“Explore India’s top 10 ecotourism destinations! Find perfect sustainable travel experiences for any season. Start planning your responsible adventure! Continue reading our blog…“
Tourism in India has always been a thriving industry. Statistics show that travel and tourism in India constitute 4.6% of the country’s GDP. However, the rise in the industry has somehow affected the environment. A large number of tourists have started flocking to quaint and beautiful places. As a result, the natural beauty of certain places has deteriorated and been compromised. At a certain point, ecotourism is the need of the hour. Ecotourism in India might not be a popular term that everyone is aware of. But those who are, do their bit to conserve the country’s natural heritage.
But what is ecotourism? Let’s discuss it!
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism means traveling to places in India with ecological importance and preserving flora and fauna without impacting the environment. It enables visitors to see Mother Nature in her most pristine state. Ecotourism works towards making as little environmental impact as possible. It promotes the conservation of natural beauty, wildlife, and habitat when visiting a tourist destination in India. The advantages of ecotourism are many. It glorifies off-beat tourist destinations in India, their rich culture, and centuries-old traditions. Moreover, it provides ample employment opportunities and better livelihoods to the residents of the area.
India is a vast country with rich biodiversity. The terrains include deserts, meadows, hills, plateaus, and snow-capped mountains that make India incredibly beautiful. Due to this, the country is blessed with natural beauty, including varied species of flora and fauna. This makes India suitable for ecotourism. We have curated a list of the top ten ecotourism destinations in India that are perfect for holidaying in any season.
Top Ten Best Ecotourism Destinations in India
From the majestic Himalayan ranges to the serene backwaters of Kerala and the lush Western Ghats, India is a paradise for responsible travelers, conscious of the ecosystem. Whether the tourist wants eco-friendly accommodation or supports local artisans, or learns the centuries-old traditions or practices, these top ten destinations offer an enriching and responsible travel experience. Explore these top ten ecotourism destinations in India that accentuate sustainability and conservation.
1) Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dedicated to wildlife conservation. The park is spread over 468 square km in the northeast region of India, in Assam. This national park is famous for its one-horned rhinoceros. It is committed to conserving its diverse flora and fauna and promoting sustainable tourism by limiting human interference, ensuring the safety of its flora and fauna. All tourists can contribute a bit to the ecotourism in Kaziranga National Park in Assam by booking eco-friendly accommodation and exploring the park through a jeep safari or an elephant ride. With this, you will also support the local communities involved in the conservation of wildlife. Even the local artisans and farmers benefit from ecotourism in India as travelers enjoy the locally made fresh food and purchase handcrafted items. So, be a part of this ecotourism in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, to benefit both the environment and the local communities of the area, as well as enhance your own travel experience.
Best Time to Visit: November to April is the time to visit Kaziranga National Park when the weather is pleasant and ideal for jungle safaris.
Travel Tips:
- Carry binoculars to enhance your birdwatching and wildlife watching experience.
- Plastic bottles are not allowed in the reserve, so carry steel bottles with you.
2) Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans National Park is one of the popular ecotourism destinations in India, located in West Bengal, just 110 km from Kolkata. It is a biosphere, tiger reserve, and national park. This is the richness of this mangrove ecosystem. Sundarbans conserves the mangrove ecosystem and endangered species. By visiting this place, you will be a part of mangrove conservation. The place offers sustainable tourism by limiting visitors’ access and offering eco-friendly boat tours. The mangrove forests in Sundarbans National Park are home to Bengal Tigers. This is important for the local ecosystem. Tourists can also indulge in boat rides, which are the best way to contribute to the preservation of this vital ecosystem. The local communities involved in the boat tours educate visitors on the importance of mangroves. Visitors can also learn about the region’s rich culture and livelihood.
Best Time to Visit: November to March is the best time to visit Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal when the weather is pleasant.
Travel Tips:
- Do not carry any plastic bottles as Sundarbans National Park is a “No Plastic” zone.
- Summers are extremely hot in Sundarbans. If you are planning your trip during that time, then keep adequate precautions with you, like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
- There are hardly any ATMs, so carry enough cash with you.
3) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s oldest national parks and is a popular ecotourism destination. The place is perfect for a vacation with your family or squad in every season. While February to April gives you the best time to spot tigers and other wildlife, the monsoon season gives you a chance to see the lush greenery in the area. The park’s local communities are involved in conserving wildlife like Bengal Tigers, Elephants, etc. For ecotourism in Jim Corbett National Park, the place even has many eco-friendly accommodations that emphasize water and electricity conservation. Also, they are involved in eco-friendly activities like jeep safaris and nature walks. Not only will you participate in the conservation of nature and wildlife, but also be immersed in the cultural traditions.
Best Time to Visit: If you prefer wildlife sightseeing, then visit Jim Corbett during the winter season from October to February.
Travel Tips:
- Make sure to book your accommodation and jeep safari in advance during the peak season.
- Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, avoid feeding them, and do not make any loud noises that may startle them.
4) Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The next destination on our list of the top ten ecotourism destinations in India is Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the popular tourist destinations for backpackers and other tourists alike. Fondly known as “Little Tibet,” Spiti Valley offers a beautiful travel experience. Visitors here can explore the scenic vistas, traditional villages, and ancient monasteries. The best part is that you can find eco-lodges and homestays for accommodations that embrace eco-friendly practices. They focus on sustainable architecture and promote water and energy conservation. Besides, you will see them using an effective waste management strategy and using renewable energy sources. Village tourism is the key feature here. This lets you engage with local communities and learn more about Tibetan culture and tradition.
Best Time to Visit: The summer months from March to June are considered the best time to visit Spiti Valley. Not only do you find the weather pleasant, but also fewer crowds, making the time ideal for exploration.
Travel Tips:
There are only a few ATMs in the area, which also run out of cash sometimes, so carry enough cash with you.
Since Spiti remains cold throughout the year, you must pack some woollen and warm clothes with you.
5) Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The next destination on our list is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Himalayas—the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand. This is a floral paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers. If you are a nature lover looking for ecotourism in India, then visit the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. It exemplifies ecotourism by conserving its unique floral diversity. They even have strict regulations to limit human impact on the environment to ensure this pristine floral valley remains untouched. This flower valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. This valley offers a mesmerizing spectacle of alpine flora and is one of India’s most popular treks in the Himalayas, where everyone wants to trek. All the trekkers are educated on the importance of the fragile ecosystem and are encouraged to follow eco-friendly practices while exploring the flower valley.
Best Time to Visit: The monsoon season from July to early September is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers. This is the time when the valley is in full bloom, offering plenty of colorful flowers to witness.
Travel Tips:
Before you plan your visit, check the opening date of the park, which usually opens from June to October.
6) Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Meghalaya is famous for its beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity. It is a hub of ecotourism in India with many beautiful ecotourism destinations that embrace sustainable cultural practices. Mawlynnong is known as the cleanest village in Asia. This exemplifies how local communities work hand-in-hand with nature. The village is surrounded by lush greenery and features bamboo treehouses and living root bridges. People here promote eco-friendly living by banning plastics, using only bamboo dustbins, and practicing rainwater harvesting. The best part of visiting the cleanest village in India is that you get beautiful and comfortable homestays and eco-lodges. These lodges focus on water and energy conservation. During your stay, you will experience the local Khasi culture sustainably. To support ecotourism in India, participate in the handicraft workshops where artisans use eco-friendly materials and also enjoy local cuisines.
Best Time to Visit: June to November is the best time to visit Mawlynnong. But September to December is also a preferable time to visit the village when the famous Nongkrem Dance and Wangala festival happen. This provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural traditions.
- Travel Tips:
- Please maintain the cleanliness of the village.
- Respect the local culture and tradition.
7) Kerala Backwaters
Kerala is one of the popular tourist destinations in India, and the backwaters in Kerala are a prominent product of tourism in the state. The backwater in Kerala is a network of 1500 km of canals, both manmade and natural. This is a formed chain of interconnected lagoons, rivers, lakes, and canals expanding from one end of Kerala to the other. Traditionally, backwaters were a medium of transportation, but today they offer a rejuvenating travel experience. You can explore the backwater by hiring a boat for one day or several days. When you book the boat for more than a day, you get a professional navigator and cook to provide you with various facilities during your trip. These houseboats are designed with eco-friendly materials to minimize environmental impact. Besides, the region emphasizes locally and organically produced ingredients in meals. You will get the chance to explore the village life of the region. The local communities are involved in preserving the delicate ecosystem in the backwaters. By engaging with locals, you will learn about the fishing practices and the importance of water conservation.
