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Satrenga Boat Club and Resort

MAURITIUS of Chhattisgarh

Where: ChhattisgarhWhen: Any TimeHow long: 2-5 daysHow much: NA (+5% GST) What

Why the People of Spiti Eat Stones

One of the few remaining amchis of Spiti Valley sheds light on the challenges of his practice and the miracle stones still used as a treatment

Voices of Rural India curates stories from rural India in their

The Forbidden Forests of Meghalaya

Witerson M. Sangma, social worker from Meghalaya's Chiringmagre village shares how ancient traditions and tribal culture help preserve a patch of pristine biodiversity in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills

Voices of Rural India curates stories from rural India in their own

What Can Two Imaginative Minds Create With Wild Grass and a Thorny Tree?

A teacher from Maharashtra's Purushwadi village visually documents the craftsmenship of two brothers, who use wild grass, a thorny tree and their imagination to create sustainable vessels, vases, ornaments and more.

Voices of Rural India curates stories from rural India in their own

Voices of Rural India: The Disappearing Craft of Likhai

How a Himalayan village reclaimed the lost art of wood carving

Top Covid-ready Guidelines by ATOAI

Practical. Sustainable. Future-forward.

Covid -19 Guidelines Are you running a hotel, homestay, or a travel company? Are you confused by

RT Local: Hear from a tourist guide at Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar, Gujarat

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

19 August 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled

RT Local: Hear from a forest guide from the Pardhi community in Madhya Pradesh's Panna

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

11 August 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

Saffron Palate

New Delhi

India’s food heritage and diversity is one of the greatest attractions for travellers to

Wander Womaniya

India and International

Women are increasingly embracing the joys of travel and while many would love to travel on their

RT Local: Hear from a farmer who runs a homestay in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

25 July 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

RT Local: Hear from a tourism project coordinator in Ladakh's Maan Village

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

24 July 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

Platypus Escapes

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Many associate scuba diving in India only with Andamans and Lakshadweep. But the country is blessed

Soar Excursions

Travel Company

Type of RT Operations: Experiential travel companyWhere: Primarily GujaratMore about the

Soar Excursions

Primarily Gujarat

Gujarat is a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and heritage, intricate and beautiful arts and

Udai Niwas

Homestay

Type of RT Operations: Family-run homestayWhere: Udaipur, RajasthanMore about the

Jungle Hut

Jungle resort

Type of RT Operations: Jungle resortWhere: Masinagudi, Tamil NaduMore about the

Rajasthan Studio

Experiential travel company

Type of RT Operations: Travel company offering arts & crafts educational

Explore Jungle Hut at the foothills of Nilgiri

A family-run retreat in the wilderness of Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu

Masinagudi is a forested hill town in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris. Here, among the jungles of Mudumalai

RT Local: Hear from a tourism coordinator in Uttarakhand's Saryu Valley

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

09 July 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

Rajasthan Studio

Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur)

India is a country of artists and craftsmen, with every nook and corner of this land boasting of

Stay at Rakkh Resort in Palampur

A mountain retreat in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

With the majestic Dhauladhar range in the background, Rakkh Resort is Palampur is an earth-centric

RT Local: Hear from a wildlife protection field officer from West Bengal's Sunderbans

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

04 July 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

RT Local: Hear from a block printer from Rajasthan's Bagru

The impact of Covid-19 on individuals & communities working in tourism

03 July 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic and its domino effect of closed borders, cancelled flights,

How the Indian ‘Jugaad’ can offer simple solutions to real-life challenges

Anirudh Chaoji, Biologist at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Director of Ran Mangli Foundation

Many RT homestays, hotels and travel companies operate in relatively remote regions where access to

Community based tourism - transform before travel

Dr Sachin Bansal, Founder, India City Walks

Travelling is one of the experiences that rejuvenates life - one of the reasons why the COVID-19

Anantya Resorts

A luxury lakeside resort near Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

In the extreme south of India where the borders between Tamil Nadu and Kerala are as fluid as the

5 jungle camping experiences that no wildlife enthusiast can miss

A tent in the forest

There is something so intrinsically primal about wanting to go into the jungles and spend time

Sangai Moonlight Camping

Manipur

Sangai Moonlight Camping is an experiential travel company based in Manipur’s Moirang that

Rudra Experiences

India

Rudra Experiences is a socially committed, innovation driven, experience provider and enabler.

6 child-friendly stays for peaceful and active holidays

Family holidays

The key to a happy family vacation is happy children and the key to keeping a child happy on

Kuttickattil Gardens

A family-run riverside homestay in Arpookara near Kottayam, Kerala

The regions surrounding the Vembanad lake system are some of the most beautiful in Kerala. While

A close encounter of the wild kind in the forests of Nagzira

Anirudh Chaoji, Biologist at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Director of Ran Mangli Foundation, shares his jungle tales

Tucked away in the wild heartland of Vidarbha in Maharashtra is my favourite wilderness area of

Camp Dev Vilas

Wildlife lodge

Type of RT Operations: Hotel Where: Kanha, Madhya PradeshMore about the

Purvi Discovery

Northeast India

Type of RT Operations: Northeast India focused travel company Where: Assam

Tourism reset - winning the confidence of travellers and locals

Harshvardhan Tanwar, Founder, No footprints

11 June 2020 We are slowly coming to terms with the fact that we will have to live with the virus

Rawla Bisalpur

Heritage homestay

Type of RT Operations: HomestayWhere: Bisalpur near Jawai, RajasthanMore about the

Heritage Walk Calcutta

City tours

Type of RT Operations: Experiential travel company offering city toursWhere: Kolkata,

The Lodge at Wah

Tea estate stay

Type of RT Operations: HomestayWhere: Palampur, Himachal PradeshMore about the

Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay

Rural homestay

Type of RT Operations: HomestayWhere: Salawas near Jodhpur, RajasthanMore about the

Hushnest Retreats

Camping getaways

Type of RT Operations: Hotel/CampingWhere: Uttarakhand and GurgaonMore about the

Kumaon Maati/Camp Hornbill

Nature camp near Corbett

Type of RT Operations: HotelWhere: Kyari village near Corbett National Park,

Purvi Discovery

Northeast India

Purvi started out offering ‘tea tourism’ in Upper Assam in 2000 but has since grown to

Tornos

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is best known for its storied cultural heritage, its Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb, its history,

Doors_GHNP

Village homestays in Sainj Valley, GHNP, Himachal Pradesh

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu is a region of great

Heritage Walk Calcutta

Kolkata, West Bengal

Kolkata, with her historic buildings, quaint yellow Ambassador taxis, trams, iconic bridges,

Learn from craftspeople about positivity, reliance and the ability to adapt

Jaya Jaitly, Founder and President, Dastkari Haat Samiti

01 June 2020 Jaya Jaitly has been one of the most vocal supporters of Indian crafts and artisans.

Plumrose Homestay Cottage

A quiet mountain getaway in Sitla, Uttarakhand

Are you one of those who, every now and then, feels like running away to the mountains to stay in a

5 farmstays in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy nature and good food

Himachal Pradesh farm and orchard stays

Nurtured by swift mountain rivers and blessed with fertile land and a condusive climate, the state

Hushnest Retreats

Camping getaways in Uttarakhand and Gurgaon

Many of us have dreamed of escaping the daily grind of our lives and head into the hills or to a

Camp Hornbill

A nature camp in Kyari village near Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Cradled in the lap of the Himalayan foothills and surrounded by lush reserve forests is the

Udai Niwas

A family-run homestay in Bikaner, Rajasthan

This homestay is as warm as the earth tones of ochre, pink and yellow on its walls. Rishabdev

Footloose Journeys

Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh

The Central Indian forests are a rich habitat for a wide variety of animals and birds and wildlife

Forestdale Coorg

A luxury homestay in Coorg, Karnataka

Set atop a hill with breathtaking views of the mist-covered forested valley is pretty Forestdale, a

Kuruvinakunnel Tharavadu

A heritage homestay near Kottayam, Kerala

In the verdant environs of Edamattom village in green and hilly Kottayam district, close to where

Svatma Thanjavur

A luxury retreat in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Shaped by powerful dynasties and the arts they patronised, Thanjavur holds an important place in

Pench Jungle Camp

A luxury wildlife resort in Pench, Madhya Pradesh

The Pench Jungle Camp is set in 50 acres of forested land that boasts its very own water body just

Mary Budden Estate

A heritage estate retreat in Binsar, Uttarakhand

It was love at first sight for photographer and writer Serena Chopra when she chanced upon an

6 food tours to enjoy local food with a side of history

Culinary tours

Food is an intrinsic part of experiencing a new place. The Goan fish-curry-rice is as important a

Delhi by Locals

Primarily Delhi

Delhi By Locals (DBL) is a travel company that, as the name suggests, offers travellers an

East India Travel Co

Northeast India

The Guwahati-based company offers experiential tours to all the states in the Northeast, plus the

Jodhpur Heritage Walk

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Watched over by the stern Mehrangarh Fort, Blue City Jodhpur seems more fantastical than real.

Walton's Homestay

A family-run heritage homestay in Fort Kochi, Kerala

Fort Kochi is one of those places where history seems to co-exist quietly and peacefully with the

Tour East

West Bengal

TourEast is an initiative by social enterprise Banglanatak dot com, which is focused on inclusive

Rawla Bisalpur

A heritage stay in Bisalpur near Jawai, Rajasthan

This is a land of stark beauty. Here granite rock formations that are as old as time stand sentinel

Dvara Kodaikanal

A bungalow-hotel in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Forever overshadowed by the more 'sophisticated' Ooty, Kodaikanal, however, is stunningly

Forest Escapes Koyna

An eco-hotel near Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in Satara, Maharashtra

Forest Escapes Koyna, as the name suggests, is an eco-friendly retreat set in sylvan surrounding

6 'hidden' heritage stays for a quiet retreat

Heritage holidays

There's something romantic about staying in a heritage abode - we can dream up intrigue, love

Can rural be the mantra for tomorrow's tourism?

