first eco tourism centre in india

ibex expeditions

The evolution of ecotourism in india, ecotourism can be used to walk a fine line between sustainable habitats and income generation. but it needs a robust will on the part of the stakeholders an a whole host of management systems. in this long form essay, mandip singh soin tackles some important issues around the tourism industry in india. the essay was originally published in the times of india coffee table book – towards a green india..

Tourism was alternately seen as an economic saviour for the region it patronised and as a destroyer of the environment. Through the 70s and 80s, it was thought of as a negative impact on local cultures, values and traditions and often seen as impacting the environment including the wildlife, be it within national parks or outside. In a sense, it is good that finally tourism is considered more than a detrimental force – as a spoiler of places that left garbage in its wake – literally and metaphorically.

The global leaders and thinkers in the tourism industry knew that we could not stop the juggernaut of tourism and indeed we should not, as everyone has an innate desire to travel and discover. Rather, it was thought, let tourism (now the world’s second largest industry) evolve such that it doesn’t stomp about mindlessly, but retains sensitivity on its journey and goes beyond – assisting communities, cultures and the fauna and flora. At this time, the juggernaut of tourism began to take into account the smaller, localized experiences that opened the avenue for hitherto unobserved tourism options.

In the process tourism began to take into account its impact upon the small local communities, in terms of financial revenues being generated by the continuation of their traditions and traditional way of life. Traditional tourism, in turn, got a peek into the secret traditions and dances of different cultures and all the amazing animals and plants and the magical creations of our wonderful planet.

Ecotourism was born as tourism of responsibility and eco consciousness. My friend, Hector Ceballos Lascaurian, who is credited with coining the word ecotourism, defined it thus, “Ecotourism is that tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these areas. Ecotourism implies a scientific, aesthetic or philosophical approach, although the ‘ecotourist’ is not required to be a professional scientist, artist or philosopher.”

ECOTOURISM This is no different from today’s world of mass tourism where one can participate in cookie cutter trips, often with a superficial experience of the destination. However, there are a number of options for a tourist to embark upon journeys that are reflective of ecotourism principles, and as Hector said, “to have the ability of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine, urban existences. This person will eventually acquire a consciousness and knowledge of the natural environment, together with its cultural aspects, that will convert him into somebody keenly involved in conservation issues.” By 1989, the International Ecotourism Society was launched and they defined ecotourism as , “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” The key principles were:

• To allow people to discover and travel to natural areas in a conscious way so that every visitor could make a small difference.
• Minimize the negative impacts of tourism.
• Contribute to the conservation efforts.
• Employ locally and give money back to the community.
• Educate visitors about the local environment and culture.
• Cooperate with local people to manage natural areas.
• Provide a positive experience for both – the visitor and the host

This was an effort at showcasing how ecotourism, with its enormous potential to do good, was the antithesis of mass tourism, which generally comprised tourists lazing on crowded beaches, with their hotels depleting fresh water reserves in the area. The cultural impact on the local communities was adverse and such that they made the locals feel inadequate. In contrast, the subtle re-affirmation of the local communities’ beliefs and traditions, which are the hallmark of true ecotourism, allowed the local communities to invest their traditions and traditional way of life with a sense of value that could also bring in revenue. As the interactions became more intensive, tourists started to look for ways of giving back and helping communities and many years later this gave rise to ‘voluntourism’. This is a type of tourism where the essential component of a ‘give back’ is often reflected in tourists coming and spending weeks sharing their skills – be it teaching in schools or helping with patients at hospitals, for the upliftment of the communities.

THE RISE OF ECOTOURISM

What ecotourism was basically doing, was to bring to the table a consciousness that allowed even the non-nature based tourists to adopt what is now popularly called responsible tourism principles and actions. This, in a sense, was a direct result of two key interventions at a global level. First, the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 adopted Agenda 21 of Sustainable Development of the UN and tourism needed to adapt and support it. The resolution defined sustainable tourism as, “tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions, while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.”

This, years later, led to the formulation of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) in 2008, a collaborative effort between the UN and other advocacy groups. The criteria, which are voluntary, involve the following standards, “effective sustainability planning, maximum social and economic benefits for local communities, minimum negative impacts on cultural heritage, and minimum negative impacts on the environment.” (Clarkin and Kähler)

In India, our own journey on the ecotourism path started way back in the 80s.

In 1989, a personal turning point made me more of an eco-warrior/pacifist than I had imagined as a result of taking part in a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supported Arctic environmental expedition called Icewalk. The Polar explorer Robert Swan, who had organized this expedition, communicated, in a strong message, that the problem was created by us and, therefore, we must find the solutions. He inspired us and made us believe that each one of us can make a difference. So, I decided upon my return, to try and make the tourism sector in India ecosensitive. Being a mountaineer and explorer I already had an innate respect for the outdoor world. Now, I decided that my company, one of India’s pioneering adventure travel company, Ibex Expeditions would try to prove that good environmental sense is also good business sense and began signing up for the Himalayan environment code of good practice. We also learned that when they understood the logic behind it, travellers were more than willing to abide by the code.

It was such practices and more that we wanted to bring about in the travel industry. This needed to be jointly dealt with by the government as well as the industry. So, at PATA (the Pacific Asia Travel Association), which was the largest advocacy group in our part of the world, we started to log in best practices and keep abreast with ecotourism developments the world over. In 1998, we helped draft the national ecotourism policy for the government through an interactive process between government officials, NGOs and the industry. The idea was to identify our ecotourism resources and enumerate the principles that would lead to sensitization for sustainable tourism growth.

PATA’s international sustainable and social responsibility committee created a traveller’s code, which initiated travellers into becoming auditors of the organisations they chose to travel with, as well as the lodges and hotels they stayed in. Soon, the same committee evolved simple environmental guidelines for airlines, railways, cruise liners, transporters, and national tourism boards. For the first time the leaders of the tourism industry in India took a public environmental pledge on the World Environment Day on June 7, 1999.

Next came the publication of the ‘Environment & Ecotourism Handbook – A Practical Guide for the Tourism Industry’.

Now in its 4th edition, this compilation of do’s and don’ts, handy facts, best practices, resources, etc., continues to be the guiding star for many. This edition also contains a vital document called the Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India for the tour operators and the hotels and accommodation sectors, which came about as a result of year-long consultations amongst the industry stakeholders and the government.

This was based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and our mission was to adapt it to India, keeping in mind, the diverse geographical regions as well as differing cultural sensitivities. The Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India was first launched at the UNWTO meeting in Hyderabad in 2013 and once again comprehensively launched on World Tourism Day in New Delhi on 27 September, 2014.

ON THE GROUND

The impact of this knowledge; that was being relentlessly disseminated through meetings, conferences and workshops; was visible. First, we saw a wonderful experiment of the Kerala Tourism and the Forest Departments coming together to rehabilitate the bark poachers of Periyar as tourist guides, with the help of the Kerala tourism industry. This was a win-win solution towards preventing poaching and providing a livelihood for locals.

Ecotourism implies a scientific, aesthetic or philosophical approach, although the ‘ecotourist’ is not required to be a professional scientist, artist or philosopher.

Over the Cauvery, in Karnataka, the Jungle Lodges Corporation launched a programme of Mahaseer fishing where guests would use local people as fishing guides or Gillies. Based on a catch and release principle, the programme was a sustainable operation, employing ecotourism principles and enabled locals to profit from preserving the river rather than depleting its fish. In Kerala, around the lake of Kumarakom, Jose Dominic, the visionary behind the CGH Earth Group hotels, embarked on an eco-sensitive journey in conceiving resorts where one of the core values was to save heritage homes from being destroyed or sold. Instead, they were reassembled beautifully against the Vembanad Lake in the resort called Coconut Lagoon.

In Nagaland the youngsters of Konohma village near Kohima were hunting down even endangered birds like Blyth’s Pheasant and Tragopans because they needed meat on their table and didn’t have the resource to buy chickens from the market. Involving the village community and the tourism department of Nagaland, we helped these very bird poachers to become guides for tourists who were interested in bird watching. Another ambitious rehabilitation and ecotourism project has been undertaken in the Chambal valley. We are helping rehabilitate the famous Chambal dacoits as ecotourism guides as the area is teeming with wildlife. Two river expeditions have been undertaken on the Chambal along with the MP Ecotourism Development Board.

Our native village, in Karnataka, the brain child of an advertising entrepreneur C.B. Ram Kumar, is built on a 12-acre farm and all its 24 rooms are naturally cooled through a good wind flow design. As a first, his swimming pool resembles a natural pond where a special algae cleans the water better than chlorine! Every brick used has been made from the soil in the land and the bricks have been sun-dried rather than being baked in a kiln. They have a solar plant for electricity, they use bio gas, and they harvest rain water, and generally have a zero waste attitude.

Close to Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, the Orange County resort at Kabini, under Cherian Ramapuram’s leadership, succeeded in bringing tribals back from their search for work. Today, many of them find employment in the resort and restaurants. Back in Kerala, a dynamic young IAS officer launched Kudumbashree in 1998 for eradicating poverty through concerted community action under the leadership of local self-governments. Today, the Kudumbashree initiative of providing the women a more dignified life and a better future has succeeded. It did so through an interface with tourism stakeholders like the hotels and resorts. They started to procure their food supplies from these local groups after shedding their fears of lack of quality control, etc. This has led to the tilling of otherwise fallow land and was a good way for a tourism entity to engage with the neighbouring community.

THE ECOTOURISM SOCIETY OF INDIA

In 2008, after an interactive Indo-Australian inter-governmental meeting on ecotourism, the Ministry of Tourism asked us to form a national body that could focus on ecotourism with its wider mandate of driving responsible tourism through all the sectors. Thirteen founding members from diverse backgrounds like state government departments of tourism and forests, the tourism industry, NGOs and even a member of Parliament came together to found the Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI). These founding members are P.D. Rai, member of Parliament; Dr Venu V, IAS, former Secretary of Tourism, Kerala; Jose Dominic, CEO, CGH Earth Hotels; Ravi Singh, Secretary General, WWF India; Steve Borgia, managing director, Indeco Leisure Hotels; Rakesh Mathur, Indian Hotel and Heritage Association; K.K. Singh, former MLA and environmentalist; Toby Sinclair, wildlife film maker; C.R. Sarath, naturalist; Sudhir Sahi, UNDP consultant, Niranjan Khatri, former GM, Environment, ITC Hotels; and Avay Shukla, former Additional Chief Secretary Forests of Himachal and I.

We also have five illustrious personalities as our honorary patron members. Over the course of six years and after 12 national workshops on responsible tourism, environmental law and best practices, we have helped raise the consciousness of the stakeholder participants and some more wonderful examples have been added at an accelerated pace to the handful that were swimming against the current earlier. Most notable is that of Ishita Khanna, a young lady from Welham Girls’ who went to the Spiti valley and, with a bunch of friends, formed Ecosphere, a social enterprise, that uses tourism revenues, generated through experiences offered to the tourists, for the betterment of the people in the area of Dhankar. Ecosphere has helped develop comfortable homestays in the attractive homes of the villagers thus augmenting the income of the local community and has trained locals to become guides to spot the elusive Himalayan Wolf.

Even the Ministry of Tourism implemented ecotourism principles through the launch of their rural tourism project that seeks to showcase rural life and immersive interactions to the tourists. Their Hodka project in Gujarat won the PATA Gold Award.

THE POSSIBILITIES

All ecotourism experiences and projects need not only be basic and budget. Taj Safaris changed that definitively by bringing in deluxe properties in Madhya Pradesh and enhancing the quality of the tourism experience many fold by quality guiding and interpretation. For their help to wildlife survival they officially partnered the MP Forest Department in relocating the Gaurs from Kanha to Bandhavgarh. Otherwise, the Gaurs would have been wiped out in the event of any epidemic. They also support local communities in several initiatives.

So, I am very hopeful that India will continue its journey towards sustainable tourism. But intent alone cannot win the day. I worry when I hear of the tourism industry and government trying for a double digit increase in India’s share of tourists. Despite the great examples I have focused on, there are also many challenges. If we don’t put the principles of responsible tourism into practice in every tourism policy that the government draws up, or indeed every action the industry takes, it is simply not going to work because we are also sometimes too lax with our management systems.

The success of Aamir Kahn’s film, which used Ladakh and the picturesque Pangong lake as a locale, brought in its wake an increased awareness of Ladakh. From a prior daily visitor number of eight jeep loads of tourists per day, it has reached an astounding 350 jeep loads of tourists per day in the high season. This impacts the tourism experience, creates non-biodegradable garbage, but worst still is the uncontrolled behaviour. The marmots are being fed by the tourists and that is an epidemic waiting to break out. This is a classic case where basic tourist management could ameliorate the situation. A couple of years ago, the tourism industry went through a crisis when the Tiger/ Wildlife tourism almost came to a grinding halt after the intervention of the Supreme Court. This was because of the absence of proper land use regulations around sanctuaries and national parks by the government and the greed displayed by the industry to exploit the loopholes and make a quick buck even to the detriment of the wildlife and the tourist experience!

CARRYING CAPACITY

So, the crying need is to institute a set of carrying capacity studies in all different geographical zones and across all tourism “products”; be it trekking or jeep safaris or rafting or wild life visits or indeed even our heritage sites and monuments. In theory, the government has accepted the committee’s recommendation for the 12th Five-Year plan and hopefully created a budget. However, on the ground, nothing has been initiated. This needs to be speed tracked while at the same time allaying the fear of the industry that there will be severe caps on numbers. It is interesting to note that carrying capacities are very flexible and much depends on how strong a management system is in place in order to harmonize the tourist flow to the diverse sites. If we can use these ecotourism principles to also protect our eroding traditional vernacular architecture, it will be a step in the right direction. Guidelines for constructing resorts and hotels, which must reflect the local character of the landscapes and cultures, are needed but these guidelines need to be implemented at both the centre and state levels.

We can actually aspire to be one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations by 2025 if we can fix the loopholes like poor management systems and really develop the tourism potential of India, which is immense, in accordance with the principles of ecotourism and responsible and sustainable tourism. Of course, this requires a true partnership between not just the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment but also between the people and the land and its equally important non-human inhabitants.

Written for the Times of India Coffee Table Book – Towards a Green India

Trekking Programmes

Thenmala Shendurney

Welcome to Thenmala Shendurney Forest

Situated on the southern part of the Western Ghats in Pathanapuram in Kollam district, Thenmala –Shendurney is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers and those who are passionate about trekking. Both Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India and the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary here offers numerous experiences for the travelers.

This is a tropical semi-evergreen forest and is home to animals like elephants, leopards, bisons, sambar, wild boar, Lion-tailed macaques, langurs, deer and most of the other regular inhabitants of a wild, West Coast tropical evergreen forest.

The place is located about 22 kms away from Punalur. 

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Thenmala, India’s First Planned Eco-Tourism Destination Is Full of Scenic Surprises

India's first planned eco-tourism destination, Thenmala, offers a never-ending list of attractions, along with sweeping views of the Western Ghats in all their splendour.

A blend of modernity and comfort in the heart of pristine nature, Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination.

Situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, Thenmala literally translates to ‘honey hill’. The region was once very famous for its honey that was believed to have medicinal properties.

If you want to break free of travel’s predicable stops, then head to Thenmala for an experience that is unique and exceptional. Here are a few photos that showcase the scenic surprises that await visitors at this gorgeous green getaway.

1. A Gorgeous Nature Trail

Photo Source

Thenmala’s numerous nature trails are a joy for every nature enthusiast, adventure seeker and conservationist. The trails wind their way through a verdant jungle, passing over several sprightly mountain streams. They also have several resting spots that are just perfect for a delightful picnic.

2. Thenmala Parappar Dam

A boardwalk in the Leisure Zone leads to the breathtakingly beautiful Thenmala Parappar dam, which is the second largest irrigation project (and the longest artificial reservoir) in Kerala. Boating on the pristine waters of this reservoir, bordered on both sides by the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, is a focal point of eco-tourism at Thenmala.

3. Thrills in the Jungle

For those who love an adrenalin rush, Thenmala’s Adventure Zone is quite a thrilling experience. There are plenty of exciting choices, of varying levels of difficulty, such as spider nets, alley crossings, Burma bridges, trust falls, archery, and flying fox. There is also a museum that displays all types of rope knots used by sportsmen, sailors and rescue professionals.

4. Heaven for Adventure Junkies

From recreational rock climbing and rappelling to mountain biking and river crossings, there are a horde of activities for those craving more adventure. For people who prefer trekking, three day guided treks (with camping) into the hilly terrain of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary are organised by the Thenmala authorities.

5. The Pretty Palaruvi Waterfall

One of the highest waterfalls in Kerala, Palaruvi literally means ‘a stream of milk’. Wrapped in the lush embrace of a tropical rainforest, the waterfall gushes from a 300 feet high rocky drop to a pristine plunge pool. The waterfall is pretty close to Thenmala and is a popular picnic spot. With life guards on standby, this family-friendly waterfall is the perfect place for a relaxing dip.

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6. A Tropical Treehouse

If you have ever dreamt of living in a treetop getaway in a tropical paradise, the beautiful tree top hut at Thenmala is where you should be. Observe the beautiful vagaries of nature, let the birds serenade you, and savour the refreshingly cool breeze as you lounge around in this little tree house.

7. A Historic Hanging Bridge

Built in the year 1877, the hanging bridge at Thenmala is an engineering marvel. This 400 feet long bridge was constructed across the Kallada River under the supervision of a British engineer named Albert Henry. Thrill seekers will love walking across this bridge that is built of wooden planks and linked bar chains bolted together with huge nuts. Steel rod hangers support the chains connected to the deck and the entire bridge is supported by two pillars at both ends of the bridge

8. Deer Rehabilitation Centre

Sitting amidst the forested river banks of the river Kallada, Thenmala’s Deer Rehabilitation Centre works to rescue, nurture and rehabilitate deer that stray out of the jungle. At the centre, species such as barking deer, spotted deer and sambar deer can be seen peacefully grazing. For more glimpses of wildlife, try soft trekking in Thenmala’s Myristica Swamp Forest, which is only found in this part of the country.

9. A Serene Sculpture Garden

The theme of Thenmala’s serene sculpture garden is ‘Man and Nature’. Every piece of sculpture has been carefully selected in this eco-sensitive zone and is designed to minimize any impact on its natural surroundings. As a result, the striking sculptures merge perfectly into the forested landscape of Thenmala, a land clothed in all shades of green.

10. Nature’s Dance

Thenmala’s Culture Zone has food courts, shopping areas, amphitheatres, and more to help visitors enjoy and learn about Kerala’s cultural heritage. A synchronized and rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light – Nature’s Dance musical fountain – is the most popular attraction at the Culture Zone. There is also a beautifully arranged Butterfly Park that houses around 125 species of butterflies, besides birds such as hornbills.

11. The Enchanting 13 Arch Bridge

The Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam (13 Arch Bridge) was built by the British in 1904 to transport goods from Kollam (Quilon) to Madras, and is part of one of India’s oldest mountain rail lines. Constructed more than a century ago with just rocks, limestone and jaggery (in the Surki method), the enchanting bridge is a must see landmark for all Thenmala visitors.

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Kerala promotes Thenmala as India’s first eco-tourism centre

Thiruvananthapuram, India (TAN):  Kerala Tourism is promoting Thenmala as India’s first eco-tourism centre.

Situated in Kollam district of South India’s Kerala state, the word “Thenmala” means “hill that flows with honey”. This is a reference to the many streams present in the area.

Several leisure and adventure activities are available for visitors to the area situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats mountain range. The foremost of them is the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, around which the Thenmala eco-tourism project has come up.

[ALSO READ: Amid art and 65,000 years of history]

Among activities available for adventure enthusiasts are nature trails, an elevated walkway, mountain biking, archery and zip line. 

Hiking opportunities are also available on the outskirts of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. The tourism department offers guided trekking and hiking programmes.

For the leisurely visitor are winding walking trails, walking bridge or the riverfront walkway.

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Thenmala Travel Essentials

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"First Planned Ecotourism Site in India"

Thenmala tourism.

Snuggled between the dense woods of Western Ghats, Thenmala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Kollam, Kerala. With winding roads, dotted with rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala boasts of being the first planned ecotourism spot in India. Spread over acres of dense timber trees, the name 'Thenmala' translates to Honey Hill suggesting the supply of high-quality honey from the region. This honey has medicinal properties because of the surrounding floral varieties and is exported in large amounts.

In addition to this, Thenmala is a treasure trove of activities. It has something for everyone, from trekking and recreational rock climbing to rappelling to mountain biking and rope bridging. It has mystical jungle trails for laid-back visitors which offer sweeping views of the neighbouring hills. In case these leisure walks are not appealing enough to your eyes, you can choose to spend a night in one of the gorgeous tree-house retreats. Thenmala is a very huge enchanting natural resort but only better.

Places To Visit In Thenmala

Butterfly Safari

Adventure zone

Leisure Zone

Nakshatravanam

Children park

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Thenmala Ecotourism: Kerala's Spot That Should Be On The List Of Every Responsible Traveller

Thenmala Ecotourism

Thenmala's ecotourism is India's first planned eco-tourism destination. Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, in Kerala's Kollam district, Thenmala is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A government-managed facility, this unique destination offers great opportunities for adventure and leisure, along with being one with nature .

It's an ideal spot for any and every type of vacation seeker and offers lush green forests, butterfly safaris, musical dancing fountains, and adventure activities such as trekking, hiking and night camping.

Ecological tourism is the next step in responsible tourism and the Thenmala Ecotourism area focusses on preserving, protecting and even improving the environment.

PC: Thenmala Ecotourism

How To Reach Thenmala Ecotourism

The nearest airport is in Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram. From there you can take a taxi to Thenmala.

Distance from other major cities of Kerala –

PC: Thenmala

Activities On Offer

1. culture zone.

The culture zone at Thenmala Ecotourism focusses on showcasing the best of Kerala's cuisine, crafts and natural wealth. Here are the activities on offer –

1. Soft trekking : A short (4km long) guided tour of the nearby wildlife sanctuary that keeps you on its periphery, instead of going inside. The timings are from 6am to 4pm and costs about Rs.100 per person.

Butterfly Park

2. Butterfly safari : A guided tour of the Butterfly Park give you an opportunity of seeing many varieties of butterflies in their natural habitat. You also learn about the plants that serve as hosts for butterflies that live in this small park.

PC: Thenmala Eco Tourism

3. Musical dancing fountain : An open air fountain that performs a synchronised ballet of water, sound and light to create a magical sight – what they call 'nature's dance'.

Pc: Thenmala Eco Tourism

4. Nakshatravana : This small garden has 27 trees associated with the 27 birth stars, according to Indian astrology. Besides this aspect, the trees also have medical, social and aesthetic value. Stroll around to see their shapes and sizes.

Adventure Zone

Adventure Zone is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies. Rock climbing, elevated walkway, zorbing, river crossing, flying fox, mountain biking and archery and short range shooting are the activities on offer. Take the elevated walkway for a journey that winds through the canopy of trees and goes over rocky terrains bringing you closer to life at different heights.

Leisure Zone

The Leisure Zone is a forest conservatory with pathways suited for appreciating the nature around you in all its glory.

1. Hanging Bridge and Sculpture Garden : A Hanging Bridge, one of its kind in South India, leads to the Sculpture Garden – a garden built on the theme of 'man and nature', where are displayed carved stone art pieces depicting the relationship between man and nature.

Thenmala Parappar Dam and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary are both part of the Leisure Zone and only a short distance away from the resort.

Thenmala Dam

2. Thenmala Parappar Dam : It is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala and has the longest reservoir in the state. You can visit the dam between 8am to 5pm. Entry charges are Rs. 5 per person.

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

3. Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary : It is a 171-sqkm protected area and a home to rare birds, vipers and vivid foliage. Situated inside the sanctuary is a tropical treehouse, from where you can see the wildlife around.

Deer Rehabilitation Centre

4. Deer Rehabilitation Centre : It is a small centre established to cover the deer that stray out of the jungles into the urban areas. The centre accommodates three species of deer – Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer and Barking Deers.

Tariff for Attractions

Nearby Attractions

Palaruvi waterfalls.

1. Palaruvi Waterfalls: Palaruvi means a stream of milk and this waterfall is Kerala's most pleasant waterfall falling down from a height of 300ft. Located at a distance of only 16km, Palaruvi Waterfalls is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge

2. Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam: It is a 13 arc bridge built by the British using only rocks, jaggery and limestone. It is a very special bridge and a must see attraction for all Thenmala Ecotourism visitors.

Ambanad Hills

3. Ambanad Hills: This is one of the few tea plantations in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is an old estate that was established by the British. The entire area has many trees and plants and the air smells of spices. There is a factory that was set up by the British, but is still in use. The machinery inside the factory is also of the British era. Currently, the factory and estate belong to Travancore Rubber and Tea Company and various stages of tea production can be seen in the factory. This tea estate is only 32km from Thenmala Ecotourism.

PC: Deepak Ashok for Thenmala Eco Tourism

Accommodation At Thenmala

They have 5 different types of accommodation.

1. The Bee Hive is a big dormitory with shared washrooms. The price is Rs. 140 a night for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreigners.

2. The Honey Comb is a cluster of budget homes. For Indian visitors, the prices are Rs. 700 for Non-AC rooms and Rs. 980 for AC cottages on weekdays. Rs. 1000 for Non-AC and Rs. 1400 for AC cottages on holidays and weekends. For international visitors, the prices are Rs. 1600 and Rs. 2000 for Non-AC and AC cottages.

3. Koodu are canopy huts on four poles with attached washrooms and balconies. Charges are Rs. 1400 on weekdays, Rs. 2000 on holidays and weekends and Rs. 2400 for international visitors.

4. The Cocoon or as they locally call it 'jungle camping' is a Swiss cottage tent with an attached bathroom and closets in the tent. They have double and triple occupancy options. Prices are Rs. 1400 on weekdays, Rs. 2000 on holidays and weekends and Rs. 2400 for international visitors.

5. The Nest is a group of Swiss cottage tents that are pitched near the riverfront. All facilities are the same as the Cocoon but the view of the river is what makes these tents more attractive. The prices are Rs. 1820 on weekdays, Rs. 2600 on weekends and holidays and Rs. 3000 for international visitors.

Have you visited Thenmala Ecotourism yet? Or have you spent some time at any other Eco Tourism Resort in the world? Share your story here . And if you have any questions about where to travel next, ask our community of travellers today.

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• The Best Eco Friendly Destinations...

The Best Eco-Friendly Destinations in India

Whether it’s a large biosphere reserve or a small village where community-based initiatives flourish, India has some splendid eco-friendly destinations. Here are some perfect places away from the urban jungles we all need an escape from every so often.

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park, which covers almost 30% of the total land of Sikkim in northeast India, was initiated into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016. It provides one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the entire world. Along with the imposing Khangcheecndzonga, the third highest mountain in the world, there are spectacular glaciers, lakes, rivers, valleys, caves and plains.

Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Life can be hard in the cold mountain desert of Spiti Valley, where the craggy terrain and unforgiving climate (temperatures can dip to minus 30°C) provide very little means to sustain a livelihood. A few organisations such as Spiti Ecosphere are on a quest to preserve this vulnerable ecosystem by developing sustainable tourism in the region, which also helps in fuelling the local economy.

Whether trekking across the thrilling Pin Parvati Pass , biking through challenging Himalayan trails or having a spiritual experience in humble meditation centres, travellers are encouraged to have as little impact on Spiti Valley’s environment as possible.

Khonoma Village, Nagaland

About 20km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland , is a 700-year-old emerald landscape known as Khonoma Village. Since the Naga tribes have always depended on hunting as a means of sustenance, about 300 Blyth’s tragopans, the state bird and an endangered species, were killed in 1993 alone.

In addition, timber merchants carried out unchecked deforestation over large parts of the area around the same time. The residents of Khonoma had bravely defended their land against British invasion in the 1800s and it was now time to do the same against a different kind of enemy. So the concerned villagers put a complete ban on hunting and logging, and since then Khonoma has become renowned as Nagaland’s ‘green village’.

Thenmala, Kerala

Thenmala, which means Honey Mountain, holds pride of place as the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. It is surrounded by dense evergreen forests, rich in timber and a thriving rubber plantation. The beautiful green hills of Thenmala, nestled in the midst of the Western Ghats, holds many surprises for the traveller. The biodiversity of the region is evident at Butterfly Safari Park, the Deer Rehabilitation Centre and Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. For the adventurous soul, Thenmala has activities such as biking, rock climbing, hiking, abseiling and camping. On the other hand, the sprawling tea plantations at the nearby Ambanad Hills are ideal for a relaxing stopover.

Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

Best known as the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong leads by example. The use of plastic has been banned here and so has smoking. Keeping the spirit of eco-friendliness alive, the streets are lined with bamboo dustbins and, unlike in most parts of India, there’s hardly every any litter to be found. What’s more, many of the guest houses are constructed of bamboo. Composting and nourishing tree plantations are also common practice in the village. The Living Roots Bridge , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see structure, is at the neighbouring Riwai Village, which is a short hike from Mawlynnong. The Khasi tribes of Meghalaya created these natural bridges by weaving together the roots of ficus trees.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is another eco-tourism destination in the southern state of Kerala. The environment here is fiercely defended and during jungle safaris visitors aren’t allowed inside the heart of the tiger reserve in order to keep the wildlife protected. The community-based eco-tourism has been designed to provide livelihoods to indigenous communities living in the area. They are involved in making bamboo products, paper bags, locally sourced honey and other souvenirs from recycled plastic waste, which are all available at the ecoshop inside the reserve. The earnings from tourism initiatives go towards environmental education and research, as well as activities related to the protection of the forest.

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The Environment | Nature | Humans

Best 12 Ecotourism Destinations in India

One of the reasons ecotourism is growing in popularity is because younger people are choosing to travel for purpose rather than just to the next place to visit.

Respecting the environment and local culture is the cornerstone of ecotourism. Discover how to lessen your carbon footprint and, for added benefit, learn how to volunteer and support the community.

Keep an eye out for inspiring ideas if you’re seeking novel experiences, to discover alternative lifestyles, and to connect with like-minded others. With its focus on combating climate change , preserving the environment , and assisting local people, this novel approach to travel offers a fresh perspective on preparing for a trip .

Table of Contents

What is Ecotourism?

“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of the local people, and involve interpretation and education” is the definition of ecotourism, according to the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) .

Thanks to a global network of people, organizations, and the travel and tourism sector, which educates travelers and travel industry professionals about ecological challenges, such travel is made possible.

Not only can visiting natural regions be an excellent way to see breathtaking scenery, but it can also support conservation efforts , help protect fragile ecosystems, and aid local economies.

Minimal environmental impact and steady, equitable economic growth are essential for ecotourism to reach its full potential. Another fascinating choice for your subsequent Worldpackers volunteer assignment is ecotourism. where you may see environmental projects while also helping the community where you are.

By patronizing nearby companies and adopting an environmentally conscious outlook, you may engage in ecotourism right away. However, you can also participate in a wider community that supports many initiatives and causes. These actions have a beneficial effect and aid in preserving the environment for future generations.

This type of tourism places a strong emphasis on responsible travel and environmental sustainability. It entails going to national parks to take in the beauty of the natural world, watch wildlife, and discover local customs. Additionally, ecotourism can involve outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, kayaking, and bird watching if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that your choices have effects when traveling in an environmentally conscious manner. This is being aware of how you interact with the world around you. You gain from these activities as well as yourself; for example, refraining from littering and honoring cultural norms.

Ecotourism: The Underpinnings of It

TIES outlines a few guiding principles for ecotourism: Beyond mitigating physical, social, behavioral, and psychological effects, ecotourism aims to foster a culture of environmental preservation and respect while offering both hosts and guests enjoyable experiences.

An ecotourism perspective on the part of the host creates value for the community and the industry; they should assist in providing guests with amazing experiences while heightening their awareness of local political, social, and environmental issues.

Benefits of Ecotourism

So, what are the key benefits of ecotourism and how does it operate? Let’s examine the state of the economy, the surroundings, and your personal experience.

• Raising the degree of understanding across cultural boundaries
• Preserving distinctive travel places for upcoming generations
• The creation of enduring income streams for tourist locations
• Raising consciousness of environmental issues
• Education Goals

1. Raising the degree of understanding across cultural boundaries

Participating in ecotourism will raise visitors’ awareness of a variety of local cultural features, and this is a compelling argument for the benefits of ecotourism.

2. Preserving distinctive travel places for upcoming generations

Instead of trying to minimize the negative effects of tourism, ecotourism seeks to improve a place as a result of tourism-related activities. The preservation of the distinctive features of travel locations for both current and future visitors is a significant value proposition.

3. The creation of enduring income streams for tourist locations

By involving more local workers in the provision of ecotourism services and allocating all or part of the money earned from ecotourism to a range of charitable causes that work to raise locals’ standards of living, ecotourism can effectively help reduce poverty in the community.

4. Raising consciousness of environmental issues

Engaging in ecotourism causes people to become more sensitive and conscious of a variety of environmental challenges, including deforestation, global warming, and the depletion of natural resources. This shift will have good effects on the environment and the future of the people involved.

5. Education Goals

Watching Netflix videos on the world’s most picturesque locations and how overtourism and climate change are destroying them is one thing; it’s quite another. It shocks you. Your goal is to change things. However, you’re not exactly sure where to start. And you’ve already forgotten about it again a few days later.

Firsthand experience with a problem tells a completely different tale. Assume that you are in the midst of a rainforest. Feel the crisp air on your skin while taking in the variety of nature sounds in the background.

Imagine diving into warm, clear seas that are surrounded by vibrant reefs, entertaining dolphins, and unusual creatures.

Travelers can learn about the needs of the local people and the area’s endangered biodiversity through ecotourism, while this is not meant to suggest that you can only make a difference if you have visited the location. You could have a really strong reaction to such an experience.

Additionally, tourists who are responsible will become more sensitive to and understanding of various cultures. Upon returning home, the enthusiasm and information acquired can instruct and motivate others.

Top 12 Ecotourism Destinations in India

• Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
• Goa traditional trip
• River Rafting in Rishikesh
• Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal
• Chilika, Orissa
• Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Tiger travel in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
• Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh – The tribal excursion

Kerala is a well-liked ecotourism destination because of its varied animals, tranquil backwaters, and verdant forests.

There are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state where visitors can see uncommon and endangered animal and bird species like tigers, elephants, and Great Indian Hornbills.

Thekkady’s Periyar National Park is a well-liked ecotourism destination, offering trekking, bamboo rafting, and birdwatching among other things.

The varied flora and fauna of the Silent Valley National Park, which includes numerous rare plant and animal species, are well-known.

Kerala’s backwaters are a popular destination for eco-tourists as well since they offer canoeing, kayaking, and boat rides that give visitors a close-up view of the local ecology.

Kerala’s Thenmala is India’s first ecotourism destination, renowned for its premium honey production. Being a renowned tourist destination in Kerala, it provides activities like boating, trekking, rock climbing, and jungle stays in huts.

Sikkim is an environmentally conscious travel destination with amazing scenery and a deep cultural legacy. With a focus on environmentally friendly travel and farming, Sikkim is the first and only organic state in India.

To preserve its distinctive flora and fauna, the state has established some protected areas, including the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Singba Rhodendron Sanctuary, and the Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve.

Sikkim offers a wide variety of ecotourism activities, including hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching.

Major Sikkim tourism attractions include Yumthang Valley, which is well-known for its hot springs and rhododendron forests, and Gangtok, the state capital with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.

Other well-liked locations include the Nathu La Pass, an ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet, and Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake encircled by snow-capped mountains.

Visitors can participate in sustainable tourism activities while taking in Sikkim’s distinctive blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

3. Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Among the parks in the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park is one of the oldest. It is one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries and is located in the state of Karnataka. The Indian government has given it strong protection and it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The location satisfies eco-place standards. Here, eco-friendly motels promote environmental sustainability by conserving water and energy.

Conserving water aids in the preservation of natural environments, which provide homes for valued species. Mysore is the closest train station and Bangalore is the closest airport to this tourist destination. After that, drive to the park.

4. Goa traditional trip

Goa, also known as a “beach lover’s paradise,” has breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear waves that will enthrall visitors of all stripes. In addition, you can explore the area’s historic and scenic surroundings. Goa’s beaches and pristine water attract tourists from all over the world.

There are a lot of birds in Goa, and tourists will see some in the town and on the grounds of the many temples. The beach at Morjim is the best site to go seabirding.

How do you get there? Goa is easily accessible by train because the majority of the state’s train stations are located in Margao. Vasco-da-gama and Madgaon are named as the main train stations.

5. River Rafting in Rishikesh

One popular tourist location is Rishikesh. Discovering this location offers lots of chances to see the breathtaking natural beauty and charm of the mountains. River rafting and other adventure sports have a ton of opportunities in this place.

You may experience the amazing fusion of picturesque rafting and ecological interpretation in the heart of the lush Himalayan terrain by going eco rafting, also known as ecological river rafting.

How do you get there? The closest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. In addition, Rishikesh boasts a strong transport network that links it to other significant locations.

When is the ideal time to visit? The best months to go river rafting in Rishikesh are September through mid-November and March through the first week of May.

6. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

One of the most captivating natural reserves on the planet is Sunderbans. This remarkable location offers ecotourism opportunities without compromising the unique local flora and fauna.

You might thus take a brief vacation in harmony with the natural world. Even though the Bengal Tiger is the emblematic animal of this exceptional mangrove forest, tourists can also enjoy many other natural marvels.

There is one Eco museum in Sudarikati and two Nature Interpretation Centers in Sajnekhali and Bhagabatpore.

How do you get there? The nearby railhead, which is close to Sunderbans National Park, is Canning. Once there, make reservations for a cab to take you to Sunderbans National Park.

7. Chilika, Orissa

This is an advertisement for biodiversity featuring Asia’s largest brackish water lake. Moreover, the largest lagoon stretches over 1100 sq km on the east coast of India.

You can experience the squeaks of numerous migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia by taking a boat ride in this lagoon. Every winter, countless migratory birds assemble here in large numbers.

Many local bird species can be seen at Mangalajodi year-round, in addition to the migratory birds, and several of them build their nests there.

How do you get there? By train, you may get to the Bhubaneswar railway station. Chilika can be reached from Bhubaneswar in two hours.

8. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

This is a national park located in the Indian state of Assam’s districts of Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, and Nagaon. Thirty percent of the world’s rhinoceros are found in this reserve. Among the many things to do is watch animals. One such pastime is bird watching.

Here, it’s also possible to travel under the leadership of elephants or jeeps. Avoiding hiking helps prevent violence toward people and animals. There are private resorts outside the adjacent park.

More than 500 different species of orchids, tart fruits, leafy vegetables, big varieties of cane, and native fish can all be found in the park. There are wild Asiatic water buffalo, deer, elephants, and bigger white-horned rhinoceroses in the park.

How do you get there? The closest airports to the park are Jorhat Airport and Guwahati International Airport, which are respectively 217 and 97 kilometers apart. One can also get there by train; Furkating, which is 75 kilometers from the park, is the closest station.

No Indian has ever denied themselves the desire to visit this breathtaking location at least once in their lifetime. Located in Kashmir, Ladakh is a union territory that is bounded to the north by the Karakoram area and to the south by the Himalayan Mountains.

Leh, Drass Valley, Kargil, Razi Khar, Suru Valley, Salt Valley, Markha Valley, and Ladakh monasteries are important tourist destinations. The Leh Palace is yet another noteworthy sight. There are options for trekking, visiting Buddhist monasteries, and viewing cave paintings.

To raise awareness and investigate eco-tourism potential, the Ladakh Ecological Development Group, the Mountain Institute, and the Snow Leopard Conservancy organized a workshop in May 2001.

How do you get there? Ladakh is 494 kilometers from Manali and 434 km from Srinagar. To get to Ladakh, you can take a JKSRTC bus, hire a taxi, or ride in a jeep.

10. Tiger travel in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Ranthambore National Park, a popular destination in Sawai Madhopur in the state of Rajasthan, is a prime illustration of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in India.  Renowned for its tigers, Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park is a photographer’s dream come true.

For those who love nature, this location is a treasure. You get to investigate the magnificent creatures in the wasteland. You may experience ecotourism at its best because of government incentives and the work of conservationists.

How do you get there? Sanganer Airport is the closest airport. To get to Ranthambore, you can take a bus or taxi from Sanganer Airport. Sawai Madhopur is the closest railhead.

11. Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

There are numerous endangered animal species found in Dudhwa National Park, including tigers and rhinos. One of India’s ironic bio-reserves is Dudhwa. This area protects a wide variety of animal, bird, and reptile species.

This has countless opportunities for ecotourism. Covering an area of 811 square kilometers and home to wetlands, grasslands, and dense forests, this location is ideal for observing large populations of tigers and swamp deer.

It is a perfect place for wild creatures to learn about the peace and comfort that nature can provide in a more tolerant manner.

How do you get there? The best route would be to go to Lucknow and then take a train or car to Dudhwa. Some trains can take you to Lucknow. Charbagh railway station is the closest train station.

12. Chhattisgarh – The tribal excursion

You will see the backyards of indigenous people on a tour here. Numerous ancient tribal cultures are still in existence in Chhattisgarh. There are remnants of ancient cultures that have not been influenced by modernity.

To protect these as national assets, the government has taken action. With so many options for ecotourism, Chhattisgarh looks to be a great vacation spot for those interested in wildlife, the outdoors, and learning about the distinctive tribal way of life in the area.

How do you get there? Using India’s extensive rail network to go to Chhattisgarh from any part of the country is undoubtedly the best option. The two main intersections where freight and passenger trains connect the state to other parts of India are Raipur and Bilaspur.

When is the ideal time to visit? In the wintertime. The weather is nice at that time of year.

For those who adore the beauty of Mother Nature, ecotourism is the best option. Visit these locations to determine their meaning.

In India, ecotourism has become a movement that is reflected in remote locations where young people are regularly seen picking up leftovers, teaching impoverished children, and fostering local development. Thus, when you plan your trip to India, let the environment take the lead.

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Providence Amaechi

A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo. I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems. It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.

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Eco-Friendly Tourism in India: 10 Green Travel Destinations

If you’re looking for “responsible travel India” or “sustainable travel India,” you’ve come to the right place. This guide to eco-friendly tourism in India explores the environmental and ethical concerns for those who wish to visit this incredible subcontinent without causing harm to its wondrous peoples and landscapes, while we examine India’s top 10 green travel destinations.

By Ruma Dey Baidya of The Holiday Story

Table of Contents

Sustainable Travel in India

India is a country of diverse landscapes and cultures. Its rich biodiversity has allowed the rapid growth of sustainable tourism associated with green travel destinations.

Green travel, also known as eco-tourism, is a lifestyle choice that one adopts while traveling to reduce their carbon footprints. It’s a great way to explore nature while healing it simultaneously. Tourists must be responsible for their actions and conscious of the environment.

For further reading, see The Holiday Story’s complete India Tour Guide

Also visit Laure Wanders for a complete guide to visiting the richly diverse country of India . As a solo female traveller, Laure has a unique perspective and captures her experiences through beautiful photography and immersive stories.

Wander With Jo also heaps a huge section on travel around India , with beautiful articles such as the Travel Guide to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangtok, Sikkim .

Top 10 Green Travel Destinations in India

Given below is a list of ten green travel destinations in India.

Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong Village of Meghalaya was announced as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003.

It’s located in the East Khasi Hills at a distance of 90 km from the state capital Shillong. Locals take active participation in keeping the village clean and beautiful. Plastic is wholly banned here, and smoking is also prohibited. The entire village has facilitated the use of bamboo dustbins to collect litter. All villagers and tourists are supposed to follow these rules strictly. Any defaulters are heavily charged.

This village also stands out in having a hundred percent literacy rate, and most villagers can converse in English.

The main inhabitants of Mawlynnong are the Khasi tribe, who follow a matriarchal society. Its location on the Indo-Bangladesh border provides a mesmerizing view of lush greenery.

Monsoon is the best time to visit Mawlynnong village.

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

The Khangchendzonga National Park is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage site of Sikkim.

You can cover the distance between this National park and Gangtok in a four-hour drive. It’s a part of the Himalayan global diversity hotspot and home to many indigenous plant and animal species. The park is built around the third highest mountain peak in the world, Kanchenjunga.

There are lush green valleys, glaciers, lakes, and caves inside the national park. Visitors are instructed to maintain cleanliness inside the park and should not litter or disturb the vegetation inside by plucking leaves or flowers. Travelers should discard nonbiodegradable items outside the park.

Thenmala, Kerala

Thenmala is India’s first-ever eco-tourism center.

It spreads across the hills of Kollam and Trivandrum regions of Kerala. It lies at a distance of 70 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

The term Thenmala means “honey hill,” as the region is known for producing superior quality, honey. The livelihoods of locals depend on forest provided products like honey and rubber.

It’s a major tourist spot in the state. The main attraction is the Thenmala dam. Tourists are encouraged to indulge in environment-friendly activities like boating, rock climbing, and trekking. Huts inside the woods allow tourists to spend the night in the forest depths.

Winters in southern India are mild and comforting; thus, it’s the best time to explore this green travel destination.

Khonoma Village, Nagaland

The Khonoma Village of Nagaland used to be a well-known hunting spot.

The majority of the inhabitants of this village depended on hunting birds and wild animals as their source of livelihood. However, near the end of the 1990s, the government banned hunting in this region. Since then, the village has gradually developed into India’s first green village.

It mainly formed the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary to protect the Blyth’s Tragopan, a native endangered species. The sanctuary encompasses a total area of 70 sq km and contains a variety of flora and fauna. The majority of the population here is part of the Angami tribe.

The tribe believes in preserving trees and keeping their lands clean, gathering all their waste in one place and burning them. Tourism is promoted through activities like trekking and camping .

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is a hill station nestled within the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

Its misty hills, great green valleys, and rolling plains are a wonder of nature that mesmerizes tourists. It’s located at a distance of 252 km from the state capital Bangalore.

It’s the home to Nagarhole National Park, a haven of beautiful plants and animal species. Coffee and cardamom plantations are also prominent here. There are several rivers and waterfalls in Coorg. Exploring the backwaters of Kaveri is an important tourist activity.

The pleasant South Indian weather and picturesque scenery make it a favorite vacation place for tourists. Tourism in Coorg is mainly about admiring and respecting nature.

Sitlakhet, Uttarakhand

Sitlakhet is a beautiful hill station in Almora, Uttarakhand. This Himalayan hamlet is known for its picturesque Kumaon scenery and serenity.

Sitlakhet is an up-and-coming tourist spot located near the famous Ranikhet. There is no shortage of greenery here. Trekkers are the primary visitors to this region. The easy to moderate level trekking routes make it easier for beginners to try this new challenge.

All other activities here are also eco-friendly. People from the city visit Sitlakhet for a relaxed and soulful vacation devoid of any city pollution.

Daringbadi, Odisha

Daringbadi is a part of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha, located in the Kandhamal district, which is 251 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. This hill station is filled with tiny green hills and hillocks, rivers, and waterfalls. Pine and sal trees are dominant in this area. 

You can also find coffee plantations here. The natural beauty of Daringbadi has gained the nickname of Kashmir of Odisha, and it’s the face of Odisha’s green travel destinations. There are several parks and reserves made to preserve nature.

The local communities have built nature camps all over the place to educate visitors about the region’s natural resources. The early winter months are the ideal time to visit Daringbadi.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement till 1954.

This pristine town on India’s west coast is now a major United Territory of the country. Its sandy beaches, deep blue ocean, and cultural diversity attract tourists from all over the world. Its roads and buildings still represent the essence of its earlier French settlement.

Tourists are urged to rent bicycles to explore the town in an eco-friendly way . You can spend your day participating in water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and more.

Pondicherry is also a well-known spiritual retreat. Places like Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and Sacred Heart of Jesus church provide calm and serenity to visitors.

Majuli, Assam

Majuli is the world’s largest river island on the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The distance between Majuli and the state capital Guwahati is 347 km. Its picturesque scenery of rural India attracts people from all over the world.

This freshwater island is a pollution-free region that promotes sustainable tourism. The island was brought under the spotlight recently as it was on the verge of submerging due to rapid erosion. The local government has announced a ban on single-use plastic on the island. Apart from the scenic beauty, the island also has several cultural and religious buildings.

Matheran, Maharashtra

The small hill station Matheran is in Raigad, Maharashtra.

It’s a part of the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats and a biodiversity hotspot in India. The capital city Mumbai lies at a distance of 80 km. Matheran means the ‘forest on the forehead’ in English.

The forest-covered hills of Matheran keep pollution out of its boundaries, thus creating a quiet, clean summer retreat. It was also announced as an eco-sensitive area by the Ministry of Environment.

Visitors can experience trekking, bird watching, and other nature-friendly activities here. Visit Charlotte Lake for some breathtaking views.

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Beautiful sustainable tourism destinations in India

Priya Srivastava , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Updated : Aug 2, 2023, 19:53 IST

If you are in search of sustainable travel destinations in India, we have the answers for you. We have handpicked the most eco-friendly tourism destinations in India. These places are perfect for environmentally-conscious travellers who wish to explore the country without harming the beautiful landscape. Here are top 10 green travel destinations in India.

Majuli Island, Assam

Majuli is the world’s largest river island! Set in Assam, this pretty island attracts people from all over the world for its unique landscape and sustainable approach.This freshwater island has no pollution and there’s also a ban on single-use plastic on the island.

The pristine beach town of Puducherry is all about pretty sandy beaches, blue ocean, and cultural diversity. The beautiful place urges tourists to use bicycles to explore the town in an eco-friendly way.

Daringbadi, Odisha

Set in Eastern Ghats of Odisha, Daringbadi in the Kandhamal district is about 251 km from Bhubaneswar. The pretty hill station is about green hills, rivers, and waterfalls. Daringbadi is the face of Odisha’s green travel destinations.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is a stunning hill station in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The place is also home to Nagarhole National Park, which is a paradise for nature lovers. The place is noted for its sustainable thinking and is all about using natural resources.

Khonoma, Nagaland

Khonoma Village in Nagaland is epic! It is also India’s first green village. But there was a time when inhabitants of Khonoma only depended on hunting birds and animals for livelihood. But, in the 1990s, hunting got banned by the government and people developed it into India’s first green village after that!

Thenmala, Kerala

Many must not be aware of the fact that Thenmala (honey hill) is India’s first-ever eco-tourism centre. Set in Kollam and Trivandrum regions of Kerala, Thenmala is about 70 km from Trivandrum city. People here mainly depend on forest products like honey and rubber to earn their livelihood.

Sikkim is the first Indian state that banned plastic bottles and encouraged people to use bamboo bottles instead. The place is all about green valleys, pretty glaciers, lakes and national parks.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong in Meghalaya was awarded with the prestigious title of ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’ in 2003. The pretty hamlet in East Khasi Hills district is about 90 km from Shillong. The village has put a complete ban on plastic and smoking is also prohibited in the region. You’ll find bamboo dustbins everywhere in the village.

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If you are in search of sustainable travel destinations in India, we have the answers for you. We have handpicked the most eco-friendly tourism destinations in India. These places are perfect for envi...

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Best Eco-Tourism Destinations in India

“Eco-Tourism in India: A Refreshing Journey through a Highly Diversified Nature”

Stretching from the Himalaya to coast to coast legacy, India with its highly diversified nature is one of the popular eco-tourism destinations in the world. Whether it is the backwaters of Kerala or shifting sand dunes of Thar Desert… the wetlands in the Himalayan region or natural caves in the Khasi and Garo hills, India throughout the decades has been a one stop eco-tourism hub housing a good population of flora and fauna. The country is just not about tracing the historical diorama BUT the pleasure treasure pours when you roam like a nomad to seek the natural panorama. Let’s go for a refreshing journey through some of the best ecotourism destinations in India from this article.

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Kerala Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala have its own charm and life on it is unlike the other destinations in India. Amidst the paddy fields and lush green palm grove these backwaters has its own gentle rhythm hewed out from the rivers which flows down from the Western Ghats to the coast. Enjoy a frolic cruise on the backwaters along the breathtaking vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues on the houseboats, known as Kettuvallam which are the cargo boats that once plied in the backwaters to carry heavy cargo such as Rice, Coconut & Spices and also to provide living accommodation for the boatman. These are now changed over to luxurious accommodation for eco friendly travelers.

Where to stay: ATDC Houseboats, Alleppey Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

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Munnar, Kerala

Covered with an extensive layer of forests, grasslands and tea orchards and dotted with several species of exotic flora including the rare Neelakurinji flower, Munnar at an elevation of 1,700 meters is a snug hideout for eco travellers. The small but picture-book hill town in Idukki district in the Western Ghats is home to several protected areas that houses many threatened and endemic species of flora and fauna including the Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, and Gaur amongst the mammals; and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon , Malabar Whistling Thrush , Orange-Crowned Warblers, Nilgiri Pipit, Scarlet Minivet, and Broad-tailed Grassbird amongst the avifauna. If you are travelling to Munnar during the spring and summer seasons you might chance upon the purple-blue hue patches beautifully lying over the lush green bed… that would be a streak of luck though. The gushing streams gutting through the whispering woods and winding lanes cutting through mountains make Munnar one of the popular eco green tourism destinations in India.

Where to stay: Misty Mountain Resort Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

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Thenmala, Kerala

India’s first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala in Kollam district is majestically set in the midst of evergreen forests in the lap of the Western Ghats and hosts a wide range of adventure and leisure activities for all kind of travellers. Its growing popularity among both domestic and international tourists is due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Forest trails and night camping in the middle of the jungle allows you to snuggle into nature, whereas a peep into the traditional tree house that is used by the forest dwellers turns your leap into the wild more exciting. Thenmala also boosts a lake where one can go for boating, a rope bridge, a musical fountain, and offers many activities like rappelling, rock climbing, and biking. The Thenmala Eco-Tourism is divided into three different zones such as the Culture Zone, where one can spree into savouring various Keralian cuisine; Leisure Zone, where one can go for a refreshing walk almost up to the dam; and Adventure Zone, where one can go for activities like hiking, rapelling, biking and rock climbing.

Where to stay: Apichayan’s Cliff Resort Nearest Railhead: Thiruvananthapuram Nearest Aiprort: Thiruvananthapuram Airport

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Thodupuzha, Kerala

The gateway to the Thommankuthu Waterfalls in Idukki district , Thodupuzha is one of the least explored destinations in India that snug knavishly in the Western Ghats. The seven-step waterfall that was revealed to the world in 1920 by Mr. Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, a legendary hunter, is one of the major eco-tourism destinations in Kerala. The pleasant surrounding dolled up with an evergreen forest blanketed over the rolling hills and housing several species of avifauna and mammals… squeeze gently in the frame of a perfect eco-tourism holiday.

Where to stay: Vettoms Lakeview Resort Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

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Eravikulam National Park, Kerala

Home to one of the endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr, the Eravikulam National Park that covers an area of 97 square kilometers and ranges from an altitude of 1,200 meters to 2,700 meters is another popular eco-tourism place in Kerala. The park comprises of high altitude grasslands and is crisscrossed by several perennial streams that merge to form the tributaries of the Periyar River, Cauvery River, and Chalakudiyar River. The Lakkom Water Falls on the course of Pampar River is one of the major attractions in Eravikulam National Park. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as it houses a wide range of animals, birds, insects, amphibians and plants. Further, one can also indulge in activities like forest trails, trekking and wildlife photography.

Where to stay: Tea Valley Resort, Munnar Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam Junction railway station, Cochin Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

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Periyar National Park, Kerala

Covering a core area of 350 square kilometers, the Periyar National Park that is located in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats is one of the most visited national parks in South India. The all-embracing environment turns out to be a paradise for eco-travellers that includes wildlife enthusiast, botanists and nature photographers. The Periyar National Park is notable as an elephant reserve and tiger reserve and also houses several other species of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and birds. The submerged trees in Periyar Lake are also a treat to the eyes.

Where to Stay: Bamboo Grove Eco-Lodge Nearest Railhead: Kottayam Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

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Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

One of the popular weekend getaways in South India, Kodaikanal is graciously set in the Palani Hills, between the Parappar and Gundar Valleys, of the eastward spur of Western Ghats at an approximate altitude of 2,130 meters. Kodaikanal was dotted in the map of India as a summer retreat by the British in 1845 and later due to its propitious location gifted by the forests and grasslands topping the hillsides… it bloomed as one of the major eco-places in India. This mighty hill station in South India is endowed with a nature’s basket comprising the montane rainforests that houses some of the endemic flora and fauna, waterfalls, and perennial streams cutting through the valleys. The Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Guna Caves, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, and Berijam Lake are some of the major natural attractions in Kodaikanal. Further, the Palani Wildlife Sanctuary composing a mystical environment tuned up with several waterfalls, namely the Fairy Falls, Neptune Falls, Pambar Falls, Thaliar Falls, Alanthoni Falls, Poombarai Falls, Skamba Falls, and more… is no doubt a haven for naturalists and worth exploring. The proposed Palani Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which will be an up gradation and expansion of the Palani Wildlife Sanctuary, will cover an approximate area of 737 square kilometers giving shelter to several threatened species and plant life. The region is mostly inhabited by the Paliyan tribes who are the descendants of the Dravidian people and are famed as traditional nomadic hunter-gatherers, honey hunters and foragers.

