Spread across the coastline from the Himalayas to the coast, India is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the world with its highly diverse nature. Whether it is the backwaters of Kerala or the dunes of the Thar Desert. The wetlands of the Himalayas or the natural caves of the Khasi and Garo Hills, India has been a kind of eco-tourism hub for decades, with a good plant population Not to do, but brings a wealth of joy when you wander like a nomad in search of a natural panorama. Let’s take a fresh ride from this article on one of the best ecotourism destinations in India.
1. Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala have their attractions and life in it is not like other destinations in India. Between the paddy fields and the green palm trees, these backwaters have their gentle rhythms that flow from the river to the coast from the western ghats. Enjoy a cruise on the backwater along with the breathtaking bright contrast of deep green and deep blue in the indoor boat, known as Kettuvallam, a cargo boat that once rode in the backwater to carry heavy cargo such as rice, coconuts, and spices. These have now been transformed into luxurious accommodations for eco-friendly travelers.
Where to stay: ATDC Houseboat, Aleppo
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
2. Munnar, Kerala
Covered in a wide range of forests, meadows, and tea gardens and dotted with a variety of plants, including rare indigo flowers, Munnar is a secret place for eco-travelers at an altitude of 1,700 meters. The small but picture-book hill town of Idukki District in the Western Ghats lives in several protected areas with many endangered and endangered species of plants and animals, including Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon, Elephant, and, Gaur. In mammals; Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, Malabar Whistling Thrash, Orange-Crown Warblers, Nilgiri Pipit, Scarlet Minivet, and Bride-Laid Grassbird Avifouner. If you travel to Munnar in the spring and summer seasons, you can find purple-blue shades lying nicely on the green bed. Although it will be a continuation of luck. The streams flowing through the whispering jungle and the alleys cut through the hills make Munnar one of the most popular eco-green tourist destinations in India.
Where to stay: Misty Mountain Resort
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
3. Tenmala, Kerala
Its growing popularity among domestic and international tourists is due to its unique approach, biodiversity, and functionality. Forest trails and night camping in the middle of the jungle allow you to soak up nature, where peeking into the traditional treehouse used by the forest dwellers makes your jump even brighter. Thenmala also encourages a lake where one can go by boat, a rope bridge, a musical fountain, and many activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and biking. The mala is divided into three different regions, such as the Eco-Tourism Culture Region, where one can taste a variety of Keralian food; Leisure areas, where one can go for a fresh walk up to the dam; And the Adventure Zone, where one can go for activities like hiking, sailing, biking, and rock climbing.
Where to stay: Cliff Resort in Apichayan
Nearest Railhead: Thiruvananthapuram
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram Airport
4. Thodupuzha, Kerala
The entrance to Thommankuthu Falls in Idukki District, Thodupuzha is one of the least explored destinations in India, with a strange leap into the Western Ghats. The seven-step waterfall was published in the world in 1920. It is one of the major ecotourism destinations in Kerala. A lush evergreen forest in picturesque surroundings, covered with rolling hills and home to a variety of avifauna and mammals.
Where to stay: Vetoms Lakeview Resort
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
5. Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
One of the endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr, is the Eravikulam National Park which covers an area of 97 sq km and is another popular eco-tourism destination in Kerala with an altitude of 1,200 m to 2,700 m. The park consists of high-altitude grasslands and is separated by several perennial streams that converge to form the tributaries of the Periyar River, the Cauvery River, and the Chalakudia River. Lakkam Falls on the banks of the Pamper River is one of the main attractions of Eravikulam National Park. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts because it contains a wide range of animals, birds, insects, amphibians, and plants. Also, one can engage in activities like forest trekking, trekking, and wildlife photography.
Where to stay: Tea Valley Resort, Munnar
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
6. Periyar National Park, Kerala
Covering an area of 350 sq. km, Periyar National Park, located on the cardamom hills and Pandalam hills in the Southwest Ghats, is one of the most spectacular national parks in South India. For eco-travelers, the environment has become a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, botanists, and nature photographers. Periyar National Park is notable as an elephant reserve and tiger reserve and also contains many more species of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and birds. The trees that are submerged in the water of Periyar Lake are also beneficial for the eyes.