Dr Madhura Dutta, Program Specialist for 'Culture and Development', banglanatak dot com

As the world battles Covid-19 and the economic ripples it has left in its wake, the tourism

Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism talks about the future of travel and tourism in the post COVID-19 world

The road ahead with the Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel

08 May 2020 The COVID-19 Pandemic has been very hard on the travel and tourism industry. How do you

Can travel & tourism have a net positive contribution to conservation, the environment and the community?

Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Joint Creative Director, Soneva

08 May 2020 Travel and flying are often highlighted as prime examples of human behaviour that

Aman Nath, chairman of Neemrana Hotels, talks about the future of hospitality in the post-COVID-19 world

The Great Hospitality Crisis

08 May 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the hospitality industry. As a leading figure in

Van Serai Forest Lodge

A wellness lodge in Jageshwar, Uttarakhand

Perched on a hill slope covered with Deodar trees is this beautiful forest lodge so full of local

The Postcard Moira

A luxury heritage retreat in Moira, Goa

In the 'Village of Wise Fools', as Moira in North Goa's Bardez Taluk is lovingly called, is the

Tech has answers for a disrupted world

Nishant Upadhyay, Conservation Architect and Founder of Dharatal, and Pankaj Manchanda, Founder of Augtraveler

05 May 2020 Digital documentation and Augmented Reality bring continuity of culture and

Greenwoods Resort

A nature resort in Thekkady, Kerala

Greenwoods Resort is a nature stay set in a 6.5 acre forested property, surrounded by spice

Green Dreams Farmstay

A farmstay near Kushalanagar in Coorg, Karnataka

In Coorg's pleasant environs is a small and cozy family-run farmstay that embodies the principles

Desert Bloom

Ladakh

Desert Bloom is an experiential travel company with a difference. Operating in Ladakh, Desert Bloom

Playground Adventure Hostel

An adventure-focused hostel near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Founded by adventure enthusiasts, Playground Adventure Hostel, as the name suggests, is an

A case for not geotagging

Gana Kedlaya, Co-founder of Backyard Camp

As we all collectively shoulder the grief and impact of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, let's also

Bagh Villas Jungle Camp & Spa

A luxury safari camp in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

One of the memorable travel experiences is to stay in a forest in a luxury tent. This is what you

Soulitude in the Himalayas

A mountain getaway in Gagar near Nainital, Uttarakhand

In this mountain lodge near Nainital you can gaze at the awe inspiring Kumaon Himalayas the whole

6 hidden stays for your jungle fix

Nature getaways

There's a primal connect between us humans and forests. The lush greenery draws us and many of us

5 responsible travel companies for an immersive rural India experience

Rural tours of India

India's heart beats in her villages, but that doesn't mean her rural landcapes and culture are

Four experiential travel companies that help you explore Tamil Nadu in all her glory

Immersive tours in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's ancient language and culture that has passed unbroken from genration to generation for

The gentle form of rural tourism will grow

Manisha Pande, Managing Director, Village Ways

22 April 2020 It may seem premature to talk about revival and recovery of Tourism, when India is

Future of wildlife tourism in India – new roots in new places

Joanna Van Gruisen, Conservationist, Wildlife Photographer, Writer, and Co-founder of The Sarai at Toria

I tend to take Stephen Jay Gould’s “cold bath” view of nature: this coronavirus

Sounds of India

Documenting the sounds that make up India

India is a sensory wonderland. It is her sounds, ranging from the soft almost-silence of dawn in

Building resilient communities and resilient destinations

Gopinath Parayil, Founder of The Blue Yonder

18 April 2020 Tourism industry has seen many disasters. Terrorist attacks, earthquakes, climate

Covid-19: Disruption or opportunity for responsible tourism?

Hashim Tyabji, wildlife and tourism expert, and Co-founder of Kaafila Camp

17 April 2020 A blessing in disguise? The most important lesson arising from the Covid-19 pandemic

Creating the ‘New Normal’ in Northeast India

Julie Kagti, Founder of Curtain Call Adventures

16 April 2020 It was in December 2019 that I started to see news reports regarding the outbreak of

The Lal Kothi

A heritage homestay in Raison near Manali, Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh’s Raison, known for its many camping grounds and white water rafting, is

Bharatgarh Fort

A heritage homestay in Ropar near Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

In Punjab’s Ropar, not too far from historic Anandpur Sahib, is a stunning over-230-year-old

"World will decisively move towards Responsible Tourism after this pandemic"

K Rupeshkumar, State Coordinator, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, talks about the changing realities of travel and how Kerala is adapting to it

13 April 2020 Kerala has been a leader in Responsible Tourism in the country, having set up the

Shakti Holidays

India

Chennai-based Shakti Holidays specialises in experiential and special interest culture tours and is

Maison Perumal

A heritage mansion-hotel in the Tamil side of Puducherry

Wake up to the scent of filter coffee, temple music and the bustle of a Tamil street coming alive

A 20-point guide for Responsible Tourism stakeholders

A resource piece for RT policymakers, travel companies and communities

For policy makers, travel companies, grassroots activists and even the local communities,

Windermere Riverhouse

A colonial bungalow in Neriamangalam, Kerala

On the banks of mighty Periyar in the evergreen land that is Neriamangalam is a stately colonial

Hotel Barsingha Villa

A desert getaway in Bap, Rajasthan

One of the many reasons for visiting Rajasthan is the chance to explore the desert here.Another is

How to use social media to amplify your story

Responsible tourism and social media marketing

For responsible tourism companies, marketing their experiences and offerings on social media can

I think of the current crisis as a temporary dip…but it's nowhere near the end of the story: Deepa Krishnan, Founder, Magic Tours of India

What the Government and travel companies need to do to prepare for when the travellers come back

6 April 2020 Deepa Krishnan founded Magic Tours of India in 2006 to offer immersive and guided

Dvara Siruvani

A luxury getaway close to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Located at the foothills of Western Ghats, about 30 minutes from Coimbatore, Dvara Siruvani is a

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge

A lodge for birders and nature lovers in Pangot, Uttarakhand

Pangot, 17km from bustling Nainital, is a pretty hill village that happens to be a birder’s

Help Tourism's Raj Basu says tourism’s greatest hope now lies in India’s villages

Post-Covid 19 travellers will be looking for peace and meaningful experiences and tourism professionals should start preparing for that now

3 April 2020 A silver lining in the Covid cloud #StayHome is what we have done for weeks now.

Rebooting destinations – managing resources intelligently

All stakeholders, including government, travel companies and communities, need to work together to ensure destinations thrive due to tourism and not suffer because of it

What will tourism look like in a few years? We can only speculate. But the future may not be all

Looking for leadership in the midst of a pandemic

Global tourism bodies and governments should take the lead to support the industry in crisis

1 April 2020 We are probably at that unique moment in time where the world as a whole is looking

Aquaterra Adventures’ Vaibhav Kala on the biggest challenge he and all of tourism is facing

Covid-19 has brought all of tourism, including adventure travel, to its knees and companies need to be prepared to restart from zero.

31 March 2020 Covid-19 struck India truly in the week of March 6-12, 2020. I remember it

Jamtara Wilderness Camp

A luxury jungle camp near Pench, Madhya Pradesh

Imagine sleeping on a four-poster bed on an open-air ‘machaan’ built on stilts in a

Adventure travel: the responsible and safe way ahead

Safety is the most important factor in an adventure trip and, sometimes, simple interventions are all you need.

The public conversation on risk management in Indian adventure travel is still nascent. With the

The strength is in the small people; the small homestays and farms will be resilient: Jose Dominic, Co-founder, CGH Earth Group

The hospitality industry veteran speaks about Covid-19 and its impact on tourism

28 March 2020 Lockdowns, quarantines, no commercial flights, shuttered and empty

How to build a people-first tourism initiative

Keeping the local community at the heart of a travel experience will ensure its success

Tourism is about partnerships and complex chains of supply. In other words, it’s about people

Overtourism – tackling the problem of plenty

Too many tourists can ‘kill’ a destination and prevention is better than cure in this case

From one intrepid traveller to busloads of tourists—the distance between discovering a

Attracting travellers the right way

Here’s how a strong ‘product’ and strong communication can help attract valuable guests

You have built a beautiful homestay or you have been working at the grassroots level with a rural

#NotBusinessAsUsual – time to reconnect and rebuild

What Responsible Tourism companies are doing as travel grinds to a halt

March 24, 2020 In normal times on the grounds of Neeleshwar Hermitage in North Kerala roam peacocks

10 commandments for travel companies

Best practices for dealing with Covid-19 created challenges

March 23, 2020 The Covid-19 crisis is still unfolding with India on the cusp of a complete

Case Study – Social Tours, Nepal

How a travel company in Nepal uses tourism to do social good

Social Tours started as an experiment in 2002, with the idea of channelising tourism for social

15 questions to ask NOW!

What’s next for the Responsible Tourism community?

