famous monasteries responsibly & sustainably in bhutan · machine, use of naturally obtained...

Vol 2, Issue 7

Responsibly & Sustainably

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The FirsT All-Women TrAvel CompAny in lAdAkh

The AmAzing poTenTiAl oF BAmBoo grAss

sAgAreshWAr mAn mAde WildliFe sAnCTuAry

FAmily homesTAy kAThmAndu

Budni lACquer CrAFT

FAmous monAsTeries in BhuTAn

• Meet the artisans...• experience their work and learn...• Bond with the coMMunity... • experience local culture...• stay in a typical rural hoMe...• contriBute to environMent, choose an eco resort...• conserve wildlife, Biodiversity... Be A responsiBle TourisT!

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n the banks of river Narmada (Madhya Pradesh, Central India), amidst forests, there is

a small locality of craftsmen, who make lacquered wooden articles. This is Budni Ghat, where soft wood spins on the lathe from morning to twilight, metamorphosing into beautiful objects and shapes. The Budni craftsmen, who have been practicing the craft for generations, belong to the Vishwakarma community.

They elaborate wood work for both utilitarian and architectural purpose. They work primarily on making toys, cradle frames, wooden temples, flower vases and other home decor. Spinning broken branches on lathe machine, use of naturally obtained lac-base colors, later handcrafted items are polished with a blend of khajur leaf and oil.

Combination of dried kewada leaf and oil is also used to add shine to them. In order to improvise their field they have incorporated the use of bright flourescent colors and new designs. All these efforts of the artisans give them a mesmerizing look.

Earlier, the lathe was run manually. diesel power was introduced 60 years back. Nowadays, cleaner energy is

used and the machines are run on electricity. Simple chisels and gouges help to carve out shapes on the soft wood while it spins and while it is still on the lathe, the colour is applied. Artificial dyes, brought from Rajasthan, have replaced natural colours in the lacquer work.

An important ingredient in the process, a kind of wax, known as “Chapdi” is sourced from Maharashtra. This wax is boiled with “Chandrak”, a natural varnishing agent and the dye is added in, to prepare the lacquer paste. Once the coloured lacquer is dried after application on the wood, it is polished with Kewda oil for a smooth and shiny finish.

Budni lacquer work was much regarded and popular in the pre-independence times when the Nawab of Sehore promoted the craft. The influx of cheap plastic and rising prices of wood left the craftsmen with low returns on their expertise and hard work.

Today, the craftsmen try to incorporate the bright fluorescent colours of plastic in their lacquer products to keep the customer interested.

After all these years of relentless competition, this small street of Budni Ghat still sustains an age old craft all because of the ingenuity

of these wood lacquer craftsmen. While the Kutch (Gujarat, West India) lacquer work is strong and sturdy due to the hard babool wood used, Budni products are soft and delicate.

Both Kutchh and Budni lacquer crafts are vivid and glossy; the ones from Budni do not have any patterns, but have bold, solid colours.

“BUDHNI WOODS” is the brand name for rural tourism in Madhya Pradesh. This small village stores tons of raw material for making variety of handicraft items. In order to rejuvenate the lost battles of wooden craft culture of this place, Wood Craft Budhni are providing the platform for artisans.

The influence of artificial items and rise in wood prices has left artisans with low returns on their expertise, as the demand is less, business has also slowed down.

Presently the art is also at the verge of losing its identity. The artistans here are struggling to provide their children even the basic needs. In order to bring back the wooden lacquer art to life, Wood Craft Budhni are doing considerable efforts to keep the trade a doable business for the artisans.

http://www.woodcraftbudhni.com

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The FirsT All-Women TrAvel CompAny in lAdAkh

Thinlas Chorol set up a Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company, which has the distinction of being Ladakh’s (Jammu & Kashmir, North India) first

travel company completely owned and operated by women. It is also known for promoting ecotourism. The agency specialises in organising homestay treks, providing trekkers with female guides and porters.

The aim is to encourage the women of Ladakh to show their abilities and skills, particularly in the more remote areas. Through homestays, women in the villages get a chance to meet new people and new cultures. Tourists in turn can also learn from them.

Thinlas’ foray into the mountains began as a five-year-old accompanying her father on long treks through the mountains with their goats and sheep. Today, as one of Ladakh’s best trekking guides, she looks back on that incomparable training in childhood.

What was far from bliss was the assortment of obstacles Thinlas encountered on her way to becoming the pioneering and inspirational woman she is today. Societal restrictions, taboos and narrow mindsets had to be faced at every step. But the struggle paved way to become a professional trekking guide at a time when female trekking guides were unheard of.

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Despite her trekking competence, many travel companies refused to hire her as a guide, solely on account of her being a woman. Most men, on the other hand, were hired as trekking guides even without any professional training or knowledge of trekking routes/awareness of environmental impact. She was repeatedly told that a Ladakhi woman going into the mountains with a group of foreigners would be frowned upon by society. But she didn’t let the rejections and social taboos stop her.

Thinlas had met a few female travellers who had been harassed by their male trekking guides and were keen on trekking with a female guide they could trust. With the encouragement she received at SECMOL (Students Education and Culture Movement of Ladakh, an organization that helps educate children from remote regions of Ladakh) and the support of her American English teacher, Thinlas went on to gain some commendable professional expertise. She attended a mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi) and spent a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, where she picked up wilderness and leadership skills. She even worked as an instructional aide at NOLS and was the first Ladakhi to do so.

Thinlas started the Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company (LWTC) in 2009 at the age of 29. Since then, many Ladakhi women have approached her to train them as trekking guides and, today, the company has 8 guides, 4 trainees and 20 employees in all. It takes a minimum of one year with the company to become a trekking guide. Thinlas also co-founded

the Ladakhi Women’s Welfare Network in late 2013, which helps women report crimes against them and works towards their general welfare. Given Thinlas’ deep sense of connection with the land, responsible travel is a huge part of LWTC’s work. Having seen a lot of garbage dumped on the mountains by irresponsible campers and tourists, the women at LWTC ensure that the ‘leave no trace’ rule is respected on their treks and the environmental impact minimized.

Trekkers make halts at homestays run by rural women and learn from Ladakhis about their way of life. Clients are told to avoid plastic bottles and instead refill water bottles at the homestays. Thinlas is aware that since homestays are unprofitable for travel agencies many of them don’t offer this option to clients unless the latter specifically insist on them. These homestays help rural women achieve the same status as their men who are out earning for their families. Homestays also encourage people to remain in their villages instead of seeking jobs in cities.

As well as helping women in the villages, LWTC also aims to support the preservation of Ladakhi

culture. Their guides are highly knowledgeable about the Ladakhi culture, thereby they are able to provide an authentic experience to different tourist places and relate the tourist to the history behind them. Trekkers get a closer look at the traditional Ladakhi way of life in a homestay rather than in a guesthouse. The chances of working with Ladakhis in the fields and in their homes can also be availed on some occasions. While trekking, one will of course observe the local Ladakhi flora and fauna, which guides are always willing to explore with the trekkers. The main challenge for LWTC is the seasonal nature of their work, with the season being barely four months from June to September. LWTC has to stretch out the income made in these few months for the rest of the year. In the winter, LWTC offers snow leopard treks, however, being off-season, there aren’t many takers.

