that make it unique from other areas.
Regional geography studies the specific unique characteristics of places
related to their culture, economy, topography, climate, politics and
environmental factors such as their different species of flora and fauna.
1. Macro-region: A macro-region is a geopolitical subdivision that
encompasses several traditionally or politically defined regions. The
meaning may vary, with the common denominator being cultural,
economical, historical or social similarity within a macro- region.
2. Micro-region: A micro-region can be defined as a territorial area
that is smaller than a state to which it belongs, but larger than a
municipality. Typical examples of such micro- regions are
provinces, districts, departments or even mega-cities.
3. Meso-region: A meso-region is a medium-sized region between the
size of a city or district and that of a nation.

Page | 11
 Chapter - 2
Basic Concepts in Tourism

Tourism
Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destination outside the
place where they normally live and work and include the activities they
indulge in at the destination as well as all facilities and service especially
created to meet their needs. And the people who move away from their usual
place of work and stay for more than 24hours and less than a year are known
as tourist.
Tourism market is divided into two categories
1. Leisure tourist: recreation activities or enjoyment
2. Business tourist: main motive for travel is to make profit or
expanding their business Tourism is of two types:
1) Domestic tourism: residents of a country travelling within the
borders of that country
2) International tourism: travelling from one country to another
• Inbound tourism: this refers to incoming tourist or tourist
entering a country
• Outbound tourism: this refers to outgoing tourist or
tourist leaving their country of origin to travel to another
country.
Few terms
Visitor: any person visiting a country other than his usual place of
residence for any other reason than following an occupation from within the
country visited.
Excursionist: a day visitor who stays for less than 24 hours at a place.
Excursionists do not stay overnight.
Tourist: a temporary visitor to a place. People who leave their usual
place of residence and work to have a change from their usual routine for a
short time, they stay at the place overnight i.e. for at least 24 hours.

Page | 12
 Traveler: a person who travels from one place to another, irrespective
of the purpose of travel or duration of stay.
Transit visitor: a traveler who passes through a country without
breaking journey other than taking connecting transport.
Destination: the place where the tourist travel for leisure or business
related activities. There can be no tourism without a destination. For a
destination to develop and sustain itself, the following five
A’s are (classic five ‘A’s of tourism) are
1. Accessibility – refers to transport and transport infrastructure.
2. Accommodation –refers to place to stay
3. Amenities- facilities available at the destination which help in
meeting the needs of the tourist.
4. Attraction- reason for travel (natural, human made, cultural, social)
5. Activities- thing to do.
6. Affordability- cost of tour
Tourism is made up of five elements
• Traveler generating region
• Transit region
• Tourist destination region
• Tourist
• Tourism industry
All the above are influenced by the external environment.
Positive impact of tourism
• Economic impact
 Employment generator
 Increase tax revenue
 Foreign exchange earner
 Rural development promoter
 Improved infrastructure
 Increase in gross domestic products
 Multiplier effect

Page | 13
• Environmental impact
 Some tourist destinations like parks, wildlife and bird sanctuaries
helps in maintaining the ecological balance
 Historical sites are preserved and restored
 Endangered species protected
 Forest are protected
 Create awareness about environment
• Socio-cultural impact
 Develops entrepreneurship
 Provides jobs
 Increase income
 Improve quality of life
 Preserves heritage
 Revive art and craft
 Helps national and international integration develops facilities and
infrastructure
 Revives vernacular languages
• Demonstration effect
 Welcoming Attitude
 Dressing and fashion
• Cultural impact
 Helps in preservation of culture
 Rejuvenation of art forms folk dance and music retain authenticity
• Political impact
 Political stability and protection to the tourists from the government
machinery is a tonic for the promotion of tourism.
Negative impact of tourism
• Economic impact
 Leakage- it refers to the process through which tourism receipts are
withdrawn or leave the destination’s country. This happens when
money is spent on buying goods and services from another
economy.

Page | 14
• Environmental impact
 Environmental pollution
 Depletion of natural resources
 Land erosion
 Loss of natural resources
 Traffic congestion
 Garbage trails
• Socio-cultural impact
• Rural urban migration
• Disruption of lifestyle
• Narcotics and drug abuse
• Decreased use of local language
• Health issues like HIV, AIDS, flu and virus
• Prostitution
• Alcoholism
• Crime- pick- pocketing, mugging, rape, murder
• Money laundering
• Disrespect to local customs
• Demonstration effect
 Local or host irritation
 Hostility from locals
• Cultural impact
 Social norms and customs are effected
 Cultural arrogance
 Dilution of culture
• Political impact
 Leads to Terrorism

Page | 15
Constituents of the tourism industry
1. Main constituents
• Transport-means the means of travel. It includes
 Airways
 Roadways
 Railways
 Waterways
 Parking areas in ports
 Runways
 Bus stands
• Hotel-tourist needs a place to stay.
• Food and beverage-tourist require the catering services which
include
 Non-commercial outlets or welfare outlets- like institutes etc.
 Commercial outlets-
 Residential- include hotels, guest houses, resorts etc.
 Non-residential- include specialty or fine dining restaurants,
fast food restaurant, coffee shop, bars and pub, lounge, vending
machines, dhabas etc.
• Entertainment or attractions:
 Natural attraction- hills, beaches
 Built attraction- resorts, amusement or theme parks
 Business attraction- MICE
 Relatives and friends-
 Historic attraction- heritage building, monuments, palaces
 Cultural and ethnic attraction- custom, traditions, fairs, festivals
 Special events- commonwealth games, Olympic games
 Medical attraction-spa, sanatorium
 Religious attraction- pilgrim
 Government attraction– white house, parliament
• Retail and shopping- shopping malls, markets, hawkers etc.

Page | 16
 • Travel agents and tour operators-travel agents act as intermediaries
serving between the various services providers and travel
consumers. Travel agency perform a number of function such as
provide travel information, planning itineraries, liaising with
vendors, costing, ticketing, reservation, documentation, settlement
of account, MICE, foreign exchange.
Tour operators are different from travel agent. Tour operator
assembles all the different components of travel and sells it as a
package tour, to and from a destination, with complete ground
arrangements.
• Guides and escort-guides is a travel industry representative; a public
relations representative for his city, region and country- as well as
an educator, an entertainer, and a public speaker. There are many
types of guide location guide, monument guide, museum guide etc.
Escort has to accompany the tourist right from the commencement
till the end of the tour. An escort facilitate check-in facilities,
customs clearance; accompany the tour during sight-seeing,
shopping etc.
• Tourism organisation- organization are formed when group of
people come together for a common purpose. Tourism organisations
play an important role in marketing destination and managing
tourism industry. There are many levels of organization
international, national, state and local levels. World Tourism
Organisation is the international organization founded in the year
[Link] tourism organizations are:
 Airlines: IATA
 Travel agencies: UFTAA, TAAI, ASTA
 Tour operators: IATO
 Hotels and restaurants: FHRAI
 Transport: IRU, IUR
2. Secondary constituents
• Shops and state emporium
• Art and craft
• Local transport
• Banks

Page | 17
 • Insurance companies
• Communication services- include public phones, mobiles, internet
café, videoconferencing, television, radio, telex , fax
• Performing artist
• Publisher
• Advertisers
• Hawkers and coolies
• Agents and brokers
• Essential services- electricity, waste disposal, sewage, health
facilities, security
Travel motivators: factors that create a desire in people to travel.
Motivators are the internal psychological influences affecting individual
choices.
• Physical motivators-these are related to
 Physical rest
 Relaxation
 Sports
 health
• Cultural motivators-these are related to
 Culture
 Lifestyle
 folk art
 music and dance
 spiritual
• Interpersonal-these are related to meeting
 friends
 Family
 New people
• Status and prestige motivators-
 Personal esteem
 Status symbol

Page | 18
  Education
 Pursuit of hobbies
 Business and work
Different forms and types of tourism
• Leisure or holiday- change in climate and place, enjoy scenery, de
stress, rest and relax. Destination includes hill, beach, and island.
Facilities include body massage, steam and sauna bath, yoga, facial
etc.
• Adventure-
 Adventure on land-includes jungle safari, desert safari, motor
racing, wall climbing, trekking, camping, rock climbing,
mountain biking, skiing, heli- skiing,
 Water adventure-includes diving, scuba diving, snorkelling,
parasailing, water scooters, water skiing, wind surfing, white
water rafting.
 Aerial adventure-ballooning, parachuting, skydiving, para
gliding, parasailing, gliding, hang gliding, bungee jumping
• Sports-oldest form hunting and skiing. Cricket, white water rafting,
football, wind surfing, yachting, river rafting, hover crafting, racing,
tennis, soccer, golf
• Religious - is also known as pilgrimage or spiritual tourism.
• Health - people travelling to improve and rebuild their health and
stamina. Include visit to spa (sanus per aquam) means good health
through water, yoga, massage, body scrub, facial, reiki, pain relief
Health tourism include following aspects
• Change in climate
• Alternative therapy: like hot sulphur spring, ayurvedic treatment,
mud therapy, naturopathy, art of living etc.
• Medical tourism: tourist visiting for medical treatment i.e.
Hospitals, technology, doctors, nursing, paramedical staff
• Cultural: lifestyle, dress, jewellery, dance, music, architecture and
painting, customs, beliefs, fair, festivals, religion practised
• VFR: interpersonal relationship.

Page | 19
 • Business and mice: motive for travel is work such as attending
meeting, conference, convention, trade fair, selling product,
meeting clients. 85% air travel is business related, 50% hotel
occupancy is business travel segment. Business traveller looks for
the best facilities as expenses are paid by the company. Duration of
stay is short, destination business based, frequent and experienced
traveller, more demanding.
Mice-meeting, incentives, and conventions and exhibition: not the
main stream business travel but it is the subset of the business travel. It
includes small meeting, training courses, seminars, workshops. MICE
traveller expects a high level of comfort, hassle free movement and value for
money.
Infrastructure required for mice
i. Accommodation
ii. Convention centre
iii. Transportation
iv. Convention and meeting planners
v. Exhibition grounds and halls
vi. Food and beverage service
vii. Trained human resource
viii. Communication aids
ix. Internet accessibility
x. Security services
xi. Sightseeing
xii. entertainment
Areas that require special planning for MICE are
• venues-enough space for international delegations to hold meeting,
conventions and exhibition
• transportation-both air and ground
• accommodation-near meeting, conference, exhibition venues and
should be equipped with fax, laptop, internet connection, telex,
video conference facilities
• other support services-catering, shopping, entertainment

Page | 20
Alternative forms of tourism
Alternative tourists are different from the regular tourist. Alternative
tourism establishes a cordial rapport between visitors and the local hosts.
These tourists normally avoid the services that are used by the tourists such
as accommodation, transport and other services. They prefer to use and share
the services used of the local people. Their main motive is to experience and
get an insight into their way of living. It is regarded as a key to sustainable
development. While mass tourism can have a negative impact on a
destination, alternative tourism promotes a balanced growth form, more in
line with local environmental and sociocultural concerns.
• Special Interest Tourism:
• Ecotourism
• Rural Tourism
• Ethnic Tourism
• Senior Citizen Tourism
• Wildlife Tourism
• Space Tourism
 Special Interest Tourism: special interest tourism can be
defined as people travelling to a particular destination with the
purpose of fulfilling a particular interest, which can be pursued
only at that destination. Product ranges from historical,
culinary, archaeological, and other interest such as golf,
fishing, and underwater adventure e.g. Tal Mahal, Red Fort,
Special interest tourism in India can include visiting Mughal
architecture, gardens of India, textile centres of India, gourmet
tours, tribal areas, safari, car racing, common wealth games,
world cup etc.
 Ecotourism: it is often defined as sustainable nature based
tourism. Ecotourism is usually used to describe tourism
activities whichare conducted in harmony with nature. This
tourism fosters environmental principals with an emphasis on
visiting and observing natural areas, it controls the impact of
tourism on the environment.
“Ecotourism can be defined as purposeful travel to natural areas to
understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not
to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic

Page | 21
opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources financially
beneficial to the local citizens.”
Large movement of people (carrying capacity) and unplanned tourism
destroy forests, consume firewood, create pollution and destroy flora and
fauna diversity. It upset wildlife, ecosystem and the local people life style.
Ecotourism reduces all these ill effects of tourism.
 Rural tourism: tourists nowadays are shifting their interest of
travel to new destinations to explore and experience the
destination and have first-hand knowledge of the local people,
cuisine and actual way of living. Of late rural tourism has
gained importance in India through its ‘Incredible India’
promotional campaign. In India states like Rajasthan, Gujarat,
M.P., U.P., etc. have heritage hotels, forts, havelis and palaces
which are converted into hotels, and are giving the true taste of
that state to the tourist.
 Ethnic Tourism: ethnic tourism involves travel for the purpose
of observing the cultural expression of lifestyle and customs of
the indigenous and exotic people. This type of tourism focus
directly on the local people. The tourist visits the local homes,
observe and participate in their traditional rituals, ceremonies,
dances, festivals, etc.
 Senior Citizen Tourism: This is a new emerging trend in
tourism meant for the senior citizens or old people. Tours
packages are specially designed for the elderly people. This
type of tourism is common in the west.
 Wildlife Tourism: wildlife is a term used to refer to both the
floral and faunal components of a natural environment.
Enthusiast’s young and natural lovers, adventure seekers are
exploring this new area of tourism. This is comparative new
form of tourism, becoming popular in last one decade. Wildlife
tourism is also considering important elements in wildlife
protection. Luxury safaris, wildlife backpacking, zoos, aquaria,
and safari parks all form part of wildlife tourism industry.
 Ace Tourism: space tourism is the term broadly applied to the
concept of paying customer travelling beyond the earth’s
atmosphere. New and not so popular type of tourism.

Page | 22
History of travel and tourism
Throughout history, people have needed to travel for survival, trade,
conquests or curiosity. Very little is known about the prehistoric period
between 40000 BC to 10000 BC as no written records exist. But after that
period we have records in form of archaeological records, cave paintings,
stories, epics etc.
Growth of tourism can be studied under different period
1. Ancient period or early civilization- Civilization developed
around 10000 BC to 8000 BC in the Neolithic period when people
began living together and developed settlement. Agriculture
developed and trade began amongst various settlements. Travel on
animals began and the military movement to acquire land and
conquer tribes started. Journey was difficult and dangerous, by land
and sea, journey was slow and time Consuming. Development
during this period – creation of path, and mode of transportation,
growth of cities near main roads.
2. Imperial or early empire period- tourism was established during
the early empires of Egypt, Persia, Rome, China and India
.transport was made available, and Development of road network,
highways, roads and paths started in this period. Development of
accommodation (sarais and inns), check post and chowkis started in
this period. People used to travel with servants, kitchen utensils,
tents and animals.
Silk route: silk route was a major route for caravans carrying silk and
other luxury items from china to India and the Middle East which began as
early as 2000BC. The Kushan emperors opened and protected the silk roads.
Movement of people from east to west to exchange silk, muslin, porcelain,
tea, rice, and spices started. Indian ships left Indian ports bound for the
Roman Empire. Navigation was done by stars. Rome sent back gold coins
&wines. New ideas and customs were exchanged.
3. Pilgrimage: or tirth yatra. For religion, belief, release from war and
sickness, earn god’s grace, Fair and rituals. Advantages- knowledge
of geography, adventure, spiritual and social approval, cultural
enhance group and family tour.
4. European renaissance: it was a great cultural movement that
began in Italy in early 1300 AD and spread to England, France,
Germany, Spain, and other countries in the late 1400s and ended

Page | 23
 about 1600 AD. During the middle age, the church was a patron of
arts. The renaissance or the rebirth was a period of change and the
revival of Greek and Roman culture. Painters and sculptors during
this period tried to give their works a spiritual quality and
unrealistic human figures which represented religious ideas.
Grand tour: in Western Europe, tours were conducted by wealthy
social elite class for culture, Education and pleasure, literacy,
health, science and business. Impact of grand tour- increase in the
knowledge of art, intellectual, craft and skills, social and economic
status.
5. Transition period or industrial era: the industrial revolution,
which occurred in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century,
was a period when major changes occurred in agriculture,
manufacturing and transportation. It started in Britain and then
spread throughout the world. The first product of industrial
revolution to affect tourism was the development of steam engine.
Later change in technology, increase in income, rapid
industrialization, and professionalism market helped the tourism to
grow fast. British era brought much development like railways,
education, adventure and leisure travel, dak bungalows and circuit
houses.
6. Modern period: development in railways, airlines, formation of
ministry of tourism in year 1990, Government policies like LTC
etc., development of central bodies like ITDC, SITA, TAAI, and
IATO.
Evolution and growth of hotels in India
• In 1964 Government of India set up three corporations
 India Tourism and Hotel Corporation
 India Tourism Corporation Ltd.
 India Tourism and Transport corporation
• In 1966 Government of India merged these corporations and formed
a new corporation India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)
• Many hotels opened in India like Oberoi (1934), Welcome group
(1975), Taj(1903), Sinclairs, Leela, Park Hotel, J.P. Hotels, and
many more.

Page | 24
Hospitality
The generous and cordial provision of service to a guest is known as
hospitality. Dictionary defines hospitality as reception and entertainment of
guest with liberality and goodwill. Hospitality organization provides
accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, entertainment and health
care. Hospitality industry mainly consist of all those businesses and
institutions that provide food and lodging – such as hotels, motels, lodges,
inns, cruise ships, restaurants, and the institutions of public services. In a
broad sense, any group engaged in tourism, entertainment, transportation and
lodging are covered under hospitality. Hospitality industry is part of travel
and tourism industry. Hospitality industry is now both profit-making as well
as non-profit making. For example, commercial hotels are profit making
while canteens, cafeterias and religious catering outlets are non-profit
making. Hospitality industry provides services which are need oriented and
the services vary with the needs. For example, the need of a business
executive shall be a business hotel while the needs of a student are generally
a youth hostel.
Origin: Early travellers were either warriors or traders or people in
search of knowledge and there were no hotels for them to stay when they
were away from their homes. They had to pitch tents for their
accommodation and carry their food for entire duration of their journey. It
was not always possible for everyone and so traders and people in search of
knowledge had to place a high value on hospitality and sometimes traded
their merchandise for lodging. Inn keeping can be said to be the first
commercial enterprise and hospitality one of the first service for which
money was exchanged. Inns of the Biblical times offered only a cot or a
bench in the corner. Guests stayed in large communal rooms with no
sanitation and privacy. The rates were, of course, reasonable. The company
was rough. Travellers shared the same quarters with their horses and
animals. These accommodations slowly and gradually improved.
Hotel
A hotel is a public place that provides boarding and lodging to customer
on payment. Common law states that “A hotel is a place where all who
conduct themselves properly, and who being able to pay for their
entertainment, are received, if there be accommodation for them,” and who
without any stipulated engagement as to the duration of their stay or as to the
rate of compensation, are while there, supplied at a reasonable cost with their
meals, lodging and other services and attention as are necessarily incident to
the use as a temporary home.

Page | 25
 A hotel may be called as an establishment where primary business is to
provide to the general public lodging facilities and which may also furnish
one or more of the various services such as food, beverage, laundry,
uniformed services etc. As per dictionary, the term ‘Hotel’ refers to ‘a house
of entertainment of travellers’.
Inn: Public houses in early times in England were called inns. Normally
the term inn was meant for the finer establishments catering to the nobilities
and clergy. In France these were called Hotelleries. Tavern: The house
frequented by common man was known as taverns. The important
establishments in France were called Cabarets.
Hostel: Derived from the word host and was used very late. The head of
the hostel was called Hostler in French, while in England he was called Inn-
keeper.
Hotel services
The present day modern concept of the hotel is not just a place to
provide accommodation, food and beverage, but is like a city within a city
and offering to its guests every possible facility, accommodation, service and
convenience., such as rooms, restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, banqueting
facilities, convention and conference facilities, telephone, radio and
television, laundry, valets, cigars and cigarettes, book shops, banking,
parking, florists, chemist, gymnasium, beauty parlour, travel agents business
centre, etc. Apart from these a vast shopping arcade providing various items
like jewellery, men’s wear, ladies’ wear, toys, books news stand and
magazine, etc. are also provided. In addition to these, personal services like
babysitting, private detectives, planning of tour itineraries, railway / air
booking and accommodation, booking in other hotels may also be provided
along with Clubs and night club, health club, foreign exchange, swimming
pool, library, car rental and chauffeurs, cinema and theatre ticketing, etc. All
these facilities may occasionally be without additional charges to the guest
but generally specifically charged.
Guest
A person who purchases the services of the hotel and pays for them.
Hotel guest may be defined as “people who have, who are, or who will be
availing the services of hotel, for a particular period in order to satisfy their
demand for accommodation, food and beverage or entertainment, for which
they are willing to pay”.

Page | 26
 Initially a guest comes to a hotel for its good name and reputation about
service and food, second time he comes to confirm his experiences and
further keeps on coming for its comfortable and emphatic atmosphere and
becomes a regular customer, because by now he is pretty confident about the
hotel.

Page | 27
 Chapter - 3
Terminology Used in Geography

What are the basic concepts of Geography?

Geography may be studied by way of several interrelated approaches,
i.e., systematically, regionally, descriptively, and analytically. As we have
already discussed in the first chapter of this book.
What do you mean by Geography?
As per National Geographic, Geography is the study of places and the
relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore
both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies
spread across it.

An Island
It is any piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water. Very
small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets,
skerries, cays or keys. An island in a river or a lake island may be called an
eyot or ait, or a holm.

Page | 28
 A grouping of geographically or geologically related islands is called an
archipelago, e.g. the Philippines. A group of island is called Archipelago.
Indonesia is the largest Archipelago in the world.
Peninsula
A body of land surrounded by water on three sides is called a peninsula.
The word comes from the Latin paene insula, meaning “almost an island.
The world’s largest peninsula is Arabia, covering about 1 million square
miles (2.6 million square kilometres).

It is bounded on the west by the Red Sea, on the south by the Gulf of
Aden and the Arabian Sea, and on the east by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf
of Oman.”

Page | 29
Strait
It is a naturally formed, narrow, typically navigable waterway that
connects two larger bodies of water.
It most commonly refers to a channel of water that lies between two
landmasses, but it may also refer to a navigable channel through a body of
water that is otherwise not navigable, for example, because it is too shallow,
or because it contains an un-navigable reef or archipelago.

Isthmus
It is a narrow strip of land connecting two large land areas otherwise
separated by the sea. Unquestionably the two most famous are the Isthmus of
Panama, connecting North and South America, and the Isthmus of Suez,
connecting Africa and Asia.

Page | 30
Gulf
It is a portion of the ocean that penetrates land. Gulfs vary greatly in
size, shape, and depth. They are generally larger and more deeply indented
than bays. Like bays, they often make excellent harbours.

Many important trading centres are located on gulfs.

Creek<Gulf<Bay<Bight (all are same in nature but differ in size)
Cape
It is a high point of land that extends into a river, lake, or ocean. Some
capes, such as the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, are parts of large
landmasses.
Others, such as Cape Hatteras in the U.S. state of North Carolina, are

Page | 31
parts of islands. Peninsulas are similar to capes. Most geographers consider
capes to be smaller than peninsulas. Capes are narrow features that jut into a
body of water. Peninsulas can be large, and many are barely connected to the
mainland at all.

Topography
It is a field of geosciences and planetary science comprising the study of
surface shape and features of the Earth and other observable astronomical
objects including planets, moons, and asteroids. It is also the description of
such surface shapes and features (especially their depiction in maps).
Relief
In geography, “relief” refers to the highest and lowest elevation points in
an area. Mountains and ridges are typically the highest elevation points,
while valleys and other low-lying areas are the lowest.
Absolute location
A point on the earth's surface expressed by a coordinate system such as
latitude and longitude.
Aquifer
An underground reservoir of water which can be extracted for surface
use.
Archipelago
A chain or set of islands grouped together.

Page | 32
Atoll
A circular coral reef that encloses a shallow lagoon.

Biosphere
The plant and animal life on the earth.
Caldera
A bowl-shaped circular depression caused by the destruction of the peak
of a volcano. Crater Lake, Oregon is a caldera and not a crater.
Cartogram
A "map" that is a diagram used to present statistical information. A

Page | 33
common cartogram shows the countries of the world with the size of the
country representing its population.
Cartography
The art and science of making maps.
Census
An investigation or count of a population.
Climate
The long term trends in weather conditions for an area.
Continental drift
The current theory that the continents of the earth move across the earth
on giant tectonic plates
Continental shelf
The extension of the continents into the ocean; continental shelf land
would be exposed if sea level dropped.
Demography
The study of population statistics and trends, such as births, deaths, and
disease
Density
The number of items per unit area, such as persons per square kilometre.
Desert
An area with little precipitation or where evaporation exceeds
precipitation, and thus includes sparse vegetation.
Ecology
The study of the interrelationships between life forms and their
environment.
El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Periodic warming of the ocean waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean
which affects global weather patterns.
Epicentre
The point on the earth's surface directly above the hypocenter, where the
energy of an earthquake is first released.