March 21, 2020 “When that great day comes, when we will be able to travel through our

Green Route

Northeast India

In India’s beautiful Northeast are a handful of plucky travel entrepreneurs who have created

Chettinadu Mansion Heritage Resort

A mansion-homestay in Kanadukathan in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu

The heat rarely lets up in Chettinad in Tamil Nadu and the region is arid, but the once-mighty

Muddy Boots

Kerala, South Karnataka & Rajasthan

Increasingly Indian and foreign travellers are looking at India as an active travel destination and

Tour de Sunderbans

Sunderbans, West Bengal

The mangrove forests, the waterways, low-lying islands, mud flats and the Royal Bengal Tiger make

Banjara Orchard Retreat

A mountain lodge in Thanedar near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh

Beautiful Thanedar is a land of fruit orchards, undulating mountains and valleys and with

Meet the man showcasing Odisha’s native traditions and heritage to the world

Yugabrata Kar is one of the pioneers of Responsible Tourism in Odisha and is the founder of Heritage Tours Orissa and Desia Koraput

Odisha’s rich natural and cultural heritage has drawn discerning tourists from India and

Tea for Two

Breakaway

Where: West Bengal (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong)When: All year roundHow long: 4

The Papyrus Itineraries

Pollachi, Tamil Nadu

Pollachi in the south of Tamil Nadu is a bucolic paradise, covered in green fields and coconut

The Postcard Cuelim

A heritage hotel in Cuelim in South Goa

Cuelim is one of the quieter villages of Goa that many tourists bypass on their way to the fair

ALIGN - High-altitude Acclimatisation Activities

Desert Bloom

Where: Leh Town, LadakhWhen: April to OctoberHow long: 1 dayHow much: Rs 1,350

Odisha’s Buddhist heritage – a hidden trail worth exploring

Historical Odisha was one of the first places to embrace Buddhism and many sites linked to the religion can still be found here

Historic Odisha was the cradle of Buddhism. The first two lay disciples of the Buddha, after he

A river runs through it

The stunning Satkosia gorge created by the Mahanadi River in Odisha is a great wildlife destination for those willing to look beyond the tiger

In Odisha, within the depths of the forests of Angul District is a point where the Chhota Nagpur

The ground rules for community-based rural tourism done right

Tourism has the capacity to positively impact local communities when they are made stakeholders

Rural tourism must grow in synergy with livelihoods like agriculture and crafts that are the

Gully Tours

Bengaluru, Mysuru, Coorg & Kochi

India is a sensory delight. The rich heritage is not restricted to a few structures or pieces that

Garhwal Trek and Raft

Aquaterra Adventures

Where: UttarakhandWhen: April 14 to 24, 2020How long: 11 daysHow much: Rs

Studio Bagru

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Rajasthan is like a box of chocolates, filled with delights of different flavours. Its stunning,

India Beyond Obvious - Thriving Ancient Tamizh Culture

Shakti Holidays

Where: Tamil NaduWhen: August 2 to 13, 2020How long: 12 nightsHow

Responsible Travel in the time of coronavirus

It is possible to travel and enjoy a holiday despite the COVID-19 outbreak if you take the right precautions.

(Update: Considering the change in situation on the ground and the measures being taken by the

Ramathra Fort

A luxurious fort-hotel in Sapotra, deep in the interiors of Rajasthan

If you want to live like royalty, it is best to go to Rajasthan. Very few destinations can match

Holi in Sangla – Women’s Only Trip

The Bucket List Tales

Where: Sangla Valley, Himachal PradeshWhen: March 7 to 12, 2020How long: 6 daysHow

The Bucket List Tales

Primarily Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Ladakh and Uttarakhand

The Bucket List Tales is an experiential travel outfit that offers curated travel experiences that

Masterji Kee Haveli Tourism India

Old Delhi

Old Delhi is one of the most historic locations in India, with vibrant and bustling bazaars,

The Best of Mysore Walk

Gully Tours

Where: Mysore, KarnatakaWhen: All year round How long: 3 hoursHow much: Rs 1400

Monsoon Retreats Ecostay

An eco retreat in Thekkady, Kerala

Located in the midst of cardamom plantations in Kerala’s Thekkady is this unqiue eco retreat

Teanest Nightingale

A heritage tea mansion in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu

Kotagiri is Ooty’s shy and reclusive cousin. Located just 33km from Ooty, Kotagiri is a hill

A life not wasted - keeping Corbett clean

A personal essay by Minakshi Pandey, Initiator and Advisor for the Waste Warriors Corbett Project

After a glorious childhood in Shillong (Meghalaya), with my ‘teacher’ parents, college

Last Wilderness Foundation

Madhya Pradesh (Kanha, Panna and Bandhavgarh)

Imagine making your way through deep forest with an expert guide who can ‘read’ the

The Altaghat Quest - A Rainforest Expedition with Kadars

The Papyrus Itineraries

Where: Valparai, Tamil NaduWhen: June to JanuaryHow long: 1 dayHow much: Rs

Soulitude by the Riverside

A retreat in Chanfi Village by the Kalsa River near Nainital, Uttarakhand

The swift mountain river Kalsa flows on one side and the forests loom on the other, in between is a

Bastar Tribal Homestay

A simple homestay in the heart of Bastar in Chhotekawali Village, Chattisgarh

Very few places in India have such a rich tribal history and tradition as Bastar in Chattisgarh.

Case Study - Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

A look at the responsible tourism practices followed by the hotel set in a restored wetland

We think of Responsible Travel stays as small stand-alone boutique hotels or homestays. However,

Making a photograph speak a thousand words

Homestay and small hotel owners and experiential tours providers—how to tell a story of your work through photographs

In our age of social media, photographs are a vital tool for Responsible Tourism practitioners to

From Bundi with Love

The Bucket List Tales

Where: Bundi, Rajasthan When: February 26 to March 2, 2020How long: 5

Walk with the Pardhis

Last Wilderness Foundation

Where: Panna, Madhya Pradesh When: All year roundHow long: 1 dayHow

How to become a successful homestay owner

A primer to setting up your homestay venture

You might be living in a beautiful region with a diverse ecology or in an area known for its

After the Rains Resort

A forest resort in Wayanad, Kerala

In Kerala's Wayanad, set amidst jungles is this resort hidden in a 16-acre plantation that is more

Reimagining and celebrating Indian food

Creating a food identity that is authentic, local and innovative to attract travellers

Many of us travel to eat! Trying out new cuisines and eating local have become the highlights of

Creating eco-alternatives: from water harvesting to waste management

How to choose the right eco alternative for all aspects of your RT property

Starting a Responsible Tourism property can be daunting. One of the primary areas that

How to build a community-led tourism project that truly benefits all

An interview with Manisha Pande, Managing Director, Village Ways

Manisha Pande is Managing Director of Village Ways, a rural and community focused experiential

Binayak Homestay

A family-run homestay in Pedong near Kalimpong, West Bengal

Located on a ridge about 20km from Kalimpong, encircled by pine forests and facing the mighty

Sukoon Houseboat

A luxury houseboat on the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir

In beautiful Kashmir, contentment is a houseboat on the Dal Lake. The Sukoon Houseboat, part of

BuDa Folklore

Karnataka

Operating in Coastal Karnataka is this unique organisation that defies a simple description on what

Understanding India Tours

Primarily Delhi

What does travel mean to you? Is it ticking off a list of ‘top sights to see’ in a

Kareri Lake Trek

Holiday Moods Adventures

Where: near Dharamshala, Himachal PradeshWhen: March to June and September to DecemberHow

Rural Sindhudurg Experience

Swadesee

Where: Sindhudurg, MaharashtraWhen: February 28 to March 1, 2020; March 27 to March 29,

Responsible Tourism works when visitors come but don’t take over the landscape

Malika Virdi, Mountaineer, Farmer & Sarpanch of the Sarmoli-Jainti Van Panchayat (Munsiari) and Director of Himalayan Ark

Malika Virdi moved to Sarmoli village in Uttarakhand over two decades ago to make a life close to

7 stays across India for immersive and enjoyable city escapes

Urban holidays

When urbanites think of ‘escaping’ from daily stresses we think about going to the

Tourism needs to be a sustainable development tool for local communities and destinations

Paras Loomba, Founder, Global Himalayan Expedition

Zanskar is one of the most beautiful regions in Ladakh with some of the best trekking routes. This

Terra Conscious

Goa

A holiday in Goa to some is all about partying on the beaches or the many nightlife hubs in the

Tons Trails

Tons Valley, Uttarakhand

The almost other-worldly beauty of the Tons Valley has the power to change lives. Here the

Rolla-Shilt Thatch Trek

Sunshine Himalayan Adventures

Where: Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal PradeshWhen: All year roundHow long:

The Chirping Orchard

A homestay set amidst fruit trees in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

In pretty Mukteshwar lies this simple homestay that is perched daintily on a ridge offering

Bishnoi Village Safari

Village Safari Day Tours

Where: Bishnoi villages near Jodhpur, RajasthanWhen: All year roundHow

6 cosy mountain getaways in Uttarakhand

Holidays in the hills

Uttarakhand’s magical mountain landscapes offer numerous getaways for those seeking quiet

Brunton Boatyard

A heritage shipyard-turned-hotel in Fort Kochi, Kerala

In historic Fort Kochi right beside the seashore on a relatively quiet harbour front is CGH

The Banjara Camp & Retreat

A mountain lodge in Kinnaur’s Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Set in an apple orchard by the Baspa River and surrounded by Himalayan forests in the beautiful

Dune de l’Orient

A French colonial mansion-hotel in Puducherry

Colonial French Puducherry has changed over the years. Most of the buildings in the French part of

6 farmstays in Maharashtra to experience rural living

Rural Maharashtra

Maharashtra is much more than its mega metropolis of Mumbai or its Maratha stronghold of Pune.