In empowering herself, Thinlas has empowered a host of other women as well. Her vision for LWTC is to see her trekking guides spread their wings across the globe and, in turn, inspire many others to actualize their dreams.

http://www.ladakhiwomens travel.com


iksthang (Sikkim, North East India), at an altitude of about 4200 feet, is a well-known

bird watching hot spot. Its pristine wilderness and pleasant climate offer a serene environ well suited to avid nature lovers as well as world-weary travellers.

At the Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse the acres of lush green farmlands is still untouched by human habitation.

There are 8 cottages in total, spread across a working farm of about 50 acres. Each cottage is spread out from the Heritage Wing and requires some walking over cobbled footpath. Every room comes with its own unique view of the hills and the farm.

Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is built on the estate of the Sharkahlon family. The original house was built by Sharkahlon Tshering Thondup, a prominent

minister in the 18th century. The main floor of the house now serves as the reception centre. The present generation of the family has converted the ancestral property to a modern resort.

In keeping with the family tradition, the economic sustainability of the surrounding village is taken care of. The aim is to operate a viable resort and farm to maximize the collective economic potential. Villagers are encouraged to provide auxiliary services and their family members work at the resort.

A trek to Lheuntse Monastery gives a panoramic view of the range. Village walk and partaking in the local village day to day activities is highly encouraged. Experience “Haat”, the local village economy, every Tuesday at Mangalbarey. Gym, pool and traditional spa facilities are also available.

Guests who have a keen interest in in the traditional way of cooking over firewood and slow cooked meals, will consider this an ideal place. One may exchange recipes, learn about the ingredients and the art of preparation of the food.

Get a general feel of the farmhouse by being part of the family and working on the farm. Depending on the season, one can even pick seasonal fruits and vegetables and take it back.

For those interested, many activities to get a feel of the farm life—tilling the fields, digging up furrows and beds to sow seasonal fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers or simple gardening are encouraged.

One can even help to cut fodder for the cows, go milking in the mornings and evenings or feed the chickens while checking for fresh eggs laid in the chicken coupe.

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Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse now welcomes limited groups interested in yoga and meditation, wellness and other healing techniques. Keeping in mind the remoteness and the pristine, natural environment—fresh air, water and wholesome food, coupled with the breathtaking view of Mt. Khangchendzogna and the Himalayan range as the picturesque backdrop,

Biksthang is the right place to be! Traditional hot stone herbal bath used for soothing the nerves, body aches and joint-pains is available on request.

In view of the demand made by guests for souvenirs and momentoes of genuine Sikkimese handicrafts and other items, Khyom is the little gift shop by the Heritage Wing. Khyom showcases authentic, some unique and exclusive gift items made by local artisans of the region.

The aim of the resort owners is to preserve the legacy, restore the dying agricultural heritage and give visitors a genuinely authentic experience of the rich culture, tradition, history and cuisine of west Sikkim.

http://www.biksthang.com

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co-tourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains

the well-being of local people. With diverse ecosystems such as deserts, dry forests, grasslands as well as rich moist deciduous forest, marine ecosystems and wetlands, Gujarat is established as an eco-tourism destination for nature lovers. Eco-tourism destinations present in Gujarat include 4 national parks and 22 sanctuaries. From coast to white desert, Gujarat is highly diversified in nature with some of the famous eco-tourism destinations. The largest abode of the Asiatic lions in the country, Gir National Park is situated 43 kms from Somnath. There are multiple spots in Gujarat that allows one to witness the gifts of nature with minimum interference.

Eco Sites of Gujarat Eco-tourism is slowly and gradually becoming a thriving industry in Gujarat. Camping is the favourite activity of tourists who visit Gujarat. A tour to the eco-campsite of Gujarat is all about discovering peace quotient, living happily and de-stressing. Most wildlife national parks and sanctuaries provide nature-friendly overnight accommodation, making it easy

for tourists to witness nature right outside their windows. Sasan Gir, Jambughoda, Jessore, Polo Forest, Saputara and Dasada are the known eco-tourism sites in Gujarat that will take one through the refreshing journey.

Waghai Botanical Garden have a wide range of native and exotic plant samples from which you can learn to identify plants, learn how they are used for food and medicine, and how much we depend on them. There is a nature education trail which leads you to and from Vansda Park.

A visit to the Dangs artist village will leave you mesmerised by the local artifacts and Saputara Tribal museum will introduce you to the lifestyle, costumes, heritage and ecology of the tribal Dangs. For the ones who prefer eco-tourism and

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excursions, Saputara and Dangs have a variety of options to offer.

The Mahal Eco Campsite is bestowed with rivers and bamboo glides, with excellent walking and trekking options. It is located on the banks of the Purna river, in the middle of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary and is a part of the Dang Forest Division North. For an eco-tourist wanting to enjoy birds of moist deciduous forest mixed with bamboo, this is the best place to visit.

Zarwani Eco Campsite is situated in the Narmada district. It is situated inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a gamut of flora and fauna. The wildlife attraction includes leopards, wild sloth bears, hyena, various species of deers and wild dogs.

Kevdi is a well-stocked forest eco-tourism site situated on the route connecting Jambughoda Sanctuary and Ratanmahal Sanctuary. It is situated at the bank of a river with rich biodiversity. Sloth bear, panther, hyena, giant flying squirrel is often sighted at the site. The main attraction of the campsite is the flying squirrel which can be spotted in the evening.

Experience the Wild!Rich variety of flora and fauna makes Gujarat home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds, a treat for nature lovers. The unique climatic conditions and geographic location has made the state suitable as the habitat of rare wildlife species. Asiatic lion, wild ass, black buck, four-horned antelope and the great Indian bustard are some of the rare species preserved by the various wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat. Wildlife in Gujarat is not restricted to national parks and sanctuaries as resident and migratory birds

frequent visits ponds, lakes and riversides in Gujarat cities. Peacocks, jackals, saras cranes, woodland birds and many more flock gardens, parks and across places. The best time to visit Gujarat is in the mild winter months from October to March.

Bird Watchers TrailGujarat is a veritable paradise for bird watchers, as it hosts thousands of bird species. It is strategically located between two traditional bird migration routes, one from central and north Asia to east Africa and another from the middle-east and Europe to peninsular India. This makes the state an ideal meeting ground where birds of many feathers flock together. One can make Ahmedabad and Vadodara as

the base when exploring these bird trails.

Gujarat Tourism lays great emphasis on environmental conservation to enhance the tourists understanding and appreciation of nature. Right from stargazing under the clear sky or hiking up Satpura ranges, Gujarat packs a big punch for just one state. All these attractions, easy connectivity to the state by air, rail and road makes Gujarat a much sought after tourist destination amongst nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Gujarat government is also working on a new tourism policy to attract more holiday-makers with a focus on developing eco-tourism spots, especially wildlife.

http://www.gujarattourism.com

Saputara Tribal Museum

Dang Tribal Dance


ustainable tourism which includes eco-tourism and community-based tourism is the need of the

hour in India. Sustainable tourism in India is being driven by social enterprises and offbeat travel companies, which not only offer sustainable holidays in India, but also meaningful travel experiences that can elevate your experience.

