Ecotourism in India

If India isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. This fascinating destination has everything — history, culture, cuisine, the list goes on and on. It also has incredible natural beauty and wildlife, already threatened by pollution and overpopulation, making it increasingly important tourists approach visits with sensitivity.

Enter ecotourism. Ecotourism is a form of travel that involves visiting fragile locations with the intent of conserving the natural habitat, wildlife and culture while leaving a minimal trace. As our planet becomes increasingly populated and delicate habitats are threatened and diminished on a daily basis, this type of tourism is becoming increasingly important and popular.

Several locales throughout India are encouraging ecotourism, such as Kerala on the southwestern Malabar Coast. The area, located in the Western Ghats mountains, is known for the raw beauty of its backwaters, lush mountainsides and tea plantations. It is home to several species of endangered plants, birds, reptiles and animals, such as the Malabar civet, one of the world’s rarest animals.

Kerala was the first state in India to welcome and encourage ecotourism in an effort to preserve its natural habitat without closing the doors to tourism. The Ela Ecoland Nature Retreat (https://www.elaecoland.com/) and the Wild Elephant Eco-Friendly Resort (http://www.wildelephant.in/) are great places to stay for visitors looking to aid in conservation efforts while experiencing the wilds of India firsthand. These accommodations aren’t for the tourist looking for a 5-star resort stay, but are perfect for the nature lover who wants to preserve the delicate ecosystem.