As my phone dings, my hand involuntarily reaches for it. Even when I’m in the middle of something important, say working on a project on a tight deadline or feeding my cat. It seems my brain has been hardwired to pay attention to every little ding that my phone demands. Once what was seen as a technological blessing has now got us in a chokehold of aimless scrolling and not getting away from work emails even after hours.
From waking up to podcasts to sleeping to white noises, there’s no escaping the hold of tech and social media. However, simultaneously, the wellness trend has made a comeback and has, ironically, gained popularity on social media. Such narratives revolve around how prolonged silence is one of the natural ways to reduce stress, anxiety and possible depression caused by being chronically online.
In fact, more and more millennials are looking to take a break from their internet-dependent lives. Digital detox is all the rage right now and has even taken over the travel industry.
Data has revealed that more than 40 percent are taking to rejuvenating vacations that let you immerse yourself in nature and lead to self-discovery. This travel trend of stepping into a destination that seems to have no ties with the frenetic world outside is popularly termed "Silent tourism."
Offbeat places, hidden destinations and a quiet vacation are some words that the search engines of millennials are not unfamiliar with. Pinterest data reveals a 530 per cent surge in searches for a "quiet life" among its billion-plus users in the last year. In India alone, there has been a notable increase in demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations that promote silence and mindfulness.
Gone are days when you have to bear the whiny kid making sand castles near you while you try to enjoy the sunset at the beach. Silent tourism is all about providing the tranquillity that your mind requires to enjoy your vacation by truly being in the moment.
Even though a large part of wellness tourism offers guided meditations, yoga sessions and other cleansing therapies, one does not have to be rooted in just one setting to allow nature to restore balance in one's life. "Nature walks and forest bathing are activities where guests are invited to explore the natural surroundings through curated walks that emphasise slowing down and observing nature, or another activity called "silent dining" offers candlelit dinners under the stars or by the waterfall or pool, with minimal distractions, which does the job of relieving stress while the explorer in you thrives" says Vishal Vincent Tony, Managing Director of Ayatana Hospitalities Private Limited. Meanwhile, across remote locations, stargazing and village tours are a few popular activities that one can partake in to feel recharged.
However, a silent tour does not mean ditching the usual comforts. They do let you immerse in the serenity of nature while serving all the necessary amenities in time without defeating the primary purpose of your vacation.
"Before arrival, the team gathers detailed information through pre-arrival calls, where they collect specific requests, preferences and dietary requirements. This helps in curating a personalized experience tailored to each guest’s unique needs. The amenities and services are then discreetly organized to enhance the experience without intruding on the tranquility of the retreat," says Manuj Sawhney, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru.
With the rising urge among the younger generation to disconnect with the world to reconnect with themselves, the future of silent tourism shines bright. “Silent tourism is not merely a passing trend; it reflects a deeper shift in priorities,” says Rahul Uppal, director of Echor Hotels Pvt Ltd.
Besides personal well-being, silent tourism has numerous environmental benefits. Travellers tend to spend more time rooted to one destination, preferably in quietude, minimising their carbon footprint and noise pollution. The local communities also gain from silent tourism, as this trend is a significant contributor to conserving nature and maintaining the livelihood of the nearby village dwellers.
Several unique concepts have been introduced to facilitate such immersive, bespoke and off-the-grid experiences. For instance, Black Tomato's "Get Lost" program is tailored to surprise—the destination is not revealed, encouraging travellers to truly enjoy the journey.
Another concept is that of "quiet parks." These are dedicated quiet spaces ensconced in nature, where one can relax and unwind. They have made quite the splash on the internet for their adventurous yet mindful approach enticing travellers to give a shot at silent tourism.
Closer home, places like Coorg, Auroville, and Northeast India, and even off-beat corners of Goa have made a name for themselves among those craving a quiet getaway. According to a survey, there has been a stark 25 per cent increase in searches for hidden retreats in India.
Dharamshala: Immersed in Tibetan culture and featuring majestic snow-clad mountains and stunning lakes, Dharamshala is the perfect getaway for deep spiritual meditation and yoga sessions. Retreats such as Z Meditation in Dharamshala offer a ten-day experience where spiritual gurus help you understand yourself through deep deconditioning.
Kerala: Unwinding is fairly easy when you find yourself surrounded by picturesque backwaters and stunning greenery of Kerala. Moreover, there are several yoga and Ayurvedic retreats to choose from, such as the ten-day programme offered by the eco-retreat Hinterland Village, where you can engage in deep yoga practices and yield the benefits of Ayurvedic therapies. These retreats help clear your mind and work exceptionally well for the longevity of your body.
Agumbe: If you want to experience forest bathing, head to the marvellous rainforests of Agumbe. Marked as a reserved zone in the lap of Shimoga, Karnataka, Agumbe Reserved Forest is an outstanding retreat destination. In addition, you can also learn a fair bit about herpetology at the retreats that double-up as research stations, such as the Rainforest Refuge, which also conducts day and night forest walks.
