Tourism in India has experienced a major boost over recent years, driven by improved infrastructure, better visa policies, and the country’s growing cultural appeal. Be it pristine beaches, laidback backwaters, bustling cities, or historic towns, the diversity of landscapes and experiences in India is unparalleled. However, with the opportunity to explore the country comes a great responsibility of going on about it ecologically, while also respecting local customs and preserving the culture that makes India so unique. Being a responsible traveler then becomes the need of the hour.
In recent years, responsible tourism has emerged as an essential part of the travel experience, thanks to global attention towards sustainable development. Responsible travelers are making conscious choices to minimize their ecological footprint, support local communities, and ensure that their travels benefit rather than harm the destinations they visit. In India, this has become even more critical given the country’s vastness and the diverse challenges it faces related to waste management, environmental degradation, and cultural preservation.
If you’re planning to visit the country and want to travel responsibly, here are some practical tips for becoming a more conscientious traveler.
How To Be A Responsible Traveler In India
1. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
The over-reliance on single-use plastics is a pressing issue, and the tourism industry is no stranger to it. Plastic bottles, straws, and packaging contribute immensely to pollution, especially in popular tourist destinations. While purchasing bottled water may seem convenient, carrying a reusable bottle reduces the need for constant purchases, allowing for easy refills throughout the day. No excess waste and a handy bottle whenever you need it—definitely a win-win!
Say a big no to plastic straws and disposable cutlery and go for wooden, bamboo, or metal alternatives instead. Also, carry reusable cloth or jute bags when shopping and traveling to minimize waste. Even though most Indian states have banned single-use plastic bags, they are still a common sight. Reusable bags are a great solution in these cases, helping reduce unnecessary plastic use.
2. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
When you opt for an eco-friendly stay, you aren’t just ensuring your comfort, but also contributing to environmental conservation in the best way possible. In India, a growing number of hotels, resorts, and homestays are adopting sustainable practices, such as energy conservation, water management, waste reduction, and the use of organic food materials.
India’s ancient, yet innovative building techniques have always emphasized on preserving nature without causing harm to it, and rural homestays and eco-lodges are doing an excellent job at conserving these practices. Such accommodations tend to focus on replicating the lifestyle of the locals and implementing ingenious methods for energy and water usage. The Mohan Mahal in Jaipur is an excellent example – it is the only no-electricity luxury restaurant in India.
3. Support Local Artisans
One of the most enriching experiences of traveling in India is witnessing local art. India is home to a variety of heritage crafts, such as handloom textiles, hand-painted sarees, wooden toys, exquisite jewelry, and pottery, among others. A great way to support this art is by buying these hand-crafted goods instead of opting for the mass-produced ones often sold at lower prices. This ensures that the artisans are fairly compensated and incentivized to continue their craft.
Another way to go local is by exploring neighborhood eateries instead of walking into a luxurious hotel chain or overhyped restaurants. This reduces environmental impact and ensures that the money spent supports farmers and vendors. Moreover, who would not love an authentic taste of the country’s diverse cuisine that’s best experienced in local eateries?
4. Respect Local Culture And Follow Basic Manners
Being a responsible traveler isn’t just about caring for the environment, but also about understanding the culture of the place you are visiting. Respecting regional norms, traditions, and customs is a great way to show your appreciation to the locals.
Simple gestures such as removing your shoes before entering temples and houses and greeting people with a polite ‘Namaste’ (or a salutation in the local language) can show how you as a traveler accept the Indian way of life. Avoid creating unnecessary ruckus in tourist places and don’t intervene with nature when visiting wildlife sanctuaries. Also, even though the country is fairly progressive, dress sensibly when visiting religious places as a sign of respect. Each region in India is a mini country in itself, so when you respect local culture, you also view life through a different lens.
5. Reduce Carbon Footprint
Sure, riding to your favorite tourist destinations in your own vehicle is reliable and comfortable, but if you really wish to become a responsible traveler, opt for public transport. India’s extensive railway network offers basic as well as luxury transit options, all at affordable prices. So, instead of flying or driving long distances, you can ride India’s lifeline – its trains. Other options like sleeper-coach buses, rental vehicles, and shared cabs are just as good.
When in smaller towns or cities, prefer walking, local rickshaws, or renting bicycles to get around. That way, you are not just cutting down on emissions, but also getting to explore places at your own pace.
Summing Up
Agreed that it might not be so easy to do all these things at once, but baby steps towards the right direction can benefit both you and the local community. As a traveler in India, you have plenty of opportunities to make a positive impact and set an example for other tourists to follow. By adopting these tips, you contribute towards preserving India’s unparalleled beauty, ultimately being a more responsible tourist.
FAQs
How Do You Become A Responsible Traveler?
Here’s how you can become a responsible traveler:
- Support local businesses
- Don’t disturb wildlife
- Avoid creating unnecessary waste
- Use public transport
- Follow basic etiquettes
- Respect local customs and traditions
What Is The Main Goal Of Sustainable Tourism?
The main goal of sustainable tourism is to minimize the harmful impact caused by tourist activities and promote a holistic and eco-friendly way of traveling.
What Are The Factors Responsible For Tourism In India?
Here Are The Main Factors Responsible For Tourism In India:
- Geographic diversity
- Rich culture and heritage
- Improved tourism infrastructure
