Happy to share it on my blog now. Originally, an edited version of this article had made it to the October edition of Spice Route, the inflight magazine of Spice Jet. With everything becoming extremely fast-paced, it is important to keep reminding ourselves about being slow and sustainable on our holidays and make greeners decisions all along. To begin with, I have suggested some not so popular/ less crowded destinations.
“The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them” –Paul Hawken, an environmentalist, author and a global thinker.
In an era where environmental degradation, climate change and over-tourism are pressing concerns, pragmatic thought-process and actions are vital to stimulate the conversation around the role and relationship of sustainable travel and nature. Everyone loves to travel to new destinations but the aim must not only be to have fun and feel rejuvenated, but also actively support eco-conscious services, nature-positive and community-centric partnerships. Let us be the force of change, right from taking responsibility of offsetting one’s carbon footprint to engaging in activities that minimize the impact on the environment.
Here are five unique and diverse destinations which will empower travellers to support the narrative of socially responsible travel experiences.
Farm Experience in Chiang Rai
Humble moments of travel hold greater appeal. Imagine laying in a cozy cottage on a sprawling paddy farm, waking up with the first rays of the sun, going for vegetable picking, eating an organic breakfast with produce straight from the surrounding fields, feeding the cows in the day, stirring up your lunch in the liveliest open kitchen, bonding over fishing, playing with the cats, learning about local vegetation with experts, planting paddy seedlings, collecting sap from the rubber tree, counting the different tracks on the farm, barbequing dinner, star-gazing under a clear night sky, and sleeping to the lullaby of the rustling paddy leaves. There couldn’t be a better way to experience Chiang Rai in Thailand in the most exceptional and sustainable way.
Chiang Rai, the northern-most province is an idyllic destination for slow travellers who would love to be lost in nature, embrace farm lifestyle, hike/cycle around the countryside, explore the historical ruins and the artistic temples, and meet the local communities and hill tribes of Northern Thailand. The flight duration from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is 1-1.5 hours. If you are travelling from neighboring Chiang Mai, Green bus (an efficient option) takes less than four hours.
- Chiang Saen, a district in the northern part of Chiang Rai province is known for its well-preserved historical ruins. The village of Doi Chang on the hills near Chiang Rai city is known for some of the world’s finest Thai coffee. And for unique stay experience, one must explore home stays and sustainable cottages run by the farms and coffee plantations like Ahsa farmstay, tigerland and rice farm, Rai Reun Rom organic farm, Star Doi, Busaw Homestay, etc.
Game Drive and Nature positive activities in Satpura Jungles
Gear up for some fresh jungle air, vibrant observations, and hair-raising adventures (some on foot) as the lush forests of Satpura are beckoning you. In the bustling heart of India, Satpura National Park near Pachmarhi hills is home to one of the oldest reserve forests of the country. Blessed with awe-inspiring wilderness, verdant landscapes and Denwa River alongside, Satpura compels travellers to stay longer, and immerse themselves into guided safaris, bird watching, canoe riding, cycling in the buffer zone, hiking to some of the stunning sunset spots in the hill town of Pachmarhi, and night camping. While Satpura is popular for its sloth bear sightings and non-jeep safaris (under proper guidance), it is also famous for Bhimbetka rock paintings and canoe rides on the Denwa river.
Satpura is located at distance of 180 kms from the city of Bhopal and 250 kms from Jabalpur, making it easily accessible by road. Championing the discourse on slow travel and eco-tourism, Bori Safari Lodge, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Forsyth Lodge, and Denwa Backwater Escape lead the way with nature-positive setups, sustainable practices and community focused activities.
- Do you know Satpura means seven Mountains (sat-seven, pura– mountain)? Whenever you are in Satpura, do not miss exploring the mystical stories of the rare Patalkot valley. The beauty of the migratory birds, the boat rides from one side of the jungle to another, overnight camping thrills, and interactions with the tribal community are some of the heartwarming takeaways of a trip to Satpura.
