A Guest in the Wild

I once mentioned that a good hiker is a nature lover. It is very important to put an honest effort to protect the nature. We should let our offspring enjoy the nature as much as we do.

Never cut down trees for no reason. I have not chopped down even a branch of a tree during my last 14 years of hiking.

By no means, kill wild animals for fun or even for food. Never harm them even if they are vicious or poisonous. Remember it is you, the guest, in their territory. Never disturb their peace even to take a photograph. At all points avoid making unnecessary noises in the jungle. Animals always prefer peace of mind. In no way behave in a foolish manner, so that wild animals get irritated. Just be a silent onlooker!

Try to use some simple techniques to stay away from possible harmful animals. Wearing boots that cover up to your ankles is essential, while walking in tropical jungles. Also if you walk with heavy foot steps, any snake on your path will move out swiftly. Remember animals usually attack humans for self defense and that too when they get really scared or annoyed.

To view more on hiking guidelines click here and here.

Hiker's Etiquette

Hiker should always be a nature lover. We should try our best not to damage the natural environment. Following guide lines provide 'must do' ones as well as 'good to do' activities for a hiker.

1. Never throw or leave behind plastic, polythene or any non-degradable items while hiking.
2. Always limit carrying non-reusable items while hiking unless absolutely necessary.
3. If you take such material (plastic bottles, polythene, food wrappers etc.) keep a small area in your backpack to bring them back 'home'.
4. Even though items like used paper are degradable, try not to throw them unnecessarily, as they destroy the beauty of the nature.
5. Use only the marked garbage bins (places like Horton Plains) to throw away your garbage.
6. After camping or staying at one place, clean the area and make it look better than what it was 'before you came there'.
7. If possible collect all the plastic or polythene items you find on your way. In a place like Horton you can always bring them back to Wild life office area and put them in the marked garbage bins.

Simply let your children enjoy the nature the same way you enjoyed!


To view more on hiking guidelines click here and here.