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Adventure Tourism is a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas, where the traveller should expect the unexpected. Adventure tourism is rapidly growing in popularity as tourists seek unusual holidays, different from the typical beach vacation.

Adventure tourism typically involves travelling into remote, inaccessible and possibly hostile areas. It may include the performance of acts that require significant effort and grit and may also involve some degree of risk.

The Meaning of Eco-Tourism
The concept of 'Eco-tourism' came into its own in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Eco-tourism". The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people".

Eco-tourism puts focus on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, cultural and individual growth, and learning new and better ways to exist in our world. It is classically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural uprightness of local people. In addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, there are initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities. All of these factors form an integral part of eco-tourism.

What are Eco-Tourism Holidays?
In a nutshell: a holiday that does not contribute to the damage of an environment and does not put existing species at risk! Over time people in different communities have become aware of the adverse effect of tourism, and have put structures in place to ensure their landscape stays protected. If you'd like to contribute to a community plus have a great holiday… Look for the eco-tourism signposts i.e. accommodation built with natural, locally found materials whose staff comprise of local people. The hotel or lodge should have environmentally sound energy and water-saving policies. Holidays should help preserve environments and encourage and maintain traditional cultures rather than contribute to their ruin.

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India Tourism 

India's tourism industry is thriving due to an increase in foreign tourists' arrivals and greater than before travel by Indians to domestic and abroad destinations. The visitors are pouring in from all over the world: Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. At the same time, the number of Indians traveling has also increased.

India is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. These include history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism (ayurveda and other forms of Indian medications), spiritual tourism, beach tourism (India has the longest coastline in the East) etc.

Being an ancient country, India is a country of monuments. Just like the number, the variety is also varied in every sense. All in all these monuments spell the true colours of India and carry its very essence. But some incomparable monuments that form an integral part India's historical heritage are, the epitome of endless love - Taj Mahal, the Axis of Islam - Qutub Minar, the pride of free India - Red Fort, the Chariot temple of the Sun God - Konark, the mighty Mughal citadel - Agra Fort, the glorious island caveland of Lord Shiva - Elephanta; the cave site of numerous Chaityas and Viharas - Ajanta, the grand memorial of an Emperor - Humayun's tomb and last but not the least, the forgotten walled city of Fatehpur Sikri.

In recent years India's emergence as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations is a well-known fact. The country offers the variety of adventure opportunities. This diversity is remarkably amazing - from the white water rafting on the Ganga, Indus or Teesta to heli-skiing in the high Himalayas; from hang-gliding and ballooning over the Indian plains to camel-safaris in the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan; from chasing the elusive tiger on the backs of mighty elephants to trekking in the Himalayan ranges - the choices are endless.

The distinctive feature about the Himalayan tourism is that traveler has the option of enjoying myriad adventure activities. If you travel to Kashmir you can indulge in trekking, travel on horseback, go trout fishing in its rivers or enjoy in a little bit of skiing or water sports in its transparent lakes. Of late, skiing has put India on a pedestal in Asia. As a matter of fact, skiing in India is less expensive compared to anywhere in the world. The facilities are meant for beginners as well as for seasoned skiers. The three states that boast of providing these facilities are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Heli-skiing has established as another prime attraction for travelers. The facility for Heli-skiing can be availed of at Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Water-rafting, kayaking and canoeing on the Ganga are becoming popular day by day.

Sailing, another adventure sport, is rapidly catching tourist's imagination and gaining popularity in Nainital, Ramgarh and Khadakvasla in Maharshtra. Introduction of water-rafting in the Teesta River in northeastern India is beginning to attract the tourists on a large scale.

Medical Tourism in India is a developing concept whereby people from world over visit India for their medical and relaxation needs.

