Rail holiday in Rajasthan, India

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

90% of the itineraries we create are made considering driving and train journeys. Only where flying is necessary are flights considered.

Many accommodations in India are embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint by deriving their energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. Some are adopting water management initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment, alongside waste reduction programs like recycling and composting. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to sustainability in India's hospitality sector.
For example, the owners of Kot Dunara are passionate about running the property as an environmentally friendly and local community inclusive establishment. They avoid any single use plastic, wastage of water and other resources. There are systems for harvesting rainwater as the property is located in an arid region. The heritage building was restored exclusively by the local workforce using their traditional knowledge and materials. Their staff are also from the local village community.

We have designed these tours especially to focus on rail travel. On this holiday it includes trains from Delhi-Churu, Churu-Bikaner, Jaisalmer-Jodhpur and Udaipur-Delhi.

Depending upon the tour, the human powered transport such as walking and rickshaws are used during some tours. Walking and rickshaws are used mostly for couple of minutes to an hour or so only depending on the sightseeing tours.

During briefing, some handy tips are given such as to carry reusable water bottles, shopping bags and use glass bottled water to minimize single-use plastic.

E-rickshaws are used in many occasions, like during sightseeing tours in some places or transferring guests from a specific point to their hotel.

Due to strong religious beliefs, India has a long history of vegetarianism. Vegetarian and vegan foods are very common and easily available in India.

In big cities food is sourced from local markets, all other places the food is sourced locally. In both, big cities and small cities, towns, villages etc. the food is generally based on seasonal crops.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

While considering a hotel for Responsible Travel we get their details beforehand to select or avoid that hotel. We check implementation of hotel’s policies in respect of reducing their environmental impacts, such as, Pollution Control (e.g.: advanced waste management systems to minimize solid waste and air pollution), Water Conservation (e.g.: Rainwater harvesting), Plastic Reduction (e.g.: eliminating single-use plastics, replacing them with biodegradable alternatives) and etc.

Almost all properties which have suitable surroundings do restore nature as this not only helps nature, their surrounding’s but also their businesses. Even in some cases they take help of local people around and local government. Entry fees to National Parks etc contribute to the maintenance and conservation of these protected areas.

Trips in India contribute to nature recovery and re-wilding projects in various ways:
Entrance Fees: Entry fees to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries often fund conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
Local Guides: Employing local guides not only supports the community but also ensures that visitors gain insights into the region's ecology and conservation challenges.
Donations and Partnerships: Some hotels partner with organizations like Rewilding India to support projects such as mangrove restoration, forest rewilding and wildlife conservation.

We provide expert nature guides, and a significant number of them are from the local community. Guides usually undergo formal training programs provided by the Forest Department, eco-tourism boards or private organisations. These programs cover wildlife behaviour, ecology, conservation practices and visitor management. Certifications are often required, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and informative tours.

Invasive species pose significant threats to India's ecosystems, biodiversity, and economy. By spreading awareness in local communities and by educating them try to reduce that spread. Early detection of invasive species and Rapid Response thereby to control it.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Almost all the properties we use are owned by either a local family or an Indian company. As a company we focus on homestays, family-run properties and avoid the large chain hotels.

We often include visits to markets where travellers can purchase locally made handicrafts. Many tours incorporate visits to villages, where guests can interact with locals, experience rural life and support community projects.
For example while in Churu, interact with the local bracelet maker and watch him make his beautiful jewelry, choose your preferred colours and you can purchase your own Rajasthani braclet.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All employees hired are either locals or from within the country.

During a tour we will hire and use the services of a selection of people - including those who are poorer but skilled. For example: local dancers, show people (Puppet shows). In-fact, we have a plan to give at least one job to a person with a disability in our head office which will happen very soon.

We follow and give wages exactly as per local government norms inclusive of Provident Fund, gratuity, medical insurance etc.

We provide employment without any favours to any specific race, gender etc. Which is why we have employees from different states/regions of India, religions and gender.

All of our tours are LGBTQ+ friendly.

Most of the tours can be suitable for people with limited mobility but in some places due to lack of infrastructure, the tours are open to be crafted as per the requirements.