What are the best 11 ecotourism destinations found in India?
Eco-tourism is a need of the world. Due to the increasing population in the world particularly in India and China, there is global warming of pollution on earth.
In this scenario, we humans need to be very careful to stop pollution on the earth for healthy living near clean nature. India has already taken the necessary measures to promote eco-tourism and clean nature.
In this article, the best possible places in North India which give tourists the cleanest environment for eco-tourism and are close to clean nature to enjoy their trip and take a clean and healthy breath by keeping away from the crowd and polluted city life and pass some time in the natural environment in greenery and fresh air.
1. River rafting in Rishikesh – Uttarakhand
River rafting is not only a game of fun for all family, friends, kids and the young. It gives tourists the pulse racing experience and becomes memorable for all who again and again want to go to Rishikesh and enjoy this water game.
River rafting is taken up on the holy Ganga where all the efforts are made by concerned authorities to make it safe. The tourist department organized various events to promote this sport and also managed camps near the holy Ganga.
This place is well equipped with all types of accommodations depending on the visitor’s pocket and taste. This the sport of team building which gives the tourist a lesson that how to work with team members which are very useful in their routine as well as office work.
Through this sport, the visitors make long-lasting friendships by rafting, camping and trekking. This sport enhanced the participant’s mental strength by living in a challenging atmosphere apart from happiness and fighting spirit. The age for river rafting in Rishikesh must be between 14 to 50 years and the body weight should be 35kg. to 100kg.
2. Palolem Beach – Goa
Palolem Beach is located in the southern part of Goa and is also famous as Paradise Beach. This beach offers tourists privacy and happiness. This is the attraction point for walkers as it is about one mile long. There are a large number of huts for the residents of the visitors which offers all the comforts.
The way of white sand is one of the main points of attraction on this beach. Due to its isolation, this beach attracts bachelors from all around the world. Despite development around the beach, it did not lose its beach identity.
The tourist can enjoy watching a large species of fish, dolphins and small snakes. There is a big problem with the banking system in this place. For money transactions, the visitors must depend on money exchange which is easily available at this place.
3. Tiger watch in Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan
Located in the Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan State in the northern part of India, Ranthambhore National Park is one of the most popular tourist places and covers an area of about 1,340 kilometres. This national park was established in 1980.
In 1984 the areas of this place the nearby forests were declared with the name of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary whereas further the Tiger Reserve was enlarged by merging the Keladevi Sanctuary and the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary in the north and south side of this sanctuary along with other forests.
This part of the state is full of flora which includes about 540 species of flowering plants. This national park also harbours open grassy meadows and dry forests. A large variety of fauna like Indian leopard, nilgai, Bengal tiger, sambar, wild boar, sloth bear, striped hyena, plain grey langur, mugger crocodile, macaque, rhesus,
and chital is the main asset and attraction of this national park. This is the home of the largest banyan trees in India. Earlier, this national park was famous for the large tiger population which gradually decreased due to poaching or otherwise.
The recorded tiger population was about 44 tigers in the year 1982 which came down to 26 tigers in 2005. The government with the efforts of forest officers to curb the poaching this number increased to 34 adult tigers and 14 cubs as per the survey by non-governmental sources.
This became possible through the various steps taken by the government like giving incentives to the villagers to keep them out of the park and also a large number of surveillance cameras were installed across the national park.
4. Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal
Sunderban Tiger Reserve is located in the West Bengal state of India and is spread over an area of about 1330 km. This tiger reserve was established in the year 1984 and is controlled by the Government of India.
This is one of the largest tiger reserves in terms of Bengal tigers in the country. This was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and known as Ramsar Site since 1987.
The name of this tiger Reserve is derived from the Sundri trees which are found in a very large number in this area. This place is blessed with amazing natural beauty and mangrove habitat which will get you near nature.
This tiger reserve consists of a large number of species apart from the Bengal tiger like Indian Grey Mongoose, Macaques, Ridley Sea Turtles, Leopard Cats, Fox, Flying Fox, Jungle Cats, Wild Boar, Fishing Cats, Pangolins, Chital and much more.
