Himalaya: The first thing that comes to our mind when talk about eco tourism destination is Himalaya. This vast mountain range is very tough to cover. There quite a few place in Himalaya which are worth visiting for an eco tour. If we talk about North India, the Himalayan region offers destinations like Ladak, shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Valley of flowers, Rishikesh, Gulmarg & Sonamarg where as in the east Gangtok, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh etc. The pristine beauty of these places are best home for the nature lovers. Himalayan region is well known for trekking, white water rafting, camping etc.

Goa: Beside the golden beaches, the ravishing Goa has acclaimed a respectable position in the world eco tourism map because of its Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, eco-green gateways like Spice Plantations, waterfalls and ofcourse for the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Kerala: A beautiful place in the lap of nature serene and tranquil, traditional yet modern….. yes that what Kerala is. Eco lovers rush to this place for lush green forest, for wild life and for beaches with azure waters.

Thenmala: The first planned eco tourism destination India is Thenmala. It is a small village in the Western Ghat. Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime centre for eco tourism in Thenmala. Shenduruney is well known for its leisure, culture and adventure zone.

Rann of Kutch: On the Western side of Gujrat lies the Rann of Kutch with the endless Thar desert. Famous for its landscape, history and culture Kutch becomes an island where during the monsoon months the Gulf of Kutch is separated from the Kathiawar Peninsula.

So which type of traveler are you? It is basic to know what type of conveniences and facilities you are looking for when choosing a location to have a holiday. Do you fancy a classic seashore holiday, or a trek in the Alps? A winter skiing vacation, or a safari adventure? For a wild and different type of holiday, amongst the most renowned of these is the safari holiday in Africa.

Southern Africa on the other hand was one of the most modern areas in the continent and is agreeable for individuals who want to lounge a four to five star hotels. It was a previous British protectorate so there is a lurid imprints of intermingling culture of both the local and the English customs. It also has one of the greatest game reserves in the area which boasts protected wildlife and wild beasts like the rhinos, the elephants, lions, cheetahs and the leopards.

But first, each type of tourists you must think about what type of africa safari tour would you enjoy to join in. Discover what type of lodgings each tours present, what kind of vehicle they use, are they adjustable in terms of tourist members and are receptive to kids? When choosing a tour, think first what you want to see and what you want to do in Africa. Do you want to enjoy the natural world, do you want to check the extreme sports, do you want your kids to become exposed to another culture, or are you and your partner there for a honeymoon?

Africa has a wide spread of a green topography that protects and preserves endangered animals and fowls. No other places in the World offers habitation to a large range of exotic and rare wildfowl like the the blue crane. One of the most recommended africa safari tour for each sightseer is to not miss the chance to see up-close the wild beasts and animals that roams without restraint in the African panorama!

Ecotourism is a move to counter this. It aims to create viable and sustainable tourism opportunities, and limit the impact that all related activities will have on the environment, while improving the lives of the local people living in the area. According to Ecotourism.org, the concept consists of a number of core principles, including:

• Minimising industrial impact on the environment

• Building environmental and cultural awareness

• Empowering local communities

• Raising awareness of the political, environmental and social issues of the country concerned, and

• Ensuring that the experience is positive for all parties, including visitors and hosts

The aim is to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism practices to the benefit of all and the detriment of none. One of the most important factors in the success of any ecotourism venture is knowledge. Those proposing the project must gain intimate knowledge of the area, the fauna, the flora and the communities living there. They must understand how they impact on each other and how a change in one will affect the rest. They must understand the culture governing the people’s relationship with the environment, and how they view concepts such as territory, hunting, farming and gathering materials for personal use.

It’s vital to include the local communities in the project, not merely as grateful beneficiaries of charity, but as empowered and informed team members. Their input is to be valued, as chances are that they understand the area and complex ecosystems better than anyone else involved in the project.

The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable resource that protects both the people and the nature involved. Over 20 years ago, in 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development stated that sustained development implied, “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This sentiment is just as applicable now as it was then.

Early information has focused on plant life and animal life in regions of the world where travelers pursue ecotourism. While much of this information has remained in the hands of a small sector of the population, the ecotourism philosophy is catching on in the general population as well. As more and more people come to understand the importance of conserving nature rather than exploiting it, the damages to the environment are being avoided and repaired. A large percentage of the general population is now aware of the global warming issue as well as the animal and plant extinction problems worldwide. In addition, the public is exposed to an increasing amount of information as ecotourism is marketed as an industry. Advertisements and travel seminars spread the word about remote regions of the world that are becoming ecotourism destinations. While these locations will not offer luxury accommodations, golf courses or amusement rides for the children, they will provide relaxation and education, along with the chance to make a difference with this important social issue.

Of course, the local populations of these areas will benefit economically, instead of suffering exploitation of the natural resources. In addition, the unique cultural aspects of local populations will be celebrated instead of marketed as a tourist spectacle. For example, the way Africa’s natural beauty is enjoyed will alter, to become an ideal focus for ecotourism. Such environmentally and socially friendly holidays will take travelers to an area of the world where the natural world is quite different from any other place. But the emphasis will be on living and moving in this world, leaving it undisturbed, rather than taking pieces of it home or changing it. As many socially conscious travelers know, it is best to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.