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Eco Tourism


                                       
Serene natural habitats  are glorious in their pristine purity. They are marketed and this is known as Eco Tourism, a branch of International Tourism. Nature and her superb beauty  are  highlighted and Tourism without damaging Nature is encouraged.

Natural Philosophy, championed by Goethe and others, point out that Nature is the main efficient cause. While God is still invisible, the only visible manifestation is Nature.

I follow two philosophers this way
It was Nature, Nature, all I heard them say !  ( The Faust - Goethe )



Aimed to provide awareness to the tourists about the wisdom of Nature and the protective functions of the forests, Eco Tourism is educational in nature.

The guide and the tourist visit the naturally beauteous areas for understanding the cultural and natural history of environment, but taking care not to change or alter the integrity of the ecosystem. At the same
time, this safe tourism provides economic opportunities to the local inhabitants, who also join in the Green Conservation Movement !

It can also be defined as environmentally conscious tourism and not a search of pristine locations  It has to be sustainable with the continous capacity to safeguard natural environment, which is the base of tourist attraction. Maintain and provide the quality of the satisfaction of the tourists , thus benefiting the locals in the area.

There are many number of definitions of Ecotourism, each highlighting different aspects. It is to be noted that different parameters emerged in common to all eco tourism developmental initiatives.

Eco Tourism may be defined as that

Which is based on Nature
Where interpretation and education are important components
Which is sustainable ecologically
Which benefits the local people.

If any of these components are not satisfied, such a venture cannot be
classified as an Eco Tourism venture !

So Eco Tourism is Green Tourism. Tourism, without well thought out plans and managed programs, can mean thedestruction of the natural habitat. Also the cultural shock concomitant with interaction with various cultures can also put the locals in danger. Stipulation of certain standards and awareness campaigns amongst tour operators and travel agents reduces considerably this impact. Eco Tourism,
therefore, is considered as a solution to tourism related environmental problems.

The region of the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical forest ecocystem, provides the natural advantage for this division of International Tourism. In order to develop the immense potential of Kerala Tourism, our tourism products diversification is essential. Hence Western Ghats can be
projected as the Eco Tourism Zone of Kerala. Eco Tourism adumbrates the concept of sustainability in Tourism. Future generatoins are protected, as the needs of the now a day visitor is transformed with Green Education !


The Present Situation

The major tourism destinations can be classified as beaches, wild life sanctuaries, backwaters, hill stations, and festivals which represent culture.  Kerala will have to upgrade her products and provide infrastructural 
facilities, if she is to benefit from the boom in the travel and tourism industry.
There is no system at present through which the public can see the forest and have a lasting quality experience. The visits to sanctuary, which is widely practised now, cannot be called as ecotourism. It is only mass tourism to a sanctuary. A more concentrated strategy, which is small group oriented
and supply driven, is the need of the hour. Since Spiritual Tourism is gaining ground in Kerala due to Amma, Eco Tourism also can rise in the highly educated state. Heath, Medical, Ayurvedic and Dental Tourism is also on the rise and Eco Tourism is here to stay !

Those in charge should provide education ( travel and tourism courses) and provision for learning process for the tourists, as Tourism needs close monitoring in an ecologically sensitive area. Students who study for travel and tourism courses should impart the knowledge of Kerala Heritages to the tourists and visitors. It is imperative that Tourism be ecologically sustainable. The
economic  benefit should benefit the locals to ensure sustainability. 



Article by G Kumar, astro scholar, academician & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com
He gives free tips at http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/diverseblogs.htm & his ebooks can be
had at http://www.astrognosis.com/html/ebooks.htm
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                                                                                Ayurvedic Tourism 

The Kottakkal Pharmacy, Arya Vaidya Sala and Somatheertham Ayurvedic Resorts are some of the institutions which champion the cause of the Science of Life, Ayurveda, in Kerala.

Ayurveda – The True Health Care A perfect, ancient science of Life and health care, Ayur means Life and Veda means science. This branch of Medicine succintly explains the scientia of dos and donts one has to follow to lead a holistic healthy life,  is holistic in approach, and is good for both physique and psyche. It is curative and restorative and highlights the principle that Prevention is better than Cure.The prophylactic wing of Ayurveda is known as Naturopathy, even though naturopaths differ about the origin of Naturopathy.Ayurvedic Theory – The Five Great ElementsThe Pancha Maha Bhootas or the Five Great Elements are the basis of not only Life, but of the Universe. Both the Macrocosm ( Universe ) and Microcosm ( Man ) are made up of the Elemental Five, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Good equilibrium between the Elemental Five results in good health. On the other hand, disequilibrium is disease.When the harmony of the Elemental Five is disturbed, the body goes into a state of negative health and this is where the Ayurvedic masseur or the physician steps in. Massage is the most common form of Ayurvedic Therapy and ayurvedic masseurs can be found everywhere. Essential oils and extracts of healing herbs are used in the formulation of Ayurvedic massage oils.


The application of these oils to the body by trained masseurs can give immense stress release to the patient. Various ailments like spondylitis, back injuries, sprains and muscle injuries also can be cured by Ayurvedic massages. You can experience the healing powers of Ayurveda. How true it is said that there is no earthly sorrow which Heaven cannot heal. ( Ayurveda is a heavenly science, as it is Veda, cognised by the Seers in higher states of Consciousness ).

Best suited for Ayurveda’s restorative and curative programs are Kerala’s equitable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool Monsoons season from June to September. Kerala is the only state now in India which practises this ancient, hoary science with dedication. You can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the Monsoon Season  by taking Ayurvedic treatment at least once in your lifetime in the green ambience of Kerala !


Body rejuvenation treatment can be taken for 7 days or for 14 or 28 days.


Rejuvenation Therapy ( Rasayana Chikitsa )

Two masseurs massage your body with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. This therapy is for 2 hours per day in a treatment period of 7 days. This therapy tones up the skin,  strengthens all systems and rejuvenates your body and mind.

Body Purification Therapy ( Shodana Chikitsa )

According to Ayurveda, three humours, vata, pitta and kapha should be in equilibrium and their disequilibrium is disease. Disease means a lack of ease. In Body Purification Therapy, body massages, medicated purgatives, detoxification using enema, steam bath are all done. Herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines are taken in.


The Sree Guruvayurappan Nursing Home in Guruvayur, www.sganh.com and www.ayurtoday.com is one of the oldest of Ayurvedic institutions. Another one is www.zamorins.com.

Here are a list of Ayuvedic Centers in Kerala.

Anugraha Health Centre, Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum

Ideal Ayurvedic Center, Chowara and Kovalam, Trivandrum

Ayusha Ayurvedic Center, Kovalam, Trivandrum

Soft Touch, ITDC, Asoka Beach Resort, Kovalam, Trivandrum

Hotel Samudra, Kovalam, Trivandrum

Medicos, Kovalam

Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy, Vellayambalam,

Triveni Ayurveda Hospital, Vanchiyoor

Sree Sankara Gardens, Anakkara, Kumily

Nagarjuna Ayurveda Resorts, Kalady

Surya Ayurvedics Ltd, Kanjany

Nattika Beach Resort

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Palghat

Susrutha Ayurvedic Research Center, Karunagappally, Quilon

Govt Ayurveda Hospital, Malappuram

Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal



Article by G Kumar, astrologer, academician & programmer of
www.keralaheritages.com He gives free tips at
http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/diverseblogs.htm and his ebooks can be
had at http://www.astrognosis.com/html/ebooks.htm