Eco Tourism in North East India

The North East India is a treasure house of endangered species of plant life, animals and microbial resources. The region ranks 6th among the 25 biodiversity regions of the world. It is the most distinctive part of the Indo-Burma hotspot and the primary one between the two hotspots identified in Indian Subcontinent. Eco Tourism in North East India is an enlightening tour for all who are interested in the flora and fauna of the North East region.

There are about 13,500 plant species, 1,170 avian fauna species, 329 diverse species of mammals, 484 and 202 species of reptiles and amphibians respectively in the Indo-Burma region.

Rich in plant, animal and microbial resources, Manipur is the most noted state for its biodiversity includes 4000 angiospermic plants, 430 medicinal plants 34 species of edible fungi, 500 orchids, 55 species of bamboo, 40 endemic rice cultivars, 160 fish species, 21 migratory aquatic birds and multitude of low and high altitude butterflies.

Absence of industrial infrastructure in the North East Region has made the people more dependent on the bio resources of the region for their livelihood. This being the reason the eco balance is under threat and is probably the highest in World eco map to be belonging to the critical eco-region.

A hub of medicinal plants, the North-Eastern India is rich in industrially potential plants. The medicinal plants since the beginning of the civilization have in useful in treating different types of ailments. With modernization of the traditional medicinal knowledge the region can be economically viable.

Orchids are flowers that accepted to be the most exotic flowers through out the world. The North East Region with its diverse climatic condition and topography is the hot spot for the orchid cultivation. About 650 species of orchids grown in North East India, Manipur grows 500 orchids.

The North Eastern region has vast forests of bamboo which still remains as the untapped resources since Manipur is the only state to have the saw mill industry with only one plywood factory and bamboo chipping plant. Setting up of the wood based industry as well as paper industry would help the region grow economically

Eco-Tourism in North East India has great potential for its unparallel natural beauty. Considered as the tourists’ paradise, the region has scope for eco tourism in centers like Shiroy Range for its beautiful Shiroy lilies, Dzuko Valley for Dzuko Lily, Loktak lake particularly Keibul Lamjao National Park for Sangai.

Eco tourism has immense potential in the North East region of India. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about Eco tourism in North East India.