The awareness on responsible travel is fast catching up. Travellers are opting for sustainable destinations, eco-friendly accommodations or groups that promote eco-tourism. There is a growing demand for places or tour groups that can teach green and traditional ways to preserve and conserve our eco-system. There are many organisations that have adopted out-of-the-box ideas to fuel the interest in travelling for this cause. Here are some of them.
A mere 100 kms from Mumbai, this regenerated, natural forest-farm, with its pristine, unpolluted environment, is ideal to pick up lessons in biodiversity and sustainable living. Tucked at the edge of a remote village, Vanvadi lies in the foothills of the Sahyadri range in the Western Ghat mountains.
A three-hour drive from Mumbai, it is a sprawling 65-acre land with over 90 percent tree cover, a small organic farm, and waterbodies. But what makes it special is the story behind it—a lesson in forest regeneration, rainwater harvesting, and offering a home to over 120 traditionally useful plant species, including 52 varieties of forest food. Vanvadi offers a range of participatory programmes and workshops. One of their popular events is the forest walks with experienced adivasi elders to learn about traditionally useful plant species and forest foods.
To take part in the activities and events, click here .
The Ladakhi Women's Travel Company is the kind of travel operator that should exist everywhere in India—it employs local women as guides and offers services solely for women travellers (though men accompanying them are welcome). It may only offer sightseeing and treks in Ladakh, but sets an example for others in terms of local participation and well-researched itineraries. It also promotes eco-tourism and urges both tourists and villagers to protect the environment by relinquishing support for touristy activities that cause strain to the surrounding flora and fauna.
Take note of some of its best and well-researched treks in the winter—its Zingchen to Rumbak trek at Hemis National Park is popular because it presents a chance to spot the elusive snow leopard. The year-round Sham trek is from Likir to Ang and Temisgang. It is recommended for experienced trekkers looking to acclimatise (and, of course, enjoy the breathtaking landscape) before they take on more challenging routes such as the 5D/4N Lamayuru to Zingchen journey that concludes at the scenic Dundunchen La.
There are also sightseeing tours such as one-day trips to Shey, Thikse and Hemis monasteries, visits that are highly encouraged. Or one could just visit Nubra valley to spot the fascinating double-humped Bactrian camel, experience Buddhist gompas (which are fortifications of learning), and drive through the world's highest motorable pass, Khardung La.
For more details, click here.
If you are interested in deeper, responsible travel, then sign up for a workshop with Indi Architecture, an organisation that is involved in conserving, promoting and sharing the architectural knowledge and skills of master craft persons through workshops, travel and cultural exchange. It is a social enterprise located in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, which strives to protect, conserve and teach the methods of vernacular architecture—a path to sustainable living.
Know more about their work, events and workshops by visiting their website.
This cooperative runs trekking tours in the Great Himalayan National Park, which was awarded the UNESCO heritage site in 2014 for its outstanding biodiversity. The best part is that the money earned goes towards conservation of natural resources, nurturing green technologies, community empowerment through self-help groups, and creating local products—thus illustrating how tourism can be sustainable, inclusive, and be part of a circular economy.
The Great Himalayan National Park houses around 10 per cent of the world's endemic and exotic species of flora and fauna. Among the rare species that can be spotted here are the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Ibex, and Himalayan Musk Deer.
For more information on Himalayan Ecotourism, click here.
BuDa Folklore
If you are looking to know more about forest foods, foraging, and adivasi food systems and culture, sign up for an annual kokum harvesting festival organised by BuDa Folklore. An organisation dedicated to conserving the rich biodiversity and folk tales of the indigenous people of Uttar Kannada, BuDa's harvest festival constitutes a movable feast, which sees many people from different cities flock to their Angadibail Forest House, located in the evergreen woods around 30 kilometres from Gokarna.
Read more about them here.