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The Indian state of Rajasthan is to develop eight new eco-tourism sites in order to highlight its varied wildlife.

Officials say they want to open up the sites so that visitors can catch a glimpse of the wide variety of animals and plants that live in the region, reports the IANS news agency.

'The government will develop the Jhalana and Nahargarh biological parks in Jaipur into eco-tourism sites so that tourists would get a glimpse of the state's wildlife and also learn about the biological diversity,' said state forest minister Laxminarain Dave.

'Tourists would be provided with detailed information about the trees, plants, including medicinal ones, and the wildlife at these places. Wildlife experts will speak on conservation,' he added.

Other landmarks which have been suggested as possible eco-tourism sites include Mount Abu, Udaipur and Jaisalmer.

As well as attracting foreign tourists to the eco-sites, the Indian government is also using promotional material to get local people interested in the project.

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