6 ways to experience coffee country Coorg

Plantation stays

Rain swept green Coorg with its coffee estates, thick forests, rolling hills and extraordinary

Elephant Corridor Coorg

A cosy estate-homestay in Coorg, Karnataka

Set in 20-acres of coffee, pepper and oranges, Elephant Corridor Coorg is a warm family-run

Himalayan Orchard

A farmstay in Himachal Pradesh’s apple belt

Himalayan Orchard is meant for those who want to enjoy nature in silence, go to bed early and wake

The Postcard Velha

A secluded villa-hotel close to the monuments of Old Goa

Atop a hillock in Velha Goa or Old Goa overlooking hundreds of acres of coconut plantations and

Rayalaseema – Discover the land of Krishnarayalu

Mystical Palmyra

Where: Rayalaseema (stay in Kadapa and Prodattur), Andhra PradeshWhen: February 26 to 29,

11 heritage hotels and homestays for a 'historic' holiday

Going back in time

One of the true luxuries we can experience during our travels is staying in heritage hotels that

13 down-to-earth destinations to experience Rural India in all her glory

Village getaways

India is such a varied land that a traveller can travel just a little distance and be exposed to a

GK's Riverview Homestay

A family-run homestay near Kottayam, Kerala

In Arundhati Roy’s Booker-winning God of Small Things, beautiful green Aymanam in Kottayam is

Rustic Holidays

A heritage homestay in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

As children, going back to the village home was the highlight of summer vacations for many of

Tirthan Riverview Homestay

A riverside family-run village homestay in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Beautiful Tirthan Valley is a lush forested wonderland, perfect for those wishing to escape crowds,

The Sonaugi Homestead

A mountain lodge close to Manali but far away from its chaos in Himachal Pradesh

The tiny hamlet of Sonaugi is located only a few kilometers away from Manali but it could just as

Seashell Haris Beach Homestay

A seaside homestay in Kannur, Kerala

Perched above a strip of pristine beach in the little village of Adikadalaye, 6km from the

Print off the Block: A Hand Block Printing Workshop in Jaipur

Breakaway

Where: Jaipur, RajasthanWhen: Every day until March 2020How long: 5 hours (starting

Ujjani, trek and farmstay

TheTrippers.in

Where: KarnatakaWhen: January 4 to 5, 2020How long: 2 daysHow much: Rs 1,850

Siddharth Village

Eco-stays run by a social enterprise primarily in Odisha

Siddharth Village is part of a social enterprise that is focussed on poor tribal communities

Arulville - Holistic Homestay

Rural farmstay off the East Coast Road north of Puducherry in Tamilnadu

A drive down from Chennai on the swift East Coast Road (ECR) with the sea breeze and endless beach

Rainforest trek at Munnar

Kalypso Adventures

Where: Munnar, KeralaWhen: Anytime of the year except June and JulyHow long:

Makaibari Homestay

Village homestays in Makaibari Tea Estate near Darjeeling, West Bengal

When you imagine a stay in a tea estate, what comes to your mind? Sipping tea by a crackling fire

ChaloHoppo to a Frozen Dzukou Valley

ChaloHoppo

Where: NagalandWhen: January 10 to 12, 2020 and February 21 to 23, 2020How long: 3

Calcutta Bungalow

A heritage B&B in Kolkata’s Shyambazar, West Bengal

Iftekhar Ahsan, the man behind walking tours venture Calcutta Walks, had always wondered why people

East Arunachal Tour

Kipepeo

Where: Arunachal PradeshWhen: February 8 to 15, 2020How long: 8 daysHow

Snow Leopard Trail

Aquaterra Adventures

Where: Spiti, Himachal PradeshWhen: February 9 to 22, 2020How long: 14 daysHow

Faraway escapes for some quality me time!

Getaways

Sometimes we want to go far away, away from everything we know, maybe to find ourselves, lose

Kanha Village Eco Resort

A rustic safari lodge near Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

The Kanha Village Eco Resort is set in the quiet village of Boda Chhapri, close to the Khatia Kisli

Delhi Food Walks

Delhi & Jaipur

Delhi can bring about extreme reactions, but most will agree that the food here is truly excellent.

Tyndis

Kerala

In touristy Kerala, how do you have a truly local and ‘real’ experience away from the

Winter Wonderland in Naggar

Himalayan Brothers Adventure

Where: Himachal Pradesh (Naggar, Manali, Manikaran, Kasol, Kullu)When: December to

Abor Country Travels & Expeditions

Northeast India (Primarily Arunachal Pradesh)

Arunachal Pradesh based Abor Country is one of those home-grown travel outfits that has grown its

ToRoots Explorers

Primarily Rajasthan (also in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Goa)

ToRoots is a Jaipur-based experiential travel outfit and, as its name suggests, offers immersive

Amara Homestay

A family-run nature-stay near Dandeli, North Karnataka

Dandeli, located in North Karnataka and close to the state of Goa on the Western Ghats, is a land

Himalayan Brothers Adventure

Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh’s Naggar is a small travel outfit called Himalayan Brothers Adventure

Oyster Opera

A resort-with-a-difference on the backwaters in Padanna, North Kerala

Padanna in North Kerala is a village where land and water are at constant play—their borders

The Offbeat India

Uttarakhand (Lansdowne)

An old, abandoned 100-year-old mule shed was the catalyst that led to the creation of The Offbeat

Langza Homestay/Lara's Homestay

A traditional homestay in Langza Village in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Langza is one of the most scenic locales in the beautful and still relatively less touristy

Oel Nature Retreat

A rural ‘orchard’ getaway in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh

In the Terai lowlands at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal is

Koh Hee Bed & Breakfast Homestay

A traditional ‘Karen’ homestay in Mayabunder, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

In lush Mayabunder in the northern corner of Middle Andamans is a quiet valley with a gurgling

Wovoyage Travel

India

Women-who-travel is a phenomenon that pre-dates the era of Instagram hashtags, with pioneering

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace

A regal retreat in historic Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi—a land of fabulous boulders and equally stunning Vijayanagara ruins set amidst emerald

7 experiential travel outfits for your Great Northeast India trip

Northeast India

India’s Northeast is a fascinating land of rich traditions, ancient practices and deeply held

7 beautiful stays for an authentic Ladakhi experience no matter your budget

Ladakhi hotels and homestays

India’s latest Union Territory may be fast becoming the ‘it’ destination for many

King’s Lodge

A luxurious and secluded safari lodge in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Hidden in 14 hectares of forested land between two Sal forested hills of Bandhavgarh is Pugdundee

North Sikkim Road Trip

The Doi Host

Where: North SikkimWhen: April 4 to 11 and April 12 to 19, 2020How long: 8 daysHow

Kalypso Adventures

India (Primarily Kerala) & Sri Lanka

It is no wonder that a travel outfit run by former Indian Navy officers is named Kalypso! Calypso

Women Leaders Expedition

Global Himalayan Expedition

Where: LadakhWhen: October 3 to 11, 2020How long: 9 daysHow much: Rs 1.96 lakh

Mamachya Gavala Jaauya (Back to roots summer camp)

Rustic Holidays

Where: Tural, MaharashtraWhen: April to May 2020 How long: 5 daysHow

Kinnaur Spiti Holi Road Trip

Soul Trails

Where: Kinnaur, Spiti and Shimla, Himachal PradeshWhen: March 8 to 15, 2020 How

Climate Action Expedition

Global Himalayan Expedition

Where: Leh and Zanskar, LadakhWhen: July 2020 How long: 14 daysHow

Ideas for a soulful and different New Year vacation

RT holidays

The year-end is upon us and many of you must be scrabbling to book that perfect vacation to ring in

Titlyy Travels

India

Rohini Vachher, a travel industry insider, started Titlyy in 2016 to offer unique and

Visalam

A palatial mansion turned hotel in Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad

CGH Earth’s Visalam is a grand and sweeping introduction to Chettinad, a land as steeped in

Banjara Camps & Retreats

The Himalayas

Banjara Camps & Retreats is among the pioneers of soft adventure travel to parts of the

Neeleshwar Hermitage

A secluded luxury retreat in North Kerala

The Malabar or the northern part of Kerala is relatively less explored and so the beaches here are

A Green Venture

Bengaluru

City dwellers are increasingly moving further away from nature. Walking among trees, digging up

Lchang Nang Retreat

A family-run eco resort in Nubra Valley, Ladakh

The Nubra Valley, bounded by the rugged Karakoram Mountains, is among the most stunning regions in

This army officer’s son is creating real impact through tourism in remote communities

Paras Loomba, Founder, Global Himalayan Expedition

Paras Loomba, Founder of Global Himalayan Expeditions (GHE), has over the last eights years led

7 child-friendly responsible travel holiday operators that ensure the kids are alright!

Child and family-friendly vacations

How many of us have planned that Great Family Vacation and on the trip realised that the car

Global Himalayan Expedition

Ladakh

What would you say if we were to tell you that you could travel, by vehicle and on foot, through

Kanha Earth Lodge

A luxury safari lodge in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

Kanha is among the more frequented national parks in the country and unsurprisingly the area around

Rameshwaram and Danushkodi

Mystical Palmyra

Where: Rameshwaram and Danushkodi, Tamil NaduWhen: December 19 to 23, 2019 How

The Happiness Estate

A farmstay in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Verdant Sindhudurg is the laidback and less flashy cousin of Goa. Pristine beaches, lush forests,

The Petrichor Permaculture Experience Weekend

Petrichor Sustainability Education Centre

Where: Petrichor Farms, Gorubathan, North BengalWhen: December 21 and 22, 2019 How

The husband-wife duo helping travellers connect and fall in love with rivers

Anvesh Singh Thapa & Ing-Marie Putka, Expeditions India

Anvesh Singh Thapa has been rafting and kayaking throughout the world for the past 20 years. Anvesh

Himalayan Farmstays

Warn and authentic farmstays in Ladakh

If you want to experience true Ladakhi life, especially in its rural, pastoral villages, you need

Curtain Call Adventures

Northeast India

Started by textile designer and Northeast native Julie Kagti, Curtain Call Adventures offers

Soul Trails

Indian Himalayas

A few intrepid travellers are turning their passion for travel and adventure into business

7 RT stays in Sikkim for a holiday of a lifetime!

Sikkim accommodation

This land of soaring mountains, snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, sparkling rivers and

9 stays to enjoy the planter’s life!

