Kerala and Karnataka holiday, India

Environment:
The project Travellers Forest aims to involve travellers in reforestation programs of the area. Travellers Forest is an initiative set up in partnership with local communities and hotels.

Our company was set up to help raise funds for a river foundation with the goal to revive a sadly neglected river in the area of central Kerala. One of the main reasons for many of the rivers in Kerala to be in a bad state is deforestation in catchment areas. More and more green cover is being lost in even places like Kerala which even until recently had 30% of forest coverage. In today’s value frame work, which promotes/accepts exploitation of natural resources for private material gains, it’s becoming more and more difficult to motivate local communities with the arguments of global eco-restoration.

The project Travellers Forest aims to involve travellers and local communities, hand-in-hand, in reforestation programs of the area. Every time a tourist visits our area along the River Nila they have the opportunity to donate the planting of a tree, if the season allows they can even plant the sapling them self (This is a seasonal activity and is undertaken during monsoon season June-September) The same activity can be replicated in Wayanad at Uravu through out the year.

Being one of the pioneers of Responsible Tourism in India, our company works closely with government authorities, industry stake holders and communities to promote Responsible Tourism in the state.

We advise cooperating hotels to use the 3R policy: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle and for our transfer we use regularly tuned cars.

In terms of accommodation, we have several approaches to sustainability. First of all we encourage tourists to stay in authentic homestays. The homestay concept provides supplementary sources of income to the owners, cross-cultural exchange is encouraged and often organic food is served and alternative sources of energy are used.

We also advises partner hotels on how to make their operations more sustainable in an social, environmental and economic aspect. As businesses show initiative, we promote these hotels especially. When we choose accommodation, we request a summary of their initiatives towards sustainability. We prefer small hotels that reflect the local charm of the destination. It is difficult to give generic examples as tours are tailor made and a variety of hotels is used – each business has its individual sustainable approach. However, important aspects are the limitation of waste water and electricity use, proper waste management, local ownership, local employees, proper working conditions for employees.

Community:
The day with the musicians help them to promote their art forms, make their musical styles known to the rest of the world and also provides with them a source of income. These are also lower caste members of the communities who otherwise, wouldn’t get an opportunity to perform in esteemed musical gathering.

Visit to potters and weavers community is an appreciation to the efforts to rehabilitate the local artisans. Our visits expand the knowledge about the program and provide them financial support.

Spice tours were initiated to support small time farmers and spice planters in and around Wayanad areas to find alternative, supplementary source of income. This provides a glimpse of the issues surrounding the struggles of spice farmers in terms of price crash and issues of globalization.

Trekkers and guides are from the local communities and the programs are operated by them. These are people who live on the fringes of the wildlife areas management. During and after every trek, we collect and dispose plastic waste that might have been left behind by other tourists and local people.

In Anegundi/Hampi we visit a handicraft project which employs hundreds of women. The Banana fiber cottage industry has been a livelihood means for its 205 women since its inception. Locally available banana fiber is utilized as raw material along with other natural fibers to produce wide-ranging products including bags, mats, quilts and decorative fringes. Over the years these products have secured clients from all over India and abroad. These women artisans have formed a federation comprising of 15 villages. Regular training workshops are conducted in design and technical development assisting them to upgrade their skills and build their capacity. By purchasing one of the unique items, the tourist can support this project directly.