Endangered Species
Endogenous Spices Tourism project in Kurangani has facilitated a community based tourism that would sustain, enhance and preserve mountain culture and ecosystem. The project has built the capacity of the local people to sustain the project for ever. Kurangani Spices Promotion Society, a registered body has consideration of potential adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change. Several Associations and Groups have been formed among the Mountain communities to sustain Spices Tourism in Kurangani. Handicraft items by tribal women have attracted tourists from India and abroad. Marketing of the products has been arranged by State Tourism Department. Native excellence of tribal community has been recognized.
Salient features which will attract tourists in the ETP destination are given below:
- Spices Valley
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (The Highest Tea Garden in the World)
- Waterfalls, mountain rivers
- Caves, cloudy peaks and precipitous ledges
- Trekking paths
- View points for a glimpse on the forces of nature.
- Floral and faunal diversity
- Tribal culture and tribal hamlets
- Cardamom, tea and coffee estates.
- Kurangani’ hilly terrain is unexploited and unexplored. Several endemic species are found in the shoal forest near the Central Station. The natural vegetation of this region is replaced by forest plantations.
- The region is popular for its wonderful faunal diversity. Beautiful birds and butterflies can be seen during monsoons. A vast spectrum of birdlife and other biodiversity is found in Central Station, Top Station and in the mountain ledges. The common animals that inhabit this mountainous area are Nillgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, common monkeys (hanuman), Panthers are found in the Central and Top Station.
