BackGround

North-East India abounds in areas with potential for development of value-tourism like nature tourism, cultural tourism, ethnic tourism and adventure tourism. Despite this, tourism activities in the region so far center on some over-exploited holiday resorts. Tourist inflow to the region remains restricted to destinations like Darjeeling, Gangtok, Pelling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Jaldapara and more recently developed resorts at Lava and Loleygaon. This causes ecological problems for these sensitive areas and limits options for discerning tourists. Besides, unrestricted growth of tourism in some pockets neither addresses community concerns nor the region's economic development.

We at naturebeyond believe that the local and socio-economic considerations demand that new tourism areas get created in North Bengal and development planning incorporates following parameters:

a. Large projects that may lead to environmental problems are ruled out.
b. Tourism activities need to be value-based and must directly address community concerns.
c. Local communities must benefit through asset creation and direct or indirect employment for members.
d. All activities need to be of a closely monitored restricted nature so that no area gets over-exploited.
The proposed project bases itself on above parameters and intends to create a model for value-tourism in North Bengal.

Eco-resorts
Tinchuley(Darj)
Rocky Island(Sams)
Karmi Firm (Darj)
Mt. Narsing(Sik)
Rinchenpong(Sik)
Martham(Sik)

Ecotourism Destinations
Chilapata
Kalijhora
Lava
Latpanchar
Lepchajagat
Loleygaon
Pedong
Rongo
Samsing
Tinchuley

The People
Drukpa
Bhutia
Rajbansi
Lepcha
Mech
Rabha
Sherpa
Nepali

Our Eco Projects
Background
Objectives
Stakeholders
Activities
Locations

Eco Resources
What is eco-tourism
Our Charter
Important links