Where to stay: Black Band Cottages Nearest Railhead: Kodai Road Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

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Coorg, Karnataka

Home to the Kodava tribe, which is one of the indigenous tribes of India, Coorg is definitely a place of complete bliss, delight and peace that is profusely supplied with plant and animal species. Coorg stretches from an elevation of 900 meters to 1,800 meters and is popular for hosting several spice and coffee plantations. Over the years… Coorg, having vast expanse of elements of nature, has flourished as another eco destinations in India that is located on the western spur of the Western Ghats. It comprises of three wildlife sanctuaries and one national park that includes the Brahmagiri, Talakaveri, and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Nagarhole National Park that is mostly dotted with bamboo, rosewood, teak, sandalwood, silver oak, and spice plants and housing some of the endangered mammals, reptiles, insects and amphibians. Coorg as an eco-region further constitutes several waterfalls and gushing rivers… thus calving one of the leading water sports in India, river rafting, which can be possible in Barapole and Dubare. Other adventure and leisure activities in Coorg include trekking, hiking, rock climbing, boating and angling.

Where to stay: Alpinia Estate Stay Nearest Railhead: Mysore Nearest Airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore

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Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Comprising the districts of Coorg and Mysore and covering an approximate area of 644 square kilometers, the Nagarhole National Park is home to some of the endemic animal species like tiger, leopard, and dhole. Other common mammals and reptiles that are spotted are chital, sambar, barking deer, jackal, sloth bear, mongoose, hyena, wild boar, squirrels, vine snake, rat snake, bamboo pit viper, Indian rock python, Indian monitor lizard, and common toad. Amongst the avifauna… darters, oriental white ibis, greater grey headed fish eagle, and red headed vulture are some of the ‘near threatened’ ones, whereas the blue winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, and the white bellied treepie remain the major attractions being rare spotted for wildlife enthusiasts. The Nagarhole National Park, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is also one of the Tiger Reserves in India and together it is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site due it is rich biodiversity.

Where to stay: Jungle Inn Nearest Railhead: Mysore Nearest Airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore

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Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

One of the most popular national parks in India and established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974, the Bandipur National Park spans over an area of 874 square kilometers and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park comprises of various plant species that include Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Indian-laurel, Indian Kino Tree, Giant Clumping Bamboo, Clumping Bamboo, Indian Gooseberry, Black Myrobalan, Flame of the Forest, Satinwood, Black Cutch, Axlewood, and more. It also gives shelter to a good population of animals including the endangered and vulnerable species like Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes and dholes AND other commonly spotted mammals and reptiles like chital, langurs, squirrels, pythons, vipers, rat snakes, lizards, Indian pond terrapins, and muggers. The Bandipur National Park is also a fairy tale world where once can also spot more than 100 colourful butterflies and other insects. With such a rich ecology the park makes for a refreshing escape into the wild for eco-tourists and wildlife photographers.

Where to stay: Bandipur Safari Lodge Nearest Railhead: Mysore Nearest Airport: Mandakalli Airport, Mysore

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Galgibaga Beach, Goa

Despite being located in one of the busiest tourist hubs in India, the Galgibaga Beach in Goa still remains the cleanest beach in India and is well known for turtle nestling. Being one of the secluded beaches in India that is close to the popular Palolem Beach resort, the Galgibaga beach is least affected by tourists even during the peak season. Thus it offers you a pleasant getaway where you can dream of an ideal walk over the solitary silver sand dotted with palm trees. If you are travelling during the winter season then you might be lucky to see some Olive Ridley turtle nests/eggs. Because of this ecological factor… the Galgibaga Beach comes under the purview of the forest department.

Where to stay: The Fern Gardenia Resort, Canacona Nearest Railhead: Madgaon Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport

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Tyda, Andhra Pradesh

The bountiful nature surrounding this small village of Tyda is virtual and vestal modesty that is secretly set in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 700 meters (approximately). It is one of the unexplored places in India and thus springs up as an eco-tourism getaway in India with a rich bed of exotic flora including medicinal and aromatic plants. The region is also home to several endemic animals and birds such as the chital, sambar, Panther, Wolf, Wild Dog, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Chinkara, Chowsingha, and Nilgai amongst the mammals AND red-chested pod chards, pintails, herons, egrets, migratory ducks, water birds, pelicans, teals, ibises and storks amongst the bird species. The region also facilitates many activities like camping, forest trails and trekking.

Where to stay: Jungle Bells Nearest Railhead: Visakhapatnam Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport

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Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh

Another least travelled destination in India, the Maredumilli village in the Eastern Ghats exhibits a rich biodiversity with dense wood and grasslands crisscrossed by several small perennial streams. The region is also home to several tribal communities who in support with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department actively participate in conserving the eco-tourism project.

Where to stay: Jungle Star Resort Nearest Railhead: Visakhapatnam Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport

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Chilika, odisha.

India’s largest coastal lagoon and the world’s second largest… the Chilika Lake and its surrounding environment are home to a number of migratory birds and animal and plant species. The area, covering over 3,500 square kilometers, houses the Irrawaddy Dolphins, green sea turtle, dugong, blackbuck, Spoon billed sandpiper, limbless skink and fishing cat amongst some of the endemic species; Milk fish, Indo-Pacific tarpon, Ten pounder, Bream, Hilsa, and Mullet amongst some of the aqua fauna; Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Goliath Heron, Grey and Purple herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, Storks and Black-headed Ibis amongst some of the migratory birds; and Asiatic Dowitchers, Dalmatian Pelican, Pallas’s Fish-eagles, migrant Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Spot-billed pelican from some of the rarest bird species. The ecosystem dotted with more than 700 species of flowering plants is also a shelter to a large number of mammals, reptiles and other amphibians. The region comprising a group of small islands was declared as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention and is one of the major eco-tourism destinations in India that encourages the wildlife photographers, bird lovers, and naturalists.

Where to stay: Panthanivas Barkul Nearest Railhead: Balugaon Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneshwar

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Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

Home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans National Park covers an approximate area of 1,330 square kilometers. It is the royal residence of the Bengal tiger and the region with 54 small deltaic islands is also a shelter to a variety of bird, reptile, invertebrate species and amphibians. Some of the endangered species, other than the Royal Bengal Tiger, which are found in the Sundarbans National Park are the Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Gangetic dolphin, Ground Turtle, Hawks Bill Turtle and Mangrove horseshoe crab. Among the endemic marine mammals… the Bryde’s whale, Humpback whale, Irrawaddy Dolphins, Ganges River Dolphins, and Humpback Dolphins are sparsely found near the coastal area. Many conservational projects are being undertaken by the government to protect the rich biodiversity of Sundarbans National Park, which is one of the best national parks in West Bengal. The park being located at the confluence of many distributaries of the Ganges and Bay of Bengal receives some unique geographical features, mudfalts being one of those features that is largely dependent on tidal currents. The Chargheri Char mudflat in the Sunderbans is open for the tourists, and can be visited during low tide.

Where to stay: Royal Bengal Resort Nearest Railhead: Howrah and Sealdah Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

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Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim

Covering an approximate area of 1,784 square kilometers and ranging from an altitude of about 1,800 meters to 8,500 meters… the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve or Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the high altitude national parks in India and the only national park in Sikkim. It is home to a large variety of alpine vegetations including medicinal plants, animals and birds at different altitude and thus representing a rich ecosystem that also include many glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and streams. Amongst the mammals the snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, wild dog, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Himalayan blue sheep, serow, goral and takin are the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts… and birds like Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird and Eagle make it a haven for bird lovers. The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve also offers lot of adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping… which makes it easier for the travellers to explore the rich biodiversity. The Green Lake Trek and Dzongri Goechala Trek are some of the best alpine treks in Sikkim that passes through the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.

Where to stay: Red Palace Hotel and Resort, Yuksom Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

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Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A world heritage site that is the home to the Great One-horned rhinoceros, the Kaziranga National Park, covering an approximate area of 430 square kilometers, is one of the best national parks in North East India that features a highly diversified ecosystem. With the influence of the River Brahmaputra and its tributaries… the Kaziranga Park mostly comprises of fertile and alluvial soil and also provides some unique geographical features such as sandbars, beels, and chapories. It houses a good population of mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians and birds. Among the animals… tigers, leopards, hispid hare, fox, jackals, bears, and more are sighted AND from the bird kingdom… the Great Indian Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill, Old World babbles, and vultures remain the major attractions. The Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary is also one of the largest homes to reptiles like Reticulated Python , Rock Python, and King Cobra .

Where to stay: Nature Hunt Eco Camp Nearest Railhead: Guwahati Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

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Majuli, Assam

The largest river island in the world that is located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli is home to several migratory birds. The island is mostly inhabited by the Deoris , Sonowal Kacharis and Mising tribes. Nonetheless… influenced by the Brahmaputra River, the island comprises a unique ecosystem and preserves a rich agricultural base. The region is also home to a large number of amphibians.

Where to stay: Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Jorhat Nearest Railhead: Jorhat Nearest Airport: Jorhat Airport

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Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Located in the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is considered as Asia’s one of the cleanest villages in the midst of a rich biodiversity. The area surrounding the Mawlynnong village is a basket of abundant natural beauty comprising of an evergreen forest that is a shelter to a large number of animal and bird species, living Root Bridge, waterfalls and natural caves.

Where to stay: Village guesthouses Nearest Railhead: Guwahati Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

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Jotsoma village in Kohima, Nagaland

One of the remotest villages of India that is located deep in the indigenous territory of Nagaland and close to Kohima… the Jotsoma village is considered as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in North East India that host abundance natural beauty. The village, in the middle of highly diversified eco-system, is mostly inhabited by tribal settlements. The region is an ideal location for birding.

Where to stay: Hotel Japfu, Kohima Nearest Railhead: Dimapur Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport

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Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the largest national parks in India that covers an approximate area of over 1,985 square kilometers, the Namdapha National Park is widely known for housing four kinds of felines – the common Indian leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard and tiger. Nonetheless the vast ecosystem comprising of an extensive montane forest and dotted with several species of plants, diversified landscape at different altitude that ranges from an elevation of 500 meter to 4,500 meters… makes it an eco-tourism haven.

Where to stay: Forest rest houses Nearest Railhead: Tinsukia Railway Station, Assam Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport, Assam

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Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site because of hosting an extreme and unique biodiversity, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve that constitutes the Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park … is a travellers’ paradise. Not only because of its high altitude and highly diversified landscape that fascinates trekkers and mountaineers, BUT the vast expanse of forest, dotted with more than 600 species of flowering plants and also medicinal plants and other alpine trees, giving shelter to some of the endemic Himalayan animals and birds… pulls in a large number of wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists, and leisure travellers.

Where to stay: GMVN Tourist Bungalow, Joshimath Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam Railway Station Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

In the Heart of Incredible India: 30 Popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Spreading over an area of 1,170 square kilometers and ranging from an altitude of 1,500 meters to 6,000 meters, the Great Himalayan National Park is home to more than 300 fauna species and numerous plant species. The park because of comprising an extensive exceptional natural beauty and conservation of biological diversity… with alpine meadows, several streams, lakes, glaciers and snow capped peaks has been recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay: Community Training & Tourist Center, Sairopa Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar Railway Station Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport or Bhuntar Airport

30 Must Visit Tourist Places and Attractions in Himachal Pradesh

Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh

Located at an altitude of 4,595 meters, the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve comprises of the Lake Moriri , which is one of the high altitude lakes in India, and its surrounding environment that include the Changthang plateau region. The area is home to some of the endemic alpine animal and bird species including the Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard among the mammals, and Black-necked Cranes, Bar-headed Geese , Brown-headed Gulls, Great Crested Grebe, Ferruginous Pochard, Black-necked, and Grebe Podiceps nigricollis among the bird species.

Where to stay: Camping Nearest Railhead: NA Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

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Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Popular for its tiger population, the Ranthambore National Park that covers an area of 392 square kilometers is another best eco-tourism destination in India having diverse landscape layered by dry deciduous forest. The Ranthambore National Park is home to several animal and bird species that include the tiger, leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear and chital among the mammal species AND Graylag Goose, Woodpeckers, Indian Gray Hornbills, Parakeets, Asian Palm Swift, Dove, Sandpipers, Gulls, Terns, Great Crested Grebe, Eagles, Darters, Cormorants, Flamingos, Ibis, Pelicans, Storks, Pittas, Shrikes, Treepies, and more among the bird species.

Where to stay: Vanya Vilas Nearest Railhead: Sawai Madhopur Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport

13 Best Places to Visit in Ranthambore

Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Stretching over an area of 940 square kilometers and comprising of more than 1000 species of flowering plants, the Kanha National Park is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Barasinghas and Indian wild dogs. Blessed with a vast and rich biodiversity that is covered with grasslands, sal and bamboo forests, and ravines… the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh makes for a refreshing eco-tourism getaway for all travellers’.

Where to stay: Kamp Kamouflage Kanha Nearest Railhead: Jabalpur Nearest Airport: Dumna Airport, Jabalpur

India Wildlife Travel Deals 2019 – Cherish a Journey in Wilderness

The archipelagos of Andaman in the Bay of Bengal are an invigorated treasure trove of exotic flora bedded by verdant and lush green tropical plants. These isles, midst of the lovat green sea, are the best answer to the virtue of nature and remains a tenacious memory flashed with marvelous beaches fringed by the shimmering turquoise and fabulous coral reefs on one side and  the call of a cockatoo and your footprints on the sand on the other side. With the canopied forests themselves having an amazing variety of timber, foliage and blooms, the Andaman paduk, the yellow hibiscus, the while lily, the pandanus, the exotic array of orchids, mangrove forest, palms & evergreen creepers are to name but a few of the 650 species of plant life found here, together makes your vacation an exotic one. Enjoy the ocean cruise, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing and several other activities while your rove these islands.

Where to stay: Barefoot at Havelock Nearest Railhead: NA Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

About Swairik Das

Brought up from the cultural capital of India, Kolkata, Swairik Das is a passionate traveller who seeks to travel and explore the length and breadth of the country. He is also a dedicated travel writer, blogger and photographer who by heart is also an adventure freak. His focus is mostly into exploring and writing on trekking, jungle safaris and several adventure activities; religion, festival, heritage, people and cuisine.

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Top 10 places for ecotourism in India

Eco-Tourism is derived from two words- Ecosystem and Tourism. India widely supports eco-tourism by precluding the environment and preserving its resources. The following places can provide a pleasant visit to you if you wish to take a breath away from the hasty city life and enjoy in midst of greenery.

Ecotourism destinations in India- Nature friendly tours India

Honey hills – thenmala eco-tourism, kerala.

Ecotourism and medical tourism are the fast developing tourism segments of Kerala. Thenmala or Honey Hills is the unique destination in Kerala. The destination is known for its ecotourism and beautiful landscapes which are not only comforting but also stimulating. Located about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism stocks its resources with the well-known Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the slopes of the Western Ghats.

• How to reach?  Nearest railway station : Shenkottah,  Nearest airport : Trivandrum International Airport
• Best time to go? Summers marks to be the ideal time.

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Bandipur National Park is one of the oldest parks in the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in Karnataka, it is among the biggest wildlife reserves of India. It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is highly protected by the Indian Government. The place meets the requirements of eco places. Green lodges here support sustainability of environment using methods like energy reduction and water conservation. Water conservation helps in preserving natural habitats which serves as homes for beloved wildlife.

• How to reach? The nearest airport is Bangalore, and the nearest station is Mysore. Then take a road trip to the park.
• Best time to go? March to May

Goa traditional trip

• How to reach ? Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in Goa are situated in Margao. The chief railway station is identified as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama.
• Best time to go? All seasons are great seasons!

  River rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a prevalent tourist destination. Exploring this destination provides ample opportunities to explore amazing mountain attractiveness and superb natural beauty. The place has tremendous scope for river rafting and other adventure sports. Eco rafting or ecological river rafting provides you with the opportunity of enjoying the wonderful combination of the ecological interpretation and scenic rafting in the midst of the verdant Himalayan landscape.

• How to reach? Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Besides, Rishikesh has a good network of buses connecting it with important places.
• Best time to go ? The greatest time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting is from September – to mid-November, and then from March to first week of May.

  Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

Sunderbans is one of the most alluring natural reserves in the entire world. You can achieve eco-tourism prospects in this striking destination without hindering the distinct flora and fauna of the region. Thus, you can spend a small sojourn in harmony with nature. Though Bengal Tiger is the flag ship species of this unique mangrove Forest, it also offers many other wonders of the nature to the visitors. There are two Nature Interpretation Centers located at Sajnekhali and Bhagabatpore, and one Eco museum at Sudarikati.

• How to reach? The adjoining railhead positioned near the Sunderbans National Park is Canning. Book a taxi after reaching there to travel to Sunderbans National Park.
• Best time to go? October to March

Chilika, Orissa

This is a biodiversity advert and the major brackish water lake in Asia. Furthermore, the largest lagoon along India’s east coast spreads over 1100 sqkm. A boat drive in this lagoon will get you amid the squeaks of oodles of migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, South-east Asia, and Central Asia. Lakhs of migratory birds flock here during winter every year. Along with the migratory birds, more than a few species of local birds are also farsighted at Mangalajodi all through the year and a number of of them nest in the abode.

• How to reach? You can reach Bhubaneswar railway station via train. A two-hour journey from Bhubaneswar takes you to Chilika.
• Best time to go? During the winter months, from November to February.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park is an honored national park in the country. This dwindling zone of Assam has no scarcity of discrete flora and fauna. Long elephant grasslands, marshlands, and thick tropical moist forest generate an ideal atmosphere for the existence of the flora and fauna. You can love the attractiveness of the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros with its grand body and its magnetic horn; see masses of elephants and some most wonderful tuskers. In addition, if you are fortunate enough, you might as well come through a tiger.

• How to reach? You can reach Guwahati via train. After that you need to travel by road. Hiring a cab would be a suitable option.
• Best time to go? November to April is the best time.

Tiger travel in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

A nearby attraction of Sawai Madhopur, in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger’s efforts at conservation in the India.  Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is famous for its Tigers and is a delight treat for the photographers. This place is a jewel for wildlife enthusiasts. You get a chance to explore the grand creatures in the barren. Thanks to the efforts of conservation workers and government incentives, you can explore eco-tourism at its peak.

• How to reach? Nearest airport is Sanganer Airport. You can hire cab or bus from Sanganer Airport to reach Ranthambore. Nearest railhead is Sawai Madhopur.
• Best time to go?  October to end of June

Dudhwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh

Dudhwa National Park is home to a large number of endangered animal species such as the Rhino and the tiger. Dudhwa is one of the ironic bio-reserves in India. Numerous species of reptiles, mammals and birds are protected here. This offers immense prospects of eco tours. Scattering across an area of 811 sq. km witnessing the nature paramours with swamplands, plains and thick woods, the zone is really meant for marvelous sums of Swamp Deer and Tigers species. It is an idyllic habitation for the wild beings to discover nature’s tranquility & relief ability in a more accepted way.

• How to reach? The most suitable way would be to travel to Lucknow and then reach Dudhwa by road or train. You can travel to Lucknow via railways. Nearest railway station is Charbagh railway station.
• Best time to go? Between November and May.

Chhattisgarh – The tribal excursion

A tour to this place will take you to the backyards of tribal people. Chhattisgarh owns a wealth of earliest tribal cultures that continue to persist. There are grips of antique cultures that are untouched by modernism. The government has taken steps to reserve these as national assets. With so much of variety for eco-tourism, Chhattisgarh promises to be an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and also for those who want to discover the unique tribal life of the region.

• How to reach? Surely the finest way to get to Chhattisgarh from anywhere in India is by the massive network of Indian Railways. Raipur and Bilaspur are the two chief confluences that are on the ways of nonstop and passenger trains that joins the state to other portions of India.
• Best time to go? During the winter season. At that time, the weather is pleasant.

Eco Tourism is the greatest choice for the people who love Mother Nature and its splendor. Get to these places to identify what it means.

Hooma Roy Choudhury

You listed out very good places to visit . Pictures are good and explained well .

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Top 10 Places to Visit in South Kerala: Explore the Untouched Beauty

Kerala is among India’s top tourist destinations. The state is blessed with natural beauty and varied topography, a long coastline, scenic hills, dense forest, and stunning backwaters. It can be divided it North Kerala,Central Kerala, and South Kerala. South Kerala captures the charm of Kerala. It has some magnificent locations from unspoiled beaches to lush green landscapes. In this blog, we will show you the best South Kerala places.

Best Places to visit in South Kerala include Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Pathanamthitta, Kollam,  Munroe Island, Varkala, Poovar, Pommudi, Thenmala and Thangassery.

The intricate network of backwaters, epitomized by the illustrious Ashtamudi Lake offers a serene and captivating insight into Kerala’s traditional way of life, providing an unparalleled backdrop for a truly immersive travel experience.

Moreover, the lush Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveils its biodiversity hotspot, with over 5,000 species of flowering plants, making it a haven for eco-enthusiasts and nature admirers. The region’s unique blend of endemic and exotic flora and fauna adds to the allure of South Kerala’s natural wonders.

Lonely Planet’s Kerala travel Guide  aptly notes, “South Kerala encapsulates the very essence of India’s diverse landscapes, from tranquil palm-fringed beaches to mist-clad mountains. It’s a journey that resonates deeply with travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable encounter with India’s rich heritage.”

Looking for Best Places to visit in Kerala ? 📍 Top 12 Best Places To Visit In Kerala (with Map)

Top 10 Places to Visit in South Kerala

1. thiruvananthapuram .

Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala and is a bustling metropolis. The city has a unique blend of colonial legacy and traditional roots. The coastal city is known for its low coastal hills and undulating topography and is among the best places to visit in South Kerala .

Trading traditions in Thiruvananthapuram date back to 1000 BCE. Spices, ivory, and sandalwood were traded from here. From beaches to historical sites, Trivandrum has a lot to offer. The city has a varied architecture with Victorian and neo-Kerala influences.

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the heart of Trivandrum is a must-visit. Other noteworthy landmarks are Kanakakunnu Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace, several museums like the Napier Museum, and the Trivandrum Zoo. Trivandrum is a gateway to visiting famous beaches like Kovalam and Varkala.

ALSO SEE –  Tourist Places in Trivandrum – Top 10 must-visit destinations

Kovalam is a coastal town and is around 13 km from Thiruvanandram. It was previously a small fishing village. The lighthouse beach is the largest in the town and is best known for the 30-meter lighthouse. The view from the top of the lighthouse is incredible. 

Two adjacent beaches are Samudra and Hawa Beach. The beaches are safe for swimming and have several water sports activities. Kovalam is also known for Ayurvedic treatments and yoga. Do not forget to enjoy the magnificent sunset from the Vizhinjam harbor.

ALSO SEE- Top 7 Best Things to do in Kovalam

3. Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta can be considered one of the most spiritual and mystical South Kerala places. One of the most important pilgrimages in Kerala Sabarimala, is in the Pathanamthitta district. It is home to numerous historic temples. 

Pathanamthitta is spectacularly beautiful with clear rivers, gorgeous mountain ranges, and vast coconut orchards. Three rivers pass through the town, and the rivers have carved out the amazing topography of the region into highland, middle land, and lowland. 

Pathanamthitta has a distinct culture and is known for its delicate and intricate metal mirror art called AranmulaKannadi. Visit the heritage village in Vassthu Vidya Gurukulam still practices age-old Vastu Vidya. 

ALSO SEE –    Top 17 Famous Temples in Kerala 

Kollam or Quilon is 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram and is the commercial center of the country’s cashew-producing industry. It is called the gateway to the backwaters in Kerala. Kollam is a charming town with backwaters and breathtaking scenery. It has a rich history dating back to the 9th century and is one of the oldest ports in the Arabian Sea.

Kollam is on the bank of Ashtamudi Lake and is one of the top attractions on cruises along the Alappuzha route. Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest lake in Kerala. A cruise through coconut grooves and palm trees is a sublime experience, especially a cruise to Munro Island.

ALSO SEE – Jatayu Earth Center- Booking, Tickets, Timings, Entry Fee and Photos (Updated)

There are some spectacular temples in Kolam built in traditional Kerala architecture like Kulathapuzha, Mayanand, and Aryankavu. Jatayu’s Earth Centre, Thangassery Lighthouse, and Kollam Beach are just some of the spectacular sites around Kollam

5. Munroe Island

 Munroe Island, or Mundrothuruth, is a hidden gem in the backwaters and is a group of eight islands, and is 27 km from Kollam. The islands are divided by small lakes and waterworks and are located at the intersection of the Kollada River and Ashtamudi Lake.

The area is named Munroe Island, to honor Travancore resident Colonel John Munroe, who integrated several backwater areas through canals. A canal cruise will be an unforgettable experience surrounded by natural beauty and the tranquil water of the canals. It is the perfect opportunity to unwind as you soak in the scenery and wildlife along the way. 

ALSO SEE – Things to Do in Munroe Island-Top 10 Activities in this Hidden Gem

You can visit the Munroe museum or tour the island on a bicycle. You can witness the famous Kallada Boat Race held during the ten-day Onam festival.

Varkala is a quaint coastal town located in Southern Kerala and is one of the best South Kerala places. It is best known for the spectacular 15 m cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries, and springs. The hippie culture and laid-back lifestyles.

ALSO SEE – Kovalam or Varkala

Vishnu Temple, Janardana Swami Temple, Chilakoor Beach, and Varkala Lighthouse are prominent attractions in Varkala. Other places of interest are Varkala Cliff and Varkala Beach to historical Sivagiri Mutt, tranquil Kappil Lake, and Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort ruins.

Tourists can participate in sports like scuba diving, banana boating, parasailing, and jet skiing. Alternatively, you can watch the mesmerizing traditional Kathakali dance performance held at local festivals. You must experience rejuvenating yoga sessions and Ayurvedic therapies.

ALSO SEE- Top 10 Best Resorts in Varkala  (With Photos)

Poovar is a beautiful fishing town with golden sand and stunning backwaters at 27 km from 5. It is estuary is between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. It is close to the natural harbor, Vizhinjam. 

Poovar was an important trading center for sandalwood, timber, ivory, and spices. Poovar Beach is remote and is accessible by boat. The beach offers a picturesque view of Kerala’s backwaters with golden sand. The beach is the ideal location to play beach volleyball or swim. 

ALSO SEE – Poovar Honeymoon Package in Floating Cottages

Other famous landmarks around Poovar are Thiraparrappu Falls and Vinzhimjam. You can take boat rides to explore the neighboring fishing villages and mangrove forests or watch the sunset. It is the perfect place to learn more about the fishing communities of Kerala. 

Ponmudi, or golden peak, is a stunning hill station 53 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the best weekend gateways from Trivandrum. Ponmudi is also called the Ooty of South Kerala or Kashmir of Kerala. The hill station is at an altitude of 1100 m and is a popular honeymoon destination.

The drive to the hill station is spectacular, with tea and spice plantations on the way. Ponmudi is divided into upper and lower Ponmudi. Upper Ponmudi has a more ecotourism focus. 

The region is home to mountain wildflowers, exquisite orchids, rare butterflies, and small rivers. Some of the best places to visit near Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agasthyakoodam, Mankkayam Falls, Varayattumotta, and the Nayyar Dam. 

ALSO SEE – Ponmudi hills – Best Places to Visit & Things to do

There are several trekking routes around the hill station, alternatively, you can try paragliding or rafting.

9. Thenmala

Extending to the fascinating hill ranges of Trivandrum, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta, Thenmala is a dam and eco tourism destinatuion. A tourist destination on the eastern side of the Kollam district, Thenmala  houses the first eco-tourism centre in India.

Thenmala, which means ‘Honey Hill’ is one of the hidden gems of Kerala. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thenmala has India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, which is divided into three zones, Culture Zone, Leisure Zone and Adventure Zone where you can enjoy distinct experiences amidst lush greenery.

Thenmala is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for one day from Trivandrum . Nature trails, mountain biking, boating, camping, sculpture gardens, butterfly safaris and more are a joy for adventure and nature seekers. The Palaruvi waterfalls nearby offer an enthralling view and there is also a deer rehabilitation to explore. With responsible tourism on the rise, a visit to Thenmala becomes a must-do on every traveller’s list of places to visit in Kerala .

ALSO SEE – Top 8 Hill Stations in Kerala

10. Thangassery

Thangassery is a  scenic sea side town and fishing village. It is famous for a long beach, an ancient Portuguese Port, 18th-century churches.  and a ship that was washed ashore.

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Beaches In Kerala

Thangassery is a famous tourist spot in Kollam District and was an ancient port of pepper trade. Thangassery was first colonised by Portuguese, Dutch and later British.  Thangasseri has an  Anglo-Indian character, though there are few Anglo-Indians in the population because of the colonial influence.

