ECO-TOURISM

The landscapes under the protected area network of the BTC possesses astounding potentiality for eco-tourism.

With the tourists looking for newer places, the tourist operators are coming forward to provide facilities to show these places. On the river cruise offered by the Assam-Bengal Navigation Company, it is possible to approach the Orang National Park after mooring at the Park boundary while cruising down the Brahmaputra aboard the Charaidew.

The nearest town, Udalguri, the district head quarter of Udalguri, BTC is about 55 kilometers away from Orang National Park.

The Manas National Park has picturesgue Mathanguri where the beauty of Manas can be absorbed amidst the gurgle of the rapids of the Bekil river. For the real taste of the landscape through eco-tourism, one can try the hospitality of the Mauzigendri Manas Eco-tourism Society based at Kokilabari village next to the eastern boundary of the Manas National Park. The effort run
by local educated boys and tribal villagers, have a range of activities to enthral the visitors.

During the last season (2004-05), more than 5500 Domestic tourists and 260 Foreign tourists visited Manas National Park. The Orang National Park also registered a good number of tourists.

The Barnadi and Chakrashila are the destinations for serious scientists from home and abroad.

The sites of interest in and around Chakrashila are:- Sikhri-Sikla, Jarnagra, Baukhungri/Bakuamari peak, Dibil Thakur peak, Anthai Gufur/ Dangdufur, Dheer Beel, Deeplai Beel, Dakra Beel, Bhalukjhora, Nayekgaon Rubber Garden (Golden langur viewing), etc.

Other sites of rich biodiversity and tourist interest are:-
(a) Jamduar; Bamba Block, Pekua Block, Kachugaon Tramline, etc., in Kachugaon Forest Division.
(b) Saralbhanga, Khalasi, Chikhnajhar, Nou Nwgwr, Mash Bhandar, Naharani, Dholpani, Laopani etc. in Haltugaon Forest Division.
(c) Mahamaya Temple, Florican Park, Rupshi Air Port, Deeplai Beel, Sareswar Beel, Atharokota, Rajapara Recreation Park etc. in Parbatjhora Forest Division.
(d) Different locations in Manas biosphere under Chirang Forest Division (presently part of Aie Valley Division) are Kalamati, Kuklung Reserve Forest, Kanamakra Manas Reserve Forest (part), Bhur River etc.
(e) Different locations in Khalingduar, Bhairabkhunda, Xalimukh, Subankhata, Kakilabari Reserve Forest/Kakilabari Central Seed Farm etc. in Dhansiri Forest Division.

Besides the above, there are a number of other natural areas, rivers etc., where eco-tourism can be developed locally; besides visiting tribal villages of different communities.

The villagers in the forest fringe areas are using many plant species which are endemic in the forests of BTC for their ethnic traditional medicinal practices.