tm - travelresponsibly.info · The Heart for Art Public ... tribals, often head to Desia for the...

Vol 2, Issue 4

Responsibly & Sustainably

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Jharkhand Village Walls depicting tribal life by Madhubani Murals

a tribal haMlet conVerted into a eco-tourisM destination

conserVation of the enVironMent and More in leh and ladakh

the Man Who Went on to saVe an entire bird sanctuary

coMMunity-based tourisM by Village Ways

• 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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Puducherry Welcomes You

4th to 7th January, every year

YogaFestival

International

Web: http://www.pondytourism.in/ email: [email protected]

Interesting Features• yoga meditation

• yogasana practical

• Presentation of papers, discourses & workshops

• yoga Therapy

• yogic food

• yogic music & dance

ancient craft Making preserVed and practiced

any traditional Indian arts and crafts have been lost due to lack of support for the

artisans. Now, a family from a small village in Kutch is trying to keep the rapidly dying handicraft of Khavda Pottery alive, despite a lack of external support.

The art of Khavda Pottery started during the Indus Valley Civilisation, in the region of present-day Kutch. The gold and beaded jewellery, terracotta toys and bronze figurines, and seals with symbols found at the sites reflect the objects we use till this day. One such object, unchanged through millennia, is the earthen pot, an ubiquitous object seen all over the country.

In the small village of Khavda, Bhuj, Gujarat, for generations, craftsmen have been making earthen pots with the same process and designs as those seen in the Indus Valley excavations. Khavda is a small village at the rim of the Rann of Kutch. It has skilled craftsmen like Abdul bhai, whose

forefathers migrated here from Sindh a few hundred years ago.

They craft a wide variety of vessels, such as matka for water storage, plates, diyas, boxes, ketli, and kulhada to keep buttermilk.

While the men do all the throwing in this pottery craft, the women handle all the surface decoration, which, in this northern Kutch village of Khavda, is primarily in the form of painting. The pots of Khavda get their red colour from Geru, a type of soil (ocher/umber), and the black-and-white dots and stripes are also made with natural materials.

Unfortunately, this traditional Khavda Pottery craft of Kutch is diminishing. Out of the ten families who used to practice this craft, there are only two left. The other families have been forced to shift to other livelihoods. Their pottery items used to be made for the local market, but the demand for of these items has decreased dramatically. They have lost the battle against plastic, steel, and Chinese products of everyday use.

Today, the artisans are dependent on external markets.

Abdulla Kumbhar, his wife Rahima Behn, and their children are one of the two families that continue the Khavda Pottery traditions in spite of very meagre incomes and extreme hardships in the harsh environment of North Kutch, Gujarat.

The Heart for Art Public Charitable Trust helped Abdulla and his family get additional income recently by conducting several consumer workshops in Pune where close to 100 art and craft lovers participated in paid workshops, and also bought a lot of their products.

The Trust is now working on getting regular business for their family in several ways, including taking their products into more exhibitions, doing more consumer workshops, etc. It has also started a fundraiser online to help fund the family’s infrastructure needs.

They are the last custodians of a dying art form, and need all the help they can get!

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naturopathy tourisM in guJarat

Naturopathy is an ancient way of healing that makes use of the body’s ability to heal itself! It’s

a non-surgical and chemical-free treatment which usually concentrates on the root cause of the ailments and helps the body to strengthen for the better.

Return to NatureIf you are looking for permanent and natural solutions for any disease then naturopathy treatment is one of the best ways accepted by people all around the world. Since Naturopathy is nothing but a method of therapy that recommends the use of water, air, diet, light, heat and all other kinds of daily procedures and modalities. Today, Naturopathy is an ideal and likely way to cure any disease by focusing on the use of natural remedies.

Approach to HealthAccording to Naturopathy, “A disease can be treated by regulating diet without taking any medicine”. The right choice of food alone can help us live a healthy life. Nature cure centers today have therapies like massage therapy, Shirodhara, mud therapy, sauna bath, Jacuzzi, enema, chest

pack, acupressure and the like, designed to cater to specific issues that result from a stressed lifestyle.

Gujarat as a Reputed Naturopathy Centre

Over the years Naturopathy has gained immense importance in Gujarat. Tourists are coming to Gujarat from far and wide for

the Naturopathy therapies to rejuvenate themselves and to get rid of illnesses and use the traditional ways with a modern approach to lead a healthy life. The Nimba Nature Cure Village, Navjivan Nature Cure Centre and V.A.M. Nature Cure Centre are some of the best Naturopathy centers in Gujarat.

The Nimba Nature Cure Village is a world class Naturopathy Centre located at a place called Baliyasan, Mehsana which is about 50 kms from Ahmedabad. It has a unique facility that helps restore the natural balance of your mind, body and spirit through modern medical advancements, ancient medical techniques and contemporary international therapies which enhance and augment the original. Nimba is one of the best naturopathy center to relax and rejuvenate yourself.

The Navjivan Nature Cure Centre based on naturopathic remedies and M.K. Gandhi’s ideas of “nature cure” offers treatment for a variety of conditions, from ayurvedic and herbal remedies to panchakarma, acupuncture, meditation, prayer, and yoga asanas. Located on the Bhuj-Mandvi road near PunadiPatiya village. The Centre also maintains 40 hectares of

organic farmland on which fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants are grown.

The V.A.M. Nature Cure Centre is situated at Vallabh Vidyanagar about 4 km from Anand Railway Station. Health seekers, not only from India, but also from other

countries, are attracted to this centre. The Naturopaths of V.A.M. Nature Cure Centre seeks to aid the body function by eliminating morbid matter, bringing about an optimum state of the body by not only regulating the diet, but also by useful exercises and the right Mental and Emotional Attitudes.

The treatments at the Naturopathy Centre of Gujarat are designed to detoxify and balance the body, treat the disease, and improve general health. They also allow you to practice and appreciate the “Art of healthy living”. This pollution free environment with homely atmosphere gears you up to cope with the busy routines of a modern life.


a tribal haMlet conVerted into an eco-tourisM destination

n 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.

An avid traveller, Kar grew up in the holy city of Puri (in the state, Odisha, East India), which attracts a large number of tourists from across the globe. After completing his graduation in mechanical engineering, he chose to study tourism and hospitality management to pursue his interest. However, his first job was as a tour operator followed by the post of a sales engineer for a reputed company that required him to travel to sleepy hamlets to sell agricultural pumps.