Plantation Stays

There is something about plantations and estates that make us think of a slower and gentler time of

The Lodge at Wah

A tea estate stay in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Set in the green rolling hills of Palampur in Himachal Pradesh with glorious views of snow capped

Glenburn Tea Estate and Boutique Hotel

A luxury tea estate stay in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Glenburn is an estate-sized time machine, transporting guests to the days of the British planters

Earth Kitchen

A homestay in a ‘farm-forest’ near Bengaluru, Karnataka

Earth Kitchen is set on a six-acre plot of land that is more forest than farm on the outskirts of

11 luxury and earth-friendly wildlife stays in India for your next jungle adventure

Into the forest

There’s nothing like living in the middle of the jungle to feel close to Mother Nature. But

6 day trips for a cultural deep dive during your big vacation!

Experiential short tours

Gone are the days when a holiday meant picking up a guidebook and travelling from one

Backyard Camp

A pet-friendly campsite in an organic farm in Sathanur near Bengaluru, Karnataka

There is nothing like camping to feel close to nature. Thankfully, a number of campsites are

Peepal Farm

A farmstay set in an animal rescue center near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Peepal Farm, located in the village of Dhanotu near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, is a stray

Capella Forest Retreat & Homestay

A family-run homestay in Bardez, North Goa

Located in North Goa on a private, forested hill in Parra is Capella, home of Ayesha Madon and her

The Doi Host

The Himalayas

‘Doi’ is Kumaoni for traveller and The Doi Host is a young outfit launched by

Holidays in Rural India

Central India, Kutch, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and North Kerala

Many travellers to India only get to have a superficial view of our Rural parts. At their worst,

Rural cycling and Kayaking (Kerala)

Kalypso Adventures

Where: Kerala (Thattekkad, Pala, Alleppey)When: All through the yearHow long: 5

Netuk House

A heritage boutique hotel in Gangtok, Sikkim

Built in the 1950s by an executive counselor to the then Chogyal (Sikkim’s Monarch) on Tibet

Sikkim-Darjeeling Homestay Hop

The Doi Host

Where: West Sikkim District and DarjeelingWhen: December 20 to 27, 2019 and January 25 to

Storytrails

Chennai, Puducherry, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai

The Storytrails tagline—India exists in her stories—sums up the raison d'etre of this

Camp Monk

A marketplace of campsites in India

For those who love the great outdoors, camping under the stars is the best experience. While it is

Eastern Routes

Northeast India

Eastern Routes is among the handful of Northeast based RT experiential travel operators that is

Maipakchao Family Home Stay

A family-run homestay on Loktak Lake near Moirang, Manipur

Manipur’s Loktak Lake is famous for being the largest such waterbody in Northeast India. It

7 hotels and homestays in Kerala for foodies

Food holidays

The cuisine of Kerala is rich and varied. While the heavy use of coconut is a unifying factor,

Chitoor Kottaram

A private palace-stay near Cochin, Kerala

You will first realise the unique and completely exclusive experience that is in store for you at

Eco Harrymans Homestay

A pioneering homestay in Pawalgarh, Uttarakhand

Homestays are in vogue now, but in 2000 when Manohar Singh Manral set up Eco Harrymans near

To host or not to host the #travelinfluencer!

Gana Kedlaya, Co-founder of Backyard Camp

Should one be worried when most travel research/studies over the last few years have been focused

The art of presenting heritage walks

Maria Victor, Founder of Make It Happen

The times they are a changing! Tourism is hitting high key notes of experiential travel with

Tanhau Homestay

A homestay in the wilderness near Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Near Corbett National park at the end of an uphill jungle dirt track you will find Chaitali and

Grape County Resort

An eco-friendly resort near Nashik, Maharashtra

Grape County is a 150-acre property surrounded by about 3,000 acres of forests close to Nashik. The

Baymaas Lake House

An island-lake house retreat near Kochi, Kerala

On the banks of the Vembanad Lake on the Cheppanam Island in the outer suburbs of Kochi is a

Camping Co

Northeast India

Overlanding is a fairly new concept in India, but the freedom and access it provides, especially in

Chronicles and Echoes of Divar Island

Make It Happen

Where: Divar Island, GoaWhen: Throughout the yearHow long: 4 hoursHow

Off The Grid

A homestay in the wilderness near Castle Rock, Karnataka

There are few places in India that are truly off the grid. Near rain washed Castle Rock, which is

The Tamara Coorg

A luxury eco resort in Coorg, Karnataka

The Tamara Coorg is set in 180 acres of lush greenery, amidst plantations of coffee, cardamom and

Munlom Nature Resort

An eco-retreat in Dzongu, Sikkim

In North Sikkim amidst deep Himalayan valleys and forests lies the special Lepcha Reserve of

6 travel companies that will show you the ‘real’ Goa

Slow travelling in Goa

Many conscientious travellers are giving Goa a wide berth as the state is unfortunately seen by

7 hotels and homestays to experience the best of rural Rajasthan

Beyond kings and palaces

Rajasthan may be best known as a land of kings, warriors and palaces, but the state is among the

Mantra Koodam

A recreated luxury 'agraharam' near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

The temple town of Kumbakonam is quintessential rustic Tamil Nadu. Hundreds of historic temples

Windermere Estate

A luxury plantation retreat in Munnar, Kerala

Munnar with its almost unending carpet of tea bushes is solid tea country. But scratch the surface

Kerehaklu

A plantation homestay in Chikmagalur, Karnataka

In a tree-filled and rain nourished corner of pretty Chikmagalur lies a 275-acre coffee plantation

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

A palace-hotel fit for Kings near Leh, Ladakh

Think of palace-hotel and chances are you will think of Rajasthan. But go further nortth to the

Avanilaya Resorts

A luxury villa stay near Aldona in North Goa

In sunny North Goa, hidden away in a stretch of land overgrown with tropical plants and trees and

Winter Cherry Cottage

A cozy homestay in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

A cottage in the hills, set amidst flowering plants and fruit bearing trees, with a verandah or

In Search of the Western Tragopan

Sunshine Himalayan Adventures

Where: Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal PradeshWhen: September to November and

Jungle Book Cycling Experience

Pugdundee Safaris

Where: Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves, Madhya PradeshWhen: November 28 to December 2,

Petrichor Sustainability Education Centre

A farmstay focusing on ecological sustainability in Gorubathan, North Bengal

For some permaculture is a buzzword, but for husband-wife duo, Sidhartha Blone and Sweta Pradhan,

How to ensure tourism plays a positive role in ecologically and culturally sensitive regions

Nishant Sinha, Co-founder at ChaloHoppo

We travel operators who take travellers to locations and communities that are relatively remote and

Majuli Tourism

Northeast India (primarily Majuli Island in Assam)

The Northeast of India is a land of extraordinary beauty and not surprisingly is on the travel

Aura Kalari

An earth-friendly homestay in Bengaluru, Karnataka

In one of the many suburbs of Bengaluru, about 20 km from the city centre of MG Road, is a homestay

Outdoor Monks

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand-based Outdoor Monks is a small experiential adventure travel outfit offering a range of

The Mudhouse Marayoor

A homestay made of mud near Munnar, Kerala

Encircled by hills and set in a quiet corner of Kerala’s Western Ghats, an hour away from

ChaloHoppo to Meet the Headhunters of Nagaland

ChaloHoppo

Where: Nagaland and AssamWhen: October 5 to 9, 2019How long: 5 daysHow

Treasured Holidays

India

India is a land rich in arts and crafts—from intricate hand woven textiles, colourful pottery

Elephant Valley Eco Farm Lodge

An eco farm retreat near Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu’s Palani Hills, just 20km from the beautiful hill town of Kodaikanal, is a

Maati Jungle Lodge

An eco lodge in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh is rightly considered among the premier national parks in India. Unsurprisingly, many

Haveli Dharampura

A heritage haveli-hotel in Old Delhi

Hidden behind an ornately carved wall and heavy fortress style door on one of the bustling bylanes

No Footprints

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Think of Mumbai and what comes to your mind? Crowds, torrential rain every monsoon, crowded local

Rosegardens Homestay

A family-run heritage homestay in Munnar, Kerala

Munnar’s mist covered rolling hills, carpet of green tea gardens, thick forests and wildlife

The Christian Art Trail

Soul Travelling

Where: Old GoaWhen: Throughout the yearHow long: 1 dayHow much: Rs 499,

Hemakoota Homestay

A Malnad homestay near Sakleshpur, Karnataka

The Malnad stretch of the Western Ghats in Karnataka is rightly famous for its natural beauty and

Tordi Garh

A heritage hotel in rural Rajasthan

Located in the heart of Rajasthan, Tordi Garh lies about 100km from Jaipur. A couple of wings of

Chandubi Ecoresort

A village eco-camp in Kamrup District, Assam

At the foot of the Garo Hills, almost at the intersection of Assam and Meghalaya lies the still

Dhenkanal Palace

A palace-homestay in Dhenkanal, Odisha

Odisha is a historic land of stunning temples, pristine beaches, rich textiles and natural wonders.