With yoga, meditation, ayurveda, allopathy, and other systems of medicines, India offers a unique basket of services to an individual that is difficult to match by other countries. Also, clinical outcomes in India are at par with the world's best centres, besides having internationally qualified and experienced specialists. In addition to allopathic treatments and surgery available at hospitals like Apollo, you can also avail the benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine in India. India is the birthplace of this 5,000-year-old science. The many Ayurveda resorts in India are located in various scenic locations of the country, from Ananda in the Himalayas to the many resorts in the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Ayurveda is the system of traditional medicine in India. It is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice, handed down through generations. Composed of two Sanskrit words, "Ayu" or life, and "Veda" or knowledge, Ayurveda is regarded as "The Science of Life" and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings.India is also the birthplace of the concept of Yoga and Meditation, practices that are becoming increasingly relevant and popular in the context of today's spiritual aridity.

India is a land of inherent spirituality and people have been known to travel here to find solace in its ancient wisdom since time immemorial. India is called the "yogabhoomi" and the gateway to the heavens. Innumerable saints and seers, in their quest for knowledge, have contributed largely to the development of various religious monuments viz. Temples, Mosques, Monasteries etc. built lavishly across the length and breadth of the country. The kind of cosmopolitan existence India has is best reflected in its pilgrim centres. Religion is the heartbeat of the nation and the followers of all the major religious and sects, viz., Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Zororastrianism have lived here for centuries. Together has come up temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, synagogues and religious and spiritual centres. The spiritual tour starts from the holy city of Varanasi , the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi and the Jain temples at Ujjain . While following in the Footsteps of the Buddha you can see the holy sites of Buddhism in India and Nepal including Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini and Kapilvastu. On the North India you can visit Nepal , see the temple towns of Khajuraho and Varanasi in India and the temples of Pashupatinath and Bodhnath in Nepal . On the West, you can see the amazing rock cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora near Aurangabad and the Sai Baba Temple at Shirdi.

For untold centuries, the powerful triad of the sun, the sea and the sand have pooled their resources to present spectacular effects and memorable experiences to a cross section of people from all over of the globe. India has almost a 6,000 km long coastline, which is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. Both the West and East Coast of India offer verdant vistas of palm on the Arabian Sea shores or the Bay of Bengal.On the west coast there are miles of sandy beaches broken into attractive bays by rocky headlands. The most popular ones are the beaches of Goa and Kovalam at Kerala.The beaches on the eastern coast are less well developed. The best known are the beaches of Mahabalipuram and a small but exquisite beach in Orissa called Gopalpur-on-Sea.

The Travel and Tourism industry holds tremendous potential for India's economy. It can provide impetus to other industries, create millions of new jobs and generate enough wealth to help pay off the international debt. That is why we have included Tourism amongst the Core Sectors of the Indian Economy.

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Forest Trekking

It has been said for centuries past that 'Man cannot exist without woods.' Indeed forests are a highly important human resource. Their functions include many that are vital to life: the continuance of the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle; the feeding of brooks and streams that in turn lead to lakes, dams, and reservoirs; the provision of a habitat for a wide array of animal life and vegetation; and the maintenance of nature's sensitive ecological balance are just a few. In addition the large areas that forests cover are often abundant with spectacular views and striking beauty -- adding infinite artistic worth to the many pragmatic benefits provided by forests. It is of little surprise, therefore, that jungle trekking and forest exploration enjoys a high popularity among visitors to Chiang Mai today.

To many, jungle trekking is really a visit to a great and inexhaustible library of breathtaking knowledge. Students and lovers of nature alike find an endless fascination in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. The towering trees and blowing bamboo that splash picturesque hues of gold, green and red over the brown earth, the clear, crystal streams that run endlessly in no apparent pattern; the chattering squirrel here, the proud, soaring eagle there; and the whispering of the wind in the pines mysteriously fall together to unfold a sheer beauty thatt knows no repetition and has no end.

To others, the fascination lies more with the aura of adventure that jungle trekking possesses. Certainly, the forest holds enough of the unexpected to keep a trekker on his toes. How much further to the next village? Where's the best camping site? Do those clouds mean rain? And in the middle of the night: What was that noise? There is a certain sense of accomplishment the trekker gets from reaching his destination after a long day's hike. There is a high that comes from knowing you have challenged your physical limits and won. The trekker climbing that last mountain before reaching his destination feels much the same as the marathon runner on his last mile.