It was during his visits to these remote villages that Kar noticed two things—one, that the unique tribal culture of the region was getting eroded due to technology explosion, and second, the locals who followed traditional sources of livelihood rarely emerged from abject poverty. Lack of alternative modes of livelihood has also led to

large-scale migration of youth to other states as labourers in brick kilns and construction sights.

Deciding to do something to help them, Kar drew upon his training in rural tourism and experience as a tour operator to set up an ecotourism facility at Lamtaput in Koraput Valley. He chose the concept of ecotourism because its principles entailed the conservation of environment as well as the preservation of local cultures and traditions, while providing education and economic benefits to locals.

Kar financed the project, which he named Desia, with his accumulated savings,

supplemented with a bank loan. Other than arranging funds for the project, he also had to tackle several other hurdles during the initial days. Other than ensuring connectivity to the remote location, the biggest challenge he faced was winning the trust of the tribals.

Knowing that the involvement of the local communities was crucial if the venture was to succeed, Kar began engaging with them extensively through participatory camps. Ten local Paraja tribe youth were trained in hospitality and tourism nuances to run daily operations. Pre-schools were established to give children a strong foundation and get more families involved. Kar also roped in experts to train the local women in making handicrafts and traditional jewellery, which could then be sold to tourists.

Slowly and steadily, Kar ensured that the venture was almost entirely managed by locals. From construction to daily operations, he also shared a substantial percentage of profits with them, other than using the money to sponsor skill development scholarships for the local youth.

IToday, Kar has the full cooperation and trust of the local communities who have seen their lives improve due to his efforts.

Spread over four acres of the Koraput valley, Desia provides a quintessential Odisha experience backed by the warm hospitality of the local community, an age-old tribal culture and the pristine landscape. The ecotourism facility is equipped with modern amenities and spacious rooms decorated with local handicrafts and traditional tribal motifs. Local artists, with help and guidance from artists from Shantiniketan, have designed the entire set-up.

Working towards achieving a listing in the Tourism Concern’s Ethical Travel Guide, Desia aims at being an offbeat travel experience for visitors while revitalizing the livelihood traditions and the economic well-being of tribal families. This is why Desia welcomes tourists who would like to lend a helping hand in terms of capacity building and skill development for the locals.

Tourists also have a chance to absorb the local culture, learn tribal arts and crafts in workshops and participate in festivals besides trekking, hiking or cycling in the picturesque valley. Food at Desia is

served on tree leaves and includes tribal delicacies such as mandia jau (ragi gruel made from millets) and baunsa kadi sabji (bamboo shoots curry).

Tourists can also learn how to play tribal instruments, use indigenous ingredients to cook tribal cuisines and try their hand at farming with the Mali tribes, famous for their farming skills. Assorted events like craft workshops, food festivals, sports events, yoga sessions etc are also organized frequently.

Kar now plans to use crowd funding to build an organic farm, a primary school and an art lounge where the guests can relax, read a book, listen to tribal music or even try their hand at local craft.

Very popular among international ‘voluntourists’, Desia has also caught the imagination of the native population of Odisha. Local tourists, who wish to explore the Koraput valley and its rural landscape along with enjoying the hospitality and company of tribals, often head to Desia for the weekend.

Desia’s success has also reminded the state government about the potential of community based tourism to help marginalised communities. Besides starting a centralised

online system for accommodation booking at ecotourist spots, the tourism department has decided to develop basic amenities such as accommodation facilities in and around 60 ecotourism sites across the state.

Delighted about the government’s plan, Kar feels that such eco-tourism spots will be a win-win situation for both the tribals and the tourists. While tourists will be able to savour a unique cultural experience, increased footfalls will translate into more socio-economic benefits for the locals. Thus, the principles of responsible tourism will be adhered to in letter and spirit.

http://www.desiakoraput.com

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n the beautiful banks of Bharatpuzha river, a self-built tree house lies shrouded by a canopy

of lush green trees. Inside, Mohan Chavara and his family prepare a meal with the fresh produce from their sprawling organic garden.

Mohan Chavara and his family are the first residents of the emerging organic village in Kerala’s (South India) Palakkad district. Conceptualised and founded by Chavara, this village is nestled amidst two-and-a-half acres of scenic countryside and is just a short walk away from the Mannannur railway station.

Chavara and his wife, Rukmini (former principal of a nursing college) had long cherished a

dream of creating a community of people committed to green living. In 2013, they talked to 14 like-minded families about building a self-sustainable organic village for themselves. All of them wanted to leave behind the pollution, the processed foods and the chaos of the city to begin a new, healthier life in the lap of nature.

When they came across a beautiful, two-and-a-half acre patch of land on the banks of the Bharathpuzha river, they knew it was the perfect place to build their organic village. Pooling their funds, they bought the land that was previously a rubber plantation.

The group began by chopping and removing the rubber trees on the land as they were unhealthy for

the soil. Next, they built their tree house with their own hands before planting fruit tress and vegetable gardens. In 2015, Mohan, Rukmini and their two daughters —18 year old Surya and 11 year old Sreya shifted into the upcoming organic village—the first to do so.

The layout of the organic village has been planned keeping the principle of sharing and togetherness in mind. Since its very inception, the organic village has had many appreciative visitors. Seeing a good response, the Chavaras and the other families plan to build a guest house and a large community kitchen where everybody can cook and eat together. The families are also planning to invite artists, activists

an organic Village in kerala

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and people from neighbouring villages for weekly art meets that will be held at the village.

Rececntly, the Chavaras have started building a simple mud house for themselves, with a little outside help for the roofing. Other than growing fruits, vegetables and pulses, the Chavaras also rear poultry, goats and cows. Every guest to the village is welcome with a delicious meal prepared by Rukmini who uses fresh produce from their organic garden. The evening meals at the village are often accompanied by melodious local songs and enthusiastic art discussions.

The Chavaras also believe that one can learn much more love, humanity and compassion while living amidst nature in comparison to regular schools. This is why Sreya and Surya have dropped out of school to lead the natural way of life. Sreya, on the other hand, is dyslexic. Her teachers were often unable to understand and work with her abilities; however, she has improved considerably now,

with the organic village opening up a world of opportunities for her. Both the sisters love observing the beautiful vagaries of nature, hearing the birds serenade them as they work, and savouring the refreshingly cool breeze as they lounge around in their tree house.

Surya and Sreya also travel frequently to learn more about the cultural and social diversity

of their state. In 2013, they led a children’s brigade to Aranmula and symbolically planted paddy saplings to raise awareness about a proposed project that would damage the rich biodiversity of the region.

Taught by their father, Surya and Sreya have also become quite proficient at sculpting and other art forms. A quiet place away from the chaos of the city, their efforts have transformed the village into a fetching fusion of traditional jungle living and artistic design.

