One of the reasons ecotourism is growing in popularity is because younger people are choosing to travel for purpose rather than just to the next place to visit.
Respecting the environment and local culture is the cornerstone of ecotourism. Discover how to lessen your carbon footprint and, for added benefit, learn how to volunteer and support the community.
Keep an eye out for inspiring ideas if you’re seeking novel experiences, to discover alternative lifestyles, and to connect with like-minded others. With its focus on combating climate change, preserving the environment, and assisting local people, this novel approach to travel offers a fresh perspective on preparing for a trip.
Table of Contents
What is Ecotourism?
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of the local people, and involve interpretation and education” is the definition of ecotourism, according to the International Ecotourism Society (TIES).
Thanks to a global network of people, organizations, and the travel and tourism sector, which educates travelers and travel industry professionals about ecological challenges, such travel is made possible.
Not only can visiting natural regions be an excellent way to see breathtaking scenery, but it can also support conservation efforts, help protect fragile ecosystems, and aid local economies.
Minimal environmental impact and steady, equitable economic growth are essential for ecotourism to reach its full potential. Another fascinating choice for your subsequent Worldpackers volunteer assignment is ecotourism. where you may see environmental projects while also helping the community where you are.
By patronizing nearby companies and adopting an environmentally conscious outlook, you may engage in ecotourism right away. However, you can also participate in a wider community that supports many initiatives and causes. These actions have a beneficial effect and aid in preserving the environment for future generations.
This type of tourism places a strong emphasis on responsible travel and environmental sustainability. It entails going to national parks to take in the beauty of the natural world, watch wildlife, and discover local customs. Additionally, ecotourism can involve outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, kayaking, and bird watching if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that your choices have effects when traveling in an environmentally conscious manner. This is being aware of how you interact with the world around you. You gain from these activities as well as yourself; for example, refraining from littering and honoring cultural norms.
Ecotourism: The Underpinnings of It
TIES outlines a few guiding principles for ecotourism: Beyond mitigating physical, social, behavioral, and psychological effects, ecotourism aims to foster a culture of environmental preservation and respect while offering both hosts and guests enjoyable experiences.
An ecotourism perspective on the part of the host creates value for the community and the industry; they should assist in providing guests with amazing experiences while heightening their awareness of local political, social, and environmental issues.
Benefits of Ecotourism
So, what are the key benefits of ecotourism and how does it operate? Let’s examine the state of the economy, the surroundings, and your personal experience.
- Raising the degree of understanding across cultural boundaries
- Preserving distinctive travel places for upcoming generations
- The creation of enduring income streams for tourist locations
- Raising consciousness of environmental issues
- Education Goals
1. Raising the degree of understanding across cultural boundaries
Participating in ecotourism will raise visitors’ awareness of a variety of local cultural features, and this is a compelling argument for the benefits of ecotourism.
2. Preserving distinctive travel places for upcoming generations
Instead of trying to minimize the negative effects of tourism, ecotourism seeks to improve a place as a result of tourism-related activities. The preservation of the distinctive features of travel locations for both current and future visitors is a significant value proposition.
3. The creation of enduring income streams for tourist locations
By involving more local workers in the provision of ecotourism services and allocating all or part of the money earned from ecotourism to a range of charitable causes that work to raise locals’ standards of living, ecotourism can effectively help reduce poverty in the community.
4. Raising consciousness of environmental issues
Engaging in ecotourism causes people to become more sensitive and conscious of a variety of environmental challenges, including deforestation, global warming, and the depletion of natural resources. This shift will have good effects on the environment and the future of the people involved.
5. Education Goals
Watching Netflix videos on the world’s most picturesque locations and how overtourism and climate change are destroying them is one thing; it’s quite another. It shocks you. Your goal is to change things. However, you’re not exactly sure where to start. And you’ve already forgotten about it again a few days later.
Firsthand experience with a problem tells a completely different tale. Assume that you are in the midst of a rainforest. Feel the crisp air on your skin while taking in the variety of nature sounds in the background.
Imagine diving into warm, clear seas that are surrounded by vibrant reefs, entertaining dolphins, and unusual creatures.
Travelers can learn about the needs of the local people and the area’s endangered biodiversity through ecotourism, while this is not meant to suggest that you can only make a difference if you have visited the location. You could have a really strong reaction to such an experience.
