What is Biodiversity? 5 Popular Hotspots in India

biodiversity hotspots in india

Do you wish to live your life happily and forever? Preserve biodiversity as it makes the ecosystem more resilient and serves as a unity of life. Biodiversity is the ultimate treasure and its diminishment requires to be prevented at every cost. Biodiversity serves as variation in living forms that could be measured in various ways that possess huge numbers of species, various varieties of species, and proper distribution of species. Furthermore, biodiversity serves as a prime necessity for the planet’s stability and also helps humans to stay healthy.

India has a prosperous demography that includes a wide range of biodiversity that serves as a determining factor of population growth and human survival. Moreover, India’s biodiversity hotspots possess various species that include almost 1200 birds, 300 mammals, 400 reptiles, 190 amphibians, 14000 flowering plants, and 2500 fishes.

A huge number of tourists get attracted to the rich land of India, not only to witness various endemic species but also to merge into this exciting memory. India is home to four exotic biodiversity hotspots that boasts varying type of species and also offers various other opportunities for adventure lovers.

Let’s quickly dive into various biodiversity hotspots in India that would attract you to the most exotic hotspots that are well-known for various outdoor recreational activities.

Here are 5 Hotspots for Biodiversity in India:

1. The Himalayas

The Himalayas of India

The Himalayas serve as one of the major biological hotspots in India and is well-known as the largest mountain pitch in the world. The Himalayan ranges stretch from Nepal to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand in the North region to Sikkim, Darjeeling, Myanmar, and Arunachal Pradesh in the Northeast region including a great geographic location with rich diversity. Witness some endangered species such as wild Asian water buffalo and one-horned rhinoceros along with various other types of species.

Apart from this, the Himalayas has gained immense popularity among trekkers and it is a dream for trek and spiritual lovers to discover the Himalayan range due to its rocky terrain, pious pilgrimage shrines, beautiful nature, and exciting activities. Furthermore, you could even view relict dragonflies in this region along with various other flora and fauna species.

  • Best visiting time – The best time to visit the Himalayas is from late October to the start of May, but if you desire to start your journey from Ladakh then the ideal time is from May to September.
  • Trip duration – 15 to 20 days.
  • Things to do – Trekking, river rafting, camping, mountain biking, and trying local delicious cuisine.
  • How to reach – The best way to reach the Himalayas is via road or trekking to various remote places. You could even take a flight or train to the last airport or railway station.

2. The Western Ghats

Western Ghat in Maharashtra

Running across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka and extending towards Sri Lanka, The Western Ghats seems the most captivating region. UNESCO recognized the Western Ghats as one of the major global biodiversity hotspots in India that are entirely covered with dense green forests and include almost 70% amphibians and 62% reptiles.

Witness a huge range of biodiversity that includes varying species of reptiles, mammals, insects, fish, butterflies, flowering plants, and crops. Stuffed with various stunning and charming hill stations such as Panchgani, Coonoor, Ooty, Coorg, and various others along with various vast wildlife sanctuaries, the region of Western Ghats provides exciting travel goals to photographers, nature, and wildlife lovers.

  • Best visiting time – The best time for visiting the Western Ghats is after October when winter commences, and make sure to avoid visiting during monsoon.
  • Trip duration – 2 weeks.
  • Things to do – Trekking, cycling, hiking, jungle safari, bird watching, sightseeing various animals.
  • How to reach – You could reach the Western Ghats region via train, flight, or bus.

3. The Indo – Burma Region

The Indo - Burma Region

The Indo-Burma region serves as the third-best biodiversity hotspot usually spreading over two million square kilometers. The region spreads across plains around the Gangetic region along with the river Brahmaputra. Explore diverse and rich flora and fauna along with exotic species of birds, turtles, and reptiles, and visiting the region would be an unforgettable experience.

Witness various endangered species such as gray-crowned crocias, white-eared night herons, along with orange-necked partridge. Travelers need to ensure not to disturb the ecosystem while catching memorable experiences as now the Indo-Burma region is under legal protection due to hunting and various illegal trade.

  • Best visiting time – November to February.
  • Trip duration – 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Things to do – Trekking, jungle safari, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, monastery hopping, boating, kayaking, jeep safari, enjoying music festivals.
  • How to reach – Reach various places of the Indo-Burma region via flight, train, or by road.

4. Sundaland

Sundaland biodiversity hotspot

Extending over western Indo-Malayan along with tectonic plates all over the Indian Ocean, the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot lies in Nicobar Island in India. This biodiversity hotspot lies in South East Asia which includes Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia and the region boasts a diverse and rich terrestrial and marine ecosystem, this hotspot serves as one of the richest hotspots across the world.

Engulfed with the dense vegetation of tropical mangrove forests, the hotspot includes a huge number of marine species of reptiles, mammals, and much more. Witness various exotic species of turtles such as the Olive ridley turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and many more.

  • Best visiting time – Early November to April end.
  • Trip duration – 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Things to do – Snorkeling, scuba diving, experiencing cellular jail sound and light show, sea walking, glass bottom boating, banana boat riding, seaplane riding, parasailing, jet skiing, undersea walking, speed boating, fishing.
  • How to reach – Reach the region via flight or by ships that are operated by the Indian Government.

5. The Sunderbans

Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

Sunderbans is considered to be one of the largest forest mangroves in the world and is an active deltaic region that spreads across the West Bengal region of India to Bangladesh.

The hotspot is considered a world heritage site that provides a great opportunity to witness various exotic and rare species of fauna and flora. Witness huge numbers of Royal Bengal tigers, Gangetic dolphins, varying bird species, crocodiles, and many other animals. Explore the stunning and exotic biodiversity.

  • Best visiting time – October to March and then from April to July.
  • Things to do – Wildlife safari, exploring local villages, fishing, bird watching.
  • How to reach – Reach the hotspot region via train, flight, or via road.

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