World Tourism Day: Sustainable Travel Experiences To Bookmark

Deer at the Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture: thenmalaecotourism.com

Thenmala in Kerala is India’s first-ever planned eco-tourism destination. Located in Kollam and Trivandrum regions of Kerala, at Thenmala you can go on a guided butterfly safari, visit a deer rehabilitation centre or take a guided trekking program through the outskirts of the Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary along the reservoir. 

Volunteer On A Farm In Spiti

Picture: Unsplash (representational image)

While Spiti is loved for its pristine landscape and stunning monasteries, it also offers opportunities to travellers to engage in voluntourism, or tourism with a cause. In Spiti, you can spend time volunteering at a farm, or teach at a nunnery and help out with daily chores, to make your travelling experience more worthwhile and holistic. You can also go on zero carbon treks to Pin-Parvati Pass, Parang La and more, conducted by various organisations in the region. 

Learn About Birdwatching in Khonoma

Terrace farming in Khonoma. Picture: Unsplash

Situated near the Indo-Myanmar border, in the Indian state of Nagaland, Khonoma is a village that epitomises green tourism. The Angami tribe once practised hunting of the endangered Blyth’s tragopans but learning about its ecological impact, the local community worked to create Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) in 1998. As India’s first green village, the region is now a hotspot of conservation conversations and attracts avian enthusiasts from around the country. 

Explore Goa On A Bicycle

Goa is best explored on two wheels. Picture: Unsplash

There is much more to do than just soak in the sun, sand and sea in the coastal state of Goa. Hop on a bicycle and go on an exploratory trail to Old Goa’s churches. Or, head to Divar where the local flora and fauna will mesmerise you. You can go island hopping from Divar, or take a boat ride in the famed backwaters of the state in Velha. Many bike tour organisers also take culinary enthusiasts on food trails across different areas in Goa. 

Dive Into Cultural Heritage In Jaipur

The famous street-facing façade of the Hawa Mahal. Picture: Unplash

There is no denying that Rajasthan has a rich cultural heritage, and the capital of this desert state, acts as a portal to the past, taking you on a whirlwind tour across various iconic landmarks in the city. In the Pink City, you can go on heritage walks to Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and combine that with a visit to the the City Palace Complex, conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. Make sure to take a breather at Hawa Mahal, and get a beautiful panoramic view of the monument from one of the rooftop cafes across the street.  

Spend A Day At The Shore Temple 

Shore Temple in Tamil Nadu. Picture: Unsplash

Overlooking the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest stone temples in South India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What sets it apart is the fact that it recently became India’s first ever green energy archaeological site, and will be now illuminated using solar energy. Additionally, there is a solar-operated reverse osmosis plant at the premises which will provide clean drinking water to travellers. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by using electric buggies to reach the Shore Temple, all of which will be operated by local women.