Page | 34
Equator
Zero degrees latitude divides the earth into the Northern and Southern
hemispheres.
Equinox
The beginning of autumn and spring, the two days each year when the
sun is directly overhead at the equator.
Erosion
Forces that shape the earth's surface. Includes water, wind, and ice.
Estuary
The wide end of a river when it meets the sea; salty tidal water mixes
with the freshwater of the river here
Fault
A fracture in the rock where there has been movement and
displacement.
Geologic time
The calendar of the earth's history since it's birth 4.6 billion years ago;
geologic time is divided into eras, epochs, and periods.
Geology
Science of the earth's crust, strata, the origin of rocks, etc.
Glacier
A large mass of ice that moves over the land, carving and eroding
surfaces as it moves
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A system of satellites and ground units which enable a user to determine
their absolute location.
Global warming
The theory that the temperature of the atmosphere an increase due to the
increase in gasses such as carbon dioxide.
Globe
A spherical model of the earth's surface that includes a map of the earth;
also known as a terrestrial globe

Page | 35
Greenhouse effect
The analogy used to describe the ability of gasses in the atmosphere to
absorb heat from the earth's surface
Hemisphere
Half of the earth's surface. There are four hemispheres, Northern and
Southern (divided by the equator) and the Eastern and Western (divided by
the Prime Meridian and 180°).
Humidity
The amount of water vapour in the air.
Hurricane
A tropical storm that contains winds of at least 74 miles per hour
(119km/h). Also known as a cyclone in the northern Indian Ocean and a
typhoon in the western Pacific Ocean.
Hydrologic cycle
The circulation of water between the atmosphere, streams and land, the
ocean, and back to the atmosphere.
Hydrosphere
The water of the earth.
International Date Line
An imaginary line near 180° longitude that exists to separate the two
simultaneous days that exist on the planet that the same time.
Jet stream
The high-altitude high-speed air current in the tropopause.
La Niña
A periodic cooling of the ocean waters in the Pacific Ocean which
affects global weather patterns.
Lagoon
A small, shallow body of water between a barrier island or a coral reef
and the mainland, also a small body of water surrounded by an atoll.
Latitude
Angular degrees based on the equator; the equator is 0° latitude and the
North Pole is 90° North while the South Pole is 90° south.

Page | 36
Lava
Magma that reaches the earth's surface through a volcanic vent or
fissure.
Lingua franca
The language used by a population as their common language.
Lithosphere
The soil and rock layer of the earth.
Longitude
Angular degrees based on the Prime Meridian (0°) at Greenwich,
London; degrees are east or west of Greenwich and meet in the Pacific
Ocean at 180°.
Magma
Molten rock that lies beneath the surface of the earth; once exposed,
magma becomes lava.
Map
A graphic representation of the earth's surface.
Map projection
A mathematical formula which assists in representing the curved surface
of the earth onto the flat surface of a map.
Map scale
The relationship between distance on a map and the distance on the
earth's surface.
Megalopolis
Several adjacent metropolitan areas form a huge urban area.
Conurbation.
Meridian
A line of longitude.
Mesa
A large flat-topped but steep-sided landform; they shrink to become
buttes.

Page | 37
Meteorology
The scientific study of the atmosphere.
Monsoon
A wind system in Southeast Asia which changes direction seasonally,
creating wet and dry seasons.
Morphology
The shape of a state or nation.
Pangaea
A huge landmass consisting of almost all the continental land on the
earth which then divided and slowly became the continents we know today.
Permafrost
Permanently frozen water in the soil.
Physical geography
The branch of geography dealing with the natural features of the earth.
Plate tectonics
The surface of the earth is composed of many large plates which slowly
move around the planet, meeting and diverging, creating a variety of
earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains at their margins.
Precipitation
Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of the
earth (e.g. rain, snow, sleet, and hail).
Primate city
A city which is greater than two times the next largest city in a nation
(or contains over one-third of a nation's population). Usually very expressive
of the national culture and often the capital city.
Prime meridian
Zero degrees longitude. Also known as the Greenwich meridian because
it was established at the Greenwich observatory near London.
Region
An area which is marked common characteristics.

Page | 38
Relative location
A location of a place in relation to another place (i.e. south or downhill).
Scale
The relationship between distance on a map and on the earth's surface.
Sustainable development
Development that does not exploit resources more rapidly than the
renewal of those resources.
Topographic map
A detailed, large scale contour map showing human and physical
features.
Weather
The short term atmospheric conditions. See climate.

Page | 39
 Chapter - 4
Basic Concept of Geography: Locational Aspects

Basic Concept of Geography: Locational Aspects

The Earth is nearly a sphere. It is because of the fact that the equatorial
radius and the polar radius of the earth is not the same. The rotation of the
earth over its axis produces bulging at the equator. Hence, the actual shape
resembles that of an oblate spheroid. The shape of the earth presents some
difficulties in positioning its surface features, as there is no point of
reference from which to measure the relative positions of other points.
Hence, a network of imaginary lines is drawn on a globe or a map to locate
various places. Let us find out what are these lines and how are they drawn.
The spinning of the earth on its axis from west to east provides two natural
points of reference, i.e. North and South Poles. They form the basis for the
geographical grid. A network of intersecting lines is drawn for the purpose
of fixing the locations of different features. The grid consists of two sets of
horizontal and vertical lines, which are called parallels of latitudes and the
meridians of longitudes. Horizontal lines are drawn parallel to each other in
east-west direction. The line drawn midway between the North Pole and the
South Pole is called the equator. It is the largest circle and divides the globe
into two equal halves. It is also called a great circle. All the other parallels
get smaller in size, in proportion to their distance from the equator towards
the poles and divide the earth into two unequal halves, also referred to as the
small circles. These imaginary lines running east-west are commonly known
as the parallels of latitude. The vertical lines running north-south join the
two poles. They are called the meridians of longitude. They are spaced
farthest apart at the equator and converge at a point at each pole.
The latitudes and longitudes are commonly referred to as geographical
coordinates as they provide systematic network of lines upon which the
position of various surface features of the earth, can be represented. With the
help of these coordinates, location, distance and direction of various points
can be easily determined. Although an infinite number of parallels and
meridians may be drawn on a globe, only a selected number of them are
usually drawn on a map. Latitudes and longitudes are measured in degrees

Page | 40
(°) because they represent angular distances. Each degree is further divided
into 60 minutes ( ‘ ) and each minute into 60 seconds (“ ).
Prime Meridian: The circle passing through Greenwich in Britain, and
perpendicular to the equator, and parallel to the axis, is called the Prime
Meridian.
Equator: The circle passing through the center of the earth, and
perpendicular to the axis is called the equator.
Parallels of latitudes
The latitude of a place on the earth’s surface is its distance north or
south of the equator, measured along the meridian of that place as an angle
from the centre of the earth. Lines joining places with the same latitudes are
called parallels. The value of equator is 0° and the latitude of the poles are
90°N and 90°S (Fig. 4.1 on the next page).

If parallels of latitude are drawn at an interval of one degree, there will

be 89 parallels in the northern and the southern hemispheres each. The total
number of parallels thus drawn, including the equator, will be 179.
Depending upon the location of a feature or a place north or south of the
equator, the letter N or S is written along with the value of the latitude. If the
earth were a perfect sphere, the length of 10 of latitude (a one-degree arc of a
meridian) would be a constant value, i.e. 111 km everywhere on the earth.
This length is almost the same as that of a degree of longitude at the equator.

Page | 41
But to be precise, a degree of latitude changes slightly in length from the
equator to the poles. While at the equator, it is 110.6 km at the poles, it is
111.7 km. Latitude of a place may be determined with the help of the altitude
of the sun or the Pole Star.
Latitude: One of the imaginary circles parallel to the Equator is called
latitude. The latitudes have their centers on one common line and they have
different radius. All parallel circles from the Equator up to the poles are
called parallels of latitude. Latitude is measured in degrees. Latitude is the
name for a group of imaginary lines that run parallel to the equator. The
equator is the 0-degree line and splits the earth into two equal halves-
Northern and Southern hemispheres. Each hemisphere is divided into 90
degrees, from the equator to the pole.
Lines of latitude get smaller as they get further north because the
distance around the earth decreases. At the poles the latitude is 90 degrees
and the circular distance is 0 km, each pole being just a single point
Longitude: Lines of longitude run north-south around the planet. They begin
at the prime meridian and split the Earth into East and West hemispheres.
There are 180 degrees in each hemisphere. All lines of longitude are the
same length. There is only one important line of longitude other than Prime
Meridian-the International Date Line. This is the 180-degree line in both
directions.
As we move away from the Equator, the size of the parallels of latitude
decreases.
The four important parallels of latitude are
• Tropic of Cancer (2312°N)
• Tropic of Capricorn (23122°S)
• Arctic of Circle (6612°N)
• Antarctic Circle (6612°S)
Meridians of longitude
Unlike the parallels of latitude which are circles, the meridians of
longitude are semi-circles that converge at the poles. If opposite meridians
are taken together, they complete a circle, but, they are valued separately as
two meridians. The meridians intersect the equator at right angles. Unlike the
parallels of latitude, they are all equal in length.

Page | 42
 For convenience of numbering, the meridian of longitude passing
through the Greenwich observatory (near London) has been adopted as the
Prime Meridian by an international agreement and has been given the value
of 0°. The longitude of a place is its angular distance east or west of the
Prime Meridian. It is also measured in degrees. The longitudes vary from 0°
to 180° eastward and westward of the Prime Meridian (Fig. 4.2). The part of
the earth east of the Prime Meridian is called the eastern hemisphere and in
its west referred to as the western hemisphere.
Longitude: One of the imaginary circles parallel to the Prime Meridian
is called longitude. The longitudes have their centers at the center of the
earth and have the same radius as the Earth.
• The line of reference running from the North Pole to the South Pole
is called Meridians of Longitude.
• The distance between them is measured in ‘degrees of longitude’.
• All meridians are of equal length.
• The meridian which passes through Greenwich, where the British
Royal Observatory is located, is called the Prime Meridian.
• The value of Prime Meridian is 0° longitude and from it, we count
180° Eastward as well as 180° Westward.
• Prime Meridian divides the earth into two equal halves, the Eastern
Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere.
• 180° East and 180° West meridians are on the same line.
• We can locate any point on the globe if we know its latitude and
longitude.

Page | 43
Longitude and time
We all know that the earth rotates from west to east over its axis. It
makes the sun rise in the east and set in the west. The rotation of the earth
over its axis takes 24 hours to complete one circle or 360° of longitudes. As
180° of longitudes fall both east and west of the Prime Meridian, the sun,
thus takes 12 hours’ time to traverse the eastern and western hemispheres. In
other words, the sun traverses 150 of longitudes per hour or one degree of
longitude in every four minutes of time. It may further be noted that the time
decreases when we move from west to east and increases with our westward
movement. The rate of the time at which the sun traverses over certain
degrees of longitudes is used to determine the local time of an area with
respect to the time at the Prime Meridian (0°Longitude).

Let us try to understand the question of the determination of time with

respect to the Prime Meridian with the following set of examples
Example 1: Determine the local time of Thimpu (Bhutan) located at 90°
east longitudes when the time at Greenwich (0°) is 12.00 noon. Statement:
The time increases at a rate of 4 minutes per one degree of longitude, east of
the Prime Meridian. Solution: Difference between Greenwich and Thimpu =
90° of longitudes Total Time difference = 90 × 4 = 360 minutes = 360/60
hours = 6 hours\Local time of Thimpu is 6 hours more than that at
Greenwich, i.e. 6.00 p.m.
Example 2: Determine the local time of New Orleans (the place, which
was worst affected by Katrina Hurricane in October 2005), located at 900
West longitude when the time at Greenwich (00) is 12.00 noon. Statement:
The time decrease, at a rate of 4 minutes per one degree of longitude, west of

Page | 44
the prime meridian. Solution: Difference between Greenwich and New
Orleans = 90° of longitudes Total Time difference = 90 × 4 = 360 minutes =
360/60 hours = 6 hours\Local time of New Orleans is 6 hours less than that
at Greenwich, i.e. 6.00 a. m. In the same way, the time may be determined
for any place in the world. However, in order to maintain uniformity of time
as far as possible within the territorial limits of a country, the time at the
central meridian of the country is taken as the Standard Meridian and its
local time is taken as the standard time for the whole country. The Standard
Meridian is selected in a manner that it is divisible by 150° or 7° 30’ so that
the difference between its standard time and the Greenwich Mean Time may
be expressed as multiples of an hour or half an hour. The Indian Standard
Time is calculated from 82°30’E meridian passing through Mirzapur.
Therefore, IST is plus 5.30 hours from the GMT ((82°30’ x 4) (60 minutes=5
hours 30 minutes). Similarly, all countries of the world choose the standard
meridian within their territory to determine the time within their
administrative boundaries. The countries with large east west span may
choose more than one standard meridian to get more than one-time zone
such as Russia, Canada and the United States of America. The world is
divided into 24 major time zones (Fig. 3.6). The Prime Meridian and
decreases to its west. Hence, for a person moving east of the Prime Meridian,
the time would be 12 hours less than the time at 0° longitudes. For another
person moving westward, the time would be 12 hours more than the Prime
Meridian. For example, a person moving eastward on Tuesday will count the
day as Wednesday once the International Date Line is crossed. Similarly,
another person starting his journey on the same day, but moving westward
will count the day as Monday after crossing the line.
Lines of Latitude and Longitude are the imaginary lines that encircle the
earth in either an east-west direction or in a north-south direction. Together
they form a grid which can be used to identify the locations on the earth
surface. When using these lines to find a location the coordinates are always
given latitude first and then longitude.
Standard Time
Standard time is the synchronization of clocks within a geographical
area or a region to a single time standard, rather than using solar time or a
locally chosen meridian (longitude) to establish a local mean time standard.
Historically, the concept was established during the 19th century to aid
weather forecasting and train travel.

Page | 45
Time Zones
1. The world is divided into 24 time zones of 1 hour.
2. Each time zone is 15 degree of longitude wide
3. Since there are 24 hrs in a day and the earth is divided into 360
degree of longitude, the sun moves across the sky at a rate of 15
degree of longitude per hour.
4. Each time zone is measured relative to Greenwich time, England
(Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the mean solar time at the Royal
Observatory in Greenwich, London, reckoned from midnight.)
5. Time zone at prime meridian is zero.
6. Time zone at the east of Greenwich is denoted by +ve numbers eg:
GMT+1, GMT+2 etc, time to the west of Greenwich are denoted by
–ve numbers eg: GMT-1, GMT-2 etc.
International Date Line
It is the imaginary line on the Earth that separates two consecutive
calendar days. The date in the eastern hemisphere, to the left of line, is
always one day ahead of the date in the western hemisphere. It has been
recognized as a matter of convenience and has no force in international law.
1. The IDL is an imaginary line on the surface of the earth opposite to
the prime meridian 180-degree longitude. In the middle of Pacific
Ocean, the date changes as travelled east or west across it.
2. Crossing the IDL travelling east results in one day or 24 hrs being
subtracted, travelling across west result in a day or 24 hrs being
added.
3. The actual line is not a straight line but rather zig-zag around
certain populated areas.
Day Light Saving Time
Daylight saving time (DST) or summer time is the practice of advancing
clocks during summer months by one hour so that in the evening hours’ day
light is experienced later, while sacrificing normal sunrise times. Typically,
users in regions with summer time adjust clocks forward one hour close to
the start of spring and adjust them backward in the autumn to standard time.
New Zealander George Hudson proposed the modern idea of daylight
saving in 1895. Germany and Austria-Hungary organized the first
implementation, starting on 30 April 1916.

Page | 46
Map Reading
Map: A map is a representation or a drawing of the earth’s surface or a
part of it drawn on a flat surface according to a scale.
Atlas: When many maps are put together we get an Atlas. Atlases are of
various sizes, measurements drawn on different scales.
They are of different types of maps. Some of them are described below
Physical Maps
Maps showing natural features of the earth such as mountains, plateaus,
plains, rivers, oceans etc., are called physical or relief maps.
Political Maps
Maps showing cities, towns and villages, and different countries and
states of the world with their boundaries are called political maps.
Thematic Maps
Some maps that focus on specific information; such as road maps,
rainfall maps, maps showing distribution of forests, industries etc., are
known as thematic maps.
There are three Components of Maps – distance, direction and symbol
Distance
Scale is the ratio between the actual distance on the ground and the
distance shown on the map. Scale is very important on any map. If you know
the scale, you will be able to calculate the distance between any two places
on a map. When large areas like continents or countries are to be shown on
paper, then we use a small scale. It is called a small scale map. When a small
area like your village or town is to be shown on paper, then we use a large
scale that is 5 cm. It is called a large scale map.
Direction
There are four major directions, North, South, East and West. They are
called cardinal points. Other four intermediate directions are north-east (NE),
southeast (SE), south-west (SW) and north-west (NW). We can find out the
direction of a place with the help of a compass. It is an instrument used to
find out main directions. Its magnetic needle always points towards north-
south direction.
Symbols
It is the third important component of a map. It is not possible to draw

Page | 47
on a map the actual shape and size of different features such as buildings,
roads, etc. So, they are shown by using certain letters, shades, colours,
pictures and lines. These symbols give a lot of information in a limited
space. Maps have a universal language that can be understood by all. There
is an international agreement regarding the use of these symbols. These are
called conventional symbols.
Various colours are used for the same purpose. For example, generally
blue is used for showing water bodies, brown for mountain, yellow for
plateau and green is used for plains.
Advantages of Using maps
• Maps can show more details
• Many maps when put together make an atlas and show various
continents, countries and can provide information about any
particular aspect.
• Maps can be drawn in small scale as well as in large scale.
• Maps can be folded / rolled and are easily portable.
Importance of the art of map reading
Have you ever used a map? If you did you will know that maps contain
lots of useful information. Map reading and map drawing are important skills
to learn in geography.
Maps use symbols like lines and different colours to show features such
as rivers, roads, cities or mountains. Young geographers need to be able to
understand symbols. All these symbols help us to visualize what things on
the ground actually look like.
Maps also help us to know distances so that we know how far away one
thing is from another. We need to be able to estimate distances on maps
because all maps show the earth or regions within it as a much smaller size
than their real size. To do this we need to be able to read the scale on a map.

Page | 48
 Chapter - 5
Geography-Physical and Human Aspects: Relief, Climate,
Economy, Population, Transportation & Communication

The Definition of Geography

Literally, geography comes from Greek words, that is geo that
means earth, and graphien that means description. That description involves
human environmental nature in certain places. Therefore, human knowledge
about environmental nature in certain places, including its difference and
similarity, can be considered as geographical knowledge.

So, it can be said that since a long time ago everyone has had knowledge
about geography. They only do not know the knowledge they have is
geographical knowledge. People just realize that knowledge is geography
after they get it formally in school.
In the next development, geography was categorized as science because
it was organized systematically. Here geography did not only give
description about earth, but its activity was much deeper such as research
and analysis, whether from physical or social aspects. In the
next, geographical research was not only focused on what was seen from
outside, but also arrived to the question: Why do the bodies we see form a
unity pattern and its parts are related to each other?

Page | 49
The following are some definitions of geography
1. Barlow
Geography is a science that studies about processes that relate to
environment and phenomena, also related pattern that are discussed.
2. James
Geography is a science that sees regularity of natural phenomena so it
gives characteristics of a place. Then he states that geography corresponds to
activity that is related to efforts to see similarities and differences of one
place to another place.
Classification and Branches of Geography
In broad outline, geographical science can be classified into two parts as
follows:
1. Physical Geography
Physical geography is a branch of geography that studies physical
phenomena on earth’s surface. Inspection field of physical geography is
natural phenomena of earth’s surface that becomes human living
environment.
The study of physical geography is supported by several sciences below
a) Geology => a science that studies structure, composition, history
and development process of the earth.
b) Pedology => a science that studies the kinds and formation process
of soil.
c) Astronomy => a science that studies celestial bodies.
d) Oceanology => a science that studies about physical and chemical
properties of sea water.
e) Climatology => a science that studies about climate.
f) Meteorlogy => a science that studies about weather.
g) Volcanology => a science that studies about volcanoes.
h) Seismology => a science that studies about earthquake.
i) Geophysics => a science that studies the properties of the inner port
of the earth with physical method, such as measuring earthquake,
gravitation, and magnetic field.
j) Biogeography => a science that studies spreading of living
organisme geographically on earth’s surface.

Page | 50
2. Social Geography
Social geography is a branch of geography that covers population
aspects and human activities that consist of economic, politics, social, and
cultural activities.
Branches of social geography are as follows:
a. Human geography => a branch of geography that studies social
economy, and culture of population.
b. Anthropogeography => a branch of geography that studies the
spreading of races on earth, seen from geographical point of view.
c. Polytical geography => a branch of geography that studies
geographical conditions seen specifically.
d. Regional geography => a branch of geography that studies a
certain fegion specifically.
e. Population geography => a branch of geography that studies the
numver, spreading, and composition of population.
f. Economic geography => a branch of geography that studies
economic activities of population in a certain region.
g. Rural geography => a branch of geography that studies the
condition of rural areas, including the society, from geographical
point of vies.
h. Urban geography => a branch of geography that studies about
urban regions, including the society, from geographical point of
view.

Page | 51
Aspects of Geography
In broad outline, geography can be divided into two parts, physical
geography and human geography.
Physical geography studies about physical aspects, while human –
social-geography studies about social aspects. Those two aspects have
influence on the environment of human life. Physical aspects involve: earth’s
relief, mineral and structure of rocks, water, weather and climate, flora also
fauna. Meanwhile, social aspects involve aspects of social, politics, economy
and culture. In geography, physical aspects and social aspects always relate
to other sciences.
Table 1: Some of the phenomena studied in physical and human geography.

Physical Geography Human Geography

Rocks and Minerals Population
Landforms Settlements
Soils Economic Activities
Animals Transportation
Plants Recreational Activities
Water Religion
Atmosphere Political Systems
Rivers and Other Water Bodies Social Traditions
Environment Human Migration
Climate and Weather Agricultural Systems
Oceans Urban Systems

1. Physical Aspects
The geographical aspects that can influence human life is physical
aspect. Several physical aspects that influence human life are, for example:
climate, relief, earthquake, volcanism and so on. Certainly in geography
physical aspects that can influence human life are so many, but in this
discussion they are limited to several aspects.
Examples of physical aspects that can influence human life are as
follows
a) Climate and its elements
Climate is an important geographical element that can influence human
activities.
Climate condition on earth’s surface varies. The factors that form of
Asia region is archipelago that has four basic climatic characteristics, they
are:

Page | 52
 1. Annual average temperature is high.
2. Has two seasons that is rainy season and dry season.
3. High air humidity.
The influence of climate on human activity
1. Fisherman start to go to sea (sail to the sea) at night, because they
use the land breeze, on the contrary at day time, fishermen come
back to the land by using sea breeze.
2. Around the months of October-April farmers from Asia start to
work on their land, because in those months has rainy season.
b) Relief of Earth

Earth’s relief is the highness and lowness of earth’s surface. Earth’s

relief is a physical aspect of geography that has influence on the life of
humans or plants. The following are several influences of earth’s relief on
human life.
The influence of earth’s relief on the growth of plants can be learned in
Junghun’s classification as follow
1. Hot Zone, 0-700 meters => The kinds of plants that live there are
riceplant, sugarcane, and coconut.
2. Temperate Zone, 700-1500 meters => The kind of plants that live
there are coffee, tea quinine, rubber, and horticulture.
3. Cool Zone, 1500-2500 meters => The kinds of plants are
casuarinas tree and pine.
4. Cold Zone, >2500 meters => The kind of plant that live is moss.
c) Earthquake
Earthquake, whether tectonic or volcanic, greatly influences human life.
The number of times earthquake happens influenced by geological position.

Page | 53
 The effect produced by earthquake on the life on earth’s surface is very
vast, example:
2. The presence of tectonic earthquake can help geologists to
determine the content of minerals in lithosphere.
2. The presence of earthquake can help architects in determining the
shape of houses and materials used to build houses that are
earthquake-proof.
d) Flora and fauna
Flora refers to the natural vegetation including plants, fungi, algae in a
particular geographical region, whereas Fauna refers to the animal’s life
living in a particular geographical area or region.
2. Social Aspects
Social aspects of geography that can influence human life, for example
are population, mobility of population, and the spread of population.
a) Population
One social aspect that influences human life is the number of
population. Large potency of population can either support or hinder
development.

The potency of population that can support development among others

are
1. Productive aged population is a source of labor.
2. Large population can be used as developmental manpower.

Page | 54
 3. High quality of manpower can be used as experts.
b) Mobility of Population
The social aspect of geography that corresponds to mobilization of
population is urbanization. Urbanization influences urban and rural
population. The phenomenon that we can see in urban regions as the effect
of urbanization is the spread of slums and high criminality rate. Meanwhile,
the phenomenon that arises in the rural areas is the decrease of agricultural
productivity as the effect of losing young works.
c) The Spreading of Population
Winder effect of uniform spreading of population are as follows:
1. Development is not evenly distributed.
2. Utilization of natural resources is not optimum.
3. Agricultural land decreases because it is used for housing.
Economic Geography: This branch explains us about spatial
distribution and concentration of different types of economic activities
influenced by physical factors and practiced by man based on their locational
attributes. Accordingly they can be classified as:
i) Primary activities: e.g. Food gathering and hunting, agriculture,
fishing, mining and quarrying.
ii) Secondary activities: e.g. Manufacturing and construction activity.
iii) Tertiary activities: e.g. Trade, Transport and Communication.
iv) Quaternary activities: e.g. activities related to specialist service
providers such as banking and insurance, administrative and
educational, defense and security, legal and medical.
It is noticed that large population engaged in primary activities are
concentrated in underdeveloped countries while in developed countries they
are concentrated more in secondary and tertiary activities, quaternary
services.
Transport and Communication
Transport and communication are a way for us humans to overcome the
barrier of physical distance. It is an effective way to connect with people
with no regard to the distance that separates them. Transport generally
involves the movement of people or goods forms one place to another via a
means of transport. On the other hand, communication is the passing of
information or data from one source to another.