Where to stay: Bamboo Grove Eco-Lodge
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport
7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is one of the most popular weekend trekking routes in South India. Kodaikanal was mapped to India by the British in 1845 as a summer retreat and later due to its advantageous location gifted by forests and meadows on the hills. It flourished as one of the major eco-places in India. This mighty hill station in South India is enriched with a nature basket consisting of a mountainous rain forest with some native flora and fauna, waterfalls, and perennial streams running along the coast. Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Cocker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Guna Cave, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, and Berijam Lake are some of the major natural attractions of Kodaikanal. In addition, Palani Wildlife Sanctuary has created a mysterious environment with several waterfalls, such as Fairy Falls, Neptune Falls, Pambar Falls, Thaliya Falls, Alanthani Falls, Pumbarai Falls, Samba Falls, and many more. The proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which will be an extension and expansion of the Palani Wildlife Sanctuary, will cover an area of about 37 sq km which will shelter several endangered species and plant life. The region is inhabited mostly by Paliyan tribes who are descendants of the Dravidians and are known as traditional nomadic hunter-gatherers, honey hunters, and smugglers.
Where to stay: Black Band Cottage
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport
8. Coorg, Karnataka
Home to the Kodava tribe, one of the indigenous tribes of India, Coorg is certainly a place of complete happiness, joy, and peace that is abundantly supplied with plant and animal species. This place ranges from 900 meters to 1,800 meters and is popular for several spice and coffee gardens. Over the years Coorg, with its wide range of natural elements, has flourished as another eco destination in India located at the western end of the Western Ghats. It consists of three wildlife sanctuaries and a national park which includes Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Puspagiri wildlife sanctuaries, and Nagarhole National Park which consists mostly of bamboo, rosewood, Mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. As an ecoregion, Coorg forms several more waterfalls and sparkling rivers. thus one of the major water sports in India is river rafting, which may be possible at Barapol and Dubare. Coorg’s other adventures and leisure activities include trekking, hiking, rock climbing, boating, and angling.
Where to stay: Alpinia Estate Stay
Nearest airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore
9. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Consisting of the districts of Coorg and Mysore and covering an area of approximately 644 sq. km, Nagarhole National Park is home to some animal species such as tigers, leopards, and oriole. Other common mammals and reptiles that can be seen are chitals, sambars, barking, foxes, sloth bears, mongoose, hyenas, wild boars, squirrels, creeper snakes, rat snakes, bamboo peat vipers, Indian rock pythons, Indian monkeys, and Common frogs. Among the avifauna darts, oriental white ibis, larger gray-headed fish bag gloves, and red-headed vultures are some of the ‘near-endangered’ areas, with blue-winged parakeets, Malabar gray hornbills, and white-bellied trippy the main attractions. Rare spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Nagarhole National Park, which is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, is also one of the tiger reserves in India and together it is considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee because of its rich biodiversity.
Where to stay: In the jungle
Nearest airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore
10. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
One of the most popular national parks in India and established as a tiger conservation center under Project Tiger in 1974, Bandipur National Park covers an area of 874 sq km and is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. The park has a variety of plant species including Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, IndianLaurel, Indian Kino Tree, Giant Clamping Bamboo, Clamping Bamboo, Indian Gooseberry, Black Miroblan, Flame of the Forest, Satinwood, Black Coach, Excelwood and many more. It shelters a good population of endangered and endangered species, including the Indian elephant, gaur, tiger, sloth bear, snatcher, Indian rock python, four-horned deer, and also and other commonly spotted mammals and reptiles like chital, langur. Squirrels, pythons, vipers, rat snakes, lizards, terrapins, and snatchers from Indian ponds. Bandipur National Park is also a fairytale world where more than 100 colorful butterflies and other insects can be seen at one time. With such rich ecology, the park provides an opportunity for eco-tourists and wildlife photographers to take a fresh escape into the wild.
Where to stay: Bandipur Safari Lodge
Nearest airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore
11. Galgibaga Beach, Goa
Despite being one of the busiest tourist destinations in India, Goa’s Galgibaga beach is still the cleanest in India and is well-known for its turtle habitat. As one of the most secluded beaches in India near the popular Pololem Beach Resort, Galgibaga Beach is also the least affected by tourists during the peak season. This way it gives you a pleasant vacation where you can dream of an ideal walk through the lonely silver sand dotted with palm trees. If you travel in the winter, you may be lucky enough to see some olive ridley turtle nests/eggs. Due to these environmental factors, Galgibaga beach falls under the Forest Department.
