Discovering India: A Guide to Sustainable Tourism

In this era of technology-driven smartphones and social media, everyone has easy access to information related to anything. With abundant travel-related content available both online and offline, finding details about destinations on your travel bucket list has become much easier.

Exposure to these destinations has benefitted the local communities and states’ economies but has also posed serious threats to their ecology due to the overexploitation of resources. Recognising this, the Government of India launched “Travel for LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) to support the development of smart, responsible, and sustainable destinations.

Through this blog, Nexuvia Travel introduces you to destinations that promote eco-friendly tourism and sustainable travel in India. Now, you can enjoy a pleasant trip while exploring your dream destinations, minimising your carbon footprint by following responsible travel tips that support and preserve biodiversity.

Thenmala, Kerala

Thenmala literally means ‘honey hills,’ a name derived from its reputation for exporting high-quality honey with medicinal properties. Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, this charming place is about 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram and is renowned for being India’s first planned ecotourism destination. It offers 10 ecotourism sites featuring beautiful landscapes, evergreen forests—especially the surrounding areas famous for their high-demand timber—and rubber and tea plantations. Travel buffs get a wide array of leisure and adventure activities here. In addition, its unique vistas, biodiversity, and scenic forest trails draw tourists from across the globe. You will never get bored exploring its three different zones: the Culture Zone, Leisure Zone, and Adventure Zone, each offering various activities.

Activities: Nature Walks, Butterfly Safaris, Night Camping, Trekking, Boating, Rock Climbing, Biking, Hiking, Canopy Walks, Cycling, and more.

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Immensely popular as the sanctuary for Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, barasinghas, and Indian wild dogs, Kanha National Park is an invigorating ecotourism getaway. This remarkable destination spans over 940 square kilometres, making it ideal for housing over 1,000 species of flowering plants. It is a paradise for travellers, rich in biodiversity, featuring vast grasslands, sal and bamboo forests, and ravines. Visitors can witness various conservation efforts aimed at preserving the park’s ecosystem for future generations, as the park authorities encourage responsible tourism practices as part of their ecotourism promotion.

Activities: Nature Walks, Birdwatching, Guided Tours, Photography, Village Walks, Wildlife Safaris, Camping, and more.

Galgibaga Beach, Goa

Distinguished as one of the cleanest beaches in India, Galgibaga Beach is a serene getaway, known for its silvery sands and clusters of coconut palms. This hidden treasure in Goa is famous for being the nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley turtles, a protected species. Due to a state-run conservation programme for these turtles, you will not find shacks or any permanent structure here; in fact, the entire northern part of the beach is reserved for turtle nesting. It is least frequented by tourists, even during the peak season. Walking along the silver sand adorned with palm trees or spotting Olive Ridley turtle nests with their delicate eggs in winter will make you feel connected to nature’s beauty and mystery.

Activities: Nature Walks, Sunbathing, Swimming, Trying Out Seafood, Visiting Nearby Wildlife Sanctuaries, and more.

Tyda, Andhra Pradesh

Located at a height of 700 metres in the Eastern Ghats, Tyda in Andhra Pradesh is dotted with an abundance of exotic flora, including medicinal and aromatic species. This enchanting place, rich in untouched nature, is home to many birds, such as red-crested pochards, pintails, herons, egrets, migratory ducks, water birds, pelicans, teals, ibises, and storks. It also hosts a diverse range of animals, including chital, sambar, panther, wolf, wild dog, hyena, sloth bear, gaur, black buck, chinkara, chousingha, and nilgai. This ecotourism getaway is still less explored and a must-visit place for nature enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an ecotourism resort established by the state tourism department and the department of forests, which offers panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats along with a variety of exhilarating activities.

Activities: Forest Trails, Trekking, Camping, Hiking, Bird Watching, and Stay in Log Huts Amidst Tranquil Surroundings.

Jotsoma Village, Nagaland

Encompassing abundant and enthralling natural beauty, Jotsoma has emerged as one of the best ecotourism destinations in North East India. This village, primarily inhabited by a tribal population, is located near Nagaland’s capital, Kohima. Those fond of nature must head to this village to praise its lush green forests and rolling hills. Bird watching is one of the most-preferred activities here. Another attraction of Jotsoma is the rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life of the Angami Naga tribe. The village has adopted sustainable tourism practices and promotes the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. In this direction, various eco-friendly accommodations, including homestays and eco-lodges, have been established where you can enjoy a comfortable and sustainable stay.

Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Hiking, Photography, Trekking, Exploring Tribal Villages, Trying Out Local Cuisines, and more.

Find the Best Ecotourism Destinations in India

Nexuvia Travel offers some of the finest destinations promoting eco-friendly tourism at budget-friendly prices. Book your preferred travel package now to enjoy nature-friendly tours in India and support this impactful initiative of sustainable travel.