Having seen the positive effect of sustainable living on their kids, the Chavaras and the other families now plan to design their own education system (including art and craft workshops, gardening classes etc.) that encourages children to live together, rather than to compete with each other. With their beautiful story of adventure, sustainability and lots of love, the Chavaras have set a unique example of organic living that is sure to inspire many people across India to return to their roots.

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suraJkund international crafts Melaurajkund International Crafts Mela goes on to adorn the scenic beauty of Surajkund during the

spring season in India. Set amidst the Lakkarpur and Baharpur village, Surajkund village acquires a perfect location in Haryana’s so called famous district Faridabad. The scenery of pretty Aravalli hills in the background adds up more charm and allure to the entire place and makes it a major point of attraction for the tourists coming to explore the heritage of Haryana. Surajkund remains more flocked and crowded during the month of February.

A splash of colours, rhythm of drum beats and joy de-vivre merge at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana during the first fortnight of each February. Occupying a place of pride on the international tourist calendar, more than a million visitors throng the Mela

during the fortnight including thousands of foreign tourists. The Surajkund Mela is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India.

The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. A large number of renowned national and international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at both the Chaupals —the open-air theatres, located in the Mela premises. The Mela is indeed a custodian of the heritage crafts involving use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine made imitations, and a special section is earmarked for showcasing of these heritage

crafts. The Mela offers amusement and adventure activities for all.

The traditional touch in the collection of exemplary handmade items and handlooms sparks up the beauty of entire Surajkund Fair, Faridabad. Pieces of creative craft work made up of wood, bamboo, glass, metal, iron and textile can be seen displayed all around. The artistry and hard work of several craftsmen and artistic designers contribute a bigger hand in the success of this festival. Each year has a different theme, specific to an Indian state and a country is picked up for the fair and showcased. The theme gets reflected in the architecture of the ambience and its decorations. Apart from being an art and crafts fair, Surajkund Mela also offers an insight into the gorgeous culmination and mix of different culture and traditions along with cuisine from India.

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aking up to a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, walking through pine-clad

forests, hearing a tinkle of goat bells or a distant cry of a barking deer, anticipating an encounter with a wild boar, foxes or even the elusive leopard, enjoying the humdrum of village life, probably learning a thing or two about traditional craft, and finally ending your day beneath the stars, tired, yet rejuvenated in the midst of a home away from home.

This is what a holiday with Village Ways offers you—an authentic experience in remote villages with unique community involvement and direct social benefit.

Village Ways offers eye-opening experiences in India, Nepal and Ethiopia. In each destination, guests can experience the essence of the place by spending time with local families and

communities. Each place of stay is an autonomous business belonging to the community, typically a specially constructed or restored village guesthouse, providing direct benefits to the hosts. Village Ways was a 2014 Finalist in Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award in the category of ‘Best in Community Engagement and Development’.

Village Ways was born out of a need to empower the rural community in Binsar village in Uttarakhand (India). Owing to the area being declared as a wildlife sanctuary, there was tension and uncertainty among the villagers whose livelihood depended on the forest. Like many other remote villages, a loss in economic viability, migration to urban areas and loss of traditional knowledge and skills was an imminent threat. This led like-minded individuals to come together and start a venture

that would offer inspiring holidays while creating a livelihood for the villagers.

Village Ways offers Unique Travel Experiences to its guests, each tailor-made to fit their requirements. The social enterprise started in 2006 by floating the idea among the Binsar community.

At Village Ways, tourists stay in guesthouses at picturesque locations and experience village life first-hand - whether it is hiking in the mountains or sailing around the backwaters of Kerala, each package is tailormade to fit the requirements of the guest. A local guide acquaints the tourists to rural village life and helps them interact with rural communities, participate in local activities and understand their heritage and culture.

Village Tourism Committees are an active partner of the Village Ways business. The rural community is an active partner

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of the Village Ways business of sustainable tourism. The guesthouses are managed by the Village Tourism Committees, who are not professional hoteliers but have received training in hygiene, house management, hospitality and cooking. The houses are furnished, simply yet attractively, with local materials, wherever possible. Delicious food, often vegetarian, is prepared in the dedicated kitchens over open fires, with most of the produce coming from the farms in the village.

Village Ways nurtures the traditions and indigenous knowledge that has helped communities live in harmony with nature over generations. Guides are trained to value and share their knowledge of local flora and fauna; local craftsmen use traditional skills and materials to build or restore guesthouses and at the same time incorporate energy-saving technology such as solar

photovoltaic panels for lighting and heating water.

Due to the additional income generated, many villagers who had migrated to the city have returned back to their homes. They have developed an appreciation for their culture and traditions and learnt how to make informed and independent decisions for their lives. There is a change in the mindset of these villagers. Where there was once resistance, there is now only cooperation as they have understood the need to

conserve the rich and bio-diverse life around them. And they have started caring.

Village Ways works in partnership with villages to establish, develop and manage a unique kind of ethical, responsible tourism. Above all, the aim is to provide great holidays that inspire and delight guests. Sustainability is vital, with ownership in the hands of villagers and where both guests and hosts are the beneficiaries. http://www.villageways.com


r. 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. This couple have spent decades changing the lives of the local community in Hemalkasa, Maharashtra, protecting tribal people and the local fauna alike.

In the early 70s, Dr. Prakash Amte and his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte were taking a walk in Dandarayana forests of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, when they came across a group of tribal people returning from a hunt with a dead monkey. Upon taking a closer look, the couple noticed that a baby monkey, still alive, was clinging to her dead parent, attempting to suckle her breast. The sight was heart-breaking.

Dr. Prakash was deeply shocked and questioned the tribe, “What will you do with the dead monkey?” The answer was seemingly obvious; the purpose of hunting was to draw nourishment for the community, not leisure.

“What about the baby monkey?” he pressed.

“We will eat it, too.” they replied.

The incident changed the course of the lives for the Amte family forever.

For the Madia-Gond tribal community, hunting was not recreational—they survived on it. At the time of the encounter, Dr. Prakash requested the tribals to give him the baby monkey in return for rice and clothes. They reluctantly agreed.

The red-faced baby monkey arrived at the couple’s home in

the village of Hemalkasa and soon became a member of the household. Dr. Prakash named it Babli after the tribal god worshipped by the Madias.

No one guessed that Babli would be the first of the residents of Animal Ark, a shelter that Dr. Prakash and his family set up in their own courtyard that eventually became home to hundreds of orphaned and injured wild animals.