Best time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit this place because during this period the weather remains pleasant and most suitable for the tourists to enjoy this place among the different species of birds and animals along with the beauty of nature. The summer season between July to September is very hot and uncomfortable to visit.
5. Spiti – Himachal Pradesh
The Spiti is one of the coldest mountain valleys situated in the high Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of India.
This Valley is situated between Tibet and India and therefore know as the Spiti Valley. The main religion and followers of the religion are Vajrayana Buddhism which is also followed in Tibet and Ladakh.
This region is one of the areas in India where the least population is located because of cold and border areas. Despite the least population, it is the cultural and research centre of Buddhists. The Dalai Lama’s famous monastery like Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery is situated in Spiti.
These monasteries also have world-famous among tourists and followers of Buddhism. The Pin Valley here is famous for the survival of the few Buchen Lamas.
6. Kasauli – Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli is one of the smallest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, North India, and is situated at about 1930 meters high sea level.
It is situated in the Solan district and the favourite destination for the British who established the main cantonment area in this zone in the year 1842.
This town has a very high literacy rate of about 81% against the national average of 75% with about 55% male and 45% female population.
The climate of this town is very good as about 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the winter and about 30 to 32 degrees in summer which is also a point of attraction for tourists.
Situated about 80 kilometres from Shimla this town consists of the legacy of British architecture which witnessed British domination towards this town.
The other pieces of evidence are the Christ Church and the Baptist Church which are made in Gothic architecture. Upper Mall and Lower Mall are the main attraction of Kasauli.
The Cantonment area of this place is well known for its Brewery which is supposed to be one of the oldest distilleries for very famous scotch whiskey in Asia.
Kasauli is surrounded by big forests and is known for a large number of species of Himalayan fauna and flora which also consists of endangered ones.
The options for stay are not mush and the economical hotels are generally situated in the foot area whereas the top and comfortable resorts are situated on the top of the hill which gives eye-catching views of the beauty of this town.
This town is also famous for its picture-perfect surroundings Victorian mansions, dense greenery, and snow-covered mountains.
The main fun to do in Kasauli is the Nature Walks, Trekking Tours, Toy Train Ride, Tibetan Food, Hangout Bar, Kasauli Tibetan Market, and much more.
7. Gangotri – Uttarakhand
This is a famous pilgrim because the Hindu God Lord Shiva locked the River Ganga in his hair to save the earth and mankind from the heavy fall of the Ganga which was not possible for the earth to tolerate.
This is a very cold place with heavy snowfall in the winter season and has an elevation of about 3420 meters in the Greater Himalayan peaks. Gangotri is one of the holy Char Dham of Hindus.
It is supposed that Bhagirath Shila is one of the holy rocks of the worship of King Bhagirath to the God Lord Shiva.
The Gangatori temple is closed to the public w.e.f Diwali each year and opened again on Akshaya Tritiya and in this time the idol of the goddess is placed in Mukhba village.
The main three basins of pilgrims bathe is located near the river the water of which is supposed to be very sacred and taken by the pilgrims for their use in spiritual rituals and distribute to their loved ones. These Basins were dedicated to the main Gods of Hindus Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Gangotri overflows with Hindu devotees during the yatra who visits to worship in the temple and visit other holy places in Gangotri and near it.
8. Flower Valley – Uttarakhand
Himalayan wildlife and national sanctuaries are some of the best attractions in Uttarakhand. The main precious gem in Uttarakhand is the Valley of Flowers National Park.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jim Corbett National Park, the home of tigers conservation, Rajaji National Park, for Bengal Tigers, hyenas, elephants, Sloth Beer and birds. Waterfalls are the perfect point for kicking pictures.
9. Srinagar
One of the largest towns in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has an approximate population to the extent of 11,80,500 people and ranks 32nd. The prime languages of this city are Hindi, Urdu, English, Kashmiri and Dogri.
