Agora Eco Tourism | Tourism is not a booming business in Chhattisgarh, with about 44 per cent of its geographical area under the forest cover. The sensitivity of the specific regions and the perceived safety concerns often make tourists doubt their travel plans. However, for Bhagyesh Dubey of Agora Eco Tourism, the challenge is not to bring tourists but to win the trust of locals, who are primary stakeholders in the tourist experience.
As an experiential travel firm—which also won the Gold Award for Sustainable Leadership – Travel Enterprise Category at the Indian Responsible Tourism Summit & Awards 2025—Agora Eco Tourism ensures that it acquaints tourists with the tribal way of being without corrupting the essence of these untouched places. “It is all about balancing tourism with sustainability," Dubey told Outlook Traveller.
Curating experiences around agriculture, scenic landscapes and tribal lifestyles, he believes connecting with culture is the right approach to travel. "There are sensitive terrains, and we must ensure tribals pose faith in us," he says.
With over 100 indigenous people with Agora Eco Tourism, the local communities happily participate in the process. “They accompany us as tourist guides and let outsiders take a sneak peek into their world. This way, we are able to support them financially,” said Dubey.
As facilitators, locals help the Agora team, also comprising Sejal Rathod, Prashant Kumar, and Alok Sahu, with their comprehensive knowledge of the place. "About 25 of them work with us as leaders in different teams. With a 50:50 ratio, we commission work as per requirements. Male members are primarily involved in leading forest treks, while women look into food and stay as per their convenience."
The aim is to let non-natives experience the beauty of community living and how life, despite minimal avenues and amenities, is equally gratifying.
The tourists are sensitised to act respectfully towards the rural lifestyle. “The forests, limited resources and a minimalistic lifestyle are all they have to safeguard so they will not let anyone invade their space,” said Dubey.
Agora lets visitors delve into the culture and lifestyle of the local communities while empowering them. Take a look at where all to go and transform the way you perceive vacations while exploring Chhattisgarh.
Bastar
Life in Bastar is all about the old and new. So, don’t miss out on an incredible experience that educates you about how the centuries-old practices are imperative to these tribals.
Often dubbed an unconventional tourist destination, Bastar will leave you awed with its mountains, plateaus and forests. While the scenic beauty of Chitrakote and Tirathgarh waterfalls is to die for, there is more to explore here. Agora Eco Tourism curates tours around the crafts and indigenous culture of tribals. The trip experience goes a notch up as you immerse in the lifestyle of Bastariya tribals.
Udanti Sitanadi
Next on the list is Udanti Sitanadi, home to Kamar tribes and the state’s largest forest, Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. Experience fun activities from nature’s trail, bonfire, and stargazing to a safari. Walk through a dense forest and get a guided tour by a local, making your excursion even more enjoyable. Once known for rampant hunting, tribes of Udanti Sitanadi today have more or less stopped the practice as they engage more in tourism-related activities, finding a more reliable and alternative source of livelihood.
Ramnami
After the pleasing lush jungle views, the tattoo community of Ramnami will leave you spellbound with its unique appearance. As the maiden sect in the world inked from head to toe with the Hindu deity Ram’s name, a trip to this place is no less than a spiritual spree. There is a lot there to explore and satiate the explorer in you. Enjoy various activities, from village walks and community interactions to photography. Spend a night at the homestays to learn about this group celebrating Ram. And if you are in for an adventure, get yourself a tattoo by a local artist as a sacred souvenir.
What’s interesting about these tours is that the locals take the call. “We seek their guidance on how to plan the itinerary and ensure there is no privacy breach,” said Dubey. Factors like photography restrictions and "no-influencer" marketing are paramount to Agora Eco Tourism's policies.
Curating tourist-specific itineraries, depending on their age and interests, the offerings are a mix of experiential travel and preserving region exclusivity. “We don’t reveal a lot about these places. The preferences are prioritised. However, the final itinerary entails all the factors, from community concerns to what to see."
Not more than 25 people are allowed per tour. The trip details are never disclosed beforehand. The idea is to let people seep into the experiences while ensuring these offbeat places are not overpopulated.
Besides, Agora Eco Tourism has managed to employ local communities to a greater extent. However, many myths and security-related challenges need to be dealt with to transform Chhattisgarh into a tourist-friendly state. "Consistent employment is not possible because of less tourist footfall, and the onus is on the government to introduce initiatives to promote tourism and livelihood," said Dubey.