Page | 55
 Transport usually involves means of transport such as roadways,
railways, air travel etc. While the examples of means of communication are
email, telephones, letters etc. Both transport and communication are
complementary to each other. But they can also act like substitutes of one
another. For example, if you can email the required information to a client, it
eliminates the need to travel to go see him.
Both transport and communication play major roles in our development
and advancement in the last few decades. Thanks to some marvellous
technological advancements that have happened in the last five decades, the
quality, speed, accuracy etc of both transport and communication have been
outstanding.
Any developing economy like India must acutely focus on these two
fields to make certain they face no difficulties in their economic and social
growth and development.

Page | 56
 Chapter - 6
Flora and Fauna

Biological environment
Ecology is the study of the relation and interactions between organisms
and their environment. It comprises the floral and faunal communities of an
area. With changes in environmental conditions, structure, density and
composition of plants, animals also undergo changes. For Example, if we
talk about Himachal Pradesh is a predominantly mountainous state.
Consequently, its climate is more congenial to forests. It comprises four
forest zones-subtropical, sub-temperate, wet temprate and dry-temprate. The
proposed mine area is situated in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The
forests of the tract are well scattered on both the banks of river Beas. Scrub
forests, Bamboo forests, Chil forests, Scrub mixed with chil, sal and other
Broad Leaved forests are present which occur due to altitude, edaphic and
biotic factors. Kangra forest consist various type of vegetation and faunal
biodiversity.
Flora
Study of biological environment is one of the important aspects in
Environmental Impact Assessment in view of the need for conservation of
Environmental quality. We were carried out a detailed enumeration of
species occurrences of flora at various locations were observed and typical
plant species were collected. The visual observations of plants were recorded
with a view to obtaining some idea about the relative density of certain
species and their predominance. Project influence area have several floral
species have been reported with some prominent tree species are Cassia
fistula, Ficus bengalenses, Aegle marmelos, Phoenix sylvestris, Mangifera
indica, Azadaricta indica, Dalbergia sisso, Calotropis procera, Terminalica
arjuna.
Fauna
The information of important terrestrial animal groups such as birds,
reptiles and mammals were collected by trekking inhabiting areas, along the
road, nearby village areas and agricultural fields present in the impact zone.

Page | 57
An inventory of the animals has been prepared separately for mammals,
reptiles and birds. The faunal species are reported as Common Emmigrant,
Pioneer, Monitor Lizard, Common myna, Gray Partridges, Indian Treepie,
Parakeet, Jungle Crow, House Crow, Rock Pigeon, Green Bee eater, Red
Watlled lopwing, Wood pecker and Indian hare.
Flora and Fauna further give arise to new concept that is Wildlife
Tourism, further we will have discussed about the various major Flora and
Fauna concept of India, with the help of various major wildlife sanctuaries,
National Parks, Biosphere reserves of India.
Various major flora and fauna of India
India enriched with various flora and fauna species, from north to south
and from east to west there are various Wildlife sanctuaries, National park
and Biosphere reserves exists in its geography. These are also act as factors
which motivate tourist who like to visit wildlife of India. According to a
study, India is among the 17 megadiverse countries which together possess
60-70% of world’s biodiversity. The national parks and wildlife reserves in
India are home to around 400 species of mammals and 1300+ species of
birds. These wildlife reserves are home to some rare and unique wildlife
species like the Indian Sloth Bear, the Chausinga (four-horned antelope) and
the Barasinga (swamp deer). In fact, India is the only country where both
tigers and lions can be found. It also boasts the highest deer and tiger
population in the world. Along with rich fauna, the Indian wildlife reserves
are blessed with abundant flora. There are estimated to be around 15000
species of flowering plants, which make about 6-7% of the world’s total
plant species. The Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand alone
boasts 600 species of flowering plants including the famous and exclusive
Brahma Kamal.
a) National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
b) Bio Sphere Reserve
a) National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
National park is the protected area, which are established by the
government, to conserve wildlife and also develop them. In this Flora, fauna,
landscape, historic objects, etc. Its objective is maintained to protect the
natural and historic objects and wildlife of an area. It is highly restricted,
random access to people is not allowed.
Wildlife Sanctuary, is a natural habitat, owned by the government or
private agency, that safeguards particular species of birds and animals. In

Page | 58
this Animals, birds, insects, reptiles, etc are preserved. Its objective is to
make sure that viable population of the wildlife and their habitats are. Here
Restrictions are less and it is open to public
The wildlife of India is diverse and its national parks and biosphere
reserves are home to many endangered wildlife species like Royal Bengal
Tigers and Red Panda, the vulnerable one-horned Rhinoceros and Snow
Leopards, and critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, among many
other species of flora and fauna. India boasts 104 national parks, 566
Wildlife Sanctuaries, 131 Marine Protected Areas, 18 Biosphere Reserves,
88 Conservation Reserves and 127 Community Reserves, covering a total of
1,65,088.57 sq km. In total, there are 870 Protected Areas which make
5.06% of the geographical area of the country. The oldest national park in
India is Corbett National Park. Sprawling in the foothills of the Himalayas in
Uttarakhand, this national park was established in 1936. It is spread in
520.82 sq km area, and is home to a rich flora and fauna, including the Royal
Bengal Tigers. India's first biosphere reserve was established in 1986 and is
called Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This reserve includes Wayanad,
Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley protected
areas situated in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Great Rann of
Kutch, with an area of 12454 sq km, is the largest biosphere reserve in India.
On the other hand, with an area of 4400 sq km, Hemis National Park in
Ladakh is the largest national park in India.
Some of the Best National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to Visit in
India
There are around 104 national parks and 566 wildlife sanctuaries in
India spread across the country’s length and breadth. These wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks are home to a variety of animals and birds,
and some of them are the safe shelters for unique and threatened animals like
one-horned rhinos and Royal Bengal Tiger. Some of the top ones on the list
of national parks are:
1. Bandhavgarh National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya
Pradesh
2. Bandipur National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
3. Corbett National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
4. Dachigam National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and
Kashmir
5. Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh

Page | 59
 6. Gir National Park, West Bengal
7. Hemis National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir
8. Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal
9. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
10. Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim
11. Kaziranga National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
12. Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan
13. Manas National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam
14. Mudumalai National Park in Tamilnadu
15. Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
16. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
17. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
18. Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan
19. Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal
20. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
21. Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh National Park, the most popular national parks in India is
located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh.
Declared as a national park in 1968 the Bandhavgarh National Park is spread
across the area of 105 km². The name Bandhavgarh has been derived from
the most prominent hillock of the area of Umaria. The area of Bandhavgarh
is being flourished with a large biodiversity, the place which is also being
famed to grip highest density of tiger population in India. Similarly, the park
also beholds the largest breeding population of leopards and various species
of deer. Over the years, the park has shown a great number of increases in
the count of the tiger species and this is the reason why tiger tours are so
framed to attract large amount of tourists at its vicinity. The park has been
divided into three major zones named as Tala, Magdi and Bamera out of
which the Tala zone attracts major number of tourists by offering the tiger
sighting opportunities. The park authorities are also focusing on the Magdi
Zone by providing more opportunity to spot tigers. Elephant shows are also
organized in Magdi zone of the Bandhavgarh national park to increase the
chances of spotting the elusive king of the jungle. Bandhavgarh National
Park consists of mixed vegetations ranging from tall grasslands to thick Sal
forest and so is the perfect habitat of variety of animals and birds. Due to

Page | 60
varied topography, the Bandhavgarh national park provides ample
opportunity to spot the majestic Indian tiger and some rarely seen animals
like leopard and sloth bear. Due to high wildlife sighting it is becoming
popular amongst tourists visiting India.
2. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and
better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque
surroundings of the towering Western Ghats on the Mysore-Ooty highway in
Karnataka, it is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that
constitutes Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its
Northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its South, and
Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its Southwest. The total extent of
Bandipur National Park is 872.24 sq km. It is located partly in Gundlupet
taluk of Chamarajanagar District and partly in [Link] and Nanjangud
taluks of Mysuru District.
Once the private hunting grounds of the erstwhile Maharajas, and
nestled at the foothills of the Nilgiris, Bandipur has had a long tryst with
tigers. One of the thirty reserves identified across the country to save the
tiger and its habitat, it’s also one of the last refuges of the endangered Asiatic
wild elephant. Apart from the two famed residents, a number of other
endangered species such as sloth bears, gaurs, Indian rock pythons, jackals,
muggers, and four-horned antelopes can be spotted in this national park.
Bandipur also shelters sambar, mouse deer, chital, sloth bear, and the rare
flying lizard. Over 200 species of birds and a diversity of flora add to its
attraction. Bandipur also supports a wide range of timber trees including
teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian Kino tree, giant clumping
bamboo, etc.
Bandipur Forest Safari
Jungle Lodges and Resorts alone is now licensed to operate jeep safaris.
Mini-bus safaris operated by the Forest Department begin from the range
office. The bus safari is conducted between 6:15 am-9 am and 2:15 pm-5
pm. The fee is 350 INR per person. The jeep safari costs 3000 INR pax and
is conducted between 6:15am-8am, 8am-9:45am, 2:30pm-4:30pm and
4:30pm-6:30pm. Trekking is now permitted in Bandipur. Elephant safaris
have been discontinued.
3. Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger
Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

Page | 61
The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger
richness. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has
the glory of being India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also
being honored as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973.
This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the
Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal
of India called Tigers.
Spans over an extent of 520 square kilometers, its whole area comprises
of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake. It is
among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of
the National Park. Nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park is done in
an open four wheeler Jeep and on elephant back. Sheltering a healthy
population of tigers and rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating
crocodile, the national park is one of the most sought after destinations for
the wildlife buffs. Dhikala, situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun
valley, is the most popular destination.
4. Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir
Dachigam National Park is situated about 22 km from the city of
Srinagar. It means ‘ten villages’ named after the ten villages that had to be
relocated to construct this park. Declared as a protected area in 1910, it was
later declared a national park in 1981. Situated in the Himalayas, the park
has rocks as well as steep mountains. Various animals can be found here like
the leopard, the musk deer, the Himalayan Black Bear, the jackal and many
other unique animals like the hill fox. The park is also home to beautiful
birds like the black bulbul, the cinnamon sparrow woodpecker and thousands
of migratory birds. The National Park is very unique and is home to the State
animal, the Hangul. Dachigam is open throughout the year, but the best time
to visit is between April and August. The closest airport is at Srinagar.
Habitat to Kashmir Stag: Only area where Kashmir stag is found.
5. Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh
Great Himalayan National Park was constituted in 1984 and was
formally notified as a national park in 1999. It is located in Banjaar Sub-
Division of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, India, in the far Western
Himalayas. GHNP is one of the most recent additions to a huge network of
wildlife reserves found in Himalayan region in India and adjoining countries.

Page | 62
Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu Himachal Pradesh
GHNP was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014, in
recognition of its outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation. The
park protects over 1,000 plant species, including many medicinal herbs, 31
mammal species and 209 bird species, as well as amphibians, reptiles and
insects. Four of GHNP’s mammal species and three of its bird species are
globally threatened, including the musk deer and the western horned
tragopan.
6. Gir National Park in Gujarat
The Gir Forests- the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in the
semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the big and regal predator,
Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), an endangered animal species. The
sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this precious
species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965.
Subsequently out of the 1153.42 sq. km area of the sanctuary, an area of
258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park. Gir Forests has a topography
made up of successive rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and valleys.
Besides, being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir Forests forms a unique
habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a
rich variety of flora. The overwhelming presence of the omnipotent big cat
diverts the attention of the common man from the remarkable bird
population that the sanctuary has. However, the birds of Gir sanctuary did
attract the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali who believed that, had the
Asiatic lions not been there, the area would have been one of the most

Page | 63
fascinating bird sanctuaries of the country. People mostly link Gir with
"Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic
relationship with the lion. They are religious pastoral communities living in
Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses". At present, Gir forests of Gujarat
(India) is the only place where this race of lions i.e. Asiatic lion is found in
its natural habitat. Unlike the other big cats, lion is tolerant of the presence of
human being and it even lives near the human settlements. During the last
century in British rule, lion population touched an all-time low of 20 in
1913. The serious conservation efforts by the then Nawab of Junagadh saved
the species from the brink of extinction. The subsequent efforts by the Forest
Department has successfully brought the population to the present
respectable status of 523 numbers of this majestic animal.
7. Hemis National Park, Jammu and Kashmir
It is a high altitude national park located in Ladakh. The park is known
to be having the highest number of snow leopards of the whole world. Also
known as the largest national park in the country, the park has the Indus river
flowing at its boundaries and has parts of the Zanskar range. Apart from
being home to the snow leopard, the park is also home to numerous Tibetan
Gompas and the wold-famous four-hundred-year-old Hemis Monastery. The
park houses the Tibetan wolf, the Red fox and the endangered Eurasian
brown bear. Bird watching is also very popular here. The park has numerous
trekking routes operational from mid-June to mid-October. Snow leopards
can only be spotted in the late winter. A vacation here in traditional
homestays and monasteries proves to be a brilliant way to spend a summer in
the high mountains.
8. Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal
Jaldapara National Park (Erstwhile Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary) is
situated in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas in the Alipurduar District of
West Bengal. It had been placed on the wildlife map of India because of the
presence of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros
unicornis). But now the National Park is famous for its rich bio-diversity and
Eco-Tourism. A major part of the National Park is in the flood plains of the
River Torsa and other small rivers & rivulets, which have created large tracts
of grasslands sustaining a population of Great Indian One Horned
Rhinoceros with other animals like Elephant, Guar, Sambar (Cervus
unicolor) etc. Titi Forest block, Bania Forest block, Mendabari Forest block
are very rich in flora and avifauna. Forests of the region, which were earlier
a part of the Buxa Forest Division, were being managed for commercial
purposes till 1929. But due to the presence of pre-historic Rhinoceros, the

Page | 64
Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act came into force in 1932 providing
protection to the one-horned Rhinoceros in this area. The area was first
declared as a “Game Sanctuary” in the year 1941 vide Govt. of Bengal
Notification No. 10549-For, dated 13th November 1941 (Annexure-1A) read
with amendment Notification No.5238-For, dated 3rd April 1943. In the
Year 1951, the area was transferred to the newly created Cooch-Behar Forest
Division with Head Quarter at Nilkuthi CoochBehar. An area of 99. [Link]
was being managed under Sanctuary Working Circle in the two subsequent
Working Plans (1962-63 to 1971-72 and 1972-73 to 1981-82) of Cooch
Behar Division. The Game Sanctuary was re-notified as Jaldapara Wildlife
Sanctuary in 1976 vide Govt. notification No. 5404-For Dated 24.6.1976
issued under section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and its area
was increased to 115.53 [Link]. The then sanctuary was transferred to the
administrative control of the Wildlife Division-II on 10.2.1982with Head
Quarter at Jalpaiguri. 100.98 [Link] area more was added to the then
Sanctuary from Cooch Behar Forest Division vide Govt. Notification No.
7245-ForDated 31.8.1990 making the total area of the Sanctuary as216.34
[Link] comprising of 12 blocks and 45 compartments. At present, the
National Park consists of Eight (8) Territorial Ranges, one Eco-Tourism
Range, one Elephant Squad Range, one Caretaker-Tourist Lodge, Twenty-
four (24) Beats, Five (5) Camps and Twenty-two (22) Watch Tower.
9. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian
[Link] national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and
interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the world.
Spreading across two revenue districts the Mandala and the Kalaghat, Kanha
National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a
wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national
park in 1955. The Kanha National Park is spread across the area of 940 sq
km in the Maikal chain of hills. By bringing up the buffer and core zone all
together, the Kanha Tiger Reserve has the total area of 1945 sq km. The
landscapes and the surrounding luxurious meadows along with the wooded
strands and the dense maroons of forests offer magnanimous sightseeing
experiences for the nature lovers. Making the land more beautiful and
adorable, the crystal clear streams amidst the dense jungle cleanses the
surroundings and makes the wildlife unrivalled. This vivacious land has been
the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer for his
outstanding creation- “The Jungle Book”. The Kanha National Park is the

Page | 65
ideal home for wide ranges of wild creatures; right from the mighty tigers to
the most populated Barasingha and the countless species of plants, birds,
reptiles and insects. This reserve has fascinated many travelers around the
corners of the world with its well-developed infrastructure specially meant
for them. The best location here to enjoy the most is the Bammi Dadar, also
known as the Sunset Point.
10. Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim
Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of
Sikkim), the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of
plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains
covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount
Khangchendzonga. Mythological stories are associated with this mountain
and with a great number of natural elements (caves, rivers, lakes, etc.) that
are the object of worship by the indigenous people of Sikkim. The sacred
meanings of these stories and practices have been integrated with Buddhist
beliefs and constitute the basis for Sikkimese identity. Mount
Khangchendzonga and many natural features within the property and its
wider setting are endowed with deep cultural meanings and sacred
significance, giving form to the multi-layered landscape of
Khangchendzonga, which is sacred as a hidden land both to Buddhists
(Beyul) and to Lepchas as Mayel Lyang, representing a unique example of
co-existence and exchange between different religious traditions and
ethnicities, constituting the base for Sikkimese identity and unity. The
ensemble of myths, stories and notable events, as well as the sacred texts
themselves, convey and make manifest the cultural meanings projected onto
natural resources and the indigenous and specific Buddhist cosmogony that
developed in the Himalayan region.
11. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is one of the prides of India. Kaziranga is the
place where the nature unwinds its pristine form in millions of hues, where
wildlife roams fearlessly, where man and nature meets together. This
prestigious national park of India is situated in the north eastern part of the
country in the district of Golaghat and Nagoan in the state of Assam. Let’s
go back to the beginnings of the twentieth century in the year of 1904 when
this beautiful wildlife sanctuary was created, and about 68 years later it was
declared as National Park. It is noteworthy to mention that it is the host for
two third of world’s population of endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros
and also declared as a tiger reserve in 2006, holding the highest density of
tigers in the world. The park is also a domicile for large breeding inhabitants

Page | 66
of Elephants, wild water buffaloes and Swamp Deer. It has been declared as
a forest reserve in the year of 1908 and wildlife sanctuary in the year of
1950. Area Expansion-Covering an approximate area of 430 square
kilometres, Kaziranga was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
for its unique natural environment in the year of 1985. Apart from this, the
park has been identified as an important bird area by Birdlife International
Society as it is a home to various species of migrating and inhabitant birds.
Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, the sanctuary is blessed with the
four different kinds of vegetation. The Tropical moist mixed deciduous
forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests is marked by the 41% of the tall
grasses, 29% open jungle, 11% short grasses and rest is covered with the
rivers and the water bodies. Its breathtaking array of flora and diverse fauna
adds value to the scenic beauty of the park.
According to one legend, a girl named Rawnga, from a nearby village,
and a youth named Kazi, from Karbi Anglong, fell in love. This match was
not acceptable to their families, and the couple disappeared into the forest,
never to be seen again, and the forest was named after them. Kaziranga also
could mean the "Land of red goats (Deer)", as the word Kazi in the Karbi
language means "goat", and Rangai means "red". Some historians believe,
however, that the name Kaziranga was derived from the Karbi word Kajir-a-
rong, which means "the village of Kajir" (kajiror gaon).
12. Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan
Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Keoladeo
National Park is recognised as one of the world’s most important bird
breeding and feeding grounds. It originated in as a royal hunting reserve
during the 1850s and was a game reserve for Maharajas and the British. In
fact, Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943, shot over
thousands of ducks with his hunting party in a single day! In 1982, Keoladeo
was declared a national park and then later listed as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1985. The park is home to over 370 species of birds and
animals such as the basking python, painted storks, deer, nilgai and more.
Noted Indian ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali used his influence to
garner government support to create Keoladeo National Park. It was also
known as the breeding ground for the rare and elusive to spot Siberian crane.
Keoladeo National Park offers well-defined treks which can be covered on
either foot, or cycle or rickshaws. In fact, the park management has trained
the rickshaw pullers in bird watching and they make for extremely
knowledgeable guides. The nearest airport is situated at Agra, which is 56-
kms from Bharatpur. Delhi is 184 Kms from Bharatpur. Regular rail services

Page | 67
connect Bharatpur with all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur
and Agra. The Bharatpur railway station is about 5 Kms from the park/bird
sanctuary.
13. Manas National Park, Assam
Established in 1985, Manas National Park is located in the Indian state
of Assam and is situated near the Manas River which is one of the major
tributaries of the Brahmaputra River and divides the park in two halves. The
reserve forests of the Manas National Park contain an Elephant Reserve,
Project Tiger Reserve, Biosphere reserve and have also been declared a
World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The name ‘Manas’ is derived from the
Hindu deity, the snake goddess ‘Manasa’ and is also shared with the river
that transverses through the park. The park was originally spread across 360
sq kilometers upon its establishment in 1985, but after been expanded in the
subsequent years it now spreads across 950 sq kilometers and spreads across
5 districts in the state of Assam. The park is placed along the eastern
Himalayan foothills and comprises of marshy grasslands and thick monsoon,
sub-Himalayan Terai and mountain forests. The park enjoys a favorable
climate all year round with heavy rainfall during the monsoons. While it is
best to avoid visiting the park during heavy monsoons or summer due to the
unfavorable climatic conditions, the Manas National Park is open all year
round. The best time to visit is between the months of October till February
when the climate is the most pleasant and fauna activity is the highest. The
winters in Manas National Park are mild and temperatures rarely go beyond
25 degrees making the park a perfect location for a wild winter getaway.
14. Mudumalai National Park in Tamilnadu
The Mudumalai National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary resides on the
northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills (Blue Mountains), in Nilgiri District,
about 150 km north-west of Coimbatore city in Kongu Nadu region of Tamil
Nadu. By sharing its boundaries with the states of Karnataka and Kerala, the
sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges – Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai,
Kargudi and Nellakota. The Mudumalai Sanctuary is an important wildlife
habitat due to its strategic position as a Wildlife corridor between several
other protected areas making an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve. Its north is being crusted with Bandipur National Park and
Nagarhole National Park and at its west is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
along the south corner is flourished with Mukurthi National Park and Silent
Valley National Park. These parks, sanctuaries and the adjoining Reserve
forests cover over 3,300 sq kms of forest supporting a population of 1800–
2300 elephants. The area is also being termed as Madumalai Tiger Reserve

Page | 68
due to the presence of around 48 tigers in the Nilgiri Reserve across which
tigers are free to roam. In April 2007, the Tamil Nadu state government
declared Mudumalai as a Tiger Reserve, under the section 38V of the
Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, in an effort to conserve the country's
dwindling Tiger populations. Afterward, about 350 families living in the
core area have been evicted from the park bringing 1 million rupees
($20,800) as compensation. Those residing in the 5 km of buffer area around
the park were in fear that they too will be evicted but as a matter of pleasure
nobody was dislodged from the buffer zone. In fact, some people in this zone
were kept involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their
income through ecotourism. The nearest city to the sanctuary is Gudalur.
Mudumalai is accessible via the NH – 67 which is 100 km from Mysore, 39
kms from Ooty and 3 kms from Gudalur. The Nearest railway station to
reach Madumalai is Udagamadalam station in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
service, which is nearly 64 km away. Taxi services are available from
Udagamandalam to Mudumalai to directly reach at the sanctuary. Major
broad gauge railway station nearby is Coimbatore junction. This station is
well-connected to all the major cities in the country. The Bangalore Airport
is the nearest airport at the distance of 35.5 kms.
15. Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Panna National Park located in Panna and Chattarpur district of Madhya
Pradesh is formally being renowned as the 22nd tiger reserve of India and
fifth in Madhya Pradesh. By covering an area of 542.67 sq km, Panna
Reserve lies besides the areas of the Ken River at the central state of India,
Madhya Pradesh at a distance of 57 km from Khajuraho, a world heritage
center. Panna Tiger Reserve was being found as the best managed and
maintained national parks of India by the Ministry of Tourism of India and
this reputation brought the park the Award of Excellence in the year 2007.
Thanks to all the efforts of Mr. R. Shreenivasa Murthy, a forest officer of the
area who brought his best efforts to bring the Panna Park as the best
managed and developed park in the area, in collaboration with his team. In
the tropical region of Panna, the climate of the reserve area is sometimes so
pleasant, sometime so scorching during summers but with heavy rainfalls the
area is again plush with greenery to make the ambience more appealing. Ken
River flows through this reserve and creates beautiful waterfalls on its way
to the valley. The park has numerous sites of historical importance with
stone paintings dating back to Neolithic era. The ideal home to Indian tigers,
Panna is composed of deciduous forests to include other species like Indian
wolf, four-horned antelope, sloth bear pangolin, rusty spotted cat, leopard,

