Ecotourism can simply be defined as an environmentally responsible travel directed towards exotic natural habitat for enjoying and appreciating nature.
It promotes conservation and provides a favourable active socio-economic participation of the locals.
Ecotourism destinations allow travellers to experience some of the most extreme and gorgeous natural wonders across the globe but on a responsible note.
The money spent by travellers on visiting these destinations is put back for maintaining and protecting its natural environment.
Following are the top 11 eco-friendly destinations around the Globe for your next green vacation!
1- Costa Rica
More From This Section
World's pacesetter in ecotourism, Costa Rica has got a substantial percentage of protected areas and is planning to become the first carbon neutral destination by the year 2021.
With its pool of biodiversity, this place is blessed with beautiful secluded beaches, tropical flora and fauna, four active volcanoes and hot springs.
2- Kerala, India
One of the first destinations in South Asia to clasp sustainability, Kerala has now become the cornerstone of local tourism.
Thenmala and Kumbalangi are the major villages in Kerala wherein tourists can acquire knowledge about traditional Indian way of living, cooking, fishing and more through the ecosystem.
This place is known for its famous Banasura Resort which is one of the largest eco-friendly "earth" hotels in the world. This entire resort is constructed with cool and cozy mud. Book cheap flights with ixigo and plan a trip to this amazing wonderland.
3- Borneo, Malaysia
Get set go for an eco-adventure which will enhance your travel experience to heights! Borneo is a perfect choice for a rugged yet safe escapade wherein you can just flee into the virgin jungle for weeks with a tent and tour guide at your disposal.
This place boasts of Mount Kinabalu which is one of the most attainable hikes in the world. The climb does not require any special set of skills but yes, one needs to be prepared for raging physical exertion.
This 2-day trek will also let you experience over 1,200 species of orchids, exotic birds and a depth of flora and fauna.
4- Arunachal Pradesh, India
One of the most treasured jewels of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with distinct topography and unexplored terrains, making it a popular destination for ecotourism in India.
Future Generations Arunachal and Green Pastures are some organisations that are working towards various projects for spreading knowledge on ecotourism and uplifting homestays in the region.
5- Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Termed as the storehouse of natural resources, Amazon Tropical Rainforest accounts for nearly 20 percent of the oxygen produced from all tropical rain forests of the world.
This rainforest is home to hundreds of species of plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This amazing ecotourism destination endows travellers with natural wealth and a refreshing environment for an adventure trip.
6- Matheran, Maharashtra
Matheran, located on the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, is the smallest hill station in India. It is declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India.
You can reach the hill station from Mumbai. The distance is 44 kms and taking about two hours in a Mumbai to Matheran taxi.
7- Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong, also referred to as 'God's own garden' has been acclaimed as the cleanest village in Asia. The village is located around 90 kms from Shillong and is a community based eco-tourism initiative.
The village offers picturesque natural beauty, trekking amidst nature in all its glory and is a treat for eyes and head for nature lovers.
8- Naggar, Himachal Pradesh
Perched on a wooded slope, with a group of beautiful temples and an ancient castle, the hill station of Naggar is charming. It's a place for solitude and days spent rambling through forests, orchards and hilly villages.
9- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The hill station of Tawang is lost in a fog and its picturesque beauty has innumerable monasteries, villages and stories. Perched high up in the north-western corners of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is breathtakingly beautiful.
10- Thenmala, Kerala
Thenmala or the "hills that flow with honey" is situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and is the first planned ecotourism destination in India.
Managed by Thenmala Ecotourism Promotional Society, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, this place offers equal opportunities for fun, adventure, leisure and for learning the significance and necessity of eco-friendly measures for promoting tourism related activities.
11- Coorg, Karnataka
Plantation stays are the USP of Coorg country. Here you understand what it means to 'live close to nature'. If your heart is in eco-friendly travel, this is the place for you.
Take a lovely stroll to the lush coffee plantations to soak up the local experience! And don't miss the Namdroling Monastery as you will love its architectural brilliance. Check out various Coorg tour packages available and choose according to your requirements.