Balpakram Tourist Guide Training Program 2019
Organised by : A'chik Tourism Society (ATS), Tura
Supported by : District Administration, SGH & Balpakram National Park Authority, SGH.
The Deputy Commissioner handing over certificates to the successful trainees
Mr H. B. Marak, IAS, The then Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills graced the training program as the Chief Guest and gave away the certificates to the successful tourist guide trainees which includes about 15 ladies.
The Deputy Commissioner unveiling the BALPAKRAM TOUR GUIDE vest
To ensure visibility and to stand out in the crowd, the trained tourist guides are provided with neon green Hi-Vis mesh vests. The guides on duty will wear this vest and an ID Card during the tour. Here the then Deputy Commissioner Mr H. B. Marak, can be seen unveiling the neon green vests
Participants of the Tourist Guide
Training program 2019
As many as 220 participants, both young and old from more than 8 villages participated during the Tourist Guide training program in November 2019. Youth are separated from the group and given intensive training and on hand practicals on camping, pitching tents, first aid, trekking, communication and guiding ethics etc. Elders, womenfolk of the villages are given training on setting up homestays, food stalls, juice & cool drink shops, grocery shops, and bakery shops for the visiting tourists. Total of 116 trained guides are presented with certificates.
Study Tour
Several study tours and exposure trips to Balpakram National Park are organized by various Institutions and training providers yearly. These study tours provide on-the-spot seeing and learning opportunities for trainees, especially those in the tourism and tour operator sector. Each and every group of trainees are accompanied by well-trained Balpakram Tour Guides and experienced Forest staff along with the accompanying trainers.
The Dikge of Balpakram
The hill turmeric or the Curcuma Psuedomontana, locally called Dikge blooms abundantly in Balpakram from March to early May.