Page | 69
carcal and gharial. Panna National Reserve was established in the year 1981
by the Government of India. This 22nd tiger reserve of India that was
recognized under the project tiger was also declared as a Project Tiger
Reserve in the year 1994. The area of Panna also included some of the major
parts of the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary which was created in the year
1975. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district and some
protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the
erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states. Today the
area of Ganagu Sanctuary is the part of the territorial forests of the present
North Panna Forest division to which a portion of the Chattrapur Forest
division was also added later. It was in the year 2008 that the real story starts
when the reserve area of Panna lost all its tigers to poaching leaving only 2-4
tigers left. Gradually, it caused the loss of the morale of the staff of Panna
jungle authority and so in the following year, i.e. in 2009 Mr. R. Shreenivasa
Murthy, IFS as field director of Panna Tiger Reserve initiated the task of
reintroducing tigers into the park. In collaboration with WWF and PATA,
Murthy introduced two tigers to Panna, one from Bandhavgarh and the other
from Panna Tiger Reserve with intricate scientific inputs. Under this project
Mr. Murthy and his team translocated one male from Pench and a tigress
from Kanha with proper monitoring and protection, where they achieved
successful breeding to bring four litters to them. Since then, the officials are
focusing on the reproduction of more and more cubs in the area to maintain
the previous counts of the tigers in Panna.
16. Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
In the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park is located in
the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. Named after the pristine River Pence
which flows through the park, Pench National Park is one of the most
popular wildlife reserves in India. The park also has its mention in the
famous story of 1894, ‘The Jungle Book’, penned down by the renowned
English Author Rudyard Kipling. The story was worldwide applauded, and
hence, the national park became one of the popular national parks in the
world in the 1970s and also a prominent tourist attraction in India. Since
then, every year oodles of wildlife buffs flock to this place just to spot the
famous characters of the book, Akela (The Indian Wolf), Raksha (the female
Wolf), Baloo (Sloth Bear), and the vicious Shere Khan (Royal Bengal
Tiger). Sprawls over a massive area of 758 sq km, including the core area,
Pench National Park has a rich wildlife which proffers visitors an
opportunity to indulge into one of the finest wildlife experiences in India.
Since its inception in 1965 as a wildlife sanctuary, the park has serving as

Page | 70
the cosy nest of numerous wild creatures including the Royal Bengal tiger,
jackal, peafowl, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bear, Indian leopard, fox, striped
hyena, monkey, gaur, barking deer, four-horned antelope, Indian wolf, and
more such enthralling species. However, later in the year 1975 and 1992, the
sanctuary got the recognition of national park and tiger reserve, respectively.
17. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala
Periyar National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, locating in Thekkady is the
perfect example of nature's bounty with great scenic beauty and rich
biodiversity. In this astounding location of Kerala, the Periyar National Park
is considered as the most protected area for the elephants and the tigers. One
of the most renowned national parks in South India, the Periyar National
Park is set high at the Western Ghat ranges. The protected area is widespread
along the area of 925 sq km (357 sq mi). The rest of 350 sq km (140 sq mi)
of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in the year 1982.
The park is being adorned with a picturesque lake at the heart of the
sanctuary which is an artificial 100 years old lake at Thekkady and is
basically known for its wild elephants and thickly established Western Ghats
forests. Many of the intense valleys of Periyar contain tropical evergreen
forest with extremely thick tree cover with hardly any sun-rays to get
penetrated. These trees are fully grown at the amazing heights of up to 130-
140 feet. Some of the areas in the park contain marshy grasslands near the
edges of the lake and other water bodies. Spread out across the park are also
patches of semi-evergreen forest used as important cover by many of the
animal species. Earlier it was under the reign of the Pandayas in 12th century
a dam named Mullaperiyar was constructed across the west flowing river
Periyar. As a result, it created an artificial lake in the area which today stands
at the centre of the sanctuary, enhancing its beauty to greater extents. With
the creation of this lake, the landscape and the features of the valley changed
drastically. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the reserve was the hunting
ground of the Travancore kings, which is today the part of most of the
Southern Kerala. In 1899, the area was declared as a forest reserve called the
Periyar Lake Reserve with an intention of protecting the hunting areas of the
kings from the encroachment of tea plantations. Further, in 1934, the lake
reserve was converted into a game sanctuary, the Nellikkampatty Game
Sanctuary. The Game Sanctuary covered an area of about 500 sq km. In
1950, some more area was added to create the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In
1978, the sanctuary was included in the Central Government initiative to be
known as the Project Tiger and was renamed as Periyar Tiger Reserve. In
1992, the reserve also became a part of Project Elephant when it was

Page | 71
launched by the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests to protect the
free ranging populations of wild Asian elephants in various states of India.
18. Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in
northern India. It is situated 14 kilometers from Sawai Madhopur district and
about 180 kilometers from Jaipur of southeastern Rajasthan in India. Being
considered as one of the best place to view the powerful majestic predator
Indian Tiger in the jungle. Ranthambhore National Park is a major wildlife
tourist attraction and pulled the attention of wildlife lovers and
photographers. Ranthambhore National park is surrounded by the Vindhyas
and Aravalis hill range and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve spread over an area
approx 1410.64 [Link] including core and buffer area.
The vegetation of the Ranthambhore is the tropical dry deciduous and
tropical thorn type due to its hilly track, water is confined from narrow
valleys and some lakes. There are several lakes in the park known as Padam
Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab. Ranthambore National Park is
probably the best place in the world to see wild Indian tigers in its only dry
deciduous natural habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even during the day
time. Ranthambhore is also known for famous heritage site due to ruins and
Fort. It is a home for different species of animals and birds. Today,
Ranthambhore National Park has become a popular tourist destination in the
world for jungle safaris. Due to many popular tigers living in this tiger
reserve, thousands of tiger lovers around the world visit Ranthambhore
National Park and enjoy the jungle safari during the peak tourist season,
which is considered from October to April. Among the many famous tigers
of Ranthambhore, the “Machli" was the world's most famous tigress.
However, due to prolonged illness, she became weak and died in August
2016, but she left many legends of her youth days. Her generosity of bravery
and power has inspired many wildlife documentaries, films and TV shows.
Viewing these dangerous wild animals at a short distance in their natural
wild environment during jungle safari is indeed an unforgettable wildlife
experience of whole life.
19. Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal
Sundarban, the largest delta in the world, consists of 10,200 sq km of
Mangrove Forest, spread over India and Bangladesh. The part of the forest
within Indian territory is called Sundarbans National Park and is in the
southern part of West Bengal. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq
km, of which about one-third is covered by water/marsh. The forest has a

Page | 72
large number of Sundari trees and it is said that the forest derived its name
from these trees. The people of Sundarbans are primarily dependent on
agriculture and live in villages adjoining the forest. The hardships of daily
existence have given rise to fraternal feelings and non-communal traditions
here. Members of both Hindu and Muslim communities worship the same
Gods and Goddesses. Wildlife flourishes in Sundarbans, and the main
attraction is the Royal Bengal Tiger. These tigers have adapted themselves to
surviving in Sundarbans and developed the ability to swim in the saline
waters. It is the natural habitat of many other wild animals like jungle fowl,
giant lizards, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, etc. Siberian ducks set up
residence during their migratory season. Besides the Royal Bengal Tiger,
Sundarbans is also home to endangered species like Batagur baska, King
Crabs and Olive Ridley Turtles. Sundarbans has been a wildlife sanctuary
since 1966. Sundarbans National Park was proclaimed as the core area of
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in 1973. It was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage in 1987 and the Sundarbans region as a whole was declared a
Biosphere Reserve in 1989. It is estimated that there are now 400 Royal
Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.
20. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
Notably Maharashtra's oldest and largest National Park, the "Tadoba
National Park", also known as the "Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve" is one of
India's 47 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the Chandrapur
district of Maharashtra state and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city.
The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 [Link], which includes the Tadoba
National Park, created in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was
formed in the year 1986 and was amalgamated with the park in 1995 to
establish the present Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve. The word 'Tadoba' is
derived from the name of God "Tadoba" or "Taru," which is praised by local
tribal people of this region and "Andhari" is derived from the name of
Andhari river that flows in this area. The Tadoba National Park is divided
into three separate forest ranges, i.e. Tadoba north range, Kolsa south range,
and Morhurli range, which is sandwiched in between the first two. There are
two lakes and one river in the park, which gets filled every monsoon, the
‘Tadoba Lake,’ ‘Kolsa Lake,’ and ‘Tadoba River.’ These lakes and rivers
provide vital ingredients needed to sustain the park’s life.
21. Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand
The Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Parks is
an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand, India. It possesses two
core areas about 20km apart, made up by the Nanda Devi National Park and

Page | 73
the Valley of Flowers National Park, plus an encompassing Combined
Buffer Zone. In 1988 the site was inscribed as Nanda Devi National Park
(India). In 2005 it was expanded to encompass the Valley of Flowers
National Park and a larger buffer zone and it was renamed to Nanda Devi
and Valley of Flowers National Parks.

Valley of Flowers National Park Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park
It established in 1982, as a national park. Nanda Devi National Park
situated in eastern Uttaranchal (Chamoli district) State and some 300
kilometers (km) northeast of Delhi. The height of Nanda Devi is 7,816 m
(25,643 ft). Sir Edmund Hillary has described that the “Nanda Devi
Sanctuary is God-gifted Wilderness-India’s-training ground for adventure”
in his autobiography. It was tagged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in
1988. It was established as Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 1982 but was
later converted as Nanda Devi National Park. There are around 312 floral
species out of which there are 17 rare species that have been found here. Fir,
birch, rhododendron, and juniper are the main flora. Common larger
mammals are Himalayan musk deer, mainland serow and Himalayan tahr.
Carnivores are represented by snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and
perhaps also brown bear. Vegetation is scarce in the inner sanctuary due to
the dryness of the conditions. Tourists will not find vegetation near Nanda
Devi Glacier. Ramani, alpine, prone mosses and lichens are other notable
floral species found in Nanda Devi National Park.
Valley of Flowers National Park
It is located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh, in the state of
Uttarakhand. It Known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers. At 3352
to 3658 meters above sea level, the gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers
National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi

Page | 74
National Park to the east. Together, they encompass a unique transition zone
between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya. The park
lies completely in the temperate alpine zone. Home to rare and endangered
animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown
bear, red fox and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan
monal pheasant and other high altitude birds.
a) Bio Sphere Reserve
Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’.
They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and
managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems,
including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are
places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves
include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes
solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable
use. Biosphere Reserve (BR) is an international designation by UNESCO for
representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large
area of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination thereof.
BRs are designated to deal with one of the most important questions of
reconciling the conservation of biodiversity, the quest for economic and
social development and maintenance of associated cultural values. BRs are
thus special environments for both people and the nature and are living
examples of how human beings and nature can co-exist while respecting
each other’s’ needs.
There are 18 Biosphere Reserves in the country
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
3. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
4. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
5. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
6. Manas Biosphere Reserve
7. Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve
8. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
9. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
10. Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
11. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
12. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

Page | 75
 13. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
14. Achanakamar - Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
15. Kachchh Biosphere Reserve
16. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
17. Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
18. Panna Biosphere Reserve
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was established in Sept 1986 by
UNESCO and was declared a World Heritage site in 2012. It was the first
biosphere reserve of India and there are only 34 such Bio Diversity Hot
Spots in the world! The reserve encompasses 4 tiger reserves, 2 national
parks and 1 wildlife sanctuary covering 3 states with an area over 5,500
[Link] that includes:
a) Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
b) Nagarahole National Park, Karnataka
c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
d) Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu
e) Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
f) Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
g) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
As stakeholders in the area, we are proud to state that the Niligiri
Biosphere has the largest population of wild tigers and Asian elephants in the
world! With an estimated 570 tigers (2014 census) and 6,500 elephants this
hotspot is also home to a large number of Indian Bison (Gaur) and a variety
of other animals, reptiles and birds. Waterwoods Lodge is situated in the
heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere on the banks of the Kabini reservoir that
separates Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks. Kabini is situated 225KM
from Bangalore & 75KM from Mysore and has good road access ~ making
the drive an excellent getaway from Bangalore and Mysore. The 642 sq km
Nagarahole Park is home to a large population of Asiatic elephants and
tigers; leopards and deer; Gaur, Langurs, Red Wild Dogs, sloth bear,
intricate insects, reptiles and many more. Over 250 bird species nest here,
including terrestrial and aquatic birds of prey. Exotic and the endangered
species like the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Crested Hawk Eagle are also
spotted here. The backwaters shelter large crocodiles, playful otters and a
variety of freshwater fish. All these exotic flora and fauna can be spotted on

Page | 76
Road and Boat safaris that are conducted by the Karnataka Forest
Department which can be arranged during your stay at Waterwoods on prior
reservation. Both safaris are conducted twice daily.
2. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, located in the Himalayan Mountains in
the northern part of the country, includes as core areas the Nanda Devi and
Valley of Flowers National Parks, which are one World Heritage site. Nanda
Devi National Park has remained more or less intact because of its
inaccessibility. The Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its
meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty.
Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain
ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.
3. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the northeast of India on the
Tura Range, which forms part of the Meghalaya Plateau (average altitude:
600 metres). The entire area is mountainous and Nokrek is the highest peak
of the Garo hills, rising up 1,412 metres. The north of the reserve embraces
rather gently undulating hills, while steep slopes characterize the south. The
biosphere reserve contains major rivers and streams that form a perennial
catchment system. Examples include the Ganol, Dareng and Simsang rivers,
of which the latter is the longest and largest. The Simsang originates in the
north of the Biosphere Reserve, the Dareng from the southern peaks, and the
Ganol flows westward into the Brahamputra River, which supplies water to
numerous towns.
4. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands
Archipelago. It covers 103 870 hectares of unique and threatened tropical
evergreen forest ecosystems. It is home to a very rich ecosystem, including
650 species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, bryophytes, among others.
In terms of fauna, there are over 1800 species, some of which are endemic to
this area.
5. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
The Gulf of Mannar endowed with three distinct Coastal ecosystems
namely coral reef, seagrass bed and mangroves is considered one of the
world’s richest region from a marine biodiversity perspective, is known for
its unique biological wealth and is a store house of marine diversity of global
significance. The Gulf’s 4,223 species of plants and animals representing

Page | 77
from primitive to higher forms make it one of the richest coastal regions in
India. Most of the islands have luxuriant growth of mangroves on their
shorelines and swampy regions. The sea bottom of the inshore area around
the islands are carpeted with seagrass beds which serve as ideal feeding
ground for Dugong dugon, the endangered herbivorous marine mammal.
Highly productive fringing and patch coral reefs surround the islands and are
often referred to as underwater tropical rainforest and treasure house for
marine biodiversity, in particular marine ornamental fishes. Occurrence of
these specialized ecosystems makes Gulf of Mannar a unique large marine
ecosystem in the Indian subcontinent.
6. Manas Biosphere Reserve
Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary located in Assam is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Project Tiger Reserve, An Elephant
Reserve as well as Biosphere Reserve. Unique in all respects, this legendry
park is an abode of numerous species of fauna like an Asiatic Elephant,
Tiger, Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Leopards, Barking Deers, Hoolock
Gibbons and many more to list.
7. Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve
Sunderban is the largest delta and mangrove forest in the world. The
Indian Sunderban is bound on the west by river Muriganga and on the east
by rivers Harinbhahga and Raimangal. Other major rivers flowing through
this eco-system are Saptamukhi, Thakuran, Matla and Goasaba. Sunderban
has extremely rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. In fact,
Sunderban's highly productive ecosystem acts as a natural fish nursery.
Although the region is situated south of the Tropic of Cancer, the
temperature is equable due to its proximity to the sea. Average annual
maximum temperature is around 35oC. Average annual rainfall is 1920 mm.
8. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
Located in northeast India, the Similipal Biosphere Reserve lies within
two biogeographical regions: The Mahanadian east coastal region of the
Oriental realm and the Chhotanagpur biotic province of the Deccan
peninsular zone. Volcanic sedimentary rocks are aligned in three concentric
rings and accentuate the area’s geologic formations. The highest peak in the
Similipal hill range is Khairiburu (1,168 metres). Numerous waterfalls and
perennial streams flow into major rivers, such as the Budhabalang, Baitarani
and Subarnarekha.

Page | 78
9. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve
Dibru-Saikhowa is a National Park as well as a Biosphere Reserve
situated in the south bank of the river Brahmaputra in the extreme east of
Assam state in India. Dibru-Saikhowa, with an area of 340 sq km, is among
the most vibrant wildness on earth and is also distinct for its pristine scenic
beauty. Situated in the flood plain of Brahmaputra, Dibru-saikhowa is a safe
haven for many extremely rare and endangered species of Wildlife. The
forest type of Dibru-Saikhowa comprises of semi-evergreen forests,
deciduous forests, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen
forests. Famed for Ferral horses, a total 36 species of mammals and above
400 species of birds have so far been recorded from the Dibru-Saikhowa
National Park.
10. Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve
The Biosphere Reserve constitutes an area of 5112 Sq. Km in the district
of West Siang, Upper Siang and Dibang valley of Arunachal Pradesh. An
area of 4095 [Link] constitutes the core zone of the BR and 1017 [Link]
makes the buffer zone. Due to the steep terrain combined with difficult
weather as well as the lack of communication, the area has a very sparse
human population. The approximately 10,000 people who live here are
primarily of the Adi, Buddhist and Mishmi tribes with ten sub tribes
including the Paris, Padams, Karkos, Pangis, Simongs, Ashings, Tangams,
Komkars, Millangs, Dalbings, Membas, Khambas and Idu Mishmis. The
Biosphere Reserve area is almost totally under the cover of vegetation with
villages and cultivations located on lower slopes and terraces edging the
major river systems. Considerable territory in the BR lies at elevations above
the tree line and this area features a very special array of plants and animals.
Two of the most exciting facts relating to the forest here is that in most of the
Himalayas outside of Arunachal Pradesh one does not find natural vegetation
stretching in an unbroken sequence from the tropics to the mountain tundra.
Arunachal Pradesh is the finest stronghold for this type of continuity in the
Himalayas. Secondly, in contrast to other areas of the Himalayas outside of
Arunachal Pradesh, the BR exhibits a wonderful extent of sub-tropical forest.
Forests at subtropical levels are the most severely altered in the Himalayas
and Arunachal Pradesh is the last stronghold for many Himalayan species
dependents on this forest type.
11. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in the biogeographical
region of the Deccan Peninsula and the Biotic Province of Central India. The

Page | 79
Satpura mountain ranges cross India from west to east and Pachmarhi lies
directly in its centre. The highest peak is the Dhoopgarh, which reaches
1,352 metres above sea level, while the Pachmarhi hills are characterized by
steep slopes in the northern regions. The eastern boundary of the biosphere
reserve lies along a road with cultivation farms, close to the Dudhi River,
while the southern boundary borders the Tawa plateau.
12. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve
Located in the state of Sikkim, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet
(China) to the north-west, this biosphere reserve is one of the highest
ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 to 8,586 metres above
sea level. The site is one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots. It includes
vast natural forests that support high species diversity with high levels of
endemism. The main economic activities are agricultural and horticultural
crops, animal husbandry, fish, dairy and poultry farming.
13. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Located in the Western Ghats in the south of the country, the
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve has peaks reaching 1,868 m above sea
level. Consisting mostly of tropical forest, the site is home to 2,254 species
of higher plants including about 400 that are endemic. It is also a unique
genetic reservoir of cultivated plants, in particular cardamom, jamune,
nutmeg, pepper and plantain. Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney,
Peppara and Neyyar, are located in the site, as well as the Kalakad
Mundanthurai Tiger reserve. A number of tribal settlements comprising a
total population of 3,000 inhabit the biosphere reserve. They rely largely on
biological resources for their sustenance, although recent projects have been
set up to reduce their dependence on the forests.
14. Achanakamar - Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
The Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is the most dramatic
and ecologically diverse landscape in the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
states of India. It is one of the less developed and least disturbed areas in
both the states. It encompasses most of the original natural and cultural
features.
15. Kachchh Biosphere Reserve
Rann is largest saline and marshy tracts in the entire world usually have
low rain fall and sparse vegetation. However, it forms its own unique
ecosystem which supports unique biodiversity of flora and fauna. Similarly,
Kachchh Biosphere Reserve (KBR) is mainly composed of two major

Page | 80
ecosystems called Great Rann of Kachchh (GRK) and Little Rann of
Kachchh (LRK) covering area of 12,454 km2, the reserve mainly it covers
kachchh Desert Sanctuary (in GRK) and Wild Ass Sanctuary (in LRK). A
reserve also covers part of finest grassland of Asia called “Banni”. Not many
researchers are available about the scientific information of KBR.
16. Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve
Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve is a biosphere reserve located in
the Western Himalayas, within Himachal Pradesh in North India. Biosphere
reserves are the areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which promote the
conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. It declared a biosphere
reserve in 2009.

i) Pin Valley National Park and its surroundings

ii) Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
iii) Sarchu and Chandratal.
Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan blue sheep,
Himalayan ibex, snow pigeon, Tibetan gazelle, woolly hare, red fox Brown
and black bears, etc. can be spotted here
Flora: Herbs, and Shrub species
17. Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve
The Seshachalam Hills are hilly ranges part of the Eastern Ghats in
southern Andhra Pradesh state, in southeastern India. In 2010, it was
designated as a Biosphere Reserve. It has large reserves of red
sandalwood which is used in medicines, soaps, spiritual rituals, etc. The
Seshachalam hill ranges running to North West to South East, over to a
length about 80 km and width ranged from 32 to 40 km in the two
Rayalaseema region districts, Chittoor and Kadapa. These ranges have
typical gorges and gaps due to faulting and stream erosion resulting in to
discontinuous ranges. The altitude of Seshachalam hill ranges varies from
168 to 1187m above MSL. The highest hill peak is Tellaralla penta (1187m)
and most of the other hill peaks are above 900m MSL.
18. Panna Biosphere Reserve
In October 2020, it was designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Panna reserve is the third Biosphere reserve of Madhya Pradesh to be
included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Before
this, Pachmarhi and Amarkantak have been included in the list. Along with
Panna; UNESCO also included Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll in the Maldives

Page | 81
in the list. For India, Panna Biosphere Reserve is the 12th entry in the World
Network of Biosphere Reserves while for Maldives it is the 2nd and 3rd entry.
At present, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves includes 714
biosphere reserves in 129 countries across the globe.
Note
This is all about the flora and fauna of India, in which we have
discussed some major National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Bio Sphere
Reserve of India. These all are the attractions which motivate wildlife loving
tourist to visit India due to these reasons.

Page | 82
 Chapter - 7
Hill Stations and Plains of India

The hill stations are high-altitude towns for recreation, enjoyment and used
as a place of refuge to escape the blistering heat in India during summertime.
As India is a vast country with limited amounts of the coastal area most of its
towns and districts face continental type of climate with summer being very
hot so hill stations (as situated on high altitude due to which it faces low
temperature) becomes an excellent spot to escape such hot and humid
conditions as well as a place of enjoyment to spend quality time with your
family and partner during summer break. The Indian subcontinent has seven
principal mountain ranges and the largest of all is the Himalayas that lies in
the northern part of India. The famous peaks and ranges include the
Kangchenjunga range in the Eastern Himalayas which frames the hill
stations of Darjeeling and Gangtok as well as the Nanda Devi in
Uttarakhand. The Shivalik range that also lies within the same region also
has some famous hill stations that include Mussoorie, Drass, Dalhousie,
Kullu, Shimla, Nainital and many more. Most of the hill stations in India
were developed by the British around a central mall to get respite from the
oppressive summer heat. Many have picturesque lakes as their focal point,
making them excellent places for boating activities. Most of the hill stations
in India are located in Jammu and Kashmir,Ladakh, Manipur, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
and Meghalaya in the Himalayas and in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Goa, Kerala, and Tamilnadu in Western ghats. Some are located in Eastern
ghat Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
History
Hill stations in India were established for a variety of reasons. After the
revolt of 1857 the "British sought further distance from what they saw as a
"disease-ridden" land by escape to the Himalayas in the north and Nilgiri
Hills in the south", a pattern which started even before 1857. Other factors
included anxieties about the dangers of life in India, among them "fear of
degeneration brought on by too long residence in a debilitating land." The
hill stations were meant to reproduce the home country, illustrated in Lord

Page | 83
Lytton's statement about Ootacamund, in the 1870s, "such beautiful English
rain, such delicious English mud." Shimla was officially made the "summer
capital of India" in the 1860s and hill stations "served as vital centers of
political and military power, especially after the 1857 revolt."
Dane Kennedy, following Monika Bührlein, identifies three stages in the
evolution of hill stations in India: high refuge to hill station, and hill station
to town. The first settlements started in the 1820s, primarily as sanitoria. In
the 1840s and 1850s, there was a wave of new hill stations, with the main
impetus being "places to rest and recuperate from the arduous life on the
plains". In the second half of the 19th century, there was a period of
consolidation with few new hill stations. In the final phase, "hill stations
reached their zenith in the late nineteenth century. The political importance
of the official stations was underscored by the inauguration of large and
costly public-building projects."
The summer heat and humidity in India is intolerable, but the hill
stations in India come to your rescue welcoming you with incredible
landscapes set against stunning backdrops and a cold climate all the way
through. The hill stations in India, particularly the ones in Uttarakhand and
Himachal Pradesh are certainly a treat to the senses. The hill stations in
India are regarded to be the best places to visit in North India because of
their scenic beauty and wonderful temperatures. These hill stations in North
India are preferred mostly by the people who wish to escape the scorching
temperatures all over the country during the summers. Here are some of the
places that are sure to astound you!
20 Must Visit Hill Stations in India – 2021
1. Manali
Regarded to be one of the best hill stations in India, Manali is a heaven
for all the snow lovers. With delicate temperatures during the summers, and
chilling weather during the winters, Manali is one of the peaceful places to
visit in North India. There are many things to do in Manali, which is fondly
known as the Valley of the Gods.

