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November 10, 2023

Planning an eco-friendly Diwali holiday in India can be a rewarding experience that combines sustainability with travel, by choosing a sustainable holiday in India during Diwali, you not only celebrate the festival of lights but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to make travel more responsible, respectful, and environmentally friendly. It's a fulfilling way to experience the beauty and culture of India while leaving a positive impact on the places you visit.  Here are five sustainable and eco-friendly destinations in India for your Diwali holiday:

1. MCLEOD GANJ, HIMACHAL PRADESH

 

 

Nestled in the Himalayas, this serene town is famous for its Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes. You can stay in eco-friendly lodges, explore the nearby trekking trails, and visit the Dalai Lama's residence. Support local artisans by shopping for handmade crafts.

• How to Reach Mcleod Ganj by Flight: The nearest airport to Mcleodganj is Gaggal, which is about 30 km away. Taxis are available here for hire to reach Mcleodganj. The nearest major airport is Chandigarh which is connected to all major airports of India. Delhi is the closest major International airport with a high frequency of flights and well-connected from everywhere.
• Nearest Airport: Jammu - 146 kms from Mcleodganj
• How to Reach Mcleodganj by Road: You can reach Dharamshala which is the main town 9 km before Mcleodganj by overnight bus from New Delhi. The Himachal Roadways and Himachal Tourism have regular bus service from Kashmiri Gate ISBT Delhi. From Dharamshala, there are regular local buses for Mcleodganj or you can also take a shared cab.
• How to Reach Mcleodganj by Train: Kangra Mandir is the nearest railway station to Mcleodganj, located about just 25 km from here. The nearest broad gauge railway station is in Pathankot which is 90 kms away. Taxis and buses are easily available from there.
• Local Transport in Mcleodganj: McLeodganj is best explored on foot. You can take rikshaws as well for relatively longer distances.

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CHONOR HOUSE: A heritage boutique hotel with eco-friendly practices, offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.

 

 

 

 

2. SPITI VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

 

 

Spiti is known for its stark beauty and remote location. Opt for homestays or eco-friendly guesthouses run by the local community. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, monasteries, and participate in local Diwali celebrations.

• How to Reach Spiti Valley by Flight: There is no direct flight connectivity to Spiti Valley. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, near Kullu, 245 km away from the same. However, Bhuntar airport is small with limited operations. Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 522 km is the nearest international airport.
• Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (IXC) - 522 kms from Spiti Valley
• How to Reach Spiti Valley by Road: Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Spiti Valley. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like New Delhi, Pathankot, and Shimla etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.
• How to Reach Spiti Valley by Train: The nearest broad gauge railway station from Spiti which have good connectivity is in Chandigarh. Jogindernagar also has a railway station which is nearest to Spiti, but it has very poor connectivity.
• How to Reach Spiti Valley by Bus: The Himachal state transport runs buses through both routes in summers, however just a bus through the Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza route. Direct buses are available from Chandigarh, Shimla, Kullu, Manali and some other parts of North India.
• Local Transport in Spiti Valley: The term Spiti means 'The Middle Land', as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet. Scantily populated, Spiti is an adventure lover’s paradise, with a number of trekking trails that tourists can choose from.

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SPITI ECOSPHERE: A community-based eco-tourism project with sustainable accommodations in Kaza, offering comfortable stays while supporting the local community.

3. KERALA BACKWATERS

 

 

Stay in eco-friendly houseboats in the backwaters of Kerala. Experience traditional Diwali celebrations in the villages along the backwaters, and savor delicious local cuisine. 

