Given its astonishing topographical diversity, India is no stranger to offering visitors a fantastic range of eco-friendly locations to enjoy an immersive back-to-nature holiday. From Kerala to Coorg to the outskirts of Bangalore, there are wonderful opportunities to refuel your energies while thrilling to the splendiferous tracts of natural beauty and the culturally rich communities that inhabit them.
Located in one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, the Coorg/Kodagu region in Southern India’s Western Ghats is soul food for the ‘eco-centric traveler. A jewel of a town, Madikeri, enveloped in emerald verdure, is the ideal base for explorations into this glorious natural wonderland. Wander those woolly-headed mountainscapes by e-bike along gentle forest trails, coffee and tea estates and small local settlements, well-known for their friendly inhabitants and unique cultural traditions. Head out to Galibeedu Surprise Point, from where you have a bird’s eye view of the Coorg countryside and its many hidden spots which even locals do not know of. Spend precious moments with a local planter and maybe even get time to relish a Kodagu meal.
Explore Kerala’s backwater life from a whole new perspective. Set out for a farm located on a small island in the backwaters by Vembanad Lake near Kumarakom to enjoy many interesting activities. The canoe ride down the backwaters offers delightful vignettes of a wondrous avifaunal hub, a boon for birding enthusiasts on the lookout for unique sightings. A saunter along the ridges by the canals will lead you on to farms that grow several crops, followed by a scrumptious lunch made with organically grown spices and vegetables is an excellent farm - to- banana leaf experience. It also offers a great window to the unique backwaters ecosystem in which local people have created a different lifestyle from those in the city.
A drive out of Bangalore’s outskirts brings you to the myth-bound and eco-sustainable activities epicenter —Talakad/Talakadu. Set on the banks of the Cauvery River, this serene township today is famed for its massive sand deposits, a legend for its lost temples— of these, a few can be seen in a state of ruin but are a marvel for their brilliant sculptures. Club your visit of this chef’s secret — “Bangalore’s Gourmet Valley” with explorations of local mango orchards, vineyards, artisan cheeses and organic produce farms - and silk farms.
A slew of amazing eco-sustainable activities has transformed many of India’s popular holiday spots into alluring eco-tourism hubs. All you need to decide is where you want to go - North, South, East or West… and you are sure to find something that resonates with you personally.