Babli soon found a friend in the household dog. She would cling to the dog’s back and fearlessly play with it, unaware that it was the very species of animal the tribals used to hunt her own kind. This scene transformed many hearts. It also helped Dr. Prakash strike a deal with the Madia tribe. He couldn’t question the hunting rights

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aMazing faMily Who saVed hundreds of Wild aniMals

of the tribe as the practice was necessary for them to obtain food, but he decided to at least try and save the baby animals. Dr. Prakash convinced the Madias not to kill minors of the animal kingdom, but to instead bring orphaned and injured animals to his home in return for food and clothes. A deal was struck.

One by one, jackals, leopards, jungle cats, common palm civets, rhesus macaques, sloth bears, giant squirrels, rat-tail langurs, four-horned antelopes, black buck antelopes, rat snakes, Indian pythons, crocodiles, monitor lizards, banded kraits, peacocks, a spotted deer, porcupines, and neelgai found their home at Animal Ark.

At one point, there were as many as 300 animals in the shelter, living amongst the members of the Amte family and villagers of Hemalkasa.

Never before had wild animals lived in such close contact with humans. The issue became a matter of concern for the government. Objections were raised against the breeding of wild animals in village settings.

Regulations demanded that the wild animals be caged. Aniket Amte, the doctor couple’s son who had a rather Jungle-book style childhood, describes how he preferred the way things were before the cages were erected.

“I remember how we, the children of the village, and the animals would walk together to the river for a bath. We grew up with no fear of animals”, he recalls.

Even with the cages, Animal Ark is more like an ‘asylum for animals’ than a zoo, with the unfettered love that Dr. Prakash and his family shower their adopted family with. Today, there are over 90 animals

in the ark. The number of animals regularly brought to the Amte home has drastically reduced because the Madias hunt less.

Dr. Prakash also happens to be the son of Baba Amte, one of the greatest social reformers of India. Along with his wife, he set up a hospital where they treated tribal people for free. They started teaching the children from the community under a tree. Dr. Prakash and Dr. Mandakini were awarded the Ramon Magsasay Award in 2008 for their work in Gadchiroli. http://anandwan.in/amte-animal-ark/

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tour to Assam is incomplete without seeing the beautiful hand weaving and silk

making processes. Textile tourism to Assam is something to reckon. More than about 35 different tribes craft their meaningful stories of their tradition in handloom to express an identity, status and tradition. Being a land of tribal and non-tribal inhabitants, the designs are full of fusion which is the rarest of its kind. It is not just a simple blend or fusion but, a blend of craftsmanship, culture and manifested tradition.

For those who understand design, Assam’s traditional textile is like a designer’s paradise. This traditional textile art of different ethnic and tribal textiles have evolved over many generations.

Another significant point about the technique of weaving among the tribes especially hill tribe from North east of India is that weavers

use loin loom, similar to the looms used by the indigenous people of Guatemala, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico etc.

Sericulture has been practiced by tribal communities of Assam since time immemorial. Among the tribal communities, sericulture comprises of Mulberry silk culture, wild silk culture namely, eri and muga silk culture. Assam has the pride place in the world being the only place to produce the golden Muga silk and not found anywhere in the world.

The golden-yellow Muga silk of Assam has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) registration by the GI Registry in Chennai, India. It has been identified as a silk of given quality, reputation and characteristic, attributable to the geographical area of Assam since time immemorial.

Assam contributes about 98% of the total eri silk production of India.

Two types of eri silk worms are found in Assam namely, Philosomia cynthia and Philosomia ricini.

This land of handloom with more than one million handloom weaver scattered across the land is considered as weaver’s paradise. Once visited, one can go back home fully inspired to weave his or her dreams.

Places to visit and experience handloom and silk are:

1. Sualkuchi, Kamrup, Assam, to experience a vibrant handloom culture.

2. There are many other stand alone cottage level weaving units across Assam.

Picture Source: Fabric plus

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experience assaM with its viBrant handlooM and silk


ndhra Pradesh Government firmly believes in the concept of promoting nature

and culture of the state and at the same time inducing a positive socio-economic impact among the local people. Which is why, Sustainable tourism is one of the key focus areas of the state, it will not only conserve and promote built and living cultural heritage of the state at the international level but would also provide stable employment generation and overall alleviation of the local communities.

There are multiple initiatives that have been driven by Andhra Pradesh Government to imbibe this culture in the state which span across different themes such as promotion of traditional art and culture, biodiversity conservation, agr-tourism, preservation of historical heritage, etc. Following is a glimpse of such initiatives providing a taste of sustainable tourism in Andhra Pradesh.

Agri Tourism The state government is planning to partner with private players in the agriculture tourism space

and incentivize development of projects such as organic farms, medicinal plantations, lush green horticulture and allied activities such as dairy, fishing, sheep rearing, etc. Few players such as Aadarana Group of Companies, Vanapalli Farms, Prakruthi Eco Farms, etc. have already partnered with the government to initiate such projects.

Also, many of these projects would involve other stakeholders such as education institutions which can help drive capacity building in this area. For tourists, these developments would provide exposure of rural rustic life and natural environment reminding them of the days of our grandmothers and fathers.

Biodiversity Conservation Multiple eco-tourism spots have been identified across the state to be developed to international standards to conserve the coastal and marine diversity which has become a major challenge in view of the increasing economic activities in such regions. These spots include wildlife habitats such as Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to 269 species of

birds, rare mangrove trees, fishing cat and sea turtles; and Hope Island which is nesting sites of globally threatened Olive Ridley turtles and green turtles.

Rural Tourism In order to promote and revive local arts & crafts of the state, Andhra Pradesh Government has charted out certain initiatives which will provide additional support to artists of various forms – toys, dance, weaving, handicrafts etc. This support includes both monetary as well as marketing related efforts. Some of the key areas where such initiatives are being planned by the govt. are Kondapalli village in Krishna district which is famous for its wooden toy work, Srikalahasti village for Kalamkari art, Madhavamala for wood carving, Vanipenta for brass handicrafts, Parvathi Nagar – known for its classical dancers etc. These villages would be developed to provide a close experience of the artists’ lives to the tourists and thus, promoting inter-cultural understanding and providing income-earing opportunities to the host artists.

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G O F I S H I N G W I T H T H E F I S H E R M E NA T I N D I A ’ S B E S T K E P T S E C R E T .

Experiencing their culture, sharing what they eat, living their lives. And feeling the thrill of your first Godavari River catch. India’s most unique experiences are all part of India’s best kept secret. Discover the best of sustainable tourism on India’s East Coast. Discover Andhra Pradesh.

