Green Trails & Golden Fields: Agri-Ecotourism in Rajasthan, India
Mahiwal Singh
*
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
Aditya Vikram Nirala
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
Mercykutty M.J.
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, 680656, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Ecotourism involves environmentally conscious tours to natural environment, promoting local communities and fostering educational experiences. Integrating agriculture with eco-tourism, also known as agri-ecotourism, combines agricultural experiences with sustainable travel practices. Agri-ecotourism refers to a business model that combines agricultural activities with tourism, drawing visitors to farms, ranches, and other agricultural enterprises for entertainment or educational purposes. This approach helps to generate income for the owners. It also includes heritage tourism, village tourism, farm tourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism, nature tourism, which lead to development of community, eradication of poverty and protection of cultural heritage. The diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan make the state an ideal destination for tourists. Agri-ecotourism offers significant potential by combining sustainable agriculture with tourism, promoting rural development and environmental conservation.
Keywords: Agri-eco tourism, sustainability, agriculture, rural economy