• How to Reach by Flight: The nearest airport to the Kerala Backwaters is Cochin International Airport (COK), which is well-connected to major Indian cities as well as international destinations. From the airport, you can easily access the backwaters by road or boat.
• Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to the Kerala Backwaters is Cochin International Airport (COK).
• How to Reach by Road: Kerala Backwaters can be reached by road from various cities within Kerala and neighbouring states. The road network in Kerala is well-developed, making it convenient to travel by car or bus. Popular cities to access the backwaters by road include Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
• How to Reach by Train: The nearest major railway station to the Kerala Backwaters is Alappuzha Railway Station (also known as Alleppey Railway Station). It is well-connected to major cities in India, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the backwaters.
• How to Reach by Bus: Kerala has an extensive bus network that connects various towns and cities to the backwaters region. State-run and private buses operate regular services to destinations like Alappuzha, Kumarakom, and Kollam, providing easy access to the backwaters.
• Local Transport: Once you arrive in the backwaters region, you can explore the area using local transport options such as traditional houseboats, motorized boats, and auto-rickshaws. Houseboats are a popular choice for experiencing the backwaters up close and offer overnight stays with scenic views of the waterways. Additionally, you can rent bicycles or hire local taxis for short journeys and sightseeing in the backwaters.

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COCO HOUSEBOATS: These eco-friendly houseboats are designed with sustainable materials and practices, allowing you to enjoy the backwaters while minimizing your impact.

 

4. KHAJURAHO, MADHYA PRADESH

 

 

 This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its ancient temples adorned with intricate erotic sculptures. Stay in eco-friendly hotels and explore the temples, ensuring you follow responsible tourism practices.

• How to Reach Khajuraho by Flight: Khajuraho Airport is the nearest airport that connects the site of Khajuraho to the rest of India, primarily cities like New Delhi, Bhopal etc. Regular connecting flights from domestic carriers like Air India, Indigo etc. serve the airport of Khajuraho.
• Nearest Airport: Khajuraho Airport (HJR)
• How to Reach Khajuraho by Road: Regular bus services ply to and fro Khajuraho. Buses, in a range from affordable to slightly expensive rates, are available from places like Bhopal, Indore, and New Delhi. You can also take a shared taxi or cab for the same route.
• How to Reach Khajuraho by Train: Khajuraho has a railway station which is connected by major cities.
• Local Transport in Khajuraho: It is a small town and can be accessed by hiring a taxi.

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THE LALIT TEMPLE VIEW KHAJURAHO: This luxury resort incorporates eco-friendly practices and offers a view of the Khajuraho temples.

 

5. AUROVILLE, TAMIL NADU

 

 

Auroville is an experimental township dedicated to sustainable living and spiritual growth. You can stay in eco-friendly guesthouses or volunteer at sustainable projects within the community.

• How to Reach Auroville by Flight: Auroville does not have an airport of its own and so doesn't Pondicherry. The nearest airport is Chennai which is 135 kms away and it is connected to all the major cities of the world. Hiring a cab from Chennai will cost you Rs 2100 approximately.
• Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport - 115 kms from Auroville
• How to Reach Auroville by Road: Auroville is well connected by buses from cities like Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Bengalaru, Chidambaram, Ooty. Pondicherry is well connected to major cities in India.
• How To Reach Auroville By Train: The nearest railhead to Auroville is the one at Villupuram which is 32 kms away and is connected to major cities of India. One can hire a cab from there or travel in the daily passenger train to reach Auroville.
• Local Transport in Auroville: Auroville has a lot of options in terms of intra city commuting. Auroville is a chilled out place and is flocked by a lot of foreigners throughout the year. Keeping that in mind, a lot of options are available for renting vehicles on a daily basis. Two wheelers cost around 200-250 Rs per day, while four wheelers cost around 1000-1200 per day. The timings to hire vehicles are from 9am-9pm.

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AUROVILLE GUEST HOUSES: These guesthouses offer a sustainable and community-oriented stay within the Auroville township.

 

6. RANN OF KUTCH, GUJARAT

 

 

Visit during the Rann Utsav, which coincides with Diwali. Stay in traditional Bhungas or eco-friendly tents and immerse yourself in the cultural festivities.

