10 Green travel destinations in India

You've found the perfect place if you're seeking for "sustainable travel India" or "responsible travel India." While examining India's top 10 green travel locations, this guide to eco-friendly tourism in India tackles the environmental and ethical problems for those who wish to travel to this amazing subcontinent without endangering its magnificent peoples and landscapes.

Landscapes and cultures in India are diverse. Its abundant biodiversity has facilitated the quick expansion of environmentally friendly vacation destinations and sustainable tourism.

Green travel, commonly referred to as eco-tourism, is a lifestyle choice one makes in order to lessen their carbon footprints while traveling. It's a fantastic way to discover nature while also helping it to heal. Visitors must exercise responsibility and environmental awareness.

1. Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

In 2003, Meghalaya's Mawlynnong Community was recognized as Asia's cleanest village.

It is 90 kilometers from the state's capital Shillong in the East Khasi Hills. Locals actively participate in maintaining the village's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. Smoking is also forbidden here, and plastic is completely outlawed. The usage of bamboo dustbins to gather trash has been made possible by the entire village. These guidelines must be rigorously adhered to by all locals and visitors. Any defaulters face steep fines.

The fact that this community has a 100% literacy rate and that most residents can communicate in English makes it unique.

2. Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

One of Sikkim's well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Khangchendzonga National Park.

Four hours of driving will get you from this National park to Gangtok. It is a region rich in indigenous plant and animal species and part of the Himalayan global diversity hotspot. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world, is the park's focal point.

The national park is filled with glaciers, lakes, caverns, and lush green valleys. Visitors are asked to tidy the garden and avoid littering or disturbing the plants by picking leaves or blooms. Nonbiodegradable objects should be disposed of outside the park.

3. Thenmala, Kerala

India's first-ever ecotourism hub is called Thenmala.

It covers the highlands of Kerala's Kollam and Trivandrum areas. It is located 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the state's capital.

The area is renowned for producing honey of the highest caliber, hence the name Thenmala, which translates to "honey hill." Locals rely on forest resources like honey and rubber for their livelihoods.

The state's top tourism destination is there. The Thenmala dam is the main draw. Travelers are urged to partake in eco-friendly pursuits, including hiking, rock climbing, and boating. Tourists can spend the night in the forest's heart in huts.

The most significant time to visit this green travel location is during the mild and cozy southern Indian winters.

4. Khonoma Village, Nagaland

In the past, the Khonoma Village in Nagaland was a well-known hunting location.

Most of the people who lived in this town made their living by hunting birds and other wild creatures. However, the government outlawed hunting in this area toward the end of the 1990s. The community has since transformed into India's first green village.

To preserve the Blyth's Tragopan, a native endangered species, it primarily established the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a diversity of plants and animals throughout a 70 sq km region. The Angami tribe makes up the majority of the local populace.

The tribe is committed to protecting trees, maintaining the cleanliness of their territory, and burning all of their waste. Trekking and camping are examples of activities that encourage tourism.

5. Coorg, Karnataka

The Karnataka Western Ghats contain the hill town of Coorg.

Tourists are mesmerized by its misty hills, vast green valleys, and rolling plains, which are a miracle of nature. It is 252 kilometers away from Bangalore, the state capital.

Nagarhole National Park, a refuge for exquisite plant and animal species, is located there. Plantations for coffee and cardamom are also prevalent in this area. In Coorg, there are numerous rivers and waterfalls. The discovery of Kaveri's backwaters is a popular tourist excursion.

It is a popular tourist destination because of the beautiful scenery and temperate climate in South India. The main focus of tourism in Coorg is appreciating and respecting nature.

6. Sitlakhet, Uttarakhand

In Almora, Uttarakhand, there is a stunning hill town called Sitlakhet. This Himalayan village is renowned for its serene Kumaon beauty.

An emerging tourist destination, Sitlakhet, is situated next to the well-known Ranikhet. There is a lot of flora in this area. The majority of tourists who come to this area are hikers. It is simpler for beginners to take on this new challenge thanks to the basic to moderate-level trekking paths.

Every other activity here is also environmentally friendly. City dwellers travel to Sitlakhet for a tranquil, soulful getaway free of urban pollutants.

7. Daringbadi, Odisha

The Eastern Ghats of Odisha include Daringbadi, which is situated in the Kandhamal district and is 251 kilometers from the state's capital, Bhubaneswar. Several rivers, waterfalls, and little green hills and hillocks surround this hill station. Sal and pine trees predominate in this region.

Additionally, coffee plantations can be found here. Daringbadi's natural splendor has earned it the moniker "Kashmir of Odisha," and it is the face of the state's eco-friendly vacation destinations. There are many parks and reserves created to protect the environment.

To inform visitors about the area's natural treasures, the local communities have established nature camps. The best time to visit Daringbadi is in the early winter.

8. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Up until 1954, Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement.

This spotless town on the west coast of India is now a significant United Territory of the nation. Visitors worldwide are drawn to it by its beautiful beaches, clear seas, and diverse culture. It still embodies the spirit of its older French settlement in its roadways and structures.

Renting bicycles is advised for visitors who want to tour the town sustainably. You can spend the day engaging in water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Another well-known spiritual retreat is Pondicherry. Visitors can find peace and tranquility at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and Aurobindo Ashram.

9. Majuli, Assam

On the Brahmaputra in Assam, Majuli is the largest river island in the world.

Majuli is 347 kilometers from Guwahati, the state capital. People travel from all over the world to see its beautiful rural Indian environment.

This freshwater island is a location free of pollution and supports eco-tourism. The island was recently in the news because it was rapidly eroding and about to be submerged. The island's local government has declared a ban on single-use plastics. Along with its visual splendor, the island has several cultural and religious structures.

10. Matheran, Maharashtra

In Raigad, Maharashtra, there is a little hill town called Matheran.

It is a prime location for biodiversity in India and is a component of the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats. Mumbai, the nation's capital, is 80 kilometers away. In English, matheran is known as the "forest on the forehead."

Matheran's forested hills keep pollutants from entering the area, making it a peaceful, healthy summer getaway. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment declared it to be an eco-sensitive region.

Trekking, bird watching, and other environmentally beneficial activities are available here for visitors. For some beautiful views, go to Charlotte Lake.

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