Embrace Nature with these Eco Tourism Destinations in India

Whether it is the backwaters of Kerala or the golden deserts of Rajasthan, India can be rightly termed as one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in the world. There is so much to explore in this incredibly vast country; from hill stations to beaches, wildlife and more. India has been home to an exotic population of flora and fauna, which has been a major reason of attraction among travellers.

The diversity in India’s natural landscape makes it a prominent eco tourism destination. Whether it’s the quaint villages in Uttarakhand, soothing serenity of Kerala or a National Park in Madhya Pradesh, every destination provides a wonderful experience while leaving you with a deep appreciation of nature. Let’s understand a bit on the topic before taking you on a virtual tour of some of the best eco tourism destinations of India.

Ecotourism works towards the conservation of nature and biodiversity, whilst promoting responsible travel. It is about glorifying the offbeat places, their rich culture, and centuries-old traditions. We as a traveler get to live moments, and nature as a whole gets to live!

Kerala was one of the first states of India to execute planned ecotourism. The backwaters of Kerala are unlike any other destinations of India and have its own charm. Flowing down from the Western Ghats to the coast, these backwaters have their own gentle rhythm. One can enjoy a boat ride along the breathtaking vivid lush greens and deep blues. The scenic backwaters of Kerala comprise serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Ecotourism and medical tourism are the fast developing tourism segments of Kerala. Located in the Kollam district in Kerala, Thenmala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits at the foothills of the Western Ghats. It has 10 Ecotourism spots that cover the great hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts.

The lush green Khasi Hills of Meghalaya are one of the most picturesque destinations of India. The hight amount of rainfall in the region is responsible for the verdant greenery. This unexplored paradise in the northeast has a lot of cultural diversity and plenty of secluded green wonders. Other key attractions in Meghalaya include Nongkhnum Island in the West Khasi Hills, which is the second-biggest river island in Asia. Jakrem Hot Springs is another popular site.

Home to the great one-horned Rhino, Kaziranga has also been recognizes as an important Bird Area by Birdlife International. The National Park is characterized by tall elephant grass, dense broadleaf forests and marshlands. A visit here takes you miles closer to nature and its many wonders. Not many people know that Kaziranga is also home to the Reticulated Python and Rock Python, two of the largest snakes in the world.

Chilika Lake is the world’s second largest coastal lagoon, and Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. This vast lake is home to famous Irrawaddy Dolphins, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Indo-Pacific Tarpon, Egrets, Grey and Purple Herons, Dalmatian Pelican, Spot-billed Pelicans. Chilika Lake offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues. The lake region is home to over 700 species of plant varieties, and hosts a large variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Sundarbans National Park is another must visit destination for ecotourism lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is mostly marshy land and is made up of several rivers, tributaries, water channels, forests and islands that together form a massive estuarine delta. Dedicated to preserving the endangered tigers, the vast mangroves of Sundarbans are home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. These tigers are famous for their man-eating tendencies. Strict control is maintained by Forest Officers to protect people from the tigers. Nature lovers can also enjoy a wide range of animals, flora and fauna that is unique to this region.

The Silent Valley National Park is one of the prized possessions of Kerala. What makes the Valley unique is that it is closed on all sides owing to high and continuous ridges and steep escarpments. Shielded from the continuous climatic changes, the Park is an ecological island with its own microclimate. The valley is home to the largest population of lion-tailed macaques in the world, apart from rare birds and butterflies. Due to its exotic wildlife, the entry to the Park is strictly monitored by Kerala Forest Department officials. Silent Valley National Park remains one of the most well-preserved rainforests in the country.

Eco Tourism is nothing but one’s love for Mother Nature and its splendor. Visit these places to experience what it means. Here is your chance to get up close and personal with nature.