Top 10 Eco Tours in India

Ecotourism is entirely a new approach in tourism. Ecotourism is a preserving travel to natural areas to appreciate the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to disturb the integrity of the ecosystem, while creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local people.

In short, ecotourism can be categorised as a tourism programme that is - "Nature based, Ecologically sustainable, Where education and interpretation is a major constituent and Where local people are benefited."

All this together can be called ecotourism. If a travel does not satisfy any one of these constituents, then it is not called a real ecotourism venture.

The Concern for Ecotourism
Since ages, nature worship and the conservation ethics have been an inseparable part of Indian thought and traditions. Traces go back to ancient civilisations of India, when people used to nurture the philosophy of the oneness of life. The Indian tradition has always taught that, humankind is a part of nature and one should look upon all creation with the eyes of a love and respect.

It is tragic that since last few decades, the mad quest for the material end and economical progress in India and abroad has become identical with the exploitation of nature in all its appearances. Today, the entire world is facing a deep crisis and is in the danger of being doomed. The rich forest areas and biological diversities have been relentlessly divested to erect concrete walls. The continuos denuding of forest reserves has led to Global Warming and Greenhouse Effects. Fortunately, this has led to some realisation, and now the world has awaken for new beginnings about human responsibility towards nature.

Ecotourism in India
India, the land of varied geography offers several tourist destinations that not just de-stress but also rejuvenate you. There are several ways to enjoy Mother Nature in most pristine way. The few places like the Himalayan Region, Kerala, the northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Lakshdweep islands are some of the places where you can enjoy the treasured wealth of the Mother Nature. Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India created to cater to the Eco-tourists and nature lovers.

The Himalayas Ecotourism
The India topography boasts an abundant source of flora & fauna. India has numerous rare and endangered species in its surroundings. The declaration of several wildlife areas and national parks has encouraged the growth of the wildlife resource, which reduced due to the wildlife hunt by several kings in the past. Today, India has many wildlife sanctuaries and protection laws. Currently, there are about 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries in India, which works for the protection and conservation of wildlife resource in India.

There are numerous Botanical and Zoological Gardens in India, which are working towards the enhancement of the Ecosystem. Poaching has stopped to large extent. There are severe punishments for poachers, hunters and illegal traders of animals and trees. Tree plantation are taking place in several places. There are several animal & plant rights organisation, who fight for the rights of the animals and plants. Numerous organisations and NGOs are coming forward to provide environmental education to the common people at the grass root level.

1. KERALA

A tropical paradise often times referred to as “God’s own country” for its many areas that remain completely untouched, this is a must for any eco-friendly traveler to India. Tour guides go out of their way to help people with treks and hikes through this area with sustainability constantly on the forefront of their minds. The people who live in this region are also very diverse making this an eco-friendly tourist hotspot.

2. TAJ MAHAL

This spot is one of the most recognized in the world. For eco-friendly tourists, cultural tours are offered to allow visitors to take in the meaning and history that surrounds not only the main temple, but the many other buildings and gardens located in the area. India has taken extra precautions not to damage these buildings and therefore this area does not allow motorized vehicles, making it an even purer and a more beautiful site to see.

3. SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

 Only 200 km from Delhi, this sanctuary was formerly used as hunting grounds. Now, the hunting has ceased and visitors can view tigers in their natural habitat with safari trips through the reserve.

4. AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES

With over 29 caves formed in volcanic lava in the 1^st century BC, this area is a site that holds rich beauty, as well as untouched religious and cultural history. Visitors can tour these unique caves and view exquisite wall art painted inside the caves that depict the life of Buddha, images from the Hindu faith, and more. The combination of religious depictions throughout the series of caves gives eco-friendly tourists a special insight into the many cultures who inhabited this region.

5. DANDELI

A region perhaps best known for its adventurous water sports, this is also a widely acclaimed Dandeli eco-friendly tourist destination with many other activities that involve preserving the wildlife and natural beauty in this area.

Visitors can view wildlife sanctuaries, go on a quiet kayak tour or take treks into the wilderness. At night, a moonlight boat ride that brings a new light to this area is a must do for any eco-friendly tourist.

6. CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Conservation efforts in the Corbett National Park, which is filled with tigers and elephants, go to the extreme to make sure human influence, does not damage any part of the livelihood of the animals who call this area home. The park was the first national park formed on mainland India and is home to spectacular landscape and diverse wildlife. Eco-friendly tourists must take a tour of the tiger sanctuary on their visit to this area.

7. ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND

These islands are located well off the mainland of India. Their proximity to other countries has led to an introduction of rich flora and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can take in all this area has to offer with snorkeling tours in the clear waters, and hikes through the rainforest area.

8. NANDA DEVI & VALLEY OF NATIONAL FLOWERS PARK

This national park is well known for being home to a variety of endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear and snow leopard. Located in the flowers park are some of the most spectacular fields of flowers. In fact, this park is so beautiful some locals believed that fairies were located in the fields. Now tourists can view the area under regulated tourist standards to help preserve the park.

9. ELEPHANTA CAVES

Home of the world-famous elephant caves, this diverse location contains basalt caves and sculptures that depict both the Hindu and Buddhist religions. With new legislation in place to protect these precious historical caves, eco-friendly tourists can view their beauty and rich culture without worry of harming them.

10. KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK

For bird lovers, this is a must-see. Home to over 366 species of birds, 379 floral species, and more, visitors can be a part of a unique area that brings all life forms together in one protected area. Explore the area on bike, foot, or rickshaw.
While in India make sure to take in as much of the beauty that this country has to offer as possible, without leaving the environment harmed or without learning about the unique culture of each area.