Your Ultimate Guide To An Eco-Friendly Vacation In Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital of India is a fantastic combination of history, art, and culture. The city is well known for its markets, colonial architecture, extravagant festivals, and now, sustainable tourism. When planning a vacation in this city, it is really easy to have an eco-friendly trip. Taking a vacation in Kolkata not only gives you the chance to explore heritage sites, but, with the right choice, also lets you ensure that you are leaving very little impact on the environment. To help in planning the trip, here is an easy to follow guide that ensures sustainability.
1. Select Eco Responsible Hotels
The easiest step towards having an eco-friendly vacation is ensuring that you have a sustainable stay. Eco conscious guesthouses and hotels that aim to reduce energy use, minimize waste, and conserve water are abundant in Kolkata. Look for accommodations that have green energy and recycling programs as well as sustainably sourced construction materials. Some hotels even serve organic meals and use local culture for their decoration and activities. Staying in such places does not just lessen the carbon footprint, but also help’s businesses that focus on sustainability.
2. Consider Eco-Friendly Public Transport Options
Kolkata happens to be pretty advanced with its public transport systems which include yellow taxis, trams, buses, and even the Kolkata Metro. If you are travelling through the city, especially for leisure purposes, the tram system is a great way to maintain a low carbon footprint. Considering that it’s one of the oldest tram systems in Asia, it’s also fun to see as a tourist. For shorter distances, think about walking or biking instead of taking a car. Several locations in Kolkata allow for easy walking, such as the Maidan or the many grounds surrounding the Victoria Memorial.
3. Purchase From Eco-Friendly Local Vendors
Kolkata is a city full of small businesses which means that it’s a hub for artisans and craftsmen. While checking out souvenirs or going out for meals, be sure to check out local vendors and products first. If you are looking for souvenirs, visit Dakshinapan and New Market and buy the handcrafted jute, clay, and plastic mats made out of recycled material. To support eco-friendly businesses, try to eat at places that serve organic, locally sourced, and seasonal food. It is great to see that many restaurants in Kolkata have opted for eco-friendly practices by reducing waste and serving vegetarian food.
4. Visit the Parks and Gardens in Kolkata
Like other metropolitan cities, Kolkata boasts beautiful parks and gardens that are a breath of fresh air from the city life and serve to preserve nature. It offers two parks that will get your attention which are the Eco Park in New Town and the Maidan which provides a wonderful opportunity for a nature friendly picnic. Indian Botanic garden in Howrah is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens found in South Asia. It is a renowned structure for all plant lovers as it contains innumerable plant species among which is the Great Banyan Tree. These places are very important for the ecological relevance of the city and keeps its ecological integrity.
5. Join Eco-Tours and Local Experiences
To make your journey worthwhile, think about eco-tours or cultural experiences that aim towards preservation. The city of Kolkata has many organizations that offer guided tours revolving around the city’s history, wildlife, architecture, and efforts toward sustainability. You can visit Sundarbans, which is just a few hours away from Kolkata. It is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These tours are mostly centered around educating and creating awareness about the unique biodiversity and preservation of the region. You can also celebrate cultural events like Durga Puja, which are held using eco-friendly pandals made from recycled materials that enable people to celebrate Kolkata’s heritage in an environmentally conscious way.
6. Implement A Responsible Waste Management System and Reduce Plastic Usage
Reducing plastic usage to travel sustainably has the most far reaching impact as compared to other activities. Try to avoid single use plastic bottles. Bring your own reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and cutlery. There are many water refill kiosks and eco-friendly stores around Kolkata. Take care of how you dispose of waste as well. Try to sort out the rubbish you generate and use recycling bins. Many hotels and public places in Kolkata are starting to implement proper waste management measures and your help can make a big change.
7. Get Involved with Local Communities and Preservation Projects
Everyone knows that Kolkata is a community-oriented city. Getting involved with local projects surely enhances your travel experience and helps promote travel sustainability. There are many initiatives that mobilize the Sabuj Sangha or Nature Mates community around tree planting as well as social educational drives. Such initiatives are beneficial as they improve people’s ecological awareness while simultaneously creating connections between the city’s residents and changing its culture.
Final Thoughts
When looking for an eco-friendly holiday in Kolkata, the intent is to reduce environmental harm. However, it requires welcoming different mindful and responsible manners of traveling. Sustainable accommodation, utilizing local service providers, visiting parks, and helping with environmental projects capture the charm of the city, while aiding in its preservation. Sustainability-focused travelers will appreciate the city as it is a combination of beauty, nature, culture, and history. So grab your suitcase, don these sustainable practices, and prepare to embark on a holiday that benefits both Kolkata and the wider environment.
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