Where to stay: Fern Gardenia Resort, Canacona
Nearest airport: Dabolim Airport
12. Taida, Andhra Pradesh
Lots of nature surrounds this small village of Taida, Virtual and Vestal Binoy which is secretly located at an altitude of 700 meters (approximately) on the Eastern Ghats. It is one of the undiscovered places in India and thus an eco-tourism move to India with a rich bed of exotic plants including herbs and fragrant plants. The area is home to mammals such as chital, sambar, panther, wolf, wild dog, hyena, sloth bear, gaur, blackbuck, chinkara, causing and nilgai, and red-breasted pods. Among the bird species are pintails, herons, egrets, migratory ducks, water birds, pelicans, teals, ibises, and storks. The area also offers many activities such as camping, forest trails, and trekking.
Where to stay: Jungle Bell
Nearest airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport
13. Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh
Another least traveled destination in India, the village of Maredumili in the Eastern Ghats displays rich wood and grassland rich biodiversity bounded by several small perennial streams. The region is home to some indigenous communities that are actively involved in conserving ecotourism projects with the help of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
Where to stay: Jungle Star Resort
Nearest airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport
14. Chile, Odisha
India’s largest coastal lake and the world’s second-largest. Lake Chilika and its surroundings are home to many migratory birds and animal and plant species. Some local species include Irrawaddy dolphins, green sea turtles, dugongs, blackbucks, spoon-billed sandpipers, limbless skins, and fishing cats, covering an area of more than 500,500 square kilometers; Dairy fish, Indo-Pacific tarpon, ten pounderten-pounder, brim, Tulsa, and mullet in some aquatic animals; Some migratory birds include the Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Goliath Heron, Gray, and Purple Heron, Egrets, Spoonbills, Storks, and Black-headed Ibis; And from some rare bird species, such as the Asiatic Duchess, the Dalmatian pelican, the fish-ag gull of the Pallas, the migrant spoonbill sandpiper, and the spot-build pelican. More than 700 species of flowering plant ecosystems are home to a large number of mammals, reptiles, and other amphibians. The region, made up of a small island group, is declared a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention and is one of the major eco-tourism destinations in India that encourages wildlife photographers, bird lovers, and naturalists.
Where to stay: Panthanibas Barkul
Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport
15. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
Sundarbans National Park covers an area of approximately 1,330 square kilometers. It is home to the Bengal Tiger’s royal habitat and 54 small delta islands, as well as shelter for various birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, some endangered species found in the Sundarbans National Park are saltwater crocodiles, river terrapins, olive ridley turtles, Gangetic dolphins, ground turtles, hawksbill turtles, and mangrove horseshoe crabs. Among the local marine mammals, Bride whales, humpback whales, Irrawaddy dolphins, Gangetic dolphins, and humpback dolphins are rarely found near the coast. The government is undertaking many conservation projects to protect the rich biodiversity of the Sundarbans National Park, one of the best national parks in West Bengal. The park is located at the confluence of several distributors in the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. The char mudflats around the Sundarbans are open to tourists and can be seen at low tide.
Where to stay: Royal Bengal Resort
16. Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
Covering an area of approximately 1,784 sq km and ranging from about 1,800 meters to 8,500 meters in height. Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve or Kanchenjunga National Park is one of the highest national parks in India and the only national park in Sikkim. It is home to a wide variety of alpine plants, including inanimate plants, animals, and birds at different heights, and thus represents a rich ecosystem including many glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and streams. Mammals include Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Wild Dog, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Sero, Goral, and Takin are the main attractions for wildlife enthusiasts, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird and Eagle have made it a haven for bird lovers. Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve offers many adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping, which makes it easy for travelers to explore the rich biodiversity. The Green Lake Trek and the Jungri Goyechala Trek are some of the best alpine treks in Sikkim that go through the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.
Where to stay: Red Palace Hotel and Resort, Yuksom
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
17. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A World Heritage Site, home to the Great One-horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park, covering an area of approximately 430 sq km, is one of the best national parks in Northeast India with a highly diverse ecosystem. Influence of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, Kaziranga Park consists mostly of fertile and alluvial soils and offers some unique geographical features such as a shelf, beel, and chaparral. There is a good population of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and birds. Among the animal tigers, leopards, hippies, rabbits, foxes, jackfruits, bears, and many more are the main attractions of the bird kingdom. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Wired Hornbill, the Old World Bubbles, and the Vulture. Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest homes for reptiles, such as the Reticulated Python, Rock Python, and King Cobra.
Nearest Railhead: Guwahati Rail station
Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport
18. Majuli, Assam
Majuli is home to several migratory birds, the largest river island in the world, located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The island is inhabited mostly by the Deori, Sonwal Kachari, and Missing tribes. Yet, Influenced by the Brahmaputra River, the island is made up of a unique ecosystem and preserves a rich agricultural base. The area is also home to a large number of amphibians.
