As you plan your travel for 2025, consider adding some unique, sustainable experiences in India to your itinerary. You can explore various options, from stunning eco-friendly stays that blend seamlessly with nature to adventurous activities that prioritise ecological preservation and conservation to farm stays where you learn how to grow food. These experiences enhance your travel and create lasting benefits for the communities you visit, making your journey genuinely rewarding.
Who wouldn't love a holiday in the Andamans? However, it is a fragile area with unique ecosystems, so staying in sustainable accommodation is essential. Opt for Barefoot in Havelock, where the untamed beauty of the jungle combines effortlessly with the stunning blue waters. Choose from beautifully constructed thatch huts, tents, cottages, or villas made with indigenous, environmentally safe materials. Fresh produce is used in all of their culinary options. With the tranquil Radhanagar Beach nearby, visitors can find the perfect escape from the monotony of daily life.
Discover the charm of Smell of the Earth, a remarkable farmstead nestled in Birbhum, near Shantiniketan. Owned by a passionate couple who have embraced Tagore's hometown as their own, it features a beautifully constructed home and a self-sufficient farm. Throughout the year, engaging workshops and short courses take place, aimed at educating the community about sustainable agriculture and responsible food sourcing. Join them for their Open Farm Days or for a longer workshop. Experience firsthand the beauty of sustainable farming and enjoy a delightful array of homemade dishes. You can also purchase farm-fresh products, such as preservative-free jams and syrups made from their own fruits, along with rice and other offerings. For more information, reach out via WhatsApp at 9748831271 or 9163732096.
Tucked away on the edge of a remote village, Vanvadi is located in the foothills of the Sahyadri range within the Western Ghats. Just a three-hour drive from Mumbai, this sprawling 65-acre property boasts over 90 percent tree cover, a small organic farm, and several water bodies. What sets Vanvadi apart is its commitment to forest regeneration, rainwater harvesting, and preserving over 120 traditionally useful plant species, including more than five varieties of forest food. With its pristine, unpolluted environment, Vanvadi is an ideal place to learn about biodiversity and sustainable living. Throughout the year, they host workshops on foraging, wild edibles, and rainwater harvesting.
Travel to Khonoma in Nagaland, just 20 km from Kohima, the state capital. This village is a model of rural development, showcasing community-led conservation efforts and sustainable practices. Khonoma has embraced organic farming, effective water management, and the promotion of ecotourism. Recognised as India's first "green village," it is also known for its significant contributions to wildlife conservation. In 1998, the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was established to protect the endangered Blyth's tragopan and other wildlife and rare plant species in their natural habitat. Over the past two decades, bird enthusiasts from around the globe have flocked to Khonoma to experience the breathtaking beauty of these avian wonders.
Nestled in the high mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti is renowned for its natural and spiritual attractions. However, unplanned tourism can jeopardise its fragile environment. If you plan to visit Spiti, consider organising an eco-friendly holiday. Ecosphere conducts Spiti Valley trips focusing on conservation and sustainable development. Their carbon-positive trips generate additional livelihoods and revenue for local communities. Check here for more - www.spitiecosphere.com.