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These trips showcase the best of East Himalaya and the remarkable National Parks and protected areas where some of the most endangered and outstanding wild species are thriving in their natural habitats, and where the local communities are committed wildlife conservationists.
Apart from visiting important heritage sites, cultural sites and wilderness areas you will spend a considerable part of your trip volunteering in various areas to help the local villagers in their social development and conservation efforts.
In addition, you will interact meaningfully with the local people in their daily life, and get to go on numerous bird and game adventure trips through these remarkable ecosystems.
Your experience in the trip does not end with the wildlife: you will have the opportunity to visit the villages and interact with the local community. Enjoy a taste of their lifestyle, local crafts, cuisine and even be entertained in their local rural culture and festivals.
Community
Your visit contributes to a great extent in supporting the sustainable development of the local community and the conservation of the forest and the wildlife. The entire trip engages the local villagers as staff, guides and service providers; for transportation, camping, cultural performance, village experience. Local grass-root organizations, community groups, self-help groups will organize and lead your volunteering and conservation activities. The local organizer of the trip is a pioneer in Responsible Tourism in India and is well-known for their leadership in spreading the benefits of sustainable tourism in the region.
Environment
The trip strictly follows the responsible wildlife watching and environmental policies. The food served in the trip is mostly organic and sourced completely locally. Waste management and waste disposal are maintained with paramount importance. The lodges used in the trip are known for their stewardship in Responsible and environment-friendly tourism and are made in local style using local materials by local artisans and craftsmen following sustainable design. More than 70% benefit of the trip goes straight to the communities and is spent for protection of natural and cultural heritage of the sites and also for various social upliftment programmes.
Orissa Odyssey
At the root of our operations is our sense of responsibility toward the communities and the natural habitat we invest so much time. Our ground practices are aimed at respecting places, people and their diverse cultures. On the Orissa Odyssey we traverse Bhitarkanika National Park’s dense mangrove forest by private boat. This allows us to penetrate deep into the jungle without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. In the untapped forests of South Western Orissa we respect the ancient walking tracks set out by indigenous people centuries ago. Following their footsteps keeps erosion to a minimum and ensures we meet these communities at their comfort level.
We take advantage of the opportunity to camp at Chilika Lake and on the fringe of a tropical jungle, both places of spectacular natural beauty. When camping we take the support of the local community and maintain a respectful distance from the village. The community appoints a representative responsible for our welfare throughout our stay and with the help of local villagers co-ordinates various interactive activities. We visit a local potters village where after a demonstration we have the opportunity to mould the clay with our own hands. The village gets a real kick out of an inevitable recognition of their skills.
Similarly we draw attention to other marginalised communities providing opportunities to folk artists, crafts men and women and tribal communities to share their indigenous knowledge and reaffirm their unique (and in some cases endangered) cultures. Our cooperation with these rural and tribal communities is an essential recognition of their valuable traditional culture and provides a supplementary income through responsible tourism.
Local leaders accompany all our journeys. They facilitate greater local interaction and coordinate with rural and tribal communities throughout to give you remarkable authentic experiences. All Grass Routes employees are from the local area. Furthermore we employ local experts along the way to spread educative and economic benefits throughout the greater community.
We promote local and indigenous handicrafts and provide opportunities to purchase directly from farmers, weavers and crafts people. We have designed this tour around vibrant weekly markets that showcase season local produce conscientiously supporting organic farming, hand crafted wares and fair trade.
Tamang heritage Trail
Travel through this company makes a direct impact in the economy of Nepal. We also try to maximise our contribution to the local economy by hiring local guides and porters for these trips and staying in smaller lodges to spread the income. The company does not vertically integrate and sub-contracts all support activities like transportation, lodging etc so that the money gets spread in the economy. It conserves on paper minimising paperwork in the office and by giving out electronic brochures. When required, brochures are printed on both sides of the paper and are in a folder format so that only relevant inserts need be given.
We have also put in place a development support system whereby 10% of our profits go to charities like the Joy Foundation Nepal who conduct free cataract eye camps in rural areas of Nepal and Antardristi Nepal, which is developing a fund to start a incest and rape care centre for minors. 10% of the company's profits also goes directly into employee benefits.
In the field, guides, porters and clients are all oriented in responsible travel. A zero litter policy is in place so that it minimises wastage in the region. We also only takes out very small groups with a maximum of twelve participants per group. All trips also focus on culture.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
