Top Five Destinations for Ecotourism

Independenttraveler.com's Top Five Ecotourism Destinations, an Ecotravel's Dream


Palau
Long before it was featured on the 10th season of "Survivor," the island nation of Palau was recognized as one of the world's foremost diving destinations. In the crystal-clear sea just off the coast is a colorful underwater wonderland, featuring more than 500 species of coral teeming with some 1,400 kinds of fish. On land, travelers can wander along unspoiled beaches or go trekking through dense jungles. Palau's remote location in the westernmost corner of Micronesia has helped to shield both its natural resources and its cultural traditions from the detrimental effects of mass tourism, and the locals are working to make sure their island paradise stays pristine well into the future.

Norwegian Fjords
Their remote location and strict environmental regulations have helped preserve the pristine beauty of Norway's famous fjords, with their snowcapped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can go hiking or biking over the rugged terrain, or take a scenic boat ride through the towering fjords. A wide variety of wildlife lives here, including eagles, seals, porpoises and seabirds. Along with the region's natural attractions, the fjords are also home to many small fishing villages where local cultural traditions have survived for hundreds of years.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is practically synonymous with the term "ecotourism," and for good reason. Misty cloud forests, black sand beaches, thick rainforests and rushing river rapids offer outdoor activities for active travelers and nature enthusiasts. A dazzling array of creatures including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, jaguars, sea turtles and poison dart frogs, live in Costa Rica's many national parks. Costa Rica is widely known for its proliferation of wildlife refuges and the diversity of its animals and plants.

Kerala, India
The small state of Kerala, on India's southwestern coast, is often referred to as "God's Own Country" -- a label that doesn't seem at all hyperbolic once you've visited its clean sandy beaches and lush virgin forests. This is one of India's most unspoiled corners, home to hundreds of unique animal species and nearly a quarter of the country's 10,000 plant species. The nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain goat, takes shelter in Rajamala National Park, while elephants, bison and wild boar roam freely within the Lake Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the past Kerala's ecosystems were threatened by excessive forest clearing, but these days many of the state's forests are now protected, and tourist officials are encouraging environmentally responsible travel to the area.


Kenya
Kenya is best known for its wide savannas teeming with lions and elephants, but most travelers don't know that it's also home to mountains, lakes, rain forests, deserts and beaches, each with its own unique ecosystem and wildlife. Kenya's incredible natural diversity is protected in some 50 national parks and reserves across the country, from the virgin rain forests of the Kakamega Forest Reserve to the wildebeests who migrate to the Masai Mara National Reserve every July and August.

Source: http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=741&category=22