Been There Doon That

Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Walking through a city is still the best way to learn intimately her eccentricities and rhythms.

Holiday Scout

North East India

Started by Sange Tsering, a young resident of Arunachal Pradesh, Holiday Scout offers customised

Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate

A luxury plantation stay in Coorg, Karnataka

The beautiful coffee and spice estates of Coorg are like a time machine, taking you back to an era

Fort Rampura

A fort-homestay in Rampura in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh

Travellers to Uttar Pradesh would do well to explore the state beyond popular destinations like

Savista Retreat

A heritage haveli-stay near Jaipur, Rajasthan

The gleaming white haveli that is Savista Retreat rises gently from the surrounding countryside in

Kurumba Village Resort

A luxury resort set in a spice plantation near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

A roughly 15km drive on twisting and turning hill roads from Coonoor will take you to the quiet and

ChaloHoppo to Ziro Festival of Music 2019

ChaloHoppo

Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal PradeshWhen: September 25 to October 1st, 2019How

Soul Travelling

Goa

Mass tourism has helped Goa's economy grow and has created jobs, but on the flip side resources

What does it take to create a successful RT venture

Stephan Marchal, Founder of Himalayan Ecotourism

Does one need special expertise to engage in responsible tourism? Perhaps. But what is definitely

Svasara Jungle Lodge at Tadoba

A jungle lodge near Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Tadoba in Maharashtra is home to beautiful, albiet threatened, jungles and to the masters of Indian

How Responsible Tourism can be made into a successful business model

Akanksha Garg, Founder & Director, Waxpol Hotels and Resorts

Travellers don’t just want to visit sights when they travel; they want to embrace local

Meet the man sharing the tales of Rural India with travellers

Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, The Folk Tales

Gaurav Bhatnagar worked in the corporate sector for a decade after completing his studies in

Camp Dev Vilas

A wildlife lodge near Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Situated at the edge of the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Camp Dev Vilas is an intimate

Vini’s Farm

A private island getaway in Kollam, Kerala

Picture having an island all to yourself—swimming in the lake when you feel like it,

Eco Habitat

A plantation homestay in Coorg, Karnataka

The fertile rolling hills of Coorg have become a major attraction for tourists, who are drawn by

TheTrippers.In

South India

Have you found yourself on a Saturday morning thinking "what to do with your weekend"? Many urban

Himalayan Adventure Challenge

Aquaterra Adventures

Where: near Rishikesh, UttarakhandWhen: December 13 & 14, 2019How long: 2

ChaloHoppo

Northeast India

India’s Northeastern states are on every traveller’s wishlist and yet for many planning

Alila Fort Bishangarh

A ‘warrior fort’ turned luxury hotel near Jaipur, Rajasthan

A turn off the Delhi-Jaipur highway, about an hour-and-a-half before the Pink City, will take you

The four rules for a responsible traveller

Vinod Sreedhar, Founder, Journeys With Meaning

A big part of Responsible Travel is engaging with local communities. Over the years, these are some

Outdoers Adventure Travels

Binsar, Uttarakhand

Time spent in the great outdoors can bring a great deal of joy along with numerous learning moments

Palais De Mahe

A French Colonial-style hotel in Pondicherry

Pondicherry may now look a little scruffy, a bit like an old Parisian who has had one too many

A woman on a mission to showcase real Goa

Maria Victor, Founder, Make It Happen

Maria Victor, the Founder of Make It Happen, is a Management Accountant by profession but a

Deco Villa

An organic farmstay near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats just a few minutes from the Isha Yoga Center is the

The Riverwood Forest Retreat - Dooars

A jungle getaway in Dooars, West Bengal

West Bengal’s Dooars is a land of rolling hills, green tea gardens, dense forests, roaring

Travellers should feel connected with the environment when they travel

Anvesh Singh Thapa & Ing-Marie Putka, Expeditions India

At Expeditions India we believe that the more connected clients feel to the river, the more likely

Sustainable tourism can turn locals into conservationists

Akanksha Garg, CEO, Waxpol Hotels & Resorts

Akanksha Garg started her entrepreneurial foray into the travel industry at the age of 18. Since

An adventurer who turned his passion into his profession

Vaibhav Kala, Founder & Director, Aquaterra Adventures

Guiding since the ealry 90s, Vaibhav Kala, Founder and Director of Aquaterra Adventures, has been

First aid training can save lives in the great outdoors

Akshay Shah, Program Director, Hanifl Centre

Newspapers reported in September 2018 that a man had passed away on a mountaineering expedition. At

Jia Organic Eco Resort

A nature resort set among fields near Roing, Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, India’s northeastern most state, is treasure trove of sights, sounds,

Why tourism should benefit the ‘native’

Mackinlay ‘Mack’ Antonio das Merces Barreto, Co-founder, The Local Beat

Responsible tourism, notwithstanding text book definitions, to me is a responsibility to nature and

Chandelao Garh

A heritage homestay in rural Rajasthan

The land of brave kings, luxurious palaces and imposing forts, Rajasthan is also home to many small

Tourism is the means rather than the end

Stephan Marchal, Founder of Himalayan Ecotourism

Stephan Marchal is an OCI of Belgian origin. He has worked for about 7 years in the field of rural

Teanest & Teanest Annexe

A tea-themed heritage stay in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

In pretty and misty Coonoor amidst 1,800 acres of tea gardens lies beautiful Teanest that pays

White Water Rafting on Mhadei River

Goa Rafting

Where: Mhadei River near Valpoi, GoaWhen: July to SeptemberHow long: Half dayHow

Dune Barr House

A heritage mansion in Matheran, Maharashtra

In quaint vehicle-free Matheran is this secluded heritage property set amidst trees where you will

Bhakti Kutir

A back-to-nature retreat in Palolem, Goa

The land of the authentic and fiery Goan fish curry, Canacona once upon a time not too long ago

Junglewala Escapes and Expeditions

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is among the best destinations in the country for a holiday in the wild. The state

The Only Olive

A colonial villa turned homestay in Aldona, Goa

Most of us, at some point in our lives, have dreamed of living in Goa like a Goan. You can indulge

Tree House Hideaway

A luxury treehouse lodge in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Few of the resorts that populate the areas in and around Madhya Pradesh’s popular national

Nubra Ecolodge

A small mountain lodge in Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Ladakh’s Nubra Valley lies about 120km north of Leh and its monasteries, sand dunes, majestic

Hingaara – The Nature Stay

A heritage homestay near Agumbe, Karnataka

The village of Agumbe will forever be Malgudi for all those who have watched and fallen in love

Cintacor Island Resort

An island getaway off the coast of Karwar, Karnataka

There is something about island getaways that make us feel like a child again. Maybe it is the

Aroha’s Eco Hill Resort

A hill resort in Sakleshpur, Karnataka

Sakleshpur in Karnataka is becoming a popular weekend getaway for Benguluru’s many footloose

Cajueiro Homestead

A cashew-filled farm getaway in Goa

In the rain swept interiors of Goa lies hidden the Goan hacienda of Cajueiro Homestead, a farmstay

Kuflon Basics

A mountain homestay near Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Kuflon Basics lies just 11km from Uttarkashi, almost hidden among jungles above the fish-filled

WanderNow

Kerala

Kerala is today among the most popular tourist destinations in the country, so much so that there

Hearth Hostel

A community space for backpackers in Leh, Ladakh

Made of stone, wood and mud, the Hearth Hostel is a backpacker hostel like no other. It is housed

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge

A luxury safari lodge on River Kabini, Karnataka

The Nagarhole jungles near Kabini are home to magnificent animals like the elephant, sambar, gaur,

Annapara Home Stay

An eco-homestay in the hills of Wayanad, Kerala

Annapara, which means Elephant Rock in Malayalam, is located in green and picturesque Wayanad.

Anahata Healing Arts Center

A holistic yoga retreat near Mysore, Karnataka

About 70km from Mysore in Karnataka is Ravandur, a small village of brightly coloured homes and old

The Blue Matsya

A self-catering beach house near Udupi, Karnataka

If you are looking for a quiet and laidback beach holiday, then look towards the beaches of

Sunderban Tiger Camp

An eco resort in Sunderbans, West Bengal

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is one of the largest such habitats in the world and its unique

Ladakhi Women's Travel Company

Ladakh

In recent years hordes of tourists have descended onto Ladakh during ‘season’ months,

Monsoons Conservation Photography Expedition 2019

Herpactive

Where: Western Ghats of Goa and KarnatakaWhen: June 14 to 16, 2019How long: 3

The Zanskar River Rafting Expedition

Aquaterra Adventures

Where: Western LadakhWhen: July 27 to August 7, 2019 and August 8 to August 19, 2019How

Eshab Homestay

A Bhutia family-run homestay in Sribadam village, West Sikkim

Sikkim’s stunning natural beauty needs no introduction. The tall mountains, lush greenery,

Indhrivanam

A forest retreat in Thekkady, Kerala

Imagine living in your very own stone cottage in a lush private forest—waking up to birdcall

Silver Brook Estate Homestay

An artistic estate homestay in Coorg, Karnataka

In verdant Coorg, just 7km from district headquarters Madikeri, lies the Silver Brook Estate in

Make It Happen

Primarily Goa

Most travellers think of Goa as a tropical paradise. Which is true! But, many coming to this

Nature`s Nest Resort

A wilderness resort in Goa’s Western Ghats

Goa’s lush green Western Ghats section is not always on a tourist’s radar. However, the

Hanifl Centre for Outdoor Education & Environmental Study

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Increasing number of travellers are opting to explore the great outdoors, be it hiking, trekking,

Vaayu Vision

An eco-conscious beach stay at Ashvem, Goa

In North Goa, away from the party beaches of Anjuna and Baga lies the quieter stretch of sand that

VanaVasa

A forest hideaway near Gokarna in Karnataka

Luxury can mean the best and swankiest of creature comforts for one, while for another it might

Olaulim Backyards

A retreat near Goa’s hidden backwaters

Olaulim Backyards lies just 11km away from Goa’s busy and colourful capital of Panjim, but it

Mrugaya Xpeditions

Primarily Goa

Run by a team of naturalists, Mrugaya Xpeditions is a tour company based out of Goa that has

The Local Beat

Goa

The Local Beat is local, insider-led tourism at its best—the very antithesis of mass tourism.