Thangasseri is a quaint fishermen seaside village with a long beach and a  144 feet tall lighthouse that was built to warn fishermen about the reefs on the coast. The shore also has the ruins of the Dutch and Portuguese Forts and the Portuguese Cathedral has a long metallic cross on top which is one of the longest in Asia.

In conclusion, the southern region of Kerala stands as a mesmerizing tapestry of attractions that weave together the essence of India’s cultural, natural, and historical heritage.As explorers traverse this enchanting region, they are transported through a kaleidoscope of experiences – from the bustling beaches of Kovalam to the historic splendor of Fort Kochi. South Kerala’s timeless charm, coupled with its warm hospitality, beckons wanderers to indulge in a voyage that promises a profound connection with the heart and soul of this captivating corner of India.

About George Joseph

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Formed in 2008, at the behest of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, the founding members of Ecotourism Society of India comprised of 13 widely experienced, eco-sensitive professionals from the Tourism industry, state government departments of tourism and forests, wildlife conservation, NGOs and also Members of Parliament. This national body for ecotourism stood on three pillars:

• Engaging in advocacy
• Helping create policies and guidelines
• Helping with certification

ESOI stood for Responsible and Sustainable practices In the Business of Tourism- and advocated our Collective Responsibility to ensure the Sustainability of the supporting Natural Environment and the Socio- Cultural surroundings for the Business to sustain over a long time.

To highlight the above aspects, the society has been re-christened as;

‘The Responsible Tourism Society of India’

RTSOI/ESOI works closely with the central and state government bodies responsible for sustainable tourism and a network of like-minded regional / state players across the country to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities at the national and state level.

The society is open for membership to conscious companies and individuals who wish to walk the Sustainable path and lend support to the cause.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way.

“Responsible tourism is tourism which:

• Minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts.
• Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities.
• Improves working conditions and access to the industry.
• Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances.
• Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity.
• Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues.
• Provides access for physically challenged people.
• Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

Cape Town Declaration, 2002

OUR MISSION

The Responsible Tourism Society of India is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry. All funds/income generated are utilized towards achieving the following objectives of the society.

• Tabulate eco-sensitive areas where tourism will have an impact on the social, cultural and natural environment.
• Make strategies and efforts to ensure long-term (perpetual) sustenance of the environment.
• Work with empowered bodies to establish Carrying Capacity and sustainable tourism practices which include conservation of nature and wildlife, and allow local communities to benefit from tourism.
• Develop policies and codes of conduct for promotion of Sustainable tourism, and help implementation Strategy.
• Develop a Sustainability based Certification of tourism service providers.
• Act as a watchdog for excessive consumption of Natural Resources and any negative impact of/on the tourism sector.
• Support Research in Tourism.
• Work with service providers to enhance quality of their product and services to a level so they can be sustainable and eco-friendly.
• Encourage use of appropriate local practices, materials, art, craft, architecture, food etc
• Encourage minimal conspicuous consumption and prevent excessive consumption of energy.
• Encourage Energy Saving Practices, Water Harvesting, Use of Solar and other Natural Energy Sources.
• Encourage good Waste Management Practices especially of non-bio-degradable materials.
• Encourage low pollution-generating practices and Minimise Carbon Footprint.
• Organize training and other activities to create awareness on Ecotourism, Sustainable and Responsible tourism.
• To collaborate with like-minded bodies and implement ecotourism objectives in India and abroad.
• To continually identify new Ecotourism destinations, Strengthen Ecotourism and make India a preferred Ecotourism Destination.

Founding Members

Honorary members, goodwill ambassadors, governing body, office bearers, secretariat.

Former CEO, BASS (IHG) HOTELS, South & West Asia. & Former President, ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels Director and Principal Advisor: LORDS Hotels and Resorts WOODBRIDGE Guest Homes

RAKESH MATHUR is a Hospitality Industry professional with over forty-seven years of leadership experience in Indian and Global Hotel groups.

After schooling in Shimla and Graduation in Economics Honours from SRCC, Delhi, he joined Oberoi Hotels in 1973 as a Management Trainee and grew in the Industry and worked with Global and Multinational Hotel Organizations and became Executive Director of IHG ( then BASS ) Hotels for South and West Asia.

Rakesh’s passion with India’s Heritage, Culture and Environment started in 2001, when he took over as President of ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels, a Company launched under the Chairmanship of HH Maharaja Gaj Singh ji of Jodhpur to revive India’s BUILT Heritage through Tourism.

Since Heritage Properties are mostly in Rural areas, Rakesh Co-founded the Ecotourism Society of India, to spread awareness about sustainable tourism practices, and is its Current Honorary President.

Rakesh continues to contribute his experience and expertise as a Board member to the Indian Heritage Hotels Association, INTACH Tourism Committee, Auro University, Surat, (Tourism), and HI AIM as CHAIRMAN.

He is also Director and Principal Advisor to Lords Hotels and Resorts.

Apart from his professional affiliations, Rakesh is associated with several Industry and Philanthropic activities. He is recipient of The Karamveer Patra from ICONGO for pioneering the CODE OF CONDUCT for SAFE & HONOURABLE TOURISM , officially endorsed by UNODC and adopted by the Ministry of Tourism, and several awards for contributions to the Hospitality Industry.

He is a Paul Harris Member of the Rotary Club of Delhi Southend, Hon. President of Save the Children India (Delhi), and supports a personal Charitable Foundation engaged in poor and orphaned children’s health and education and women’s empowerment.

MD, Indeco Hotels, Chennai

Member Since: January-2008

Mr. Steve Borgia is currently the Chairman & Managing Director of INDeco Leisure Hotels. INDeco is “INDIA ECOLOGY”, a tourism company with National interest. And also the only Indian Hotel group to win the distinguished “Global Eco Tourism Award”. His pioneering rural tourism in India mend the broken backbone of Indian villages has been one of his most significant contributions to TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT in India.

With basic education in Commerce, he specialized in Group Dynamics and Social Communication from CNRS – LYONS, France. Later, returned to India to do ground research in social communication for Rural Development.

Founder & Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.

Explorer, Mountaineer, Environmentalist, Adventure travel & Eco tourism specialist.

Mandip has over 35 years of climbing and exploration experience in India and other parts of the world. He has instructed at outdoor schools in Scotland and Wales, climbed in the Alps and made first ascents in the Indian Himalaya .

The Limca Book of records nominated him ‘India’s most versatile Expeditioner ‘. He was conferred the Ness Award for expeditions and explorations by the Royal Geographical Society, London.

In 1989 at the ICEWALK International Students Expedition in the Canadian Arctic near the North Pole, he studied environmental impacts of pollutants in the ice and the growing ozone hole, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In 2002, the year of the Mountains, he participated in an Indo Pakistan Friendship expedition in the Swiss Alps under the IUCN and UIAA and has been campaigning to save the Siachen Glacier from environmental degradation due to the two armies present.

In 2007 , he undertook a ecotourism river expedition with the Government , in the state of Madhya Pradesh to try and convert bandits into tourism guides and naturalists in this biodiverse rich but bandit ridden area.

Mandip Singh Soin FRGS , is the Founder and Managing Director of Ibex Expeditions Private Limited. Established in 1979, Ibex is a specialist tourism company in India that specializes in Ecotourism, Adventure, Luxury & Safari Travel.

Ibex received the Green Globe Distinction Award & the PATA Gold Award in 1999 for Outstanding Environmental Achievements. The World Travel Environmental Company Award in 2000 and in 2001 they received the National Award of Excellence by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for being the most environmentally friendly organisation .

He has edited the four issues of the Environment & Eco Tourism handbook published by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

He lectures worldwide on responsible and ecologically sound tourism and is deeply committed to being a good trustee of this earth.

MD, CGH Earth Hotels

Jose Dominic has been heading CGH Earth (formerly Casino Group of Hotels) as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 1978 to 2017.

Casino Hotel started by Dominic Joseph in 1957, grew into a group of Hotels, globally and nationally acknowledged for its unique model under Jose Dominic’s leadership.

In 1988, the group won the contract to reconstruct and operate the Bangaram Island Resort on Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep islands. The model adopted pioneering for its time put the Lakshadweep on the global tourism map and became the precursor of a new model of tourism introduced by the group in Kerala then known as Casino Group of Hotels. Beginning with Spice Village in Thekkady in 1991 was followed by several award winning hotels such as Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom in 1993, Marari Beach in 1996 and the Brunton Boatyard in 1998 and thereafter best in class facilities for Ayurveda and Yoga and recently Prakriti Chikiktsa.

The model rested on the foundations of sustainability, social inclusion and the local ethos. The demonstrative success of this model resulted in other entrepreneurs adopting the model that eventually gave to Kerala the leadership to adopt Responsible Tourism as the development strategy. Today tourism represents for Kerala a key engine of development based on Responsible Tourism for which Kerala Tourism has now won the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award.

In recognition of his efforts the Ministry of Tourism, in the year 2003 gave a Special Commendation Award to Mr. Jose Dominic for Resort Development. Jose Dominic was also the founder President in the year 2000 of Kerala Travel Mart which has emerged as one of India’s most significant tourism marketing event. He has been the recipient of several awards including Management Leadership Award from Kerala Management Association, Lifetime Achievement Honour form Times of India group, Aathithya Ratna Award from Hotel Investment Forum, Award for “Business Excellence leading to Development of society at large” from Manappuram Finance, Sustainable Person of the year Award, Hotelier Award from UTC, Business Excellence from D.C. Books, Entrepreneurship Award from TiE Kerala, Business Reliability Award from Reporter Channel, Game Changer Award from Durga Das Publication to name some.

The group renowned for its sustainability initiatives has received the prestigious Green Globe Award from World Travel Mart, several awards from Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for environment conservation. Also the hotels of the group have been repeatedly recipient of Excellence in Tourism Award from Government of India, Ministry of Tourism as well as from the Government of Kerala.

Jose Dominic has served on several National and State advisory panels on tourism of the Government and industry bodies. Some of these include National Tourism Advisory Council of the Government of India and the Government of Kerala, Tourism Think Tank of Government of India, Member – Expert Panel on Tourism of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) etc. He has been invited to speak at major conferences and seminars on Tourism including Conference on Tourism Taxation organized by World Tourism Organization, Colloquium of Conservation and Heritage Tourism organized by the British Council. He has also presented papers on Sustainable Tourism at the Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.

Jose Dominic is the Founder President of Kerala Travel Mart and founder member of the Eco Tourism Society of India. He has been closely associated with the conservation movement and serves as the Co-convener of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). He was the past President of TiE – Kerala Chapter, was the President of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and was Chairman of CII, Kerala region. Jose Dominic is presently member of the WTM Responsible Tourism Advisory Panel, member of National Tourism Advisory Council – Government of India and member of Kerala State Tourism Advisory Panel. He is also in the Board of Governors of Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) – Kochi.

Former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha

Revenue secretary, Govt. of Kerala

CEO, WWF India

Wildlife Film Maker Director Indian Safaris

Former MLA & Environmentalist

Consultant, UNDP

Member Since: January 2008

SUDHIR SAHI was educated at The Doon School, Dehra Dun and at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi where he obtained the B.A. Honours and M.A. degrees in Economics.

He was UNDP National Consultant for the GOI-UNDP Rural Tourism Project from its inception in 2003 till its completion in 2010 with principal responsibility for the Project’s planning and implementation, thereby enabling the Project to win the PATA Grand Award 2010.

His professional career in the tourism industry spans 37 years, covering sustainable tour operations & marketing, hotel management, airline marketing and continuing international tourism consultancy.

He was Member of the National Tourism Advisory Council of GOI Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry’s Committee to formulate Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India, and Member of the Working Group on Tourism for the 12th Five Year Plan of GOI Ministry of Tourism.

His focus areas are sustainable tourism, rural tourism to support livelihoods of local communities, ecotourism and habitat conservation. This has included his extensive work- related travel across India, UK, Europe, USA, Central Asia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

He served for four years on the GOI Ministry of Environment & Forests Expert Committee for Environment Impact Assessment of Tourism, Transport and Port Projects.

He has represented India on the Youth Commission of the world apex Union of International Alpinist Associations, and was Delhi Secretary of the Himalayan Club and Honorary Secretary & Editor of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

Founder, iSambhav Former GM Environment, ITC WelcomGroup Hotels

Chief Naturalist, Taj Safaris Associate Director Evolve Back resorts

Sarath has been an ardent wildlife enthusiast for the past 30 years. Having grown up reading books by Jim Corbett, his tryst with wildlife was sparked off with a trip to Jim Corbett N. P., way back in 1982. By education, Sarath is a post-graduate in Sociology from Delhi School of Economics.

While dabbling in various professions (last one was a Stockbroker) he was chosen as the Chief Naturalist for Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), a pioneer in eco-tourism in India. He went on to work with them for 7 years, initially based in their world renowned, Kabini River Lodge, Nagarahole. Sarath has a rich experience in guiding and has led many prestigious wildlife groups. He assisted many international researchers and filmmakers in the field. He has spearheaded the Training and Consultancy wing of JLR. He has also worked closely with the Karnataka Forest Dept. in various field programs including wildlife census operations, training of forest guards and wild elephant capturing operations. He also worked with Forest Departments of M.P and Uttarakhand for developing ecotourism and in training Park Guides. He is a Founder-Member of the Ecotourism Society of India.

Sarath has travelled extensively to the wildlife sanctuaries in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana, Australia, USA, Canada, Sumatra and Borneo. In 2011, he was fortunate enough to visit both the Poles, the Arctic and Antarctica, thus covering all the continents in the world. He loves a bit of adventure combined with natural history and has summited Mt.Kilimanjaro, in August 2005. He treks regularly in the Himalayas and went on several expeditions to the higher reaches of the Himalayas tracking the elusive Snow Leopards.

Sarath joined Taj Safaris in January 2006 as Chief Naturalist and Head Trainer and trained Naturalists for their 4 lodges in Central India, in a first of its kind intensive training program in India. He was instrumental in implementing India’s first wild-to-wild large mammal re-location of Gaurs from Kanha National Park to Bandhavgarh N.P in Madhya Pradesh in 2011, as a part of a joint project between Taj Safaris, M.P. Forest Dept and the Wildlife Institute of India.

Sarath is now based in Bangalore and is freelance Naturalist and Consultant. He is an Associate Director at Evolve Back Resorts (formerly Orange County). He is the Lead Trainer for Karnataka Ecotourism Board, for whom he trains Eco-volunteers, Naturalists and Nature Guides. He is also the Honorary Wildlife Warden for Karnataka Forest Department.

Sarath regularly leads wildlife tours to Africa, Arctic and Antarctica for Planet Wildlife. He also gives talks frequently on wildlife and conservation in various forums and has also given a few TED and INK talks.

Member Since: Feb 2023

Dr Samir Sinha is an IFS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre 1990 batch. A PhD in wildlife Dr Samir Sinha has over 30 years of hands-on experience in the Natural Resource and Wildlife Management sector, across various levels including management planning, implementation and policy, at the local, national, regional and international levels. He is also a member of several committees on forest and wildlife laws and policies, wildlife management and allied issues at the National and state level and helped establish and operationalize the South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) for strengthening regional cooperation for wildlife enforcement.

Dr Sinha is credited with special efforts towards the amelioration of human-wildlife conflict situations, having captured, sometimes at great personal risk wildlife to save them for the human encounter. He also established South Asia’s first Wildlife Sniffer Dog squads, providing them to state forest departments and coordinating their deployment and introduced the use of Deep Search Metal Detectors in India to various Tiger landscapes, providing training support to Field Personnel in their use. He works closely with various stakeholders to promote community-centric ecotourism models and responsible tourism in and around Protected Areas. Dr Sinha has also conducted a number of capacity-building programs including for Forest Dept., Police, Army, Paramilitary, Customs, Judiciary, media personnel and local communities and has contributed his experience and energy as Resource Person at premier National Institutions.

An inspiring author and a recipient of many awards and accolades, his articles find frequent place in journals and magazines and features in documentaries and TV interviews. Dr Sinha is a Ph. D (Wildlife Science) buffet and a Fulbright Nehru Fellow and holds P.G. Diploma in Wildlife Management. He is presently serving as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden Uttarakhand. Based in Dehradun, his other interests include Forest and Wildlife policy and laws, photography and travel.

Presently based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Circuit House Road, Jodhpur – 342006, Rajasthan

Member Since: October-2013

Fondly referred to as Bapji, His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II,is the titular Maharaja of Marwar. Born into the Royal Family, Bapji is an Oxford graduate who returned to his roots and began his long and arduous journey of restoring heritage monuments, turning them into internationally recognised award-winning structures that today not only function as fabulous sites and museums, but remain alive as social, cultural and religious hubs.

An early pioneer of heritage and cultural tourism in India and Founder President of the Indian Heritage Hotel Association, he has provided leadership for nearly 40 years to promote the adaptive reuse of historic homes and palaces. This has not only helped to preserve the properties, but also created a substantial impact on local economies – reviving local arts, crafts and music traditions; providing new and attractive employment opportunities; and contributing significantly to boost the Indian tourism industry.  Besides the conversion of his own palaces into hotels, foremost among them the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the most magnificent and iconic palace hotels in the world, operated and managed as Taj, and the Mehrangarh Fort into an internationally acclaimed museum, His own forts, Mehrangarh (15th century) in Jodhpur and Ahhichatragarh (12th century) in Nagaur, are outstanding examples of conservation and restoration work in the country and  are recipients  of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Distinction & Excellence respectively.

As founder and active trustee of various organisations working in such diverse fields as Rural Regeneration, Water Harvesting, Water Conservation , Sanitation, Food Security, Livestock Security, Fodder Livelihood, Environment and Sustainability, Heritage Conservation, Women and Girls’ Education  and Healthcare, he displays an unwavering sense of social responsibility.

A multifaceted personality Bapji has many awards to his credit including the prestigious Hadrian Award from the World Monument Fund,IATO Wall of Fame Award and Lifetime Achievement award by Conde Naste Traveller Magazine and Indian Hospitality Leadership Awards by APHMI

Member Since: January-2014

Mr. Madan Prasad Bezbaruah, retired as the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. After retirement he served as Banking Ombudsman for the Reserve Bank of India and also as Member, North Eastern Council (in the rank of Minister of State).

The World Tourism Organization appointed him as Honorary Permanent Representative “in recognition of the valuable contribution made to the development of tourism”. He served for several years as member of the Strategic Group of UN-WTO and was Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

He has authored the report on Indian Outbound Tourism for UN-WTO, and SASEC Regional Tourism for ADB. He was National Consultant of ADB’s SASEC Tourism Development Project, phase I and II, and UN-WTO’s project on Development of Coastal Tourism in the states of West Bengal and Orissa.

Mr. Bezbaruah has written three books- ‘Indian Tourism: Beyond the Millennium”, “The Guest is God-Reflections on Tourism” and “Frontiers of New Tourism” and is the Chief Editor of five-volume encyclopedia- “Fairs and Festivals of India.”

Member Since: August-2009

Mr. S. Banerjee was Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, from August, 2007 till October 2008. In the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Banerjee took several initiatives for upgrading infrastructure at important tourism destinations in India for improving visitor experience. He was instrumental in articulating India’s response to climate change in the tourism sector.

This response focused on sustainable tourism for promoting and preserving India’s environmental and cultural heritage with emphasis on inclusive growth. The ‘sustainable’ tourism route was showcased in the Tourism Ministry’s innovative Rural Tourism Project designed to strengthen disadvantaged but skilled rural artisan communities through support to capacity building and infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the role of women. International cooperation was an important focus that was promoted with the ‘India-China Year of Friendship Through Tourism’. China opened its tourism office in New Delhi in August 2007 and India’s fourteenth overseas tourism office was inaugurated at Beijing, China, in April 2008. Several initiatives were taken during Mr. Banerjee’s tenure to enhance cooperation between India and ASEAN countries in the field of tourism. Through the IBSA Summit, cooperation between India, Brazil and South Africa was strengthened with interaction of the travel trade and signing of a tripartite agreement on tourism. The Incredible India Campaign continued to win accolades. India, for the second consecutive year, was adjudged among the top two favourite destinations by the Conde Nast Traveller (U.K.). India won the PATA Grand Award for Marketing and World Travel Awards for World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign.

Prior to this, till July 2007, Mr. Banerjee was Director General (Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. In this tenure, he institutionalised a monitoring system for capital acquisition schemes for effective utilisation of the Defence modernisation budget. He was instrumental in the formulation of the Defence Procurement Procedures 2005 and 2006. These documents, for the first time, included guidelines for ‘Defence Offsets’ and the ‘Make’ procedure that were designed to encourage development of the Indian Defence industry.

Before joining the Defence Ministry, Mr. Banerjee worked as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development from December, 1996 to February, 2002. In this tenure, he initiated reforms in the Urban Sector for making urban local bodies viable and efficient. The reforms included Municipal Accounts, formulation of a model Municipal Act, and guidelines for a regulatory framework for public-private partnerships.

Mr. Banerjee worked in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, from December, 1985 to May, 1991. As Joint Secretary (Marketing) in that Ministry, he dealt with the crisis that affected India’s oil supplies following the outbreak of the Gulf War in August, 1990.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Banerjee worked in the erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh. He was Collector and District Magistrate of the important Districts of Krishna and Khammam and headed the Departments of Fisheries, Social Welfare and Civil Supplies.

After finishing his schooling at St. Joseph’s College, North Point, Darjeeling, in 1964, Mr. Banerjee joined St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, from where he received his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts degrees in History in 1968 and 1970.

In 1971, Mr. Banerjee joined the Indian Administrative Service.

He received his Master’s Diploma (Public Administration) from the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi in 1992 and M. Phil degree in Social Sciences from the University of Panjab in the same year.

Mr. Banerjee was a Visiting Fellow in the Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, U.K. (1995-1996) and in the National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi (2002-2003).

Following his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service in 2008, Mr. Banerjee chaired the Committee constituted by the Ministry of Finance in 2009 to review the processes, practices and procedures followed for the procurement and finalisation of security sensitive items relating to currency. The report of this Committee was submitted to the Union Finance Ministry on March 31, 2010. Mr. Banerjee was a member of the Vigilance Advisory Council of the Central Vigilance Commission and the Advisory Board of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, a professional research institute under the Ministry of Defence. Mr. Banerjee was also appointed Independent External Monitor for the Ministries of Defence and Food Processing Industries.

C-2/97, Sector 36, Noida-201301, U.P.

Member Since: August-2010

He has served the Government of India in various capacities in his distinguished career as an Officer of the Indian Administrative Service.

E – 5 Surendra Garden, Hoshangabad Road, Bopal, MP – 462043

Member Since: August-2013

Retired as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh, India, after thirty five years in the Indian Forest Service (IFS). Twelve years in policy formulation and implementation.

Worked for 7 years as protected area manager, seven years as forestry manager and five years as a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Developed and implemented internationally funded projects on ecodevelopment planning, protected area management and scientific research for biodiversity conservation, and teaching participatory approaches to forestry and wildlife managers. Managed Indo-US collaboration project on the development of the Wildlife Institute of India; Worked as Additional Director Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) (later as Director) in an integrated forestry project, the Madhya Forestry Project, financed by the World Bank/IDA. Worked as an Advisor to the Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board. FAO/UNDP consultancy in protected area management planning. Taught a course in ecodevelopment and participatory planning in Sri Lanka for FAO/UNDP. Worked as a wildlife crime control and legal reforms consultant and as team leader of an international consulting group for the preparation of 20-year forestry master plan for Bangladesh on World Bank funded projects. Developed an operational framework and 20-year strategic plan for South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN).

Member of the international consulting group tasked with the designing of a world class tiger safari and rescue centre outside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve.

Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Read More

C-31, Ground Floor, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi-110017

Member Since: May 2018

Mr. Vinod Zutshi joined Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1982 and belonged to Rajasthan Cadre. He superannuated in February, 2017 at the post of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Mr. Zutshi has 35 Years of experience in Central Government and Government of Rajasthan with long experience and exposure in the fields of Tourism, Public Policy & Administration, Management and Election & Democratic Governance.

Mr. Zutshi served as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India between 2015 to 2017. He also held the following positions in Tourism Sector at National Level: Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India; Vice Chairman, National Tourism Advisory Council, India; Chairman PATA Chapter India; Board Member, PATA; Chairman, NCHMCT; Chairman, Board of Governors, IHM, Pusa; and Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, IITTM;

He held many key positions in Tourism Sector in the State of Rajasthan namely, Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan; Secretary, Civil Aviation, Govt. of Rajasthan; Commissioner, Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan; Chairman & Managing Director, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation; and CMD, Rajasthan State Hotels Corporation.

Vinod Zutshi is now a Consultant & Advisor in Travel and Tourism for more than two years and is based in Delhi.

Some of the key organisations with which Mr. Zutshi is currently associated as Consultant / Advisor/Honorary Member are:

• Member, Managing Committee of National Apex Body of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Honorary Member, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• OYO – as a Member (Independent Expert) of Partner Advisory Council
• Member of CII National Committee on Tourism & Hospitality
• Adviser to FICCI Medical Value Travel Committee 2019
• Executive Member of India Cruise Lines Association (InCLA)
• Member, Board of Trustees, Foundation for Aviation & Sustainable Tourism (FAST)
• Honorary Member, Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI)

Mr. Zutshi is an Alumni of Harvard Kennedy School and MBA from Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University. He is also an Advocate enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi.

Mr. Zutshi is also a Resource Person in the area of Travel and Tourism. In the recent past He has visited as Guest Speaker at IAS Academy, LBSNAA, Mussoorie; Indian Institute of Public Administration; Central Universities of Banaras Hindu University, Garhwal University and University of Pondicherry; Amity University, Noida; IITTM, Bhubaneswar and Jamia Millia University.

Mr. Vinod Zutshi has travelled far and wide during his long career in various capacities. He has travelled to USA, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Jamaica, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Japan and Bangladesh.

Member Since: July 2020

An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Harvard University, and Fellow of the British Council of the University of Sussex, UK, Dr. Lalit Pawar joined the Indian Administrative Services in 1979 as an IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre. A PhD in tourism he holds an august space at the RTSOI guiding the council with its various initiatives. During his tenure as an IAS officer, Dr. Panwar, has held various positions in the government of Rajasthan. He was also heading the India Tourism Development Corporation as Chairman and was a Secretary Ministry of Tourism from 2014-15.

During his tenure, Dr. Panwar also is credited with many awards and accolades, notable ones being the “Best Collector Award (as District Collector, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)in 1987, ‘’National Tourism Award as Chairman and MD, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)”. His state, Rajasthan, won the award for promoting tourism, at the National Level from the Ministry of Tourism. Dr. Panwar was also awarded the ‘’Pride of Hospitality Industry award by the Journalist Association of India’’ and The Ashok Hotel won the ‘’Best Hotel for Cuisine & Services’’ accorded by Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at ITB, Berlin, under his leadership. He is also a recipient of the national hospitality education Award 2010-11 by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, in recognition of outstanding contribution towards Skill Development Initiatives.

Based in Jaipur, he has also founded the Vivekanand Global University in Jaipur and is presently associated with them as a chairperson. He continues his association with the Government of India, lending his learnings and expertise in Tourism with Niti Aygo as is also a member Lokpal Search Committee.

Member Since: July 2021

Rathi Vinay Jha, An IAS (Indian Administrative Service) Officer of the 1967 batch, Rathi retired as the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in 2004.

Prior to that she was Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and CMD of the India Trade Promotion Organisation ( ITPO) She has held many positions related to the Textiles sector. She was the founder Director of NIFT from 1987-93. She spent a year on deputation with the Confederation of Indian Industry as an Advisor in 1996.

After serving the government she was the Secretary General of the World Travel and Tourism Council India, and Director General of the Fashion Design Council of India. She was a Member of the NIFT Board of Governors and Chairman of the Durgabai Deshmukh College for Visually Impaired.

Dr. Misra was Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and later Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). She has worked in various capacities in the Government of India and in the Government of Gujarat. During her career, she was posted in the remote area of Kutch where she imbibed the love for natural heritage and the deep aspects of cultural heritage, particularly the vibrant craft traditions of the region. She was posted in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism for a considerable period of time and was the Commissioner for Tourism in the State of Gujarat.

Dr. Misra is presently the Member-Secretary of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) which is a unique, premiere national body, dedicated to the conservation of Indian Heritage, encompassing built, natural, intangible, art and material heritage and the myriad aspects of heritage including outreach and heritage education. INTACH has set-up a Heritage Tourism Division, the INTACH Heritage Academy and INTACH Knowledge Centre under her initiative. Her total experience in the tourism and culture field span for more than 22 years. The overall experience which she garnered in the field and the policy arena resulted in a deep involvement in heritage and tourism issues.