There are many ways to experience India. You can stay in a generic hotel or backpacker hostel, hire a car for sightseeing, have casual interactions with people working in the hospitality industry, take some colourful photos and call it a trip. The real India though the India that inspires and humbles, the India that is artistic yet genuine, the India that is simultaneously incredible and heartbreaking takes a little effort to find.

At the age 23 in 2011, I quit my corporate job to travel the world. In 2013, I gave up my home, sold most of the belonging and began living nomadically—seeking adventures off the beaten path and working on the go to fund my travels. Although I grew up in this country, it’s only in the last five years of travelling that I

have discovered a more unique way to experience it. Away from the chaotic tourist towns, I interacted intimately within India, has put everything about life in perspective. And much of this India, I have found by travelling with or seeking suggestions from sustainable tourism companies across the country, run by inspiring individuals, in fair partnership with local communities and conscious of their impact on the local environment.

If you seek to experience India and give back to it meaningfully, consider travelling with these responsible travel companies:

Evolve Back: Kabini, Coorg and Hampi in Karnataka

Evolve Back Coorg (previously called Orange County) was perhaps the first of its kind in India, a sprawling 300-acre coffee plantation, interspersed with grand silver oak trees and plantation style bungalows built in local red brick and thatched or tiled roofs to pamper travellers yet immerse them in the wild ways of nature. Each bungalow is fitted with RO water filters, eliminating the need for plastic bottled water. Rainwater is harvested and its consumption in

each cottage digitally monitored. Education in local schools is also supported and monitored. And it is perhaps India’s only hotel chain to have an entire team dedicated to responsible travel.

Himalayan Ark: Munsiyari in Uttarakhand

Across the small mountain villages of Munsiyari tehsil, the social enterprise Himalayan Ark has aided local women to set up homestays with windows overlooking the mountains. Himalayan Ark has enabled the women of Munsiyari to directly earn revenues from their homestays and to step out of the kitchen to train as trekking and birdwatching guides. Himalayan Ark also offers mountain treks and expeditions, employing local guides, sourcing local produce and offering eco-conscious insights into this relatively undiscovered region. In May every year, the unique Himal Kalasutra festival brings out a different side of this region—featuring high altitude marathons, yoga workshops, photography workshops, birdwatching, celebration of the indigenous cuisine and a traditional carnival.

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Kipepeo: Across Northeast India

The northeastern states of India are full of fascinating, unexplored, uncharted territory and while tourism is still in its nascent stage, it is incumbent upon us travellers to ensure that it is not spoiled the same way as India’s scenic but garbage-filled hill stations. Consider Kipepeo, an organisation that partners with local homestays to offer trips and custom tours in the most natural way possible.

Desia Ecotourism: Koraput in Odisha

The fascinating tribal world of Odisha is threatened by many challenges: interference by local authorities, pressure on the youth to ‘modernise’, decreasing forest cover and most of all, insensitive tourists wanting to photograph local tribes without learning a thing about their culture or way of life. Desia Ecotourism, a company founded by a local of eastern Odisha with a keen interest in the tribal culture of the southern Koraput region. The modes of exploration included cycling through mango orchards to nearby tribal villages and interactions with local tribes at their weekly tribal market felt genuine and living at Desia Ecolodge, run largely by a mix of local tribes, made you feel at home in such a different part of the world.

Grassroutes Journeys: Dehna, Purushwadi and Walvanda in Maharashtra

Using a unique business model where the local community is an equal partner in tourism, Grassroute Journeys has co-created the “Million Fireflies Festival” and other humbling travel experiences across rural Maharashtra. Besides playing an active role in protecting their luminescent visitors, the locals

are now able to supplement their erratic agricultural incomes by hosting travellers in their homes or in tents and keep their traditional way of farming and life alive.

Spiti Ecosphere: Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Ecosphere believes in an equal emphasis on the planet, people and profits. After all, this is the only way for a tourism organisation to be truly sustainable. As for your experience, volunteering with them, exploring those stark barren mountains, lying under millions of stars at night, spending time with monks and nuns, changed everything in your thought and life.

Roots Ladakh: Kargil

In the valleys and mountains around Kargil, where tourism infrastructure is still pretty underdeveloped, Roots Ladakh set up by locals promises respectful interaction and understanding of local communities.

Health Nut: Across India

As the vegan movement catches on in India, Health Nut, run by a health coach from Dehradun,

offers eco-conscious retreats that focus on health, nutrition, reversing diseases and reconnecting with the great outdoors.

Native Folks: Goa

We are all familiar with the tourist-infested beaches of Goa, but Native Folks promises a different experience, living with locals on the laidback Divar Island.

Rural Pleasure: Gujarat

Explore Gujarat by join the Rural Pleasure to learn about the way of life of the fascinating Dang tribe.

Kabani: Kerala

Amid the scenic rice paddies and backwaters of southern Kerala, Kabani works with local communities to offer homestays, travel programs run entirely by women for women and a chance to delve deeper into the offbeat side of this popular state.

Much has been learnt, more has been loved - and the one thing

that has remained constant is my desire to keep moving.

by Shivya Nath

https://www.the-shooting-star.com


haam-E-Sarhad Village Resort opens during mid-October to mid-March. It is a seasonal resort,

operated and managed by the local community of Hodka village, Gujarat, West India.

The resort is situated in Hodka village, surrounded by an area of impressive natural beauty, an ideal location to discover the captivating lands of Kutch.

Hodka is first believed to have been inhabited about 300 years ago by the Halepotra clan. Along with the Halepotra, the Meghwals also settled in Hodka. They were traditionally leather craftsmen and settled in Banni, a region well suited for rearing livestock.

Tourists are recommended to take overnight camel safaris, the most famous attraction in the village. The village is most popular for leather work, which can be locally purchased directly from the craftsman.

Accommodation at Shaam-E-Sarhad is comfortable, simple and clean. The rooms are set up in local

style and decorated with crafts of the area, creating an authentic atmosphere. There are different types of accommodation at the resort: Eco-friendly Tents, Family Cottages, Suite Bhungas and Standard Bhunga.

The Bhungas are circular mud huts with sloping roofs, typical of the Banni region. Each Bhunga has a private open space with arm chairs, an ideal place to relax and look out into nothingness.

Hodka village is quite famous for its art and craft work. Every hamlet in the village has their own distinguish designs and patterns. As part of the tradition every girl in the village is taught to embroider at an age where most other children go to school. Slowly they learn the running stitch, making purses, skirts, cholis, quilt, covers for cattle horn, door hangings, embroidered items embellished with mirrors, shells, beads, tassels, and so on.

Tourists can visit the village accompanied by the local bhomiyas or guides, who give an insight of the village activities and life lifestyle of the villagers in Hodka. Tourists can witness the making of finest embroidery work and leather craft. And converse with families of artisans and get to know about their livelihood. Tourists can get a real feel as to how the ancient people used to dig out water from the well or virda known locally.

Here, one can learn about the ancient process of water harvesting in the Banni drylands, a flat and dry extension of land similar to Rann of Kutch.

