This Genius Eco Travel Hack In Varanasi Will Change How You See India Forever
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities still occupied. It is revered for its Ganges river as well as its temples and rich culture and Varanasi draws a lot of tourists every year. In recent years however, there has been a push for sustainable travel practices in Varanasi and while developing green tourism has its own challenges, it is extremely important. Here’s how to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy Varanasi.
1. Choose Sustainable Accommodation
While in Varanasi, consider staying in eco hotels or eco friendly homestays. A lot of accommodation options nowadays are powered by renewable sources of energy like solar power, conserve water, and do not use single use plastics. When selecting your accommodation, check if they have certifications like LEED or Green Globe. Staying with local families in guesthouses will also benefit the community and will greatly reduce the impact that large hotel chains have on the environment.
2. Travel Responsibly
In order to get to Varanasi, one must first consider his or her carbon footprint. If possible, use the train rather than a flight as trains have much less emissions than planes do. When one arrives in the city, make sure to get around via cycle rickshaws, walking tours, or even by electric vehicles. These options are eco-friendly and allow you to enjoy the city’s beauty at the same time. Try and avoid hiring private cars for your Varanasi stay as they contribute to pollution and traffic jams. These modes of private transport should only be used as a last resort.
3. Respect Local Culture and Traditions
As noted earlier, Varanasi has a rich history that is intertwined with the Hindu religion and it has to be respected in order to promote ethical travel. Dress appropriately when near places of worship and always seek consent before taking key shots of people and ceremonies. Taking note of local traditions and customs is one way to ensure the city can retain its heritage. Supporting locals by buying handmade goods like Banarasi silk sarees and wooden crafts is another way to ensure ethical purchasing. These actions also tackle the issue of overdependence on mass-produced products and promote sustainable livelihoods.
4. Reduce Plastic Use
Every space of Varanasi is polluted with plastic and this is a huge concern for India as a whole. To help with the battle, use reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and utensils. Get water from trustworthy filtration stations or buy a portable water purifier. While dining, select restaurants that sell food in biodegradable or environmentally friendly containers. Make sure to motivate everyone in the group so that waste reduction during the trip can be achieved together.
5. Get Involved With Eco-Friendly Activities
As an eco-friendly tourist hub, Varanasi has a lot to offer. For example, take a lecture on the historical importance of the ghats and partake in a walking tour that contributes to eco-tourism. You may as well assist NGOs active in protecting the Ganges and take part in river clean-ups. From here you have the option of traveling to Sarnath, an archeological site of Buddhist monuments nearby, where you can enjoy history and nature at the same time.
6. Aid Programs That Are Out To Sanitize The Ganga
Like many rivers, the Ganges River holds special religious significance which therefore means it should be protected from the sewage, littering, industrial waste, and other pollutants that endanger its beauty. Participating as a responsible traveler means doing your part in cleaning the river. Sponsor organizations like the Namami Gange Programme that works to revitalize the Ganges River. Alternatively, one can volunteer with local organizations that do awareness campaigns, river banks, tree plantations, or other initiatives.
7. Buy Food From Local Venders
Every trip comes with memorable food experiences, and purchasing food from Varanasi comes with the bonus of supporting the local community and being sustainable. In Varanasi, tourists should sample vegetarian cuisines which use vegetables from local farms. Snacks such as chaat, samosas, and lassi are commonly sold by street vendors and taste better when produced with local ingredients, which also helps reduce the carbon footprint. Remember to always prioritize your health and only consume local hygienic food.
Bonus Tip: Self Reflection and Sharing
Take the time to research Varanasi’s unique ecosystem, its struggles, and the current preservation efforts before stepping foot into the city. Spreading this information can help fellow tourists understand its significance and adopt eco-friendly practices. Social media is a great medium to promote sustainable tourism – use it to underscore the good things that are being done in the city.
Final Thoughts
Every eco-conscious trip begins with a plan. In Varanasi, this first step entails purposefully and strategically minimizing your impact on the environment. From making eco-friendly accommodation choices to engaging with local businesses and aiding in their conservation efforts, every decision matters. Sustainable tourism increases the quality of the trip for the traveler and helps to protect the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Varanasi for the future. So grab your suitcase, step lightly, and responsibly delve into the unchanging beauty of this holy place.
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