Member Since: Nov 2022

Bittu Sahgal is the Founder of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, Editor of Sanctuary Asia, India’s first and largest circulating wildlife and ecology magazine (1981) and Founder-Editor of Sanctuary Cub (1984), India’s oldest and only wildlife magazine for children. He was closely involved with Project Tiger since its inception in the 1970s, and has spent over four decades writing about and calling attention to conservation issues in books, magazines and newspapers in both English and regional languages. He has also produced 30 wildlife documentaries, led national and international environmental campaigns across media platforms, including social media. He created Kids for Tigers, a conservation programme for school children that has reached over a million children and has been run successfully for almost two decades.

Bittu has served on a range of government and nongovernment organisation boards and committees over the last 30 years, including the National Board for Wildlife (Government of India), the IUCN (World Conservation Union), The Wild Foundation (U.S.A) and the Expert Appraisal Committee for Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

Arjun Mathur is an International Emmy nominated, British-born, Indian actor. He was trained by Barry John in New Delhi, India and at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York. Before he started acting, he worked as an Assistant Director on several big-budget Indian films such as ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ and ‘Rang De Basanti (Paint It Yellow)’.

Arjun was discovered by Mira Nair and Farhan Akhtar simultaneously, through their respective short films, ‘Migration’ and ‘Positive’ for the ‘Aids Jaago’ project, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, 2007. This was followed by several remarkable performances in mainstream Indian films like ‘Luck By Chance’, ‘My Name Is Khan’ and ‘Ankur Arora Murder Case’, as well as critically acclaimed independent films like ‘Barah Aana’, ‘Coffee Bloom’, the National-Award winning ‘I Am’ and the English language film, ‘Fireflies’, for which he received a Best Actor nomination at the New York Indian Film Festival, 2013.

In 2012, he garnered praise for the youth-centric mini-series, ‘Bring On The Night’, which was the first of it’s kind produced in India, before the streaming revolution took hold. Arjun has appeared in numerous television commercials and was a brand-ambassador for the leading Indian lifestyle brand, ‘Godrej’ from 2013 till 2016. He was also seen in Channel 4’s British drama series, ‘Indian Summers’ as the volatile nationalist, ‘Naresh Banerjee’. The 2018 Netflix original film, ‘Brij Mohan Amar Rahe (Long Live Brij Mohan)’ saw Arjun step away from his image and impress audiences and critics as an underwear salesman from Delhi, who tries to fake his own death and fails miserably.

In 2019, Arjun played the lead in Zoya Akhtar’s Amazon original series, ‘Made In Heaven’ and received a nomination in the ‘Best Performance by an Actor’ category at the International Emmy Awards 2020, for his nuanced portrayal of a gay man living in urban India at a time when homosexuality was illegal. The show itself received worldwide audience and critical acclaim.

He was last seen in ‘The Gone Game’, a suspense thriller series that was set, conceived, shot and released during the lockdown in 2020 and the murder mystery feature-film, ‘Silence’.

He will next be seen in second seasons of ‘Made In Heaven’ and ‘The Gone Game’ as well as ‘U-Special’ – the first Indian series for the digital platform ‘Lionsgate Play’.

Member Since: November-2016

Shoba Mohan is the Founder Partner of RARE India, a company that has been promoting conservation and community based tourism with sustainability as a keystone value for tourism and hospitality. She sits on board associations like RTSOI, TTC, IAHRC etc.  and promotes the idea that sustainable travel is future ready and luxury has to be redefined around parameters that believe in protection and preservation of the planet.

MD, Travel Corporation India

Member Since: January 2014

Dipak Deva’s journey in the travel industry began thirty years ago, as a junior staff member in a travel company in Jaipur. He then moved on to become the Sales & Marketing Head of TCI, built Distant Frontiers into a boutique company focussed on experiential travel, which was aquired by Kuoni Switzerland in the year 2008. Since then he has led the biggest, and most-awarded, inbound travel company in the country. Dipak’s deep understanding of India’s tourism potential, source markets and their needs, ability to build relationships with partners, and drive technology-led initiatives, has played an important role in making the company the largest inbound tourism organisation in the country.

Dipak Deva is currently the Managing Director of Travel Corporation India Ltd., a market leader for inbound tourism from UK, Germany, France, Russia, Spain, Portugal and Japan. The company owns leading international brands such as Sita, Distant Frontiers, Go Vacations (JV with Europe’s DER Touristik).

CEO, A Sharma Associates

Prof. Anil Sharma (Adjunct Faculty, IIT Rooeki) began his career as a young architect with the firm of “Bhardwaj and Bhardwaj Associates”, in New Delhi from 1982 to 1984. He subsequently joined the multi-national firm of “Kabil and Associates” at New Delhi and then proceeded to gain an invaluable, experience with the firm of “Schooly Caldwell Associates”, in Columbus, Ohio at the United States of America.

Returning to India, after the American experience, with a high level of self-confidence, Anil Sharma embarked on his enterprise of private professional practice.

Mr. Anil Sharma as a private professional Architect, now with well over 30 years of wide experience in designing multi star hotels (www.asharma.com), which are climate responsive & energy efficient. He has designed more than 70 hotels all over India in every climatic zone from Cold climate of Gulmarg to Hot & Dry climate of Hyderabad. He adopts latest materials & technology to achieve operational efficiency & to reduce carbon emissions. All his latest designs are LEED / IGBC compliant and certified. The hotel “Khyber, Gulmarg” is the most awarded hotel by “Coinde Nast” and various other travel platforms of repute.

Apart from his professional duties as an Architect, he has balanced his work with teaching responsibilities, as visiting expert and faculty member to the following institutions of repute:

(1) “Indian Institute of Technology”, Roorkee (2) “The School of Planning & Architecture”, Bhopal (3) “The School of Planning & Architecture”, New Delhi (3) “Indira Gandhi Technical University for Women”, Kashmiree Gate, New Delhi.

Mr. Anil Sharma and his projects have been recipient of the following awards:

1. His first hotel project; “Holiday Inn”, Pune won the Best hotel of the year in Asia Pacific Region in the year 1994. 2. In the year 2013 another hotel designed by Mr. Sharma, “Hotel Khyber” in Gulmarg, was awarded “Best Luxury Hotel of the world”. 3. In the year 2014 Mr. Sharma, was awarded “The Most Innovative Hotel Design Architect” for Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hyderabad at the Hoteliers Summit held in Mumbai. 4. “Taj Hotel and Convention Center, Agra” won “Best Architectural Design Hotel” in “Time2Leap awards 2019” at Hyatt Pune. 5. “Club Babylon, Ahemedabad”, was awarded “Most Sustainable Architectural Design in Hospitality” in Time2Leap awards 2019” at Hyatt Pune.

Mr. Anil Sharma has been the member of National Jury Members for various Architecture Design Awards being run by A+D and Archi-design.

In the year 2014, Mr. Sharma was invited to participate as a Jury Member of the evaluation committee for the IIT Roorkee-Campus Extension meetings for their 330 Cr. expansion project. He was also a jury member for the development of the MNIT campus at Jaipur.

Mr. Anil Sharma, has taken the initiative in leadership role in organizing and hosting the annual “Hi-Aim” Conference that is a collective assembly of (1) Hospitality Industry leaders (2) their Architects, (3) Interior Designers and (4) Managers. This year, “Hi-Aim” held its fifth annual conference at Colombo, Sri Lanka in the month of March. (www.hi-aim.org)

Mr. Anil Sharma has been deeply committed to his Alma Mater, and has already made several inputs and contribution for taking the revered institution to higher level value goals and achievements.

Mr. Sharma has been instrumental in formulation of the following annual awards at the awards for students at the IIT Roorkee: 1. The Manoj Jain memorial award for the student with best “Human Values” 2. The R.P. Singh memorial award for the “best student of Architecture” at the IIT Roorkee.

Mr. Anil Sharma, has provided a whole hearted support to the CSR initiative “Anushruti” and has helped in organizing the fund-raising event at Greater Noida campus of IIT Roorkee in 2015.

Mr. Sharma has always been keen on sharing his knowledge through classroom teaching, and technical project co-ordination meetings, he has always felt responsible for imparting the rightful knowledge. Many clients, consultants’ even specialists approach Mr. Sharma for his suggestions and technical expert knowledge that he has gained through hard work and experiences of more than 35 years in the Industry.

He has recently accepted the role of an Adjunct Professor, at IIT Roorkee, and has been actively involved in not only improving the curriculum, but also acting as External Expert for Institutions of Architecture at I.I.T Roorkee, Uttrakhand, and the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi for their B. Arch & M. Arch Programs as also the “Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women” as Consulting Architect, in-charge of establishing the Department of Architecture.

He has also taken up assignments as a visiting faculty member in I.I.T Roorkee for conducting semester wise design studio for 2nd year to 5th year students; he has also been part of the evaluation of thesis seminars.

He has also been given charge to conduct the stage-by-stage thesis projects of B. Arch V year students as an External Expert of the Jury

Akanksha’s debut project was the  Sunderban Tiger Camp , established in 2004, followed by  The Riverwood Forest Retreat  in Dooars, West Bengal in 2008 and  The Riverwood Forest Retreat  in Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh in 2013. Current expansion plans include setting up camps in the tiger corridor of Madhya Pradesh. All these properties are a part of the  Waxpol Hotels and Resorts  hospitality brand, of which Akanksha is Executive Director and Founder.

Akanksha holds many prominent industry positions and serves as a thought leader. Some of the current and past positions include the below:

• Governing Council Member of The Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI)
• Committee Member of the Responsible Tourism Wing of The Adventure Tour Operators of India (ATOAI)
• CII –Eastern Region Tourism Subcommittee Member
• Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Stakeholder Advisor
• Ex. West Bengal Tourism Advisory Committee
• Ex. CII – National Tourism Committee Member
• Ex. Managing Committee Member of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI)

In the 2020 Covid-19 crisis she has led the industry preparedness through formulating safety and sanitization guidelines for the tourism industry.

In recognition of her efforts, Akanksha has won numerous high-profile tourism awards. In 2008, she was awarded the  TiE Tiger Award  for her tourism development initiatives in the Sundarbans, the  Rotary Club Award for CSR  and the East India Travel Awards  ‘Face of the Future’  Award in 2016.

In 2019, Akanksha has been extensively featured as one of the  Top Women Hoteliers  in India and one of the favourite women in Hospitality around the world. Her conservation and sustainable tourism efforts have been featured in Green Hotels, TTJ Magazine, TravTalk, Responsibletourismindia.com and many more magazines and media.

Akanksha was recognised by India Leadership conclave as the  Most Innovative and Promising Woman Hotelier 2019 .

Global Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Leader I Senior Partner HM Corp and Founder – One Rep Global

Chief Advisor – Leela Palace Hotels & Resorts I Board Member | Keynote Speaker I Angel Investor

Hemant Mediratta is an exemplary luxury hotelier with over three decades experience in the hospitality business. He is a seasoned professional with expertise in luxury hotel operations and sales and marketing across domestic as well as international markets. A passionate believer in the India story, Hemant has worked relentlessly over the years towards the growth of Indian tourism.

Hemant completed an outstanding and fulfilling 16-year tenure with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in 2020. During this long association he played a significant role in, especially in his last position as Senior Vice President Sales, driving commercial excellence for the iconic hospitality group. His previous roles span successful terms in senior positions at globally acclaimed hotel groups like Hyatt International, IHG and The Park Hotels. A purveyor of luxury, with an invaluable background and hands-on experience in luxury hospitality, Hemant Mediratta has featured extensively in the media as a thought leader sharing a global perspective on luxury hospitality and travel industry trends. He is also a serial entrepreneur. Hemant has established and co-founded several successful brands which include Antara Cruises – India’s leading luxury river cruising company, Eleven Inc – a leading digital marketing agency in the luxury hospitality space; One Rep Global – a Sales, Marketing and PR organisation for Hotels, Travel, Luxury and Wellness brands from across the world.

A captivating orator, Hemant is passionate about public speaking and can often be found sharing his thoughts at educational institutions and corporate conferences, largely on motivation, leadership, luxury selling and entrepreneurial mindset. He is also on the governing board of Responsible Tourism Society of India, a non-profit organization with the aim to promote and ensure environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

Besides managing and inspiring teams, Hemant is an active angel investor with an interest in early-stage luxury and travel start-ups. He actively mentors new-age founders on product-market-fit, talent hiring and retention and on building a founder mindset for business success. Hemant’s social initiative, Mediratta Foundation , was established with the aim to empower individuals and enterprises in creating success driven and scalable businesses generating employment for many others in the process. The focus is on mentoring micro-entrepreneurs in urban areas, working on sustainable livelihood in rural areas, empowering women & girls through education, and provide quality health services for the poor and marginalized communities. Through a network of volunteers and panel of industry experts, Mediratta Foundation curates and executes programs and workshops to benefit the communities.

Jt. Managing Director, Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.

Rohit Kohli is Jt. Managing Director of the Creative Travel group. Established in 1977, Creative Travel is today considered to be one India’s largest independent, family owned Destination Management Companies. The other main business includes Signature Tours by Creative Travel, specializing in luxury outbound journeys; Plan it! meetings and conferences, a cutting edge PCO and corporate loyalty management company; and Jungle Sutra Wildlife Journeys, India’s first wildlife specialist DMC focusing on lesser known fauna of the subcontinent. The group also runs an Academy of Tourism.

Creative Travel is South Asia’s most recognised tour operator and has won many accolades including the prestigious National Awards regularly since 1979, multiple World Travel Awards, SITE Crystal Awards, PATA Gold awards etc.

Rohit is a hotelier by qualification, having graduated from a leading hotel management school and has initiated at some of the top luxury hotels in the country.

Rohit’s position at the group, aside from sharing overall management responsibilities, also includes management of the operations and business development functions of the organization. Rohit is also responsible for the strategic planning including expansion and new focus areas. The company has 20 offices around the world. One of Rohit’s key involvements is in the sustainability and responsible efforts of the organization through the Ram Kohli Foundation.

Seema Bhatt has worked extensively on issues related to ecotourism, biodiversity and climate change. Her particular focus of work is on strengthening the links between conservation of biodiversity and livelihoods of local communities.

A802, Rachana Sayantara, Hazari Pahad, Nagpur, Maharastra – 440007

Member Since: May 2017

Born in an Armed Forces family, I was always hooked to the outdoors. I soon realised that birds and smaller mammals fascinated me the most. Simultaneously, I found that Adventure was always a part of life. So have ended up being an explorer, trekker, scuba diver, sky diver, river rafter, birdwatcher and a nomad for life! Local people and their customs, and nature itself have been my biggest teachers – and I keep trying to learn more at every step.

Founded one of the most popular wildlife and adventure camping organisations – Pugmarks, before selling it and moving to Maharashtra Forest Department at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (earlier Melghat Tiger Reserve). My mandate is to work in the field of creating a better eco tourism experience for visitors.

Peerzada Faiyaz Ahmed is a Tourism & Hospitality Industry professional with over forty years of experience in highly acclaimed Hotel Groups and in the Tourism Industry.

After schooling in Sainik School Chittorgarh, Rajasthan he attained proficiency in three foreign languages Russian, French Arabic and started his Hospitality career from Hotel Shahenshah palace in Srinagar, JKTDC and Air India Subsidiary Centaur Group of Hotels. He opted for Voluntary Retirement in 2007 and joined ITC Hotels in Ooty – Tamil Nadu. He also worked in close association for His Royal Highness the Maharaja of Mysore of the Wadiyar Family. He is in Travel Business exclusively since 2009

He also has been on the role of Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar as an external Examiner since last 30 plus years.

He is responsible in introducing Ecotourism Society of India in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and conducted workshops in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. He is also the Convener for Responsible Tourism Society of India RTSOI for Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.

Peerzada’s tryst and passion with the nature, environment of Jammu & Kashmir and its safety concern made him and like-minded enthusiasts to start a trust under the name of Environmental Policy Group EPG. He is also the founder member of Nature University under the aegis of EPG. The Nature University is responsible to identify and demarcate the Triassic Fossil Park at Khunmoh which is believed to contain fossils dating back to 252 million years when the world’s first tsunami occurred. This scientific theory has been recognised by the Penn Dixie University of USA. They are planning an infrastructure there and dedicatee it to the Tourism as an additional tourist interest spot. The proposal is under active consideration with government.

He was elected as President TAAK in 2013. In his role as President of this esteemed association he maintained close contact with the members and the administration. Held various meetings, conferences and discussions to improve the tourism scenario in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Wildlife and the wilderness has been a passion for Aly ever since childhood. This passion for wildlife inspired him to work with his family to set up and run Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, one of the finest wilderness lodges in India. At Reni Pani, Aly has curated and built on the wildlife and guiding experience since its inception and in this time his passion for wildlife has been instilled in the ethos of the lodge and its people. A trained naturalist and ornithologist, he has travelled across the country and has been involved with wildlife in various localities. His deep involvement with Satpura since his childhood has been a motivation to protect and conserve wildlife in this landscape. In line with this deep attachment, Aly and the team at Reni Pani have identified another location at the far south of the tiger reserve in Bori Sanctuary to set up a second wildlife lodge, called Bori Safari Lodge. Although the Bori Sanctuary has the distinguished accolade of being the oldest protected area in the country, in terms of tourism it is still very raw and upcoming adding to the element of adventure and discovery. This sanctuary also happens to be Aly’s first wildlife destination a long time ago when he was a little boy and since then he has gotten to know it very intimately.

Among other wildlife initiatives that Aly has undertaken is the ongoing camera trap studies in the

Samit Sawhny completed his ACA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England & Wales and his MBA (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Ahmedabad in 1995. He then worked with Ernst & Young in London in the Capital Markets & Risk Management Group till the year 2000, with concurrent secondments to Morgan Stanley and Paribas in London and Warburg Dillon Read in Zurich.

With travel always being a guiding passion, Samit wrote a travelogue, “All the World’s a Spittoon” which was published by Penguin Books, India in 2003.

Samit founded the Barefoot Group in 2001, with an aim to promote sustainable tourism in the Andaman Islands. The organisation runs Barefoot at Havelock, an award-winning eco-retreat in the Andaman Islands and also operates various land and water-based adventure sports, including scuba diving, through Barefoot Scuba. Another branch of the group, Barefoot Holidays, is engaged in destination management activities in the Andaman Islands.

Our Supporters

RTSOI Members

Grand patrons, partner members, affiliate partner members, partner institutions, life members, individual members.

Mr. Soman Pathi Liaison & Nodal Officer, Gujarat Tourism

Mr. Yuvraj Padole Dy Director Events & Marketing

Ms Effat Ara Managing Director Mr. Junaid Wahab Khan Manager – Marketing & Brand Development

Ms. Vineeta Dixit Head Public Policy India

Syed Junaid Altaf M. D.

Syed Owais Altaf Director & Head – Strategic Alliances

Shweta Verma AGM – Business Development

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Deep Kalra Founder & Group EC

Yuvaraj Srivastava Chief HR Officer

Manavi Bharadwaj Sustainability Lead

Anisha Narula CSR Lead

Rajneesh Director – Administration & Facilities

E: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. S.S. Rajpoot Chief Executive Officer

Mr. O.V. Choudhary Chief General Manager

Mr. Zaffar Ahmad Bhat Secretary to Govt., Dept. of Tourism & Culture

Commissioner / Secretary to Govt. Tourism & Culture Department Civil Secretariat Government of Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar 190001 (May – October)

Mr. Girish Shankar Managing Director

Mr. S Kandan Managing Director

D Block, 1st Floor A. P. Secretariat Hyderabad – 500022 Andhra Pradesh

Mr. Dipak Deva MD

Mr. Sanjeev Sethi Manager – Trade Representative

Mr. Ashwini Khurana President

• Close to 300 acres, Karma Lakelands, is an eco-responsible Golf Resort with luxury residences. • Designed by Phil Ryan, Pacific Coast Design, Melbourne, Australia. • Recipient of India’s most “Eco-Friendly Golf Course 2016 Award” by Golf Digest. • Over 2 lac plants and trees planted to make Karma a beautiful sanctuary. • Luxurious, well-appointed rooms for short and long-term stays across Karma Lakelands and Karma Chalets – our boutique hotel. Our villas, have become the preferred residential choice for those looking for a clean, green and responsible living environment. • Klub Karma: A 1,00,000 Sq. Ft. Venue offering The Grand Ball Room, indoor and outdoor spaces supported by multiple F&B outlets and High-end destination for weddings, Golf tournaments and corporate retreats. • We believe in nature and responsible living, where luxury is thoughtful rather than a wasteful process. The Environmental initiatives at Karma Lakelands are: Water Harvesting, Bio-Composting, Organic Agro, Bee Farming, Solar Energy. The whole campus is a strict No Honking Zone – The Guards respond to sight not sound.

K Villas, 5 Green Avenue, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070

Ms. Poonam Kaura Partner Government and Public Sector Advisory

Nangia Andersen is known for offering consultancy services to facilitate synergy of policies, initiatives, and activities at the national and state level in tourism and allied sectors. They have shown their proficiencies through their collaborative studies with FICCI in creating detailed reports on “Tourism Investment Potential 2021”, “Rebuilding Tourism for the Future 2022” and “Outbound Travel and Tourism – An Opportunity Untapped”, where it highlights the gravity of Indian tourism industry and profiles a framework for building a more sustainable and responsible tourism experience for Indian tourists & travellers.

Nangia Andersen collaborates with Central and State government departments/agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders responsible for sustainable tourism. The company has delivered a plethora of assignments in the areas of tourism and government & public sector advisory. Some of the key clients include the Ministry of Tourism, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Invest India, Hazaribagh Municipal Corporation, Directorate of Industries & Enterprise Promotion Government of Uttar Pradesh, UP Industrial Consultants Limited, Moradabad Smart City Limited, Department of Urban Development & Housing Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand and Rajasthan Skills and Livelihoods Development Corporation.

Quality of people is the cornerstone of their ability to serve clients. Team Nangia Andersen LLP brings strong credentials in Tourism and relevant fields. The leadership has successful track record of conceptualizing, launching, and managing tourism initiatives that have proved to be path breaking. It invests tremendous resources in identifying exceptional people, developing their skills, and creating an environment that fosters their growth as leaders.

A-109, Sector – 136, Noida (Delhi NCR) 201304, India Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Mr.Mohan Tickoo Managing Director Mr. Ravi Tickoo Director Operation

Member Since: May-2009

Recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Adventure Tour Operator 2007-2008, KVT is a full-service adventure travel company based in New Delhi, India.

Founded in 1985, our activities and operations have greatly expanded and diversified over the last two decades to emerge as one of India’s leading providers of innovative and tailor-made adventure, culture and nature tours across India, Nepal and Bhutan. KVT’s growing catalogue of hard and soft adventure activities include amateur and skilled trekking programs, biking tours, climbing expeditions, wildlife tours, safaris and specialist multi-activity programs for students, families and individual explorers.

Committed to sustainable practices, a Responsible Tourism Policy is integrated into all aspects of our operations and decision-making. KVT is also directly involved in conservation initiatives and community programs in some of India’s key tourism impact areas.

Mr. Mandip Singh Soin Managing Director Mrs. Anita Singh Soin Director

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Since 1979 people have entrusted their dreams to us. Ibex has been a leader in adventure travel, off-the-beaten-path holidays, wildlife safaris, family vacations, specialised journeys in luxury hotels and quaint lodges. Ibex arranges authentic, cultural immersive journeys; be it camping in the Himalaya or dining at a fine palace.

Established in 1979, Ibex is the receipent of the National Tourism Award as well as several International Awards such as PATA Gold, Green Globe Distinction, WTM Envoronmental company Award and is rated by National Geographic as one of the ‘Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth’.

Ibex has been a leader in adventure travel, off-the-beaten-path holidays, wildlife safaris, family vacations, specialised journeys in luxury hotels and quaint lodges. Ibex arranges authentic, cultural immersive journeys; be it camping in the Himalaya or dining at a fine palace.

Our own discoveries on roads less travelled have allowed us to create your very own, bespoke customised holiday so that your experience is an intimate account, taking in your own personal aesthetics and fascination.

Ibex Expeditions is committed to being environmental caretakers and it is our endeavour to maintain high standards of `minimum impact tourism’.

Mr. Jose Dominic M.D. & C.E.O.

E: [email protected]

Member Since: July-2009

CGH Earth is a five-decade long experiment in hospitality. Our properties both preserve and reflect the cultures they are born from. Nothing has been added that does not already belong. Because nothing more was necessary. The result, we like to believe, are experiences as immersive as they are authentic.

DR. ANJUNA DHIR Partner +91 9811031980 SHRINIVAS KOWLIGI Partner +91 9599584226

E: [email protected], E: [email protected]

Member Since: Apr-2023 Bringing best-in-class expertise to the table built from experiences around the world, Destinopedia is a one-stop-shop offering solutions for destinations. With our expertise, multi-disciplinary approach and robust methodologies, Destinopedia is the right partner to navigate these challenging times in the travel and tourism sector.

With a multi-dimensional approach to Destination sustainability, that balances, ecology, economy and community, Destinopedia offers strategy, design, management and implementation support to both pubic and private sector clients.

Mr. Suhail Gupta MD

Member Since: January-2010

India Safari and Tours is one of the Indian Subcontinent’s most comprehensive tour operators. As such, we are able to offer fully inclusive service to our travel partners tailored to suit almost any requirement and budget. We are one of the Indian Subcontinent’s most comprehensive tour operators. As such, we are able to offer fully inclusive service to our travel partners tailored to suit almost any requirement and budget. Our professional and experienced travel specialists will work with you every step of the way, ensuring that we design tailor made travel programs to suit your needs.

Our team at India Safaris and Tours consists of seasoned professionals with more than 60 years of experience in planning and executing exceptional journeys across the Indian Subcontinent. We maintain strong alliances with a comprehensive range of quality properties that include small boutique hotels/home stays that are tucked away in amazing locales, transporters and service providers in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Our quality guides provide a professional and comprehensive experience of the areas in which we operate.

India Safaris & Tours is breaking new ground in the Indian Tourism Industry by setting new standards in service. We are in the process of setting up a transport fleet of Toyota’s in Central India for transferring guests to the various lodges; these vehicles will carry a picnic hamper with goodies that clients can enjoy during their drives. We are also creating a customized travel journal, which will be handed over to each individual client on their arrival into India. For train travel a customized travel kit is being put together for each client. This kit will contain bedding that will be laid out by the India Safaris butler who will travel with clients on overnight journeys, toilet bags with hand wash, toilet paper etc.

Our team in India have worked in then field in lodges as managers/naturalists/accompanying escorts and bring their field experience into tour operating. We have over the last 15 years been working very closely with the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol on all their wildlife documentaries that have been filmed in India and the sub continent. Our colleague Toby Sinclair, who is our Director Special Projects is also their de facto location manager for all their projects in the subcontinent. We have done all their research, got the filming permissions from the authorities and also handled all their logistics. In fact the last film project we worked on the wildlife and culture around the river Ganges from its source to the Bay of Bengal, went on air in August in the UK. Another 3 one hour films on Tigers from Pench Tiger Reserve gone on air in 2008.

We have also handled arrangements for guests like Lady Helen Hamlyn and her late husband Lord Paul Hamlyn, Sir David Attenborough, Pierce Bronson’s visit to meet the Dalai Lama, Photographer Richard Avedon – have organised trips for Richard Avedon to photograph subjects in India for articles in Vanity Fair/Travel and Leisure. Also organised trips for Trustees from the Metropolitan Museum New York, Trustees of WCS( Bronx Zoo) etc. Recently we organised a fly in safari tour new lodges for Judge Judy, a well known TV celebrity from the USA.

Mr. Faiz Rashid Chief Operation Officer

Reni Pani jungle lodge located near the Satpura National park, takes its name from the tribal village where the camp is located. The word reni comes from a berry found in the surrounding areas and pani (water) is named after waterhole frequented by wild animals near the village. The lodge is built in 30 acres of dense deciduous forest with a nallah running through the property. There are 12 separate units with 3 different types of rooms to choose from (nallah facing units, forest units and hill-top units) .The rooms have been designed keeping the local surroundings in mind while providing a rustic feel to the lodge. The rooms have large private decks giving you the chance to be one with nature and explore the variety of bird and animal life within the camp

Mrs. Tulika Kedia Director

Member Since: April-2010

Mr. Kanhai Kapoor Director Operations E: [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Cherian T Ramapuram Director – Sales Mr. Jose T Ramapuram Director – Marketing

Member Since: July-2010

Mr. Rahul Sharma Director Ms.Renu Sharma Director E: [email protected]

L – 16 / 2 A, DLF Phase II, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122002

Mrs. Husna-Tara Prakash

Member Since: September-2010

Glenburn Tea Estate’s Boutique Hotel is a product of the loving restoration of a century old colonial bungalow on our family estate in Darjeeling, high up in the Indian Himalayas, with breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga – the 3rd highest peak in the world. Blend this with a thousand acres of verdant private forest, miles of lush green tea-fields and eight quaint tea-picker villages, myriad bird species, two sparkling rivers teeming with wild Himalayan Rainbow Trout and Golden Mahseer, and you can imagine why Conde Nast Traveller describes Glenburn as, “a little corner of heaven…..and almost as remote”.

