With its traffic-jammed urban hubs and emphasis on industry, India is not always perceived as a country which puts the environment at the top of the agenda. But in recent years, the Asian nation has increasingly focused its efforts on conservation and ensuring that its areas of natural habitat are maintained. Thousands of adventurous travellers flock to India each year, enticed by its colourful markets, historic landmarks and hot climate. And now, more and more tourists are heading to this exotic eastern land to learn more about its wildlife and natural landscape. The country is now awash with projects aimed at encouraging eco-tourism which can benefit not only flora and fauna but the communities which live in their midst. Perhaps the biggest drive has been to protect the Bengal tiger, which is critically endangered due to both habitat loss and poaching. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the country can enjoy trips to national parks which are helping to preserve the species with Bandhavgarh National Park in the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh and the Panna Tiger Reserve being two of the most popular. The latter is particularly important to the tiger population as it links the eastern and western groups of wild animals which roam through the Vindhyan ranges. Established in 1981, Panna has been hailed a success story and has been the location of numerous preservation projects and studies of tiger ecology.
Elsewhere in the country, efforts to facilitate environmental tourists are in full swing. This new approach to attracting foreign visitors has been taken up by tour operators, hoteliers, airlines and national parks across the country. India's wealth of spectacular landscapes and abundance of rare animals makes it a green tourist's dream. Places such as the Himalayan region of Kerala, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Lakshdweep Islands are just a few examples of where guests can enjoy Mother Nature at her best. Another beautiful destination recommended for those who wish to leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life is Tamil Nadu. Here, the Forest Department has earmarked 15 places where an eco-tourism programme could potentially be carried out including Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary near Udhagamandalam. Speaking about environmental travel in India, M Rajaram, managing director of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, said: "Ecotourism activities should start in the city itself and should reflect in the lifestyle of the people. There is a need to beautify the cities by focusing on aspects such as solid and liquid waste management, minimum use of plastic etc." He added: "Concepts such as organic farming, energy conservation and eco-sanitation should be encouraged."

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