Page | 84
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Whether you are an adventure and sports enthusiast or love calm and
tranquil surroundings, Manali has something for everyone. Located at the
northern end of the Kullu Valley, in between the mountains of Himachal
Pradesh, it is the most stunning hill station that is at an altitude of 2,050m.
The natural scenic beauty, culture and snow-capped mountains are sure to
enthral you and hypnotise you no end. Visiting this place will make you
realise why it is termed as such a major attraction in the Himachal tour
packages.
• Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (50 km)
• Must visit places: Hidimba Devi Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Pin Valley
National Park, Manali Sanctuary, Vashishth Temple, Jogni Falls
etc.
• Activities to do: Paragliding at Rohtang Pass, camping and winter
sports at Solang Valley, river rafting at Pandoh Dam
• Best for: Families and Couples
• Known for: One of the best Hill Stations in North India, Manali has
an unassailable reputation for being a backpacker’s paradise at a
truly romantic honeymoon destination.
2. Gulmarg, One of the popular hill stations in India
Boasting the scenic beauty of the ever-wonderful Jammu and Kashmir,
Gulmarg stands on a different level among all the hill stations in North India.
This beautiful hill station in India is the most sought-after place among all
the travellers in India and abroad as well.

Page | 85
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Set at an altitude of 2,730m, Gulmarg is a hill town that is engulfed by
deep ravines, meadows, snow-capped peaks, lush hills and serene valleys. If
you are not afraid to try something adventurous, you can even indulge in
some skiing that is a popular winter sport here. Gulmarg carries the glory of
the ever charming Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the best hill
stations in India.
• Nearest airport: At Srinagar (56 km)
• Must visit places: Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Gondola,
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Seven Springs, Maharani Temple etc.
• Activities to do: Skiing at Gulmarg Backcountry Ski Lounge,
snowboarding at Apharwat Peak, camping at Ningle Nallah etc.
• Best for: Couples
• Known for: Fairly untouched and with supreme beauty, Gulmarg is
a heavely region in Baramula district of the country which is most
known for being a skiing hub of the state.
3. Shimla
With the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh being such beauties, why
should the capital of the state be left far behind? Set against oak, deodar and
pine forests, Shimla makes for one fascinating sight! While you are there,
you can check out the Chadwick Falls, The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church
and Jaku Hill.

Page | 86
The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla tourism is always at an all-time high so you get to know about
the best attractions and places to stay no matter when you plan to visit.
• Nearest airport: At Chandigarh (113 km)
• Must visit places: Jakhoo temple, Kalka-Shimla railway, Rashtrpati
Niwas, The Ridge, Himachal State Museum, Christ Church etc.
• Activities to do: Shopping at Mall road, hot pool bath and river
rafting at Tattapani, paragliding, camping, heli-skiing at Narkanda
and Kufri etc.
• Best for: Friends and Family
• Known for: This popular Hill Station in North India is best known
for its amazing toy train, running between Kalka and Shimla and its
many handicrafts markets.
4. Nainital
Nainital is a heaven on earth. Well recognized as the Lake District of
India, it is one of the best places to beat the heat in the scorching summer.

Page | 87
Nanital, Uttarakhand
With ancient temples and jaw dropping sceneries to its credit, you can
also check out the Jim Corbett National Park which is the oldest national
park in India and indulge in exploring caves and boating activities.
• Nearest airport: Nearest domestic airport is at Pantnagar (1 hours’
drive) and international at New Delhi (301 kms)
• Must visit places: Nainital Lake, Snow View, Naini Peak, Gurney
House, Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kainchi Dham etc.
• Activities to do: Horse trekking at Tiffin Top, camping and
birdwatching at Sattal, cave exploring at Cave Garden etc.
• Best for: Couples
• Known for: A serene hilltop destination, Nainital is known
especially for its beautiful lake by the same name where couple can
commonly be seen enjoying a romantic boat ride.
5. Kasol – One of the most beautiful hill stations in India
The ideal backpacker’s destination, Kasol is a suburb set on the banks of
the river Parvati. There are many places to visit in Kasol such as the Malana
Village, Parvati River and Tirthan Valley while you can also choose to sip a
cuppa and laze around in this secluded heaven.

Page | 88
Kasol Valley, Himachal Pradesh
• Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (31 km)
• Must visit places: Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Thakar Kuan,
Kheer Ganga Peak, Raghunath Mandir, Malana Village Tirthan
Valley, Parvati River etc.
• Activities to do: Trekking at Chalal Trekking Trail, bath in
Manikaran Hot Water Pool etc.
• Best for: Friends and Family
• Known for: A lovely hamlet in Kullu region of India, Kasol is
easily one of the Most Beautiful Hill Stations in India, which is
known for its laidback charm and tranquillity.
6. Srinagar
Lying on the banks of the river Jhelum, Srinagar is certainly a beauty
owing to its lovely houseboats, historic gardens, wandering rivers and
impeccable climate. The place boasts of the largest tulip garden in Asia and
while here, you can visit the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Dal Lake,
Amarnath Cave, Wular Lake, Jama Masjid and the Mughal Gardens.

Page | 89
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
• Nearest airport: At Bhuntar (31 km)
• Must visit places: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Shankracharya
Temple, Hazratbal, Hari Parvat, Kheer Bhawani etc.
• Activities to do: Boating in Dal Lake, visit Indira Gandhi Memorial
Tulip Garden etc.
• Best for: Couples
• Known for: The alluring capital of the state of J&K is most popular
for the lovely Dal Lake and the mesmerizing house boats afloat on
it.
7. Mussoorie, amongst must visit hill stations in India
Mussoorie is a sight to behold! Almost everyone has heard of it and it is
on every traveller’s wish list when exploring the top hill stations in North
India. It is way up, above the mountains of Garhwal and on top of a
horseshoe crest.

Page | 90
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
You will certainly be in for a treat as you check out the spectacular view
of the majestic Himalayas and the Doon Valley.
• Nearest airport: At Dehradun (54 km)
• Must visit places: Kempty Falls, Mussoorie Lake, K Dev Bhoomi
Wax Museum, Christ Church, Bhadraj Temple, Fish Aquarium etc.
• Activities to do: Ziplining and other adventure sports at Adventure
Park Mussoorie, boating and amusement rides at Company Bagh
etc.
• Best for: Couples and Family
• Known for: Mussoorie is a famous weekend getaway destination
from New Delhi, known for interesting attractions like The Cloud’s
End and The Mall.
8. Almora
If you are on a budget and looking to cut down on the costs but at the
same time experience adventure and tranquility that is synonymous with hill
stations, you need to head to Almora. It is the least expensive hill station in
India. Set at an elevation of 1,651m, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage
and spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Page | 91
Almora, UP
While there, you can also discover the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the
Nanda Devi Temple, the Chitai Temple and the Almora Fort.
• Nearest airport: At Pantnagar (125 km)
• Must visit places: Binsar wildlife Sancturary, Jageshwar, Kasar
Devi Temple, Chitai Temple, Zero Point, Katarmal Sun Temple etc.
• Activities to do: Trekking at Ranikhet road or at Almora-Jageshwar,
explore painted rock shelters, visit Deer Park etc.
• Best for: Family
• Known for: A small town in Uttaranchal, Almora is a placid Hill
Station in North India better known for its relaxed atmosphere and
enchanting natural beauty.
9. Haldwani – A lesser know yet among the best hill stations in India
If you are looking for a laid back vibe that is accompanied by panoramic
views, Haldwani is the hill station for you. It comes replete with a rich
culture and history. Those interested in hiking, photography and trekking
will surely have a great time here.

Page | 92
Haldwani
• Nearest airport: At Pantnagar (35 km)
• Must visit places: Haldwani Zoo Safari, Kali Chaur temple,
Dewalchour Roundabout, Gaula Barrgae, Sanjya Van, Hedakham
Ashram etc.
• Best for: Family
• Known for: Blessed with inviting environment, this Kumaon town
is famous for its pleasant weather and rosy surroundings.
10. Palampur
Palampur is one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It
is home to a variety of water bodies, streams and brooks which is a reason
tea plantations flourish here. You will also find many treks organised while
paragliding activities are also held here.

Page | 93
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
It is the ideal getaway for the summers and the deodar trees found here,
which are the tallest in the country will certainly provide ample amount of
shade and a cool atmosphere throughout.
• Nearest airport: Nearest domestic airport is at Gaggal (1 hours’
drive) and international at Amritsar (231 km)
• Must visit places: Bundla Tea Estate, Gopalpur Zoo, Shobha Singh
Art Gallery, Tea Garden, Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery, Birni
Devi Temple etc.
• Activities to do: Paragliding in Kangra Valley, picnicking at
Saurabh Van Vihar etc.
• Best for: Family
• Known for: Palampur is a fantastic hill station of India which is
popular for its sprawling tea estates and refreshing climate.
11. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
This charming Tibetan town in the hills of Himachal is one of the Best
Hill Stations in India. A small settlement in Dharamshala, another hill resort
in the state, it is perfect to visit any time of the year owing to its splendid and
balanced but perennially cool climate.

Sun Set Point McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

The laidback charm, numerous beautiful Buddhist Monasteries and
gorgeous landscape of snow-draped mountains make McLeodganj the ideal
choice for a great holiday surrounded by hills.
• Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport

Page | 94
 • Must Visit Places: Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum,
Tsuglagkhang and the museum located in the complex, Bhagsunath
Temple and the beautiful Bhagsu Falls
• Activities to Do: Hike to the small camp at Triund, go for boat rides
at Dal Lake, enjoy quiet nature walks amidst beautiful ambience,
and shop at the local market for lovely beaded jewellery, Thangka
paintings etc.
• Best for: Couples, adventure seekers and solo travellers
• Known for: Tibetan monasteries and abundance of natural beauty
12. Chopta, Uttarakhand
With lush greenery that turns to a breath-taking view of thick snow,
Chopta is a beautiful place in India which draws hundreds and thousands of
tourists to its doorsteps.

Chopta, Uttarakhand
While the winters in Chopta make possible the fantastic activity of snow
trekking on it pristine slopes, the rest of the year promises a striking vista
with its wide-stretching grasslands called Bugyals, making Chopta a year-
round travel destination worth visiting.
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
• Must Visit Places: Tungnath Temple, Kedarnath Wild Life
Sanctuary, Koteshwar Temple, Koteshwar Mahadev, Deoria Tal
lake
• Activities to Do: Camping, trekking, rock climbing, hiking to
Chandrashila, snow trekking, rappelling etc.

Page | 95
 • Best for: Friends and solo travellers
• Known for: Snow laden slopes perfect for snow trekking and a
hiking trip to the famous Tungnath temple.
13. Kalimpong, West Bengal
The quieter version of the famous hill destination in West Bengal,
Darjeeling, Kalimpong is as much beautiful and nature-enriched place than
its neighbour. The lush green hills sprinkled with soft white snow creates a
magical view that you can only find here.

Kalimpong, West Bengal

Although there are not many Things to do in Kalimpong, the beauty of
the place lies in this very fact which allows you to forget all the hassles of
life and relaxes you to your very core. Ironically enough that’s what makes
this lovely destination a coveted addition in this list of Best Hill Stations in
India.
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
• Must Visit Places: Lepcha Museum, Durpin Dara hill, Rishi
Bankim Chandra Park, Zong Dong Palri Fo Brang Gompa, Morgan
House built during the colonial times and the unique Cactus
nursery.
• Activities to Do: Discover the enigmatic Buddhist culture, visit and
indulge in nature photography at Neora Valley National Park, hike
to Deolo hill and enjoy activities like Paragliding and horse riding,
shop for lovely Tibetan handicraft items etc.

Page | 96
 • Best for: Couples and Senior Citizens
• Known for: Peaceful surroundings, Buddhist culture and
monasteries
14. Pelling, Sikkim
Pelling is a lesser known but one of the absolute Best Hill Stations in
India which stands out for being a quaint hideout in the western part of
scenic Sikkim. With not just spellbinding natural beauty but a fantastic
cultural fiesta to boast about, the place is undoubtedly a beautiful place to
escape the humdrum of everyday life.

Pelling, Sikkim
Surrounded by the snowy summits of Kanchenjunga range this small
town lets you rejuvenate thoroughly, sipping a hot cup of tea and gazing at
the gorgeous beauty of Pelling.
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
• Must Visit Places: Sangachoeling Monastery, Singshore bridge,
Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga
Waterfall, Kanchenjunga National Park etc.
• Activities to Do: Hike to the nearby village of Darpa, have a picnic
at Sewaro Rock Garden, attend Maghe Purne Festival celebrated at
the delightful Khecheopalri Lake, explore the verdant meadows of
Kaluk village etc.
• Best for: Families and Friends
• Known for: Buddhist culture, monasteries and peaceful environs

Page | 97
15. Shillong, Meghalaya
An inimitable hill station in India, Shillong is the capital city of
Meghalaya and identified for its scintillating views of hill and sweet
smelling flowers found everywhere. The picturesque vista of lush hills,
waterfalls and misty vantage points render this place nothing less than a
paradise on earth.

Shillong, Meghalaya
Along with the scenic natural beauty, Shillong also features charming
colonial buildings which further accentuate the delights of this quaint hill
resort of North-East India.
• Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport in Umroi
• Must Visit Places: Umaim lake, Shillong Peak, All Saint’s
Cathedral, Lady Hydari Park, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum
and Sweet Falls
• Activities to Do: Go for a pleasing boat ride at the beautiful Ward’s
Lake, enjoy myriad water sports at Umiam lake, trek at David Scott
Trail, shop for local fruits, vegetables and exciting handicraft items
at Bara Bazaar, and enjoy live jazz performances at Café Shillong
• Best for : Solo Travellers and Friends
• Known for: Scenic natural beauty, youth culture, colonial buildings
etc.
16. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
One of the Best Hill Stations in India and a highly popular one too,
Mahabaleshwar is a treasured destination of Maharashtra. It is known for the

Page | 98
enchanting views of Sahyadri Ranges, cool climate and the dazzling sunrises
and sunsets as seen from various winsome points in the region.

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Packing, both scenic splendour and myriad opportunities for thrilling
adventure sports, the resort makes for a beautiful getaway destination in the
west.
• Nearest Airport: Pune
• Must Visit Places: Pratapgarh Fort, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson
Point, Babington Point, Rajpuri Caves, Elephant’s Head Point etc.
• Activities to Do: Take a romantic boat ride at Venna Lake, go for
jungle trekking and nature walks in Tapola, hike up to Lingmala
Falls, relish fresh strawberry ice-cream at Mapro Garden, enjoy a
picnic at Connaught Point, try activities like horse riding,
paragliding etc.
• Best for: Couples and Friends
• Known for: Being an excellent weekend getaway spot near Mumbai
and Pune, with the abundance of scenic beauty, possibilities of
adventures and yummy strawberries
17. Coorg, Karnataka
With a sobriquet like ‘Scotland of East’, Coorg’s beauty and charisma
do not need an introduction. The thick blankets of greenery spread all
around, and sparkling blue skies make this place a genuinely scintillating hill
station which attracts people from all over the country and beyond.

Page | 99
Coorg, Karnataka
It is also well-known for its aromatic coffee, delicious food and plentiful
wildlife which impart it a unique magnetism pulling nature lovers,
photographers and food connoisseurs with equal force.
• Nearest Airport: Mysore
• Must Visit Places: Namdroling Monastery or Golden Temple,
Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, Nagarahole Wild Life
Sanctuary, Madikeri, Talakaveri etc.
• Activities to Do: Have fun bathing elephants at Dubare Elephant
Camp, trek through Tadiandamol, Mullayanagiri, Kodachadri or
Brahmagiri, enjoy a hearty meal of Coorg special Pandi Curry with
Akki Roti, take a relaxing walk through a coffee plantation, and
enjoy activities like camping, fishing and river rafting etc.
• Best for: Couples
• Known for: Coffee plantations and misty mountains
18. Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
A popular religious destination cum hill resort in Madhya Pradesh,
Amarkantak is among the Best Hill Stations in India which offer much more
than just spectacular views hills. The sacred hill town is perched upon the
union point of Vindhya and Satpura ranges and is the home of the holy river
of Narmada.

Page | 100
Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
Apart from ancient temples and splendid vistas of the mountain ranges,
the place is also famous for its humongous array of flora and fauna,
especially medicinal plants that grow here in abundance.
• Nearest Airport: Jabalpur
• Must Visit Places: Narmadakund, Kapil Dhara falls, Trimukhi
Temple etc.
• Activities to Do: Explore the ancient temple of Kalachuri, take a
calming nature walk in Mai ki Bagiya or Mother’s Garden, discover
the various medicinal plants grown in its woods, and witness the
incredible natural beauty of Amarkantak
• Best for: Senior Citizens and Families
• Known for: Ancient temples and medicinal plants
19. Munnar, Kerala
The rolling hills of Munnar in Kerala have always provided people with
the ultimate haven for achieving utter bliss and respite. Blessed with vast
stretches of tea and spice plantations, magnificent wildlife and exhaustive
natural beauty at every corner, Munnar undoubtedly lies among the top Best
Hill Stations in India.

Page | 101
Munnar, Kerala
Sought by romantics and honeymooners in large number every year the
place doesn’t just appease you with its natural magnificence but also with
productive activities that you can enjoy here including trekking, yoga,
Ayurvedic spa treatments, food trails and shopping.
• Nearest Airport: Cochin
• Must Visit Places: Tea gardens along Kolukkumalai Hills, Echo
Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Top Station, Kundala Lake, Tata Tea
Museum, Matupetty Dam etc.
• Activities to Do: Birdwatching at Thekkady Bird Sanctuary,
wildlife spotting at Eravikulam National Park, enjoy mountain
biking at Anamudi Shola or Vandanmedu areas, have a picnic at
Lakkam Waterfalls, rock climbing, rappelling etc.
• Best for: Couples
• Known for: Tea and spice plantations
20. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Another magnificent hill station in South India, Kodaikanal is often
heralded as the ‘princess of hill stations’ and for every good reason. With
panoramic views of the velvety green hills spread all around and numerous
beautiful locations to enjoy the coruscating vistas of its bewitching natural
beauty, Kodaikanal deserves the title.

Page | 102
Koidailkanal, Tamil Nadu
The tranquil atmosphere permeating in its air is just a bonus which
makes this place one of the top choices for travel destinations in the country,
for a restful vacation in the hills.
• Nearest Airport: Madurai
• Must Visit Places: Silver Cascade waterfall, Wax Museum,
Dolphin’s nose, Bryant Park, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory,
Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, Green Valley view, Shenbaganur
Museum, Perumal peak, Kookal caves etc.
• Activities to Do: Enjoy boating at Kodaikanal Lake, hike to Pillar
Rocks for excellent views, take a relaxing nature walk in Pine trees
encrusted forests, go bicycling or strolling at Coakers Walk, indulge
in nature photography at Thalaiyar Falls etc.
• Best for: Families and Friends
• Known for: Sprawling lush hills, wildlife and Neelakurinji flowers
There are many Hill Stations in India and among those these twenty bag
the most accolades. Not that the others are any less, only these Hill Stations
located in India, are way too good for any other to beat them. Maybe to find
your inner peace or kindle some romance, these are perfect for every reason
and every excuse whatsoever for the ideal break from the city life! So, what
are you waiting for? Simply grab your backpack and set out for these Most
Beautiful Hill Stations in India.

Page | 103
 Chapter - 8
Deserts and Coastal Areas of India

Deserts areas of India

Deserts in India offer some of the most spectacular landscapes, full of
visual inspirations. From the vast expanse of the Thar Desert to the
incredible cold desert of Ladakh, India packs an assortment of desert
destinations for intrepid travelers. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great
Indian Desert, is the 17th largest desert on earth. A major part of the Thar
Desert is in Rajasthan. As it extends into Gujarat, the golden sand desert
transforms into a dazzling white salt desert. The northern region of the
country also boasts some astonishing desert terrains. Nestled high in the
Himalayas, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh are known as cold
deserts. Both the places don’t get much rain due to their position on the
leeward side of the Himalayas.
7 Most Fascinating Deserts in India
Sr, No. Place Situated in Desert Type
1 Jaisalmer Thar Desert Hot and Dry
2 Bikaner Thar Desert Hot and Dry
3 Jodhpur Thar Desert Hot and Dry
4 Great Rann of Kutch Thar Desert Salt Marsh
5 Little Rann of Kutch Thar Desert Salt Marsh
6 Ladakh Himalayas Cold Desert
7 Spiti Valley Himalayas Cold Desert

1. Jaisalmer
In the middle of the Thar Desert, about 575 km from Jaipur, lies a city
proudly flaunting its golden facade. That’s none other than Jaisalmer in
Rajasthan.

Page | 104
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Most of the structures, from palaces to temples to houses in the city are
made of yellow sandstone. Even the surrounding desert is adorned with
sparkling golden sand. So, this medieval city has earned the sobriquet of the
“Golden City”. It is named after Rawal Jaisal, then Maharaja of the region
who founded this city in the 12th century. Sand dunes, near Jaisalmer, are a
major draw for travelers here. Nearly 40 km away from the city, Sam Sand
Dunes is popular for its desert safari experiences.
Explore the vastness of the Thar desert on a jeep or on a camel’s back.
You can do this as a day excursion from Jaisalmer or camp overnight in a
mud cottage or a Swiss tent. A night stay in the dunes offers opportunities to
delve into the fascinating beauty of the desert. Enjoy a gorgeous sunset and a
bonfire under the star-studded sky during the night. A side from the dunes,
you can visit the majestic Jaisalmer Fort which is one of the oldest forts in
Rajasthan. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is massive and India’s only
living fort. In addition to palaces, the fort has temples, houses and shops
inside it.

Page | 105
Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
Who can believe, this arid land also nurtures wildlife. Desert National
Park, situated some 42 km from Jaisalmer is birdwatchers’ paradise. The
major attraction of the park is the Great Indian Bustard, a critically
endangered bird. It is one of the best deserts in India to explore unique desert
wildlife. Chinkara, also known as the Indian Gazelle is a commonly sighted
animal in this national park. You may also spot desert fox, hedgehog, desert
cat and wolf.
Jaisalmer is well-connected by road with many cities of Rajasthan and
Gujarat by state transport and private buses. The nearest airport is located in
Jodhpur, almost 280 km away from Jaisalmer. From Jodhpur Airport, it is a
5-hour drive. Jaisalmer Railway Station is the nearest railhead that has direct
trains from cities like Jaipur and Delhi.
Where to stay in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in the town.
From delectable food to the upkeep of rooms, this hotel offers excellent
hospitality. Among the mid-range hotels, Hotel Golden Haveli is a
wonderful choice.
2. Bikaner
Bikaner derives its name from Rao Bikaji, a Rathore King who
established this city in 1488. Aptly called the “Camel City”, Bikaner offers a
truly grandiose experience of sandy deserts in India. It lies some 330 km
from Jaipur amid the undulating sandhills of the Thar desert.

Page | 106
Sand Dunes Near Bikaner
The city is renowned for its red sandstone forts, beautiful desert vistas
and unforgettable camel safari experiences. Junagarh Fort is one of the most
imposing edifices in the city that is constructed in red sandstone and marble.
It was built in the late 16th century by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of
Bikaner. Sprawling over 5 hectares, the fort is dotted with beautiful palaces,
temples and courtyards.

Chinkara
Many palaces in the city, the likes of Laxmi Niwas Palace, now serve as
heritage hotels offering a royal stay to the guests. A major highlight of the
Bikaner trip is camel safari. It should be done preferably in the evening so
that you don’t miss the colourful desert sunset of Bikaner. The desert city

Page | 107
also boasts of one of a kind camel farm which is apparently a camel research
and breeding center. Known as National Research Centre on Camel, it is
managed by the Government of India. Here, you can relish a lot of sweet
delicacies prepared from camel milk. Besides the grandeur of the city,
explore the diversity of wildlife in Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary.
Approximately 32 km from the city, this sanctuary is home to chinkara,
blackbuck, nilgai, desert fox and a variety of birds. Flocks of imperial
sandgrouses are a common sight in the sanctuary. Bikaner has excellent road
connectivity with all neighbouring cities. There are regular buses to Bikaner
from Jodhpur, Delhi and Ahmedabad. Bikaner Railway Station has direct
trains from metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. It doesn’t have an airport.
By flight, you can arrive in Jodhpur (250 km). And then take a cab or a bus
for the onward journey to Bikaner.
Where to stay in Bikaner
Karni Bhawan Palace is a good mid-priced hotel in Bikaner. It is a well-
maintained heritage property that once served as a guesthouse for the royal
guests. Among the budget hotels, Tanisha Heritage Haweli is an excellent
option. It is a guesthouse with a homely ambiance. For those looking for a
lavish stay in Jaisalmer, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner and The Laxmi Niwas
Palace are nice heritage properties. These hotels were royal residences of the
then king of Bikaner State.
3. Jodhpur
Nicknamed as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur really appears draped in a sheet
of blue. An aerial view of the city from the mighty Mehrangarh Fort is
simply breathtaking. The city gets its name from its founder Rao Jodha, a
former ruler of the present-day Rajasthan State.
Overlooking the old city, Mehrangarh Fort is an iconic landmark of
Jodhpur. The expanse of modern Jodhpur city is well beyond the fort walls.
However, the panoramic blue-blanketed landscape of the old city never fails
to impress the onlookers. Jaswant Thada is another noted monument to visit
in the city. A finely carved white marble memorial, Jaswant Thada was built
by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur as a tribute to his father Maharaja
Jaswant Singh II. For a desert safari experience, you can visit Osian which
lies nearly 65 km away from Jodhpur. Ruins of ancient temples are an added
attraction of Osian town.
Jodhpur is one of the most popular deserts in India where tourists flock
from October to March as the weather turns pleasant.

