Eco Friendly Travel Destinations in India for Sustainable Holidays

Top Eco-Friendly Travel Destinations in India

1. Sikkim – India’s First Fully Organic State

Why It's Sustainable:

• 100% organic farming

• Ban on plastic bottles and Styrofoam

• Community-run homestays and sustainable agriculture initiatives

Eco Activities:

• Stay at eco-lodges in Gangtok or Pelling

• Visit organic farms and traditional villages

• Explore Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO Heritage Site)

2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Raw, Remote, Responsible

Why It's Sustainable:

• Home to responsible tourism initiatives like Spiti Ecosphere

• Solar-powered homestays and eco-cafés

• Supports local women and conservation

Eco Activities:

• Volunteer in village development

• Go on low-impact treks to monasteries

• Learn about traditional mud-house architecture

3. Coorg, Karnataka – The Scotland of India Goes Green

Why It's Sustainable:

• Sustainable coffee plantations

• Wildlife-friendly resorts

• Rainwater harvesting and permaculture

Eco Activities:

• Stay in eco-resorts amidst coffee estates

• Learn organic farming techniques

• Explore Dubare Elephant Camp ethically

4. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh – Wilderness with a Purpose

Why It's Sustainable:

• Known for tiger conservation under Project Tiger

• Eco-resorts that blend with the forest

• Community involvement in forest protection

Eco Activities:

• Stay at eco-lodges near Mukki or Kisli gates

• Nature trails with trained local guides

• Visit Baiga tribal villages

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

Why It's Sustainable:

• 700-year-old Angami tribal village

• Hunting ban and forest conservation laws

• Self-sustained village economy

Eco Activities:

• Experience homestays with locals

• Hike through community-protected forests

• Learn about tribal handicrafts and festivals

6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Spiritual and Sustainable

Why It's Sustainable:

• Focus on wellness tourism

• Many ashrams use solar energy and zero-waste kitchens

• River and forest cleanup drives

Eco Activities:

• Practice yoga by the Ganges

• Participate in eco-volunteering

• Explore Rajaji National Park

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

Why It's Sustainable:

• Government-backed eco-tourism model

• No plastic zones and waste segregation

• Forest conservation with local employment

Eco Activities:

• Treehouse stays and forest walks

• Boating and butterfly safari

• Visit the Thenmala Dam and Sculpture Garden

8. Auroville, Tamil Nadu – A Sustainable Global Community

Why It's Sustainable:

• 100% renewable energy use

• Organic farming, composting, zero-waste management

• Community-based economy and eco-education

Eco Activities:

• Volunteer in permaculture farms

• Attend sustainability workshops

• Stay in guesthouses made from earth-friendly materials

9. Majuli Island, Assam – Living in Harmony with the Brahmaputra

Why It's Sustainable:

• World’s largest river island

• Threatened by erosion but conserved by local efforts

• Traditional Assamese lifestyle and Satras (monasteries)

Eco Activities:

• Bamboo hut stays

• Explore wetlands and tribal art forms

• Participate in monastic rituals

10. Chilika Lake, Odisha – Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon

Why It's Sustainable:

• Biodiversity hotspot and bird sanctuary

• Community-run eco-tours and boating

• Promotes responsible dolphin watching

Eco Activities:

• Birdwatching in Mangalajodi village

• Stay at local eco-villages

• Spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin

Best Time to Visit These Eco-Friendly Destinations

Conclusion: Be the Change, Travel Sustainably

Choosing eco-friendly travel destinations in India isn’t just a way to see the country differently—it’s a commitment to protect its soul. Every small action—where you stay, what you eat, how you travel can make a big difference.

Whether it’s walking through organic farms in Sikkim or watching birds in Mangalajodi, sustainable travel is about being a mindful traveler who respects people and the planet. So pack light, tread softly, and leave only footprints of kindness.