Highlights of Assam and Nagaland holiday

Planet

This trip visits a part of India which is well off the tourist trail and all the accommodation that we stay in are small, family-run ventures. They employ, train and develop local people and source all the supplies from the nearby community, often markets and small stores, offering vital financial support. Many have water saving practices in place, including raising awareness of the need to preserve water, and also using solar power for the hot water supply.

We have several multi-night stays and in this case the towels and sheets are not changed each day unless specifically requested, saving water and reducing the use of detergents. One of the accommodations we use is an ‘eco camp’. Here the huts are made from bamboo and there is no hot water so limited use of electricity. The food is cooked on a traditional oven and heated by bamboo, which is grown nearby and entirely renewable.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Visiting the area involves mixing with local people, and in addition to our Indian Tour Leader we employ a guide from the region. This enriches the trip and ensures that travellers are aware of local customs and able to gain a greater insight in to regional specifics. The trip revolves around a celebration of the tribal culture, and visiting helps to provide an incentive for keep the traditions alive. There are several opportunities to purchase local handicrafts, and in all cases these are made using traditional methods by local families.

Our Indian tour leaders have a deep passion for their country and a desire to help travellers experience all it has to offer. They attend our annual training course, which has a strong focus on responsible tourism practices, ensuring that our trips run in accordance with our code of practice. At the start of each trip they provide guidance concerning local customs and culture to ensure that local sensibilities are understood and respected. Throughout the trip they encourage our groups to eat in small local restaurants along with the locals, try regional food, and support community shops and businesses.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.