Exploring Responsible Tourism in India: Encounters Travel's Initiatives

In recent years, the concept of responsible tourism has gained significant traction as travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences that positively impact the communities they visit. At Encounters Travel, we are committed to promoting responsible tourism through our new India tours, supporting various initiatives that empower local communities and preserve cultural heritage. Let's take a closer look at some of the initiatives we're proud to support:

Sheroes Hangout Café: Empowering Acid Attack Survivors

One of the standout initiatives we support is the Sheroes Hangout Café, a project initiated by the Chhanv Foundation. The café is staffed by courageous women who are survivors of acid attacks, aiming to raise awareness about this harrowing issue prevalent in India. Many of these women, known as "Sheroes," have faced isolation and societal stigma prior to finding employment at the café.

Through our partnership, we strive to provide these women with a supportive community, acceptance, and a sustainable source of income. By including a lunch stop at the café in our tours, we not only offer delicious cuisine but also contribute to the empowerment of these resilient individuals.

Our Tours Contributing to This Initiative

• Incredible India Tour
• Temples & Tigers Tour
• Taj to Varanasi Tour
• Rajasthan Explorer Tour
• Best of India Tour

Mughal Heritage Walk: Supporting Local Communities in Agra

In Agra, we facilitate the Mughal Heritage Walk, a community-based initiative designed by a local NGO. This immersive experience takes travellers through the ancient village of Kachhpura, offering insights into traditional village life and lesser-known Mughal-era monuments.

By participating in this walk, travellers support the local community by creating employment opportunities and contributing to the development of essential infrastructure. From learning about local cottage industries to exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region, this walk provides a holistic understanding of Agra beyond its famous landmarks.

Our Tours Contributing to This Initiative

• Incredible India Tour
• Temples & Tigers Tour
• Taj to Varanasi Tour
• Rajasthan Explorer Tour
• Best of India Tour

Kumarakom Village Walk: Sustaining Local Crafts and Traditions

Our Kumarakom Village Walk offers travellers the opportunity to explore the tranquil backwaters of Kerala aboard traditional Shikaras. Along the way, visitors engage with local artisans and learn about traditional crafts such as coir making, mat weaving, and toddy tapping.

This community-based tourism initiative not only raises funds for the local community but also helps preserve age-old crafts and traditions. By immersing ourselves in the daily lives of villagers and sampling local delicacies, we foster meaningful connections and support sustainable tourism practices in the region.

Our Tours Contributing to This Initiative

• Kerala Backwaters & Hill Stations Tour
• Southern Indian Uncovered Tour
• Best of India Tour

The Mohanam Cultural Centre: Preserving Tamil Heritage

In coastal Tamil Nadu, we partner with the Mohanam Cultural Centre to promote the preservation of local heritage and empower the youth of rural communities. Through creative arts classes, traditional dance performances, and skills training programmes, the centre aims to revive endangered elements of Tamil culture while fostering education and community development.

Our visit to the Mohanam Cultural Centre includes a glimpse into village life, interactive sessions on traditional arts, and a Tamil-style lunch served on banana leaves, providing travellers with an authentic cultural experience while directly supporting the centre's initiatives.

Our Tours Contributing to This Initiative

• Temples & Spices Tour
• Southern Indian Uncovered Tour

Supporting Sustainable Travel with Water-to-Go

Travelling responsibly involves minimising plastic waste while ensuring hydration on the go remains paramount. At Encounters Travel, we're dedicated to reducing single-use plastics, which is why we've partnered with Water-to-Go. Their portable filtration system is engineered to eliminate over 99.9% of impurities from any non-saltwater source, transforming even dubious water sources into potable water.

Given that tap water is unsafe to drink in many of the countries in which we operate, we strongly recommend purchasing a Water-to-Go bottle before departure. Doing so not only helps you steer clear of single-use plastic bottles but also ensures you stay hydrated throughout your journey.

Additionally, we're thrilled to offer an exclusive discount! Enjoy a substantial 25% off your Water-to-Go bottle and other related products (such as filters, lids, and carriers) using code ENCOUNTERS25 at checkout. This offer is valid in the UK, USA, and Canada.

How Water-to-Go Technology Works:

Water-to-Go bottles feature a unique 3-in-1 filtration technology designed to effectively remove contaminants from non-salt water sources worldwide. This innovative system combines three distinct filtration methods:

• Mechanical filtration: The bottle's tiny pore size ensures that even the smallest contaminants are unable to pass through.
  
  
• Electrical filtration: By applying a positive charge, the filtration system further reduces pore size, effectively trapping contaminants like a magnet.
  
  
• Activated Carbon: Unlike conventional carbon-based filters, Water-to-Go's activated carbon is contained within the membrane, enhancing filtration efficiency while eliminating unpleasant tastes and odours.

This advanced filtration process ensures that Water-to-Go bottles deliver safe, clean drinking water by removing bacteria, viruses, waterborne diseases, protozoa, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. Independently tested against internationally recognized standards, including by reputable institutions such as The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK) and BCS Laboratories (USA), Water-to-Go products provide peace of mind for travellers worldwide.

By choosing Water-to-Go products, travellers not only ensure their health and well-being but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Each Water-to-Go filter can replace hundreds of single-use plastic water bottles, reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly travel practices. Furthermore, Water-to-Go bottles offer a cost-effective solution, delivering safe, clean drinking water at just a fraction of the cost per litre compared to bottled water.

At Encounters Travel, we believe that responsible tourism is not just about sightseeing but also about making a positive impact on the destinations we visit. By supporting these initiatives, we strive to create meaningful experiences for travellers while contributing to the well-being and sustainability of local communities across India. Join us on our journey to explore the beauty of India while leaving a lasting and positive footprint on the places we visit.