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From Hodka village one can head out towards the wetlands of Chhari Dhand, where one can see the great variety of resident and migratory birds. Binoculars and video cameras are recommended.

Covering a total area of around 10 sq. km, Chhari Dhand is a home to more than 50,000 waterfowls and 55 distinct animal species. Some of the most endangered species recorded in the area include the Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black Necked Stork and Indian Skimmer.

Apart from bird watching, one can notice 32 species of raptors along with large number of common cranes native to the region.

Tourists can explore typical village houses, see nicely decorated and painted traditional houses, learn about livelihoods and customs. Artisans stitch a variety

of embroideries (Pakko, Neran, Kambhiro, Applique), etc.

The Hodka Endogenous Tourism seeks to promote local culture and craft-based tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural development.

Imagine an authentic and charming retreat, complemented by the unique experience of being

hosted by the local community. And the richness of culture that awaits you here.

Designed in local style and exquisitely decorated with mirror work, textiles and other local crafts, the Shaam-E-Sarhad Village Resort is the perfect gateway to a genuine travel experience in India.

http://www.hodka.in

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Reducing your plastic waste can be very challenging, especially when traveling.

But in a world flooded with single-use plastic, everybody needs to be aware of its terrible impact on our beautiful planet. The amount of plastic found in the ocean is shocking and we need to change ourselves. We have to learn how to reduce our plastic waste while traveling, how to protect our environment and how to travel more sustainably.

It is no secret that more than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean each year, forming huge garbage patches. You might have heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world. This patch is located between Hawaii and California. In fact, there are 5 of these patches in our oceans. Unfortunately, due to our over-consumption of plastic, many animals die and go extinct every day.

Plastic is harmful because it is ‘Non-Biodegradable’. Plastic bags thrown on land release toxic chemicals and make the land less fertile and end up being eaten by animals. When thrown in water, plastic stays in the sea for years and harms sea life.

Between the carbon footprint and massive use of single-use plastic, traveling does not really tend to be eco-friendly. But there are many alternatives to single-use plastic nowadays, so traveling does not have to involve that much plastic waste. You should reduce your plastic use at home or while traveling by following different tips.

Pack a reusable shopping bagSome countries and cities have banned plastic bags, but others will still give you a plastic bag every time you buy something. In Turkey, shops are still giving plastic bags every single time you buy something so always carry a reusable bag. Reusable bags are washable, lightweight and easy to carry.

Carry a reusable water bottleRefillable water bottles are perfect for everyday use when you are at home or travelling. If you are going through the airport security, bring an empty bottle and fill it up on the other side. It saves time, money and also good for the planet. They are cheap and you can keep them for years. If you are traveling somewhere tap water is not safe to drink, buy a water bottle with a filter and you’ll be able to drink any water no matter where you are. It’s especially handy when you go to

countries in Southeast Asia or South America.

Buy a reusable cutlery kitReusable cutlery kits are another great way to cut down on your plastic waste. Whether you want them in stainless steel or bamboo, this fantastic little kit is super handy on flights, camping and backpacking trips. You can easily find these reusable cutlery sets with spoon, fork, knife and chopsticks online. They even come with a convenient case to store them.

Do not use plastic strawsPlastic straws are one of the biggest sources of plastic waste. In some countries, every drink comes with a plastic straw. If you need to drink with a straw, buy your own reusable straw. You can now buy stainless steel straws which are a lot more eco-friendly. They come with

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a small case and a brush to keep them clean. They are reusable, easy to clean and good for the environment.

Say no to the comfort bag on airplanesWe all know flying is bad for the planet because of the carbon footprint. But comfort bags offered on airplanes are also a big problem. They are the free bags containing toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks and an eye mask. Comfort bags just contain stuff that you already brought with you anyway, so instead of using, pack your own toothbrush in your handbag and get your own eye mask.

Pack your own food in reusable containersCarrying a reusable container is a little bit of a pain especially if you are backpacking but on the long run it will save you money and help

the environment. Think about all the plastic waste you will save by packing your own food in reusable containers. No more plastic waste from fast foods and takeaways, cook yourself some healthy meals and carry them in your reusable container.

Wear good quality eco-friendly travel clothesPlastic is everywhere, even in our clothes. Good quality travel gear tends to last longer. Brands like Patagonia aim at creating travel gear that is durable, eco-friendly and simple. Investing in travel gear that lasts will help minimize plastic use and also supporting a brand that is eco-conscious is a great way to help fight plastic waste.

Do not print plane ticketsIn a world where everybody owns a phone, it is easy to just download your plane tickets and store them on your phone. Same goes for magazines and books. If you do not like reading on your phone, invest in a kindle.

Go to destinations that promote ecotourismEnvironmental changes have affected many places in the world, but ecotourism is becoming more popular and some countries encourage sustainable tourism. Think about Costa Rica, Norway or Denmark for example, which are models of sustainable tourism. Antarctica is also a popular eco-destination as it is the least touched region of the world.

Pick up when you canPicking up plastic waste is a great way to help the environment and will also prevent wildlife from eating it. If everybody picked up, even just a few pieces of crap, imagine how much better our trails and beaches would be. It does not take much to pick up some rubbish and put it in your pockets until you find a bin.

Protecting our environment has become more important than ever and it is our responsibility to protect the world we live in. Following these tips to reduce your plastic waste while traveling will not cost you any extra money; in fact it might save you money in the long run.

All it takes is just a change in our habits and routine, to help our planet and wildlife. In some countries it is hard to avoid using plastic, especially when you are traveling. But we always have the choice to say no to plastic and to make a change.

For more information visit the lifestyle and travel blog ran by Camille, a travel blogger and full-time traveler.

https://www.craftyexplorer.com

Camille is a 28 year old traveler originally from France. She is the author of Crafty Explorer, an eco-travel enthusiast and a long-term budget traveler. She tries to travel in the most sustainable way possible. Her aim is to help you understand why sustainability is important and how you can easily change your travel habits to make the world a better place for future generations.

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alga is a fairly discrete and peaceful village in Parvati valley. Unlike the nearby hotspots like

Tosh and Kasol, the village does not get as much attention by the average urban tourist looking for a quick score and getaway. This, along with the mildly rough terrain leading up to the village results in a sense of isolation that you get when you finally arrive.

You can stay in the Holy Cow Café located pretty much at the end of this small settlement, a cozy café with lodging facilities. It is probably one of the best among all the homestays in the region. The structure, made out of bricks and wood has stood rigidly for many years and served as a pleasant retreat for many tourists who are bound to return after visiting it once.

Kalga is not just a destination, but it is an experience, an experience to be one with nature, to explore the beauty of Himalayas and most importantly, to explore oneself. With lodges and homestays providing minimal electric amenities, just a single light bulb and a socket for charging electronic device, there is an ample amount of opportunity to disconnect yourself with the routine life and enjoy nature in

its cleanest and purest form. From sprawling meadows full of greenery to dense, serene woods, the backyard of Kalga shows the best that Himalayan destinations have to offer.