Where the roads end

Outlook India and Little Local

Where: Shangarh, Sainj Valley, Himachal PradeshWhen: May 20-25, 2019How long: 6

She Moves Mountains

Outlook India and Little Local

Where: Sarmoli, Munsiari, UttarakhandWhen: May 5-11, 2019How long: 7 daysHow

Mystical Palmyra

Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu has a rich history. The region is among the longest continuously inhabited

B: Live

Goa

The twisting and turning roads of Goa, lined with trees and offering views that range from beaches

White Magic Adventure

The Himalayas

The Himalayan mountain range has drawn adventure seekers for many years including, in more recent

The Apricot Trail

Mountain Homestays

Where: LadakhWhen: May to AugustHow long: 6 daysHow much: Rs 32,000 per person,

Spice Gardens of Hulgol

Village Ways

Where: Hulgol, KarnatakaWhen: October - AprilHow long: 3 daysHow much: From Rs

Khoj-aao! Adventures

Goa

Travellers are moving beyond Goa\'s beaches, finally! Goa’s lush green hinterland has its

Kali River Expedition

Expeditions India

Where: Kumaon, UttarakhandWhen: April 23 to 30, 2019How long: 8 daysHow

Reyso Urban Homestay

A homestay in the Darjeeling hills

At Reyso homestay guests will find that their comfortable stay comes with a large side serving of

Wildflower Villas

Old-Goan-style villa property in Candolim, Goa

Living in an old-Goan-style villa is among the many attractions of a holiday to the

Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat

A rural homestay in the heart of India, Chattisgarh

Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat (BJR) is a great example of rural tourism done right. Many a times rural

Kameng River Expedition

Expeditions India

Where: Seppa, Arunachal PradeshWhen: November 15 to 28, 2019How long: 14 daysHow

Banlekhi Resorts

Hilltop cottages near Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

Lined up on a lonely hilltop overlooking a tree-covered valley in the Kumaon hills are the six

Kundan Homestay

An authentic ‘pahadi’ homestay in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Has it happened to you that you chose a ‘homestay’ in some lovely vacation spot to

Kaadumane

A forest homestay in Karnataka

Kaadumane means house in the forest and the property lives up to its name. Not surprising since it

Mayal Lyang Homestay

A rustic family-run homestay in Sikkim

Just 70 km from Sikkim’s capital Gangtok lies Dzongu—a land of majestic mountains, lush

Expeditions India

Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh

Can you imagine a tour operator that halts operations during peak tourist season? That’s

Nativefolks India

Goa, Kerala, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Uttarakhand

This Goa-based travel startup, founded in 2014, is all about, well, native folks—their

Old Delhi Street Food Tour

Understanding India Tours

Where: DelhiWhen: EverydayHow long: 4 hoursHow much: Rs 1,700 per person

Elsewhere

A hidden beach getaway in North Goa

Does anyone go to Goa to ‘escape’ anymore? What if we told you that the old Goa that

Jaipura Garh

A fortress-turned-homestay near Jaipur, Rajasthan

Just about an hour’s drive from Jaipur is this beautifully restored haveli-fortress. The

Open Eyes India

India

The philosophy of this operator can be summed up in this line they use: “There are many ways

Karnataka Coastal Life

Village Ways

Where: KarnatakaWhen: November to MarchHow long: 3 nights (can be extended)How

Purity at Lake Vembanad

A lakefront resort near Alappuzha, Kerala

Vembanad is India’s longest and Kerala’s largest lake and is the heart of the

A Day in the Forest

Khoj-aao! Adventures

Where: GoaWhen: September to MarchHow long: 1 day (overnight camping optional)How

Ecoplore

An aggregator of eco-stays in India

For a responsible traveller, one of the more challenging aspects of planning a holiday is finding

Sunshine Himalayan Adventures

Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim & Nepal

For over two decades Sunshine Himalayan Adventures (SHA) has been organising treks and tours in the

Tigress@ghosri

A jungle lodge near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Once upon a time the land on which the Tigress@ghosri is now located was unused farm land and was

Shola Shack

An eco-stay in Wayanad, Kerala

Located next door to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Shola Shack is an experiment by a few

Mangalajodi Ecotourism

Mangalajodi, Odisha

The Chilika Lake in Odisha is rightly famous for its rich bio-diversity and for it being an

The Secret Garden

A heritage homestay in Saligao, Goa

In North Goa, within easy reach of hip and happening beaches like Baga and Calangute, lies hidden

Emerald Trail

A pet-friendly homestay near Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

This one’s especially for all the pet parents who do not want to leave their fur babies

Mai (Maihar Art Ichol) Festival

Art Ichol

Where: Art Ichol, Maihar, Madhya PradeshWhen: FebruaryHow long: 2 daysHow

Pench Tree Lodge

A luxury safari lodge near Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Pench is true Kipling Country, with the forests here having inspired the evergreen Jungle Book. You

Parsi Manor

A heritage homestay in Matheran, Maharashtra

In beautiful motor-vehicle-free Matheran is this gem of a 19th century colonial bungalow. This

Village Ways

India, Nepal & Bhutan

Village Ways gives guests a chance to experience the rural way of life in relatively

Salban - the Kanha Homestay

A jungle homestay in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

The large, airy bungalow made of brick, tiles, stone and wood is camouflage architecture at its

Dune Eco Village & Spa

An eco-friendly beach resort in Pondicherry

On the outskirts of Pondicherry, almost right on the beach is this offbeat beach resort whose

The Malabar House

A heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi, Kerala

This beautifully restored boutique hotel is a fine specimen of colonial Kerala architecture and is

Swadesee

Primarily Maharashtra

This Mumbai-based venture’s tag line of ‘Be Local, See Local’ says it all.

Marari Beach Resort

A luxurious ‘village’ by the sea in Alapuzha, Kerala

Located a hop, skip and jump from the sea and beach, CGH Earth’s Marari Beach Resort is not

United For Hope

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

This NGO located in Kushinagar, known as the place where the Buddha attained nirvana, gives

Amateur Naturalist Program

Pugdundee Safaris

Where: Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya PradeshWhen: January 5 to 11How long: 7 daysHow

Hampi and Badami Biking Tour

Unventured

Where: KarnatakaWhen: December 24 to 28How long: 5 daysHow much: From Rs

Peaches & Pears Himalayan Homestay

A mountain homestay in Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand

This simple homestay might not have the luxuries of a five-star hotel but here you will find luxury

Fragrant Sun

An eco-friendly villa in Mulshi, Maharashtra

An exposed brick villa cocooned amidst fruit trees and gardens and overlooking the Mulshi Lake,

Mohanam Village Heritage Centre

Near Auroville, Pondicherry

Behind the laidback atmosphere of Puducherry a quiet revolution has been brewing for some years

Denwa Backwater Escape

A luxury jungle lodge in Satpura, Madhya Pradesh

India is blessed with many wildlife reserves. There are the stars like Jim Corbett National Park or

Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation

An eco-lodge in an organic plantation in Coorg

Most urbanites are on the look out for a getaway that takes them away from all the stresses and

Pink City Rickshaw Company

Jaipur

Take in the glories of the Pink City in pink electric rickshaws driven by women from low income

Rustic Artistic Odisha

Nativefolks

Where: OdishaWhen: Throughout the yearHow long: 6 daysHow much: Rs 21,000 per

Block Printing Holiday

Treasured Holidays

Where: Jaipur, Bagru and Sanganer in RajasthanWhen: December 19 to 23How long: 5

Flame of the Forest

A jungle lodge in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

On the banks of the River Banjar, just outside Kanha National Park’s buffer zone, is this

Do The Different

India & International

There comes a day in the life of any parent when you realise your baby is on his or her way to

Marine Conservation - Andaman Islands

DoTheDifferent

Where: Andamans, IndiaWhen: April 15 to April 21, 2019How long: 7 daysHow

Spice Village

A luxurious eco-village in Thekaddy, Kerala

This is a place where time almost stands still, where peace, solitude and mindful living are not

SaveAGram

Village homestays in Kerala & Uttarakhand

Slow down, unwind, eat simple but delicious food made of organic produce taken fresh off the

The Chateau Garli

A whimsical heritage hotel in Garli, Himachal Pradesh

The Chateau Garli would not look out of place in a Disney movie, with its sloping roofs and

Mountain Homestays

A network of homestays in Ladakh’s remote villages

When the team at Global Himalayan Expeditions was installing sustainable solar-based micro-grids in

Bon Farmhouse

A family-run farmstay in rural South Sikkim

Kewzing village in South Sikkim is a land of cardamom and tea plantations, surrounded by lush