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he scenic Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh (North India) is no stranger to heritage

and history. In fact, it even lends its name to a mid-18th century school of miniature painting. It is also home to Pragpur, a quaint little village, which the state government in 1997, certified as a Heritage Village, making it the first such village in India.

Founded in the late 16th century by the Kuthiala Soods in memory of Princess Prag Dei of the Jaswan royal family, 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.

According to local folklore, it was in the early 19th century that the prosperous Kuthiala Sood community arrived and settled here. These merchants travelled abroad and returned home to build mansions, schools and hospitals in architectural styles that they observed during their visits.

That is why Pragpur has houses in extremely varied architectural styles - Kangra, Rajput, British, Portuguese and even Italian. The grandest of these structures is The Judge’s Court, the 300-year-old ancestral home of Vijai and Rani Lal, which has been converted

into a posh resort. Vijai Lal is the grandson of Justice Sir Jai Lal, the second Indian to become a Judge of the Punjab High Court.

The Judge’s Court is Pragpur’s chief attraction. Set amidst expansive acreage replete with mango and litchi orchards, this two-storey brick-red mansion has six spacious rooms furnished with colonial-era furniture and paintings.

A cobbled lane outside the mansion gates winds through Pragpur village to the ornamental water tank called Taal. Built before 1868, the Taal is said to form the core of the village and is surrounded by several old community structures like the Nehar Bhawan, Naun, and Dhunichand Bhardial Serai.

The village market also starts here. A short walk from the market is a remarkable house that belongs to Brij Bihari Lal Butel with beautifully carved wooden doors and intricate metalwork on railings.

Another beautiful heritage building is Lala Rerumal’s haveli, which has a Mughal-style garden, a pleasure terrace and a large water reservoir. The Chaujjar mansion, ancient temples, courtyards of the Sood clan and attiyalas or public platforms are other places of interest in Pragpur.

Though late to acquire the heritage status, but barely 3 km away from Pragpur, is Garli village, with many heritage buildings. Of these, the most prominent is the house of the timber merchant and late lawyer Rai Bahadur Mohan Lal, who also built many other noteworthy buildings here. Another lovely house is that of Mela Ram Sood with its unique brick jali wall.

Most of these houses boast of fancy tile-work, carved wooden eaves, ornamental towers, stained glass windows, and antique collections that include rare books and etched glass objects. While some of these buildings are in a state of disrepair, a majority of them have remained unspoiled due to the efforts of the villagers of Pragpur and Garli.

The village committee of Pragpur, which has been recording its meeting since 1864, is responsible for the maintenance of the heritage buildings and ancient water systems. Any new construction taking place in these villages must be ratified by the committee. Several heritage structures are now being restored using original techniques but with modern facilities to boost tourism. This makes sure that the village’s architecture stays the same and does not lose its charm.

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heritage Village of pragpur


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he Tibetan community has lived in India for decades and Dharamsala (Himachal

Pradesh, North india) is the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Yet, the community continues to remain in the sidelines, rarely emerging in mainstream media apart from stories of protests and activism.

That’s what makes Tenor Sharlho so interesting—fashion designer, entrepreneur, crafts connoisseur, whose fledgling initiative in India is slowly but steadily grabbing attention.

Tenor is the founder of Sharlho, a sustainable label that interprets traditional Himalayan craftsmanship in contemporary designs and provides jobs to local artisans. Tenor was always attracted by ethnic patterns and raw materials originating from Tibet and the Himalayas.

True to his affinity for the mountains, Tenor set up Sharlho at Ramnagar, a village close to

Dharamsala. Tenor’s initiative brings a new vitality to the area. The Sharlho team comprises a mix of full-timers and freelancers, and many employees have moved from bigger cities to settle here.

The Sharlho boutique is located in Mcleodganj, which has emerged as an immensely popular tourist destination in recent years. Tenor admits the location limits his access to a wide customer base, but his activities are strongly geared towards community development.

Sustainability is a priority for Tenor, who promotes zero-wastage by using leftover materials to make small accessories and stuffing for cushions.

In recent years, the fashion industry has begun acknowledging the need for sustainable practices and slow fashion. Sharlho embraces these values as its core principles.

Slow fashion focuses on creating timeless pieces allowing more focus on quality and ethics.

It can bring about change by contributing to the local community, providing jobs and preserving ancient techniques.

Running an independent, crafts-oriented label comes with its own challenges. The young generation do not want to pursue the traditional crafts, due to this, it gets increasingly difficult and expensive to source authentic craftsmanship.

Despite the challenges, Tenor continues working with local, indigenous people, sourcing unique materials and crafts, and expanding on that.

Sharlho is slowly making its way out of Mcleodganj market, and into the hearts and wardrobes around the country. For Tenor, his label is a homage to his multi-faceted identity. Tenor likes to think that his use of local materials with Tibetan patterns is a reflection of Tibetans living in India.

http://sharlho.com/

indo-tibetan sustainable sloW fashion label in the hiMalayas

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w w w . t r a v e l r e s p o n s i B l y . i n f o 21

responsible tourisM in JaMMu and kashMir

INTERVIEW

Q: Can you please advise why sustainable tourism is important for Jammu and Kashmir?Tourism of Jammu and Kashmir depends mainly on natural beauty. Hence it is very important to conserve it. We cannot afford to degrade the beautiful nature that has been bestowed upon us. Ancient heritage and culture also need to be preserved. We are in fact, inviting experts to develop new products to sustain and promote our glorious heritage and culture.

Q: Which are some of the touristic destinations that are considered to be the “greenest” in terms of sustainable tourism? And Why?More than eighty per cent of the tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir are naturally green. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, unexplored destinations such as the Lolab Valley. In fact, Lolab Valley is also home to thick forest cover and many wild animals which includes Himalayan leopards, musk deers, etc. Places like Kokarnag, Daksum and many others, also have a large green cover. A beautiful array of natural wild flowers is also present in our state.

Jammu and Kashmir is home to some of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in India and Srinagar has

the maximum. The terrace gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh offer a magnificent view of Zabarwan mountain range and Dal lake. Kashmir also has Asia’s largest Tulip garden, one of the top 5 most beautiful valley of flowers in India.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for sustainable tourism in J&K today?Our main tourism destinations have the same challenges that other Indian destinations have.

• Heavy traffic, lack of eco-friendly vehicles

• Population, over crowding

• Pollution and global warming

• Forest fires

• Floods and natural calamities

• Encroachment and destruction in the name of development

• Rampant Industrialisation

Because of increasing tourists, we face a lot of other issues such as waste management, scarcity of water, air pollution etc. We are addressing these issues by inviting global experts. Mass awareness programmes are also being undertaken with the help of local organisations.

