Beginning Wednesday the South Division of the Nilgiris Forest Department will operate special package tours to promote eco tourism in some of the scenic spots under its control. This follows the growing reputation of the areas as ‘must visit’ places. Speaking to The Hindu here on Tuesday, the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris South, C. Badharisamy said that the tours have been designed in such a manner that the participants will not only get ample photo and video opportunities but also gain considerable knowledge about nature, wildlife and tribal people. Stating that vans would be used for the day-long 80 kilometre tour, he said that it would commence at the office of the South Division atop Mount Stewart Hill here and cover the Tribal Research Centre (TRC) at M.Palada, Avalanchi, Cauliflower shola, Lakkadi and the Cairn Hill where the tourists can enjoy a short trek and also see a model of the shola-grassland eco system at the interpretation centre. Pointing out that the cost per participant would be Rs. 750, Forest Range Officer Srikanth said that it would include lunch, snacks and a memento. He said that it is proposed to organise such tours round the year. Tie-up The department has tied up with various hotels to popularise the tour.