As everyone knows, India is a country that’s abundant in biodiversity, culture, heritage, and legacy. Thus, it has many Eco Tourism destinations that are unique for themselves. While some are ecologically rich, some are inundated with culture, some are magnificent in architecture, and the list goes on and on.

In this blog post, first, let’s understand the basics of Eco Tourism in general, including its characteristic features and benefits. Second, let’s scroll through the best places for Eco Tours in India.

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What is an Eco Tourism destination? What are its characteristic features?

The word ‘Eco Tour’ was first coined in 1973 and formed as a sub-part of sustainable tourism. It is a responsible journey to places of ecological interest or those rich in biodiversity with an educational element attached. In other words, by traveling to such places with a proper guide, the tourists learn the impacts of human beings on the flora, fauna, local people, etc., as well as how to keep these places pollution-free and retain their environmental friendliness.

Places of Eco Tourism must exhibit the maximum of the below-listed features:

• It has to fall under the category of the environmental protection zone, with or without habitation. For example, national parks, remote areas, conservation zones, etc.
• It must generate income in the form of an entry fee, service fee, or taxes to contribute to the maintenance, study, or research of such conserved areas.
• If habituated, it has to improve the livelihood of the local people in terms of financial support, education, and the facilitation of water, roads, or health clinics.
• Most importantly, it should have reduced or caused no damage to the environment or resources of the region despite mass Eco Tourism Destinations. Recycling, reusing, and safe disposal are mandatory for these places.

The 5 Best Eco Tourism Destinations in India

Spiti and Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The Spiti Valley of the Great Himalayas is a wonderful choice for an Eco Tour as it covers the forested greener mountains, the coldest desert regions with a very high altitude, holi Buddhist monasteries, and, importantly, garbage management. Like Spiti, the Tirthan Valley also stands as a good choice in Himachal Pradesh, with local people turned authentic guides and trainers.

Both of these places have made enough efforts to preserve the beauty and surrounding ecology. The Great Himalayan National Park, one of the must-visit Eco Tourism Himachal Pradesh destinations is in the vicinity of Tirthan Valley.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

You might have known this place as one of the cleanest villages in Asia. However, they are known for their Eco-friendly stays made primarily of bamboo and wood. Eco Tourists can walk the village to explore the Machans (viewpoints), the nearby ‘Living Root Bridge,’ the East Khasi Hills, and the livelihood of the local aboriginal people. It is a perfectly guided tour to educate you.

Thenmala, Kerala

If you ask us, “Which is India’s first Eco Tourism place?” the answer is Thenamala. Located in Kollam, the foothills of the Western Ghats, it was the 1st planned eco-tourism destination in India. There are many responsible attractions, like outbound learning programs for students, butterfly safaris, deer rehabilitation centers, Trees of the Nakshatravanam, etc.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

From local cultures to hills, from lakes to rivers, everything in Assam is a heaven on Earth. Thus, they house a lot of eco-spots, including the National Parks, Inthong Village, Majuli, and eco-camps. Particularly, the Kaziranga National Park offers a great eco-tour experience. Do not miss camping there, as it offers a great learning experience about nature, diversity, and conservation.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Truly, Eco Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar must receive its applause. The people of the islands had to conserve the whole archipelago’s treasure, the historical sites, and their craftsmanship, as well as make a living out of it without contaminating Mother Earth.

Of the many responsible activities they do, safe island hopping is something special, as tourists often hop multiple islands when they tour this destination. For example, the boats are mostly powered by electricity or the kayaks help. Another effort is the prohibition of commercial fishing so that it doesn’t get exploited.