Mr. J.K. Mohanty Managing Director

Swosti Group is one of the largest hospitality industries in the state of Odisha since two decades. The laurel and history of the group has been acclaimed many times in national and international sphere for its food, service and accommodation. The Managing Director and proprietor of the property Mr. J K Mohanty is one of the pioneer person in establishing the star hotel in the state and is consistently heading the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Orissa as Chairman for last so many years and as active member of FHRAI, IATO, HAI, TAAI, CII, UCCI & many other national & international associations.

Swosti Premium Limited as the crowning glory of Swosti Group is spread up in 4 acres of land in the vicinity of temple city of Bhubaneswar having 159 centrally AC rooms of various types and suites to meet the requirement of the class of people in the world. Our Convention hall, The Chanakya is one of the largest pillar less hall having its palatial grandeur stood majestically as the best convention hall available nationally and acclaimed several comments for notable conventions. Apart from that we have 9 other board rooms / small halls with a beautiful lush green lawn and beautiful swimming pool having lot of open space clubbed with Health Club having multi GYM, Shauna, Ayurvedic Massage, etc. Our Scottish bar, The Rob Roy is one of the finest available bars in the State.

Our prime property Hotel Swoti Pvt. Ltd. situated in the heart of the temple city having 57 rooms, good suite rooms, 3 conference halls, 1 Board room, two restaurants and Bar. The hotel has acclaimed several laurels to its credit for food, service and accommodation in national & international level and bagged several awards nationally and internationally.

We have also added another feather in the crown the Swosti Palm Resort, Gopalpur-on-Sea, a beautiful Beach Resort having 26 rooms, restaurants, two conference halls and a Bar for the need of our guests.

SWOSTI, the very name symbolizes comfort and leisure empirically vindicating the essence of the high hospitality cult ideolised in the image of Swosti Travels as a trade mark and mission enshrining the maxim Atithi Devo Bhaba in it’s fabric of corporate ethics to treat the guests with divine passion as God replicating the nobility of a devoted soul.

Mr. Ajeet Bajaj Managing Director

Mrs. Shirly Thomas Bajaj

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Member Since: October-2010

Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd., India’s first ISO 9001: 2008 certified adventure travel outfit, operates adventure tours in the Indian Subcontinent. Be it river rafting on the Ganga, trekking in the Himalayas, mountain biking in Garhwal, sea kayaking tours in Kerala or Trans-Himalayan jeep safaris, Snow Leopard Adventures assures you of a safe yet exciting experience. Meticulous planning, tremendous emphasis on safety and “eco-sense” forms the foundation of each of our trips.

The company operates five picturesque tented campsites nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas near Rishikesh, and new adventure base at Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of India. We are proud to state that our company has pioneered sea kayaking in Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. We also have a substantial portfolio of Multinational Companies, domestic and international schools visiting our campsites to experience the ‘spirit of adventure’ in the great Himalayan outdoors. Snow Leopard Adventures is committed towards promoting eco-friendly adventure tourism in India.

The company is led by Mr. Ajeet Bajaj (MD). Having more than 25 years of experience in adventure sports, he is the first Indian to have skied to both the geographical North Pole and the South Pole. He has also earned the distinction of being the first Asian to have rafted and kayaked some of the most challenging rivers in six continents of the world.

Awards won by Snow Leopard Adventures

• National Tourism Award: Most innovative Adventure activity viz. Sea Kayaking in the Andaman for the year 2008 – 2009
• Bird Express Award for Excellence in Customer Service for the launch of its new
• campsite Camp Blue Bull in Orchha , Madhya Pradesh
• Hall of Fame award for Mr. Ajeet Bajaj for promoting best practices in
• Adventure Tourism in India

Mr. Ashish Phookan Managing Director

E: [email protected]

DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon

Set amongst verdant farmland, patches of bird-rich forest and slow meandering streams, the ambience of the Diphlu River Lodge makes it a retreat in the true sense of the word. The luxurious, but rustic and eco-friendly lodge was built to adapt to the existing foliage and terrain. The cottages are built on stilts and their thatch-covered roofs are supported by thick bamboo pillars.

Diphlu River Lodge is separated from the Kaziranga National Park by the river Diphlu, giving the cottages a – sometimes scarily – close view of the wildlife-stocked jungle beyond it. You are asked to keep your lights and sounds low for the wildlife that comes to drink there.

The grounds of the lodge include a lotus pond, barbecue and dancing area, and an observation hut. The spacious main building, called Machan, has a library, a restaurant with high thatched ceilings, sitting areas and a large verandah with gorgeous views of the park beyond the river. Well-trained naturalists assist you in identifying and understanding the private lives of the creatures that you encounter around the lodge or in the park.

Mr. Amar Nath Director

Mr Alex Le Beuan Director

Mr. Sumant Batra Director

Member Since: October-2011

Many years ago, a young traveler discovered a non-descript enchanting village during one of his explorations of the Himalayan foothills. He fell in love with the place instantly and a summer house came up on the top of a hill in no time. This is where he wanted to live, he decided, but only after he had achieved his dream of becoming a famous lawyer. As he climbed up the success ladder, the breathtaking view of the snow-peaked mountains, lush forests, enticing orchards, meandering trails, terraced fields and charming people of the village continued to beckon him.

One day It was love at first sight with the village. He climbed up a small mountain and looked at the imposing snow-capped peaks and the mesmerising valley and felt that he was standing at a place of love. He made up his mind. This was the mountain he wanted to settle down on once he was done with the city-life. Together, he and his wife built a dream house on the small mountain top. The mountain ofhe paused, decided it was time. He changed paths that led to what he wanted to do – design and open his own hotel in the mountains, a chai-ki-dukan where to tell his war-stories, write books, explore nature and undertake philanthropic activities. The colonial-style summer house is now Te Aroha, an eco-friendly boutique hotel.

The resort offers its guests the opportunity to experience finest hospitality, amidst the scenic surroundings of Dhanachuli. The property is a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and contemporary comforts. The original structure of summer house that once stood on the hill has been successfully preserved to retain its original charm.

Treepie Hospitality Private Limited

Sumant Batra Chairman

Dhanachuli Bend, Near Mukteshwar, Tehsil Dhari, District Nainital, Uttrakhand – 263132

Mr. Bilal Chapri Managing Director

Chapri House, H. No. 88, Sect – 23, HUDA, Gurgaon – 122017, Haryana

Mr. Ajay K. Bakaya Executive Director Ms. Preeti Nathani Asst. Manager – Corporate Affairs

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Member Since: September-2012

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel management company and one of the fastest growing chain of hotels in India. Headed by a team of industry veterans, the Company manages and franchises 60 operational hotels across 40 cities in India and overseas, under Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, Park Plaza and Park Inn brands. The brands cover the 3, 4 and 5 star spectrum.

Sarovar Hotels also manages corporate hospitality services at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Hindustan Unilever Limited’s training centre in Mumbai and the new campus of Indian School of Business at Mohali. Geoffrey’s, the popular English Pub brand operates at multiple destinations across India.

Ms. Akanksha Garg Director Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha Manager Sales, Delhi Office

Mr. R. Raju Bhurat Managing Director

Vijayshree Heritage Village Pvt. Ltd., a 5 star heritage resort with 43 luxurious cottages, and is spread among 17 acres of greenery with over 60,000 saplings / trees of various medicinal values, various energy conservation techniques, plastic free zones, has made it a true ‘eco-friendly’ resort. The resort is planned around the philosophy of ‘Panchabhoota’ – the five elements comprising Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Sky. Unlike conventional resorts, we put you in touch with the ‘Saatvik’ Indian lifestyle, with a ban on cigarettes, liquor and non-vegetarian food inside the resort which encourages health consciousness among visitors.

Facilities: – AJEET MULTI CUISINE RESTAURANT, COFFEE SHOP 24X7, SWIMMING POOL, CHILDREN’S POOL, HEALTH CLUB SAUNA WHIRPOOL/HOT TUB/JACUZZI, SPA, GAMES ROOM, PLAY GROUND AREA, TELEPHONE, LAUNDRY, CONFERENCE, OPEN ROCKERY AREA, MARRIAGE HALL, THEME VILLAGE-LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DAILY

This apart, the Heritage Theme Village next door, which is part of our resort, captures your imagination and refreshes your memory of rural Indian art & traditions. Each day, at twilight the village gets lit up with colorful and awe-inspiring traditional dance, music and cultures of the bygone era. From folk dances of Rajasthan to death defying acts of tribals , inspirational designs of the Mehandi artist to the magical flow of hand of the Puppet showman, from camel rides to bullock cart rides , you name it, and you get to experience it. And the best way to conclude the day is by tasting our Rajasthani style pure vegetarian dinner thali served in traditional style at our ‘Manvar’ Rajasthani restaurant.

We follow eco friendly environment. Many activities are followed, few to mention

• Usage of solar power backup with bio-gas plant.
• Usage of CFL lamps & electric cars are used for guest transportation.
• Usage of plastics are completely banned, we use reusable laundry bags.
• Most of the communication is done through E-Communication. We try to minimize printing documents.
• We have our own kitchen garden where vegetables are grown ,using organic farming.
• Left overs are donated to Goshala.
• Installed STP,so has to not waste water.
• Regularly we organize free health check up camps,blood donation camp ,distribution of study materials for privileged school children in surrounding area & talent hunt to promote local talent with employment as part of CSR.

Mr. Ravinder Tickoo Managing Director

Member Since: February-2014

Active India Holidays Company Profile With a dedicated focus on active, experiential tours and destination services active India holidays specializes in creating safe, authentic and memorable India experiences for families, small groups and individual travellers. With a dedicated focus on active, experiential tours and destination services active India holidays specializes in creating safe, authentic and memorable India experiences for families, small groups and individual travellers.

Active India Holidays Private Limited (Active India) was established in 2011 with a dedicated vision and focus on active and experiential adventure, discovery and wildlife tours and destination management services across India.

Active India’s foundations are defined by its core competence and local expertise, quality infrastructure, service and safety standards and offering innovative, authentic and memorable India experience to both new and returning visitors.

Each one of our products and services are carefully designed, researched and refined to offer the best value, comfort and safety while truly inspiring our clients to indulge, explore and participate in the cultural charm, natural beauty and diversity across India’s most popular and hidden destinations.

These include cycling and trekking programs in the Himalayas, Ladakh and Zanskar, Rajasthan and Kerala, experiential culture and discovery tours across India, wildlife tours and nature safaris popular with families and independent travellers.

Our special interest activities focus on tailor-made programs in rural tourism, home stays, charity tours and cultural exchange programs for schools, students and volunteers.

Responsible Tourism is and always has been one of the driving principles of Active India Holidays. Our commitment to sustainable tourism practices and initiatives has helped the company to integrate a responsible tourism policy in all major aspects of its operations and decision making right from the outset.

Mr. Anil Sharma CEO

Nirat Kumar Bhatt Chairman & MD Read More 203, Benkesha Complex, Near Navrangpura Bus Stand, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) – 380009 Member Since: December 2017

Mr. Praveen Sharma Director

Mr. Abhimanyu Mehra MD Read More

47-A, The Mall Road, Amritsar, Punjab – 143001 Member Since: July 2018

Mr. Sanjay Basu MD Read More 50 LGF, Charmwood Plaza, Erose Garden, Surajkund Road, Faridabad – 121009 Haryana Member Since: July 2018

Syed Junaid Altaf M. D. Syed Ali Jafary Head – Sales & Marketing Geetu Kaura General Manager Read More

Plot No 1, First Floor, Kehar Singh Estate, Western Marg Lane No. 2, Saket, New Delhi – 110030 Member Since: August 2018

Maj. S. K. Yadav M. D. Read More G-18, Masjid Moth, Greater Kailash, Part II, New Delhi – 110048 Member Since: September 2018

Mr. Yugabrata Kar Proprietor Read More Mayfair Haritage, C. T. Road, Puri – 2, Odisha – 752002 Member Since: September 2018

Mr. Laximan Raul Proprietor Read More Office No. 401, Fourth Floor, Edcon Solitaire Building, Near Vodafone Gallery, Angod, Mapusa, Goa – 403507 Member Since: October 2018

Mr. Shivraj Singh Shekhawat Partner Read More Flat – F-1, D334, Near SKR Academy, Kardhani Scheme, Kalwar Road, Jhotwara, Jaipur – 302012 (Rajasthan) Member Since: May 2019

Mr. K. Pandian Director Read More

Cholan Tours Pvt. Ltd., No. 4, Annai Avenue, Vasanth Nagar Extn. Kollidakarai, Srirangam, Trichy – 620006, Tamil Nadu Member Since: June 2019

Mr. Oshank Soni Director Read More 38/12, Second Floor, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi – 110005 Member Since: June 2019

Mr. Pradeep Kumar Marwah Director Mr. Sidhartha Roy Sr. Vice President Read More Global Center 327, Udyog Vihar, Phase – II, Gurugram – 122016 Haryana Member Since: June 2019

Mr. Riyaz U. C. Managing Director Read More S. A. Road, Elamkulam, Kadavanthara, Cochin , Kerala – 682020 Member Since: July 2019

Mr. Prashant K Masih Founder Director Read More 3239/1, Tulsi Nagar, Ranjhi, Jabalpur , (M.P) – 482005 Member Since: July 2019

Mr. Gulam Mustafa Proprietor Read More The Grand Dragon, Ladakh, Old Road, Sheynam, Leh – 194101

Mr. Sandip Tiwari Business Head Read More 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, Ward – 43, Bhanu Nagar, Siliguri – 734001, West Bengal

Mr. Bansal Chief Operating Officer Read More 202, 2nd Floor, Morya Bluemoon Oppciti Mall, Andheri (W) , Mumbai – 400053

Mr. Ujjawal Vice President Read More C-41, 10 c CGHS, Plot 8 C, Sector 11, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110075 Member Since: March 2017

Ms. Shahna Steve Executive Director Read More 34, Sreyas Krishna Appartments, 3rd Floor, North Street, Sriram Nagar.Alwarpet.Chennai-600018 Member Since: March 2020

Mr. Narendra Singh Rathore COO Read More Alt F, Tower B, Suncity Success Tower, Sec – 65, Golf Course Ext. Road, Gurugram – 122101, Haryana Member Since: June 2020

Ms. Shilpa Sharma Founder / Director

Mr. Abinash Manghani CEO

Mr. G.S. RATHORE Promoter

Member Since: May-2021

With a strong focus on conservation, sustainability and local community Kanha Jungle Camp sits in an enviable position near to the Mukki Gate of Kanha National Park. It is tucked into 40 acres of reforested lands, adjoining the buffer forest of Kanha National Park.

Mr. Samit Sawhny Director Mr. Sanjeev Kumar General Manager – Operations

E: [email protected]

Member Since: Jul-2022

Mr. Yashpal Khanna Director Mr. Atul Hassija Director Mr. Tarun Taneja Director

E: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Rajesh Kaley Director – Engineering

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Member Since: Apr-2022

Mr. Bharat Seth Partner E: [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Yadnasen Patankar Director

E: [email protected]

Mr. Varun Hooja Partner Ms. Miriam Leonard Director

E: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Ms. Rohini Vachher Business Head

E: [email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Vikram Maira Owner

E: [email protected]

Mr. Prateek Hira President & CEO

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Dec-2021

Mr. Anirudh Shukla Managing Director

E:[email protected]

Responsible Tourism has arrived. Join us in the journey!

Vedic Walks is a boutique travel company with the very foundation of curating Responsible and Sustainable tourism products in Rajasthan. Established in year 2008, we are a team of Craftsmen creating & delivering exceptional indigenous travel experiences for more than a decade. Hand-crafted to perfection, our experiences are based on conserving natural and cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Community engagement, Responsible luxury tours, Walking tours, Cycling trails, Food tours and Art workshops are some of our signature travel programs.

We are a trusted Experiential travel partner for many prestigious travel and event companies from all around the world and Vedic walks is also gladly associated with top media houses both from India and overseas to help organizing travel events and documentaries to be shot in Rajasthan.

Mr. Hemant Mediratta Founder Mr. Mayank Tuteja Director – Sales

E:[email protected], [email protected]

Mr. Bilal Ahmed Chapri Director Mr. Altaf Hussain Chapri Director Mr. Sandeep Kumar Chief Accountant

E:[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

QAYAAM GAH RETREAT- An Experiential Lodge An eco-friendly accommodation located high on the hillside ridge in Srinagar Kashmir with stunning views of the Dal Lake and distant Pir Panjal mountain range. Qayaam Gah means a peaceful resting abode where you feel naturally at home and where you can be at your most authentic self. This is a retreat to discover the rich mystical and cultural heritage of Sufi way of life in its minimalist approach and conscious living in deep natural environment. The hinterland grounds of the complex have been purposefully left undisturbed so as to encourage the wildlife of the area. This includes many types of native and migratory birds, shy snow leopards and the winsome black sloth bears which come to pick the cherries in springtime. The site is nourished by natural spring water, conveyed by hidden pipes from the mountains behind. Despite such contemporary conveniences, not one tree was felled during the construction of this retreat and as well the undulating topography was retained with fruit bearing trees. Qayaam is a small place which has got just 6 rooms as single storey cottages built in simple design of cedar wood, glass and stone with details picked out in the traditional kashmiri style of fine carving in floral and vegetal motifs in deodar woodwork. No concrete boundary wall is made so as to let the nature & wildlife flow. Iron mesh fencing with flowering creepers is used instead. Hand made and hand-crafted products are used in the interiors. The reception and dining area has good stock of books about Wildlife, Himalaya & spiritual Kashmir. The entire premises is a strictly NO Plastic and NO Smoking zone. RO drinking water is provided in glass bottles. Biodegradable toiletries are used in bathrooms. Rooms are spacious with lot of natural light. Solar light and dim SFL bulbs are used to conserve energy. Rainwater harvesting is applied and as well waste is segregated in different types of dustbins to re-use & recycle. Compost pit is also constructed. Natural fresh vegetables are grown in our own kitchen garden. Local village people are employed and participation in community projects is done regularly. Food is cooked in natural ingredients and fresh local spices. High quality staff is employed and as well the local team is trained regularly for delivering professional and personalized services. Welfare and wellbeing of our staff is ingrained in our core philosophy and management policy.

Mr. Suresh Periwal Managing Director Mr. Sumit Periwal Director Mr. Amit Periwal CEO

E:[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Mrs. Rina Dilip Khatau Executive Director

Member Since: October-2009

Mr. Dilip D. Khatau of Khatau Business House started the Group’s first wild life resort, Infinity Corbett Wilderness (formerly known as Tiger Tops Corbett Lodge)in 1991 located along the banks of Kosi River at the fringe of Corbett National Park. This eco-friendly tourism project was first of its kind, and in recognition of this, the Government of India appointed Mr. Khatau on the Board of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. This property, tastefully designed and having one of the best locations for a wildlife resort in India, is the most sought after resort among the nature lovers in India and abroad. The Khatau Business House was among the pioneers of the textile industry in India way back in 1874 and cement industry in 1920. Being the leader in the manufacturing of various varieties of saris, the famous voile sari was at one time synonymous with the name “Khatau”.

As the scion of the 4th generation of the powerful Khatau Business House, Mr. Dilip D. Khatau was instrumental in venturing overseas to East Africa and South East Asia in 1964. Eventually, in 1990s, the Dilip Khatau Group further diversified extensively in India into the production of footwear, cement, power cables, chemicals and shipping. Since 1994, the Group concentrated on shipping, tourism and wildlife conservation. An ardent wildlife lover since his childhood, Mr. Khatau’s passion took him to many wilderness areas such as Corbett National Park in India. During his 15 years of stay in Kenya, and later in South East Asia, his passion for wildlife hunting turned to serious wildlife protection and nature conservation. He later became an active member of the East African Wildlife Society. He was highly impressed by the way wildlife tourism had proliferated and gained popularity in Africa which had not taken off in India then. He dreamt of similar ventures in India where tourists can enjoy being in the wild, and at the same time, relax in the luxury and comfort of home. He is also a member of the National Board for Wildlife, India.

In 1991, he started the Group’s first wildlife resort, Infinity Corbett Wilderness (formerly known as Tiger Tops Corbett Lodge), located along the banks of Kosi River at the fringe of Corbett National Park. This eco-friendly tourism project was first of its kind, and in recognition of this, the Government of India appointed Mr. Khatau on the Board of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. This property, tastefully designed and having one of the best locations for a wildlife resort in India, is the most sought after resort among the nature lovers in India and abroad.

With vast experience in both hospitality industry and wildlife conservation, the Group expanded its operations to the semi arid and unique landscape of Kutch, Gujarat. Thus, Infinity Rann of Kutch resort was established in 2008. The property with its elegant tented cottages is like an oasis in the desert! In October 2009, the group’s third resort, Infinity Bandhavgarh Wilderness, situated along the periphery of the famous Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, was opened. Infinity Bandhavgarh Wilderness is set amidst thick bamboo groves and natural vegetation. By the end of 2010, two more resorts will be added to the Group. They are located close to Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam) and will be named as Infinity Kanha Wilderness and Infinity Kaziranga Wilderness, respectively. Conservation Corporation of India Pvt. Ltd. (CCIPL) was set up in 2009 as a holding company for the various resorts that the Group owns or will own in future with Mr. Khatau as its Chairman.

The Corbett Foundation (TCF), established in 1994, is a brain-child of Mr. Khatau. This Foundation is a testimony to his passion and heartfelt interest in the preservation of our natural heritage. With its mandate to preserve wildlife and nature with the involvement of the local communities, great work has been done at the grassroots-level work in and around Corbett and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves and also in Kutch. In conclusion, CCIPL and TCF are actually two sides of the same coin – the former complements and provides synergy to the latter. CCIPL strongly believes that conservation can only be achieved by involving the local stakeholders, providing them with employment opportunities and finally to lead a sustainable and harmonious lifestyle with nature. That’s why we say – Conservation is our business!

Swati Makkar Resort Manager

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Feb-2022

Mr.  Sridhar M.M. Partner

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Apr-2023

Mr. Shahid Hassan Rah Director Mr. Ashfaq Hassan Rah Director

E:[email protected], [email protected]

Member Since: May-2023

Ms. Binita Ghosh Co-Founder Mr. Mayur Chaturvedi Director

E:[email protected], [email protected] +919599522217, +919810337488

Member Since: Jun-2023

Nine Furlongs represents a timeless period that traverses the old Kumaoni and the British era of the yesteryears where much history has been written and mysteries remain. Surrounded by 50 Sq kms of verdant forest of the original and indigenous ancient Himalayan Oak and Rhododendron species, from where a 500 kms long panorama of unbroken views of the Himalayan ranges – Chaukhamba, Trishul,  Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot greet you.

The Estate that welcomes you at Nine Furlongs was built in the mid 1800’s. The bungalows are as much a part of the land as are the evergreen forests that surround the Estate.

During the British times, our estate belonged to a succession of District Collectors who would ride to work on horseback and hold mobile courts in the villages to dispense justice and attend to grievances.

Our bungalows from that era which have been carefully restored keeping it’s original character intact. They are independently located to allow you to enjoy in quietude, the magnificent views of the snow clad mountain ranges that stretch from the Garhwal peaks in the west to the Tibet and Nepal summits in the east.

Mr. Tapas Banerjee Managing Director Mr. Mahendra Pal General Manager Ms. Heena Chhatwal Buss. Dev. & Product Manager

E:[email protected], +919810261373, +919899009034, +917428221595

Mr. Gaurav Debnath Founder & CEO Mr. Ravi Kr. Gupta Founding Partner Mr. Brajesh Kr. Prasad Founding Partner

E:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected] +917699993567, +919800744707, +917908072217

HOETUS is a Travel-Tech Startup company based out of the foothills of Darjeeling, working with hundreds of indigenous Eco-Stays, local tour guides and EV Cabs to provide Eco-Tourism experiences through Responsible and Sustainable Tourism practices. We recognize the importance to decongest the regular tourism spots and rather encourage Travellers to experience the true colours of India through its variety and diversity of culture, food, traditions and weather.

Mr. Vivek Rauthan Managing Director Ms. Ashishta Rauthan Managing Director

E:[email protected], [email protected] +919899175374,  +919560001081

Route on Wheels  is a community dedicated to exploring, learning & growing. It gives an opportunity to discover simple ways to lead an extraordinary life – one that is truly meaningful to you.

We have the knowledge, we are connected, and we are absolutely passionate about designing the best holiday for you – enriching your life with amazing experiences.

We offer travel experiences from the Mighty Himalayas in the North to the Palm-fringed beaches of the South, from Ethnic Tribes of the North East to the colourful Thar Desert of Western India.

Route on Wheels  travel agency is the dream of  Vivek Rauthan  &  Ashishta Negi , backed by their vast experience of 12-15 years working in Indian tourism. We transformed our dream to the foundation in the year 2015 with a slogan of “Customer loyalty is priceless”.

Mr. Paras Prakash Director

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Jul-2023

Pantellisense, a leading travel company, has been proudly shaping the world of responsible tourism for the past 11 years. With a deep commitment to sustainability, cultural immersion, and community engagement, Pantellisense offers travelers a transformative and conscientious travel experience.

Founded on the belief that travel has the power to make a positive impact, Pantellisense crafts unique itineraries that prioritize environmental conservation, social responsibility and economic development. Their team of dedicated travel experts work closely with local communities, striving to preserve and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of each destination they operate in.From breathtaking eco-adventures in remote locations to culturally immersive trips that connect travelers with local traditions, Pantellisense offers a diverse range of travel experiences that cater to the discerning and conscious traveler. Every itinerary is meticulously designed to minimize environmental footprint, promote sustainable practices, and support local economies. Whether it’s exploring pristine national parks, participating in community-based initiatives, or engaging in  meaningful volunteer programs, Pantellisense ensures that every journey leaves a positive and lasting impression. With a decade of experience in responsible tourism, Pantellisense continues to redefine the travel industry by promoting ethical and sustainable travel practices. By choosing pantellisense, travelers embark on an extraordinary journey that not only fulfills their wanderlust but also contributes positively to the places they visit, creating a brighter and more responsible future for travel.

Mr. K. Ranga Reddy Proprieter

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Sep-2023

Mr. Raman Gharu Promoter Ms. Manjula Narayan Chawda Promoter

E:[email protected] +918556044154, +918369775411

Member Since: Oct-2023

Harpreet Singh Director Rahul Devgan Director

E:[email protected], [email protected] +917307303031, +917086170860

At Skytrails, we believe that travel transcends merely reaching destinations; it’s about crafting unforgettable journeys and unveiling the world’s wonders. More than a bridge between places, we are the architects of cherished memories and the curators of dream adventures. Our heart beats with an unquenchable thirst for exploration, and our vision goes beyond the ordinary, turning travel into an art—a beautiful dance of dreams meeting reality. While we harness the power of cutting-edge technology, our soul thrives on the personal, human touch that transforms trips into remarkable tales. We stand not just as facilitators but as partners, celebrating every wanderer, pioneer, and dreamer. Our promise? To not only simplify your journey but to elevate every moment of it. At Skytrails, we offer more than just services; we weave experiences, blending your aspirations with the world’s wonders. Embark with us, and let’s turn each voyage into a story worth telling. Welcome to Skytrails, where your dreams find their wings.

VISION: Skytrails envisions a world of travel that is as diverse and unique as each individual traveler. Our core vision is to celebrate the spirit of exploration by offering meticulously curate packages tailored to myriad tastes and wanderlust dreams. Recognizing the intricate tapestry of global travel, we provide comprehensive solutions from seamless travel visa assistance to all-inclusive bookings, encompassing flights, hotels, cars, and even enchanting cruise journeys. Every journey is a story waiting to be told, and at Skytrails, we are committed to ensuring that these stories are as enchanting and effortless as the dreams from which they were born. Dive into a world where your travel aspirations find the perfect path with us.