Page | 108
Jodhpur-Blue City of India
The best way to reach Jodhpur from Mumbai and Delhi is by flight.
Jodhpur is well connected by trains from metro cities. It has excellent road
connectivity with other neighbouring cities and towns.
Where to stay in Jodhpur
From the most luxurious to mid-range to affordable, Jodhpur offers a
range of lodging options. Zostel Jodhpur is a great place to stay for solo
travelers and backpackers. You can see stunning views of the famous
Mehrangarh Fort from here. Hotel Ratan Vilas is a fabulous choice among
the mid-priced hotels. If you want to experience truly royal living and your
pocket supports, then Umaid Bhawan Palace is an amazing choice. It is one
of the most luxurious hotels in Jodhpur.
4. Great Rann of Kutch
Acclaimed as India’s largest salt plain, the Great Rann of Kutch forms a
part of Kutch district in Gujarat. It is popularly referred to as Rann of Kutch
which is a slight misnomer.
The Rann of Kutch in fact comprises two deserts. Spread over 7500 sq
km, the larger one is the Great Rann of Kutch. And its adjacent, relatively
smaller salt desert is called the Little Rann of Kutch. During monsoon, the

Page | 109
Great Rann – One of the Splendid Deserts in India
Great Rann is awash from heavy rains. As the floodwater recedes after
the rainy season, the area begins to dry leaving a salty marshland. The Great
Rann is abuzz with tourists from October to March, which is the best season
to visit this white salt desert. With the onset of the festive season in
December, it turns into one of the most vibrant deserts in India. A lavish
spectacle of music and folk dance, Rann Utsav (festival) is celebrated from
December to February. It is one of the major attractions of the Great Rann
that draws hordes of travelers from all over the world.
The actual dates are announced by the government every year. So, you
should check the dates on the Rann Utsav website before planning a trip. The
festival is organised in a village called Dhordo. Bhuj, roughly 80 km away
from Dhordo, is the nearest railhead. A domestic airport in Bhuj connects it
to Mumbai. From Bhuj Airport, it is a 2-hour drive to Dhordo.
Where to stay near great Rann
The Tent City is one of the fantastic places to stay near Great Rann if
one can afford it. It comprises tented cottages that offer a comfortable stay.
However, this is not the only option. There are a few other mid-priced
resorts next to White Rann. You can check Gateway to Rann Resort which is
located in Dhordo village.
5. Little Rann of Kutch
I would call it the lesser-known cousin of the Great Rann. A wide
stretch of barren land dappled with patches of swamp and thorny bushes,
Little Rann of Kutch is one of the most unique deserts in India.

Page | 110
Little Rann
It lies nearly 170 km away from Ahmedabad in Kutch district of
Gujarat. Sprawling 4,954 sq km, the Little Rann is home to one of India’s
largest wildlife Sanctuaries, the Wild Ass Sanctuary. It boasts some of the
rare wildlife, like wild ass and short-eared owl.

Sunset in One of the Most Surreal Deserts in India – Little Rann

In addition, Little Rann attracts a large number of migratory birds,
including flamingos and demoiselle cranes. So, it is rightly known as
birdwatchers’ heaven. Evening safari in the Little Rann offers astounding
views of a tranquil sunset in the desert.

Page | 111
 The Little Rann is accessible by road from Ahmedabad, which houses
the nearest airport and railway station to reach here.
Where to Stay Near Little Rann
You can stay in Dasada or Zainabad which are nearby villages to the
Little Rann. Rann Riders is an amazing resort in Dasada if you are visiting
the Little Rann. Their hospitality is superb.
6. Ladakh
In the far northern region of India lies the land of high mountain passes,
Ladakh. “La” means passes and “Dakh” means many in the local language.
So, Ladakh derives its name from the high-altitude passes. With its arid
mountains, glacial lakes and sinuous trails, Ladakh is home to some of the
breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the magnificent cold deserts in India
that you will fall in love with. In the far northern region of India lies the land
of high mountain passes, Ladakh. “La” means passes and “Dakh” means
many in the local language.

Ladakh – One of the Most Scenic Deserts in India

So, Ladakh derives its name from the high-altitude passes. With its arid
mountains, glacial lakes and sinuous trails, Ladakh is home to some of the
breathtaking landscapes. It is one of the magnificent cold deserts in India
that you will fall in love with. Here, you can visit Khardung La and soak in
the stunning vistas of the surroundings. At 5,602 m, Khardung La is the
highest motorable pass in the world. This barren and beautiful land houses
numerous Buddhist monasteries.

Page | 112
 Summer season spanning May to August is the best time to visit Ladakh
when the weather is warm and sunny. In winters, Ladakh gets wrapped in a
thick blanket of snow and the mercury drops below zero degrees. The
nearest airport is in Leh with direct flight connectivity from Delhi and
Srinagar. Ladakh is reachable from Leh by road via two routes, Leh-Srinagar
highway (434 km) and Leh-Manali highway (490 km).
Where to Stay In Leh-Ladakh
The Grand Dragon Ladakh and Gomang Boutique Hotel are some of the
best hotels in Leh. For budget-conscious travelers, Shaolin guesthouse is a
nice place to stay in the vicinity of the city center.
7. Spiti valley
Encompassed by lofty mountain ranges, Spiti Valley is a high-altitude
desert in Himachal Pradesh. It is blessed with prolific scenic beauty. Quaint
villages, towering mountains with sparse vegetation, deep gorges and glacial
streams, the surreal appearance of Spiti Valley is impressive.

Kye Gompa (Monastery) in Spiti Valley

This cold desert mountain valley is a noted religious center for
Buddhism. It contains some of the most ancient Buddhist monasteries in the
world. Tabo Monastery and Kye Gompa (Ki Monastery) are the two most
famous monasteries in the valley. Founded in the tenth century, Tabo
Monastery is considered the oldest monastery in the valley.
The biggest monastery of Spiti Valley, Kye Gompa is perched on a hill
at 13,668 ft (4,166 m) height. From the hilltop, Key Monastery offers
splendid views of the valley and the Spiti River.

Page | 113
 A visit to Chandra Taal, Dhankar Lake, Langza Village and the Kibber
Wildlife Sanctuary is a must when in Spiti Valley. The major highlight of
Langza Village is an incredible, lifelike statue of Lord Buddha, overlooking
the valley.

Buddha Statue in Langza Village

As India’s snow leopard habitat, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary attracts
wildlife lovers from around the globe. It is indeed one of the best cold
deserts in India for adventure seekers and wildlife explorers.
Kaza town is the gateway to Spiti Valley. It is accessible from Manali
(197 km) and Shimla (414 km) by road. During heavy snowfall, the Manali
route is shut. However, the Shimla route via Kinnaur is open year-round
barring some exceptional situations like landslides.
Where to stay in spiti valley
Spiti Village Resort is a fabulous eco-resort in Kaza town. It is located
in a serene locality in proximity to Kaza Market. Hotel Deyzor is another
good option in Kaza with a nice in-house restaurant.
9.2 Coastal areas of India
India has a very long coastline, and it measures about 7,516.6 km
bordering the mainland and the islands with the Bay of Bengal in the East,
the Indian Ocean on the South and the Arabian Sea on the West. The
coastline is distributed among nine states and four union territories (UTs).
Among the states, Gujarat has the longest coastline and among the UTs,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands has the longest coastline.

Page | 114
• The coastal environment plays a vital role in a nation’s economy by
virtue of the resources, productive habitats and rich biodiversity.
• The coastal zone is also endowed with a wide range of coastal
ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses, salt marshes,
dunes, estuaries, lagoons, etc.
• The coastal areas are assuming greater importance in recent years,
owing to the increasing human population, urbanization and
accelerated developmental activities.
• As per Census 2011, the coastal districts have a share of about
15.5% (nearly 18.8 crores) of the national population and about 4.4
lakh people reside in the Island territories.
• There are 13 major ports in India.

Page | 115
Number of Indian Coastal States and Union Territories
There are nine states and four Union Territories of India situated on the
coast.
Nine Coastal States of India
1. Gujarat
2. Maharashtra
3. Goa
4. Karnataka
5. Kerala
6. Tamil Nadu
7. Andhra Pradesh
8. Odisha
9. West Bengal
Four Union Territories
1. Daman & Diu
2. Puducherry
3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal)
4. Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea)
Length of the coastline of India – State –Wise/UT-Wise
The length of Indian coastline, including islands, in States and UTs are
given in the following table:
Length of the Coastline of India
State/UT Length (in Km)
Gujarat 1214.7
Andhra Pradesh 973.7
Tamil Nadu 906.9
Maharashtra 652.6
Kerala 569.7
Odisha 476.4
Karnataka 280
West Bengal 157.5
Goa 101
Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1962
Lakshadweep 132

Page | 116
 Puducherry 47.6
Daman & Diu 42.5
Total 7,516.6

Page | 117
 Chapter - 9
Islands of India

Island Tourism
Tourism to islands is a special form of tourism that often requires
specific consideration as there are distinctive characteristics of islands such
as fragile environments and historical and socio-cultural aspects that can
result in unique challenges to developing a successful tourism destination.
De-stress your mind and body. The sight of the sea is like meditation - it
relaxes your mind and body. You feel rejuvenated and fresh. According to
studies, the sound of the waves calms your soul and the healthy vibes of the
island revitalize your heart, brain, and other organs.
Developing Island Tourism in India
India’s maritime potential is huge and unexplored. The country has a
7516 km coastline, a 23 lakh sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and
1382 offshore Islands and islets. A majority of these islands lie in Andaman
& Nicobar and Lakshadweep. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands float in
splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal. The picturesque undulating islands
and islets are covered with rain-fed, damp and evergreen forests, endless
varieties of exotic flora and fauna and have pristine beaches. These islands
also host historically significant landmarks namely Cellular jail, Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island, Hopetown and Mount Harriet.

Page | 118
 The islands have been declared as two of the 218 Endemic Bird Areas of
the world having more than 270 species and sub-species of birds. The islands
have 96 wildlife sanctuaries, nine national parks and a biosphere reserve.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands is indeed an ideal destination for lovers of
island tourism, beaches, ecotourism, wildlife and history.
Lakshadweep, on the other hand, is one of the world’s most spectacular
tropical island systems offering a precious heritage of ecology and culture.
The unique features of the islands are its coral reef and a huge area of lagoon
spread over 36 islands that offer excellent potential for water sports like
swimming, wind surfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
The islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep have a strategic
advantage for being developed into exotic destinations. With Andaman &
Nicobar Islands having proximity to established tourist destinations of South
East Asia namely Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and with Lakshadweep close
to Maldives, Colombo and Dubai, the islands have a huge potential to
emerge as one of the leading island tourism destinations in the world.
India, today, receives more than 10 million foreign tourists every year.
As per India Tourism Statistics Report around 62 per cent of the total
Foreign Tourist Arrivals come for leisure, holiday and recreation. Andaman
& Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands can be promoted as a new destination
for leisure holiday and recreation to global tourists.

Page | 119
16 Beautiful Islands in India
There are so many beautiful islands in India to savour some of the most
life-altering wonderful experiences of nature. So, without further ado here’s
a list of some of the extremely beautiful islands of India, far away from the
tourist crowd. Take a look!
1. Majuli Island – Experience The Biggest River Islands
2. Diu Island – Witness The Magic of Serenity
3. Divar Island – Island of Untouched Lively Culture
4. St Mary’s Islands – Eye-witness The Cluster of 4 Islands
5. Little Andaman Island – The Most Stunning Islands in India
6. Lakshadweep Islands – Relieve Your Stress
7. Barren Island – Get Ready to Amaze
8. Grand Island – Adore Water Sports to The Fullest
9. Great Nicobar Island – Encounter The Largest Island in India
10. Havelock Island – Seizure The Picturesque Landscape
11. Agatti Island – Sense The Amazing Islands
12. Neil Island – Feel The Exotic Beauty
13. Kadmat Island – Capture The Exquisiteness
14. Pamban Island – Rejuvenate Your Mind
15. Munroe Island, Kerala – Enthral Your Senses
16. Netrani Island, Karnataka – Get Mesmerize with The Beauty
1. Majuli Island-Experience The Biggest River Islands
Majuli Island is the one of the biggest river islands in the world and
subsequently in India. The most unique of all the islands in India, this place
is famous for its breath-taking sunrises and stunning sunsets. You will get a
fair taste of Assamese culture here. Out of all the islands of India, this one is
the most unconventional one. You will find moss instead of sand on its coast
and traditional northeastern cuisine instead of seafood. However, it will
prove to be an experience worth all the travel.

Page | 120
 Best Time to Visit: October-December
How to reach: Take boat ride from Jorhat which is fairly connected
through airways to Guwahati. There are two ferries – one leaves at 10 am
and the other at 3 pm.
Places to see: 21 Satras and Mishing Village
Where to stay: La Maison de Anand, Yggdrasill Bamboo Cottage or
government accommodations.
Things to do: Rent a motorcycle to explore the island. Try your hand at
local meshing and mask making.
Tips: Witness the beauty of the biggest island and incorporate this in
your itinerary if you are visiting Guwahati.
2. Diu Island – Witness the Magic of Serenity
This small island of India has traces of Portuguese culture infused in it.
The architectural beauty and serenity can stun you to a surreal world. The
exquisite beaches and tropical sea-food with a dash of Gujarati influence,
will make it a notch different from other islands in India. And the best part,
alcohol is legal here, unlike in Gujarat!

Page | 121
 Best time to visit: October – January.
How to reach: Diu can be reached by airways and roadways from most
major Indian cities. However, it does not have a railway station.
Places to see: Diu Fort, Gangeshwar Temple, Seashell Museum and St
Paul’s Church.
Where to stay: Sugati Beach Resort, Kostamar Beach Resort, and
Krishna Park Resort. Most of the high end resorts are located near Nagoa
Beach.
Things to do: Rent a scooter or a bike to enjoy the locale to the fullest.
Tips: Enjoy the beauty of Diu Island by a Scotty ride or a bike ride and
enjoy some of the drinks with your friends.
3. Divar Island – Island of Untouched Lively Culture
One of the untouched islands in India, Divar Island lies about 10 km
upstream from Panjim, Goa. It is situated across the bustling river of
Mandovi, and has retained the lively culture and countryside feel of Goa.

Page | 122
 Best time to visit: Mid-November – Mid-February
How to reach: 10 mins ferry ride from Viceroy’s Arch in Old Goa
What to see: Our Lady of Compassion Church, Shree Ganesh Sateri
Temple, European Houses and Portuguese landmarks.
Where to stay: Divar Island Retreat Guest House
Things to do: Just for your info, Dil Chahta Hai was also shot here. So,
you can recreate some of your favorite scenes from that movie here.
Tips: Don’t miss out on taking beautiful pictures out here as you will get
the same view as in the movie Dil Chahta Hai.
4. St Mary’s Islands – Eye-witness The Cluster Of 4 Islands
St Mary’s is a set of four small islands in India. Quite similarly to
Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, these islands are famous for their basaltic rock
formations cut into a peculiar hexagonal shape. The rocky beach and clear
blue water make these islands a must visit. This island in India is still
unknown to a large number of people.

Page | 123
 Best time to visit: December – January
How to reach: Only way to reach this island is to take a boat from
Malpe, Karnataka. The ride is roughly 15 mints and costs about Rs500 for a
round trip.
Places to see: Coconut gardens and basaltic rock formations.
Where to stay: Unfortunately there are no accommodation facilities on
this empty island in India. However, you can make your arrangements on the
Malpe, nothing like it.
Things to do: A few selfies and group pictures on this extraordinary rock
formations are requisite.
Tip: Carry your own food and beverage since there is no refreshment
facility available on the islands.
5. Little Andaman Island – The Most Stunning Islands in India
Little Andaman Island is one of the offbeat destinations in Andaman
Islands. Not heavily crowded, this place has some really alluring beaches
and is one of the best Indian islands. It is one of the most beautiful islands in

Page | 124
 India, and perfect for those who love nature in its raw form. For a
budgeteer, this is the perfect island in India for honeymoon. It would not be a
conventional one, but a memorable one, nonetheless.
Best time to visit: December – February
How to reach: It’s a little more than a day’s voyage by ship from Port
Blair.
Places to see: White surf waterfalls, Whisper wave waterfalls, Hut bay
and Coral reefs on the east of the island
Where to stay: Jina Resort and Blue View
Things to do: Surfing on some fabulously high waves is the top thing to
do in this best island in India.
Tips: For all the nature lovers and enthusiasts it’s a treat to witness the
beauty of the Island.
6. Lakshadweep Islands – Relieve Your Stress
Beautiful Lakshadweep Islands is a set of 36 palm-laden coral islands.
This group is the smallest island in India. The extraordinary beauty and
fairly untouched environment can beat any amount of stress that you had
prior to your visit. It is one of the amazing islands in Indian Ocean.

Page | 125
 Best time to visit: October – May
How to reach: This set of islands in India has good connectivity through
airways and seaways.
Places to see: Kavaratti Island Marine Aquarium, Minicoy Island and
Agatti Island
Where to stay: Coral Beach Resort or Island Holiday Home
Things to do: Scuba diving at Kavaratti and Kadmat
Tips: Carry a camera to conquer and capture the beauty of the most
mesmerizing islands of India.
7. Barren Island – Get Ready To Amaze
Barren Island, the most easterly island of Andaman, is the only active
volcanic island of India and also of South Asia. The astonishing beauty and
lava rocks on this beautiful island makes it one of the most fascinating
islands of India and will certainly take you through a memorable journey.
One of the most pristine Indian islands, the sad part is that landing ashore is
prohibited. You are only allowed to circle around the island in a board
vessel.

Page | 126
 Best time to visit: February – May
How to reach: Ships sail from Port Blair on Tuesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays. Or take a seaplane from Port Blair. You need a minimum of 7
passengers.
Places to see: Kaala pathar beach, Radhanagar beach, Elephanta beach
Where to stay: True to its name, the island is inhabited. And there are no
accommodations available there. However, you can book your retreat on
Port Blair.
Things to do: Diving and barefoot scuba on your day trip to Barren
Island
Note: A special Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required from the Forest
Department.
8. Grand Island-Adore Water Sports To The Fullest
The best place for diving and snorkeling near Goa is the Grand Island. It
is famous for its exceptional scuba diving sites. The exquisite beauty and
unlittered beaches will add to your experience.

Page | 127
 How to reach: A ferry ride will take 20-40 min from Goa depending on
the departure point. It can be arranged by your resort.
Popular Attractions: Suzy’s Wreck dive, Shelter Cove dive, Bounty Bay
dive, Sail Rock dive, Spice plantation and Dolphin points.
Where to stay: This island is open just for a day trip of 8 hours. There
are no accommodation facilities available.
Best time to visit: October – May.
Things to do: Ship-wreck scuba diving and bait-fishing.
Tip: Since the island is used as a base for Indian Navy, there might be
chances that the entry is closed due to training exercises. Check with your
hotel in Goa for the information before setting your plan.
9. Great Nicobar Island - Encounter The Largest Island in India
The Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in India and also one of
the most beautiful of Indian Ocean islands. Its crystal clear water will tempt
you to take a dip and let go of your inhibitions. Amazing flora and fauna of
this place makes it a small world of its own. One of the best islands in India,
this place is perfect for a small vacation with your family or your spouse.

Page | 128
 Best time to visit: February – June
How to reach: Boats and helicopters are available from Port Blair.
Places to see: Indira Point, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Biosphere
Reserve
Where to stay: Silver Sand Havelock, Anugama Resort, and Aashiaanaa
Residency Inn
Things to do: Lazy dipping and floating on the serene coasts
Tips: Be daring enough to witness the crystal-clear waters of the
amazing Island.
10. Havelock Island – Seizure The Picturesque Landscape
The list is incomplete without adding the best island in India- Havelock
Island, which is also the largest island in Andaman. Known for its
picturesque beaches and alluring scenery, Havelock Island is one of the most
beautiful islands in India to visit. There is so much to do and see on this
island which is why it is famous among honeymooners and families. FYI, it
is also one of the best coral islands in India. This Island offers its tourists one
of the most fun-filled Scuba diving in India considering all the activities that
can be done in the Islands.

Page | 129
 Best time to visit: February – June
How to reach: Take an air-condtioned ferry from Port Blair which takes
90 minutes to reach.
Places to see: Radhanagar beach, Kalapathar Beach, Elephant Beach
Where to stay: Symphony Palms Beach Resort, Havelock Nagri Resort,
Barefoot at Havelock
Things to do: Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs
Tips: If you are planning to take a break with your spouse then you must
visit this beautiful island in India.
Private Islands for Honeymoon
Beaches are often popular for its romantic significance and when it
comes to plan a trip for honeymoon, the beaches in India amuses the new
bees who want to make their honeymoon memorable for lifetime. Following
list of beaches, will give you an idea about best known beaches in India that
are considered to be the top honeymoon destinations in India.
11. Aggati Island – Sense the Amazing Islands
What makes Aggati Island one of the best islands in India Ocean is its
calm lagoons, coral reefs, and white sand beaches. If you want a perfect
island getaway, head to this island in Lakshwadeep archipelago. The
breathtaking island is located in Agatti atoll where you can explore amazing
corals.

Page | 130
 Best time to visit: October-May
How to reach: Take a ferry from Cochin.
Places to see: Tinnakara Island, Bangaram Island
Where to stay: Agatti Island Beach Resort, Tinnakara Tent Houses
Things to do: Explore coral reefs, swimming
Tips: Must watch the beautiful view of corals and white sandy beaches
which are a treat for eyes.
12. Neil Island – Feel the Exotic Beauty
Located between Havelock and Rose Islands, Neil island is another of
the islands in Indian Ocean that you may wish to visit. The romantic aura
brewing in its air, positions this serene island as one of the most exotic
honeymoon destinations in the world. It lures a huge crowd of both domestic
and international tourists because of its charming coral reefs teeming with
tropical fish. Get an exotic vibe on your tropical holiday on Neil Island.

Page | 131
 Best time to visit: October-February
How to reach: Take a ferry from Port Blair or Havelock.
Places to see: Sitapur Beach, Lakshamanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach
Where to stay: Summer Sands Beach Resort, Pearl Park Beach Resort
Things to do: Beach hoping, watersports
Tips: Don’t miss out on watching the charming coral reefs along with
the tropical fishes which is a spectacular view.
13. Kadmat Island – Capture the Exquisiteness
Another island in the kitty of Lakshwadeep, Kadmat island will greet
you with the scenic views of the ocean. Also known as Cardamom Island, it
is one of the most beautiful islands in Indian Ocean that offers you a remote
island experience. You simply cannot afford to miss it on your Lakshwadeep
tour. The place is famous for its marine turtles and myriad water activities it
has to offer.

Page | 132
 Best time to visit: October-May
How to reach: Take a ferry from Agatti Island. It is where the nearest
aiport is.
Places to see: Mohiyudeen mosque, Golden Jubilee Museum
Where to stay: Kadmat Resort, Kadmat Beach Resort
Things to do: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Tips: You must surely visit Cardamom Island which is indeed one of the
most beautiful Island amongst Lakshadeep Islands.
14. Pamban Island – Rejuvenate Your Mind
If you have heard about Rameshwaram, then Pamban Island in Tamil
Nadu should not be one of the unknown islands in India to you. The island is
known for its white sandy beaches and the unique bridge that connects the
rest of the state to Rameshwaram. A drive on the bridge is an amazing
experience in itself. If you wish to explore Tamil Nadu, then take a ferry and
spend some time on this island.

Page | 133
 Best time to visit: Any time of the year
How to reach: Take the bridge or ferry ride to Rameshwaram
Places to see: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Dhanushkodi
Beach, Ramar Patham temple
Where to stay: Daiwik Hotels, Hyatt Palace Rameshwaram
Things to do: Visit APJ Abdul Kalam’s old house
Tips: Hire a ferry and a ferry ride in exploring the Island which is
beautiful.
15. Munroe Island, Kerala – Enthral Your Senses
Planning to visit some of the beautiful islands in India then Kerala is a
must visit for you. The magical backwaters of Kerala will surely make your
vacation a memorable one indeed. Munroe Island is a collection of 8-island
cluster which is a fascinating network of water canals and this assists in
integrating various water bodies in the particular region. Guests can enjoy
houseboats where they can stay overnight in one of the stunning Indian
Islands.

