Green Travel Destinations: Asia

The world is a large and beautiful place, filled with different people, customs, and landscapes, offering cultural exchange and unforeseen beauty to travelers; however, with the rampant increases in pollution and land development, some of these areas may soon be stripped of their natural beauty for increased societal development. An easy way to help keep these areas of the world intact is green traveling, which involves staying at eco-friendly establishments, and supporting travel destinations that are working to preserve their natural environment. There are many wonderful places that support green travel, but two of the most beautiful locations are found in Asia.

The country of Laos in Southeast Asia is a landlocked nation attempting to re-establish their tourism economy, and keep their tourist market green. Listed by the New York Times as a place to visit, this democratic nation has managed to become a green travel hotspot, hoping to use the increase in tourism to protect their natural lands and wildlife. Dozens of projects are underway to increase travel in smaller provinces, such as developing green hotels, increasing home stay programs, and creating local art exhibits. With the amazing efforts being made by this Asian nation, it is an excellent choice for green travelers looking to bask in the lush green countryside, or exploring the ancient cities and sites.

Though India is notorious for polluted cities, rampant homeless, and unsanitary conditions, Thenmala, India is trying to change that perspective. Teaming up with local residence, the Thenmala government is hoping to create a coordinated green effort to their region, increasing their tourism economy for the sake of preserving the natural beauty in the area. The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful green travel attraction, and is a mixture of deciduous forest and rain forest. Besides the wildlife and scenery, this wildlife sanctuary offers tours given by the local youths, who are also trained to help sustain tourism levels in the area. Despite the bad rap India takes for pollution and other eco-damaging actions, Thenmala is a great green travel destination, and possesses loads of natural beauty.

These two travel destinations are only a few of the many locations in Asia working to increase tourism to preserve the natural ecology. Remember that not all the countries in Asia are completely safe for travelers, as many are consumed with internal strife, corrupt politics, and social unrest, so make sure to choose where to travel wisely. Green travel is the only travel, so make your next trip eco-friendly, and enjoy the natural beauty the world has to offer.

Laos Mountains: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14279744@N03/2250827513/

Thenmala: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thenmala_Adventure_Zone.jpg