World Tourism Day 2025: 5 destinations in India leading the way in eco-friendly tourism

India has greatly been putting in efforts for a better ecotourism scene with a perfect harmony of nature, culture, and sustainability. From pristine forests and rare wildlife to regions that are culturally rich, these destinations offer more than just scenic beauty—they invite travellers to conserve nature and contribute greatly. With government and community efforts, India is shaping journeys that protect today and preserve tomorrow. Let’s look at some destinations in India that are considered eco-friendly:

A village located in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya state in North East India. The Mawlynnong village is known for its cleanliness and is also considered Asia’s cleanest village by Discover India. Here, they practice great eco-friendly practices such as collecting waste in dustbins made of bamboo, directing it to a pit, and then using it as manure. Many community initiatives are held here in which the residents participate in the cleaning of the village, and smoking and use of polythene is absolutely restricted. The community of the village greatly encourages rainwater harvesting.

The government of Sikkim has greatly been working towards conservation and protection of natural resources and forests and has been aiming to increase the greenery belt here to protect roads from sinking and from landslides. Sikkim is the first fully organic state, which has greatly banned plastics and GM crops. People have been putting in great efforts for conservation of the environment here by following green practices, and the beauty of the state makes it even better. There have also been efforts by rural people here to create sustainable handicrafts and handloom products.

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley with a peaceful environment and minimal disturbances. The people of Spiti have been putting great efforts into garbage management, preservation of natural heritage, construction of greenhouses, and use of renewable energy to reduce environmental impact. Visitors are encouraged to follow strict eco-friendly norms to preserve the valley’s pristine nature. The local culture and Buddhist monasteries promote respect for nature, and water conservation through traditional irrigation systems supports agricultural sustainability.

A tourist destination located in the Kollam district in Kerala, Thenmala is also home to the first eco-tourism centre in India. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. It is greatly working towards forest conservation by implementing environment-friendly activities like nature walks, canopy treks, and boating on a dam reservoir with minimal ecological impact. Thenmala also boasts a dam known as Thenmala Dam, which is also an eco-tourism destination and the largest reservoir in the state.

A union territory of India which comprises 572 islands and is located near Chennai and Kolkata in mainland India. This island boasts great scenic beauty, which attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Eco-tourism in the Andaman Islands involves experiencing the beauty of the land without harming the surroundings. They have made great biodiversity conservation efforts as they have established around nine national parks, 96 wildlife sanctuaries, and one biosphere reserve in the islands, and there are strict regulations to minimize ecological damage.