Where to stay: North Kamalabari Satra, Jorhat
Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport
19. Maolinong, Meghalaya
Located in the eastern Khasi hills of Meghalaya, Mawlinong is considered to be one of the cleanest villages in Asia amidst rich biodiversity. The area around the village of Maolinong is full of natural beauty baskets consisting of an evergreen forest that is home to a large number of animal and bird species, root bridges, waterfalls, and natural caves.
Where to stay: Village guesthouse
Nearest airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
20. Jotsoma village in Kohima, Nagaland
One of the most remote villages in India, located deep in the tribal areas of Nagaland and near Kohima. The village is in the middle of a highly diverse ecosystem inhabited by mostly tribal settlements. An area is an ideal place for bird-keeping.
Where to stay: Hotel Japfu, Kohima
Nearest airport: Dimapur Airport
21. Namdhapa National Park, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of approximately 1,985 sq km, Namdafa National Park is widely known for having four species of animals – the common Indian leopard, the snow leopard, the cloudy leopard, and the tiger. Nevertheless, the vast monotonous forest and the vast ecosystem with a wide variety of plant species, diverse landscapes at different heights that range from 500 meters to 4,500 meters … make it an eco-tourism haven.
Where to stay: Forest restroom
Nearest airport: Dibrugarh Airport, Assam
22. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting extreme and unique biodiversity is the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which forms the Valley of Flowers National Park, and the Nanda Devi National Park is a paradise for travelers. Not only because of its high altitude and highly diverse landscapes that fascinate trekkers and mountaineers but also because of the vast expanse of forest, with more than 600 species of flowering plants and medicinal plants, and other alpine trees, some local Himalayas are home to a huge number of wildlife Attracts enthusiasts, naturalists, and leisure travelers.
Where to stay: GMVN Tourist Bungalow, Joshimath
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
23. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
Covering an area of 1,170 square kilometers and ranging from 1,500 meters to 6,000 meters in height, the Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 300 animals and numerous plant species. The park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site recently due to its vast exceptional natural beauty and conservation of biodiversity with alpine meadows, several streams, lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.
Where to stay: Community Training and Tourist Center, Sirona
Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport or Bhuntar Airport
24. Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh
Located at an altitude of 4,595 meters, Tsomoriri Wetlands Conservation Reserve consists of Moriri Lake, one of the highest altitude lakes in India, and its surrounding environment which includes the Changthang Plateau region. The area is home to mammals including Tibetan wolves and snow leopards, and some endemic alpine animals and bird species, including black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, the Great Crested Grebe, Ferruginous pochard, and black. Neck, and Grebe Podiceps nigricollis among bird species.
Where to stay: Camping
Nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport, Leh
25. Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Popular for its tiger population, Ranthambore National Park, which covers an area of 392 sq km, is another of the best ecotourism destinations in India with a variety of landscapes layered by arid deciduous forests. Ranthambore National Park is home to several species of animals and birds, including tigers, leopards, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyenas, sloth bears and chital species, and Dove, Sandpipers, Gulls, Terns, Great Crested Gravy, Ag Gulls, Darts, Cormorants, Flamingos, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Pitas, Shrikes, Trips and many more.
Where to stay: Vania Villas
Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport
26. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Covering an area of 940 sq km and consisting of more than 1000 species of flowering plants, Kanha National Park is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Barasingha, and Indian Wild Dogs. Blessed with huge and rich biodiversity that is covered by grasslands, sal and bamboo forests, and canyons. Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh creates a fresh eco-tourism path for all travelers.
Where to stay: Camp Camouflage Kanha
Nearest airport: Dumna Airport, Jabalpur
27. Andaman
The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal are a stimulating treasure trove of exotic plant beds with green and green tropical plants. These islands, in the middle of the lush green sea, are home to the best north of nature and a vivid memory with stunning beaches on one side and wonderful beaches with gorgeous coral walls and the call of a cockatoo and your footprints on the other. The canopy forest itself contains an amazing variety of wood, leaves, and flowers, Andaman foliage, yellow hibiscus, the lily, pandanus, exterior rows of orchids, mangrove forest, palate, and evergreen vines but few of the 650 species of plant life found here, Makes an outsider. Enjoy sea cruises, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, and many other activities while traveling on the island.
Where to stay: Havel barefoot
Nearest airport: Bir Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
We wish you a happy traveling. happy journey.
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