Additionally, tourists who are responsible will become more sensitive to and understanding of various cultures. Upon returning home, the enthusiasm and information acquired can instruct and motivate others.
Top 12 Ecotourism Destinations in India
- Kerala
- Sikkim
- Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
- Goa traditional trip
- River Rafting in Rishikesh
- Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal
- Chilika, Orissa
- Kaziranga National Park, Assam
- Ladakh
- Tiger travel in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
- Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh – The tribal excursion
1. Kerala
Kerala is a well-liked ecotourism destination because of its varied animals, tranquil backwaters, and verdant forests.
There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state where visitors can see uncommon and endangered animal and bird species like tigers, elephants, and Great Indian Hornbills.
Thekkady’s Periyar National Park is a well-liked ecotourism destination, offering trekking, bamboo rafting, and birdwatching among other things.
The varied flora and fauna of the Silent Valley National Park, which includes numerous rare plant and animal species, are well-known.
Kerala’s backwaters are a popular destination for eco-tourists as well since they offer canoeing, kayaking, and boat rides that give visitors a close-up view of the local ecology.
Kerala’s Thenmala is India’s first ecotourism destination, renowned for its premium honey production. Being a renowned tourist destination in Kerala, it provides activities like boating, trekking, rock climbing, and jungle stays in huts.
2. Sikkim
Sikkim is an environmentally conscious travel destination with amazing scenery and a deep cultural legacy. With a focus on environmentally friendly travel and farming, Sikkim is the first and only organic state in India.
To preserve its distinctive flora and fauna, the state has established some protected areas, including the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Singba Rhodendron Sanctuary, and the Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve.
Sikkim offers a wide variety of ecotourism activities, including hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching.
Major Sikkim tourism attractions include Yumthang Valley, which is well-known for its hot springs and rhododendron forests, and Gangtok, the state capital with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
Other well-liked locations include the Nathu La Pass, an ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet, and Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake encircled by snow-capped mountains.
Visitors can participate in sustainable tourism activities while taking in Sikkim’s distinctive blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
3. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Among the parks in the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park is one of the oldest. It is one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and is located in the state of Karnataka. The Indian government has given it strong protection and it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The location satisfies eco-place standards. Here, eco-friendly motels promote environmental sustainability by conserving water and energy.
Conserving water aids in the preservation of natural environments, which provide homes for valued species. Mysore is the closest train station and Bangalore is the closest airport to this tourist destination. After that, drive to the park.
4. Goa traditional trip
Goa, also known as a “beach lover’s paradise,” has breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear waves that will enthrall visitors of all stripes. In addition, you can explore the area’s historic and scenic surroundings. Goa’s beaches and pristine water attract tourists from all over the world.
There are a lot of birds in Goa, and tourists will see some in the town and on the grounds of the many temples. The beach at Morjim is the best site to go seabirding.
How do you get there? Goa is easily accessible by train because the majority of the state’s train stations are located in Margao. Vasco-da-gama and Madgaon are named as the main train stations.
5. River Rafting in Rishikesh
One popular tourist location is Rishikesh. Discovering this location offers lots of chances to see the breathtaking natural beauty and charm of the mountains. River rafting and other adventure sports have a ton of opportunities in this place.
You may experience the amazing fusion of picturesque rafting and ecological interpretation in the heart of the lush Himalayan terrain by going eco rafting, also known as ecological river rafting.
How do you get there? The closest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. In addition, Rishikesh boasts a strong transport network that links it to other significant locations.
When is the ideal time to visit? The best months to go river rafting in Rishikesh are September through mid-November and March through the first week of May.
6. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal
One of the most captivating natural reserves on the planet is Sunderbans. This remarkable location offers ecotourism opportunities without compromising the unique local flora and fauna.
You might thus take a brief vacation in harmony with the natural world. Even though the Bengal Tiger is the emblematic animal of this exceptional mangrove forest, tourists can also enjoy many other natural marvels.
There is one Eco museum in Sudarikati and two Nature Interpretation Centers in Sajnekhali and Bhagabatpore.
How do you get there? The nearby railhead, which is close to Sunderbans National Park, is Canning. Once there, make reservations for a cab to take you to Sunderbans National Park.
7. Chilika, Orissa
This is an advertisement for biodiversity featuring Asia’s largest brackish water lake. Moreover, the largest lagoon stretches over 1100 sq km on the east coast of India.
