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Our holidays in Orissa support mainly those people who live on the fringes of the forest and in rural villages. Our tours focus on their role as care takers of the forest, its resources and wildlife. By doing so the tours also assure them a decent livelihood with dignity. Sustainable income through responsible tourism ensures increasing interest amongst local community members, which in turn supports conservation of wildlife and forest resources.
Visits to potter, weaver and painter communities is an appreciation to the efforts to preserve traditional art and also provide a sustainable alternative income through responsible tourism. Our visits expand the knowledge about the program and provide them financial support. We give special importance to revitalizing traditional folk art forms that have been neglected and in danger of slipping into oblivion.
An evening with the folk artists is part of this revival of folk art and music forms. The get-together provides opportunities for authentic interaction between travellers and communities. During interactions tourists can use our RT guidelines to check their behaviour in culturally sensitive areas. By learning about each other's cultures and customs we develop pride, appreciation, mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance. Building confidence and positive attitudes toward one another through shared experiences and meaningful exchanges gives shape to new friendships. We think this is one of the best things about traveling!!
Trekkers and guides are from the local communities and the programs are operated by them. Local Leaders accompany travelers throughout. Local employment increases the economic benefit of the area. Furthermore, we provide training and skills to local residents in the villages keen to become local guides, support reformed poachers seek alternative livelihoods, provide our Local Leaders with Eco Tourism, Hospitality, Environment Management and Leadership training. We also provide them with information on Eco Tourism, Environmental and Sustainability issues. All parts of our trek routes and campsite follows zero waste management. During and after every trek, we collect and dispose plastic waste that might have been left behind by other tourists and local people.
We choose small-scale locally owned and managed hotels and restaurants and include local transport wherever possible to minimize the need for extra vehicles on our roads and waterways. We're even selective about the type of local transport - we'd prefer a manual pole boat over a mechanised boat any day!
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