"Not only was it beneficial for me to travel and experience foreign cultures, I also gained invaluable perspective on the methods and philosophies of conservation outside of the United States."

-Caleb

Lisa Mosier traveled to India during the summer and Caleb Billmeier conducted his internship there during the fall.  The internships involved several different projects, including collecting and compiling information for developing heritage/rural tourism proposals for two villages in the northern state of Uttaranchal.  The villages of Mana and Jageshwar are characterized by differing histories, landscapes, and attractions, but both are sought to be developed as living heritage destinations where tourists can stay in a vernacular home, eat local food, and participate in indigenous customs.

Mana is strategically placed at the confluence of the Saraswati and Alaknanda Rivers, at the foot of the towering Garhwal Himalayan.  The village features architectural characteristics typical to Himalayan regions, often times with structures virtually on top of one another connected by narrow pathways.  The heritage tourism proposal prepared for the site included promoting local craft traditions and putting restrictions on ill-advised new constructions.
    

Located in the Kumaon Hills of Uttaranchal, Jageshwar is nestled in a dense forest of Deodar trees, in the narrow Jataganga Valley along the winding river Jata Ganga.  The proposal developed for this village centered on the main temple complex, which dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries.  Meeting with local officials ensured the necessary cooperation and coordination when issues such as demolition of dilapidated structures were discussed.

Location