Q: Please advise any initiatives being done by the government

to promote sustainable tourism in J&K.J&K government is committed to sustainable tourism. We have 24 development authorities in the state with an additional 4 more. People and the government officers are being made aware about conservation and responsible tourism. People’s participation is a must. Experts are being invited to work in these areas. All new projects are ensured that they are compliant to policies that are environmentally protective. Mass awareness drives are also being launched.

Q: Is J&K tourism doing anything to promote sustainable, green tourism among travellers?Travellers have to follow a list of Dos & Don’ts. Sensitisation is being done among the tourists through billboards and signboards. Polythene is being banned and littering is not allowed. Enforcement is also being made by way of fine. Tourism Development Authority (autonomous body) has been empowered to keep the tourist spots clean. They are working with municipal authorities and other local authorities to sustainable and preserve upkeep of the destinations.

Mr. Farooq Ahmad ShahSecretary, Government of Jammu & KashmirTourism Department


he 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.

The tiny village of Chandidih in Khunti district, about 35 km from Ranchi, is a sight to behold. Home to community art project Udbhav, the whitewashed walls of the homes in the village are adorned with mesmerising pieces of Madhubani art.

The paintings are the work of 20 art enthusiasts from the village and their young mentor Avinash Karn.

Udbhav is unique in its execution in the sense that while depicting

the traditional art form, the project also translates to art the life and times of the people in the village. Every piece of art, whether reproduced on paper or on the walls, holds a social message, born right out of the hearts of the villagers’ life experiences.

The unavailability of water, the need for collecting firewood, the lack of healthcare facilities, deforestation and local festivals of the community have made it to the murals. One of the strongest and most powerful messages is seen in the painting of the tribal women carrying water. The picture shows four women carrying water pots in their hands as well as on their heads, while their small children walk beside them.

One of the women is shown to be pregnant, the child inside her belly painted powerfully by the local women to narrate their daily hardships.

Avinash, who started the project in the village over a year ago in collaboration with Artreach India, observed the lives of the participants closely. He saw that women, no matter what the circumstances, were never able to take a break from their strenuous duties.

“I saw that even when a woman was pregnant, she had to do all these things. I was shocked to see an eight months pregnant woman walking a few miles carrying water. Same was the case with women who had small children. Often

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Jharkhand Village Walls depicting tribal life by Madhubani Murals


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women carry their newly born with them while they go to fetch water. The harsh reality needed to be addressed through the art. I was teaching them the technique, but moreover, I was helping them translate their own unique ideas to something tangible,” he says.

An artist born to a family of Madhubani painters, Avinash had always strove to take the traditional art form away from repetition and imitation. He learned sculpting in Banaras Hindu University, which gave a certain depth and understanding of the third dimension to his paintings. Slowly, he developed a unique style of his own.

Avinash conceived the idea of Udbhav in 2014, when he visited the village to conduct a week-long

workshop. During his discussions with the local tribal participants, he realised that a skill like painting would help them become financially independent.

He felt, however, that one single workshop wasn’t enough, and designed a year-long project that would allow them to excel in the artform.

“I designed this project and was trying to get the required funding. However, I wasn’t getting support. I was also criticised for imposing the Madhubani art form on the tribals. I wasn’t able to comprehend how I was ‘imposing’ when they themselves wanted to learn. Although Jharkhand has its traditional art form Sohrai, it isn’t practiced in this part of the state. But we have also tried merging

some techniques of Sohrai tradition with Madhubani. I believe art is art, and there’s no need to put labels on it,” he says.

In 2016, Avinash got the backing of Artreach India and the project kicked off. Avinash travels back and forth between Chandidih and Varanasi, where the freelance artist has a studio. He believes with the right training and exposure, all of his 20 students have the potential to make it as professional artists. Many have started working on assigned murals and some are even selling their work at different art galleries.

Avinash recently conducted a workshop in the village, which was attended by local children. He has been trying to inculcate an artistic perspective and tries to encourage original ideas and imageries at his workshops.

“I have always been fascinated by the idea of earth meeting the sky in the far off distance. When I told that to Avinash Bhaiyya, he asked me paint how would I like to see the earth meeting the sky. So I painted a view that I’d be able to see from the top of Qutub Minar, the tallest of all towers,” says 13-year-old Nikita Tappo, a participant of the Udbhav workshop.

The community art project has interested not only the villagers, but many outsiders as well. The murals on the village walls often attract a curious eye, which has led to many of the artists getting work from outside the village. Sadly, the rain has washed away the murals on mud walls, but the ones on cement walls still stand as the representation of the collective art consciousness of the community.

http://udbhavproject.blogspot.in/


ocated 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. This is the core purpose of Karuna Farm. The ultimate purpose is to fine tune the body and mind to relish the nectar of our true nature, i.e. Eternity, knowledge and bliss. Members at Karuna Farm are aspirants of this mood and are happy to share their experiences towards this end.

At Karuna Farm electricity is not used from the national grid. All power is sourced from solar energy and hydroelectric power. The climate and water resources are good for cultivation all through the year. The potential is good. Various systems of organic farming are practiced.

At Karuna Farm there are three sections of farming: Vegetable Garden, Fruit & Coffee Plantation, and Tree Planting Project.

Karuna Farm offer their yoga-loving guests the chance to offset their carbon footprint through a tree plantation programme. They even have their own beehives. But the farm’s most inspiring achievement is the “bio-home” that looks simultaneously rustic and futuristic. The self-sufficient

hut is made from reused tyres and tin cans rammed with earth. It relies on solar energy for heating, rainwater is harvested and stored in insulated tanks, and sewage is treated onsite. The farm helps arrange training for participants interested in making their own biohomes.

The climate and water resources are good for cultivation all through the year.

Karuna is surrounded by forests and peaks on either side, with paths for a short forest stroll or an all day trek, with spectacular views, tropical forest and wildlife.

At Karuna Farm, all the rooms are ideally situated, clean and comfortable. Every room has solar lights, room heater and bathroom with ample water. Some travelers are tired of eating restaurant food, and relish cooking to their own taste, for which every room is provided with a fully equipped kitchen.

For those who do not want to cook, restaurant is available, overlooking a lovely little waterfall, serves vegetarian meals on order. The furnishings in the cottages are strictly functional, bordering on the monastic, but that’s a small price to pay for the solitude and gorgeous views. Karuna Farm is surrounded by forests and peaks on either side, with paths for a short

forest stroll or an all day trek, with spectacular views, tropical forest and wildlife.

