In one of the World Summits on Sustainable Development being held in Cape Town, 'Responsible Tourism' was defined as "making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit." The concept of Responsible Tourism relies on three tenets, known as the Triple Bottom Approach—economic responsibility, socio-cultural responsibility, and environmental responsibility—to curate experiences for travellers such that the welfare of the local communities and their economic advancement is enhanced. Several organisations in the travel sector have built their foundation on these concepts.
One such is 100 Miles based out of Kolkata. From cross-border cycling expeditions to heritage stays, they have lined up an incredible variety of immersive travel experiences.
Launched in 2000, it was conceived by adventure enthusiasts Chandan Sourav and Swarojit Roy. The brand was born from a shared passion for exploration and a desire to introduce travellers to unconventional experiences. Inspired by their adventures in trekking and cycling, including a remarkable journey across India in 1997 to commemorate 50 years of Indian Independence, Chandan and Swarojit identified a gap in the tourism industry. They envisioned 100 Miles as a platform to promote soft adventure tourism and offer travellers an alternative mode of tourism to discover the world. "The name "draws inspiration from the iconic song "500 Miles," symbolising the spirit of continuous travel and exploration," says Roy. "Just as the song's lyrics evoke a sense of journeying onward, the name embodies the ethos of adventure and discovery that defines the brand's identity."
At the heart of 100 Miles' mission lies a commitment to making a difference, both for travellers and the planet. By popularising bicycles as a sustainable means of tourism and addressing the urgent issue of climate change, the brand seeks to redefine the way people travel. Through curated experiences that immerse travellers in local culture and heritage, 100 Miles aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the destinations visited while leaving a positive impact on the environment and communities.
Over the years, 100 Miles has spearheaded various projects and activities aimed at redefining tourism experiences. From pioneering cross-border cycling tours in 2012, when cycling was still in its infancy as a tourism vehicle in West Bengal, to popularising the Silk Route tour of Kalimpong and Sikkim hills, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of adventure travel. Some of their notable initiatives include "Romancing Calcutta," a unique tour experience designed for foreign tourists to explore Kolkata's rich cultural heritage. Under this, travellers use local modes of transportation and roam in the city by all the means of local vehicles in a day—from tram, metro, handpulled rickshaw, to ferry, pheaton, etc. covering the major tourist destinations of Kolkata.
If you are looking for a stay by the river, try their property Nihar on the Ganges, a heritage stay, which also has a travel themed cafe called Sunset Travel Cafe, where one can enjoy some adda and food, discuss their upcoming travel plans, and book it from there. They also offer E-Rickshaw Heritage Tours from here, which explore offbeat areas like Panihati, Khardah, Barrackpore and Hooghly by an eco-friendly E-Rickshaw.
Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, 100 Miles has forged strategic partnerships with organisations dedicated to promoting responsible tourism. The brand's collaboration with the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) led to accolades, including the award for best practices in climate change mitigation.
Notably, 100 Miles partnered with the Ministry of Tourism for the 10th Bhasa Sutra Indo-Bangladesh bicycle expedition, underscoring its commitment to cross-cultural exchange and sustainable travel. You can read more about it in our report here.
"As responsible tourism entrepreneurs, we confront a myriad of challenges, including striking a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation, fostering community engagement, and raising awareness about sustainable practices among travellers," says Roy.
"Additionally, navigating regulatory frameworks, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing with local communities, and overcoming infrastructural limitations pose ongoing challenges." However, their unwavering dedication to responsible tourism principles has fuelled their resolve to surmount these obstacles and drive positive change in the industry.
Looking ahead, 100 Miles offers an exciting line-up of upcoming events and activities for adventurous travellers. Highlights include the cross-cultural odyssey through India and Bangladesh, as well as curated packages for cultural festivals such as Hornbill and Sangai. With 100 Miles, the adventure never ends, inviting travelers to embark on unforgettable journeys that leave a lasting impact. Read more about them here.