This city always remains in controversy between India and Pakistan because both countries claim their rights to its entire area since its division in the year 1947. It is believed that the great king Ashoka laid its foundation stone in the name of Puranadhisthan.
This city is always dominated by Muslims as they are in a very large number as against any other religion people including Hindus. One of the tourist attractions is the Hokersar Wetland located near Srinagar.
This valley is surrounded by Himalayas hills from all sides. Generally, in summer the climate of Srinagar is pleasant but in the winter season it becomes very cold and covered with ice with a result roads in Srinagar are blocked due to heavy snowfalls.
The well-known beauty of Kashmir is famous in the world because of its Dal Lake is known for its houseboats, Wular Lake, Manasbai Lake, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens and so many other tourist places, it is called the Venice of the East. This place is also famous for Kashmiri shawls, fruits, and dry fruits.
10. Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley is situated in the Bandipora district of the union territory Jammu and Kashmir in the northern part of India with an elevation of about 2,585 metres from sea level.
It is a small town with a population of about 37,990 people who generally speak Urdu and Kashmiri along with Dogri, Hindi and English.
Covered by snow-capped hills this valley usually remains cold and pleasant. The major portion of this area like Toabat to Sharda Peeth and Kamri and Minimarg is part of the Neelum and Astore districts respectively and is administered by Pakistan.
The Banipur district wherein a point known as Gurez Tehsil from Taobat to Abdullah is controlled and managed by the Indian Government.
This part of the valley is considered to be a unique place in the entire Kashmir where the Kishenganga River flows with transparent and clean natural water and transparent water and passing through big trees, wildflowers, beautiful forests, wildlife and green grounds.
This is such a location that for security purposes the Indian government banned the entry of outsiders except for the local tribes, army people and government workers, no one was allowed to enter this place.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Department of Tourism along with different NGOs and local people continuously promote this place for inviting tourists by improving the infrastructure, giving aid to hotels and resorts and much more.
Numerous festivals are arranged by the state government with the participation of the regional associations in Pahari, Dardi, Sheena and more. This place not only has natural beauty but also has a beautiful local culture, songs and dances.
The sheep husbandry, sericulture and handicrafts, animal husbandry, and handloom are the other activities taken by the state government to promote with the help of locals and NGOs.
The prime affairs of this place are trekking, fishing, rafting, trekking, and walking in the beautiful and natural environment which lures tourists to visit this place from all corners of the world.
11. Rishikesh – Uttarakhand
Rishikesh the word represents the locks or heir of a sage and is famous for its spiritual values. This town is a part of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is about 25 km. from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun and about 90 km. from Mussoorie. This place is the hub of Yoga, Pilgrimage, Adventure, and Sports.
It is located near the River Ganga in the ground hills of the Shivalik range in Northern India. This place is the top destination for rafting and kayaking.
This is a very small town in comparison to its popularity due to meditation and yoga. It also keeps the attraction of rock climbing, camping, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and bungee jumping.
This area includes three districts namely Swargashram, Rishikesh, and Mungiki-Reti. It also has a unique view of the jungle -view -hills.
Rishikesh can be said to be the gateway of Char Dham which consists of four famous temples on the hill i. e Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri which are in the heart of every Hindu. The main attraction in Rishikesh is Triveni Ghat, the biggest Bath Ghat in Rishikesh.
Lakshman jhula, made from a big iron suspension bridge about 4.5 km. from Rishikesh. Ram Jhula is the Suspension bridge-like Lakshman Jhula between Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is about 30 km. from Rishikesh.
Parmarth Nike Tan is situated in the Swargashram area and is famous for the International Yoga Festival. Sivananda Ashram also known as Devine Life Society is situated near Ram Jhula. This ashram was created by Swami Sivananda who gave most of his life here about 30 years.
Bharat Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Rishikesh and is located in the centre of Rishikesh. Gita Bhawan is mainly dedicated to Lord Krishna and is full of Bhawan Krishna pictures telling about his life, work, and valuable guan given to Arjun during the battle of Mahabharata.
