–Priyam Khetawat
The recent coronavirus pandemic, popularly known as Covid-19, has created havoc in our way of life. While the impact of Covid-19 remains a debatable topic, it has awakened the global community from its deep slumber to rethink and reimagine the newer ways to travel. Tourism being one of the worst hit industries is now working aggressively to overcome the potential threats to the environment, economy and society. Following are some of the newer avenues in sustainable tourism worth venturing:
Meet New Hosts
The mountains in the north of Thailand boast of an ambience unique to themselves – ancient kingdoms backed by jungles and wildlife. You can fly into Chiang Rai International Airport and drive for just over 60 kilometres to arrive at the award-winning resort – Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & The brainchild behind ‘The Escapade’ is Priyam – a Zumba-enthusiast for whom, music is the food and coffee is the antidote of her life. Although coming from a family dominated by Chartered Accountants, she stepped out and interned at Thomas Cook India in 2010. There was no looking back since then. She loves to curate holidays for her clients so that she can be lucky enough to hear the first-hand stories of the far-away lands. A firm believer in God, Priyam always says “we will make it happen together”.. It boasts of a bespoke and secluded location sitting right on the hilltop offering majestic views over the confluence of three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Head out for the adventure of a lifetime observing the sanctuary elephants in their natural habitat from a fully transparent Jungle Bubble. For every booking you make, a small amount is additionally donated to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation which works aggressively towards connecting these rescued animals in their natural environment and preserving the intrinsic relationship with them. You also have an option to embark on an exploration of the jungle wilderness with the elephants and their mahouts on their daily walk. Admire these gentle giants as they splash in the river or play in the mud, snack on leaves from nearby branches and socialize with the herd. Make sure to check out the availability of Golden Triangle Luxury Explorer Package at the time of booking and get ready to indulge in an immersive experience in a stunning destination with elephant encounters, spa journeys, cooking classes topped with full-board dining, round trip airport transfers and more.
Best Time to Visit :: November to February
Explore New Routes
As voyagers onboard cruises, it is of utmost importance to keep in mind our commitment to the cleanliness of oceans and protection of the marine life. At Aurora Expeditions, environmental protection practices are given utmost importance as much as to enriching guests’ vacation experience. One of the key initiatives taken is educating the passengers on protecting the marine biodiversity from the biggest mammals to the smallest creatures and the importance of reducing carbon footprint to control global warming and prevent glaciers from melting. This goal is primarily achieved by imparting knowledge being in field with subject matter experts. This is aptly quoted by Dr Sylvia Earle, a legendary marine biologist and oceanographer, “Travelling with Aurora Expeditions is an incredible opportunity for people to learn about these extraordinary marine habitats in situ and, as a result, become ambassadors for protecting them. Immerse yourself in the ocean and be connected to the places that you go. And don’t go just to absorb – go to give back and share what you’ve learned elsewhere, connect with the locals, and open people’s minds. It’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace the world and see it with new eyes.”
Best Time to Visit :: December to January
Soar to Greater Heights
What higher place can you go to make a difference in peoples’ lives than the Mt Everest? For the travelers who don’t want to spend their trips sunbathing on a beach, an adventure in Nepal is an exhilarating alternative. Fascinating culture, charming people and some of the world’s most spellbinding mountain scenery make a trip to Nepal one to remember. One of the best ways to absorb all of this is to take the offbeat track and hike through Humla – a remote region in the north-west. This cultural adventure takes you trekking through its river valleys and high peaks. Immerse yourself in an enriching experience by staying in homestays and jungle lodges in the Buddhist villages along the way. If, however, you still wish to be connected to the usual route, head out to Nepal’s adventure capital – Pokhran with jaw-dropping mountain scenery to boast about. For traditional luxury with sustainable edge, stay at The Pavilions Himalayas Farm. The individual villas are tucked away in a forested valley with the Himalayas as a backdrop and are powered with renewable energy. Fresh produce from its own organic farm makes it an ideal place to connect to one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.
Best Time to Visit :: October to March
Sleep under Brighter Skies
Imagine holidaying in open bush camps and enjoying the beauty of unfiltered starlit sky at the night. Renowned for its scenic beauty and dramatic rock formations, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Cederberg region of South Africa promises this and more. You are sure to be spoilt for a choice of accommodation here. Choose between a man-made Cave Suite, beautifully integrated with the sandstone rock formations; or spacious Hut Suite, resembling the traditional dwellings inhabited by the clans of the area many years ago. For a truly remarkable experience, the beautiful Open-Air Suites allow for an entire night under the stars, without compromise on comfort, as you drift off with just the covers between you and the heavens above. Moreover, indulge in the tasting experiences when sampling an exciting assortment of select refreshments, paired with sweet or savoury accompaniments which are accented with local Cederberg produce. Last, but not the least, Kagga Kamma Spa offers a wide range of African inspired, indulgent treats. Couples may also opt to pamper themselves at the Open Air Couple’s Massage sessions at the Open Air Treatment Room. Sounds like a luxury travel infused with sustainability, doesn’t it?
Best Time to Visit : October to February
Plunge into Deeper Dives
Protecting the environment should not be a momentary practice but rather a lifelong commitment for all of us. At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, guests are welcome to contribute towards the health of the island and surrounding waters through activities that will help gift a beautiful landscape to the future generations. Here, guests and team members join hands in planting trees on the island as part of reforestation efforts. Another striking activity you can participate in here is dive down the Indian Ocean and clean the house reef. Any type of rubbish item – plastic bottles, cans, plastic packaging etc are recycled at the resort’s on-site bottle crusher and garbage compactor. A similar awareness campaign was held on June 08, 2022 – World Ocean Day in collaboration with Euro Divers when 20kg of trash was unearthed. The event certainly raised awareness of how important it is to protect marine life through continuous small actions such as these and how the contribution of every single person mattes to ensure a sustainable future.
Best Time to Visit :: December to March
As a citizen of planet Earth, I feel it is justified to requote Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji’s speech at World Sustainable Development Summit: “…Two things will define how the progress journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come. First is the health of our people. Second is the health of our planet. Both are inter-linked…This gathering brings together the best and brightest minds working on sustainable development. I would like to draw attention to two aspects: Togetherness and Innovation. Sustainable development will only be achieved by collective efforts.” Let us all we move a step forward with the positive attitude to make the world a better place to live in for the present generation and the ones to come next, the need of the hour is to rekindle the fire within ourselves. Let us all pledge to rejuvenate, rediscover, repair and revive ourselves.
About Priyam Khetawat:
The brainchild behind ‘The Escapade’ is Priyam – a Zumba-enthusiast for whom, music is the food and coffee is the antidote of her life. Although coming from a family dominated by Chartered Accountants, she stepped out and interned at Thomas Cook India in 2010. There was no looking back since then. She loves to curate holidays for her clients so that she can be lucky enough to hear the first-hand stories of the far-away lands. A firm believer in God, Priyam always says “we will make it happen together”.
