Eco-tourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas that are untouched by human intervention. It is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty of nature while also promoting conservation efforts.
India, being a diverse country, has numerous eco-tourism destinations. However, do you know which one was the first eco-tourism destination in India? The answer may surprise you.
The first eco-tourism destination in India was Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary located in Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1986 and covers an area of 895 square kilometers.
What makes Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary unique?
Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary is home to numerous protected species of plants and animals. It is also one of the few places where you can find the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The sanctuary also boasts of several waterfalls, including the Kodayar waterfall, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Moreover, Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary offers various activities like trekking, bird watching, and camping. It also has a nature interpretation center that educates visitors about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
The significance of Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary
The establishment of Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary marked the beginning of eco-tourism in India. Until then, tourism in India primarily focused on historical monuments and religious sites. However, with the establishment of Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, people started recognizing the importance of conserving natural habitats while promoting tourism.
The sanctuary paved the way for other eco-tourism destinations in India such as Periyar National Park in Kerala and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
- Periyar National Park: Located in Kerala, Periyar National Park covers an area of 925 square kilometers and is home to several endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-Tailed Macaque, and the Indian Elephant.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed Jim Corbett National Park in honor of Jim Corbett. It is located in Uttarakhand and is home to several endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant.
The benefits of eco-tourism
Eco-tourism promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. It helps to preserve natural habitats by reducing the impact of tourism on delicate ecosystems. Moreover, eco-tourism provides economic opportunities for local communities and encourages them to conserve natural resources.
The bottom line
Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary holds a significant place in India’s history as the first eco-tourism destination. It paved the way for other eco-tourism destinations that promote sustainable tourism practices while preserving natural habitats.
Eco-tourism not only benefits the environment but also provides economic opportunities for local communities. So, let’s all take a step towards conserving nature while enjoying its beauty through eco-tourism.