Development of eco-tourism and running an effective training programme for guides working in various national parks and sanctuaries was discussed at a recent official meeting.

Though Green travel in India is still at its nascent stage, several environment conscious tour operators have slowly started developing eco-friendly travel and tour packages for India. The concept of Green travel was originally sparked off by the idea of making harmonious co-existence with nature a reality once again. We at touristplacesinindia are one such group of travel agents and tour operators for India who are striving for a purer and cleaner environment. Our Green travels have been developed in response to the urgent need for adopting more nature friendly lifestyles. The perilously high rate of global warming is indication enough that if humankind does not adopt a more pro-active stance, nature is going to buckle under the onslaught of careless neglect and industrialism.

Environmentally Responsible Travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active, socio economic involvement of local populations.” Hector Ceballos-Lascurain

In Himalayas, medicinal herbs have been growing throughout nature kindness from the times immemorial. Adventure sport is another area of tourism activities, which yields greater scope for trekking, camping, mountaineering and skiing, etc.

Nature worship and the conservation ethic have been an integral part of Indian thought and traditions and its also followed by India’s Himalayan neighbours. For centuries, the country has nurtured the philosophy of the oneness of life, the tradition that humankind is a part of nature and one should look upon all creation with the eyes of a friend.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.

Nestled in the Himalayas, the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere. Truly a travellers paradise, with mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green and golden valleys, flower filled meadows, misty woods, fast flowing icy rivers, glaciers and enchanting lakes. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu, Kinnaur and Kangra are a riot of colours, in marked contrast the barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have a stunning lunar landscape like beauty.

Madhya Pradesh formulated its first but progressive eco-tourism policy in the year 2001-02. The policy reflects the seriousness of the state to develop and promote eco-tourism zones and circuits. The state’s eco-tourism policy identified areas and a host of districts and regions within its fold for eco-promotions, inviting investments and participation from the private sector. New products and tourist attractions have been developed by the state government to lure the eco-tourist. Attractions such as national parks and wild life sanctuaries and activities like canoeing, trekking, jungle safari, white-water rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, para sailing, para gliding and hot-air ballooning have risen to the fore. Tour operators, travel agents and different members from the hospitality industry along with several other private investors have been urged to partake in the mission of developing and popularising these forms of tourism.

Special water sports projects based on the eco tourism concept have been ear-marked by the state government for future development. Water sports projects along the Ken river on the periphery on the Panna National Park would be developed soon, which will include activities such as conoeing safari and white water rafting. A crocodile sanctuary on the Ken river is also initiated for further development. Apart from these, a few scenic spots, especially the Rangaun Dam area close to Khajuraho, Rane waterfall, Pandav falls etc in the Panna region are all part of the special projects for eco tourism initiatives. Apart from river Ken, river Narmada, river Tons, river Chambal, river Son have also been identified as special regions for eco tourism initiatives in the region.

Madhya Pradesh is called the ‘heart of India’, not only because of its location in the centre of the country, but also because, it has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces are peppered all over the state – glorious reminders of emperors and kings, warriors and builders, poets and musicians, saints and philosophers.

The state of Uttaranchal has fast emerged as a major tourist destination. This could be attributed to its richly endowed natural splendour. This picturesque state provides tourists a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. While it took 55 years for the union government of India to realise that tourism is an important economic activity, Uttaranchal right from inception has pledged to emerge as a tourism power. The second year of operations witnessed tourism activities to highlight the state’s diverse attractions. In the first phase, the focus was on a consistent campaign to create an identity. While in the second phase, the promotion was on specific products, such as adventure tourism, eco-tourism and spiritual tourism.

The Great Himalayan Range forms the backbone of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttaranchal. In Eestern Garhwal, it includes the Swargarohini range with Swargarohini I (6,252m) at the head of the Tons River, and the Bandarpunch range, including Bandarpunch (6,316m) forming the main divide between the headwaters of the Yamuna and the Bhagirathi Rivers.

Uttaranchal is undoubtedly India’s most beautiful canvas. Studded with green strokes, wild splashes and quaint highlights. What makes Uttaranchal a holidayer’s delight are the sketches of Kumaon and Garhwal. Enchanting, captivating in their own ways. Mesmerising, spellbinding to the last kilometre. Unspoilt, untouched and unbelievable. If Kumaon is a green table spread, Garhwal is a challenger’s delight. If Kumaon plays host to clear lakes, chirpy forests, floral rainbows, garhwal flaunts its snow-clad peaks, quaint retreats and infinite mountain rivers.

Uttaranchal blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic and ecstatic peaks, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this Abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains.