India
Ecotourism in India: a sustainable travel guide
WELCOME TO THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOTOURISM IN INDIA!
Sum up India in one paragraph? Impossible. From the slopes of the Himalayas to the white sand beaches of Kerala, India is a treasure trove of colorful temples, bustling cities, spice markets, and untouched nature. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll find something for you.
Yes, India does have its struggles and social issues. But this shouldn’t discourage you from visiting. Instead, you may look for opportunities to contribute and generate a positive impact on the local communities, the natural areas, and wildlife.
And this is exactly what this guide to ecotourism in India is about. Let’s dive into it!
BEST TIME TO VISIT INDIA
India is a year-round destination with so much to do and see that there is no bad time to visit. However, your itinerary and activities will play a big part in deciding when to go.
December to March – peak season
December to March is the peak season in India. It’s sunny every day but summer is not in full swing yet, so the temperatures are not at their hottest. It’s the perfect time to soak in some sun on the beaches in South India, explore national parks, and visit the bustling cities in the northern regions.
The downside is that the good weather attracts massive crowds of Indian and foreign tourists. This means prices are at their highest, train tickets sell out the second they become available, and you may have to stand in line before you can get a table at a restaurant. Plus, overtourism puts a strain on the locals, the environment, and the wildlife as you’ll read throughout this guide.
It’s worth mentioning that it’s not recommended to visit the Himalayas between December and March as lots of roads and trails are impassable because of the snow and most hotels are closed. It’s also very expensive to get there with flying being the only option.
April to June – low season
April to June is the hottest season in India with temperatures above 40°C (104°F) on most days. That’s why these are the least crowded months and the best time to visit on a budget. If you can handle the heat, you’ll enjoy the most popular attractions of India stress-free or relax at the beach without people stepping on you.
June to November – shoulder season
June to November is the shoulder season in India and probably one of the best times to visit. Temperatures start to cool down, but the popular sites are not yet overcrowded.
It’s the perfect time to explore the Himalayas and trek on some of the highest trails in the world. Accommodation is also very cheap during these months. Keep an eye on transportation options though – roads start closing in early October and that may mess up your plans.
The shoulder season is arguably the worst time to visit the southern regions that experience the monsoons at least from June to September.
Festivals
You may also want to plan your trip to India around one of the many festivals. That’s a great idea but it’s recommended to book in advance.
Most festivals follow the lunar calendar and their dates change every year. Two of the most popular are Holi (March) and Diwali (October-November). Check out this calendar created by the Indian government to highlight all the festivals month by month: take me to the calendar.
ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS
India is a huge country – it is humanly impossible to cover every destination in one go (or even in ten). Plus, everything is quite unpredictable, from the train schedules to the opening hours of the ticket offices and attractions.
The best you can do is not to cram in too much in too little time. A jam-packed itinerary only calls for frustration and disappointment. Instead, pick one or two regions and make the most of your time there.
Here you can find the most popular destinations in India as well as some hidden gems that will make your trip unique and sustainable!
The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is THE most popular destination in India, no doubt. It’s a tourist circuit that comprises the triangle between three of the most iconic cities in the country – New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
This is a go-to itinerary for those visiting India for the first time and looking to ease into the local culture while checking a few amazing sights off their bucket list. It’s easy to get around, people speak English everywhere, and there are lots of attractions within a short distance.
Being so popular, the Golden Triangle is not exactly an ecotourism destination – quite the opposite. This region is starting to feel the burden of overtourism and everything that comes with it.
Then, why is it even on this list? Well, it’s hard to imagine visiting India and not seeing the Taj Mahal, Jaipur aka the Pink City, or Delhi’s Red Fort. So, go for it but do it responsibly by minimizing our negative impact on the environment and the local community!
One of the perks of staying on the beaten path is the incredibly diverse choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. Pick the most sustainable options you can find and avoid unethical attractions like elephant rides and camel races. For example, you could visit outside the peak season and get around by train. Plus, you’ll certainly have the opportunity to support local businesses and tour operators during your stay.
Destinations in North India
There’s much more to North India than the Golden Triangle. Here are some suggestions.
1. RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan is the largest state in India and definitely a do-not-miss. This is the land of lush royal palaces, colorful temples, spice markets and bazaars, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Thar desert.
You’ll probably hear more than once that Rajasthan resembles a multicolored magic carpet and its flashy cities make up the pattern – you’ll find Jaipur (the Pink City), Jodhpur (the Blue City), Bikaner (the Red City), and Jaisalmer (the Golden City). Grab your camera and enjoy this feast for the eyes!
If you are a nature lover looking for a peaceful stay, you won’t be disappointed either. Rajasthan is mostly known for the Ranthambore National Park which is home to the great Bengal tiger but offers many other spots teeming with wildlife. Some highlights are Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park and, leaving the best for last, the Thar Desert National Park with its dunes, amazing sunsets, and stargazing opportunities.
Rajasthan has great potential as a sustainable destination. Bike tours and cycling vacations have truly grown in popularity and are a fun yet culturally-rich adventure. You’ll get to cycle through rural villages, big cities, forests, and the Thar desert. You’ll share the road with all kinds of vehicles and animals – cars and scooters in big cities, cows and tractors in the countryside, elephants and tigers if you decide to cycle through national parks.
As an alternative, hop on one of the many trains running through Rajasthan. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a luxury traveler looking to splurge, you’ll find something right for you. Read this guide to rail travel in India to learn all the details and practicalities.
The list of must-sees in Rajasthan could go on and on. A lot of places are already reacting to the demands of overtourism by offering more sustainable alternatives while others are still figuring things out. What you can do is be as responsible as possible whatever destination you’re visiting.
2. The Himalayas
The Himalayas need no introduction. Home to the highest peaks in the world, over 15,000 glaciers, and the elusive Snow Leopard, they are a paradise for climbers and trekkers looking for the thrill of a lifetime. Be cautious though, and only pick activities you can do safely based on your abilities – mountains are unforgiving.
There are many opportunities for less demanding activities as well. Below the snowline, mountain trains take visitors through the lush valleys, cold deserts, and breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. Stop by some of the villages along the way and appreciate the cultural diversity of the local and indigenous communities. Although most travelers immediately associate the Himalayas with nature and wilderness, over 50 million people live there. They learned to survive in such a harsh environment and shaped their lifestyle and traditions around it.
Many of these villages have been living in isolation for centuries and their daily life shouldn’t be disrupted by hordes of tourists snooping around and snapping photos. That’s why it’s recommended to book a tour with a local and responsible company. They know where to go and how to support the locals, and can inform visitors on how to behave respectfully. Even better if the company works directly with locals and gives back to the community.
Last but not least, the Himalayas are a place of great spiritual significance for several religions. Magnificent Hindu temples stand not too far from Buddhist monasteries as well as Jain and Sikh religious sites. The hillside city of Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government. Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll definitely feel the spiritual atmosphere all around you.
Unfortunately, the growing accessibility and popularity of the Himalayas go hand in hand with overtourism, environmental damage, exploitation of the local communities, and changes in their lifestyle. What can we do then?
First, do your research about the area and learn how to be respectful of the local culture. This way, you’ll live a more authentic experience while locals won’t have to adapt to visitors’ expectations and tolerate inappropriate behaviors.
Second, support the community by choosing guesthouses and homestays over big chain hotels, and hiring local guides.
Finally, reduce your impact on the natural environment – don’t litter, don’t leave graffiti on rocks or trees, and use eco-friendly toiletries. Follow the established paths when hiking or driving so you won’t risk damaging the local flora and fauna.
3. VARANASI
Lying on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India and the most sought-after pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It has 88 ghats, places with steps leading down to the Ganges River and providing access to bathing. Walking along the ghats is a unique experience and you’ll likely see Hindu rituals and cremations taking place.
Varanasi is taking some huge steps toward sustainability. It will soon be the starting point of the Varanasi-Chandraprabha Ecotourism Circuit developed by the local government to promote responsible tourism in India and in the area.
Destinations in South India
South India has seen an explosion in tourist numbers in recent years and developed quickly to respond to that demand. Unfortunately, overcrowding is the price to pay. That’s why it is even more important to travel responsibly when visiting this region. Let’s look at some of the best spots in South India.
1. KERALA
Kerala is the top destination in South India and attracts domestic and foreign tourists alike for its reputation of being cosmopolitan and fancier than other parts of the country. Its charming houseboats, sandy beaches, and peaceful backwaters are certainly on the bucket list of many.
However, the number of boats has become concerning. They are extremely harmful to the environment due to poor waste management, water pollution, and disturbance of wildlife. They also pose a threat to the safety of the locals who usually move around by kayak.
Overtourism also triggers unethical practices involving wildlife to accommodate visitors’ requests. For example, the Thekkady and Periyar National Park offers elephant rides and similar interactions with wild animals. Such experiences are particularly harmful to the wildlife and should be avoided.
2. GOA
Goa is another Indian destination that has gained a lot of popularity. Its postcard-perfect beaches certainly don’t go unnoticed, but there’s much more than that. Thrill-seekers will find the ultimate adrenaline-rushing opportunities such as bungee jumping over the Mayem Lake, paragliding in Anjuna, going on a hot air balloon ride or ziplining through the forest. Watersports are also a popular choice – you can scuba dive or snorkel in the clear waters of Grand Island, windsurf in the Arabian sea, flyboard, and even go on a banana boat or bumper boat ride.
Sadly, coastal tourism is managed quite poorly in Goa and negatively affects the area. As more and more cruise ships hit the shores of Goa, the marine biodiversity is being destroyed and the waters off the coast are becoming increasingly polluted. In addition, tourists usually bring increased levels of small crimes, drug use, and prostitution into the local community.
The local authorities are working toward making Goa an ecotourism destination and a lot of opportunities are already available. Cycling tours are already very popular and Goa is also included in most of the railway routes in South India.
3. CHENNAI
Chennai is the perfect mix of nature, food, history, and temples.
The Mylapore neighborhood is the cultural hotspot of the city and is strongly recommended to those who love sightseeing. You’ll find many temples – including the most popular in Chennai, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple – as well as churches and the St. Thomas Basilica where Thomas the Apostle is buried.
Chennai is also home to Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in India with a length of 13 kilometers. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to swim at Marina Beach and most of the other beaches in Chennai because there’s a strong undercurrent that makes it unsafe. However, it’s a great place to unwind and try some local snacks.
Chennai is the top destination on the east coast of South India, but not as popular as tourist spots in Goa or Kerala. So, it could be a great alternative for travelers looking to limit their impact on the local community and not contribute to overtourism.
Destinations in East India
1. ODISHA
Odisha may not be able to claim the most luxurious hotels or dining options, but it’s certainly a culturally rich state that can also boast unique ecosystems and ecotourism opportunities.
One third of the territory is covered in tropical forests and there’s no shortage of waterfalls, gorges, valleys, and mountains. Wildlife thrives in this region and tourists can hope for a close encounter with elephants, tigers, deer, crocodiles, turtles, and more. It’s like heaven for nature lovers.
Odisha is also inhabited by indigenous peoples which make up 40% of the population. Learning about their history and culture through a tour is something you should have on your list if you’re visiting Odisha. However, make sure you choose an ethical company that possibly hires locals and fairly shares the profits and benefits with the communities. This is preferable to touring the area on your own unless you have a deep understanding of the local culture and can make sure your presence is not intrusive.
Odisha offers many ecotourism options. Staying at nature camps and eco-resorts is always a good idea as well as supporting the local and indigenous communities. If you want to go the extra mile, you can donate to one of the conservation projects by the Odisha Wildlife Organization. Take a look at the one dedicated to the mangroves – these trees grow in coastal areas and protect the land from floods, tsunamis, and storms which are pretty frequent in Odisha.
Destinations in Western India
1. MUMBAI
Mumbai is famous for being home to Bollywood, but there’s so much more to it. The City of Dreams – as it’s often called – attracts tourists with its architecture, beaches, luxury hotels, and especially street food. You can’t go to Mumbai and not stop at one of the stalls selling local street food – try Pani puri, Dahi puri, Pav bhaji, Tawa pulao… or whatever catches your eye. This is a great way to support the local community while living a truly authentic experience. Other opportunities to do so include buying from local markets or participating in workshops such as soap-making or pottery held by small businesses.
This is in no way a full list of where to go in India, but it’s a good starting point. If you need further inspiration, take a look at the itineraries below.
Suggested itineraries in India
1. NORTH INDIA ITINERARY, 3 WEEKS:
Delhi (3 nights) + Thar Desert (3) + Jaisalmer (1) + Jodhpur (2) + Udaipur (2) + Pushkar (1) + Jaipur (4) + Agra (2) + Varanasi (2)
2. Rajasthan itinerary, 10 days:
Delhi (2 nights) + Jodhpur (1) + Udaipur (1) + Pushkar (1) + Jaipur (2) + Ranthambore National Park (2) + Agra (1)
3. North East India itinerary, 14 days:
Umiam Lake (3 nights) + Khasi Hills (2) + Cherrapunje (3) + Shillong (2) + Kaziranga National Park (3)
4. South India itinerary, 7 days:
Kochi (2 nights) + Alleppey (1) + Kollam (1) + Varkala (2)
5. South India itinerary, 3 weeks:
Kochi (4 nights) + Kalpetta (1) + Mysore (1) + Mamallapuram (2) + Puducherry (1) + Madurai (1) + Thekkady (1) + Varkala (2) + Kollam (3) + Alleppey (3)
Neighboring countries
If you want to extend your trip to one of India’s neighboring countries, you may consider Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. It is not recommended to travel to Pakistan for safety reasons.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOTOURISM IN INDIA
Now that you have an idea of where to go and what to do, you may be wondering how you can make your trip sustainable and minimize your negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Here you will find everything you need to know about ecotourism in India.
Types of ecotourism in India
Wildlife tourism in India
Local communities in India
Underprivileged groups in India
Sustainable tourism projects
Volunteering in India
Indian culture and etiquette
Environmental issues in India
Types of ecotourism in India
Sustainability is a fairly new concept in the Indian tourism industry, but it’s certainly not a small niche. According to a travel report by Booking.com, 96% of Indian travelers consider sustainable travel important and 76% are committed to making more sustainable choices in the future. Hopefully, international travelers will follow.
There’s still a long way to go in terms of facilities and awareness, but India already offers many opportunities for a sustainable trip. Popular ecotourism activities in India include:
1. Nature and wildlife watching across the many national parks of India. Beware of unethical tour operators though!
2. Hiking and walking vacations from the peaks of the Himalayas to the Western Ghats in Kerala.
3. Cycling vacations through the Indian countryside and rural villages as well as bustling city centers.
4. Volunteering to benefit the local communities and/or their conservation efforts.
5. Exploring India by train to enjoy incredible views while getting a glimpse of the local daily life.
Unfortunately, tourism in India is too unsustainable overall. The persisting social and environmental issues and bad practices still outweigh the positives. This means the local communities and environment suffer more damage than they gain benefits from tourism.
The remainder of this section is all about sustainable tourism in India and doing our part to change things for the better.
Wildlife tourism in India
India is a hotspot for wildlife tourism. In addition to the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos), the country is home to bears, wolves, snakes, and many species of birds. Tourist money helps greatly the conservation efforts of the local authorities and organizations, but it also comes with a price for the wildlife and its habitats. Tigers, elephants, and camels seem to be the most affected.
TIGERS
About 60% of the world’s tiger population lives in India and, although the numbers have been rising over the past few years, this species is still threatened to a great degree.
Wildlife tourism in India is taking its toll on tiger reserves as profits take priority over sustainability. Tour operators try to attract as many visitors as possible and a lot of them do it by offering questionable experiences.
Elephant back safaris are pretty popular in certain reserves yet deeply unethical. Not only are they extremely stressful for the elephants that are not naturally inclined to close encounters with tigers, but also damage the local flora and fauna as elephants don’t follow the established path like a vehicle would do.
Poaching is another serious issue. Being much more profitable than tourism, people kill tigers to resell their body parts as trophies or to be used in Chinese traditional medicine and the like.
Compounding the problem is the fact that indigenous communities are often forced to relocate when a reserve has to be created in that area. As a result, many of them lose their jobs and have no other option than poaching to make a living.
What can you do?
Here you have a few tips to keep in mind when booking activities with tigers in India:
1. Make sure the reserve you plan to visit is effectively involved in conservation. Check out this list of reserves with a conservation plan approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
2. Make sure the reserve didn’t force indigenous people to relocate – even though the authorities call it a voluntary relocation, it’s not in most cases. Here’s a map of reserves that caused the relocation of indigenous people.
3. If indigenous people did have to relocate, support them by staying at locally-owned guesthouses, eating at local restaurants, and buying from their shops. This will also give them an alternative to poaching to make a living.
4. Choose ethical tour operators with qualified guides. Avoid elephant back safaris.
5. Support relevant organizations, such as the Wildlife Protection Society of India or the Corbett Foundation.
6. Report any illegal or unethical behavior and animal abuse.
7. Download this free guide by TOFTigers and read about the positives and negatives of the reserve or national park you’re planning to visit.
elephants
It is estimated that 25,000 elephants live in India, especially in the forests in the North and South of the sub-continent.
Being revered as the living incarnation of Lord Ganesha and considered a symbol of fortune, elephants are part of the celebrations of many festivals where they are painted and decorated with jewelry and perform for the spectators (as you can see in the picture below). In Rajasthan, elephant polo is played all year long with the players competing while riding elephants.
You can also easily find elephants chained up outside temples for good luck but also to attract visitors and donations.
Last but not least, elephant rides are very popular among tourists looking for the perfect selfie opportunity.
Unfortunately, all of these activities are unethical and bring a lot of suffering to the elephants. They are usually captured as babies and separated from their mothers that are often killed. Then, they go through abusive and cruel training until they completely lose their nature as wild animals.
This has serious consequences on the entire population of elephants and also poses risks to the safety of the tourists and people involved.
What can you do?
1. Do not participate in festivals or activities where elephants are involved. If you do, try staying away from the elephants and do not contribute to their exploitation.
2. Do not go on an elephant ride. Parks that still offer elephant rides include Mudumalai, Bandipur, Thekkady and Periyar. You may want to skip these parks altogether or visit them without going on a ride.
3. Choose safaris as an alternative to see the elephants in the wild. Just make sure you find an ethical provider.
4. While on safari, do not interfere with the elephant’s natural behavior. This means not feeding them, keeping the right distance, and not making loud noises.
5. Share your thoughts on social media or through reviews on booking platforms. This can really make the difference. For example, Ranthambore National Park no longer offers elephant rides after receiving criticism online.
6. Report animal abuse and exploitation to the authorities.
Camels
Unlike tigers and elephants, camels are domesticated animals but this doesn’t mean they should be exploited and abused for entertainment. Camels are mostly used for rides through the desert and performances during festivals.
Very popular are also camel races where the animals compete to find out which of them can carry the most people at once. Not only is this exhausting but also unethical for the camels.
The same goes for camel beauty contests where owners bring their “best pieces”, decorate them with drapes and dye their hair in different colors.
Camels are also at risk of being slaughtered for their meat, which is an illegal yet still ongoing practice.
What can you do?
1. As always, do not participate in any of the activities mentioned above.
2. Do not eat camel meat, no matter what they tell you about its origin or qualities.
3. Donate to local charities working toward animal welfare.
4. Report illegal practices and abuse to the authorities.
5. Share your thoughts on social media or reviews on booking platforms.
Safaris
National parks and reserves do not manage the number of visitors, so safari operators try to attract as many tourists as possible. This creates a big problem of overcrowding in the most famous national parks and natural areas.
To do so, many tour operators replaced their Jeeps with minibuses that can carry more people. This results in more carbon emissions, more disturbance for the wildlife, and a worse overall experience for visitors.
These activities still help fund conservation and, in the absence of other options, they’re better than nothing. However, if you can choose, pick tour operators that use Jeeps and implement other sustainable practices.
It’s a good idea and a more enjoyable experience to avoid extremely popular national parks and reserves and instead prefer smaller and less known ones.
ZOOS
While Extra Mile Project doesn’t reject the idea of visiting zoos in principle, it should be acknowledged that zoos in India are frequently reported for inadequate facilities, neglect, and animal abuse. It is also hard for tourists to assess whether a zoo is ethical as there are no national policies that regulate zoos.
For this reason, it is recommended to rely on other options (such as safaris) unless there’s some kind of evidence that the zoo you’re visiting ensures high standards of animal welfare.
Local communities in India
Supporting the community by staying at locally-owned accommodations and using locally-owned services has a great impact that goes well beyond the people you’re directly handing your money to. In fact, not only will they be able to feed their family, but will also have sufficient resources to make tourism activities more sustainable and take care of the environment and wildlife.
Many people in India run elephant riding businesses or poach because they have no alternative source of income. Responsible tourism could change that by creating higher demand for ethical experiences.
What can you do?
As always, a few tips for you.
1. Choose locally-owned guesthouses and restaurants over international brands. You can find them through the major booking platforms or check out the following links.
– The Goat Villages and Himalayan Ark – sustainable accommodation in the Himalayas
– Village Ways – tours that benefit the community
– The Blue Yonder – responsible tour operator
2. Avoid cruise ships. They generate overtourism and pollution while not benefitting the locals – tourists will likely go back on board to eat and sleep, so they spend very little money at the destination.
3. Avoid huge luxury resorts (especially internationally-owned ones). Not only do they not reinvest or share profits with the community, but frequently take away basic resources from them as well.
4. Donate to reputable charities rather than to people directly. You can ask your tour operator for recommendations. Here are a couple of ideas for you.
CHARITIES TO DONATE BOOKS TO:
– Bookathon (multiple locations in Kerala)
– Sisters of the People (Delhi)
– India Literacy Project (multiple states in East and South India)
RESOURCES TO DONATE CLOTHES:
– List of charities (click here)
– Tips (click here)
Underprivileged groups and poverty in India
Uninformed foreign tourists often have a stereotypical and cliché view of poverty in India and associate the country with people begging on the street, scammers, and pickpocketing. This is not the case and Indians are actually tired of this narrative. People in India work hard and constantly reinvent themselves to adapt to a fast-changing world. This should be acknowledged and appreciated.
A big chunk of the population indeed lives below the poverty line and this aspect shouldn’t be ignored either. However, you shouldn’t patronize the poor or see them as a tourist attraction. If you truly want to help them, do it properly and discreetly without a savior-like attitude.
What can you do?
Here are a few tips to support underprivileged groups in India:
1. Support local businesses, restaurants, accommodations, and so on.
2. Donate to reputable charities. Ask your tour operator for recommendations and make sure the money goes to the right people.
3. Do not donate money to people directly, especially children. While you may do it in good faith, you’ll do more harm than good. Those children drop out of school to go begging in tourist areas, often pushed by their parents. Even if you donate school supplies or food, they’ll sell them for a few cents. There are many cases of people literally renting a child to move tourists to pity.
4. Think twice before taking a slum tour. Let’s face it – slum tours are the epitome of privilege. Tourists pay to visit neighborhoods they’d never want anything to do with and see how poor people live.
There exist some tour operators that reinvest part of their profits in the community, but the risk is that slums become tourist attractions to make money off underprivileged people. If you really want to take a slum tour, make sure there’s a real benefit to the locals; once there, be respectful and refrain from taking pictures.
Sustainable tourism projects in India
Participating in projects already in place is always a good idea. Just google “sustainable tourism projects in India” or “ecotourism projects in India” before your trip and see if there’s something you’re interested in.
You can support many of them with minimal effort. For example, these charity cafes employ people from disadvantaged or marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, former inmates, victims of domestic violence, and more. Stopping by for breakfast and leaving a tip will go a long way.
