Rajasthan is a wonderful place to visit. It is brimming with history, architectural splendour, fine hospitality and the most dramatic desert landscapes. And, in the middle of it all, you have the extraordinary Ranthambore National Park. It does, however, have its fair share of responsible tourism issues. One thing that Rajasthani people don’t do, however, is brush their issues under their beautiful carpets. People are open to conversation and debate and welcome tourists who want to gain an honest understanding of their state. A state of which they are rightly very proud. So, here are a few of our thoughts of responsible tourism issues in Rajasthan, which we hope will help you think before you go, and get to understand in more detail when you are there.

Rajasthan is a state that is full of contrasts. And with its history of royalty and opulence, it is hard to avoid the issue that poverty is one of these contrasts. However, this is delicate territory because it is considered a bit of a cliché that India is a land of beggars and thieves, all out to make a tourist buck. It isn’t true.

In 2013, the Indian government stated 21.9 percent of its population is below its official poverty limit which, with a population of 1.27 billion, is a lot of people. Too many people. In Rajasthan, however, the percentage is 14 percent and so even though this is still a big issue for government, it is not something people should fear, or make western assumptions about either. That is not to say that the income divide in Rajasthan doesn’t have an impact on tourism. It does. As you will see from our other responsible tourism points below, most of these relate back to a need for money. Tigers are still being poached for money, camels and elephants are mistreated for money. In reality, an elephant ride could feed a small family for a week. Sex tourism, and indeed child sex tourism is more and more in demand in Rajasthan too, with people being trafficked and lured in with a promise of a better lifestyle.

Our point is that although tourism can act as a force for positive change and, if you travel responsibly, your money will be directed to the right place and used sustainably, Indian people are tired of outsiders calling them poor. So many are working incredibly hard to make an honest living, they are culturally aware, want to protect their environment and engage in interesting debate. We are not asking you to turn a blind eye to poverty where it exists. We are asking you to open your eyes to all the positive changes going on to, and not arrive with poverty hang-ups.

What you can do
Travel with a responsible tour operator who knows about all the issues in Rajasthan and has created itineraries that benefit many communities, from families who own luxurious palace hotels to indigenous Bishnoi villagers in the desert. Very importantly, if you think you see anything that relates to child abuse in tourism, contact the Childline India hotline. For more information on protecting children when travelling, see the leading international NGO, ChildSafe. Also, please remember that poverty is never a tourist attraction, so be sensitive with the selfies and ask your tour operator for ways in which you can help. Photos are rarely the way to do so.

Elephant rides for tourists are particularly popular around Jaipur and the Amber Fort. We do not support elephant riding for tourism purposes at Responsible Travel and have written more about this in our elephant conservation guide. Elephant-back safaris used to happen in Ranthambore National Park but these don’t seem to be happening there, which is good news. At places like Jaipur, however, or during festivals, the ways in which elephants are treated in order to be habituated for humans is unethical. So always avoid these circuses and spend your money locally in a more ethical way.

Camels are also sometimes used in processions for performance purposes and this use of animals for tourists’ entertainment is totally irresponsible. The same goes for camel races, such as at the annual Pushkar Fair where they put as many as ten people are put on top of one camel to see which camel can carry the most people. There are even camel beauty contents, which involve piercing the camel and shaving or dying their fur into intricate designs.

Photo credits: [Bishnoi villager: Nagarjun Kandukuru] [Elephant rides: John Haslam] [Jewellery: VinceHuang]