Best Time to Visit: From November to February is the best time to visit the Kerala Backwaters when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is green.
Travel Tips:
- Enjoy a variety of activities like birdwatching, fishing, exploring local villages, and cultural performances.
8) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
One of the top ten ecotourism destinations in India is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are a paradise for nature lovers. These islands are a tropical haven that offer pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life to explore. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the best holiday destinations in India, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in India with clear turquoise water, golden beaches, swaying palm trees, dense forests, and many animals. Ecotourism in the Andaman region focuses on the conservation of animals and marine life. Visitors are also encouraged to get involved in eco-friendly activities like scuba diving and snorkeling to experience marine life and contribute to the earnings and livelihood of the local communities involved in the activities. From eco-resorts and lodges that focus on water and energy conservation to seafood sourced from sustainable fishing practices, Andaman and Nicobar promote sustainable tourism practices.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands when you get clear skies and pleasant weather.
Travel Tips:
Packing smart is essential when visiting this tropical land. Carry light clothes, swimwear, waterproof bags, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
Consider the weather conditions when planning your Andaman tours.
9) Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish lagoon in Asia. It is located on the east coast of India. Over the years, the ecological condition of the lake has deteriorated. This has impacted the locals’ lives. Due to this, the government is promoting ecotourism in the region to provide a livelihood to the local communities. By visiting Chilika Lake in Odisha, you will contribute your bit. Being the largest brackish lagoon in Asia, the lake spreads over 906 sq. km during summer and approximately 1165 sq. km during monsoon. It is one of the best places for birdwatching. The lake hosts millions of migratory birds annually, of which half are intercontinental. The most common birds are flamingos and pelicans. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake to explore the lake’s islands and the dolphins’ habitat. Chilika Lake is not only a beautiful destination but also an ecological treasure trove. It is a paradise for bird lovers to watch thousands of species, and also a livelihood source for thousands of fishermen.
Best Time to Visit: October to February is the best time to explore Chilika Lake.
Travel Tips:
- Stay at an eco-camp or a hotel to experience the beauty of Chilika Lake by watching its blue-green water.
- Carry binoculars with you to spot birds more closely. Also carry comfortable shoes and mosquito repellent.
10) Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi is a hidden gem in the heart of India. Located in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is the only hill station in the state. It is a picturesque hill station with lush green forests that house diverse flora and fauna. Tourists here explore the stunning natural beauty, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular tourist destination for people who are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating tour in India. Along with a rich history, the region has rich biodiversity. Its natural caves, lush green forests, and waterfalls are home to diverse flora and fauna. The town is surrounded by the Satpura range.
So, people visiting Pachmarhi embark on an eco-friendly jeep safari in the Satpura National Park to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The region supports eco-friendly tourism practices like nature walks and jeep safaris. Besides, you get eco-lodges for accommodation that focus on water conservation, renewable energy sources, and waste management. All the tourists must engage with the locals to know their customs and traditions. The eco-conscious tourism promotes maintaining the region’s biodiversity.
Best Time to Visit: From October to March, the climate remains calm and soothing, apt for travelers to explore Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh. Also, the greenery present at that time makes the destination even more beautiful and photogenic.
Travel Tips:
- Visit Satpura National Park to explore the exotic wildlife in the region.
- To see where the town gets its drinking water, visit the mesmerizing waterfall, Jamuna Prapat. You can even enjoy bathing there.
- Visit Apsara Vihar, also known as ‘Fairy Pool,’ when you are on a family trip in Pachmarhi.
Concluding Words
These are the top ten ecotourism destinations in India that everyone must explore. And, if you are planning your trip to any of these ecotourism destinations in India, we recommend booking accommodation in advance. You can even opt for booking India tour packages from a renowned travel agency like Shakti India Tours because it offers a wide range of travel packages suitable for every budget.