Andaman Administration Warns Tour Operators

The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has warned the tour operators who have been promoting Jarawa Tourism. A press release issued by the Administration said, “It has been brought to the notice of the A&N Administration that some of the Tour Operators are promoting tours to the A&N Islands with the inclusion of sightings of, or encounters with, the Jarawa Tribe. These Tour Operators are also reported to have placed contents on the Internet including visits to the Jarawa”.

As a warning to the tour operators the Andaman Administration clarified that the tribal areas of the islands come under the A&N Island (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulations 1956. The Jarawas are one of the primitive tribes of A&N Islands and are not to be promoted as “Tourist Attraction” under any circumstances. The A&N Administration, as in the past, has restricted entry to these areas and does not allow people to visit these areas for tourism purposes.

All the tour operators are therefore cautioned not to conduct such type of tours otherwise it would attract penal action as per law. They are further advised to revise their tour related contents on the Internet, if any, omitting any sort of reference to the Jarawa Tribe forthwith, failing which they would be liable for strict action by the law enforcing authorities.

source: andamanchronicle.com

Andamansikkim reaches South Sikkim

After a five months stay at Dentam,West Sikkim...andamansikkim now reached South Sikkim this month.The west life was wonderful with a lot of water around the Singalila Range and the ways blocked with mud and clay,which I found interesting.The travel is of five to six hours from Rangpo. via. Melli, Jorethang,Zoom,Chakung,Soreng,Sreebadam,Kaluk,Heebermiok,Heegaon ..and at last Dentam.Now while returning this route was blocked due to a landslide at Pecherek near HeeGaon.Two , ten meter long and half meter wide iron sheets can rid off the problem for small vehicles,but I don't know why the concerned authorities are not doing it!There are many routes to reach Dentam.While returning we took Dentam -Pelling-Geyzing-Jorethang-Namchi route.This is the ultimate tourist destination in Sikkim-West Sikkim.See more...click here

Mountain Biking -SIKKIM-2008

Pic:Bikers crossing Dentam- on their way to Uttarey on 8th march 2008.

Sikkim Tourism is organising the first Kangchendzonga Mountain Biking expedition from March 3 to 13.

The expedition is supported by the Union Ministry of Tourism under 'Incredible India' campaign and involves participation of private stakeholders and sponsors as well. Also dubbed as an expedition to conquer the Himalayas, the ten-day thrilling experience will cover all the four districts of the state.

The prize money has been kept at 25,000 US dollars. The awards category includes overall winner open for men and women, overall Indian (Men and women), master 50 plus, best uphill and best downhill.

The routes to be covered include Gangtok-Ranka-Rumtek-Sang in east Sikkim, Sang-Martam (East)-to Rabong(South Sikkim), Rabong-Kewzing-Tashiding (South & West Sikkim), Yuksom-Darap-Pelling-Dentam-Hee Bermiok-Kaluk Soreng (West Sikkim) Sombaria-Daramdin (West)-Jorethang (South), Namchi-Namthang-Rangpo in South and East and also places like Mangan-Dikchu, Chungthang-Lachen Lachung in North Sikkim. They will cover 60 KM a day.

''The idea is to popularize Sikkim as a destination for adventure tourism since there is big scope for it and there are visitors willing to spend money for thrill and adventure. It also does not require specialization or training like other forms of adventure sports like hang gliding or paragliding. We want to take a lead in India as far as adventure tourism is concerned,'' said G P Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sikkim tourism, on the motive of the expedition. He also said that around 100 participants, including national and international adventure lovers, were expected to take part. ''This is a big event and being held for the first time in Sikkim at this scale. We will make it a regular and annual affair,'' he said.

-- (UNI)