As many travellers gear up to begin exploring the world again, there are clear indications that the pandemic may have influenced our collective commitment to do so in a more mindful way. According to a recent survey on sustainability, 98% of Indian travellers stated that they want to stay in a sustainable accommodation in the upcoming year and 88% of Indian travelers indicated that they would be more likely to choose a specific accommodation if they knew it was implementing sustainable practices.
Keeping this in mind, Booking.com recently launched its inaugural Travel Sustainable badge – a credible, globally relevant sustainability measure that will provide highly coveted information to travellers all over the world looking to make more sustainable travel choices. The goal of the new badge is to provide travellers with a transparent, consistent and easy-to-understand way to identify a wider range of more sustainable stays, no matter where they want to travel. Travellers should keep an eye out for the green leaf icon on certified Travel Sustainable property pages or check out Booking.com’s sustainability section for more information on the program.
Booking.com has curated a list of six local properties across various destinations in India who have taken various measures towards sustainablity for travellers that want to experience an unforgettable sustainable travel this coming winter.
Club Mahindra White Meadows Manali
In the midst of nature and culture, stands the beautiful White Meadows Manali Resort where the beauty of the outdoors is beautifully matched by the luxury indoors. The resort also takes many measures to maintain sustainability and offer guests a sustainable stay. Single-use plastic is not used for any of its amenity offerings. Food prepared at the resort is locally sourced. The property also uses 100% renewable electricity throughout its premises. As a preferred option among families, the property also invites local guides and businesses for hosting tours around Manali and provides guests with information on local ecosystems, heritage and culture. And in case guests wish to explore the destination on their own, the property also offers bicycles on rent.
The Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai
Built in 1973, the iconic The Taj Mahal Tower Mumbai stands majestically across from the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Tower stands in harmonious contrast to The Taj Mahal Palace with its arched balconies and newly refurbished rooms. And despite the hotel known for its opulence, the hotel invests a percentage of revenue back into community sustainability projects, a big tick for the 68% of Indian travellers who want the money that they spend when traveling to go back to the local community. A unique feat of the hotel is that all of its windows are double-glazed, which provide great insulation for the rooms. This accommodation has green spaces including gardens and rooftop gardens on the property and also saves a lot of water through water efficient showers and toilets.
Namahstay ECO Hostel & CoWorking & Art Community Space, Arambol
At Namahstay ECO hostel offers travellers a very community focused sentiment. The hostel has an arts and crafts gallery where guests can explore their artistic side. They also host local artists for music shows, paintings and making crafts out of recyclables. Apart from a very welcoming staff, the hostel is big on community engagement and activity. Being 2 kms away from Querim beach, it is adorned with many potted plants in reused glass bottles and has a garden where guests can plant trees to mark their stay. Eco-savvy travellers will be pleased to know that most food served at the onsite restaurant is locally sourced. The hostel also offsets a portion of its carbon footprint, perfect for an indulgent, responsible getaway.
APKA ECOvillage, Thrissur
For those looking for a sustainable stay that is totally off grid, APKA ECOvillage is a hidden gem in the city of Thrissur in Kerala. This farmstay’s tents have been designed to provide the most relaxing, inspiring and comfortable experience possible, empowering guests to truly commune with nature. Going above and beyond the usual expectations for an eco-stay, as 74% of Indian travellers want to have authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture when they travel, the retreat also offers a platform for local artists to display their talents and has a host of tours and activities on offer that are organised by guides and businesses in the region.
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Sustainable travel never felt as good as when you travel to a site of historical significance which still brings in modern practices of sustainability. The Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur is one such gem which provides luxury, but also ensures sustainability. The 81% of Indian travellers who are keen to reduce water usage can also fully relax knowing that the Palace has adopted conservation measures at the property, including using water-efficient toilets and showers, as well as offering guests the option to opt-out of daily room cleaning.
TRIBE AQUA a nature retreat, Neergah
Designed to preserve and celebrate its surroundings, Tribe Aqua is a unique nature retreat that lives up to its name. Located above Neergah waterfall, this retreat provides guests with a stunning showcase of the region’s culture, and it doesn’t end at the landscapes. With 91% of Indian travellers believing increasing cultural understanding and preservation of cultural heritage is crucial, this retreat provides guests with information regarding local ecosystems, heritage and culture, as well as visitor etiquette.
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