• How to Reach Kutch by Flight: The nearest airport to Kutch is in the city of Bhuj, which is around 80 km from the Rann desert. Bhuj airport is well connected to cities all over India. Flights run from and to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata etc.
• Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport (BHJ) - 53 kms from Kutch
• How to Reach Kutch by Road: This is the only actual option to reach Kutch. You can take your own vehicle or hire a cab from Bhuj to reach Kutch. Consequently, you can also travel with your own vehicle from Ahmedabad (400 km away) or Rajkot (300km away) to reach Kutch directly.
• How to Reach Kutch by Train: As mentioned, the city does not have a dedicated railway station of its own. However, the Bhuj city has a railway station with trains coming from many major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad etc. You will have to arrange a vehicle or take a cab to reach Kutch from Bhuj.
• Local Transport in Kutch
• You can take the buses and autos to explore the region and the villages around. There is also the option of hiring a cab.

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SHANKAR VILLA: A well-rated eco-friendly resort with traditional Bhungas and a focus on sustainability.

 

7. UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

 

 

While Rajasthan is known for its grand palaces, Udaipur stands out for its efforts towards sustainable tourism. Stay in heritage hotels with eco-friendly practices and explore the city's rich history and culture.

• How to Reach Udaipur by Flight: The Maharana Pratap airport, also known as the Dabok airport is situated at a distance of 24km from Udaipur. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur have flights scheduled every day from here, which makes the travel quite convenient.
• Nearest Airport: Udaipur
• How to Reach Udaipur by Road: The city lies midway between Delhi and Mumbai, at the intersection of NH 8, Golden quadrilateral, East west Corridor and NH 76. Road travellers can drive down to the city either from Ahmedabad through NH8 which takes approximately 5 hours or from Jaipur which is a 6-hour journey via the Golden quadrilateral. It's also a 4-hour drive from Kota through the EW corridor.
• How to Reach Udaipur by Train: There are two railway stations in Udaipur- Udaipur City railway station and Rana Pratap Nagar railway station, both well networked to most of the cities in India like Kolkata, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Agra, etc. Both the stations are located within a distance of 3km from the city centre.
• Local Transport in Udaipur: Hiring a cab for a day is a good idea. Travelling via three wheelers is an easy option and relatively cheaper too.

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RAAS DEVIGARH: This heritage hotel has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives while preserving the royal charm of Rajasthan.

 

 

 

 

 

8. LADAKH, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

 

 

Ladakh's stark landscapes and vibrant culture make it a unique Diwali destination. Opt for eco-friendly guesthouses and explore the region's monasteries, trekking trails, and local cuisine.

• How to Reach by Flight: The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IATA: IXL) in Leh. It is the primary airport serving the region and is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu. From Leh Airport, you can easily access various parts of Ladakh.
• Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IATA: IXL) in Leh.
• How to Reach by Road: Ladakh is accessible by road, primarily via two routes:

• Srinagar to Leh: The Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1) is a popular road route to Ladakh, and it is open from June to October. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas and passes through picturesque places like Sonmarg and Kargil.
• Manali to Leh: The Manali-Leh Highway (NH3) is another key road route to Ladakh, usually open from June to September. This route offers breath-taking landscapes but involves challenging terrain, including high mountain passes.

• How to Reach by Train: Ladakh does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu, which is well-connected to various cities in India. From Jammu, you can continue your journey to Ladakh by road or consider taking a flight to Leh.
• How to Reach by Bus: Ladakh can be reached by bus from Srinagar and Manali during the summer months when the Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways are open. State-run and private bus services operate on these routes, providing options for travellers.
• Local Transport: In Ladakh, local transport options include taxis, shared taxis, and rental cars. Public buses are limited, so taxis and shared vehicles are the primary means of transportation for getting around the region. Many tourists also choose to rent motorcycles or scooters to explore Ladakh's breath-taking landscapes and remote villages. Additionally, for visits to specific attractions, you can hire local guides and vehicles on-site.

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GRAND DRAGON LADAKH: This hotel in Leh follows eco-friendly practices and offers a comfortable stay while exploring Ladakh's rugged terrain.

