New approach to biodiversity

Eco-sensitive zones are filled with tourist destinations that have for long been popular in India or are quickly rising to that status. Ecotourism is a form of tourism marketed as ‘responsible’ travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Ecotourism not only promotes biodiversity but also environmental preservation. It encourages responsible travel, which can be started by minimizing environmental harm, encouraging environmental improvement, and encouraging environmentally friendly lifestyles. Ecotourism is a new approach wherein travel to natural areas to appreciate the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to disturb the integrity of the ecosystem, while creating opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local people. In short, ecotourism can be categorized into ‘nature-based’ and ‘ecologically sustainable’. Ecotourism in India has addressed many issues, including promotion of delicate and undisturbed nature, and connecting distant areas with larger population. India’s eco-sensitive zones are filled with tourist destinations that have for long have been popular in India or are quickly rising to that status. Ecotourism is a form of tourism marketed as ‘responsible’ travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Ecotourism focuses on educating travellers on local environments and natural surroundings with an eye on ecological conservation. Ecotourism focuses on what advocates define as socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. It involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism focuses on what advocates define as socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. It is also marketed as ‘responsible’ travel to natural areas, and improving well-being of localities. All this together can be called ecotourism. If travel does not satisfy any one of these constituents, then it is not called a real ecotourism venture. The tourist destinations that support ecological and sustainable ecotourism are as follows: Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its sheer beauty will keep you yearning for more. Enveloped with snow-capped mountains, Himachal Pradesh is popularly called the ‘Land of Snow’. Lush greenery along with stunning landscape invite tourists to spend some moments of captivating tranquility. But Himachal Pradesh is suffering due to rapid commercialization. In 2023, the state government and Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Society promoted eco- tourism in 11 sites such as Swaar, Saurabh Van Vihar, Neugal Park, Bir-Billing in Palampur forest division, Kasol, Kheer Ganga and Sumarupa in Parvati Forest division, Sojha in Seraj, Narkanda in Kotgarh and Shogi camping site besides Potter Hill camping site under Shimla Forest division. Ecosphere is a community that works in the Spiti Valley and emphasises volunteer travel and sustainable livelihood. They also promote positivity to the place and its people. Another is the Ecotourism Society that contributes to community-based practices aiding in the conservation of the rich biodiversity in Himachal Pradesh. HIMACHAL PRADESH Eco-friendly attractions
  • Saurabh Van Vihar
  • La Himalaya Expeditions
  • Adventure Explorer
  • Kamyana Hilltop
  • Neugal Park
  • Kheer Ganga
  • Bir-Billing
  • Chail Sanctuary
Eco-friendly accommodations
  • Suro Treehouse Resort
  • Kainaat-A Riverside Homestay
  • Nirvana Hamta Retreat
  • The Himalayan Village
  • Khem Bharti Homestay
  • Sanjiv Aira Home Retreat
Ecosphere is a community that works in the Spiti Valley and emphasises volunteer travel and sustainable livelihood and Ecotourism Society contributes to community-based practices aiding in conservation of the state’s rich biodiversity. Odisha Odisha is known for its tribal cultures and its many ancient Hindu temples. The state’s capital Bhubaneswar is home to hundreds of temples, notable among which is the intricately carved Mukteshvara. The Lingaraj Temple complex, dating to the 11th century, is set around the holy Bindusagar Lake. The Odisha State Museum is focused on the area’s history and environment. Odisha is one of the most culturally vibrant and yet one of the lesser developed states in India. There are several tribes that live in this coastal state. ODISHA Eco-friendly attractions • Chilika Lake • Puri Beach • Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary • Simlipal National Park • Satkosia Gorge • Debrigarh Eco-friendly accommodations • Swosti Chilika Resort • OTDC Pathanivas-Rambha • Panacea eco resorts • Blackberry Eco Resort, Bagda The state is brimming with some incredible homestays and ecolodges. The state is popular as a biodiversity hotspot and hugged by towering mountains and dramatic terrains, loaded with dense forests and azure water bodies Uttarakhand Uttarakhand is a state crossed by the Himalayas and is known for its many Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the visit of the Beatles in 1968. Next to Varanasi, the city hosts the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual gathering sacred Ganges River. The state’s forested Jim Corbett National Park shelters dreaded Bengal tigers and other native wildlife. Ecotourism has become an important part of Uttarakhand these days. The state is brimming with some incredible homestays and ecolodges. The state is popular as a biodiversity hotspot and hugged by towering mountains and dramatic terrains, loaded with dense forests and azure water bodies. UTTARAKHAND Eco-friendly attractions • Corbett National Park,
  • Nainital Valley of Flowers,
  • Garhwal Region Nanda Devi National Park, near Nanda Devi Peak
Eco-friendly accommodations
  • Ecolodges in Jayalgarh, Haridwar and Auli • Vatsayana, a Himalayan Boutique Resort • Hidden Valley Camp and Resort • Homestay in Bhimtal
Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh is the jewel of the Northeast. The state appears as a patch of greenery on the Indian map. With its beauty, the state has as many as 26 remote mountain valleys and culture rich indigenous tribes that entice travellers to visit this place. The popularity of this least explored state often has a negative impact on its environment. The good news is there are some organizations that are working towards the environmental development of Arunachal Pradesh. Ngunu Ziro and Green Pastures by Future Generations are helping in conservation efforts by emphasizing ecotourism. They are encouraging local stays and safeguarding the ancient tribal culture. These institutions are also trying their best to spread awareness among tourists about their responsibility towards the destination. The state appears as a patch of greenery on the Indian map. With its beauty, the state has 26 remote mountain valleys and culture rich indigenous tribes that entice travellers. ARUNACHAL PRADESH Eco-friendly attractions • Golden Pagoda • Tawang • Mayodia Pass • Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-friendly accommodations • Non-profit Homestays, Thembang • Homestays, Ziro • Toshi Palace, Aalong West Bengal West Bengal is the ‘Land of Contrast with its misty mountains, pristine beaches, cultural heritage and religious sites. This state never fails to delight travellers with lush greenery and meandering rivers. The region of rosogollas is rich in history too that captivates the soul. West Bengal is always on the bucket list of travellers who are in search of a surreal experience food. The with finger-licking West Bengal Government is on a mission to make tourism more with responsible sustainable travel practices and community conscience. The government is promoting rural tourism by working closely with the local communities and ensuring equitable benefit sharing. Several cultural festivals are being organised to Make tourists familiar with the traditional handicrafts and enhancing livelihoods of local artisans. WEST BENGAL Eco-friendly attractions
  • Dakshineswar Kali Temple
  • Santiniketan
  • Belur Math
  • Sunderban Tiger Reserve
  • Neora National Park, Darjeeling
  • Victoria Memorial
  • Howrah Bridge
Eco-friendly accommodation
  • Eco-Adventure Resorts, Purulia
  • Hollong Eco Resort
  • Jhore Jole Jangole, Eco-Heritage Resort
  • Seventy-Six Miles Homestay, Siliguri
  • Blue Homestays, Doars Dilpali Home cum Farm Stay
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu varies from coast to plateau to mountain ranges in the Eastern and Western Ghats. These mountain ranges along with ecological hotspots host a diversity of flora and fauna. They nourish a variety of vegetation types such as evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, dry evergreen, bamboo brakes, grasslands to littoral and forests. mangrove Besides, the state has a long coastline of 1,000 km and supports a variety of ecosystems, including beaches, lagoons, mangroves, mudflats and coral reefs. The inland wetlands in the state harbour rich avifauna, with several bird species migrating from far-off countries in large numbers. The state has a large protected area network comprising three biosphere four reserves, tiger reserves, five national parks, as many as 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 15 bird sanctuaries and two conservation reserves. The state of Tamil Nadu is a paradise for nature lovers. Hill stations, waterfalls, forests, bird sanctuaries and seashores, among others, are easily accessible for people who want to immerse themselves in the luxury of Mother Nature. The state has a coastline of 1,000 km and supports a variety of ecosystems, including beaches, lagoons, mudflats and coral reefs. The inland wetlands harbour avifauna, with several bird species migrating from far-off countries TAMIL NADU Eco-friendly attractions
  • Annamalai Sanctuary
  • Avalanche Lake
  • Kodaikanal
  • Chennai Turtle Walk
  • Kanyakumari Beach
Eco-friendly accommodation
  • Green Tree Hotel
  • Noahs Nest Tree House Chettinadu Mansion
  • Johns Wooden Cottages
Kerala Kerala, also known as the God’s Own Country, is witnessing a heavy surge of foreign and domestic tourists. It is the first state in the country to carry out planned eco- tourism. The ghats in the state are home to many endangered wildlife species. The state, which is situated in the heart of the Western Ghats, is ranked as one of the top 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The state is littered with hill towns, plantations, backwaters, endless gardens, tea estates, and distinctive biological environments. The ghats have a reputation of being one of the best 18 biodiversity hubs wildlife vibrant with that needs to be safeguarded. Currently, the Thenmala Ecotourism Programme is working towards the conservation of wildlife in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. This apart, the Kerala Tourism is efforts taking in raising about sustainable awareness tourism through various community services. The self-help groups (SHGs) are organizing eco-friendly backwaters tour as a part of Village Ways Partnership filling the (VWP). They backwaters houseboats with the biofuel that prevents environmental are the on pollution. Also, Adavi’s eco-tourism project, which is jointly launched by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Kerala along River Kallar is a major tourism project in the state. KERALA Eco-friendly attractions
  • Thusharagiri Waterfalls
  • Thenmala ecotourism site Periyar National Park
  • Konni
  • Hill Station Farmhouse Stay
  • Chembara Peak
  • Silent Valley National Park
Eco-friendly accommodations
  • Holistic Eco Resort
  • Ela Ecoland Munnar
  • Wayside Cottage
  • Golden Fern Resort
  • Green Court Cottages