Volunteering in India
Voluntourism in India – and anywhere else – is a double-edged sword. On one hand, most tourists are genuinely interested in helping others and do their research to be sure the time and resources they contribute are actually welcome and appreciated.
On the other hand, voluntourism activities are too often all smoke and no fire – they’re just a way for travel agencies to make money and for tourists to show off their “altruism” on social media.
How to make sure you fall into the first category?
1. Choose a reputable organization with a clear goal and proven results of their work.
2. Do something you’re qualified to do. Projects are sometimes not completed within the deadlines because local workers have to spend too much time training unqualified volunteers and fixing their mistakes. Choose activities where you can provide real value. Healthcare and conservation are fields in demand of volunteers in India.
3. Make sure you don’t take jobs away from the locals. Too often, organizations (especially international ones) hire volunteers instead of employees to save money.
4. Don’t volunteer at orphanages. It is harmful to the already vulnerable children that are used as tourist attractions and are forced to interact with strangers that speak a different language and take selfies without consent. Also, there are no background checks and the children are exposed to the risk of being abused or harmed by the volunteers.
Indian culture and etiquette
Respecting the local culture and etiquette is essential, especially when people are not used to tourists. After all, we are guests in the destinations we visit.
The following tips are a good starting point.
Be mindful of the dress code. Women are expected to wear clothes that cover their legs and shoulders in public spaces. This is extremely important while visiting places of worship. Be sure to check the websites before visiting and dress accordingly.
Behave appropriately in places of worship. Once again, do your research and follow any guidelines that may be in place. You’ll likely find signs as well. Tourists often touch the Mani stones or the prayer flags to take pictures, but that’s considered disrespectful. Pictures are not even allowed most times.
Be sensitive. You may be on vacation, but the locals are going about their daily lives. It’s not ok to violate their privacy, take pictures of them without consent or get in the way of what they’re doing.
Tip your service providers. A 10% tip is appropriate in most situations. Drivers and tour guides live off tips, so you may want to be a bit more generous to them.
Environmental issues in India
One of the most pressing environmental issues in India is definitely air pollution. Just to name a few, tours involving multiple flights in a few days, unsustainable luxury accommodations, and frequent taxi rides even for short distances, all generate a good amount of carbon emissions. The picture is much bigger than this and there’s a long way to go, but every bit counts.
Something you can do is choose alternative transportation modes that hopefully are not diesel-fueled and walking or cycling when visiting cities. Plus, instead of bouncing around the country trying to add as many pins as possible to your map, focus on a couple of states and travel by train – it’s better for the environment and also your travel experience.
Waste is another aspect to address. Recycling is pretty uncommon in India and difficult to navigate for foreigners, so do your best to produce the least waste you can. For example, due to tap water not being safe to drink everywhere, billions of plastic bottles are thrown away daily. Instead, you can bring a reusable bottle with a water filter or other water purification devices.
Finally, most accommodations in India (including luxury ones) are not equipped with water filtering systems. To avoid dispersing chemicals, you could consider using eco-friendly hygiene products.
BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVELERS IN INDIA
There’s so much to do in India that you’ll have trouble choosing. If you are not sure where to begin, here are the top 10 activities you can’t miss as a responsible traveler.
1. Go on a safari. India is home to all Big 5, so one of the best places to go wildlife-watching. Just make sure you choose ethical activities that support conservation efforts without harming the fauna and flora.
2. Hop on a train and ride through the Himalayas. Traveling by train is a great way to explore India at minimum cost for the environment. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most unforgettable rides you’ll ever experience and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3. Eat all the street food you can find. You’ll enjoy some truly amazing food for a few cents while supporting the locals. Plus, India is like heaven for vegetarians and vegans.
4. Taste Thali in every city you visit. Thali consists of a tray with rice or flatbread and little bowls containing different ingredients and sauces. It varies from village to village, so it’ll be a new experience every time.
5. Celebrate Indian festivals. They are so much fun and offer a unique display of colors, dresses, food, and performances. It’ll be even better if you go to the exact place where they originated – they’re always extra special there.