Unlike many other remote villages in India, the people of Kalga take great pride and responsibility towards waste management. Despite the presence of multiple places for tourists to stay, it is almost impossible to find a stray water bottle or plastic bag even if one was to go looking for it. Despite being not so well connected to the bustling towns, the residents of the village do not burn their trash but instead go the extra mile, literally, in order to dispose it to the nearest dump. Not only does this result in a cleaner environment but it also serves as a reminder to many of us about how easy it is to preserve and maintain our mountain jewels, many of which have sadly fallen prey to the carnage of civilization.

One key distinction that the Holy Cow Café holds is the fact that it remains open even in the harsh winter during the months of December and January. Temperatures dip as low as -5°C and snowfall slows down life even further. However, braving the cold

and visiting Kalga in the winter is far more rewarding than it is challenging, for what once felt like a spring retreat now feels like a winter wonderland, the green meadows look like an untouched glacier and the woody trails feel like something out of a bollywood movie set. The view from the deck of the café in the afternoon is so divine that it can probably make an atheist feel one with god!

Exploring these untouched, remote settlements is not only integral for us to find peace, but to learn and realize their importance so we can protect and preserve them before it is too late.

How to get there: Reaching Kalga is not exactly as easy as reaching other frequently visited destinations in the Parvati valley which is the reason behind its exclusivity and tranquility. If one is to set out for the village from the bustling town of Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh, they would have to first take a 2 hour bus or taxi ride to Barshaini through the narrow and treacherous roads of the Himalayas passing by Kasol and Manikaran on the way.

Barshaini is as far as the road goes in this region and it is a 30 minute hike from here to the village through a very scenic lush and mountainous landscape.

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orests are natural patterns of biodiversity. They can be found in every part of the world,

even in the desert. Apart from works of nature, forests created by humans too are worth seen. One of the finest, sober example, amongst them is Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, west part of India.

Artificial in its real sense, the making of this spectacular man-made forest has been possible only due to the efforts of the famous freedom fighter and environment activist, D.M. Mohite, who worked day and night to raise it in all its glory. In the year 1975, the park was formed and every year, an increase in the number of plants, trees has led it become a tourist hub.

It all started when Mohite, while visiting the dry mountain slopes in his village saw a vision of lush

green forest. To make his vision a reality, it took him 15 tenacious years to convince the villagers, forest officials, government officials and extensive hard work. The first thing Mohite did was to get the villagers to agree to stop the grazing of cattle. Then with the help of villagers he planted thousands of indigenous saplings across the length and breadth of this degraded forest.

For years, they carried water from the nearby villages and tended to them with love and care. Once these saplings grew up to be young trees, wild animals were brought in with the help of the forest department—sambar deer, spotted deer, blackbuck, fox, wild boar, snakes, mongoose and porcupine. Birds and butterflies though just breezed in.

This forest is called Sagareshwar Sanctuary, and is perhaps the first man-made sanctuary in India. This

was distinct in its appearance as many animals were re-introduced. Located in Devrashtre village, the sanctuary now is the home to sambhar, blackbucks, wild boar, barking deer, chital, fox, hyena and porcupine.

Also in this 10.87 sq. km area, one can find many plants that have been planted by the forest department like Tamarind, Neem, Nilgiri, Acacia, Agave and Khair. The wildlife sanctuary is a treat for entomologists too as here exists, a good population of insects, birds and reptiles.

This forest is also a rare example of continuous upgradation by the forest department over the last three decades. First, it was declared a deer park, then a forest reserve, and then a wildlife sanctuary. It is fenced all around, except for the animal migration corridors. And all this happened when Mohite was alive.

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A walk in the forest here is enough to see how suitable it is for eco-tourism. Probably that led Mohan Karnat, the then Chief Conservator of Forests, Kolhapur, and his dedicated team consisting of S. Zhure and S. Naykal to set up a cluster of beautifully designed cottages, a nature interpretation centre and an amphitheater to screen wildlife films so that visitors are sensitized to the forest and all that dwells in it.

Situated at a height of 2700 feet, the scenic Sagareshwar is probably the only wildlife sanctuary that has viewing areas ‘Points’ as one gets to see in a hill station. Ranshool Point, the Kirloskar Point and the Mahangund Point are the most popular.

Inside the forest is the Lingeshwar temple that’s twin to the Sagareshwar temple outside. The popular temple idol Sagareshwar lent its name to the forest. Devotees normally visit both temples.

If tourists want to extend their holiday in Sagareshwar sanctuary than they should visit Sangli, where a whiff of turmeric welcomes everyone. Sangli has many fields of turmeric plantation. This place also boasts visit of exceptional chess masters as many chess events have been organized here. India’s finest wine is also produced in Sangli.

Touring the vineyards is also very popular. A group of 51 ancient temples belonging to Shilahara (c. 765 and 1029) or Yadava (c. 850–1334) period, around 1.5 kms

from the sanctuary, are a must visit. Also here, one finds many stone sculptures of sages, women and elephants.

The other well known attractions nearby are Gokak Water Falls, Dandoba Hill Station, Chandoli Forests and Audumbar. A hike to

the topmost hill of the sanctuary can give a spectacular view of Krishna river; zigzagging and making its way through fields of sugarcane and grapevines.

How to get there: Sagareshwar is around 380 kms from Mumbai. Take the Mumbai-Kolhapur Highway and turn at Karad. The nearest railway station is Sangli.

Where to stay: The Forest Rest House.


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ualkuchi is the home of expert Assamese (people from the state of Assam, North East

India) weavers. Many families can trace their weaving tradition back to thousands of years. Even today, almost every household has a working loom. These weavers are highly skilled and extremely passionate about their inherited indigenous art.

North of the river Brahmaputra, about 35 kms from the capital city of Guwahati, in Assam’s Kamrup district is Sualkuchi. With narrow lanes that open onto built roads, this place with a village atmosphere but large enough to be called a town has been known and admired for its silk weaving, especially for the eri, muga and pat silk varieties.

Mekhela chadors, saris, gamusas (locally worn garments/bed linen)—all are produced in the town’s handlooms, using

cardboard cards punched with intricate designs that remind one of Braille. Assam has many silk weaving centres. But the reputation Sualkuchi has earned over the years for its quality, design and technique sets it apart. Its proximity to the state capital is an advantage, as it adds to its accessibility. But like other artisan communities in the country, Sualkuchi too has not been able to remain indifferent to the strong winds of free market economics. Customers who value authenticity and tradition still exist, but overall sales have inevitably been affected by cheap substitutes. This trend in turn affects wages, while the cost of the raw material, the silk that is woven, continues to rise.

Originally, Sualkuchi was a ‘craft village, home to several cottage industries like handloom weaving, oil processing, pottery, gold making etc. But all of these,

other than weaving have almost become extinct.

The weaving industry of Sualkuchi remained confined to the Tanti community till the 1930s. Later on, people from other communities also took up silk weaving. Even some fishermen and Brahmin (upper caste) communities took to weaving as their main source of income as handloom was emerging as the most profitable source of income. The weaving industry of Sualkuchi received a major boost during the Second World War. Slowly, almost the entire village took up weaving.