Page | 134
 Best time to visit: Munroe Island in Kerala can be visited in the months
of October to May. The place must not be visited in the monsoon season
which lasts from June to September.
How to reach: As Munroe Island is situated at a distance of 25 kms from
Kollam, you can use ferry which will cost you INR 500. There are two shifts
for the ferry ride one in the morning at 9 AM and other in the afternoon at 2
PM.
Places to see: Thenmala, M.G Beach, Jatayu Rock, Shendurni Wildlife
Sanctuary, Varkala Beach, Chavara and Palaruvi Falls. However, there are
other attraction as well.
Where to stay: You can prefer to stay in lodges or in hotels which are
nearby.
Things to do: You can have beach fun or enjoy staying in houseboats or
enjoy splash of water in waterfalls.
Tips: The place must not be visited in the monsoon season which lasts
from June to September.
16. Netrani Island, Karnataka – Get Mesmerize with The Beauty
Netrani Island in Karnataka can be one of your top picks amongst Indian
Islands which is popularly called as the Pigeon Island. The Netrani Island
can be reached by the coast of Murudeshwara which is located in the

Page | 135
Konkan coast. The Island is famous for its scenic beauty, picturesque
landscapes, attractive cliffs, jagged rocks and is one of the beautiful Islands
in India for the aquatic life enthusiasts where you can spot whale sharks and
butterflyfish.

Best time to visit: Netrani Island in Karnataka must be visited in the

months of December to January where you can enjoy scuba diving,
snorkelling and various other water sports. You must not visit the place
during monsoon season from June to September.
How to reach: As the Netrani Island is located near the Arabian Sea, you
can reach by hiring boats from Bhatkal or you can even hire cabs or auto-
rickshaws which are also available from Bhatkal.
Places to see: You can visit ruined temple which is nearby the Island or
a Roman Catholic Church or a mosque. The choice is yours.
Where to stay: You can book hotels near the Netrani Island such as
KSTDC Mayura Gerusoppa, Kairali Residency or Sagar Kinara Beach
Resort and many other hotels.
Things to do: Scuba Diving, snorkelling and other adventurous water
sports. Scuba diving starts at 5000 INR per dive.
Tips: You must not visit the place during monsoon season from June to
September as there will be no water sports owing to high water level in the
sea.

Page | 136
 Chapter - 10
Mountain Ranges in India Major Passes, Mountain Peaks

The world's highest mountain range, the Himalayas, spans five countries
including India. Not surprisingly, it's the most well-known of the major
mountain ranges in India. The Himalayas are where three religions—
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam—meet. The range features prominently in
Hindu mythology, and attracts holy sages and Tibetan monks alike. The
Himalayas also influence the climate in India by preventing cold winds from
blowing south. However, there are a number of other major mountain ranges
that play an important role in India's environment and culture too.
1. Great Himalaya Range
In India, the Himalaya mountain range is geographically split into the
Great Himalaya, Middle Himalaya and Outer Himalaya ranges. The Great
Himalaya is the highest zone, with perpetually snow-covered peaks rising
more than 22,000 feet above sea level. It stretches for over 1,200 miles along
India's northern border, all the way from Jammu and Kashmir in the West
(where it's bounded by the Indus River) to Arunachal Pradesh in the East.
The section in Sikkim has the loftiest peaks, with Mount Kanchenjunga
being the third highest peak in the world at 28,169 feet above sea level. It's
shared with Nepal though. The highest peak that's entirely in India is Nanda
Devi in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, at 25,643 feet above sea level.

Page | 137
 The Great Himalaya also has two of Uttarakhan's important glaciers: the
Gangotri glacier is the source of the holy Ganges River, while the Yamunotri
glacier feeds the Yamuna River.
India's forbidding but magnetic Great Himalaya Range draws both
trekkers and religious devotees. As Hindus consider it to be the abode of the
gods, some of the most visited pilgrimage places in India are located there,
such as the Char Dham in Uttarakhand. While Mount Kanchenjunga remains
unconquered, the trek to Dzongri Peak in Sikkim is more doable. Various
organizations also conduct treks to Nanda Devi from Munisyari. You'll need
to be super fit though! The high altitude of the range means that there are
only a few mountain passes. One of them, Nathu La, connected India to
Tibet before it was closed and is a popular day trip from Gangtok in Sikkim.
Unfortunately, it's off limits to foreigners for security reasons.
2. Middle Himalaya Range
The fertile and predominantly forest-covered Middle Himalaya
mountain range runs parallel to the Great Himalaya on its southern side. Its
peaks are much more accessible, with elevations of about 5,000 to 20,000
feet above sea level. Most of India's popular hill stations are located in the
Middle Himalaya, in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These
include Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamsala (where the Dalai Lama
lives), Nainital, Mussoorie, and Almora. The Great Himalayan National Park
(one of India's little-known UNESCO World Heritage sites), in the Kullu
district of Himachal Pradesh, is part of the range as are popular adventure
destinations Auli and the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand.
The Middle Himalayas also cover the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and
Kashmir, Darjeeling in West Bengal, and Gangtok in Sikkim.

Page | 138
 There are two major mountain ranges in the Middle Himalaya—the Pir
Panjal Range and Dhauladhar Range. The Pir Panjal Range is the longest
and most significant one. It starts near Patnitop in Kashmir and extends
southeast for about 180 miles to the upper Beas River in Himachal Pradesh.
Its tallest peaks are in the Kullu district, with Indrassan being the highest at
20,410 feet above sea level. The range offers moderately difficult treks such
as Kashmir Alpine Lakes, Deo Tibba, Pin Parvati, Bhabha Pass, and Hampta
Pass. The ski resort of Gulmarg in Kashmir is within the Pir Panjal Range
too. India's longest railway tunnel, which runs for about 7 miles, also passes
through the range to connect the Kashmir Valley to Banihal in Jammu. The
Dhauladhar Range, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, looms over
Dharamsala and McLeodganj. Its highest peak is Hanuman Tibba at about
19,488 feet above sea level. Trekking opportunities are plentiful there too.
3. Outer Himalaya Shivalik Range
The Outer Himalayas, also known as the Shivalik Range, is regarded as
the Himalayan foothills. It separates the mountains from the plains, and
consists of valleys and hills that rise no more than about 5,000 feet above sea
level. A large part of the range is located in Himachal Pradesh, up to the
Beas River. It also encompasses Jammu, some of Punjab and Chandigarh,
Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, and Kalimpong in West Bengal.

The historic Kalka Shimla Mountain Railway toy train winds its way
through the Shivalik Range from Kalka, about 45 minutes north of
Chandigarh, to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Haridwar is a popular Hindu
pilgrimage destination. Foreigners frequently head to the ashrams at

Page | 139
Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga. Adventure activities such as river rafting
and bungee jumping are also offered there. You'll be able to get a superb
view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Kalimpong and river rafting takes place
along the Teesta River nearby. The town also has Buddhist monasteries,
established by the many monks who fled Tibet, and provides opportunities
for hiking and experiencing local village life.
4. Trans-Himalaya Karakoram Range
The Trans-Himalaya, to the north of the Great Himalaya in the Union
Territory of Ladakh, is India's most isolated and remote mountain range. It's
made up of the Karakoram, Zanskar and Ladakh ranges. The craggy
Karakoram Range is bounded by the Nubra Valley to the south, and extends
north into the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This formidable,
impenetrable mountain range is sometimes referred to as "the roof of the
world." It has eight peaks over 24,600 feet in height and its elevation rarely
falls below 18,045 feet. The tallest peak, K2, is located in disputed territory
that's currently controlled by Pakistan. At 28,251 feet above sea level, it's the
second highest mountain in the world.

In India, the Karakoram's highest peak is Saltoro Kangri in the Saltoro

mountain range, at 25,400 feet above sea level. The five peaks of Saser
Kangri, in the Saser Muztagh range, are not far behind with the tallest having
an elevation of 25,171 feet. Mamostong Kangri, in the remote Rimo
Mustagh ranges around Siachen Glacier is 24,659 feet above sea level. The
Karakoram Range is the most heavily glaciated part of the planet outside the
Polar Regions. Mountaineers can access its Indian peaks from the Nubra

Page | 140
Valley but permits must be obtained, as it's a sensitive border area. In
October 2019, the Indian government announced that tourists can now visit
Siachen Glacier (which is also the world's highest battlefield). Rimo
Expeditions conducts trips.
5. Trans-Himalaya Ladakh Range
The Ladakh Range lies to the south of the Karakoram Range, between
the Nubra Valley and Leh. It runs parallel to the Indus River and extends to
India's border with Tibet. The landscape is characterized by granite rocks
and sparse vegetation. The peaks in this range are about 16,400 to 19,700
feet above sea level. Instead of having any notable peaks, the Ladakh Range
is better known for its spectacular high-altitude mountain passes.

The most famous of these is Khardung La, which is often incorrectly

said to be the highest drivable road in the world. At an altitude of 17,582 feet
above sea level, you won't want to stay there any longer than about 15
minutes before feeling lightheaded. Going on the Sham Valley Trek, through
foothill villages, is an excellent way of experiencing the Ladakh Range.
Yama Adventures and Ladakhi Women's Travel Company are two reputable
organizers of this trek.
6. Trans-Himalaya Zanskar Range
South of the Ladakh Range, on the other side of the Indus River, the
Zanskar Range separates the Ladakh region from the Zanskar region of
Jammu and Kashmir. Its peaks are higher than that of the Ladakh Range,
with many rising more than 19,500 feet above sea level. The tallest are the
twin peaks of Nun, at 23,409 feet, and Kun at 23,218 feet. It's possible to
climb them, although the trek is challenging. Adjacent to these peaks, in the

Page | 141
Shafat Glacier, Pinnacle Peak is the third highest mountain in the range at
22,736 feet above sea level. White Needle and Z1 are other significant peaks
in the same area.

The Zanskar climate is harsh. Snowfall blocks the range's mountain

passes during winter, effectively cutting residents of the Zanskar Valley off
from the rest of the country. During this time, the only way in or out is by
walking along the frozen Zanskar River, which has cut a sharp gorge through
the range. This trek, popularly known as the Chadar Trek, is one of the most
difficult in India. Should you undertake it, your accommodations will be in
caves along the route. In July and August, it's possible to go rafting down the
river on Grade 4 and 5 rapids. Buddhist monasteries are another attraction in
Zanskar. The most incredible one is Phugtal, halfway between Padum and
Darcha. It can't be reached by road, so you'll have to trek (or ride a pony) to
it. Himalayan Homestays, a community-based tourism initiative of the Snow
Leopard Conservancy, arranges treks and accommodations in several
villages in Zanskar.
7. Purvanchal Range
The Purvanchal Range lies south of the Brahmaputra (Dihang) River in
Arunachal Pradesh and forms the boundary between India and Myanmar. It
extends along the Northeast Indian states and has a relatively low elevation
that decreases towards the south. The average height of peaks in this range is
about 9,845 feet above sea level. The highest is Dapha Bum, in the Mishmi
Hills at the northeastern tip of Arunachal Pradesh. It stands at 15,020 feet
above sea level. In Nagaland, the highest peak is Saramati in the Naga Hills

Page | 142
at 12,550 feet above sea level. In the hills of Manipur, the elevation is
generally less than 8,200 feet above sea level. The highest peak in Mizoram
is Phawngpui, also known as Blue Mountain, at 7,080 feet above sea level in
the Mizo Hills. However, the elevation of the Mizo Hills is generally less
than 4,920 feet.

The Northeast region is largely tribal. Its remoteness, poor roads and
lack of infrastructure have kept tourists away, although this is slowly
changing. In addition to tribal culture, nature and wildlife are top attractions,
including Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh and Keibul
Lamjao National Park in Manipur. Pangsau Pass, on the Myanmar border in
Arunachal Pradesh, provides a superb view across the Purvanchal Range.
8. Aravalli Range
The 500-mile-long Aravalli Range (meaning "line of peaks") runs from
Champaner and Palanpur in eastern Gujarat to the outskirts of Delhi. About
80 percent of it is situated in Rajasthan, where it borders the Thar desert and
provides protection from the extreme desert climate. The highest peak is
Guru Shikhar at Mount Abu, near the Gujarat border, with an elevation of
5,650 feet above sea level. However, most of the hills are concentrated in the
area around Udaipur. Mewar rulers used this to their advantage by
constructing immense forts, such as Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh, in
strategic places.

Page | 143
 There are many other forts and palaces dotted through the range, as well
as tourist destinations including Bundi, Bera (popular for leopard spotting)
and Pushkar (where the famous annual camel fair is held). As one of the
oldest fold mountain ranges (formed when tectonic plates are pushed
together) in the world, the Aravalli Range has an extensive history.
Archeologists have uncovered evidence of civilization dating back to the
Stone Age. Unfortunately, these days, the range is being degraded by
deforestation and illegal mining.
9. Vindhya Range
The Vindhya Range runs across central India on the northern side of the
Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. It extends more than 675 miles from
Jobat in Gujarat to Sasaram in Bihar. Technically, it's not a single mountain
range but chains of hills, ridges and plateaus. This is particularly so after it
divides and branches east of Madhya Pradesh's Malwa region. The general
elevation of the Vindhya Range is around 980-2,100 feet above sea level,
with peaks rarely going over 2,300 feet. The tallest is Kalumar Peak, at
2,467 feet above sea level in the Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh. The
range's sandstone structure is largely responsible for its stunted height.
However, the ancient Hindu epic "The Ramayana" says that the mountains
deliberately reduced their size to please revered Vedic sage Agastya, after
they grew so big they blocked the sun's path.

Page | 144
 Several ancient Hindu texts mention the Vindhya Range as the dividing
line between Sanskrit-speaking Aryans in the north and indigenous
Dravidians in the south. Evidence of prehistoric activity has also been found
in the area, including India's highest concentration of prehistoric paintings in
the Bhimbetka caves at the foothills near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Mandu
is another popular tourist destination. This abandoned city from the Mughal
era is perched on a plateau 2,079 feet above sea level about two hours
southwest of Indore.
Fun Fact: The Vindhya Range and the Himalayas are the only two
mountain ranges to be mentioned in the national anthem of India.
10. Satpura Range
On the southern side of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, the
Satpura Range runs parallel to the Vindhya Range in between the Namarda
and Tapti rivers. It extends for about 560 miles from the Rajpipla Hills in
Gujarat to the Maikala Hills in Chhattisgarh (where it meets the Vindhya
Range at Amarkantak). The Satpura Range is higher than the Vindhya
Range, with peaks reaching over 4,000 feet in the heavily forested Mahadeo
Hills at Pachmarhi. The highest one is Dhupgarh, at 4,400 feet above the sea
level. This is the tallest peak in central India.

Page | 145
 Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh and numerous
Bollywood movies have been filmed there. It's known for its cave temples
dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the ancient Hindu epic "The
Mahabharata", they were built by the Pandava brothers during their exile.
The most important temple in the area sits atop Chauragarh Peak, at about
4,363 feet above sea level. The peak also has a fort that served as capital of
the Gond dynasty in the 16th century. Sunrises are spectacular from there but
be prepared for an arduous climb up more than a thousands steps to reach the
top! The rugged terrain of Satpura National Park is popular for nature,
wildlife and adventure activities such as trekking.
11. Western Ghats
The lengthy Western Ghats runs for approximately 5,250 miles along
the western side of India, separating the coast from the Deccan plains. It
extends from near the Satpura Range in Gujarat down through Maharashtra,
Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to end at the southernmost tip of
India near Kanyakumari. The Western Ghats is made up of multiple
mountain ranges, with more than 70 peaks varying in height from 1,713 feet
to 8,842 feet above sea level. Almost a third of them are above 6,561 feet,
with most of these being in Kerala. The highest is Anamudi, in the
Anaimalai Hills on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Other major ranges in the
Western Ghats are the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra, Cardamom Hills
in Kerala, and Nilgiri mountains in Tamil Nadu. These mountains influence
India's weather by acting as a barrier against the southwest monsoon clouds
and drawing much of the rainfall.

Page | 146
 However, what really makes the Western Ghats remarkable is its
biodiversity. The mountains are home to about 30 percent of India's flora and
fauna species, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
one of the top biodiversity hot-spots in the world. National parks such as
Mollem, Periyar, Silent Valley, Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumulai are
popular. Other tourist places include Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Wayanad,
Munnar, Ooty, Coonoor, Coorg, and Kodaikanal. Riding the historic Nilgiri
Mountain Railway toy train up to Ooty is a memorable experience.
12. Eastern Ghats
Similar to the Western Ghats, the lesser-known Eastern Ghats separates
the coast from the plains on the eastern side of India. It runs through Odisha,
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (where it meets the Western Ghats at the
Nilgiri Mountains). The Eastern Ghats is flatter than the Western Ghats, and
its hills have been divided into several parts by the major rivers in southern
India (the Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri). It still has a few peaks
over 3,280 feet above sea level though, mainly in the Maliya Range in
Odisha and Madugula Konda Range in Andhra Pradesh. The highest is
Jindhagada Peak in Andhra Pradesh, with an elevation of 5,545 feet.

Page | 147
 The fertile Eastern Ghats plays a significant role in agriculture, as the
region is very suitable for crops. Bhubaneshwar in Odisha and
Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh are the major cities for accessing the
Eastern Ghats. Tourists spots in Odisha include Satkosia Tiger Reserve,
Simlipal National Park, and the Koraput district in the far south where many
tribes reside. In Andhra Pradesh, the most popular parts of the Eastern Ghats
include the Araku Valley, Gandikota canyon, and Borra caves.
Major Passes
A mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range or over a
ridge. Passes have played a key role in trade, war, and both human and
animal migration throughout history. Let us have a look at some important
passes in India. Mountain Passes are often found just above the source of a
river, constituting a drainage divide. A pass may be very short, consisting of
steep slopes to the top of the pass, or maybe a valley many kilometers long,
whose highest point might only be identifiable by surveying. Some of the
most important passes in the country are Zoji La (Pass), Banihal Pass, Shipki
La (Pass), Bara-Lacha Pass, Rohtang Pass, Mana Pass, Niti Pass, Nathu La
(Pass), Jalap La (Pass).
Important Passes in India
1. Zoji La (Pass): It is in the Zaskar range of Jammu & Kashmir. The
road route from Srinagar to Leh goes through this pass. It has been
created by the Indus River.
2. Banihal Pass: Banihal Pass is a mountain pass across the Pir Panjal
Range at a maximum elevation of 2,832 m. It connects the Kashmir
Valley in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the outer

Page | 148
 Himalayas and the plains to the south. In the Kashmiri language,
"Banihāl" means blizzard.
3. Shipki La (Pass): Shipki La is a mountain pass and border post with
a dozen buildings of significant size on the India-China border. The
river Sutlej enters India near this pass.
4. Bara-Lacha Pass: Bara-lacha la also known as Bara-lacha Pass, is
a high mountain pass in the Zanskar range, connecting Lahaul
district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh, situated
along the Leh–Manali Highway.
5. Rohtang Pass: It is a high mountain pass on the eastern end of the
Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. It
connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of
Himachal Pradesh, India.
6. Mana Pass: The pass is one of the highest vehicle-accessible
passes in the world, containing a road constructed in the 2005-2010
period for the Indian military by the Border Roads Organisation.
Mana Pass is the last point between India and China Border.
7. Niti Pass: The Niti Pass located at 5800 meters connects India with
Tibet. The pass is located in Uttarakhand.
8. Nathu La (Pass): Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas in
East Sikkim district. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with
China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Nathu means "listening ears"
and La means "pass" in Tibetan.
9. Jalep La (Pass): Jelep La or Jelep Pass, elevation 4,267 m or
13,999 ft, is a high mountain pass between East Sikkim District,
Sikkim, India and Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is on a route
that connects Lhasa to India.
Mountain Passes in India
Between
Name State Height (ft)
Separating
1. Auden's Col Uttarakhand 17552
2. Banihal Pass Jammu and Kashmir
9291 Jammu & Kahmir
(Jammu, Kashmir)
3. Bara-lacha-la Himachal Pradesh 16400
4. Changla Pass Jammu and Kashmir
17585 Leh & Changthang
(Ladakh)
5. Khardung La Jammu and Kashmir
17582 Leh & Nubra
(Ladakh)
6. Kongka Pass Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh & Aksai
16965
(Ladakh) Chin
7. Lanak Pass Jammu and Kashmir 17933 Ladakh & Tibet

Page | 149
 (Ladakh)
8. Kunzum Pass Himachal Pradesh
14931 Lahaul & Spiti
(Lahaul and Spiti)
9. Karakoram Pass Jammu and Kashmir
Ladakh & Xinjiang
(Ladakh)
10. Nathu La Sikkim 14140 Sikkim & Tibet
11. Palakkad Gap Kerala & Tamil
Kerala 750
Nadu
12. Thamarassery Pass Wayanad Kerala 1700 Malabar & Mysore
13. Malabar & Mysore Travancore &
Kollam Kerala 690
Tamil Nadu
14. Rohtang Pass Himachal Pradesh 13051 Manali & Lahaul
15. Sasser la Jammu and Kashmir Nubra & Siachen
17,753
(Ladakh) Glacier
16. Zojila Pass Jammu and Kashmir
12,400 Kashmir & Ladakh
(Kashmir, Ladakh)

Mountain Peaks in India

Top 10 Highest Mountain Peaks in India are discussed here. Whoever
has heard about India, whether he or she is a resident of the country or lives
abroad, knows the subcontinent for its diversity, not only culturally and
lingual but also in terms of natural terrain, including valleys, mountains,
rivers, flora, and fauna. Our country is also home to the mighty Himalayas,
the highest mountain range in the world, which has some of the highest
peaks as well. The Karakoram ranges, Garhwal Himalaya and Kanchenjunga
are home to the highest peaks in India, such as Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi,
and Kamet, to name the top three.
Kanchenjunga is the highest mountain peak in India and ranked 3rd
highest peak in the world with an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft). It is
situated at the border of India and Nepal in the Himalayas range in Sikkim.
Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India and also the
highest point in South India.
Highest Peaks in India
1. Kangchenjunga Peak
Kanchenjunga is known as the highest mountain peak in the India. It is
the 3rd highest peak in the world. It stands tall with an elevation of 8,586
meters (28,169 ft). The literal meaning of Kanchenjunga is “The Five
Treasures of Snows” (namely gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books).
Located on the border that divides India from Nepal.

Page | 150
 Height: 8586 metres.
Location: Sikkim.
2. Nanda Devi Peak
Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain peak in India. It is situated
in the Garhwal Himalayas region in the state of Uttarakhand, where it boasts
holding the maximum height in the state. In fact, if you consider in entirety,
Nanda Devi can be said to be the highest peak in the Indian mainland,
because Kanchenjunga lies on the border regions of India and Nepal.
Height: 7816 metres
Location: Uttrakhand
3. Kamet Peak
Kamet Peak is the third highest Peak in India. The Kamet is the highest
summit in the Zaskar mountain Range of Garhwal region in the Chamoli
District of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by three other towering peaks, it is
situated quite close to Tibet. Additionally, Kamet is located north of the
main range, making it a remote and rugged site for access and trekking
activities.
Height: 7756 metres.
Location: Uttrakhand.
4. Saltoro Kangri Peak
Saltoro Kangri Peak is the fourth highest peak in India. The Saltoro
Kangri is the highest peak of Saltoro Mountain ranges, a sub range of
Karakoram (the biggest range of greater Himalaya mountains). Saltoro is
home to some of the longest glaciers in the world, namely the Siachen
Glacier. It is ranked as the 31st highest independent mountain peak in the
world.
Height: 7742 metre
Location: Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Saser Kangri Peak
Saser Kangri is the fifth highest peak in India and 35th highest mountain
in the world. The Sasser Kangri comprises a group of five magnificent
summits, located in the Saser Muztagh range in the states of Jammu and
Kashmir. It is also one of the sub-range of the great Karakoram range lies
and is situated at the southeastern direction from the Karakoram range.

Page | 151
 Height: 7,672 metre
Location: Jammu & Kashmir.
6. Mamostong Kangri Peak
Mamostong Kangri is the sixth highest peak in the India where as 48th
independently highest peak in World. It is the highest summit in the sub-
ranges of Rimo Mustagh of the Great Karakoram range. It holds a towering
height of 7,516 m (24,659 ft) and is also in the vicinity of the Siachen
Glacier.
Height: 7516 metre
Location: Jammu & Kashmir
7. Rimo Peak
The Rimo, which graces the northern side of Rimo Muztagh is again a
part of the great Karakoram ranges. The Rimo mountain series comprises
four peaks, with Rimo I being the highest among them. To the northeast of
the Rimo Mountains is the Karakoram Pass, one of the vital trade routes in
central Asia. Rimo forms a part of the Siachen Glacier and holds a
staggering elevation of 7,385 m (24,229 ft).
Height: 7385 metre
Location: Jammu & Kashmir.
8. Hardeol Peak
Hardeol Peak is on eighth position when we talk about the highest peaks
in India. Hardeol famously referred to as Temple of God, is one of the most
renowned summits in the Kumaon Himalaya, which is located in the
northern parts of the Kumaon Sanctuary and borders the Nanda Devi.
Hardeol peak graces the Milam valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.
Height: 7151 metre
Location: Uttrakhand
9. Chaukamba Peak
Chankamba Peak is on the ninth position of the list. It is the highest
mountain in the Gangotri group, located in the Garhwal Himalaya region of
Uttarakhand. The Gangotri Group comprises four peaks, with Chaukhamba
holding the position of the highest among them. It got its name because of
the arrangement of the four peaks, so close to each other.
Height: 7138 metre
Location: Uttrakhand.

