Mysore admn tapping eco-tourism potential in Chamaraj

Mysore, Sep 16 (UNI) The Mysore district administration, in association with the of Tourism and Forest, department has at last made efforts to tap the eco-tourism potential in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka.

The Chamarajanagar district, carved out of Mysore district about a decade ago. The district is one of the backward districts in the state., However, recently the government had taken much initiative to increase tourism potential areas in the district, forest department sources told UNI.

The forest region of Chamarajanagar, M M Hills and other areas were closed for nearly two decades due to the presence of forest bandit Veerappan. After his death, it was open for all to see and experience.

The undulating terrain, lush green grassland, evergreen forests, wild elephants and bison in large herds, the bewildering range of flora and fauna, fast flowing streams and guest houses built during the British region are the major attractions. Also on show were the ''Soliga Hadis'' (tribal settlements), Bedugli, Honnmetti and Attikane coffee estates, and the Jodigere Hill terrin. About three km from Bedaguli is a two-faced Rudraskha tree in a place called Kendemaradapala. An ascent starts through the plantations, wet deciduous and Shoal forests, going to a pucca building being used as an anti poaching camp at Jodigere and then a triple point, a cairn on the ridge line, the sources said.

Dividing the three forest divisions of Chamarajanagar are Kollegal and Sathyamangalam. From here, one could cross a valley and reach Bettadhalla. Walking along the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was a life-time experience of nature in all its pristine glory. The forest was full of rosewood, the sources added.

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