Weaving comes naturally to the natives of this village. It is ingrained in their lifestyle. Expert weavers from other districts also throng this place for its commercial prominence. In fact, the migrant weavers who work on wages are

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dominating the locals at present. The women weavers outnumber the male weavers. Though cotton and khadi textiles are also woven, silk weaving is more prominent and well known.

As one walks the numerous tiny streets of Sualkuchi, one can hear the rhythmic sounds made by the looms and the flying shuttles. It is

spellbinding to see these women and men at work. The rhythmic movements of hands and legs on looms turn silk threads into magnificent fabrics, with the help of punched cards surfacing gorgeous woven motifs. These premeditated motifs are first drawn on graph papers. Then holes are punched on rectangular

cardboards along the lines of the design to make the punched cards. The woven motifs are mostly inspired from the flora and fauna found in the state, ranging from various flowers to peacocks, deer and rhinos etc. Another common motif is the ‘Jaapi’ or the traditional Assamese hat. Weaving one saree takes about 6 days and sometimes more depending on the design. During the period of the royalties, only golden zari was used for the woven motifs but as weaving got commercialised, silk and even cotton threads for the motifs were used.

Nowadays, the rising prices of these indigenous silks have led to some weavers importing cheaper yarns from other places like Mysore (Karnataka, South India) and Bhagalpur (Bihar, East India). This has led to the mixing of these imported ones with the indigenous ones making them more affordable at the cost of quality. The streets of Sualkuchi are lined by numerous silk shops, selling variants of traditional, native silk with the blended ones. These are visited by locals, national and international visitors. How to get there: Located at a distance of 35 kms from Guwahati, Sualkuchi can be easily reached by taking a bus or by hiring a cab.

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Bamboo is a tribe of flowering perennial evergreen plants belonging to the

grass family. It is one of the most versatile grasses found on Earth. This amazing grass, which grows very fast and in clumps, can be grown anywhere. Bamboo grows naturally in the northeastern and southern parts of India, where the geographical conditions have always been suitable for it to grow in abundance.

For centuries now, the local people have been using bamboo for almost everything from food to construction. The best place to learn more about this ‘woody grass’ is at India’s one and only Bamboo Museum, found

in the premises of the Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (IHBT), one of the many research laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of India, based in Palampur, in Himachal Pradesh.

The Bamboo Museum is built using various species of bamboo. The walls, the floor, the ceiling, the entire exterior, the doors and even the furniture inside are made using bamboo alone. Numerous handicrafts made out of bamboo are displayed in the museum. Seeds of bamboo as well as sweetmeats and pickles made out of bamboo are available for visitors to see and taste. To add to the beauty of the structure,

along the exterior walls, varieties of bamboo are planted in pots.

The Bamboo Museum was first opened to public on September 30, 2011. The museum was the brainchild of Dr. Anil Sood and a few of his scientist colleagues, who have done decades of research on this plant family. The aim behind establishing a museum like this is to educate all the visitors on how just one family of grass, with over a thousand species, can take care of all our requirements.

There are about 125 species of this perennial evergreen plant found in India and around 50 of them are grown in the institute at Palampur. Bamboo comes in various colors, sizes and girth.

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Bamboo is stronger than steel, earthquake-proof and an extremely effective erosion control agent. There is a strong and thorny variety of bamboo that can be grown along the international borders of the country, making a natural fence that is sturdy and very difficult to get across.

Bamboo can be used as a wood substitute for construction work as well as for making strong and sturdy furniture. Bamboo as activated charcoal can be used in water filtration plants and in wineries. We can make paper,

handicraft items, weapons and musical instruments from bamboo.

Bamboo shoots and other tender parts of the grass are used to make pickles and other food items. Bamboo candy, as discovered in this laboratory, is rich in vitamins, proteins and fiber and is said to have the capacity to reduce cholesterol if consumed regularly. The food and nutrition department at the institute has been working on introducing bamboo noodles, bamboo nuggets and many other snacks made of bamboo. Different species of bamboo in pots add to the external beauty of the museum.

After reading all the information provided at the museum about the ‘Green Gold of the Forest,’ one realizes that bamboo is one of those grasses that will reduce the problem of food, clothing and housing in the entire country. Bamboo can be grown anywhere and since it grows very fast, it can be harvested and put to use within four years of it being planted.

There is no requirement to destroy bamboo forests for industrial requirements. All that is required to be done is to grow this grass on barren land, which will help in afforestation and reduce soil erosion. In a clump, the older shoots are found on the inside,

while the younger shoots are found on the periphery. If the shoots are cut systematically for human and animal consumption, the clump will never be lost.

The IHBT laboratory specializes in plants found in the Himalayas and though Bamboo is not a natural grass found in these mountains, the scientists here promote the research on this plant family and are doing their best to spread information about this grass tribe. These scientists hope that the government and the citizens of this country will understand the importance of growing bamboo extensively and making the best use of it.

The museum holds a great significance as means to educate, create awareness and promote use of bamboo in India. Moreover, it’s very cheap as a raw material and you can eat it, make clothes, fuel or use it as construction material.

How to get there: Palampur does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Gaggal airport in Dharamsala which is 25 km away. There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Palampur.


o you wish to take a break from the city life and go to a place close to nature to

relax, but do not have the time to travel for days. Then, Beejom is a perfect place for you. Beejom is completely self-sustained agricultural farm, where they use natural farming techniques to grow food. They use the byproducts of Indian indigenous cows at the farm to manufacture organic manure for the fields.

A lawyer by education, a farmer by choice, Mrs. Aparna Rajagopal an environmentalist and an animal welfare activist started the farm sanctuary, alongside the Yamuna river, not too far from the capital, Delhi. Beejom, by Aparna Rajagopal is a step towards clean healthy living in the city.

It is a natural farm and animal sanctuary based in Noida (a part of Delhi National Capital Region) that is working to bring the community together to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

The farm hugely promotes Indian millets and traditional foods for restoring the food security and health of the nation. They use solar power for electricity, have rain water harvesting and also have a bio-gas plant which helps in cooking food.

They aim to work with farmers and teach them the natural methods of farming without chemicals which were used by their ancestors but forgotten by present generation. This would not only help the farmers in reducing their costs, but also get back the farm animals which have been replaced by machinery and help everyone in getting clean food.

The effects of using all these natural methods at the Beejom farmland can be seen after 3 years of practicing natural farming, that the sandy infertile soil has become extremely fertile, producing triple quantity of produce.

Beejom is home to 12 Indigenous cow breeds from different parts of the country, many of which are getting extinct. Other than cows they also have buffaloes, horses, pigs, hens, goats, donkeys, geese, cats and dogs. All these animals have a story and distinct personalities. They have either been rescued from slaughter houses and hostile situations or were found on the roads.

Being a self-sustainable farm, they do not need anything from outside, the milk and the fodder is all available for the animals and whatever is produced in the farm with the help of the animals is sold in local farmers markets.

Beejom is not only a place to meet the animals and enjoy the greenery around, but it is also an educational entity, where you learn how the food you eat is grown and the methods of growing it without any chemicals, also how farm animals are important and contribute in growing the food. It is a destination for all, the young the old, people living in the city or people living in villages or farmers. Everyone has something to take back from this beautiful place run with compassion.

