Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

The traditional cropping pattern has got transformation in the beginning of
this century and people earlier cultivated rice, ragi and chamai, now turned
to cultivate western (English) vegetable such as potato, cauliflower,
cabbage, and carrot.
Tribals are considered as Hindus though they possess and practice distinct
culture and rituals to follow that are totally alien to popular so-called Hindu
culture.
Eco-tourism also raises some trifling benefits to tribals in terms of providing
employment in these resorts. But the facet of this kind of employment is that
they have been employed only in house keeping and cleaning activities for
meager wages of Rs.1 000- 1 500 per month. Localtribals are widely used in
the trekking exercises as escort to tourists and there by get some income.
This may yield them sum ofRs. 75to 150 pertrip.
Slow but steady pace of urbanisation is also taking place in Masinagudi.
earlier Masinagudi had no shops but now there are 5 mechanic shops
catering to needs of local community and passer-by tourists vehicles. The 3
tyre shops are also an effective testimony for the fast pace of urbanisation
process. Power projects have changed the outlook of this village
tremendously.
The first resort in Masinagudi was developed by the Parsee couple- the
Kothawalas in a sprawling 30 acres environ; and has 6 cottages only. They
organise wildlife tours, trekking, night safaris and horse riding.
The next resort - Jungle Hut, is run by Mathias, has 8 cottages and has 4
rooms with balconies. They are running this resort without any kind of
license like other all resorts. They have a golf course and a swimming pool.
They have AlC rooms. The clients for this resort are from foreign countries
mostly from European countries and sizable customers are also from
domestic elite class.
Forest Hills, another resort, is having 6-8 cottages. They have self-catering
for tourists and run bars. The tariff range is in-between Rs. 1200-1 500 per
day. Bamboo bangs charges Rs. 1800 per day. Casa deep woods tariff
rates would be Rs. 2200 per day and is operating on the basis of Timeshare.
21 Nilagiris: Fading Glory