With so many people now starting to take their carbon footprints seriously, the resources to make informed choices like that are also increasing and becoming more accessible. In India, a lot of people are finding the incentive to travel consciously in recent times. A lack of awareness and access to resources were some of the major reasons for people not knowing where to begin when it came to deciding on their travel plans, but thanks to major travel bloggers and social media influencers who are highlighting and making resources easily accessible, the apprehension among people seem to have lessened. These are some ecotourism companies and initiatives that promote sustainable travel and help people make informed decisions. What's more? They are all led by women.
V Resorts by Aditi Balbir
Travel solutions company V Resorts focuses on ecotourism and sustainability by adopting the principles of ecotourism. They have over 170 properties that are spread across 20 Indian states that comprise off-beat and virtually unhampered locations, including Orchha, Ghanerao, Sattal, Kumbhalgarh, Narkanda, Kalagarh, and Kotabagh. They are helping create employment for locals by associating with them and taking their talents to use. For instance, in their Sattal resort, they partnered with a group of village women who make pickles, fruit squash and essential oils with 100% natural ingredients to sell them at their property's souvenir outlets.
The Kishkinda Trust
Kishkinda Trust was founded by Shama Pawar and works with the local communities in Hampi to instil pride in Hampi's heritage and historical culture. Their objective reads, "To build a self-sustained community by creating creative economies and cultural industries based on locally sourced materials and cultural ethos."
Ecoplore by Prerna Prasad
Ecoplore is a UN-recognized startup that makes your stays green by helping you choose from a list of verified eco-friendly hotels and homestays. Ecoplore was founded by Prerna Prasad and is another example of an all-women ecotourism company.
The Goat Village by Green People
This is an initiative by the Uttarakhand-based Green People that focuses on agro-tourism, ecotourism and rural tourism in the Himalayan region. The entire workforce behind The Goat Village is women. It is a project that empowers rural women while giving guests an authentic, mirror-to-nature experience. The village is situated in Dayara Bugyal, which can be reached after a 6-hour drive from Dehradun, followed by a 400 metres walk. There is a mix of eclectic stone, wood and glass cottages, condominiums and tents that guests can pick from with options to indulge in traditional activities like milking the goats and farming, among other things.
