As the world moves towards sustainability, the Ministry of Tourism is giving us a chance to rediscover India from the perspective of ecotourism. With the National Strategy for Ecotourism and the revised Swadesh Darshan 2.0 program, the government proposes a thoughtful path to make India a global ecotourism destination.
From country-specific rankings to sustainable destination development, these initiatives aim to protect India's natural and cultural fabric while empowering travelers to engage responsibly with its beauty.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined these plans in Rajya Sabha on December 5, 2024, emphasizing a renewed focus on ecologically sensitive regions. The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 program takes a goal-oriented approach that emphasizes environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a special type of travel in which people explore nature in a way that helps protect the environment and supports local communities. Think of it as a fun and responsible way to visit beautiful places like forests, mountains or beaches without damaging them.
For example, instead of staying in a fancy hotel, you could stay in a small eco-lodge built by locals, eat local foods grown in the area, and learn about the animals and plants that live there.
You can hike, bird watch, or even help plant trees, making sure you leave the place as clean and natural as it was when you arrived. The aim is to enjoy nature and protect it so that future generations can also enjoy it.
Where the wilderness roams freely
Destination: Kaziranga, Assam
Begin your eco-adventure in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a rare opportunity to witness the majesty of the Indian rhinoceros. Beyond the famous wildlife safaris, you can immerse yourself in the rhythm of the forest at Kaziranga's eco-lodges. Optionally, take a morning canoe ride along the Brahmaputra to see wild elephants grazing on the riverbanks.
Whereabouts of the clouds
Destination: Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
Take a trip to Meghalaya, the “abode of clouds” where innovation and ecology intertwine. Carefully cultivated by the Khasi tribe over decades, Cherrapunji's living root bridges are in harmony with nature. Hike through misty hills, cross the Umshiang double-decker bridge, and stay in homestays that support local communities. Here, ecotourism is as much about the journey as it is about preserving a way of life.
Green Hills and organic stays
Destination: Munnar, Kerala
Surrounded by green tea plantations, Munnar is not only a feast for the eyes but also an eco-tourism hotspot. Stay on organic farms and go on guided nature walks through Shola forests, teeming with endemic flora and fauna. Eravikulam National Park (home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr) offers a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of conservation and tourism. Sip freshly brewed chai and breathe in the tranquility of India's green jewel.
Cold desert in the sky
Destination: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
High in the Himalayas, the Spiti Valley beckons the environmentally conscious traveler with its raw beauty and deep silence. Known for its ancient monasteries and cold desert landscapes, Spiti is a haven for sustainable tourism. Work with local communities to build solar-powered greenhouses or hike to eco-friendly clifftop homestays. Every path here reminds you of humanity's fragile yet beautiful connection to the earth.
The largest mangroves in the world
Destination: Sundarbans, West Bengal
The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Think of it as an intricate labyrinth of waterways and islands. Home to the elusive Bengal tiger, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ecological marvel. Paddle the tranquil backwaters in solar-powered boats and stay in eco-resorts that blend seamlessly into the landscape. The Sundarbans teach patience and remind you that true beauty is often shy and hidden.
Whether you're sipping chai in Munnar, hiking in Meghalaya or paddling the Sundarbans, your travels will leave the land as untouched as your soul is transformed.
India is waiting. Not just to see it, but to feel it, live it and protect it.
Read more:
- 7 unforgettable winter campsites in India for adventurers
- Environmentally friendly solutions to save water and reduce waste