Scuba
Diving is still a new phenomenon to Indian tourism. The credit
of introducing such an adventurous marine sport to eco-tourism in
India from this year goes to Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a Karnataka
Government undertaking, which won the National Award for the Best
Eco-Tourism Destination in India.
In an interview to bangalorebest.com, the Executive Director of
Jungle Lodges and Resorts, G V Sugur spoke about the eco-tourism
scenario in Karnataka.
What bearing has the spurt in IT professionals had on eco-tourisms
in Bangalore?
Thanks to the Information Technology professionals in Bangalore, we
have 30 per cent of increase in our business. Normally, the IT companies
sponsor eco-tours for their employees. Some IT companies repeat the
eco-tours every year.
What kind of tourists do you cater to?
Most of the tourists we get are foreigners and people from the upper
strata of society. In fact, 26 per cent or one fourth of our eco-tourists
are foreigners only.
Do you offer any special package during holidays?
During the slack season, we offer some discount in our charges if
tourists approach us in large groups.
How do you maintain an edge over your competitors?
There are some private resorts in places like Kabini, offering similar
services that we are providing. But they are not our competitors.
During the peak season, November-March, we have to cater to numerous
eco-tourists and we take the collaboration of such private resorts.
Apart from Bangalore, where do you have branches?
We have branches at Kabini, (80 km. From Mysore), Bhimeswari (100
km. from B,Lore), Galibore (80 km. from B,Lore), Dodda Makale (110
km. from B,Lore), Kyathadevara Gudi (225 km. from B,Lore). All these
are jungle and eco-tourism centres
.Are there any new developments in the eco-tourism of the state? Yes. We have added scuba diving at Devbagh Beach Resort near Karwar
to our eco-tourism services since the beginning of this 2000 year.
Could you tell us more about scuba diving? It is a recreational fun game under sea water. We offer this to
enthusiastic tourists who are supervised by well trained master scuba
divers from Barracuda Diving India in Goa. Tourists will have to fix
up dates with us for this in advance. The ideal time for scuba diving
is from November to June. Precautions will be taken by us to ensure
the safety of the tourists who go for scuba diving.
When and where did you start this scuba diving?
We have introduced the Scuba Diving at Devbagh Beach Resort in Karwar
only from this year (2000) onwards. One should speed across by boat
from Karwar to reach the Devbagh Beach Resort
What tips do you have for eco-tourists?
Observe absolute silence while on safari.
Listen to the sounds of nature that have inspired music
Less luggage ensures more comfort.
Dress for comfort, not for style.
Wear jungle colours-preferably khaki, green and brown.
A pair of binoculars are invaluable for bird and animal watching.
Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Take pullovers/sweaters for chilly nights and light cotton clothes
for day time wear.
For those on the lookout for a unique fun time, Jungle Lodges and
Resorts offers exotic packages that promises to transport you to a
world of breathtaking beauty.
Address:
Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.,
2nd Floor, Shrungar Shopping Centre,
M G Road, Bangalore. Phone: 2559 7021/24/25 Fax: 91-080-2558 6163 Email:
jjungle@giasbg01.vsnl.net.in
7:32:04 AM 
Scuba
Diving is still a new phenomenon to Indian tourism. The credit
of introducing such an adventurous marine sport to eco-tourism in
India from this year goes to Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a Karnataka
Government undertaking, which won the National Award for the Best
Eco-Tourism Destination in India. 
sure
the safety of the tourists who go for scuba diving. 