Page | 152
10. Trisul Peak
Rounding up the list in the 10th rank is Trisul, one of the three mountain
peaks comprising a certain group of summits, situated in the mountainous
regions of Kumaon in Uttarakhand state. The highest among them, Trisul has
a height of 7,120 meters. The trio got their name from the Trishul weapon of
Lord Shiva. The group is located in close vicinity of the Nanda Devi
sanctuary.
Height: 7120 metre
Location: Uttrakhand.

Page | 153
 Chapter - 11
River System of India: Indus, Ganges and Peninsular Rivers

Rivers of India
The rivers of India play an important role in the lives of the Indian
people. The river systems provide irrigation, potable water, cheap
transportation, electricity, as well as provide livelihoods for a large number
of people all over the country. This easily explains why nearly all the major
cities of India are located by the banks of river. The rivers also have an
important role in Hindu mythology and are considered holy by all Hindus in
the country.
Seven major rivers (Indus, Brahmaputra, Narmada, Tapi, Godavari,
Krishna and Mahanadi) along with their numerous tributaries make up the
river system of India. Most of the rivers pour their waters into the Bay of
Bengal. Some of the rivers whose courses take them through the western part
of the country and towards the east of the state of Himachal Pradesh empty
into the Arabian Sea. Parts of Ladakh, northern parts of the Aravalli range
and the arid parts of the Thar Desert have inland drainage. All major rivers
of India originate from one of the three main watersheds.
• The Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges
• Vindhya and Satpura ranges and Chotanagpur plateau in central
India
• Sahyadri or Western Ghats in western India
The rivers of India can be classified on the basis of origin and on the
type of basin that they form.
1. Himalayan Rivers
The main Himalayan river systems are the Ganga, the Indus and the
Brahmaputra river systems. The Himalayan rivers form large basins. Many
rivers pass through the Himalayas. These deep valleys with steep rock sides
were formed by the down - cutting of the river during the period of the
Himalayan uplift. They perform intense erosional activity up the streams and
carry huge load of sand and silt. In the plains, they form large meanders, and

Page | 154
a variety of depositional features like flood plains, river cliffs and levees.
These rivers are perennial as they get water from the rainfall as well as the
melting of ice. Nearly all of them create huge plains and are navigable over
long distances of their course. These rivers are also harnessed in their
upstream catchment area to generate hydroelectricity.

2. Peninsular Rivers
The main peninsular river systems include the Narmada, the Tapi, the
Godavari, the Krishna, the Kaveri and the Mahanadi river systems. The
Peninsular rivers flow through shallow valleys. A large number of them are
seasonal as their flow is dependent on rainfall. The intensity of erosional
activities is also comparatively low because of the gentler slope. The hard
rock bed and lack of silt and sand does not allow any significant meandering.
Many rivers therefore have straight and linear courses. These rivers provide
huge opportunities for hydro-electric power.
3. The Indus River System
The Indus originates in the northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet

Page | 155
near Lake Manasarovar. It follows a north-westerly course through Tibet. It
enters Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir.
It forms a picturesque gorge in this part. Several tributaries - the Zaskar,
the Shyok, the Nubra and the Hunza join it in the Kashmir region. It flows
through the regions of Ladakh, Baltistan and Gilgit and runs between the
Ladakh Range and the Zaskar Range. It crosses the Himalayas through a
5181 m deep gorge near Attock, lying north of the Nanga Parbat and later
takes a bend to the south west direction before entering Pakistan. It has a
large number of tributaries in both India and Pakistan and has a total length
of about 2897 km from the source to the point near Karachi where it falls
into the Arabian Sea. The main tributaries of the Indus in India are Jhelum,
Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej.
Jhelum
The Jhelum originates in the south-eastern part of Kashmir, in a spring
at Verinag. It flows into the Wular Lake, which lies to the north, and then
into Baramula. Between Baramula and Muzaffarabad it enters a deep gorge
cut by the river in the Pir Panjal range. It has a right bank tributary the
Kishanganga which joins it at Muzaffarabad. It follows the Indo-Pakistan
border flowing into the plains of Punjab, finally joining the Chenab at
Trimmu.
Chenab
The Chenab originates from the confluence of two rivers, the Chandra
and the Bhaga, which themselves originate from either side of the Bara
Lacha Pass in Lahul. It is also known as the Chandrabhaga in Himachal
Pradesh. It runs parallel to the Pir Panjal Range in the north-westerly
direction, and cuts through the range near Kishtwar. It enters the plains of
Punjab near Akhnur and is later joined by the Jhelum. It is further joined by
the Ravi and the Sutlej in Pakistan.
Ravi
The Ravi originates near the Rotang pass in the Kangra Himalayas and
follows a north-westerly course. It turns to the south-west, near Dalhousie,
and then cuts a gorge in the Dhaola Dhar range entering the Punjab plain
near Madhopur. It flows as a part of the Indo-Pakistan border for some
distance before entering Pakistan and joining the Chenab river. The total
length of the river is about 720 km.
Beas
The Beas originates in Beas Kund, lying near the Rohtang pass. It runs

Page | 156
past Manali and Kulu, where its beautiful valley is known as the Kulu valley.
It first follows a north-west path from the town of Mandi and later a westerly
path, before entering the Punjab plains near Mirthal. It joins the Sutlej river
near Harika, after being joined by a few tributaries. The total length of the
river is 615 km.
Sutlej
The Sutlej originates from the Rakas Lake, which is connected to the
Manasarovar lake by a stream, in Tibet. Its flows in a north-westerly
direction and enters Himachal Pradesh at the Shipki Pass, where it is joined
by the Spiti river. It cuts deep gorges in the ranges of the Himalayas, and
finally enters the Punjab plain after cutting a gorge in a hill range, the Naina
Devi Dhar, where the Bhakra Dam having a large reservoir of water, called
the Gobind Sagar, has been constructed. It turns west below Rupar and is
later joined by the Beas. It enters Pakistan near Sulemanki, and is later
joined by the Chenab. It has a total length of almost 1500 km.
4. The Brahmaputra River System
The Brahmaputra originates in the Mansarovar lake, also the source of
the Indus and the Satluj. It is slightly longer than the Indus, but most of its
course lies outside India. It flows eastward, parallel to the Himalayas.
Reaching Namcha Barwa (7757 m), it takes a U-turn around it and enters
India in Arunachal Pradesh and known as dihang. The undercutting done by
this river is of the order of 5500 metres. In India, it flows through Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam, and is joined by several tributaries.
In Tibet, the river is known as the Tsangpo. There, it receives less
volume of water and has less silt. But in India, it passes through a region of
heavy rainfall and as such, the river carries a large amount of rainfall and
considerable amount of silt. The Brahmaputra has a braided channel
throughout most of its length in Assam, with a few large islands within the
channel.
The shifting of the channels of the river is also very common. The fury
of the river during rains is very high. It is known for creating havoc in
Assam and Bangladesh. At the same time, quite a few big pockets suffer
from drought.
5. The Narmada River System
The Narmada or Nerbudda is a river in central India. It forms the
traditional boundary between North India and South India, and is a total of
1,289 km (801 mi) long. Of the major rivers of peninsular India, only the

Page | 157
Narmada, the Tapti and the Mahi run from east to west. It rises on the
summit of Amarkantak Hill in Madhya Pradesh state, and for the first 320
kilometres (200 miles) of its course winds among the Mandla Hills, which
form the head of the Satpura Range; then at Jabalpur, passing through the
'Marble Rocks', it enters the Narmada Valley between the Vindhya and
Satpura ranges, and pursues a direct westerly course to the Gulf of Cambay.
Its total length through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and
Gujarat amounts to 1312 kilometres (815 miles), and it empties into the
Arabian Sea in the Bharuch district of Gujarat.
6. The Tapi River System
The Tapi is a river of central India. It is one of the major rivers of
peninsular India with the length of around 724 km, and only the Tapi River
along with the Narmada river, and the Mahi River run from east to west. It
rises in the eastern Satpura Range of southern Madhya Pradesh state, and
flows westward, draining Madhya Pradesh's historic Nimar region,
Maharashtra's historic Khandesh and east Vidarbha regions in the northwest
corner of the Deccan Plateau and South Gujarat before emptying into the
Gulf of Cambay of the Arabian Sea, in the State of Gujarat. The Western
Ghats or Sahyadri range starts south of the Tapti River near the border of
Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Tapi River Basin lies mostly in northern and eastern districts
Maharashtra state viz, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim, Jalgaon, Dhule,
Nandurbar, Malegaon, Nashik districts but also covers Betul, Burhanpur
districts of Madhya Pradesh and Surat district in Gujarat as well.
The principal tributaries of Tapi River are Purna River, Girna River,
Panzara River, Waghur River, Bori River and Aner River.
7. The Godavari River System
The river with second longest course within India, Godavari is often
referred to as the Vriddh (Old) Ganga or the Dakshin (South) Ganga. The
name may be apt in more ways than one, as the river follows the course of
Ganga's tragedy. The river is about 1,450 km (900 miles) long. It rises at
Trimbakeshwar, near Nasik and Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in Maharashtra
around 380 km distance from the Arabian Sea, but flows southeast across
south-central India through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa
and Andhra Pradesh, and empties into the Bay of Bengal. At Rajahmundry,
80 km from the coast, the river splits into two streams thus forming a very
fertile delta. Like any other major rivers in India, the banks of this river also
has many pilgrimage sites, Nasik, Triyambak and Bhadrachalam, being the

Page | 158
major ones. It is a seasonal river, widened during the monsoons and dried
during the summers. Godavari river water is brownish. Some of its
tributaries include Indravati River, Pranahita (Combination of Penuganga
and Warda), Manjira, Bindusara and Sabari. Some important urban centers
on its banks include Nasik, Bhadrachalam, Rajahmundry and Narsapur. The
Asia's largest rail-cum-road bridge on the river Godavari linking Kovvur and
Rajahmundry is considered to be an engineering feat.
8. The Krishna River System
The Krishna is one of the longest rivers of India (about 1300 km in
length). It originates at Mahabaleswar in Maharashtra, passes through Sangli
and meets the sea in the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh.
The Krishna River flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh.
The traditional source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue
of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Mahabaleshwar.
Its most important tributary is the Tungabhadra River, which itself is
formed by the Tunga and Bhadra rivers that originate in the Western Ghats.
Other tributaries include the Koyna, Bhima, Mallaprabha, Ghataprabha,
Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi and Dudhganga rivers.
9. The Kaveri River System
The Kaveri (also spelled Cauvery or Kavery) is one of the great rivers of
India and is considered sacred by the Hindus. This river is also called
Dakshin Ganga. The headwaters are in the Western Ghats range of
Karnataka state, and from Karnataka through Tamil Nadu. It empties into the
Bay of Bengal. Its waters have supported irrigated agriculture for centuries,
and the Kaveri has been the lifeblood of the ancient kingdoms and modern
cities of South India.
The source of the river is Talakaveri located in the Western Ghats about
5,000 feet (1,500 m) above sea level. Talakaveri is a famous pligrimage and
tourist spot set amidst Bramahagiri Hills near Madikeri in Kodagu district of
Karnataka. Thousands of piligrims flock to the temple at the source of the
river especially on the specified day known as Tula sankramana when the
river water has been witnessed to gush out like a fountain at a predetermined
time. It flows generally south and east for around 765 km, emptying into the
Bay of Bengal through two principal mouths. Its basin is estimated to be
27,700 square miles (71,700 km²), and it has many tributaries including
Shimsha, Hemavati, Arkavathy, Kapila, Honnuhole, Lakshmana Tirtha,
Kabini, Lokapavani, Bhavani, Noyyal and Famous Amaravati.

Page | 159
10. The Mahanadi River System
The Mahanadi is a river of eastern India. The Mahanadi rises in the
Satpura Range of central India, and flows east to the Bay of Bengal. The
Mahanadi drains most of the state of Chhattisgarh and much of Orissa and
also Jharkhand and Maharashtra. It has a length of about 860 km.
Near the city of Sambalpur, a large dam - the Hirakud Dam - is built on
the river.

Page | 160
 Chapter - 12
Major Wetlands and Water Bodies and Ramsar Sites in
India

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season. Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of special y adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils.
Categories of Wetlands
Wetlands vary widely because of regional and local differences in soils,
topography, climate, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation and other
factors, including human disturbance. Indeed, wetlands are found from the
tundra to the tropics and on every continent except Antarctica. Two general
categories of wetlands are recognized: coastal or tidal wetlands and inland or
non-tidal wetlands.
Coastal/Tidal Wetlands
Coastal/tidal wetlands in the United States, as their name suggests, are
found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf coasts. They are closely
linked to our nation's estuaries where sea water mixes with fresh water to
form an environment of varying salinities. The salt water and the fluctuating
water levels (due to tidal action) combine to create a rather difficult
environment for most plants. Consequently, many shallow coastal areas are
unvegetated mud flats or sand flats. Some plants, however, have successfully
adapted to this environment. Certain grasses and grasslike plants that adapt
to the saline conditions form the tidal salt marshes that are found along the
Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. Mangrove swamps, with salt-loving
shrubs or trees, are common in tropical climates, such as in southern Florida
and Puerto Rico. Some tidal freshwater wetlands form beyond the upper
edges of tidal salt marshes where the influence of salt water ends.

Page | 161
Inland/Non-tidal Wetlands
Inland/non-tidal wetlands are most common on floodplains along rivers
and streams (riparian wetlands), in isolated depressions surrounded by dry
land (for example, playas, basins and "potholes"), along the margins of lakes
and ponds, and in other low-lying areas where the groundwater intercepts the
soil surface or where precipitation sufficiently saturates the soil (vernal pools
and bogs). Inland wetlands include marshes and wet meadows dominated by
herbaceous plants, swamps dominated by shrubs, and wooded swamps
dominated by trees. Certain types of inland wetlands are common to
particular regions of the country. For more information, see Wetland
Classifications and Types for a full list.
Many of these wetlands are seasonal (they are dry one or more seasons
every year), and, particularly in the arid and semiarid West, may be wet only
periodically. The quantity of water present and the timing of its presence in
part determine the functions of a wetland and its role in the environment.
Even wetlands that appear dry at times for significant parts of the year --
such as vernal pools-- often provide critical habitat for wildlife adapted to
breeding exclusively in these areas.
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation
and sustainable utilization of wetlands, recognizing the fundamental
ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and
recreational value.
Area
Sl. Date of
Name of Site State Location (in Sq.
No. Declaration
km.)
1 Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh 19.8.2002 901
2 Deepor Beel Assam 19.8.2002 40
3 Kabartal Wetland Bihar 21.07.2020 26.20
4 Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat 13.04.2021 5.12
5 Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujarat 24.09.2012 120
6 Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat 05.04.2021 6.99
7 Wadhvana Wetland Gujarat 05.04.2021 6.30
8 Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Haryana 25.05.2021 4.12
9 Sultanpur National Park Haryana 25.05.2021 1.425
10 Chandertal Wetland Himachal Pradesh 8.11.2005 0.49
11 Pong Dam Lake Himachal Pradesh 19.8.2002 156.62
12 Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh 8.11.2005 0.2
13 Wular Lake Jammu & 23.3.1990 189

Page | 162
 Kashmir
Jammu and
14 Hokera Wetland 8.11.2005 13.75
Kashmir
Jammu and
15 Surinsar-Mansar Lakes 8.11.2005 3.5
Kashmir
Jammu and
16 Tsomoriri Lake 19.8.2002 120
Kashmir
17 Asthamudi Wetland Kerala 19.8.2002 614
18 Sasthamkotta Lake Kerala 19.8.2002 3.73
19 Vembanad Kol Wetland Kerala 19.8.2002 1512.5
20 Tso Kar Wetland Complex Ladakh 17.11.2020 95.77
21 Bhoj Wetlands Madhya Pradesh 19.8.2002 32.01
22 Lonar Lake Maharashtra 22.7.2020 4.27
23 Nandur Madhameshwar Maharashtra 21.6.2019 14.37
24 Loktak Lake Manipur 23.3.1990 266
25 Bhitarkanika Mangroves Orissa 19.8.2002 650
26 Chilka Lake Orissa 1.10.1981 1165
27 Beas Conservation Reserve Punjab 26.9.2019 64.289
28 Harike Lake Punjab 23.3.1990 41
29 Kanjli Lake Punjab 22.1.2002 1.83
Keshopur-Miani Community
30 Punjab 26.9.2019 3.439
Reserve
31 Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Punjab 26.9.2019 1.16
32 Ropar Lake Punjab 22.1.2002 13.65
33 Keoladeo Ghana NP Rajasthan 1.10.1981 28.73
34 Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 23.3.1990 240
Point Calimere Wildlife and
35 Tamil Nadu 19.8.2002 385
Bird Sanctuary
36 Rudrasagar Lake Tripura 8.11.2005 2.4
37 Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 29.06.2021 28.94
38 Haiderpur Wetland Uttar Pradesh 8.12.2021 69.08
39 Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 19.9.2019 2.246
40 Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 2.12.2019 7.22
41 Saman Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 2.12.2019 52.63
42 Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 3.10.2019 79.94
43 Sandi Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 26.9.2019 30.85
44 Sarsai Nawar Jheel Uttar Pradesh 19.9.2019 16.13
45 Sur Sarovar Uttar Pradesh 21.8.2020 4.31
Upper Ganga River
46 Uttar Pradesh 8.11.2005 265.9
(Brijghat to Narora Stretch)

Page | 163
 47 Asan Conservation Reserve Uttarakhand 21.7.2020 4.444
48 East Kolkata Wetlands West Bengal 19.8.2002 125
49 Sunderbans Wetland West Bengal 30.1.2019 4230

Two new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) were

announced by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri
Bhupender Yadav on World Wetlands Day 2022. Thus increasing the total
number of Ramsar sites to 49. The two new Ramsar sites are Khijadia
Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar
Pradesh.
The term was coined when the International Treaty for the Conservation
and Sustainable Use of Wetlands was signed at a city in Iran called Ramsar
in 1971. The topic, ‘Ramsar Sites of India’ is important for the upcoming
IAS Exam.
Latest Updates about Indian Ramsar Sites
1. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife
Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh were announced as Ramsar sites
(Wetlands of International Importance) on the occasion of World
Wetland day 2022 (2nd January 2022) held at Sultanpur National
Park, a Ramsar site in Haryana.
2. Haiderpur Wetland in Uttar Pradesh has been added as the 47th
Ramsar Site in December 2021. It is a human-made wetland formed
in 1984 and is located within the boundaries of Hastinapur Wildlife
Sanctuary.
3. Four new sites have been added to the list of Ramsar Sites in India
in August 2021. These are:
• Sultanpur National Park – Gurugram, Haryana
• Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary – Jhajjar, Haryana
• Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary – Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Wadhvana Wetland – Vadodara, Gujarat
4. In 2020, the following sites were added to the Ramsar Sites of India
List:
• December 2020 – The Tso Kar Wetland Complex was added to
the list of Ramsar sites in India. This includes the high-altitude
wetland complex of two connected lakes, Startsapuk Tso and
Tso Kar, in Ladakh.
• November 2020 – Maharashtra – Lonar Lake

Page | 164
 • November 2020 – Agra (Uttar Pradesh) – Sur Sarovar also
called, Keetham Lake
• November 2020 – Uttarakhand – Asan Barrage
• July 2020 – Bihar – Kanwar Lake or Kabal Taal
• February 2020 – Kolkata – Sunderban Reserve Forest
(Sunderban Wetlands)
5. 2nd February 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the Ramsar
Convention, the day which is also celebrated as World Wetlands
Day. India on this occasion established the Centre for Wetland
Conservation & Management which is the first in the country. It is
set up under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC), at the National Centre for Sustainable
Coastal Management (NCSCM) in Chennai.
6. Sambhar Lake had been in the news for its deterioration over salt
mining. Sambhar Lake is a Ramsar Site in India.
Facts of Ramsar Sites & Indian Wetlands
Ramsar Sites in India & Indian Wetlands
Any wetland site which has been listed under the Ramsar
What are Ramsar
Convention that aims to conserve it and promote sustainable
Sites?
use of its natural resources is called a Ramsar Site.
Ramsar Convention is known as the Convention of
What is the Ramsar
Wetlands. It was established in 1971 by UNESCO and came
Convention?
into force in 1975.
Is India a part of the Yes, India is a party to the Ramsar Convention. India signed
Ramsar Convention? under it on 1st February 1982.
How many Ramsar
There are 49 Ramsar Sites in India
Sites are in India?
Which is the largest
Sundarbans is the largest Ramsar Site of India
Ramsar Site in India?
Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park
Which is the first
(Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of
Ramsar Site in India?
India
Which Indian state has
Uttar Pradesh has the most number of Ramsar Sites in India.
the most number of
It has 10 Indian Wetlands.
Ramsar Sites?
Which is the smallest Renuka Wetland (Area – 20 ha) in Himachal Pradesh is the
wetland in India? smallest wetland of India.

Page | 165
Other Interesting Facts about the Ramsar sites that as an IAS aspirant,
you must know about
1. Ramsar sites are one of the major protected areas in the world.
2. There are currently over 2400 Ramsar sites in the world covering an
area of 2.5 million sq. kilometres.
3. World’s First Ramsar site was identified in 1974, which was the
Cobourg Peninsula in Australia.
4. The United Kingdom has the world’s largest number of Ramsar
Sites i.e. 175.
5. February 2 is celebrated as International Wetlands Day, as the
Ramsar Convention was signed on February 2, 1971.
6. The Ramsar Convention works with the collaboration of the
following organizations:
a) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
b) Birdlife International.
c) International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
d) Wetlands International.
e) Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
f) WWF International
7. To research any of the Ramsar sites, one can check the Ramsar
Sites Information Service (RSIS)
8. The number of contracting parties for the Ramsar Convention as of
October 2019 is 171.

Page | 166
 Question Bank

Short Answer Type

Q1. Define Latitude
Q2. Name the southernmost point of India.
Q3. What is urban geography?
Q4. In which Time zone does India lie?
Q5. Where are the Aravalli Ranges located?
Q6. What makes Khardungla Pass famous?
Q7. Describe the flora of Western Ghat.
Q8. Where is Loktak Lake located/? State its features.
Q9. When was the first Ramsar convention held?
Q10. Name the largest saltwater lake in India.
Q11. Biosphere Reserve.
Q12. Superstructure.
Q13. GMT
Q14. International Dateline
Q15. Major Passes in North East India.
Q16. Purvanchal
Q17. Highest Peak of eastern and western ghats.
Q18. Main River in Tamil Nādu
Q19. Andaman and Nico-bar island.
Q20. Tourism Minister of India.
Q21. What is the importance of Geography of Tourism?
Q22. Define time zone and how many time zone are there.
[Link] is longitude?
Q24. What is relief?
Q25. What are the famous tourist attractions of north east?

Page | 167
Q26. Enlist major five rivers of peninsular India.
Q27. What are the major tourist attractions of coastal India?
Q28. Which is the southern most point of India (including islands)?
Q29. Which is the oldest mountain range in |India?
Q30. Tropic of cancer crosses through how many Indian states?
Q31. Major passes in Himachal Pradesh.
Q32. Karakorum range.
Q33. Local Time
Q34. First two countries with top time zones.
Q35. Main tributaries of Ganga.
Q36. St. Marry’s Island.
Q37. Main tributaries of River Krishna.
Q38. Main tributaries of Brahmaputra.
Q39. Main Glaciers in Uttarakhand.
Q40. Highest point on Eastern Ghats
Long Answer Type
Q1. State Importance of geography in Tourism.
Q2. What is IDL? Explain with the help of diagram.
Q3. Enumerate components of Map.
Q4. What is communication? Also enlist the major types of communication.
Q5. Write short note of Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
Q6. Write detail not on Himalayan River system.
Q7. Identify and explain major passes of south India with help of map.
Q8. State the role of economy in Tourism with the help of case study
Q9. Write a note on Indo Gangetic Plains.
Q10. Distinguish between sanctuary and National Park.
Q11. Write about the Time Zone of the world.
[Link] the flora and fauna of western ghat.
Q13. Write ashort note on peninsular rivers.

Page | 168
[Link] the major wetland of India.
Q15. Explain the Ramsar Sites in India.
Q16. Explain:
Hill stations of eastern Himalayas.
Vindhya range.
[Link] is the importance of geography in tourism sector? Describe with
the suitable examples?
Q18. Describe about famous tourist attractions in Delhi.
[Link] a short note on type of tourism southern peninsula.
Q20. Discuss about the scope of adventure tourism in Himalayas.
Q21. What are the points to consider for effective map reading?
Q22. Describe about the famous five rivers of Punjab and their important
tributaries.
Q23. Present the case study of Shimla as a tourist destination. Consider
addressing its geographical features in tourism development.
Q24. Describe about Following:
Wetlands of India vs Tourism
Flora and Fauna of India vs Tourism.
Q25. Write a detailed note on transport of India.
Q26. What are the differences between sanctuary and national parks?
Q27. What is latitude & longitude?
Q28. Write a short note on climate of India.
Q29. What is geography & tourism interface?
Q30. Write a detailed note on time zones.
Q31. What is geography & tourism interface?
Q32. Write a detailed note on time zones.
Q30 Write a short note on river system in India.
Q31. Write a short note the various coastal areas in India.

Page | 169