Eco tourism is a form of tourism involving fragile, pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small-scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. The Indian government also took an effort to make an initiative and here are five eco-tourist spots in India.
Coorg
Also known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Boasting of a well-preserved biodiversity, which is mainly coffee plantations across the region, and it is also blessed with an abundant flora and fauna. The Kodava community is small but warm and welcoming. Eco-tourism in Coorg is about admiring the various aspects of its natural beauty whilst exploring its coffee and cardamom plantations. The Kodava has always taken care of their land. You may not see metalled roads, but you will come across modern irrigation and farming techniques. Indeed, it feels like you are visiting another country in your own land.
Lahaul Spiti
One of the best places for ecotourism in India is Lahual Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. The terrain may be harsh where temperatures are known to fall beyond minus 30 degree Celsius and has very less opportunities to make a living. In spite of all this, a few organisations are very enthusiastic in their endeavour to save the ecosystem. The Pin Parvati Pass makes a great place to trek and biking through the difficult Himalayan trails is definitely one-of-a-kind experience. Lahaul Spiti has a lot of meditation centres where one can enjoy spiritual experiences as well. Not only the native people are conscious of the drive, but even the government has taken stringent steps for the same.
North Goa
If you’re heading here, any time between November and March is a good time. It is bounded by the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra to the north and by the Belgaum district of Karnataka to the east and by the Arabian Sea. This makes it a greener part of the state and definitely less populated than South Goa. Mainly famous for its beaches like Anjuna Beach, Candolim Beach, Mandrem Beach, they also house one of the cleanest beaches in Goa. Proximity to the Western Ghats makes it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provides a corridor for migration. The Western Ghats are called the Sahyadris in Goa. The state is endowed with around 1500 documented species of plants, around 50 genera of animals and also has 10 percent of its land set aside as a wildlife reserve.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the state of Karnataka. Gokarna means ‘cow’s ear’ and it is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here. It is mostly popular for the beaches along the Western Ghats. The Gokarna’s main beach is in town and Kudle Beach is faces the West. The main beach is also known for surfing. People visit the small town for a getaway and the community makes it a point to keep the region green and clean. Most of the beaches are sparsely populated, which makes it even better for the people and the environment.
Sikkim
Ecotourism in Sikkim began in the year 1995 with trainings, awareness, changes in regulations to adapt to the mountainous terrain and entry of foreign tourists in many restricted and protected areas. The 39 species of Rhododendron, 558 Orchid species, nearly 600 species of birds, more than 2000 species of moths, 658 species butterflies and roughly 4000 species of flowering plants, numerous medicinal plants make Sikkim a unique destination for ecotourism. Three ethnic communities of Sikkim intermingle to live in harmony with their own customs and traditions and religious practices, which are different from each other yet flow in an undisturbed manner. The protected parks and sanctuaries for ecotourism activities include Kanchedzong National Park, Singba Rhodendron Sanctuary and Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.
These five destinations make for a great getaway to not only rejuvenate but also contribute to eco-tourism.
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