Eco-adventure – Integration of man and nature

Travelling can be the ultimate adventure in India. Furthermore the geographical diversity in India allows for a wide range of trips to be planned from Trekking on Himalayan ranges or from Tea State of Darjeeling; to riding on camel back in Rajasthan or Bicycle Adventure to Horse Safari, to Rafting on Ganga or onto Jeep Safari in Spiti Valley. The trips are designed to allow one to sample a small range of this diversity.

What is Eco-adventure?

Eco-adventure is a form of adventure that involves travelling to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. It is integration between man and nature. Eco-adventure focuses on volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is a conceptual experience, enriching those who delve into researching and understanding the environment around them. It gives insight into the impact of human beings on nature and also a greater appreciation of our own natural habitats. Eco-tours appeal to ecologically and socially conscious individuals.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.

Ecotourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Ecotourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-friendly tourism. 

While carrying out the adventure keep nature in mind.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-adventure is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Ecotourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing ecotourism policies. Ecotourism in India too is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisations addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-friendly tourism in India. 

Golden Rules When You Travel

1. Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as eco-adventurer and enrich your trip. 

2. Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas and make it an eco-friendly tour.

3. Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Ecotourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile ecosystem and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world. 

A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-friendly tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse ecotourism destinations on the planet.