Karuna Farm is practicing an economy based on ‘need not greed’. An economy which is materially and spiritually balanced. Karuna Farm is an ideal place for a retreat from the stress and tension of busy life. The ambience speaks for itself. There are many beautiful spots to sit and meditate, read, write, play music or share company. One could stroll around and observe or even participate in various activities on the farm. There could be some training programs in yoga and meditation, or organic farming, natural medicine, etc. to participate in. http://www.karunafarm.in/

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karuna farM at kodaikanal

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ARTICLE

hilika 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.

Chilika hosts about 10,00,000 birds annually, spread over 250 species, both resident and migratory.

In 1981, this brackish lake was internationally recognized as a Ramsar Site for its ecological importance and rich bio-diversity. And then a dual tragedy struck Chilika.

On the one hand, poaching became the order of the day. And fishermen turned poachers to make a fast buck. On an average,

about a thousand birds were killed every day—by shooting, by trapping in nets, and by poisoning them with pesticides. In a few years’ time the numbers dwindled till there were just a few thousand left. Around the same time, as luck would have it, the mouth of the lake started narrowing till it almost shut itself. This decreased the salinity of the lake, and freshwater weeds like hyacinth and ipomoeas flourished and started destroying the flora of the lake. Within a decade it was included in the Red List of Ramsar Sites as a ‘Degraded Site’.

That’s when a man named Nandakishore Bhujbal entered the scene, and changed the destiny of Chilika forever.

Nandakishore, while in his late teens, shot down an egret in Chilika that fell down to the ground with a twig clutched in its mouth. The fact that the egret must have been carrying the twig to make its nest dawned on him. And it created an unbearable guilt that remained as a raw wound in his mind.

In the 70s, Nandakishore moved out from his native village Tangi to earn his livelihood in urban Odisha, then called Orissa. When he came back here in the 90s, rampant poaching had taken its toll and there were just around a thousand birds left. This reopened the still-raw wounds of his personal guilt of shooting down a nesting bird. Spurred on by the guilt, he

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the Man Who Went on to saVe an entire bird sanctuary


ARTICLE

decided to act. He made discreet enquiries about the people behind these dastardly acts. And he was led to the Dirty Dozen (they were actually 12 in number!) whose leader was the firebrand Madhu Behera.

Nandakishore accosted them with the courage of conviction, and asked them whether they were responsible for the wanton killing of the birds of Chilika. They proudly claimed responsibility, and warned him that it would continue unabated, and that it was none of his business. He tried to threaten them saying that Chilika has been declared as a degraded site, and therefore would be closely watched by the forest authorities. Still they refused to budge.

When Nandakishore tried to build up public opinion in Mangalajodi, the site of the killing fields, Madhu went to his house in the night, armed with a butcher’s knife. But Nandakishore in true Gandhian style stood up to his outstretched knife and told him, ‘Kill me if you must, but spare those birds. They have nowhere else to go’.

These words somehow somewhere touched Madhu; and a week later he came to Nandakishore’s house, his Dirty Dozen in tow. They informed him that they have thrown away their air guns in the lake, and will never again kill a single bird in their life. Knowing the psyche of this fickle-minded fishing community, Nandakishore told them that their decision was welcome. But he would believe them only if they took the oath in the temple of Kalijai. They stood by their oath and did not kill a single bird thereafter.

Interestingly, one of these turned a renegade and went back to his old ways. He was promptly

banished from the team, and handed over to the forest officials without any sympathy. The team of 11 then expanded to over 50, with each one of them having taken the oath to protect Chilika and all that dwells in it.

When Madhu and his gang gave up the lucrative business of poaching, a kind of vacuum was created in their lives. That’s when Wild Orissa, a NGO led by Nandakishore stepped in. He had realized that poaching was serious business. To conduct it, the poachers had to learn to identify scores of migratory birds that were winter visitors in Chilika; they had to keep a track of when they start coming in and when they start going back; and what do they feed on and where do they roost. In short, they had to become experts in birdlife.

Nandakishore, along with his understudy Aditya Roy, started conducting workshops for the ex-poachers to convert this vast knowledge to become nature guides. Aditya taught them the English names of these birds, and even helped them with their communication skills. Both of which were needed in their interactions with nature lovers.

To make these eco-tourism efforts truly successful, an organization called Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samiti was formed.

The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) gave them land to house their office and also to start an Interpretation Centre. They were supplied with tents in which they could put up visitors wanting to stay the night at Mangalajodi. And armed with the binoculars provided by CDA, the poachers-turned-protectors patrolled the waterways of Chilika, day in and day out. They took nature lovers in their boats, with the precise knowledge of which species can be found where. The division of labour among them was well-defined. Some of them became boatmen, some turned cooks who provided food on a day-long boat journey, and the ones with better communication skills became guides.

Parallely, CDA opened up the mouth of the lake with technical help from leading water management authorities, thereby restoring its delicate balance. And by 2002, Chilika was removed from the Red List of Ramsar, http://www.wildorissa.org

SUSTAINABLE ToUrS

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... State: Uttarakhand

Learn anCient art of weaving

and meet the artisans...

Avani works with over 1,100 artisans in 101 villages of two districts. What starts as a training process becomes the way of life for the people who end up being closely associated with Avani.

State: Uttarakhand

eCo Camps in the Lap of nature...

Luxury accommodation with environmentally conscious practices. Camping sites around the nestled mountains of Sonamarg.

State: Jammu & Kashmir

upLiftment of LoCaL art and CuLture

At the entrance of the staunch Rajput style fort, you may find women busy doing embroidery, pottery, weaving and block printing, this is a scene of Chandelao. Once at the verge of extinction and now are revitalized and patronized by Pradhuman Singh.

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

state: rajasthan

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.

states: rajasthan, maharashtra

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

the viLLage with no LoCKs or doors!

Imagine a village where homes have no front doors, shops are always left unlocked and locals never feel unsafe. Locals are so nonchalant that they don’t even ask their neighbours to watch over their house while they are out of town

state: maharashtra

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...

state: gujarat

waLKing tours, heritage responsiBLe waLKing tours...

Intach offers heritage walking tours. Several volunteers have started bicycle tours... Don’t miss the responsible walking tours

State: Delhi

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...State: Himachal Pradesh

KaLap: the BeautifuL aLternative tours...Visiting Kalap is like stepping back in time—with traditional wooden houses, cattle and sheep in every household. Kalap has many trekking and hiking routes offering splendid views of the mountains.

