Eco-Tourism Spots in India for Conscious Travellers

Eco-Tourism Spots in India: Travel with a Purpose

This blog explores offbeat travel India destinations that promote low-impact tourism, community participation, and authentic experiences. You’ll also discover hidden gems in India that welcome eco-conscious travelers with open arms.

1. Thenmala, Kerala – India’s First Eco-Tourism Destination

Thenmala, nestled in the Western Ghats, is India’s pioneering eco-tourism destination. Spread across forest zones and waterfalls, this area promotes nature walks, treetop huts, and cultural immersion.

Eco Highlights:

• Butterfly Safari and Medicinal Garden

• Boating in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

• Musical dancing fountain show using recycled water

The project is community-based, making it a model for responsible tourism.

2. Sundarbans, West Bengal – Eco-Conservation Meets Adventure

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just about the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. It’s also a delicate ecosystem where eco-tourism helps conserve mangrove forests and local livelihoods.

Why Visit:

• Stay in eco-resorts run by local NGOs

• Join guided forest walks and birdwatching tours

• Learn about local conservation efforts

This destination showcases sustainable travel in a sensitive area where nature is both wild and fragile.

3. Khonoma, Nagaland – India’s First Green Village

Tucked near Kohima, Khonoma is a Naga village that banned hunting and logging, setting a benchmark in eco-tourism India. The community-driven model emphasizes tribal traditions, organic farming, and homestays.

Experience:

• Stay with Angami families

• Hike to Dzukou Valley and Puliebadze

• Attend agricultural and craft workshops

Khonoma is among the best hidden gems in India where sustainable living isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

4. Chopta, Uttarakhand – Mini Switzerland with a Green Soul

Chopta in the Garhwal Himalayas offers unspoiled views, clean mountain air, and zero commercialism. It’s perfect for mindful travelers who want to disconnect and reconnect.

Eco-Attractions:

• Trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world

• Stay in low-impact lodges with solar heating

• Stargazing and forest bathing

It’s a superb choice for offbeat travel India lovers who want sustainability with serenity.

5. Agatti Island, Lakshadweep – Eco-Tourism in the Coral Reefs

One of the most unexplored places in India, Agatti Island is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago and is a haven for marine biodiversity.

Why It’s Special:

• Coral reef conservation programs

• Non-motorized water activities like kayaking and snorkeling

• Stay in eco-resorts built with local materials

Tourism is tightly regulated here, preserving the fragile ecology and offering a rare, untouched island escape.

6. Kumbalangi, Kerala – India’s First Model Fishing Village

Located near Kochi, Kumbalangi blends traditional livelihood with tourism in a way that benefits both the visitor and the community.

Highlights:

• Learn crab farming and coir making

• Stay in backwater homestays

• Witness eco-culture in action through local cuisine and craft

It’s one of India’s best examples of responsible tourism rooted in grassroots empowerment.

7. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala – Conservation-Centric Travel

Instead of safaris, Periyar offers eco-tourism packages like bamboo rafting, forest trekking, and tribal village visits—all guided by trained locals.

What You’ll Love:

• Community-based tourism that supports forest dwellers

• Deep forest experiences in ethical and minimal-impact ways

• Eco-lodges and tribal-run spice gardens

This is conservation travel at its finest.

8. Bhuj, Gujarat – The Eco-Art Experience

Post the 2001 earthquake, Bhuj transformed itself into a cultural and environmental hub. From handicraft cooperatives to solar-run homestays, Bhuj offers a truly creative kind of eco-tourism India experience.

Activities:

• Visit craftspeople in Hodka and Nirona

• Stay in eco-built bhungas (mud huts)

• Support women-run businesses

Bhuj is ideal for travelers who believe in leaving places better than they found them.

Final Thoughts: The Rise of Eco-Tourism India

Travel with a purpose is not just about seeing new places—it’s about preserving them. Eco-tourism India is not only more rewarding for the traveler, but it also uplifts communities, protects ecosystems, and redefines what it means to be a tourist.

So, if you’re seeking unexplored places in India that align with your eco-values, these destinations are calling your name.