JustEco

A Guide to Eco-Tourism: Top 7 Eco-friendly Destinations in India

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest

Nowadays, everybody is busy in their daily life and wants a break from this hectic schedule to relax. Eco tourism places in India are eco-friendly places that help our body and mind relax from this busy life.

India has various places, outstanding diversity, beautiful scenery, and a hygienic environment. These places indeed make your journey memorable. Not only will you know the culture, language, etc., of these beautiful places, but you will also be able to enjoy the greatest peacefulness this nature offers us.

Today, various farms, eco-friendly holiday resorts, hotels, etc., offer natural peace and provide sustainable tourism for people dying to visit these fabulous eco-friendly destinations in India. 

What does eco-tourism mean?

What does eco-tourism mean? This question can come into every individual’s mind. Eco-tourism is a responsible journey to natural places that includes interpretation and education, as well as conservation of the energy and environment and the well-being of the local people.

Eco-tourism helps in strengthening friendships with nature and helps in realizing the responsibilities of a traveler. Eco-tourism, In other words, is the activity of conserving nature and biodiversity.

Types of eco-tourisms

Not only in one way can you make your trip more enjoyable and sustainable, but there are also various forms to enjoy your eco-friendly tour. Let’s have a look at the types of Eco-tourism.

Eco-lodging

Materials built concerning the environment which do not cause any bad effects on the surroundings. It can range from hostels to hotels set up in a natural ecosystem and provides various eco-friendly activities.

Agro-tourism

Related to farming communities, if you are an ecotourist and want to work with these communities, then go ahead. By this, you will be able to gather information regarding different farming methods.

Eco tours

Participating in activities like hiking, trekking, caving, etc., and helping increase awareness among the people of a particular region.

Benefits of eco-tourism

Nowadays, people want to visit quiet and peaceful destinations. Due to this reason, only eco-tourism in India is gaining popularity. When you choose eco tourism India along with relaxation, you may contribute your side through the following benefits.

  • Eco-tourism helps in the reduction of greenhouse effects.
  • By visiting eco tourism places in India, you can reduce the harmful physical, social, and behavioral consequences of tourism on natural regions.
  • Eco tourism destinations in India provide pure air, which is good for our health.
  • Ecotourism India helps in increasing environmental awareness and cultural appreciation.
  • When you choose eco tourism India for your traveling, you can ensure that residents, businesses, and organizations profit financially and have great experiences.

Seven eco-friendly destinations in India

With its vast natural diversity, including beaches, backwaters, hills, deserts, animal sanctuaries, and lush flora and fauna, India is a popular eco-friendly tourism destination. Eco tourism India encourages people to travel to eco-friendly destinations.

Travelers can explore the entire nation in search of environmentally friendly locations where they can take in the local culture while surrounded by nature. Let us look at some eco-friendly destinations in India.

1. Kerala

Kerala is showered with incredible biodiversity and is known as “God’s own country.” The geographical location makes this place one of India’s most charming eco-friendly destinations. Everybody should visit Kerala at least once in their lifetime. Kerala is perfect for eco-friendly beach vacations and is known for its Ayurveda medicines. Let us look at some eco-friendly destinations in Kerala that support protecting the environment.

a) Thenmala:

Thenmala, a city in Kerala, is the best eco-tourism spot. There is something for everyone to do in Thenmala, from boat excursions to leisurely walks to adventure activities like mountain biking and rock climbing, etc. 

b) Kumbalangi:

One of the best islands to explore if you want to learn about Kerala’s culture and legacy is the Kumbalangi integrated tourism village project, which is 15 km from Kochi. The tiny fishing community has been transformed into a vacation spot with a rural eco-tourism theme. Backwaters encircle Kumbalangi. The village contains a variety of aquatic life, and the island is covered in Chinese fishing nets.

c) Periyar:

The area is rich in the various biodiversity that blossoms throughout the mountains. The Tiger Reserve, Elephant Reserve, and Periyar National Park, located among the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills and borders the State of Tamil Nadu, are the highlights of Periyar. Another attraction of Periyar is an artificial lake created centuries ago to control the flow of the constantly pouring Periyar River.

2. Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a beautiful and charming destination in India that steals away the heart of every individual. This is an undiscovered paradise in the northeast with a wide variety of cultures and many secluded wonders. The scenery of Meghalaya is unforgettable and breathtaking, which includes the snow-capped mountains, the lake, etc. Let us look at a few places in Meghalaya that provide eco-tourism.

a) Mawlynnong Village:

In 2003, Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong Village was named the cleanest village in Asia.

It is 90 kilometers from the state’s capital Shillong in the East Khasi Hills. Locals actively participate in maintaining the village’s cleanliness and beauty. Smoking is also forbidden here, and plastic is completely banned. The entire hamlet has made it easier to collect garbage with bamboo dustbins.

All locals and tourists are expected to remain committed to these laws. Those who don’t follow these rules face heavy fines. This village is also notable for having a 100% literacy rate, and most people can talk in English.

b) nongblai village:

A small, isolated village in the Pynursla Tehsil of the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, is approximately 15 kilometers from Pynursla, the sub-district capital, and 52 kilometers from Shillong, the district capital.

With 16 Living Root Bridges around the community, Nongblai Village is a unique example of natural and cultural phenomena. This is the only location on the planet with a high concentration of bio-engineered bridges.

3. Ladakh

Ladakh, enveloped by mountains, is the last spot in India. Recently, Ladakh has become one of the popular tourist destinations due to its rugged landscape and connectivity to the rest of the places. The Ladakh trip contains the topmost position on the bucket list of every individual.

Ladakh has been the only calm place till now, so it is essential to protect this place. Ladakh is a jewel, the lakes of Ladakh are enormous, and the Himalayan ranges enveloped with snow give a texture of golden color. A peaceful and soothing place, thanks to the local people who maintain the diversity. 

4. Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is the most famous biodiversity hub surrounded by high mountains, beautiful terrain, bushy, dense forest, and soothing water bodies.

The prominent spot of religious sites where tourists come from worldwide is just in search of spirituality—one of the most potent places to inspire people to live happy and peaceful life.

But, nowadays, Uttarakhand is becoming a victim of various harmful practices, so to avoid this, the eco-tourism community started with eco-friendly Eco-tourism activities like treks. It provides funds for the smooth operation of the maintenance of biodiversity.

The best eco-friendly places in Uttarakhand are

A) Corbett national park in Nainital:

The magnificent Jim Corbett National Park, located near the famous hill station of Nainital in the Himalayan foothills, is renowned for being home to the highest number of tigers of any Indian national park. This is the first national park in our country and was created in 1936.

A must-do activity is the jeep safari into the thick forest to view wild animals in their natural setting. Enjoy the sights of the lush green forest broken by streams, rivers, and a few waterfalls while on the jeep safari. You can stay overnight inside the park in hotels that provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

B) A valley of flowers in the Garhwal area:

The Valley of Flowers National Park, set against the majestic Himalayan peaks, offers tourists an ethereal view and a memorable experience. The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the Chamoli district and spans an area of 87 sq km, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Valley of Flowers, as its name suggests, is a place where the beauty of nature is at its peak, providing a spectacular experience. Over 600 exotic flowers, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones, are a sight to behold. Additionally, the valley is home to some magnificent and rare wildlife species. The blooms are most beautiful between May and October.

C) Nanda Devi national park in Nanda Devi peak:

Valley of Flowers National Park in India is well known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and incredible natural beauty. This diversified environment is also home to unique and endangered wildlife, such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, blue sheep, and brown bear.

d) Sitlaket:

Beautiful Sitlakhet is a hill town in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Sitlakhet is a newly developed tourist destination next to the well-known Ranikhet. There is a lot of greenery in this area. The majority of tourists who come to this area are trekkers. This area has easy to moderately tricky trekking paths so that beginners can attempt this.

Every other activity here is also environmentally friendly. People from the city come to Sitlakhet for a relaxing and soulful vacation away from the city’s pollution.

5. Nagaland

Nagaland is one of India’s most desirable eco-friendly destinations, and eco-tourism is increasing at a fast speed in Nagaland. It has various eco-tourism spots, and let it look at a few of them. 

a) Khonoma village:

Explore Khonoma in Nagaland, also referred to as the “first green village in Asia,” where hunting is forbidden, and the Angami warrior tribe is committed to environmental preservation. Khonoma is an excellent spot to unwind in the natural world, with rich vegetation and breathtaking landscape. 

b) Dzukou valley:

This eternal beauty valley has emerald green undulating hills and calm flowing streams. Most tourists come to this well-known valley yearly, and it attracts adventurous trekkers. It is famous for its pristine forests, wonderfully landscaped green valleys, diverse flora and wildlife, and so on. Between June and September, the valley is covered in a carpet of different wildflowers, such as white and yellow lilies, aconitum, and euphonies.

c) Shilloi lake:

Shilloi Lake in Meluri, which has a footprint-like shape, is 300 kilometers from Kohima. It is a lovely natural lake and falls in a valley surrounded by pine forests and unique sceneries.

6. Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is the ‘Land of snow,’ as the mountains here are covered with snow. The bushy greenery and enormous view make tourists travel worldwide and allow people to spend quality time with nature. It is one of the most desirable natural wonders where everyone wants to go. The beauty of this place will captivate you, and memories of this place will be unforgettable. Let us look at the locations in Himachal Pradesh that provide an eco-tourism experience.

a) Spiti valley:

Spiti valley is the most beautiful eco-friendly place in Himachal Pradesh, providing sustainable livelihood.

Various organizations work here, which helps in saving the ecosystem. Various eco-friendly activities are provided, like trekking and biking through the beautiful trails; these activities provide no harm to the ecosphere.

b) Pangi valley:

The Pangi valley of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, in the North-West Himalayas, is emerging as a new location for adventure and cultural tourism. Pangi Valley is a favorite location for adventurers due to its natural beauty, rocky roads, rugged terrain, and rich untapped indigenous culture.

7. Sikkim

Sikkim, a destination perched in the Himalayas, welcomes thousands of visitors yearly, particularly honeymooners. It is known as the ‘seven sister states’ and is India’s most beautiful eco-friendly destination. Flora and fauna, tasty food, and magical views will leave unforgettable moments. Half of Sikkim’s economy depends on eco-tourism, so the government is taking proper measures to maintain eco-friendly activities. Let us look at some of the places in Sikkim to visit.

a) Khangchendzonga national park:

Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a large expanse of greenery all around. This park, a biosphere reserve with a wide variety of flora and fauna, is a haven for ornithologists. The finest aspect of Khangchendzonga National Park is that it is home to the world’s third-largest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.

b) Yakten Village:

The pine forest around this village can be seen. This village contains various beautiful flowers and greenery all around. You can find many homestays to stay in this village. You can trek and explore the village. You can find various eco-friendly home appliances people use here. 

Conclusion

All these eco-friendly destinations in India contain lush green forests, blue lakes, hills, beautiful flora, and fauna species that benefit humans. If you love traveling, then why not become an ecotourist? In this way, you can help the communities conserve the country’s biodiversity.

Be connected with nature and be a responsible tourist.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Abhay Gupta

Abhay Gupta

Abhay Gupta is a passionate sustainability blogger who loves exploring sustainable living. With over four years of experience, he loves to shares helpful articles, tips, and resources that encourage more people to do same.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *