Page 57 - Connect 2024-25

Eco-tourism in India:

A Path to Sustainable Travel

Girish Khaire, PGDM - I

Why Eco-tourism?
At its core, eco-tourism is about
minimizing the environmental impact
of travel while maximizing benefits for
local ecosystems and communities. Instead
India, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, of traditional mass tourism, which often leads
and unique biodiversity, is becoming a global hotspot to pollution, overuse of resources, and harm to
for eco-tourism. The country’s emphasis on responsible wildlife, eco-tourism aims for sustainable experiences.
and sustainable travel is not just a trend, but a necessity In India, where tourism contributes significantly to the
as climate change and environmental degradation economy, eco-tourism is seen as the perfect balance
threaten the very beauty that draws travellers here. In between promoting tourism and preserving the
2023, eco-tourism in India gained momentum, with environment.
the government and private sectors joining hands to
promote travel that conserves nature, protects wildlife, India’s Diverse Eco-Tourism Destinations
and supports local communities. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the rainforests of
the Western Ghats, India offers a variety of eco-tourism
destinations that appeal to nature lovers, adventure
seekers, and conservationists alike.

The Western Ghats: Recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage site, the Western Ghats are a biodiversity
hotspot. Places like Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve and
Karnataka’s Kudremukh National Park are known for
their rich wildlife and eco-friendly lodges, allowing
tourists to experience the beauty of nature with minimal
environmental impact.

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