6. Practice yoga in Rishikesh (or anywhere in the country). Rishikesh is considered the birthplace of yoga and a must-see for yoga enthusiasts. However, there’s no shortage of ashrams and retreats in all the other regions.
7. Support the indigenous communities in India and learn about the cultural diversity of the country. As always, make sure you choose ethical activities and tours. Your presence is supposed to genuinely help the locals.
8. Enjoy the natural wonders India has to offer. The snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the pristine beaches of Kerala, the dozens of national parks… there’s something for everybody to fall in love with.
9. Learn about India’s fascinating past while visiting ancient palaces, forts, and historical buildings.
10. Shop at bazaars and spice markets. It’s going to be a bit chaotic and exhausting, but totally worth it. Those are the perfect places to get a glimpse of the culture, support the locals, and find unique gifts to bring back home.
SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION
Whatever plans you make for your vacation to India, accommodation is something you have to consider. While you scroll through luxury resorts and cheap hostels, you may be wondering what the best option is to meet your own needs as well as minimize the negative impacts of your stay.
You’re lucky because India has so much to offer that you’ll easily find something that suits you. Some kinds of accommodation, such as homestays and locally-owned hostels, will provide you with the opportunity to give back to the community you’re staying in and, in turn, you’ll live a more authentic experience of the local culture. Other options place a greater emphasis on the environment – eco-hotels, campsites or even luxury alternatives like ecolodges are good examples.
It may be hard to find a place that has NO negative impacts but you can make sure they are outbalanced by the positive ones.
HOW TO GET AROUND INDIA
If you’re planning a trip to India, you’ve probably heard the rumors: everything is chaos and transportation is no exception. Now, while there’s some truth to that, it’s nothing impossible.
Trains, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, bicycles, planes… with so many transportation options you are spoiled for choice. They’re not all the same though. The level of comfort varies greatly between different transportation modes and classes. Plus, some alternatives are more eco-friendly than others.
There’s so much to say that I wrote a separate guide entirely dedicated to getting around India in the most sustainable way possible. You’ll find plenty of tips and tricks to figure out what’s best for you, cut your emissions and avoid scams.
TRAVEL BUDGET FOR INDIA
Not only is India an inexpensive country but you also get a lot of value for the money you spend. The budget you’ll need varies greatly depending on the destinations you visit, what time of the year you decide to go, and how strong of a spirit of adaptation you have. You can get by with a few dollars a day or splurge on the most luxurious experiences.
Here’s an estimate of what you may end up spending.
Low budget
$10-15 a day. This means you’ll choose the cheapest accommodations and food, carefully select the activities that require an entrance fee, and only travel on passenger trains. It’s quite uncomfortable, but you get what you pay for.
Mid-range budget
$30-60 a day. This kind of budget will allow you to stay at nice hotels, eat all of your meals at restaurants, visit a few attractions with paid entrances, and travel on air-conditioned trains.
Luxury budget:
$150 a day or more. This budget will pay for any heritage or boutique hotel as well as ecolodges and luxury accommodations. You’ll also be able to eat at fancy restaurants and travel first class.
Although a lot of people may think that traveling responsibly pushes your budget up, that’s not the case in India. For instance, staying at a local guesthouse is much cheaper than a chain hotel and you’ll probably stay within the first 2 categories above. So, this is your sign (hopefully not the only one) to keep sustainability in mind while planning your trip to India!
FINAL THOUGHTS
India is a bucket list destination for all kinds of travelers!
History lovers will be amazed by the stunning monuments of Delhi and the white marbles of the Taj Mahal; adventure seekers will get their dose of adrenaline looking for tigers in the wild; foodies will be spoiled for choice whether they’re in the mood for a quick bite on the street or a fancy meal; culture enthusiasts will be fascinated by Indian ancient traditions and festivals as well as the ethnic diversity of the country.
But, most of all, there’s a growing interest toward sustainability and ecotourism in India, and so many options are already available.
Don’t wait any longer and start planning your responsible trip to India!
September 11, 2022