You can experience the squeaks of numerous migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia by taking a boat ride in this lagoon. Every winter, countless migratory birds assemble here in large numbers.
Many local bird species can be seen at Mangalajodi year-round, in addition to the migratory birds, and several of them build their nests there.
How do you get there? By train, you may get to the Bhubaneswar railway station. Chilika can be reached from Bhubaneswar in two hours.
8. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
This is a national park located in the Indian state of Assam’s districts of Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon. Thirty percent of the world’s rhinoceros are found in this reserve. Among the many things to do is watch animals. One such pastime is bird watching.
Here, it’s also possible to travel under the leadership of elephants or jeeps. Avoiding hiking helps prevent violence toward people and animals. There are private resorts outside the adjacent park.
More than 500 different species of orchids, tart fruits, leafy vegetables, big varieties of cane, and native fish can all be found in the park. There are wild Asiatic water buffalo, deer, elephants, and bigger white-horned rhinoceroses in the park.
How do you get there? The closest airports to the park are Jorhat Airport and Guwahati International Airport, which are respectively 217 and 97 kilometers apart. One can also get there by train; Furkating, which is 75 kilometers from the park, is the closest station.
9. Ladakh
No Indian has ever denied themselves the desire to visit this breathtaking location at least once in their lifetime. Located in Kashmir, Ladakh is a union territory that is bounded to the north by the Karakoram area and to the south by the Himalayan Mountains.
Leh, Drass Valley, Kargil, Razi Khar, Suru Valley, Salt Valley, Markha Valley, and Ladakh monasteries are important tourist destinations. The Leh Palace is yet another noteworthy sight. There are options for trekking, visiting Buddhist monasteries, and viewing cave paintings.
To raise awareness and investigate eco-tourism potential, the Ladakh Ecological Development Group, the Mountain Institute, and the Snow Leopard Conservancy organized a workshop in May 2001.
How do you get there? Ladakh is 494 kilometers from Manali and 434 km from Srinagar. To get to Ladakh, you can take a JKSRTC bus, hire a taxi, or ride in a jeep.
10. Tiger travel in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, a popular destination in Sawai Madhopur in the state of Rajasthan, is a prime illustration of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in India. Renowned for its tigers, Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is a photographer’s dream come true.
For those who love nature, this location is a treasure. You get to investigate the magnificent creatures in the wasteland. You may experience ecotourism at its best because of government incentives and the work of conservationists.
How do you get there? Sanganer Airport is the closest airport. To get to Ranthambore, you can take a bus or taxi from Sanganer Airport. Sawai Madhopur is the closest railhead.
11. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
There are numerous endangered animal species found in Dudhwa National Park, including tigers and rhinos. One of India’s ironic bio-reserves is Dudhwa. This area protects a wide variety of animal, bird, and reptile species.
This has countless opportunities for ecotourism. Covering an area of 811 square kilometers and home to wetlands, grasslands, and dense forests, this location is ideal for observing large populations of tigers and swamp deer.
It is a perfect place for wild creatures to learn about the peace and comfort that nature can provide in a more tolerant manner.
How do you get there? The best route would be to go to Lucknow and then take a train or car to Dudhwa. Some trains can take you to Lucknow. Charbagh railway station is the closest train station.
12. Chhattisgarh – The tribal excursion
You will see the backyards of indigenous people on a tour here. Numerous ancient tribal cultures are still in existence in Chhattisgarh. There are remnants of ancient cultures that have not been influenced by modernity.
To protect these as national assets, the government has taken action. With so many options for ecotourism, Chhattisgarh looks to be a great vacation spot for those interested in wildlife, the outdoors, and learning about the distinctive tribal way of life in the area.
How do you get there? Using India’s extensive rail network to go to Chhattisgarh from any part of the country is undoubtedly the best option. The two main intersections where freight and passenger trains connect the state to other parts of India are Raipur and Bilaspur.
When is the ideal time to visit? In the wintertime. The weather is nice at that time of year.
For those who adore the beauty of Mother Nature, ecotourism is the best option. Visit these locations to determine their meaning.
Conclusion
In India, ecotourism has become a movement that is reflected in remote locations where young people are regularly seen picking up leftovers, teaching impoverished children, and fostering local development. Thus, when you plan your trip to India, let the environment take the lead.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.