The two most popular forests used for trekking in Chiang Mai are the Pae forest of Mae Tang district and the forest in the Kok River area near Tha Thon Village, Mae Ai district. Both forests have been thoroughly surveyed and have tourist police stationed there for safety's sake. In addition, both are home to several hilltribe groups including the Karen, Lawa, and Akha as well as having rivers suitable for rafting.

Most jungle treks share the following general outline. The trekkers leave the city by truck or van and travel to the edge of the forest. From there they hike into the jungle, usually to a hilltribe village. On some of the longer treks, one night is spent in the jungle, one in a hilltribe village, and one by the river's edge after a day of rafting. Shorter treks involve only one night in a hilltribe village. Naturally, the specific details of each trek vary diversely with each trekking company, the amount of time available, and the physical abilities of the trekker. Some tours substitute the physically challenging hike with an exciting ride through the jungle on the back of an elephant, while others arrange oxen-pulled carts to pick up the trekkers in order to give them the opportunity to experience one of Thailand's oldest modes of transport.

For those short on time or energy, jungle trekking by elephant is an option available at any of the elephant training camps in Chiang Mai. This type of trekking allows one to experience the luscious green jungles of Northern Thailand from the vantage point of one of the world's most powerful animals. After the initial shock and excitement of the bumpy takeoff, most people soon grow accustomed to the elephant's rhythmic movements and can muster the courage to concentrate on the forest's beauty instead of hanging on for dear life! From the jungle, the elephant moves into a river and travels upstream for several kilometers, before once again moving into the jungle and returning to camp. All in all, the trek lasts about one hour and provides an excellent means of touring Chiang Mai's jungles in a short amount of time.

Those interested in taking a jungle trek through Chiang Mai's forests can contact any of the many travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Prices will vary with each agency, depending on the programs included in the trek, the amount of time, the accommodation facilities, and the food. Before using the services of any one agency, be sure to obtain details on the accommodations, food, and type of transportation used. For your own safety, it is strongly advised that you use the services of licensed tour companies which have guides licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Jungle trekking as an escape from the hassles and complexity of modern-day life to the serenity and simplicity of the basics. The rules are simple: when you're in the jungle you abide by its laws. There's no place for deadlines and time schedules, no room for inflation and traffic jams.

Nature never stops working. Day after day, the sun rises to greet the world. Night after night, the stars come out of hiding. The streams never stop flowing, and the trees never stop growing. Whether it be your first jungle trek or your tenth, Chiang Mai's luscious forests await you with open arms.

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Mountain Hiking

Many hikers who are bored of the normal marked trails, and discovered wilderness areas have come to a new adrenaline rush: mountain hiking. Hiking several hundred feet above sea level gives those with a taste for the extreme the rush they are looking for. If you are that kind of hiker, then mountain hiking is for you.

But wait, before you start day dreaming about the top of the summit, you first need to know how to get there. Mountain hiking isn't much different than simple hiking. The only major difference is the endurance needed and the terrain you are hiking on. Over all the same gear is needed and the idea is much the same.

The three layer system that is often used in hiking also applies in mountain hiking. Let's do this real quick: the layering system offers three different layers of clothing that a hiker should follow.

First is the base layer, which is responsible for keeping a dry and comfortable microclimate next to your skin. For mountain hiking, you can wear two pairs of long johns, top and bottom. The clothes should be made from synthetic fiber but not from cotton.

The second layer you need in mountain hiking is the insulation layer. This layer provides more warmth if the base layer and the shell layer do not provide enough insulation on their own. And last is the shell layer, providing you protection from wind, rain, sleet, snow, etc.

Shirts for mountain hiking during good weather

Wool or fleece sweater or synthetic insulated jacket

Wool shirt or sweater, second fleece/pile jacket, vest, etc.

Fleece pants - side zips are nice as they come in handy if you are getting too hot

While in a typical hiking trip, no more than three layers of clothing is needed, this is not so in mountain hiking, where the conditions can be harsher and more extreme. That is why a fourth layer of clothing is usually added, the 'super' insulation layer.

