The Indian subcontinent, with its rolling hills, the mighty Himalayas, and quaint villages, is a popular ecotourism destination. There are many such destinations across the country where sustainable practices are followed, making them the best ecotourism destinations in India. As an alternative form of tourism, ecotourism helps preserve biodiversity, support local communities, and simultaneously offer a surreal experience to all the tourists visiting the destination. Being highly diverse, the country boasts an extensive array of ecotourism destinations that have incorporated sustainable practices in terms of accommodation, and adventure-seeking activities, linking local livelihoods, and culture to tourism.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, Spiti Valley is a perfect ecotourism destination in India. This frozen beauty of Spiti Valley draws thousands of tourists from across the world. The barren landscape with sporadic lush green patches around is sure to cast a lasting spell on anyone who visits this breathtaking place. Adding colour and beauty to the valley are the many Buddhist monasteries with colourful prayer flags. While Tabo and Kazo are among the popular hamlets, all the other places are equally mesmerizing. Solo travelers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers all come to this high-altitude paradise to enjoy a peaceful holiday in the midst of nature. Experience the unique culture, local cuisine, and the amazing hospitality of the locals here. When it comes to shopping for souvenirs, local products like dry fruits, knitted woolen items, and the famous sea buckthorn-flavored products can be good takeaways.

Kabini Forest Reserve, Karnataka

Nestled in the southern state of Karnataka and part of the larger Nilgiri biosphere, Kabini is witnessing a boom in ecotourism. Whether you are a wildlife lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a leisure traveler, Kabini has something for everyone. Undoubtedly the most loved ecotourism example in India, the protected forest area of Kabini has amazing wildlife and is a perfect haunt for wildlife enthusiasts. Kayaking and paddle-boating on the Kabini River are the best eco-friendly ways to explore the flora and fauna of the area. Jungle safari, guided nature walks, and bird-watching tours are some of the much sought-after activities in Kabini. The Kabini River is also very popular for Mahseer fishing, making it a very popular destination among tourists.

Lachen, Sikkim

The Lachen ecotourism zone in North Sikkim, in the eastern part of India, constitutes a Protected Area, and hence, ecotourism acts as a guiding principle in bringing about a unique amalgamation of tourism and conservation. The astonishingly beautiful Lachen village houses a little over 150 families. The pine-clad mountains and snowy peaks make for a memorable postcard view. The place is also the base camp of the world’s third-highest peak, the Kangchendzonga. You can visit the Lachen Monastery and get a glimpse of Tibetan life. The monks chanting prayers and visitors going around the prayer wheels with the hope that their wishes come true are a calming sight to watch. You can also visit the nearby Gurudongmar Lake nestled amidst tall snow-clad mountains. There is a complete ban on the use and sale of packaged/bottled drinking water in Lachen, an initiative towards sustainable tourism.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Awarded the title of Asia’s cleanest village in 2003, Mawlynnong in the northeastern state of Meghalaya has been consistently rated as one of the top ecotourism destinations in India. It has since then drawn a niche cluster of tourists to its cleanliness, its living root bridges, and to acquaint themselves with the local Khasi tribe’s customs and ways of life. With fabulous weather throughout the year and sporadic rainfall, Mawlynnong is a year-round destination. The houses are mostly made with eco-friendly substances which adds to the uniqueness of the destination. The village is cleaned throughout the day, and with dustbin cans kept everywhere, it lives up to its reputation of being the cleanest village in Asia. The residents are well-versed in sustainable tourism and experience-based slow traveling. Many tourists from outside the country come to stay here for several weeks or months, drawing on the deep-rooted benefits of ecotourism. Single-use plastics are banned, and so is smoking, with heavy charges for defaulters, making Mawlynnong the perfect eco-friendly destination.

Coorg, Karnataka

Rich in flora and fauna, Coorg or Kodagu lies in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and occupies an area of 4,102 square kilometres, adorned with plantations, gardens, farms, meandering streams, and dense forest trails. Its distinct old-world charm soothes the senses, and people come here to rejuvenate themselves from their mundane city lives.

One of the most unique ecotourism activities can be found in the Dubare Elephant Camp, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of elephants. Here, you can watch and learn more about elephant behaviour, as well as participate in elephant feeding, bathing, and other activities of tending. For adventurous souls, Coorg has many thrilling options such as tree-top climbing, high ropes courses, overnight forest camping, and scenic bicycle tours through the countryside. These sustainable activities provide a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty and engage with its vibrant ecosystem.

As travelers today seek meaningful connections with nature and local communities, there is a growing demand to embrace ecotourism principles, not just for the well-being of the travelers, but for our planet as a whole.