Serene Sikkim

Kipepeo

Where: SikkimWhen: October to MayHow long: 8 daysHow much: Rs 21,500 per person

Rajasthan Bike Tour

Unventured

Where: RajasthanWhen: December 20 to 30How long: 11 daysHow much: Rs 75,000 per

Hideout Farm

A back-to-basics wellness farmstay in Maharashtra

The Hideout Farm, in Zadapoli village in Maharashta’s Palghar district, is just a two-hour

Red Panda Expedition

Habre’s Nest

Where: Eastern Himalayas (West Bengal, India-Nepal border)When: February 14 to 19How

Habre’s Nest

A homestay & research hub in Eastern Himalayas

The lush fir, hardwood, Rhododendron and bamboo filled Singalila forest, in India’s Eastern

Mumbai Local

Magic Tours of India (Mumbai Magic)

Where: MumbaiWhen: Throughout the yearHow long: 4 hoursHow much: Rs 2,500 per person\nWhat to

Olappamanna Mana

A heritage homestay in Palakkad, Kerala

The village of Vellinezhi seems almost untouched by the tourism boom that has consumed

Sitla Estate

A mountain homestay in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

Do you day dream of curling up with a book and a cup of hot chocolate by a crackling fire with

Khem Villas

Luxury jungle camp in Ranthambore, Rajasthan

The jungle is right at your cottage’s doorstep at Khem Villas, with animals ranging from deer

The Ultimate Travelling Camp

A ‘glamping’ experience provider in Nagaland, Ladakh & Uttar Pradesh

If you thought camping was about tossing and turning in sleeping bags within cramped tents, think

Diphlu River Lodge

An eco-lodge on the fringes of Kaziranga NP, Assam

Blink and you might miss it…that’s how well the Diphlu River Lodge merges into the

Art Ichol

An art retreat in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh

This is a retreat in its truest sense! Surrounded by fields of mustard and sugarcane, Art Ichol is

South Col Expeditions

Ladakh, Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan

Not many experiences come close to the exhilaration of trekking in the Himalayas. South Col offers

The Goat Village

Farm retreats in Uttarakhand

Up in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand a social enterprise, the Green People, runs three little

Himalayan Ark

Homestay experience with villagers of Munsiari, Uttarakhand

Slow down, take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, watch colourful butterflies and birds, eat

Markha Valley Winter Trek

Aquaterra Adventures

Where: LadakhWhen: January 26 to February 2How long: 8 daysHow much: Rs 72,750 What to expect: This

Woven Trails Through Hyderabad

Breakaway

Where: Hyderabad When: December 3 to 6 How long: 4 days How much: from Rs 38,500 What to

Into the Wild – Meghalaya and Assam

Journeys With Meaning

Where: Meghalaya and AssamWhen: December 1 to 9How long: 9 daysHow much: Rs 46,150 What to

God`s Own Kerala Biking tour

Unventured

Where: KeralaWhen: November 24 to December 1How long: 8 daysHow much: Rs 47,000 What to

Aquaterra Adventures

India & International

They are the pioneers, offering adventure travel tours in the Himalayas since 1995. Aquaterra is

Arya Niwas

A family-run budget hotel in Jaipur

There are times when we do not want to splurge and yet want to stay in a hotel that takes its

Journeys With Meaning

Kashmir, Ladakh, Meghalaya & Assam

Reconnect with the ‘other’ India—that’s what this tour operator with a

Breakaway

India

When we travel we spend much of our time in a destination on its natural beauty or the monuments it

Mela Kothi – The Chambal Safari Lodge

A heritage eco-lodge in Jarar, Uttar Pradesh

The Chambal is the stuff of legends, with its maze like ravines having been home to many a rebel

Himalayan Ecotourism

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

There is nothing on Earth that can match the majesty of the Himalayas. Thanks to the size of this

Unventured

India, Bhutan & Norway

The world is full of sights and sounds to experience—how a person chooses to experience them

Kutch Adventures

Kutch

The dry and arid moonscape of Gujarat’s Kutch is home to some of the richest and most

Kipling Camp

A wildlife camp near Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Fall in step with the rhythms of the jungle at this low-impact wildlife camp set right in Kanha

GRANNY’S INN

Budget homestay in Varanasi

At Granny’s Inn go back in time to school summer vacations, when your grandmom would make

MAHESHGANJ ESTATE BALAKHANA

A heritage homestay in rural Bengal

Imagine watching the birds go about their daily business while you lounge back in a planter’s

THE SARAI AT TORIA

An eco-lodge near Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Let the tu-whoo of owls and the lapping waters of the Ken River lull you to sleep at this eco-lodge

Myanmar: Kayah State is Ready to Welcome Tourists

Enjoy a day with ethnic communities in the eastern region of Myanmar

Located in the eastern part of Myanmar, the state of Kayah is marked by hills and rivers and is

Going Local in the Spiti Valley

Ecosphere, an organization in Spiti, is offering an immersive taste of local life

I’m still recovering from an exquisite panoramic view of the Trans-Himalayas from atop a

Uttarakhand: The Magic Faraway Valley

Get an exquisite taste of mountain communities in Kumaon's Saryu Valley

By Bibek Bhattacharya "Look there,” Khim Singh grabs at my arm urgently, “a pine

Karnataka: Slow Travel on a Cycle

A weekend cycling trip to Nandi Hills is the best way to experience the land

Asked what his favourite mode of transport was, the writer Ruskin Bond once said, “Road

Assam: Weaving Fairy Tales

Fall in love with the exquisite mekhala chadars of Sualkuchi weavers & village's

As we speed our way from Guwahati towards Sualkuchi, vivid images of colourful silk mekhela chadars

Uttarakhand: In Corbett Country

Vanghat, a charming lodge in Corbett, is a wilderness paradise

At first it’s a gentle rustle on the forest floor. Then, a travelling sound of dry leaves

Rajasthan: Deep Forest

Regrowing a forest, one tree at a time, in a remote Mewar village

It’s an oxymoron. Luxury quarters, actually a converted former hunting outpost, set in a

Festival of sacred music in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu

Prakriti Foundation--s Festival of Sacred Music transforms Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur into an inclusive location for responsible tourism.

Imagine, I am told, school kids tidying up the Cauvery and her shorelines at Thiruvaiyaru as part

West Bengal: Let Sleeping Cats Lie

Two packed and peaceful days luxuriating at the Earth Villa in the Sunderbans

A launch is moving leisurely down the peaceful, sunlit waterways of the Sunderban mangrove forests.

Circle of Unreason: Climate Change and Tourism

Climate change and tourism are inextricably interlinked, and we should be worried

I love to travel. I’ve written a great deal about travel. I’ve been travelling all my

Kerala: Birding in Thattekkad

The Hornbill Campin Thattekkad blends in seamlessly with its pristine environs\\n

Hush, no noise, don’t disturb, don’t go closer,” Abhilash’s instructions

Uttarakhand Untapped

Unveiling Uttarakhand, one Bhuli sketch at a time\\n

Two childhood friends from Uttarakhand are on a mission to revive its cultural tradition, arts and

Kerala: Responsible Tourism Mission

Kerala has officially launched Responsible Tourism Mission and aims at expanding across the state

Adding another feather to its cap, Kerala Tourism has just launched Responsible Tourism Mission, to

5 Eco-Friendly Places you must visit in India

With eco-tourism on the rise, you must check out these places in India

India’s rich biodiversity offers visitors an unforgettable experience. With vast natural

Bengal: At the home of string puppets

How a handful of puppeteers of Muragachha Colony and Borboria are trying to preserve Bengal’s traditional string puppet theatre

The fluid movement of the snake — as it entered the bridal chamber and bit groom Lakhindar

Go Goa, Go Green

The spectre of rapid urbanisation once threatened Goa’s rich biodiversity. But these and many other responsible tourism initiatives were there to save the day

My visit to Goa in November (‘The Gift of Goa’, p.48, Dec ’17 issue

Readers Write: Honnemaradu

Birding, picturesque scenery, adventure and good food–Honnemaradu has got them all

For those seeking a serene adventure holiday, Honnemaradu (literally, golden lake) in Karnataka is

Responsible Living In Rajasthan's Shahpura Bagh

They are descendants of Maharana Pratap and their ancestors served Shah Jahan. But their biggest legacy is their continued contribution to Shahpura and its people

What does it mean to be part of a royal family in modern-day India? For Jai Singh, 52, a descendant

Discover Community Living in Himachal Pradesh's Ghoomakad

A member of a wayfaring community is doing wonders for rural Kangra's future

Today, many Gaddi tribals live in Himachal Pradesh, but they are believed to have originally been

A Meeting With Sylvia Earle, Legendary Oceanographer and Marine Biologist

A meeting with the legendary oceanographer who is saving our oceans one Hope Spot at a time

Landlubbers like me occasionally need reminding that 71 percent of the earth’s surface

Uttarakhand: Rural homestays and authentic community

Experience the beauty and charms of living the authentic community life in Uttarakhand\\n\\n

The Himalayan ranges are home to several secluded communities, their isolation having given them a

Explore nature’s bounty with the Chennai Trekking Club

This volunteer-run club organises activities like trekking, cycling, outdoor swims, motorcycling tours and trail runs in South and North India as well as at international locations

Started in 2008 by Peter Van Geit, a Belgian who had been employed by an IT company in Chennai, the

Matsya: A customised craft tour experience

These craft tours, organised by Matsya, showcases the various types of rural handicrafts while bridging the gap between the rural craftspeople and the global traveller Currently, Matsya organises tours in Kutch, parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Jaipur

When she was volunteering in Gujarat after the 2001 earthquake that devastated parts of the state,