Wildlife EcoTourism Destinations in India

With over 90 national parks and protected wildlife areas, India is a prime destination for ecotourism. Eco-friendly hotels, resorts and tourism operators have sprung up around some of India's most popular wildlife travel destinations, so if you're looking for ecotourism destinations in India, it's best to start by looking at parks, tiger reserves and bird sanctuaries where a wide range of ecotourism options are available.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary)

Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this 18-square-mile park is home to more than 350 different species of birds. You can reach the park, located in Rajastan, from transport hubs at Agra (35 miles) and Jaipur (110 miles). The closest international airport is in Delhi. From August through November is the best time to see resident breeding birds, and from October through February you can see migrant bird populations. Motor vehicles are not permitted in the park, but bikes are available to rent at the park entrance or from nearby eco-friendly hotels.

Periyan Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

Periyan Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The nearest town is Kumily, and the closest railway station is 114 miles away at Kottayam. From Kottayam or Kochi (125 miles), you can take local transport to Kumily. The best time to visit the park is from October through June. The sanctuary is set around an artificial lake created by the British in 1895. Around the lake you will find an ecosystem including elephants, tigers, langur monkeys, wild boars, bison and many different species of birds, plants and flowers. Ecotourism activities include jungle night patrol, bamboo rafting, hiking and touring the area by bullock cart.

Corbett National Park & Tiger Reserve

Located in northern India's Uttaranchal province, Corbett National Park has a jungle setting where you can observe tigers, leopards, crocodiles, elephants, wild boar and other animals. The park is open from mid-November through mid-June and is closed the rest of the year due to monsoon rains. The nearest town is Dhikala, which can be reached from Ramnagar (32 miles), Lucknow (90 miles) and Delhi (186 miles). Ramnagar is the closest railhead, and from the railway station you can take a local bus to Dhikala. Once at the park, you can stay in an eco-resort, take an elephant safari, tour the park and reserve by Jeep or go bird watching. There are a number of eco-friendly resorts and hotels in and around the park.

Sources:

National Parks in India
Eco India
Lonely Planet: Bharatpur Travel Information
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Lonely Planet: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Corbett National Park & Tiger Reserve