# Karnataka Hiking Trails

## Goals
* to include Trekking Destinations in Tourism priorities .
* To identify and position important trek routes.
* To design and structure the network of hiking routes.
* To develop a joint promotional strategy to exploit the network of trekking routes, including the design of integrated and personalized proposals and holiday packages in Karnataka
* To improve the professional skills of Tourism Hotels/Resorts and to promote its internationalization.
* To enhance the institutional framework devoted to support a more competitive industry.

## Principles of Karnataka Trails
* Accessibility: A state level infrastructure of trekking trails and greenways that are a part of everyday life and accessible to all people of varying abilities, ages, and backgrounds

* Healthy lifestyles: Improved fitness, health, and well-being for all people through trails and greenways that offer opportunities for physical activity, recreation, rejuvenation, and preventative health care

* Economic vitality & Sustainable development : A trail system that contributes to the financial strength and attractiveness of a community by enhancing business opportunities, tourism.

* Best practices: Innovative, sustainable, and technically sound guidelines that are understood and applied by decision makers in the planning, design, development, and construction of high quality trail systems

* Appreciation for the outdoors: Inspiring trail experiences that cultivate an appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage

* Learning in the outdoors: Educational and interpretive opportunities that promote understanding, skills development, and appreciation of the environment

* Connectivity: Trail systems that link communities, natural areas, and people as a means of recreation and transportation.

# Trail design
#
Trail design is one of the most important factors to insure that the route offers optimum scenic, geologic, historic, cultural and biological sites to provide a variety of diverse habitats for the trail user to experience. Trail design is the critical connection to make the trail sustainable, to reduce impacts to the natural environment, and to minimize future trail maintenance.

# Identified Trails in Karnataka
## Following are the various trails in Karnataka
The basic outline for various trekking routes are given below.

## Bangalore Circle

Following are the trekking routes for Bangalore Circle.

| Name | Distance | Route |
| -------- | -------- | -------- |
1 Avalabetta, Chikballapura
2 Skandagiri, chikkaballapura
3 Kaiwarabetta, Chikkaballapura
4 Bidarakatte, Magadi
5 Savanadurga, Magadi
6 Makalidurga, Doddaballapur
7 Antharagange, Kolar

Following are the trekking routes for Chikkamagalur Circle.

| Name | Distance | Route |
| -------- | -------- | -------- |
8 Ballalrarayana Durga Fort
9 Bandage Falls
10 Ettinabuja
11 Rani Jari

Following are the trekking routes for Hassan/ Circle.

| Name | Distance | Route |
| -------- | -------- | -------- |
12 Siddarabetta |12 | www.strava.com
13 Devarayanadurga

## Karnataka EcoTrek Ambassadors

1. Represent Karnataka Hiking as a voice for hiking and trekking across social media and communications.
1. Provide content and storytelling for the Karnatak Ecotourism Blog and social media channels.
1. Receive advocacy and communications resources to be effective advocates and leaders.
1. Join or support annual Environment Day® events in their local areas in June as a host or participant.
1. Have the opportunity to participate in an Karnataka Hiking Volunteer Vacation trip.
1. Participate in other advocacy campaigns, programs, and activities.

## Ecotourism Provides Ambassadors:
**
Free registration for the Ecotrip.
Networking opportunities with leaders and other professionals in the outdoor industry.
Swag and gear from Karnataka Ecotourism and corporate sponsors.

## Ambassador Applicants should be:
1. Passionate about outdoor advocacy, hiking, and stewardship.
1. Excellent, dynamic communicators.
1. Available to engage regularly throughout the year on social media and KEB communications on efforts to protect public lands, hiking, and diversity in the outdoors.*