Mangaldas Shetty Director Srinivasa s. Business Dev. Manager Sanjay Manohar Naik Finance & Accounts Manager

E:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected] +919844059666, +918951655340, +918660422583

Member Since: Jan-2024

In the heart of the Western Ghats, our endeavor is inspired by the splendid surroundings. Panchabhuta Foundation’s principles drive us to enhance biodiversity, revive the ocean’s vitality, and responsibly harvest forest resources. We chose Responsible Tourism as one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives prompting us to establish exemplars that go beyond conservation to actively regenerate the environment. We aim to strive for a sustainable ecosystem where resources are used thoughtfully, waste is minimized, and businesses operate with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Through collaboration, our hope is to set a meaningful standard for responsible and regenerative practices in the Tourism sector. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, we pivoted to create Responsible Tourism exemplars. The foundational work for our inaugural exemplar, the Retreat @ the Foundation, commenced with collaborative efforts involving sustainability industry experts, designers, architects, and local artisans. This diverse team worked cohesively towards the shared vision of transforming the foundation into a nature immersive experiential retreat while standing by our core values of nature conservation. The transformation was laid with the use of locally sourced, reclaimed, and sustainable alternatives such as creative reuse of local wood, recycling old furniture, and the use of bamboo and cane to minimize our environmental footprint. Working with local artisans, we crafted bathrobes made entirely out of floral waste! Our property is equipped with solar panels that power all the lights and fans on site. We also have an organic garden on the premises where we grow our own turmeric, ginger, and other vegetables. Additionally, we have a phytoremediation gravel garden that utilizes green plants and associated microorganisms to purify the water that flows through it.

Our waste management system includes compost pits and segregation of waste to ensure we reduce our contribution to landfills. We are also working towards a plastic-free property by replacing plastic items with sustainable alternatives such as bamboo toothbrushes, and glass water bottles. Also, at A’KA our inhouse restaurant we prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, embodying a slow and mindful approach to each dish.

We have adopted a unique invitation-only model, inviting guests and collaborators who share our passion for responsible tourism and commitment to preserving nature. By handpicking a select community of individuals who align with our values, we aim to create a shared sense of purpose and dedication. Our guests and collaborators have become integral parts in our collective efforts to conserve nature and champion responsible tourism.

Dipesh Sharma Asst. Vice President Narender Chandela HR & Admin Manager Ghanshyam Prajapat Accounts Manager

E:[email protected], [email protected], [email protected] + 919116631321, +919116631326, +919116631325

Ruchi Kohli Director Harjit Singh Vice President

E:[email protected], [email protected] +9198100 91277, +919811890139

Dr. A. J. Jose Managing Director

Ms. Sinto Joseph Director

Mr. Ajit Jain General Manager

Mr. Snehal Sharma Director

Mr. Narendra Singh Director

Mr.Kurian Jose CEO

Camp Site: Lowercamp, Melagudalur, Near Thekkady – 625518

Member Since: June-2015

Harvest Fresh Farms is an Organic Fruit Farm and Farmstay nestled in the serene Cumbum Valley.

Mr. Vikram Singh Sodhi

Mr. Hussan Lal, IAS Principal Secretary Ms. Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar, IAS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lakhmir Singh, PCS Executive Director

E: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Sh. Sanjay Sood, IFS CEO-Cum-CCF Eco-Tourism & Pub. Department of Forests

E: [email protected]

Member Since: March 2017

Akshay Shanker Kulshrestha have worked with various tourism organizations after completing his education in Tourism and Travel Management. Presently, he is working as a Senior Supervisor (Tourism & Marketing) with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) and have been handling tourism and marketing along with off-board division of the world’s leading luxury train Maharajas’ Express. His experience at IRCTC has been extremely fruitful and was also awarded as the Employee of the year 2014 in individual category.

Along with his regular job he has been diligently pursuing his academic interest in the Travel and Tourism Sector, to strengthen his academic credentials and give have exposure to research in areas of his interest. He is on the cusp of attaining PhD in Tourism from Jiwaji University, Gwalior. His primary areas of expertise include Tourism Marketing, Luxury Tourism, Tour Operations, Sales, Product development, Business development, Local community development, Sustainable and Ecotourism, etc. He has also travelled few foreign nations as a part of his research.

Member Since: November-2020

Ms. Bhaumik obtained her BA (H) in history & BA (Tourism) from University of Calcutta & IGNOU respectively, MA (Modern History) & MBA (Tourism) from Rabindra Bharati Universiry & University of Burdwan respectively as well as M.Phil in (Ecotourism) from The Global Open University (TGOU). She is pursuing her Ph.D from Aliah University. She also obtained few professional courses like Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Promotions, Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations, Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship, Post Graduate Diploma in International Business and Operations, Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision, Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Research In Management (practical training on statistical packages for management research), Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management, Diploma in Training & Development, Diploma in IATA/UFTAA Foundation and EBT Course, Enter the world of Amadeus (ETWA-AMA), Enter the world of Automated Ticketing (ETWAT-AMA) as well as pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in Instructional Design from various recognised institutions. Her current research interests are Responsible Tourism and Community Development [Linkages among responsible tourism practices, perceptions on destination sustainability dimensions, and quality of life domains of local residents in tourism destinations of West Bengal]. She has published around two papers in national journals. She is a life time member of Indian Society for Training & Development (istd).

Ms. Bhaumik has twelve years of professional experience including working in tourism industry, teaching, training and research. She is also actively involved in the ongoing academic & administrative process in MAKAUT; WB & IGNOU.

Project guidance:

Ms. Bhaumik is actively associated (Representing MAKAUT; WB) with online internship program (new tourism related venture/entrepreneurial design), 2020 as a Resource Person (guide) under the banner of Tourism Startup ThinkTank organised by DTORR & Sustainable Development Goals.

Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa

Department of Travel & Tourism Read More Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar – 791113, Arunachal Pradesh

Member Since: May-2017

Dept. of Travel & Tourism, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic Read More Dept. of Travel & Tourism, Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – 791113 Member Since: March 2017

Student Read More E-104, Mother Teresa Hall, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal – 721302 Member Since: October 2018

Asst. Professor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Read More Center for Hospitality & Tourism, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir – 185234

Dr. Danish Iqbal Raina, With PhD in Customer Relationship Management has more than 12 years of experience in Teaching and Administration. A nature lover and admirer of Responsible tourism Practises, my area of research focuses on the role of local communities in establishing responsible tourism Practices.

Member Since: May 2019

Asst. Professor Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Read More A008, Temple Trees Apartment, J.P. Nagar, 6th Phase, Banglore, Karnatka – 560078

Member Since: June 2019

Dr. Sweety Jamgade, is an Asst. Professor in Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Hospitality and Catering Technology, Bangalore, India. Treasures 16 years of overall experience in Academics and Industry. Have keen interest in research area in Tourism and Hospitality stream , passionate about Ecotourism & Sustainable Development of rural areas. Presented and published research papers in several National and International Seminars, Conferences. Published several research articles in various college journals. Have profound zeal to guide students in their professional and personal grooming. Active travel review writer and blogger in https://allaboutecotourism.blogspot.in/ https://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Paryavaraniya-Paryatan-ECOTOURISM/ https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/India/Maharashtra/Nagpur/blog-964162.html https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/India/Maharashtra/Nagpur/blog-964164.html https://www.travelblog.org/Asia/India/Maharashtra/Nagpur/blog-964165.html

With the acumen gained from two successful careers, the first in the Indian Revenue Service and the second at HSBC in India and Hong Kong, Malini advises corporates and not-for-profit Boards to design and operationalise the effective integration of sustainability, communications and investor relations into their strategic vision, so as to future-proof their organisations.

Member Since: October-2020

Dr. Navina Jafa, Director of Indian Cultural Heritage Research is a well-known academic, curator, writer, interpreter, and presenter of and on Indian Cultural Heritage and an acclaimed Indian Classical Dancer, Writer, and Cultural History and Dance Scholar. She specializes in inventive ways of documentation and exhibition that looks at the wider frame to address Traditional Skills of India and Asia through research and livelihood program.

Recent Awards:

Women Economic Forum: Exceptional Leaders of Excellence – April 2019

Woman of Pure Wonder – Vodafone Foundation – 2017

– Awarded the prestigious American Fulbright Scholarship she worked at the Smithsonian Museum, Washington DC and has taught in some leading universities. Through her illustrious work on Indian Heritage, she has educated World Leaders, Nobel Laureates, Corporate Executives, Students and Academics from leading world universities to understand the Indian and South Asian Civilization.

– Her book on Heritage Walks in a survey shows the creation of 1500 jobs in the field of tourism and personally has trained of over 1000 School Teachers in the States of Kashmir, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi-NCR to use Heritage Education for Multidisciplinary learning.

– Her model on using Development Communication using indigenous performing arts has been applied by her students from the Brandeis University in Ghana, Jordan, Philippines, and Iran. In the sector of sustainable tourism, organic agricultural practices; cultural identities; River rights and maternity health.

Her association with the Centre for New Perspectives, a Non-Profit Organization which works to address the sustainability of Creative Knowledge and Heritage skill communities.

Mr. Lokesh Kumar E:[email protected]

Member Since: Sep-2022

Lokesh Kumar has completed his Masters in Forest Management (2003-05 Batch) from Indian Institute of Forest Management – Bhopal, a premier Institute under the aegis of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He has more than 18 years of work experience in Tourism, Ecotourism/CBET, Wildlife, Skill Development and allied domains with various States such as Sikkim, MP, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Kerala etc. Since the inception of his career, he has worked with key entities of Ecotourism & Tourism repute like ECOSS Sikkim, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Pragya, JPS Associates Consultants, Gujarat Tourism, Yes Bank’s Strategic Government Advisory, Odisha Tourism. His core areas of work include Policy Advocacy & Policy Preparation, Community Based Tourism Development, Investment Promotion Facilitation to State Governments, Natural Resource Management, Business Cluster Development, Skill Development and Livelihoods. His skill set includes Project Documentation & Report Preparations, Monitoring & Evaluation, Impact Assessment, Environment & Social Impact Assessment, Tourism Resource Mapping, APPA, Participatory & Rural Rapid Appraisals, Project Conceptualization and Structuring, PPP Structuring, Bid Process Management, Business Development & Competitive Bidding, Market Entry Strategy, Techno Commercial Feasibility and Proposal Writing. He has prepared several State Tourism Policies (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Daman & Diu UT, Gujarat etc), Homestay Policy (Gujarat & West Bengal), Skill Development Policy (Uttarakhand) and worked on numerous International Funded projects from UNDP, ADB, EU, JICA, CAMPA, The World Bank etc.

Shaheed Khan

E: [email protected]

Member Since: Sep-2021

Academically qualified in the areas of and armed with Post Graduate Degrees in History, Tourism, Business Administration and Law and a Research Degree in Tourism Management; Shaheeds’ focus area has been Tourism, Ecotourism, Mergers and Acquisitions and Human Resources. He also has a Micro-specialization in Strategy Management from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode and a Corporate Program in Leadership Management from Harvard School of Publishing.

He brings to the table multiple facets of functioning that supports in any area of academics and practice in the corporate world. Having worked in the Government, Private and Social Sectors, Shaheed has got to broad understanding of Tourism, Travel and Hospitality (TTH)., Shaheed currently is the Head, Research, Training and Advocacy with Dharthi NGO and Dharthi Learning Centre, Pondicherry. Dharthi has its Headquarters in Bangalore and works with Private and Government organizations in the domain of Environment, Forests, Communities and Tourism. Shaheed had worked in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh for Dharthi.

He is also an Adjunct Faculty in the domain of Tourism, General Management, M&A in Educational Institutions (Central and State University, Deemed to be and Private Universities), and engages Class session for Corporates in Leading IT and manufacturing Companies of India. He has authored over 15 articles in Journals of repute and contributed to Chapters in Edited Books as well.

He has worked with other stakeholders to ensure for the Ecotourism segment and has been supporting the cause of Sustainable Tourism.

E:[email protected]

Member Since: Nov-2021

E:[email protected]

Mr. Adil Ahmad has had a thirty+ years career in global consumer goods multinationals – first with Reckitt Bencksier plc (1986-2016) and then with Tata Consumer Products Ltd (2016-2022).

In his working career, Adil has held leadership positions in India and globally – across UK, India, Mideast and East Asia. His last position was President of International Business for Tata Consumer Products, based in London.

Adil is now based in Gurugram and working on his passion of history and culture, focusing on heritage awareness. He has authored a book about the historical monuments of Delhi.

Dr. Niraalee Shah

E:[email protected]

Dr. Niraalee Shah founded Image Building and Etiquette Mapping to help entrepreneurs create profitable businesses and brands that attract their ideal clients. A Corporate Trainer, Author, Tourism Trainer, Sustainability Trainer, Hospitality Trainer, Digital Marketing Consultant and Branding Consultant. Niraalee Shah helps corporates, organizations, travel agencies, tourism industry and hospitality industry and individual professionals to help embrace change and achieve breakthrough performance

Niraalee has a burning desire to share the Magic of India – Celebrating Cultural Diversity. A staggering diversity where ethnicity, culture, religion, and language come together in a dazzling kaleidoscope of humanity. In India, there is an amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. Welcome to our helpful guide for India! If you are looking to travel, live, relocate or do business in the sovereign state, this book shall give you a complete guide on understanding the country and its culture, practices, and etiquette in India.

Dr. Niraalee Shah’s work is focused towards the wide spectrum of training requirements. Her skills apply to many aspects of the Indian business landscape:

• Corporate Training
• Tourism 17 SDG’s Training
• Sustainability Training
• Hospitality Training

Sanjay Kumar Ahirwal Manager Administration

Media Toolkit

25 of the Best Eco Resorts in India, for the Conscious Traveller (2021)

There are some incredible Eco Resorts in India – if you know where to look! Here are some of our favourite eco resorts and lodges that celebrate India’s biodiversity and support local communities too.

This  post contains compensated affiliate links.  Click  here for our full disclosure . 

My Favourite Eco Resorts in India

Often overshadowed by her architecture and colourful culture, it’s arguably India’s nature that is the real star of the show. And although it may not be as well known as destinations like, say, Costa Rica, for its ecotourism, India is leading the way in Asia with some inspiring eco resorts and lodges that will leave you not wanting to… well, leave.

A little known fact: India is actually home to 7% of the world’s biodiversity. And where better to immerse yourself in that (and enjoy a slower pace of living for a few days) than at one of the country’s growing number of sustainable resorts?

From simple eco lodges to high end sustainable luxury resorts that will cater to your every need, we’ve put together this guide to some of our favourite eco resorts and lodges around India. These are not simply places that involve the outdoors, but places that have actively put measures in place to minimise their environmental impact, use renewable energy sources, and are directly benefiting local communities too.

As this list continues to grow, thanks to huge interest in responsible tourism in India, we will keep adding – and please feel free to let us know any of your favourite eco resorts or lodges at the end of this post!

READ MORE: Responsible Travel in India – What you Need to Know

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

Eco Resorts in Rajasthan

The desert state of Rajasthan is one of India’s most-visited areas and home to some of the country’s top tourism attractions. It’s also home to some beautiful eco lodges and resorts, too!

Khem Villas (Ranthambore)

Khem Villas is a luxury jungle camp at Ranthambore, Rajasthan’s best known tiger reserve. The camp is designed to provide peace and tranquility within its luxurious and very personal atmosphere. Accommodation is high end, and you won’t want for anything at this beautiful glamping cum eco resort.

The focus at Khem Villas is not just tigers but to go beyond the tigers by engaging visitors and informing them about the various challenges that threaten the survival of Ranthambhore and its striped cats. The resort is involved with two NGOs:  Ranthambhore Foundation and Tiger Watch which help in providing health care, education, afforestation, dairy development, employment generation, monitoring of Tigers and more importantly sustainable livelihoods.

For more info & rates at Khem Villas, Click here. 

Although the tiger concentration is lower at Ranthambore than in Madhya Pradesh, many visitors flock here for its location in Rajasthan as well as the temple ruins within the park which make for a unique backdrop to see the tigers.

READ: Rajasthan Travel Guide – Rajasthan without the Crowds

Hara House (Bikaner)

If you want to experience the best of Rajasthan’s princely grandeur and desert culture, but with fewer of the crowds that make it to Jaipur and Jaisalmer, Bikaner may just be the place for you.

India’s first “zero waste guesthouse”, Hara House is a simple, budget friendly guesthouse that invests 20% of its profits in building community in Bikaner through social development initiatives and its community centre, as well as putting focus on eliminating plastic waste from tourism that crosses its doorstep. Hara House’s goal is to achieve 90% diversion from landfill and refuses to buy and products wrapped in plastic, and helps their guests to do the same! The guesthouse is also working towards 100% solar power by 2021.

Hara House is located just steps from Bikaner’s city centre and Junagarh Fort, and offers simple basic doubles and dorm style accommodation.

For more info & rates at Hara House, click here . 

Chandelao Garh (near Jodhpur)

Around 40km outside of Jodhpur, Chandelao is a beautiful grand house, transformed into a luxurious homestay – and comes highly recommended! If you stay here, we highly recommend taking a trip around the village with Chandelao’s local guides for an insight into desert life.

Chandelao Garh is the home of former generals of Marwar (as the region of Jodphur, Rajasthan, was once known). The main part of the house was built in 1744 and has been well looked after to retain its charm and beauty.  Chandelao is the ancestral home of the rulers of Chandelao village and the surrounding area and is still run by the family today.

Alongside the homestay, Chandelao is home to Sunder Rang arts and crafts centre. The centre provides employment opportunities to women from Chandelao village and beyond.

Women apply to come and work at the centre to make handicrafts (which are sold to visitors of Chandelao and beyond). 60% of the profit of each product sold goes directly to the woman who made the item, the remaining 40% towards running costs for the centre. Sunder Rang centre provides optional schooling programs for the ladies that work there, providing the opportunity to learn languages or study at the computer centre next door.

For more info & rates at Chandelao Garh, click here .

Eco Resorts in Madhya Pradesh

Jungle Book central, Madhya Pradesh is the place to come if you want to try your luck searching for India’s regal big cats on a Tiger Safari, and is home to some of India’s best National Parks and Tiger Reserves. Make sure you book ahead, especially between November – February as accommodation and jeep safaris book up fast on a fist come first served basis (all tiger reserves have a maximum quota of visitors per day).

Pench Tree Lodge (Pench National Park)

Recommended by  Abbie of Speck on the Globe

Spend your evenings after a safari sleeping in a tree house in the Jungle! Pench Tree Lodge not only is comfortable, but they are conscious about the environment. There are 6 cottages and 6 treehouses, making the property feel peaceful and exclusive without being overcrowded. The treehouses are a perfect unique accommodation experience. They are constructed around existing trees, with the utmost care not to disturb the wildlife.

The buildings at this boutique property are made from reclaimed or locally sourced materials. The Lodge is located in a more underdeveloped area adjacent to the park, helping to spread tourism economy while still being mindful of the original residents of the region.

The commitment to the environment is clear from check in at the lodge. There are reusable water bottles provided with clean drinking water stations placed throughout the property. Small details like organic, refillable toiletries in the bathrooms are noticeable during a stay here. The property has an on site garden and the menu is reflective of seasonal ingredients that are grown just steps from the kitchen.

Safari tours through Pench Tree Lodge have conservation efforts as their main goal. The jeeps are small and a naturalist accompanies each vehicle to the park so that you can learn more about the park and its inhabitants. Along with the guide, the naturalists makes sure that the cars are following the rules of the park and are there to ensure safety for the animals as well as the guests. Their knowledge and commitment to conservation is what makes them stand out above the rest.

Click here for more rates & info for Pench Tree Lodge!

Kanha Earth Lodge (Kanha National Park)

Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve is thought to be the original inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s book, the Jungle Book. If you’re intent on living out your own Mowgli fantasy, Kanha would seem like the natural place to start.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that Kanha National Park gets busy and books up quickly. If you’re planning on visiting Kanha, we recommend booking your accommodation and safaris several months in advance. Many of the area’s lodges can help with booking your safaris directly.

Adjoining the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Kanha Earth Lodge offers a true wilderness experience – close to the park, but away from many of the Kanha resorts that surround it.

The lodge has 12 luxury bungalows which have been inspired by Gond tribal architecture. They offer environmentally sensitive, low-impact accommodation through their design and use of local stone and waste wood, while the absence of neighbouring lodges or highways creates an ideal setting for nature walks, birding and cycling trips through the surrounding forest, so you can see plenty of wildlife from the Lodge itself!

For info & rates at Kanha Earth Lodge, click here . 

Eco Resorts in Maharashtra

Often overlooked by visitors (apart from Mumbai, perhaps), Maharashtra has more than its fair share of beauty, and some game-changing sustainable lodges and hotels, too.

Abode Bombay (Mumbai)

More one for urban jungle lovers, Abode Bombay is a boutique hotel that has done everything in its power to keep its environmental impact low and its social impact positive. The hotel has introduced a number of sustainable initiatives, from eliminating plastic to recycling soap ends in partnership with the Kalwa-based Sundara Fund .

The hotel employs local guides, partners with a firm of all-women taxi drivers, and works with the national association of the blind to work with their therapists for the hotel’s spa offerings.

Abode is a welcome retreat in the beautiful – but sometimes crazy – city of Mumbai.

For info & rates at Abode Bombay, click here .  

Maachli (Sindhudurg)

Award-winning Maachli is a rustic retreat-cum-farmstay in the depths of Maharashtra, on the beautiful (and as yet little known) Konkan coastline. Less than 50km north of Goa, this part of India has lots of the lush greenery and coastline, but without the Goan crowds.

Maachli is designed with the concept of bringing man back into union with nature, and it manages to do just that. This is a place for embracing the simplicity of life, rather than expecting all modern conveniences. Simple A-framed huts are designed in a way to maximise the breeze as natural air conditioning (rather than the electric alternative), and the activities here extend to going for a walk, appreciating the plants, learning about pottery making, or simply sitting back and reading a book.

We challenge you not to be rejuvenated by a few days at Maachli.

For info & rates at Maachli, click here. 

Eco Resorts in Goa

Despite its fame for partying and just soaking up the sun, there is a more sustainable version of travel in Goa, too – one which embraces the lush jungles and cultural diversity that is found here.

Yab Yum Beach Resort (Ashwem)

The owners of this garden-like resort, right by the beach in Ashwem might be modest about their environmental achievements, but this is one of our favourite eco-minded resorts we have stayed at in India.

The high-end mud-hut like rooms are built from local mud and clay, painted in a beautifully comforting shade of dark red inside and thatched with local palms, to provide a cooling place to sleep (no air con required) that feels nurturing to the soul. Not only does it leave no environmental trace, but it’s scientifically proven that sleeping surrounded by natural mud is good for you.

The resort doesn’t have a pool (that’s called the Arabian Ocean, about 100 meters’ walk from your bed), and the emphasis here is on tranquility and yoga. There are daily yoga classes (which were medicine for our limbs that were tired from travelling), and most early mornings you can have Ashwem beach to yourself.

Ashwem is located within easy access of Arambol, Morjim and Anjuna for those looking for more action.

For info & rates at Yab Yum, click here . 

Wildernest Resort (Chorla Ghats, North Goa)

Wildernest could be said to be one of the few places in Goa where you can hear silence.

Located well away from the coast up in the hills and border with Maharashtra and Karnataka, Wildernest is a true nature retreat for those that really want to be away from it all (don’t come here expecting wifi), but the rooms are modern and stylishly decorated. Nature takes centre stage whether it is from the resort’s infinity pool that looks out over the ghats (hills), or on a hike with one of the resort’s naturalists. There are also a number of hides here which make it the perfect spot for birding and wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildernest also runs a wildlife research and conservation facility which attempts to raise awareness about the wildlife habitats of the Western Ghats in particular and the environment in general amongst the local communities and villages of the region.

For info & rates at Wildernest, click here . 

READ: A Travel Guide to Goa, without the Crowds

La Mangrove (Galgibag)

Tucked away in the very south of Goa, south of Palolem, La Mangrove is a real “hidden gem”. Not many travellers venture this far south in Goa – so if you want Goan beaches that are quiet and un-developed, this may be the place for you.

La Mangrove is a luxury ‘glamping” resort with just six teepee style tents – which come with full size double beds, plush linens, power outlets to charge your phone, and even space to hang your clothes inside. Private bathrooms are a few meters away with composting toilets and wonderful outdoor rain-showers.

The resort itself is located a few minutes walk from Galigbag beach “turtle beach”, on the banks of the Galgibag River. Wake up to views of the serene mangroves and river and enjoy time to relax away from Goa’s crowds.

For info & rates at La Mangrove, click here . 

Eco Resorts in Karnataka

Less visited than the neighbouring states of Goa and Kerala, Karnataka is an important region in India for bio-diversity, with some of the last remaining virgin forest in the country. For wildlife enthusiasts craving a little peace and quiet, Nagarhole and Bandipur are national parks you won’t want to miss.

Bandipur Jungle Lodges (Bandipur)

Recommended by Sinjana from Backpack n Explore

Started in 1980, Jungle Lodge Resorts group is a Public-private partnership (PPP) of the Karnataka government and Tiger Tops. This is the first eco-tourism venture in India, and they have many branches in exotic locations of Karnataka. I stayed at one of them which is in Bandipur. It is in a serene area near the jungles of Bandipur and organizes ethical safari tours for boarders. The packages are at the per-person level including lodging, meal and safari. We booked a twin-sharing room and were pleasantly surprised to see they were independent cottages in the lap of nature.

Each the cottage was named after an animal found in Bandipur forest and had exquisite wall paintings of the same. Rooms are clean and spacious but do not have Television or air-conditioners. However, because of the way they are built and the green cover of the surroundings, we never felt hot inside the room, even in summer. They provide three meals per day, and evening snacks. I loved the quality of food, thought options are limited. There is a hammock outside each cottage but beware of the monkeys around. As a part of the basic safari package we also got a chance to enjoy a documentary about the life of a tigress in the Bandipur jungle.

For info & rates for Bandipur Safari Lodge, click here . 

Red Earth Kabini (Kabini, near Nagarhole)

Red Earth Kabini is an unpretentious resort on the back waters of the Kabini dam and in close proximity to Nagarhole tiger reserve.

Described as “as close to silence as you can get”, Red Earth is for those who want to deeply relax and surround themselves with nature. There are 20 well spaced out cottages here, complete with your own private jacuzzi for stargazing! The resort helps you organise jeep safaris and walks with naturalists, both around the property and in the Nagerhole reserve.

Red Earth are a small group of hotels that were founded with the commitment to sustain the environment around them as well as the local community. The focus is on local: Local people, local produce, supporting local arts and crafts that are at risk of dying out, and sourcing from local fishing and farming communities.

The group support and run Nilgiris Wayanad Tribal Welfare Society (NWTWS), an NGO working in the field of health, education and community development in the forested areas of the Nilgiris in Wayanad by running schools for tribal communities and helping provide medical care.

For info & rates for Red Earth Kabini, click here .

Eco Resorts in Kerala

Referred to as “God’s own Country”, Kerala is not short of charms, and it’s not a surprise that it’s one of India’s more popular regions for travellers. Parts of Kerala, though, have been feeling the burden of tourism, and we recommend staying at one of these eco resorts that care about their impact if you can – especially when in or around Kerala’s delicate backwaters ecosystem.

Spice Village (Thekkady)

Nestled up in the hills (western ghats) in Kerala, Spice Village has been recognised again and again for its pioneering sustainability efforts. When it comes to sustainable luxury resorts in India, it’s hard to beat Spice Village.

Located in the perfect position for visitors interested in exploring Thekkady and visiting Periyar National Park (or just cooling down from the humidity of the coast), Spice Village is feel good luxury at its best. The resort is designed around the concept of a traditional Keralan spice village, with every guest room laid out as a private bungalow within the grounds. The grounds itself are full of tropical vegetation and wildlife (as well as an organic garden), and the resort has naturalists on hand to show you around.

READ: Kerala Travel Guide – The Best of Responsible Travel in Kerala

The resort houses a huge solar plant which provides nearly all of the resort’s energy, and the emphasis here is on self-sufficiency. Spice Village grow their own food, use ayurvedic, natural cleaning products, make their own soaps and even paper too.

For info & rates for Spice Village, click here . 

Spice Coast Cruises by Coconut Lagoon (Kumarakom)

Nestled along the shores of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is one of the leading places in Kerala for responsible tourism and is one of your best bets for experiencing the Kerala backwaters in a way that supports the local environment.

Houseboat tourism on Kerala’s backwaters has been at the centre of controversy among local communities, who are feeling the effects of polluted water thanks to houseboat fuel, waste and noise pollution from a huge number of boats plying the water blaring loud music. CGH Earth, who run the serenely beautiful Coconut Lagoon Resort  have developed a more sustainable version of the houseboat too: A traditional Kettuvallom  (rice barge) that operates using a mixture of solar power and vegetable oils in order to mitigate environmental damage.

For info & rates for Spice Coast Cruises, click here . 

Vythiri Resort (Wayanad)

Recommended by Imma from A World to Travel

These days – motivated by the popularity of all things eco-friendly – many hotels claim to be responsible, when the truth may be a little different.

I visited Vythiri Village in 2014. Back then, it was already a luxury resort classified as responsible. And so it seemed to me. In the middle of a lush forest near Wayanad, in the popular Indian state of Kerala, Vythiri stands as a haven of peace, in perfect communion with nature. There are hanging bridges that cross rivers, cabins in the trees, a menu adapted to the reality of the area, local workers, and a construction that respects the materials of the area.

