India has seen a tourism boom in recent years which is likely to be partly thanks to the growth of environmental travel.

Figures show that the country is now welcoming around five million tourists a year, many of whom are enticed by its offering of culture and wildlife.

Efforts have been made to boost the number of travellers visiting the country and conservationists have pushed for better protection of animals which make their home there.

Minister of tourism Ambika Soni, said this week: "India has been achieving consistently a high growth rate of 13.3 per cent, 13.5 per cent and 12.4 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively."

Responsible tourism has seen huge growth in recent years with travellers becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and hoping to give back to the communities they visit.

Eco-tourism can help towards the conservation of animals and their habitats as it can highlight the plight of endangered species such as Bengal tigers.

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