In the Beejom Jaivik Krishi Mandi from 4-7 pm every Saturday, you can buy naturally farmed seasonal vegetables straight from the growers. Natural soaps and pickles also available at the Mandi every week.

Bring your children and elders to meet the beautiful farm animals. They have names and they have beautiful endearing personalities. Just like us. Take a walk through a natural farm and see how food is grown and what is in season. Do some riding on the lovely Beejom horses. Some delicious homemade snacks and tea available too.

How to get there: The Beejom Farm is located in Sector-126 near Raipur village, Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

https://beejom.business.site

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Beejom orgAniC FArm

Directorate of Tourism Govt. of AssamStation Road, Guwahati-781001,Assam, IndiaPhone: +91-361-2547102/ 25427 Fax: +91-361-2547102Email: [email protected] Website: www.directortourism.assam.gov.in

COME, EXPLORE THE WILD SIDE OF ASSAM AND WE ASSURE, NOT ONLY YOUR HEARTBEAT WILL INCREASE BUT YOUR EYES WILL ALSO ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE BEAUTY!

W O N D E R F U L W I L D L I F E

HASTPA: HimAlAyAn AdvenTure

SPorTS & TouriSm PromoTion

ASSociATion

Get on to adventurous biking tour that creates a positive impact not only on the environment but also on the lives of villagers in the Himalayas with HASTPA.

www.hastpa.org

State: Himachal Pradesh

HeriTAGe villAGe oF PrAGPur

Pragpur well deserves its heritage village tag. With its winding cobbled lane, mud-plastered walls and slate-roofed houses, this village offers what most destinations can only dream.

State: Himachal Pradesh

AmAZinG FAmily WHo SAved HundredS oF Wild AnimAlS

Dr. Prakash Amte and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte have an unusual way of living. They have set up a wild animal asylum in their courtyard, spent decades changing the lives of the local community in Hemalkasa, protecting tribals, local fauna..,

www.anandwan.in/amte-animal-ark/

State: maharashtra

culTure AAnGAn: HomeSTAyS, rurAl TouriSm And more...Expereince traditional Indian culture, can experience rural India, off the beaten track but with homely comforts. Stay in remote villages, experience the local hospitality, encourge langushing art and culture.www.cultureaangan.comStates: rajasthan, maharashtra

communiTy AcTion HelPed revive 200 AcreS oF deForeSTed lAnd!

From establishing a seed bank, to building and maintaing ponds, the many steps that helped revive the deforested Orans in Rajasthan.Afforestation of over 200 thousand trees in the area has benefitted rural women the most.State: Alwar district, rajasthan

communiTy TouriSm in THe rAnn oF kuTcH

Kuldip Gadhvi takes you into the remotest villages with a song in his lips. Grab the opportunity to catch up any herder on the way who invites you to visit his cattle camp or a lift to some random villagers in the middle of the road and end up making friends and sharing cup of tea/lunch...www.kutchadventuresindia.com

State: Gujarat

conServATion oF THe environmenT in leH And lAdAkH

Ladakh Ecological Development Group-LEDeG has consistently worked towards serving the underprivileged people and addresses the environmental and cultural issues.

www.ledeg.org

State: Jammu & Kashmir

nurTurinG AncienT TrAdiTionSVillage Ways nurtures the traditions and indigenous knowledge that has helped communities live in harmony with nature over generations. Guides are trained to value this knowledge.www.villageways.com State: Uttarakhand

norTH indiA

WeST indiA

SUSTAINABLE ToUrS To INdIA

communiTy-BASed TouriSm: THe

mounTAin SHePHerdS iniTiATive

A community-owned and operated ecotourism company

that grew out of the famous Nanda Devi Campaign for cultural

survival and sustainable livelihoods.

Their guides hail from communities

all over the upper reaches of the

Himalayas...

www.mountainshepherds.com

State: Uttarakhand

THiS younG TeAm iS enABlinG TouriSTS To Turn inTo cHAnGe mAkerS in THe HimAlAyASAvail an opportunity to meet the villagers and work for community good with these young group of travel enthusiasts...www.devilonwheels.comState: Himachal Pradesh

rAWlA JoJAWAr - reSPonSiBle TouriSm

Rawla Jojawar is created after lovingly renovating the old fort which has always been home to a stunningly beautiful boutique hotel. All the staff are locals and their employment has helped them not to relocate.State: rajasthan

JAiPur virASAT FoundATion

The Jaipur Virasat Foundation (JVF) works with and for traditional artists in Rajasthan. As traditional forms of patronage disappear, and modern forms of entertainment supersede traditional ones, JVF seeks to provide livelihood opportunities for struggling artists.

www.jaipurvirasatfoundation.org

State: rajasthan

norTHeAST indiA

A TriBAl HAmleT converTed inTo An eco-TouriSm deSTinATion

In Odisha’s scenic Koraput Valley, a quiet transformation is underway. Yugabrata Kar and his community-centric ecotourism initiative, Desia, are bringing the benefits of sustainable livelihoods to the local tribes living in the valley.www.desiakoraput.comState: odisha

exPlorinG nAyA, BenGAl’S villAGe oF SinGinG PAinTerS

An intricate tapestry of music and visual art is what makes Naya more than just a village in West Bengal. Thanks to this initiative of an UN accredited NGO banglanatak dot com, Patachitra from Naya have found a place in renowned art galleries across the world.

State: West Bengal

JHArkHAnd villAGe WAllS

dePicTinG TriBAl liFe By

mAdHuBAni murAlS

The walls of houses in Jharkhand’s

(East India) Chandidih village are proud galleries displaying Madhubani masterpieces woven

with everyday stories, thanks to

Udbhav, a community art project.

https://www.facebook.com/udbhavproject/

State: Jharkhand

THe mAn WHo WenT on To SAve An enTire Bird SAncTuAry

Chilika today is the finest bird sanctuary in India, and among the richest ecosystems in the world. This unique, half-saltwater, half-freshwater lake in Odisha is 70 km in length and 30 km in breadth. The highlight of the project being training of poachers to guides.www.wildorissa.org State: odisha

SouTH indiA

THe Green PATH eco reSorT

Organic farming, taking people back to the roots, these are some of the visions achieved by Mr Jayaram. After successfully converting what used to be barren land in 1998 into an organic farm of great biodiversity, the Green Path (a complete Eco boutique hotel) and a Eco Stay in Coorg, Mr Jayaram now runs Organic State, a complete store of organic products and restaurants. www.thegreenpath.in

State: karnataka

SuSTAinABle TouriSm in A TeA eSTATe BunGAloW SAved indiGenouS TriBeS From STArvATion

Set up with the purpose of supporting the adivasis, Priyadarshini Tea Eastate was never about profits. The tribal people found a safe haven as workers of the tea plantation.State: Wayanad district, kerala

kArunA FArm AT kodAikAnAlLocated on a hilltop overlooking Kodaikanal Valley (Tamil Nadu, South India), Karuna Farm harmonises with nature taking care of body, mind and spirit without compromising on basic amenities and comfort.www.karunafarm.inState: Tamil nadu

eAST indiA

environmenT conServATion By Greener PASTureS

Greener Pastures is a small sustainable travel company based in Northeast India which promotes responsible tours and adventures to exotic places, with a prime focus on uplifting local communities and safeguarding the environment.www.thegreenerpastures.comState: Assam

TouriSm To encourAGe

conServATion oF endAnGered

TurTleS

Turtles are an endangered species, and protecting the eggs

become an important necessity.