 

9. WAYANAD, KERALA

 

 

Wayanad is a lush, green region in Kerala that promotes eco-tourism. You can stay in eco-friendly treehouses or resorts nestled in nature, explore wildlife sanctuaries, and witness the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.  

• How to Reach by Flight: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport (IATA: CCJ), also known as Karipur Airport. It is located approximately 100 kilometres away from Wayanad. After landing at Calicut International Airport, you can reach Wayanad by road.
• Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport (IATA: CCJ), also known as Karipur Airport.
• How to Reach by Road: Wayanad is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Kerala and neighbouring states. You can reach Wayanad by car or bus. Some of the key road routes to Wayanad include:

• From Kozhikode (Calicut): Wayanad is about 80-100 kilometres away from Kozhikode, and you can take National Highway 766 to reach Wayanad.
• From Mysore: Wayanad is approximately 130 kilometres from Mysore, and you can reach it via NH 766.
• From Bangalore: If you're traveling from Bangalore, it's around 270 kilometres to Wayanad, and you can take the NH 275 and NH 766 routes.

• How to Reach by Train: The nearest major railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode Railway Station (station code: CLT). Kozhikode Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India. From Kozhikode, you can continue your journey to Wayanad by road.
• How to Reach by Bus: Wayanad is accessible by bus from various cities in Kerala and nearby states. State-run and private bus services operate regular routes to Wayanad from places like Kozhikode, Mysore, and Bangalore.
• Local Transport: In Wayanad, local transportation options include taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental cars. To explore the various attractions within Wayanad, you can hire a local taxi or use auto-rickshaws. Additionally, if you plan to visit remote areas or wildlife sanctuaries, guided tours with transportation are often available through tour operators. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, renting bicycles is also a popular option for exploring the scenic landscapes of Wayanad.

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TREESCAPE ECO LODGE (WAYANAD, KERALA): TreeScape offers unique treehouse experiences amidst Wayanad's pristine forests, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

 

10.  SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL

 

 

The Sundarbans mangrove forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Bengal tiger. Choose eco-friendly boat tours to explore the unique ecosystem and support conservation efforts in the region.   

• How to Reach by Flight: The nearest airport to the Sundarbans is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU) in Kolkata. After arriving at Kolkata Airport, you can continue your journey to the Sundarbans by road and boat.
• Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to the Sundarbans is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (IATA: CCU) in Kolkata.
• How to Reach by Road: The Sundarbans can be reached by road from Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal. You can travel to various entry points of the Sundarbans, such as Basanti or Godkhali, by car or bus. From these entry points, you will need to take a boat to explore the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
• How to Reach by Train: The nearest major railway station to the Sundarbans is Canning Railway Station in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Trains from Kolkata and other cities in India connect to Canning. From Canning, you can reach the Sundarbans by road and boat.
• How to Reach by Bus: You can take a bus from Kolkata to reach the Sundarbans entry points like Basanti or Godkhali. State-run and private bus services are available for this route. Once you reach these entry points, you will continue your journey into the Sundarbans via boat.
• Local Transport: Local transport within the Sundarbans primarily consists of boats and smaller watercraft. The region is a complex network of rivers, estuaries, and mangrove forests, making boats the most practical means of transportation. You can hire boats with local guides for exploring the Sundarbans, visiting villages, and spotting wildlife. Additionally, some areas may have cycle rickshaws and footpaths for short-distance travel within villages. It's essential to plan your transportation and accommodations in advance, as the Sundarbans is a remote and ecologically sensitive area.

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MANGROVEWINGS ECO LODGE (SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL): MangroveWings provides a unique opportunity to stay in harmony with nature in the Sundarbans, supporting the conservation of its incredible biodiversity.

When visiting these destinations, make efforts to minimize your ecological footprint by practicing responsible tourism, supporting local communities, and being mindful of the environment. Enjoy a greener and more sustainable Diwali holiday while exploring India's natural beauty and cultural diversity.