Villages near Shillong
The state of Meghalaya in North Eastern part of India pledges an unwavering commitment towards sustainability and its villages are exemplary in putting a variety of sustainable initiatives in action. While Shillong (capital city) is the gateway to its natural vistas, ethereal biodiversity, tribal culture, adventure sports, destinations like Umiam Lake, Dawk River, Laitlum Canyons, Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawlynnong, there are array of smaller villages and remote wonders which will leave you clasped in the arms of slow travel.
To name a few, Wahniangleng, a picturesque village in Meghalaya, has developed eco-friendly trekking routes and nature trails, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty in a way that does not harm the environment. Mawlynnong has catapulted itself to the prestigious position of being the cleanest village in Asia. The Mawrynkhang Bamboo Trek, also approximately 25 kilometers from Shillong, offers an immersive experience through dense bamboo forests, enchanting waterfalls, and remote landscapes. Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a special place.
- Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong, the Me’gong Festival in Tura, and Winter Tales showcase local culture, lifestyle, and heritage. For golfing enthusiast, Shillong Golf Course is one of the largest natural golf courses in Shillong. The trek to 100 Waterfall Camps (approximately 57 kms from Shillong) is enchanting.
Local culture/life in Sindhudurg
In your hectic schedule, if you wish to embrace the life’s unhurried moments and unique biodiversity, head to Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. The unadulterated view of the expanse of the Konkan coast, the pristine beaches, the golden sands, the mesmerizing sunsets, and the adventurous hiking trails are sure to leave you spellbound. If nature, adventure, and local life aren’t enough, the rich legacy of its spectacular forts built by the great Maratha kingdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg will entice you.
There is no dearth of nature-positive activities to do in Sindhudurg. From exploring the most popular sea fortress, hiking to Nivati fort, canoeing along Walawal River and sacred forest, experiencing the water sports at Tarkali beach, visiting local temples, enjoying hands on experience of pottery and cooking classes, to simply lazying on the beach and enjoying the sunset, there is an unending list. To strengthen the cause of sustainable tourism in Sindhudurg, award winning property Coco Shambhala has been the torchbearer. Ever since MOPA airport of Goa has come up, the distance to Sindhudurg is less than two hours.
- For the nature lovers, even a week in Sindhudurg may seem less. Blessed with tranquil beaches and backwaters, Sindhudurg provides ample opportunities for diving, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, speed boat adventures, and surfing. If you wish to meet the local artists like pottery makers, clay artists, and skilled artisans of Chitrakathi traditional art and the puppeteers of the Thakar Tribe- Coco Shambhala (a sustainable beach villa) arranges special workshops to promote the local heritage of the region.
Moksha in Kushinagar
To decide on a particular location for spiritual purposes or to explore ancient sites, ruins, or buildings of importance is a perfect example of slow tourism. One such city, Kushinagar near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh serves as a great place of interest for those looking for quaint, spiritual and historical escapade. This reverent city is home to the remains of the much-revered Lord Buddha and his teachings on impermanence. Part of the Buddhist trail, Kushinagar is highly regarded for its peaceful and serene ambience as Lord Buddha freed himself from the cycle of life and death (attained Moksha or Parinirvana) in its soil.
The important remnants of the main site such as the Matha Kuar Shrine, Ramabhar stupa, reclining statue of Buddha at Mahaparinirvana Temple (Parinirvana Stupa), Wat thai temple, Linh-Son Vietnam Chinese Buddhist Temple, Japanese Temple, Burmese Pagoda, and Kushinagar museum are some of the must-visit sites in this city of nirvana. Only 50 kms from Gorakhpur and 325 kilometers from Lucknow, Kushinagar is easily accessible on the National Highway 28.
- Do you know one of the most humble and interesting sites in Kushinagar, Matha Kuar (Matha Kunwar) shrine has a 10th-century statue of Buddha, made of a single stone? The statue was discovered during excavations and over time, the statue was broken after being subjected to vandalism and plunder. As deduced by the historians, ‘Matha Kuwar’ means ‘Mrit Kumar’ or ‘Dead Prince’.
