1. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Why in the News?

1. Tiger Poaching Confirmed: Lab tests on bones seized near Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, confirmed the killing of three tigers, raising fresh alarms about poaching.
2. Movement Through Corridor: The tigers are believed to have moved through the Chambal landscape, which connects Ranthambhore (Rajasthan) to MP’s Madhav and Panna tiger reserves.
3. Conservation Concern: Forest officials highlighted that tiger movement is increasing across states, but poaching threatens the safety of these corridors and tiger populations.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

1. Location: It is in the Sawai Madhopur district in southeastern Rajasthan.
2. Name Origin: The reserve gets its name from the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located inside the park.
3. Geography: It lies between the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges, giving it a scenic and rugged landscape.
4. History: Once used as a royal hunting ground by the kings of Jaipur.
5. Size: One of the largest tiger reserves in northern India, covering about 1,411 sq. km.
6. Landscape: The park has plateaus, lakes, rivers, old forts, and ruins, creating a rich natural and historical environment.
7. Rivers: It is bordered by the Banas River in the north and the Chambal River in the south.
8. Famous Lakes: Important water bodies in the park include Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab.
9. Vegetation: The area mostly has dry deciduous forests along with open grassy meadows.
10. Plants: The dominant tree is the Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula). Other trees include Acacia, Capparis, Zizyphus, and Prosopis.
11. Wildlife: Apart from tigers, the park is home to leopards, caracals, jungle cats, sambar deer, chital, chinkara, and wild boars.

2. Munnar, Kerala

Why in the News?

1. Sustainable Tourism Push: The Kerala government has launched a project to transform Munnar into a ‘Responsible Tourism Destination’ by December 2025, promoting eco-friendly and community-based tourism.
2. Net-Zero Goal: Munnar is set to become a ‘net-zero tourist destination’, aiming to minimize the carbon footprint of visitors and protect the region’s fragile ecosystem through sustainable practices.
3. Government Support: A total of ₹50 lakh has been sanctioned for implementing various responsible tourism programs to boost Munnar’s global visibility and attract more tourists.

About Munnar

1. Munnar is a famous hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, known for its lush tea plantations, scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and pleasant climate.
2. Geography and Location
   1. Located at the confluence of three rivers: Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, which gives Munnar its name (meaning "three rivers").
   2. Situated at an altitude of about 1,600 metres (5,200 feet) above sea level in the Western Ghats.
3. Historical Significance
   1. Munnar was a summer resort of the British during colonial times.
   2. Tea plantations were first introduced here in the 1880s, and they remain a major part of its identity.
4. Biodiversity and Conservation
   1. Eravikulam National Park, located in Munnar, is the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
   2. The region is also known for the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years, painting the hills blue.
5. Major Tourist Attractions
   1. Eravikulam National Park – Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr and Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India.
   2. Mattupetty Dam – A masonry dam and lake popular for boating and scenic views.
   3. Top Station – Offers breathtaking views of valleys and tea gardens.
   4. Tea Museum – Showcases the history of tea plantations and British legacy.
   5. Attukal Waterfalls and Lakkam Waterfalls – Picturesque spots ideal for nature walks and photography.
   6. Kundala Lake – A serene place for boating and picnics.
   7. Pallivasal – The site of Kerala’s first hydroelectric project, surrounded by natural beauty.
6. Climate
   1. Munnar enjoys a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.
   2. Temperatures range from 25°C in summer to 10°C in winter, making it a year-round tourist destination.
7. Unique Tourism Features
   1. The focus of the Kerala Government is on:
      1. Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism (net-zero carbon destination),
      2. Gender-inclusive tourism,
      3. Making the region a plastic-free zone,
      4. Promoting local livelihoods through village experience packages.