An Exploratory Study of Ecotourism In Uttar Pradesh, India

By : Shweta Srivastava , Gayarti Rai

Page No: 321-333

Abstract
Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, and promote its conservation. It should have low negative visitor impact, provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local population, and promote wildlife conservation. Uttar Pradesh with its diverse natural magnetisms and vast cultural and religious inheritance has immense potentials of growth in the ecotourism sector. The state government is determined to establish Uttar Pradesh as a national leader in ecotourism sector by providing meaningful experience of nature. This paper aims to investigate the present status and explore the future possibilities of ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh. The state has 6.88% of its geographical area under forest and provides for one national park and 24 wildlife sanctuary as Protected Areas (PAs); all incorporated in the ecotourism circuits of the state. The discussion is based on data derived from State and Union government reports and statistics. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the country, and received 285 million domestic and about 4 million foreign tourists in the year 2018.

Authors :
Shweta Srivastava
Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005.

Gayarti Rai
Professor, Department of Geography, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2021.41.02.7