“Tread softly, you’re entering nature’s home ground” is Vythiri’s motto, which is fitting for a thoughtfully designed resort located in dense, tropical rainforest on the edge of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (which contains the Nagarhole and Bandipur parks over the border in Karnataka).

Accommodation here is made up a range of tree houses, pool-side villas and suites, and some secluded cottages for a complete jungle hideaway experience. There’s a spa, Ayurveda centre and a choice of pools to soothe your limbs after hiking around the property’s grounds.

For info & rates for Vythiri resort, click here . 

Eco Resorts in Pondicherry

The former French enclave on India’s south eastern coast is a world away from other parts of India, and has some hidden eco-gems, too:

Dune Eco Village & Spa (Pondicherry)

Recommended by Priya from Outside Suburbia

We have made several trips to India over the years and stayed at a few different hotels and luxury resorts. The simple yet serene Dune Eco Village and Spa resort in Pondicherry is by far our favourite.

It is a place of peace, a far cry from the fast-paced world and traffic-clogged Chennai were my family lives. There are over 50 bungalows of which no two are alike – each one is uniquely designed and created by various artists, designers and architects from all around the world are on a 35 acre beachfront land. The bungalows bring together luxury and natural living. They are reclaimed from Colonial houses, Chettinad palaces, and Kerala planter’s mansions.  The bungalows are fully equipped with solar water systems and organic linen.  They even had an outdoor shower which was fun.

The 2 restaurants in the resort serve healthy gourmet fusion food, prepared using organically farmed vegetables.  The Spa at Dune offers Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation as well as many alternative therapies.

Dune Eco Village now even has a Deepak Chopra Healing Center inside which offers Ayurvedic treatments and yoga and meditation, as well as many western massages and hot water therapies like Water Shiatsu and Water Yoga.  I can vouch that the Ayurvedic massages are the most relaxing ever had during my travels and my kids to this day remember and rave about the activities at this eco-resort.

For info & rates for Dune Eco Village, click here . 

Eco Resorts in North East India

North East India is little wandered in comparison to the rest of the country, and is culturally diverse from many other parts of India. Here nature rules, with organic farming widespread, bridges made from tree-roots, and lush monsoon wetlands. Big-hitter Kaziranga draws visitors to Assam, with hopes of spotting its famous Rhino.

Diphlu River Lodge (Kaziranga, Assam)

Fit for royalty (literally – even Wills and Kate have stayed here), Diphlu River Lodge is a much acclaimed haven of calm and natural beauty in North East India, close to Kaziranga National Park.

The resort has a casual, laid back but intimate environment with a focus on appreciating the surroundings. There are 12 cottages, all beautifully made with natural materials such as wood and bamboo, and thatched with palm leaves to blend in seamlessly with the surroundings. They also practice organic farming and a number of waste reducing methods, such as composting and grey-water recycling.

The lodge has its own trained team of naturalists who accompany guests on visits to Kaziranga. Alongside jeep safaris in the park, the resort also arranges river trips to see river dolphins, river cruises on the Brahmaputra, and tea garden visits.

For info & rates for Diphlu River Lodge, click here . 

La Maison de Ananda (Majuli, Assam)

Located on the biggest river island in the world, Majuli is an island on the Brahmaputra river which – despite concerns about its erosion and ultimate disappearance – is a serene corner of India to unwind in, and as yet sees only a trickle of travellers.

La Maison de Ananda is the first and best loved guesthouse on the Island. Literally meaning “house of happiness”, it’s not hard to see why. Constructed on stilts with timber, the guesthouse belongs to a local tribal family (the Mishing tribe), and the house has been built in their traditional style. It’s a simple affair, just like the laid back way of life on this island.

For info & rates for La Maison de Ananda, click here . 

Kohima Camp, The Ultimate Travelling Camp (Nagaland)

Set up for summer each year for the Hornbill festival, Kohima camp is a luxury tented camp set up in the forest wilderness, lending a touch of glamour and luxury to enjoying staying in beautiful north east India’s outdoors.

The tents are large and come with en suite luxury bathrooms and verandahs. Each tent is boasts a large four-poster bed, colonial style desks, chairs, sofas and armchairs and large cupboards. Each camp has a Reception Tent and a Dining Tent, with the former equipped with an extensive library and board games and the latter offering local, Indian and international dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

The camps offer guided, immersive tours ensuring that guests get an insider’s experience of Nagaland, its traditions and cuisine. Perhaps the perfect place to fully experience nature in the region.

Click here for more info and rates for Kohima camp!

Eco Resorts in Himachal Pradesh

The wanderer’s nest (chitkul, kinnaur).

Recommended by Pashmina from The Gone Goat . 

If you ever solo travelled to Northern India, you will come across quaint villages like Chitkul in the Kinnaur region of India under the shadow of the Himalayan ranges. Staying in an eco-friendly lodge like The Wanderer’s Nest in Chitkul provides you an experience of living in the last inhabited village on the old India-Tibetan border.

It is not a place where one can simply expect modern amenities but you can be assured of the simplicity of the lodge and the most scenic river – the Baspa River covered with huge oak and pine trees.

The lodge focuses on offering creative musicians, writers, artists and other people in similar fields an opportunity to reconnect with nature with its trekking and fishing activities. During the day, it feels freeing to hike to the Baspa river valley, engage with the the local tribes’ people in nearby Raksham village under the cherry blossom trees, and even go fishing for trout in the river.

The lodge focuses on offering an experiential-oriented stay that complements the nature and its work through human creativity with your only companion, the solitude of the Himalayas. The lodge keeps to its eco-friendly ways in respecting the environment an offering a humble abode in the Himalayas without destroying the environment. Annual events like the Artists Meet are held to gather all creative thinkers in the Baspa valley.

For info & rates for The Wanderer’s Nest, click here . 

Eco Resorts in Ladakh

Referred to in tourism literature as the roof of the world , Ladakh can’t fail to impress. It’s popularity as a destination has been steadily increasing, but the ecosystem of Ladakh – as a mountain desert – is delicate. The best way to explore Ladakh is on foot, on one of its stunning treks , or shoulder to shoulder with locals travelling to and from Leh in a bumpy  bolero  (share taxi).

Nubra Eco Lodge (Nubra Valley)

At a comfortable 2,700m altitude (compared to the surrounding areas that is), Nubra Eco Lodge is nestled into Nubra’s sandy valley with stunning views onto the Karakoram mountain range and desert valley. Wild apricots grow in the orchard, and much of the vegetables are grown on site in the lodge’s organic garden.

In addition to the organic garden and low-impact tented accommodation, Nubra Ecolodge uses solar power for all its hot water (meaning deliciously hot showers on demand) to lower its environmental footprint. There is plenty of filtered drinking water available, meaning you can happily forget buying plastic bottled water (and use a refillable bottle instead). The lodge does its best to encourage guests to drink the fresh Himalayan filtered water as opposed to adding to Ladakh’s plastic waste problem through buying bottles.

For info & rates for Nubra Eco Lodge, click here . 

Nimmu House (near Leh)

Located in the small village of Nimmoo about 45 minutes outside Leh, Nimmu House is a seamless immersion into Ladakh and its culture. Nimmu house is a heritage home, that once belonged to the royal family of Ladakh. This hotel is part of restoration project filled with passion (as well as a commitment to sustainability), driven by the goal to preserve Ladakhi culture in an authentic way, using sustainable materials.

Meals are cooked using authentic, local Ladakhi ingredients (a hot topic in Ladakh as local crops have gradually been replaced by thirsty rice fields), and there are four beautiful guest rooms inside the heritage house. Additional accommodation is in 7 luxury tents spread in the orchard that surrounds the house.

The hotel arranges a number of activities, from river rafting, trekking, guided village walks, to cooking workshops mountain biking.

For info & rates for Nimmu House, click here . 

Eco Resorts in East India

Off the beaten path for many, East India from Bengal to Orissa and further south is far less known and explored by foreign tourists – reason enough to visit in our opinion!

Calcutta Bungalow, Kolkata

Located in North Kolkata, this beautiful period bungalow is full of charm, character and little touches that make a stay here every bit a warm and memorable experience. With only 6 rooms, this Kolkata hotel is a bit of a secret and is run by the founder of Calcutta Walks . All the rooms face onto a courtyard in the centre of the house.

The hotel is located in an old Kolkata neighbourhoods that is made up of closely-knit communities, making this somewhere to experience the “real Kolkata”. The hotel provides bicycles to explore the neighbourhood, and the ghats (steps) of the Hooghly River are a 10-minute walk away. Or you can opt to join one of the tours offered by Calcutta walks.

Click here for more info & rates for Calcutta Bungalow!

Where’s your favourite eco resort in India? Let us know in the comments below! 

Read more about India on Soul Travel: 

How to Plan a Trip to India

Favourite India Group Tours – Itinerary Guide

The Best Travel Insurance for India Travel

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Home » Asia » India » 15 STUNNING Eco Resorts in India [2024 Edition]

15 STUNNING Eco Resorts in India [2024 Edition]

From the sandy beaches of Goa to the mountains and rivers of the Himalayas, India has a diverse and exceptional natural landscape. Its rich and vibrant culture is second to none. Wherever you go in India, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, amazing cuisine, ornate temples, and rustic villages and towns.

There’s no doubt that India is one of the most popular destinations for travellers from around the world, who come to immerse themselves in the culture, art, spirituality, and spice of this country. Travellers are often spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation, which is why we always like to recommend somewhere a little bit special.

India has a lot to offer, but it also has a big environmental problem. That’s why staying in an eco-resort in India is a fantastic idea! Rather than contributing to the problem, you can do your bit to help.

We’ve gathered this list of some of the best eco-resorts in India to help you choose something that’s right for you. Not only will it meet your budget requirements, but it’ll also help you reduce your impact on the environment while you travel.

These properties will offer a comfortable and environmentally-friendly retreat close to nature.

In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in India for One Night

Goverdhan Greens

Goverdhan Greens is an eco-resort in Dwarka, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. It offers a fully eco-conscious experience where ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ underpins all resort operations. From the resort, you can enjoy yoga and alternative therapies and explore this vibrant city on the Arabian Sea.

• Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
• Gomti River
• Poshitra Beach

Is this amazing India Eco-Resort  booked for your dates ? We’ve got your back with our other favourite properties below!

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Staying in an Eco-resort in India

The top 15 eco-resorts in india, final thoughts on eco-resorts in india.

Choosing to stay in an eco-resort in India is more than just following the current trends. By choosing a unique accommodation in India such as an eco-lodge, you’re also supporting the local communities and honouring their culture and heritage. It’s a way to make tourism work for all parties, ensuring the local community benefits as much as tourists. 

Eco resorts can be found in various places all over India, but the concept is most developed in popular tourist areas. Starting off by staying in a Goa eco resort could be a good introduction to this kind of accommodation.

Knowing that your stay isn’t harming the environment unnecessarily also provides peace of mind. Most eco-resorts in India bring you closer to nature, as well as offer a unique and memorable experience. There are many ways to travel more sustainably , but where you stay makes the biggest impact. 

What to Look For in an Eco-resort in India

An eco-resort is an accommodation that takes steps towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This can be done using solar power or traditional building methods or using natural and locally sourced materials among other things. You should make sure to choose an eco-resort that cares about the impact it has on the environment.

Another aspect to look for in the best eco-resort in India is its focus on supporting and uplifting local communities. From employing locals to promoting nearby businesses, there are many ways in which tourism can positively impact local communities. Look for eco-resorts in India that also provide ample opportunity for you to explore and immerse yourself in local culture in a more meaningful way. 

• > Organic farm and yoga centre
• > Neat and stylish décor

Agonda Eco-Friendly Cottage

• > Pine cottage shaded by palms
• > Rustic and simple

Bamboo Beach Bungalow

• > Bungalow built by traditional craftsmen
• > Located on the shores of Mandrem Beach

Dancing Dugong

• > Constructed without cutting any trees
• > Laidback island living

Vasundhara Eco House

• > Eco house made from natural materials
• > Private garden and pool

Aru Eco Resort

• > 16 guests
• > Eco-friendly camping
• > Amazing mountain setting

Grand Ayur Island

• > Tranquil natural setting
• > Accessible only by boat

Here’s our list of the best eco-resorts in India. Each one will offer a comfortable and well-managed stay while making a real effort to be sensitive to the planet and local communities.

1. Overall Best Value Eco-resort in India – Goverdhan Greens

• Organic farm and yoga centre
• Neat and stylish décor

Goverdhan Greens is a sprawling eco-resort set on three acres of land, generously scattered with over 10,000 trees. You’ll find it in Dwarka , a sacred Hindu holy pilgrimage site that offers easy access to the main highway.

The resort is underpinned by the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ philosophy, and guests can enjoy meals made from organic produce farmed on the property. The resort also has a yoga centre and various alternate therapies. 

Guests at the resort can enjoy various amenities, including a swimming pool, restaurant, a children’s park, and an indoor games room. There’s plenty to see and experience outside of the resort too; we highly recommend heading out on a sea safari on the Arabian Sea. 

2. Best Budget Eco-resort in India – Agonda Eco-Friendly Cottage

• Pine cottage shaded by palms
• Rustic and simple

Agonda Eco-Friendly Cottages are situated near Agonda Beach in a peaceful setting surrounded by gardens. The village is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants and bars. 

The cottages are built entirely from wood and also feature wooden furnishings. It’s a little rustic and perfect for anyone backpacking India on a budget. Swaying palms provide shade, minimising the need for air conditioning. A/C is also available, but for an extra fee. 

Agonda Beach is a short walk from your cottage. If you’d like to explore the coastline further, hire a bike or car and head off to explore other nearby beaches and scenery. Other activities on offer include fishing and scuba diving. 

Budget Tip: Dorms in India start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!

3. Best Eco-resort for Couples – Bamboo Beach Bungalow

• Bungalow built by traditional craftsmen
• Located on the shores of Mandrem Beach 

The idyllic Bamboo Beach Bungalows are authentic beach cottages built by traditional craftsmen. This unique accommodation in India sits on Mandrem Beach and offers a tranquil and well-furnished retreat. 

Not only are the bungalows made using traditional methods, but they also use locally sourced, all-natural materials. Each bungalow has a balcony and outdoor seating area, as well as access to a pool, restaurant, and bar. 

From the resort, you can spend days on the beach soaking up the sun on a lounger. There’s no need to go far as you can order food and drinks to be delivered to you as you relax in your lodge. If it gets too hot, cool off with a dip in the Arabian Sea or in the resort swimming pool. 

4. Best Wellness Eco-resort – Ayushkamy

• Traditional vegetarian cuisine
• Daily yoga and Ayurveda treatments

Tucked in a peaceful village bookended by the Arabian Sea and Paravur Lake, Ayushkamy offers a tranquil eco-retreat. While the location is remote, the bustle of the city is just a few minutes away.

The resort is dedicated to minimizing environmental impact and uplifting the local community. Guests can enjoy traditional cuisine at the on-site restaurant and partake in daily yoga and ayurvedic treatments for a full immersion in local culture. 

Guest can enjoy direct access to the beach, free wifi, a library, and can partake in a variety of local tour activities. In all, Ayushkamy is the ideal place to restore inner balance and recover from the stress of daily life. 

5. Most Ecological Eco-resort in India – Dancing Dugong 

• Constructed without cutting any trees
• Laidback island living

Located on a small island in the Andaman Sea, Dancing Dugong is a small resort offering a low eco-footprint and a quirky personality. Set overlooking the sparkling waters, the Dancing Dugong is one of the best eco-resorts in India for a relaxing and comfortable stay. 

The resort was constructed without the need to fell any trees. In fact, over 40 trees were planted! They attract a multitude of local species, including the Andaman day gecko, Asian toads, bullfrogs, insects of many descriptions, and birds. 

The resort sits right by the jetty where you can head out on diving excursions or relax in a hammock with a good book. For a little more adventure, grab a bicycle and explore the rest of the island.

6. Best Eco-resort for Families – Vasundhara Eco House

• Eco house made from natural materials
• Private garden and pool

Vasundhara Eco House is a quirky, vibrant, free-standing house in Parule on India’s east coast, surrounded by manicured gardens. The bustling village marketplace is within easy reach of the resort, and a variety of tourist sites are within an accessible radius. 

The house has been built using local wood and clay. This ensures that the house is well insulated from the heat, making the absence of air-conditioning a non-issue. Guests can enjoy authentic local cuisine while staying here. 

In addition to neat gardens surrounded by a fence for privacy, the house has a hammock and a private swimming pool. The beach is a short drive away where you can enjoy scuba-diving and water sports. 

7. Best Eco-resort for Backpackers – Aru Eco Resort

• Eco-friendly camping
• Amazing mountain setting

Aru Eco Resort is a tented camp in Pahalgam in Kashmir. Set in the scenic foothills, the resort offers majestic scenery and simple living. Guests can hire a spacious tent or bring their own and add it to the campsite on the meadow. The resort is a very basic campsite with individual bathrooms for each room, ideal for anyone travelling on a tight budget.

Aru Eco Resort is a unique accommodation in India. It offers memorable treks into the hills and mountains of Kashmir, past lakes and across rivers, and even to glaciers. Near to the resort, guests can visit the Aru Wildlife Sanctuary or the Golf Club at Pahalgam. 

8. Amazing Luxury Eco-resort in India – Grand Ayur Island

• Tranquil natural setting
• Accessible only by boat

The stylish Grand Ayur Island is one of the best eco-resorts in India, situated on a private island in the backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala. Surrounded by a network of canals and lagoons, the setting is truly tranquil and restorative. 

Modern amenities and luxurious furnishings provide a comfortable retreat in this beautiful natural setting. Included in your stay is a complimentary consultation with a traditional Ayurveda doctor, where a variety of traditional rejuvenation therapies and treatments are available. 

Accessible only by private boat, the Grand Ayur Island is a haven for healing and restoring balance. Day excursions from here include a cruise, fishing, and canoeing.  

9. Best Eco-resort for a Weekend in India – Na La Ri Resort

• Traditional nature lodge
• Pristine natural setting

Na La Ri Resort is an authentic eco-resort in a lush setting in Sumer. Comprising a combination of tents, small cottages and larger units, Na La Ri Resort is a haven for nature lovers. 

The cottages and other resort buildings have been constructed in a traditional manner out of locally-sourced bamboo and wood. The resort is located within a small village and guests can enjoy the slow pace of village life here. 

The surrounding forested hillsides, ponds, and rivers make a fantastic playground for anyone wanting to enjoy fishing, walking, bird watching and picnics. 

10. Eco-resort With an Epic Location – Lchang Nang Retreat

• Completely solar-powered
• Rustic setting surrounded by mountains

Tucked in the Nubra Valley, Lchang Nang is an eco-conscious resort on the old silk route. Lchang Nang translates to ‘The House of Trees’ in reference to the beautiful green surroundings against a backdrop of towering mountains. 

The resort is entirely solar-powered and obtains drinking water from glacial melt, which is then UV treated and filtered. Local methods and materials were used to create these stunning cottages. 

Guests at the resort can soak up this tranquil setting from the idyllic outside seating areas or from a hammock in the sunshine. There’s a meadow perfect for a gentle stroll, a river, and a vegetable garden that guests can explore. 

11. Best Eco-resort for Views – Latoda Eco Lodge

• Biodiversity walks through the area
• Pristine Himalayan setting

Latoda Eco Lodge lies in the beautiful Jibhi Valley in a village bisected by a small river that originates in a sacred place. Oak, walnut, and pine trees surround the accommodation, which is close to the jungle as well as a waterfall. 

This unique accommodation in India consists almost entirely of wood. The lodge and everything inside it, from the bedding to the furniture, was created by the owner’s family.

You can learn about the diverse fauna and flora of the region on a biodiversity walk through the surrounding wilderness. Alternatviely, you can spend your time rock climbing, hiking, and even angling in this pristine landscape.

12. Best Surrounding Landscape Eco-resort – Royal Luxuria at Finch Eco Resort

• Solar powered home
• Surrounded by green hillsides

Royal Luxuria at Finch Resort is a spacious modern home. It sits in Kodanad, Tamilnadu, in a lush landscape of rolling hills and greenery. The home runs entirely on solar power and features plenty of large windows to make the most of the natural light. 

Around the house, guests can enjoy luscious lawns that stretch down to a small lake with incredible birdlife. The sound of the wilderness provides a soothing soundtrack to relax to. Traditional meals are provided by the on-site cook. 

Explore the surrounding area on peaceful walks, spend time at the lake enjoying the serene setting, or head out to explore. With Kodanad Viewpoint only an hour away, this is a great base for exploring rural India. 

13. Best Eco-resort for Long-term Travellers – River Side Resort

• Light footprint resort on the river
• Beautiful valley views

River Side Resort is one of the best eco-resorts in India with 12 comfortable and well-equipped cottages. Perfectly located for an exploration of the wilderness of the Himalayas and the lush setting surrounding them. 

The eco-friendly cottages offer great views of the valley from their small balcony and outdoor seating area. Cottages each have their own private bathroom and are kept neat and clean. 

From the resort, you can trek through the wilderness to the nearby Patna waterfall, hang out next to the river or take a gentle stroll through the lovely gardens. You can also head into Tapovana, a nearby town, where you can visit the temples, cafes and shops. 

14. Best Eco-resort for Long-Stay Travellers – Vedic Village Resort and Spa

• Green roof eco bungalow
• 20-minutes from Kolkata

Vedic Village Resort and Spa is a luxurious eco-resort located in a peaceful setting just 20-minutes from the bustling city of Kolkata. Combining natural beauty and excellent amenities, Vedic Village is an excellent retreat. 

The Aqua Home Rooms at the resort has a unique rooftop terrace garden that not only helps the building blend into its surroundings but also helps regulate the interior temperature of the room, minimizing the need for additional cooling. 

Guests can enjoy a wide range of Ayurvedic wellness therapies, as well as a variety of leisure and sporting activities to unwind and destress. Tennis, cricket, soccer, swimming, kayaking, and even bowling is available from the resort.

15. Best Eco-resort for Honeymooners – Konark Eco Beach Resort

• Pine bungalow with thatch roof
• Romantic beach cottage

Overlooking a secluded stretch of beach, Konark Beach Resort lies between the river and the ocean in a lush and leafy setting. The resort is within easy reach of the market and several temples.

The rustic bungalows are built from pinewood and have a thatched roof. As well as adding to the overall ambiance of the beach resort, the roofs also assist with regulating the internal temperature of the bungalows. 

Guests can soak up the sunshine on the sandy beach, explore the nearby Konark market for a bargain, or visit one of the many temples in the area. The resort also has a gym for those wishing to stay in shape. 

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India is a spiritual destination for many travellers, and so preserving the environment of this destination comes almost naturally out of respect. In a country with such a rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder it’s such a desire to protect and conserve the gorgeous landscape that you see today. 

Our list features a mere fraction of the best eco-resorts in India, but it does aim to illustrate the sheer variety of unique accommodation in India that you have to choose from. Whether you’re backpacking India or enjoying a honeymoon, you’ll find an eco-lodge for every type of traveller. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Suzanne Borders

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Lucknow: M onths after her selection as a probable candidate, Naima Khatoon — the principal of the Women’s College of the Aligarh Muslim University — has been appointed as the university’s first woman vice-chancellor.

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education confirmed the appointment of Khatoon for a five-year term Monday. 

According to AMU sources, Khatoon took charge from her husband and acting vice-chancellor Mohammad Gulrez around 8 pm Monday in the presence of a few officials, including the proctor.

Established in 1877 as Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) college by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, AMU was incorporated through the Aligarh Muslim University Act, 1920.  The AMU, which marked its centenary anniversary in 2020, had last seen a woman in its highest ranks way back in 1920 when Begum Sultan Jahan served as chancellor, an AMU official confirmed.

The central university was being run by an acting vice-chancellor since April 2023 when Tariq Mansoor stepped down from the top post.  

“AMU had a woman chancellor, who was appointed in 1920 when it was established as a full-fledged university emerging out of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, its precursor. However, it has never had a woman as a vice-chancellor,” the official said.

In its letter to the AMU registrar Monday, under secretary to Government of India Praveer Saxena said that the President had appointed Prof. Naima Khatoon, professor/principal, Women’s College as the V-C of the Aligarh Muslim University for five years from the date on which she enters the office or the date on which she turns 70, whichever is earlier.

Since the Model Code of Conduct is in place, the government had to seek approval from the Election Commission to go ahead with the appointment. The EC gave its nod on condition that the government won’t derive “any political mileage from it.”  

“It might be noted that the Election Commission vide letter dated 9 April, 2024, has stated that the commission has no objections from the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) angle, to the proposal related to the appointment of vice-chancellor, AMU subject to the condition that no publicity shall be there and no political mileage may be derived from it,” said the letter, a copy of which is with ThePrint.

Meanwhile, several faculty members have welcomed the appointment of a woman V-C, but questioned its timing, particularly because it coincided with PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Aligarh. The PM reportedly made a statement that he was “getting blessings of Muslim women” and also referenced the Pasmanda Muslim community in his speech.

“I appreciate the fact that a woman has become the V-C. As far as an individual name is concerned, I have my own reservations, but I welcome her on the post. There have been three more women teachers from AMU who have become vice-chancellors of other institutions, and now, a woman has become the V-C of AMU as well; this is a welcome step,”  Prof. Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi from the history department told ThePrint.

He added that while women served on significant administrative posts, like deans, chairmans of departments and Head of Departments (HODs), the varsity had never had a woman V-C. 

However, another faculty member expressed concerns about the “bad optics” surrounding the circumstances surrounding Khatoon’s appointment, particularly because it occurred on the same day as the PM’s rally in Aligarh, where he spoke about Muslim women and the Pasmanda community.

“The selection process was controversial and doubtful and raised questions about propriety as her husband voted for her despite suggestions that he should abstain from voting to avoid conflict of interest. Even as the matter is still in court, the PM came to Aligarh and made declarations about Pasmandas and women, and the same day, she was appointed and took charge in the dark of the night in the presence of only a few people. This is bad optics,” the member told ThePrint.

Also Read: Vacant posts, no full-time V-C: Awaiting SC ruling on ‘minority’ status, AMU navigates its past, present

Who is Naima Khatoon?

Khatoon has been a distinguished member of the faculty at AMU’s Women’s College, holding various academic positions over the years. She began as a lecturer in August 1988, and she rose through the ranks to become an associate professor in April 1998 and a full-time professor in July 2006, according to AMU ’s women’s college website.

Before she was appointed the Principal of the Women’s College in July 2014, Khatoon chaired the Department of Psychology. She has also taught at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa for one academic year.

With a PhD in Political Psychology, Khatoon has also worked at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi, and specialises in the field of clinical, health, applied social and spiritual psychology.

Khatoon has held several key administrative roles at AMU. She has been the provost of Indira Gandhi Hall, served twice in the same capacity at Abdullah Hall, and has been a two-time elected member of the Women’s College Student Union. Her leadership roles also include serving as the deputy director of the residential coaching academy and as the deputy proctor of AMU.

A selection marred with controversy

Khatoon’s appointment comes about six months after the selection process of the AMU vice-chancellor drew allegations of impropriety and conflict of interest when an applicant, who was not picked by the AMU’s Executive Council, wrote to the President calling for setting aside the panel and restart of the process afresh.

In October 2023, from a pool of 20 candidates, the AMU’s Executive Council, its highest decision-making body, shortlisted five names, including Khatoon. 

The list also included another AMU professor and renowned cardiologist M. Rabbani ; biochemist and V-C of Srinagar’s Cluster University, Qayyum Husain ; former V-C of Hyderabad’s NALSAR University of Law, Faizan Mustafa; and Prof. Furqan Qamar of Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia.

What led to controversy was the fact that the 19 members of the 27-member Council, who voted to choose the panel members, included the acting V-C Mohammad Gulrez. Gulrez was advised against voting to prevent a conflict of interest, but chose to partake regardless, according to media reports.

Prof. Mujahid Beg, who was one of the 36 applicants whose name was not picked by the Council for selection in the panel of five that was sent to the AMU court, had written to President Droupadi Murmu calling for setting aside the panel and restarting the process afresh.

“Surprisingly, the V-C (Gulrez) not only chaired the Council meeting but also voted for his wife. Another blow to free and fair elections… The V-C did not declare his impartiality in respect of the candidates, so as to dispel any justifiable doubt about his independence and the impartiality of the proceedings, as his own wife is one of the candidates staking her claim for the post of vice-chancellor,” Beg said in the letter.

 (Edited by Richa Mishra)

Also Read:  AMU asked for certificates proving students are Ashraaf till 1947. Nothing has changed

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