The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has announced the resumption of its ‘Trek Tamil Nadu’ program, aimed at promoting nature appreciation and sustainable tourism, following the conclusion of the fire season.
The initiative, launched on Oct.24, 2024, has opened up 40 scenic trekking routes across the state’s forests and wildlife areas in its first phase. The initiative prioritises local community involvement by training and employing tribal and forest fringe villagers as trekking guides. The program has seen 4,792 participants successfully complete treks, establishing a model for responsible nature-based tourism in India.
Trekking activities in Tamil Nadu are annually suspended from Feb.15 to Apr.15. With the fire season ending, 23 trek routes are currently open, featuring primarily easy to moderate trails designed for a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Looking ahead, Trek Tamil Nadu aims to innovate by introducing a diverse pricing structure, incorporating local cuisine on select routes, providing agent logins for bookings, and issuing e-certificates to trekkers upon completion. The program also seeks to minimise plastic usage and reduce the carbon footprint
Know more about the programme at www.trektamilnadu.com.