State: Himachal Pradesh

north india

west india

northeast indiasouth india

weLLness CirCuit in guJarat

eXpanding shrinKing tiger reserves singLe handedLy

Meet Sanjay Gubbi, who along with his team, is helping preserve the tiger population by giving tigers new habitats.Gubbi’s team connects protected areas like forests with wildlife sanctuaries.

state: Karnataka

Jaipur rugs: a gargantuan feat of LogistiCaL finesse

Jaipur Rugs Company launched a simple business model, cut out the exploitative middlemen who paid so little for the weavers’ rugs and thereby give the weavers a greater share of rug industry earnings.

state: rajasthan

sustainaBLe tourism using desert nationaL parK

To promote tourism and eco-tourism in Jaisalmer, eco-tourism has been started, which will increase tourist flow and villages associated with the Desert National Park will also be developed. Apart from this, youth will get employment and there will be an atmosphere of friendship.

As a pilot project, eco-tourism has been started with 25 trained guides, camel riders.

state: rajasthan

women seCurity forCes in gir forest

Womeh forces work as guards and foresters in the rare Asiatic lion Gir forest.

state: gujarat

sustainaBLe tourism in a tea estate BungaLow saved indigenous triBes from starvation

Set up with the purpose of supporting the adivasis, Priyadarshini was never about profits. The tribal people found a safe haven as workers of the tea plantation.

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

west india

naturopathy Centres in guJarat

• Bajaj Nature Cure Hospital

• Mission Health

• Navjivan Nature Cure Centre

• Nimba Nature Cure Village

• Nisargopachar Kendra

• Ratanveer Nature Cure

• Sarva Mangal Arogyadhan

• Shankus Natural Health Centre

• Shivashram Natural Health Centre

• Swas Naturopathy

• V.A.M. Nature Cure Hospital

• Vaatrika Lotuspond NaturopathyGoogle map has been used. Please note that this list is not the complete list. For more details please contact [email protected]

east india

Conserving turtLes and more

Over the years, APOWA (Action for Protection of Wild Animals) has been working for the conservation of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles and their habitat along the Odisha coast. With sustained campaign and commitment, combined strongly with field protection, networking with fishermen communities and comprehensive innovative awareness campaigns, the result has been advantageous..

state: odisha


ARTICLE

he people of Leh and Ladakh, were very self reliant community with a lot of environment

friendly practices. Not until couple of years ago when tourism became rampant and more and more hotels sprung up which created a lot of stress on the local environment specially water.

As responsible tourists, we need to understand the bigger picture. Learn from a local culture residing since time memorial and not crush it with our greed for an unknown adventure. But, still there are some organisations such as LEDeG, NCF and SECMOL that are working for these causes.

Ladakh Ecological Development Group-LEDeG (www.ledeg.org) is a non-governmental organization based at Leh. Since its formation, it has consistently worked towards serving the underprivileged people residing in disadvantaged areas of Ladakh and also address the environmental and cultural issues affecting the people in the region due to the current developmental initiatives. The crux of these initiatives is utilising renewable sources of energy and effective management of waste.

NCF (www.ncf-india.org) assists in better conservation management of the magnificent mountain ungulates of the Trans-Himalaya among the other activities that it undertakes.

Another institution that is handling the problems by directly getting the young involved is SECMOL. The Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, SECMOL (www.secmol.org) was started by a Ladakhi engineer, Sonam Wangchuk.

SECMOL provides hostel facilities for high school and college students. They learn by doing. The entire campus is sustainable and is run by the students themselves.

From solar cooking to solar heating, to generating solar electricity. From biogas generation, to earth-building of structures. From learning English and understanding Science, they get so much more than just academics. People from all over the world volunteer at this institution to learn something new and in-turn teach their skills.

Sonam Wangchuk, the man behind this brilliant institution is currently coming up with a new

invention, inspired from the people who are doing it abroad.

Since Ladakh is a barren land and has only 2 months of cropping season, the building of artificial glaciers would promise extra months for cropping. A conical structure of locally available Seabuck thorn is created in order to hold the ice.

Underground pipes bring water from nearby streams coming from a higher altitude. The structure is made on a south-facing low altitude region. The water is pushed up to the pipe that holds the thorny conical structure by its own kinetic energy. There is sprinkler attached to the top of the pipe which then releases the water in winters.

The water freezes instantly as it comes out of the pipe upon the conical structure. This creates an artificial glacier that holds itself until the summer months. As it starts melting, the irrigation channels laid out help it to reach the trees planted, which are water-fed by drip irrigation. This simple concept provides the villagers extra months of agriculture and also helps in greening the arid land.

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unique destinations in india

THe HANGING PIllAR oF lePAKSHI TeMPleThe beautiful 16th century Veerabhadra temple, also known as Lepakshi temple, is located in the small historical village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Built in the typical style of Vijayanagara architecture, the temple features many exquisite sculptures of god, goddesses, dancers and musicians, and hundreds of paintings all over the walls.

lAITlUM CANyoNS oF THe MeGHAlAyAThe awe-inspiring vistas of this hidden canyon will make you fall in love with Meghalaya all over again. Perched in the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is a little-explored haunt of the mountainous state of Meghalaya. At Laitlum, all one can see are breathtaking gorges and steep winding stairways that snake their way down to the lush valley.

DRAS - THe ColDeST INHABITeD PlACe IN INDIA The picturesque hamlet of Dras is situated about 60 km away from Kargil, on the road to Srinagar. Popularly known as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, Dras is the coldest inhabited place in India and the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Intensely beautiful, challenging and numbingly cold, this Himalayan getaway is like none other.

STePWell BUIlT By A QUeeN IN MeMoRy oF HeR HUSBAND Step wells of India have always mesmerized tourists from far and wide, for their unique architecture and carvings. Not only does Rani ki vav in Gujarat belong to this class of picturesque landmarks of India, it also has a special historical beginning to it. The richly sculpted monument is considered a masterpiece dedicated to the king by his widowed wife Udayamati.

For more information visit: http://www.indiatourismecatalog.com — Unique Destinations

Responsibly & Sustainably

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For more interesting stories please scan the QR code below.

http://www.travelresponsibly.info

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.

We also are sensitizing potential travelers, specially, well placed business executives to reach out to such projects by way of roadshows and personalized mails.

We also look forward to your suggestions and comments/feedback. We invite your articles, expert opinions. We have a section specially reserved for Industry Leaders. Our email address is [email protected]

Some of the stories that have been encapsulated earlier, are available in our website, www.travelresponsibly.info

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