Himalayas
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Himalayas or the 'Abode of Snow' are the veritable treasure house of nature, extending 1500 miles on the border between India and Tibet. Not many places in the world can enchants you like the Himalayas. And it the Himalayas where surprises never ends. The alluring Himalayas greets the travelers with unparalleled grandeur of vast tropical jungles, verdant forested valleys, thundering rivers, amazing wildlife and some of the world's highest mountain ranges. If that's not enough calm your senses with Hindu prayers. Apart from that the mighty Himalayas has lot of potential for the eco and adventure tourism.
Eco Tourism in Himalayas :
Himalayas eco system is the most unique and by far the most mind boggling in the world. It boosts of a unique and diverse flora and fauna. Large number of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are well preserved in the lapse of the Himalayas. This makes it an ideal getaway for eco tourists. A tranquil and pleasant evening can be spent amidst nature with snowcapped peaks in the background. Though Himalayas finds its popularity among adventure seekers of the country and abroad, but the wider popularity of its natural charm draws family as well as groups to explore it. Option include wide variety if water sports, jungle safaris, trekking, mountaineering, nature walks etc.
Himalayas Flora and Fauna :
The Himalayas are ranked amongst the richest bio-reserves in India and form the prime habitat of some highly endangered species. Covered with exotic belt of flora, it is also where the rich treasure of medicinal herbs are said to grow. The towering peaks and secluded valleys of the Himalayan mountain range are covered with the luxuriant forests of Sal, Teak, Pine, Chir, Oak, Rhododendron, Birch and Juniper. While the wildlife of the Himalayas comprises of Tigers, Elephants, Deer, Wild Boar, Crocodiles and Pythons. At greater heights dwell more exotic species like the elusive Snow Leopard, the sure-footed Blue Sheep and the famous Musk Deer. Himalayas also houses different varieties of butterflies such as apollo's, blues, vanessas, and papilios. The bird species mainly found in the Himalayan Region comprises of those with colorful plumage, like the Monal Pheasant.
Himalayas Rivers :
Rivers form an important part of the Himalayas. There are major rivers in Himalayas are Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Jhelum, Sutlej, Chenab, Ravi and Beas. These rivers are main source of life for the tribal and other people inhabited in the Himalaya for centuries. These rivers are both snow fed and rain fed and therefore experiences regular flow throughout the year. Apart from adding the scenic beauty these rivers have helped in the formation of forest belt in the region.
Himalayan Hill-stations :
The vibrant hill stations in the Himalayas are a naturalist delight. Each of the hill station is unique and has a different story to tell. The salubrious climate, rolling hills, magnificent Himalayan peaks makes Himalayan hill stations worth visiting. Some major hill locations here are - Gulmarg & Sonamarg, Srinagar, Ladakh, Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Sarahan, Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Kailash Mansarovar.
Things to Do :
Adventure Sports in the Himalayas :
Himalayas has in stores something for every one. The snow capped mountains, free flowing rivers, tropical forests and the hidden wildlife invite the tourists to embark on the journey of uncovering the secrets of their own. Some of the adventure activities are perfectly for the epinephrine thrill like trekking, skiing and white water rafting. Himalayas offers an exciting and challenging trekking destinations. Opportunities for trekking are almost everywhere, weather you are in the Ladakh, Garhwal or Tibet. Himalayas are the mountaineers paradise. Some of the highest peaks in the world – Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagir, Lhotse an most important Mount Everest, beckon the avid mountaineers, there are several smaller peaks too.
He untamed rivers in the Himalayas are perfect for white water rafting. Most of the white water rafting tours are operated between October to May. For hardcore enthusiasts, most of Himalayan rivers offer rafting opportunities at varying grades of difficulty. On the other hand skiing in Himalayas in captivating the interest of the adventure tourists from all over the world. You will also love the thrill of mountain biking and camping in the wildlife parks.
Wildlife Adventure in Himalayas :
A splendid diversity of wild animals, birds and plants can be enjoyed in Himalayas National Park. The unique topography of Himalayas make it one of the best places in the world to spot some of the rarest and endangered species of animals and birds. Some of the well known wildlife parks and sanctuaries includes. Jim Corbett National Park, Great Himalayan National Park, Namdapha National Park, The Royal Chitwan Park and Royal Bardia National Park. There are hordes of activities that these wildlife parks promises to the tourists. Go for the tiger trial, or catch him right making feast with the night prey. Take a elephant ride and go for the jungle safari. Hire hideaways in the parks or catch the young ones of the birds fluttering their wings. Photograph these wilds to carry away the finest memories of these adventures back to the home.


