Eco-tourism: Nature's Way to Explore India's Coast

A new wave of eco-tourism is emerging along India's Eastern Ghats and Visakhapatnam coast, emphasizing intimate experiences with nature and local communities. Initiatives like Pravaham, an eco-stay near Araku, are built using local soil, hay, timber, and bamboo, naturally regulating temperatures and reducing environmental impact. This approach extends to sourcing food and labor from nearby villages, encouraging guests to disconnect through digital detox programs and engage in activities like planting memories.

EcoHikes has significantly reduced its trek group sizes to a maximum of 12 participants, down from 30, to minimize pressure on the Eastern Ghats' sensitive trails. They utilize gas stoves for cooking and serve food on natural alternatives like banana leaves, while encouraging visitors to pack out all waste. Some trails have been closed to prevent overcrowding driven by social media trends, safeguarding the carrying capacity of these natural sites.

Along the coast, the East Coast Conservation Team (ECCT) offers tidepool walks, introducing small groups of up to eight visitors to the rich marine biodiversity. These guided experiences aim to foster appreciation for marine life, prompting participants to observe and document organisms through citizen science platforms. Platypus Escapes offers scuba diving that integrates conservation dives and underwater clean-ups, educating divers about marine pollution and responsible interaction with underwater ecosystems.