After several years of struggle and

taking requisite permissions from

the forest department, Pradeep

started the Sea Turtle Protection

Force (STPF).

www.vspca.org

State: vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

The above list is indicative and not exhaustive. Please visit www.travelresponsibly.info for more information.

kABAni communiTy TouriSm & Service

Kabani Community Tourism & Service is a non-profit community association that has been promoting a model that benefits local communities and attempting to reduce negative impact. They promote community tourism initiatives to create additional incomes for famers.www.kabanitour.com

State: kerala

A villAGe HomeSTAy

Dewalokam is an organic, self-reliant farm in the Idukki district, which also offers organic interactions with the local community. The staff belong to the village, which benefits from the enterprise... www.dewalokam.in

State: kerala

THe cleAneST villAGe in ASiA

Mawlynnong claims to be the Cleanest Village in Asia. The road leading up to it has some of the most panoramic and breathtaking views in the country.The residents of this village have learnt to live at harmony with Mother Nature.

State: meghalaya


epal is a hilly country of beauty and diversity. For most people on a budget getting a cheap

accommodation is a high priority. Kathmandu, the capital city, has many options to stay including budget, luxury hotels. Homestays form an integral part of the true Nepali experience.

Babu, his wife Belku, his son Aayush and daughter Ruja run a friendly family homestay in the beautiful peaceful countryside of Langol, a traditional farming village 10 km from Kathmandu Centre, easily reachable by bus or taxi. This homestay has all modern amenities including western bathrooms, comfortable beds, free

wi-fi and delicious home cooked organic food grown. The Family Homestay, Kathmandu is running since 2004 and very popular among tourists. There are five well-appointed double rooms with comfortable beds. They also can accommodate up to five extra guests in their parents’ homes in the village.

The visitors have the chance to experience living with a real Nepali family and learn about their culture, food and heritage in much

more depth than staying in a guest house or at a hotel.

The food you eat at Family Homestay, Kathmandu is grown organically by Belku or sourced from the local village and cooked fresh for every meal. The traditional Newari dish of Dhall Bhat is a speciality of Belku’s and guests regularly comment that it is the best Dhal Bhat they have had in Nepal. Newa cuisine (also referred to as Newar cuisine) is a subset of Nepalese cuisine that

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has developed over centuries among the Newars of Kathmandu (Kathmandu is called Yen in Nepal bhasa, language). Newa cuisine is the most celebrated food variety in the country that consists of over 200 dishes

Dahl Bhat is a typical or traditional Nepali food. Dahl refers to lentils and Bhat is rice. Dahl Bhat is accompanied by Tarkari and Chutney. Tarkari is made out of mixed vegetables with spicy ingredients and chutney is pickle. Many extra ingredients like onion, tomato, whole red chili, ginger and garlic can be added as can extra herbs like coriander, turmeric and garam masala. Belku will be happy to teach tourists how to make Dhal Bhat.

Babu offers his services as a guide, for one day hiking, village tours or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Babu was born in Langol and has an in-depth knowledge of local culture and the local area, including the famous historical and cultural sights and monuments in Kathmandu.

One can enjoy a one day tour to the local villages. In this tour of villages near Langol, one can see the traditional way of life, including the traditional houses, traditional cooking and farming methods. This gives a fascinating insight into

an ancient culture which has not changed in many ways for several hundred years. In this tour, one can visit the holy lake of Taudha, stop for a lunch and try a traditional Nepali Thali.

FACILITIES: • Comfortable Beds and Rooms • Western Style Bathrooms • 24 Hour Hot Water Showers • 24 Hour Wi-Fi • Laundry • Breakfast and Dinner Included • Organic Homegrown Food

In a one-day sightseeing tour to Kathmandu, tourists can visit several UNESCO world heritage sites including Swayambhunath, an ancient religious complex also known as the Monkey temple, Pasupathinath, a Hindu temple, Baudtha Nath, a Buddhist temple and Changu Narayan, a Hindu temple. Tourists can also visit Durbar Square, Bhakatapur, Kathmandu and Patan.

Babu, Belku and his family look after guests by giving a personal touch to make their stay as comfortable, relaxing and informative as possible.

How to get there: Family Homestay Kathmandu is located 10 km south of the centre of Kathmandu. You can reach by

bus (45 minutes) from Kathmandu central bus station (Purano Bus Park) and take bus number 21 to Langol (Bus Name: Kirtipur Yatayat). If you would like to take a private taxi ask them to take you to Kirtipur - Langol (2 km from Kirtipur). You can take taxi from central Kathmandu and from Kathmandu airport.

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Famous monasteries in Bhutan

DzoNG MoNASTERy, PUNAKHA This Buddhist monastery is the present winter house of Dratshang —the head monk. The sparkling white stupa, Bodhi tree, chapel for queen of Nagas and the hundred pillar assembly hall are other elements of charm in the monastery. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is about 72 kms away from Thimphu and takes about 3 hours by car.

GANGTENG MoNASTERy, PHoDRANGA monastery that belongs to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism is one of the must see tourist places in Bhutan. It comprises of colourful temples, 11 faced Avalokitesvara Lhakhang, Shedra’s Assembly Hall and an exclusive collection of weapons and armory. It is located on a spur amidst the Gantey village, overlooking the vast U-shaped glacial Phobjika Valley which is 45 kms from Wangdue Phodrang town.

TAKTSANG MoNASTERy, PARo VALLEy It is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The white building with gold plated-dome, colorful flags, golden prayer wheels and a cave temple mesmerizes every tourist and devotee. You can trek up to the monastery to enjoy the breath taking view of the surrounding valley or relish sumptuous Bhutanese food at Taktsang café. It is located 10 kms to the north of Paro and hangs on a precarious cliff at 3,120 metres.

TANGo MoNASTERy, THIMPHUBuilt on the meditation cave of Ngawang Namgyal, this Tango Monastery was named after a horse-head shaped rock found inside the cave itself. Visit this monastery to see 6 temples namely Trulku Lhakhang, Choeku Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, Longku Lhakhang, Gonkhang and Namsey Lhakhang in the same premises. It is located 14 kms to the north of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, near Cheri Mountain.

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Over a thousand species are facing extinction, many art forms/folklore are languishing, age old practices and traditions that need preservation and encouragement are now being looked at as “old fashion”. To keep sustenance, preservation and conservation, a lot of efforts are required. Most of these efforts go unnoticed, they don’t get the deserved attention or financial support. And many such projects close down over a period of time.

Travel Responsibly & Sustainably is a consortium that maps such projects from developing nations, creates integrated circuits, promotes them using various avenues of sales and marketing. We hope that with tourists’ visits to such projects, will enable them to a better understanding of such projects and create more avenues for revenue generation for those working at the grass root level.

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