Eco Tourism in India

Eco Tourism is travel to natural protected areas to conserve the environment and preserve the earthy wonders and essential forest assets. It builds up the sense of responsibility among the travelers towards the nature, it helps raising the funds for conservation and benefits the local people by creating numerous economic opportunities for them. In short, Eco Tourism is responsible tourism, which stresses on the cultural and natural growth to make this earth wonderful place to live.

Eco Tourism mainly involves traveling to those areas where nature and cultural heritage are the prime attractions. It is an ideational experience for the ecologically and socially conscious people. Sustainable Eco Tourism includes programs that helps in minimizing the negative impact of the customary tourism on the environment and promotes the cultural integrity of the local population in the country.

In addition to the environmental and cultural growth, an integral part of the ecological tourism is to raise the energy conservation, water conservation, recycling and creation of employment opportunities among the local people.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) : The concept of Eco Tourismwas formulated by the renowned 'The International EcoTourism Society (TIES) in the year 1990.

Characteristics of the Eco Tourism :
- Involves travel to tranquil and naturally protected areas
Minimizes negative impact on the environment
- Creates environmental awareness among the travelers
- Advantageous to the local population
- Promotes local cultural heritage
- Stands by Human Rights and Demographic movements

Eco Tourism Destinations in India :
Coorg India
Himalayas India
Garhwal India
Goa India
Kerala India
Kodaikanal India
Ladakh India
Manali India
Munnar India
Rishikesh India
Sikkim India
Shimla India
Uttaranchal India
Darjeeling India
Lakshadweep Island
Andaman and Nicobar Island

Ways to Go Green (Environmental Friendly)
Recycle : There are so many products that can be recycled and recycling is definitely one of the best ways to conserve the environment.

Grow Trees : Consider growing lots of plants and trees. If you have less space, than you can even grow fruits and vegetables in the smallest of spaces. This will save your money as well as you will have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to eat.

Renewable Energy : One of the best way to help the earth is to opt for the alternative source of energy such as sun, wind, wave etc.

Cycling : Cycling is yet another important way to save the environment. It does not emit any form of pollution and is equally good for your health. Lot of metropolitan cities around the world are encouraging cyclist and cycle lanes are slowly becoming increasingly popular.

Solar Powered Lights and Gadgets : Although it may not be possible to generate all of your electricity from solar power, yet there are many small items that are perfect for solar power such as garden light, store room light, foot lights etc.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs : Energy saving lights bulbs are a good alternative to save electricity. Now-a-days they are commonly available on all the electric shops. These bulbs last significantly longer as well as they use less power, that can help save your heavy electric bills.

Hybrid Cars : Hybrid cars are very environment friendly. They do not burn fossil fuels and also do not generate harmful gases. Hybrid cars, are good for our eco system too.

Buy Local Food : Prefer buying food that has been produced locally, as it contains less percentage of carbon as compared to the food that has traveled several miles.

Books on Eco Tourism

World Travel: A Guide to International Ecojourney
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise?
American Indians and National Parks
Global Ecotourism Policies and Case Studies
Marine Ecotourism
Green Travel Guide
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel

Tips for Eco Tourism :
- Keep in mind that you do-not lit fire using the plastic wrappers, tins, bottles, cans in the forest areas, that usually get converts into the poisonous gases.
- You are advised not to throw waste and always use the municipal waste bins.
- Avoid creating the noise pollution especially when you go on wildlife tours as the noise can scare the animals.
- Do not use detergents near the water sources in the jungle, as it could pollute the water, which could be really dangerous for the animals.
- You are requested not to drink alcohol and throw the bottles in the forest areas.

Aparana Chauhan