By Tn Lifestyle Desk

Copyright timesnownews

World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 27 September, and this year’s theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, which highlights the growing importance of environmentally conscious travel. Sustainable travel is all about making mindful choices, and India has been putting efforts into creating a better ecotourism scene. Travelling in this country is more about slowing down, connecting deeply, and leaving lighter footprints rather than just ticking off destinations. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, we have compiled a list of the 5 most sustainable destinations in India you can visit during long weekends: Thenmala, Kerala India’s first planned eco-tourism centre, Thenmala is a major tourist destination located in the Kollam district in Kerala. The word Thenmala translates to “honey hills” in Malayalam. It is a peaceful place surrounded by forests, rivers, and wildlife. Thenmala Dam, which is also an eco-tourism destination, encourages tourists to do various eco-friendly activities like canopy treks, boating on the dam reservoir with minimal ecological impact, and rock climbing. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya Mawlynnong, known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia, is located in the East Khasi district of Meghalaya. One of the most famous icons of Meghalaya is located here – Nohwet Living Root Bridge. A stroll across these living bridges allows visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of the surrounding bamboo groves. Another popular location in Mawlynnong is Sky View point, and this viewing tower is 85 feet high, made of bamboo. Don’t forget to try the wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like pork tossed in bell peppers and greens, and Tungrymbai – a sumptuous mesh of fermented soybeans. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh Spiti Valley, a cold desert with a serene environment, thrives on eco-friendly practices like garbage management, building greenhouses, and the use of renewable energy, as well as traditional water conservation. Locals and monasteries urge visitors to follow strict sustainability norms. There are multiple things you can do in Spiti Valley. Start by visiting Chandratal Lake, one of the most breathtaking sights in Spiti, and during the summer months, you can camp overnight near its shores under a sky full of stars. If you love history, art, and spirituality, then Tabo is one of the best places to visit in Spiti. Tabo Monastery, also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, is filled with murals and sculptures that tell ancient Buddhist tales. Additionally, if you are up for a bit of adventure, you can do a 4 km trek that will take you to Dhankar Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Coorg, Karnataka Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and emerges as a top destination for eco-friendly tourism. Coorg’s coffee plantations showcase sustainable tourism, offering guided tours that highlight organic farming and eco-friendly cultivation practices. Additionally, Nagarhole National Park, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, shows sustainable wildlife tourism with safaris and guided walks focused on the conservation of wildlife. The place is also home to several waterfalls that play an important role in the region’s ecosystem. Iruppu Falls, Chelavara Falls, Mallalli Falls, Devarakolli Falls, Napandapole Falls, and many more can be reached by completing some trekking trails. While the Chelavara Falls provide you with a chance to trek as well as camp around the area, the Mallalli Falls on the other side offer some of the best views of white waters falling from high above. Matheran, Maharashtra Matheran is a small, beautiful hill station located in Raigad, Maharashtra, and is just 80 km away from Mumbai. It is the only hill station in Asia where motor vehicles are banned. Walking is the most popular way to explore the town, as most viewpoints are within 2–3 km of the main market area. But if you are short on time, horseback rides are also available at various places. Do visit the Matheran market, which has all kinds of handmade leather goods, and do try chikki – a local sweet. The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, like rare bird species such as the Malabar whistling thrush and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. Early mornings are perfect for spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. This article has been written by Khushi Sukhija. Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.