You might need to wear eye protection, depending on where you are hiking. In snowy conditions, blindness is common due to the glare, even on overcast days blindness can be a concern.  Also in sunny conditions it is important to wear eye protection to protect your eyes.

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 Wilderness Camping

To maximise your enjoyment when camping, especially in the more remote areas, it pays to be properly prepared. It is usually the simple things that make all the difference.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

One of the things I routinely neglected when I was younger was the sleeping arrangements. I would take a tent, a thin rubber mat and a sleeping bag. Of course, the inevitable result was a cold, uncomfortable night, with a little bit of sleep thrown in.

I tend to be a little more prepared now, especially if my son is tagging along.

A good quality mattress is essential. The air mattresses are popular, but the major disadvantage of these is the poor insulation. They are very cold and condensation on the inside of the mattress can cause bedding to become wet. The way around this is to cover the mattress with a plastic sheet before laying a quilt or blanket over the top. Your sleeping bag goes on top of the quilt and a much warmer night is assured.

Self inflating and 4WD mattresses are now available and these are great. They are more expensive, but they roll up conveniently and have much better insulation properties. They are thin in comparison to air mattresses, but despite this, they are comfortable.

A good quality sleeping bag is a must. Check the temperature rating on the bag and choose one to suit the areas in which you camp. Always choose one that will more than adequately cover the local temperature range.

FOOD and DRINK

This is very important particularly if you have children with you. It is much better to have too much than too little, and everyone's appetite seems to increase when camping out.

You will probably find that, during the day, the kids will be off exploring and will largely forget about eating. When it comes to meal times, however, they will eat like the proverbial horse, so take plenty. Simple meals are the order of the day, with pasta, hamburgers, hot dogs, and casseroles (in the camp oven) always popular. Fish caught and cooked at the site is always good too.

When it some to liquid refreshments, you will also have to stock up, especially if camping in the warmer months. Although eating during the day is generally not a priority, drinking certainly is. Pre-packaged fruit drinks are great for the kids, along with plenty of water. It doesn't really matter what you take, as long as everyone is kept hydrated.

Whilst on the subject of water I will mention that a considerable amount of thought should be given to how much water you will need, for drinking, washing and cooking purposes.

If you are camping at a site with fresh water available then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. However, in some areas there is little or no water available, so careful planning is a must. This is of utmost importance if it is a very remote area and the amount of water you have could potentially become a survival issue if something was to go wrong.

To keep all the food and drink cool and fresh then a good esky, or cooler, is essential. The bigger the better in this regard and use dry ice to keep it all cool if available. It lasts longer and doesn't leave everything wet. If using ice, then place cold moist towels over the top of the ice and it wall last longer. Keeping the esky or cooler closed as much as possible will keep things cooler longer.

Portable fridges are excellent, but consider the drain on the battery when the car's not running. A dual battery set up is a good idea if you are running a fridge.

FIRST AID

A good first aid kit comes in handy. Although it won't get used much, it's good to have. Stock it with band-aids and antiseptic spray. Nearly every injury a kid suffers when camping can be fixed with a quick squirt from the spray or a patch up with a band-aid. They are a bit like the "magic spray" in soccer. They can fix anything.

Don't forget the insect spray either. It is very useful to keep the flies and mosquitos at bay.

CLOTHING

Although obvious, always dress appropriately and be aware that you are at the mercy of the elements. Wet weather gear, change of clothes and plenty of warm clothing should be carried. Even in summer in can be cold at night and the weather can change very quickly. Nothing dampens your enthusiasm as quickly as being physically uncomfortable.

UTENSILS

Make sure you have the right tools to do the job.

Don't forget the can opener. Tin cans are near impossible to open without one.

If camp fires are allowed then take your own firewood. Take a wood saw to cut the wood up. It is generally more useful than an axe for cutting up wood. Do take an axe though, just in case.

The list is endless, but have enough utensils to cook, clean, wash and eat. A lot of it will boil down to personal choice.

CONCLUSION

Although there are other things to consider getting the basics together is essential. If you are physically comfortable and have enough to eat and drink, then, hopefully, there is nothing left to do but enjoy.

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