1Research scholar, Department of Anthropology, Manasa Gangotri, Mysore-5
2Assistant Director, Directorate of Census Operations, Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangalore-560034
Online published on 27 January, 2016.
India is one of the seven mega biodiversity countries of the world, and a country with a rich and renowned cultural heritage. Yet, the potential of ecotourism to help conserve these resources and assist in economic development remains largely untapped both in terms of the domestic and international tourism market. Traditionally, India has sought to protect its biodiversity through a Protected Area (PA) network consisting of 571 PAs, including 89 National Parts and 482 Wildlife Sanctuaries spread over 4.68 per cent of the geographical area. Various agencies including the private sector have participated in conserving India‘s cultural heritage and significant sites can be found within PAs. At the same time eco-tourism activities occur not only in and around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries but even more significantly in forest areas and other natural areas which have varied attractions and more relaxed legal restrictions. Adventure activities such as hiking, river rafting and snorkeling are increasingly becoming part of the experience that attract visitors to natural areas and destinations in general. India is fortunate to have extensive mountain ranges and coastal areas in which eco-tourism can play a significant role.
