Love Travelling? Here's How To Do It Without Harming The Planet

Ever planned a quick escape from the city and thought, "Am I being good to the planet while doing this?" You are definitely not the only one. With climate change now part of every conversation, more travellers across India are beginning to care about how they travel, not just where. But here is the thing: being an eco-friendly traveller does not mean trading luxury for leaf plates or skipping your morning coffee. It is about travelling smarter, not harder. A refillable water bottle here, a train ride instead of a flight there, and suddenly you are not just a traveller - you are an eco-traveller who prefers leaving no carbon footprints.

And honestly, there is no better place to start than India. From Spiti's mountain villages and Kerala's backwaters to the beaches of Gokarna and the forests of Assam, the country is full of places that welcome sustainable travellers with open arms.

Also Read: 12 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips Every Traveller Should Know

Why Eco-Friendly Travel Matters Now More Than Ever?

Tourism is responsible for nearly eight per cent of global carbon emissions, and transport remains the biggest contributor. A single domestic flight can produce more carbon dioxide than some people emit in an entire year. In India, where tourism continues to grow rapidly, the impact is visible everywhere, from plastic waste at beaches to overcrowded hill stations.

The good news is that change is already happening. A 2025 report found that India's eco-tourism sector is growing by 20 per cent annually, and around 65 per cent of travellers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly options. The message is clear: people want to travel better.

So how can you make a difference? Start small. Even a few conscious changes can transform the way you travel and inspire others to do the same.

_{Photo Credit: UnSplash}

6 Easy Choices That Can Transform The Way You Travel:

1. Skip The Flight, Take The Train

Yes, flying saves time. But did you know that a short domestic flight can emit up to ten times more carbon dioxide than a train journey on the same route? Trains are not only more eco-friendly; they are also far more enjoyable. Think scenic landscapes, station chai breaks, and conversations with fellow travellers.

Try this instead:

• Take the Vande Bharat Express for fast, energy-efficient travel.
• Check out IRCTC's Green Tourism initiative for low-carbon routes.

2. Say No To Single-Use Plastics

India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, much of it from tourist hubs. Every bottle, cup, and wrapper you throw away can end up polluting rivers or harming wildlife. The fix? Just a few smart swaps can go a long way.

Small switches that matter:

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at stations or hotels.
• Bring a cloth tote bag for shopping.
• Use bamboo or steel straws and cutlery instead of plastic.

It is simple, light, and stylish, plus, people might just ask where you got your eco gear from.

Also Read: 5 Smart Travel Tips That Are Good For You And The Planet

3. Stay At Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Not all hotels are built the same. While some waste large amounts of energy and water, eco-stays focus on comfort with a conscience. Think solar power, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced food.

Look for:

• Green certifications like EarthCheck or GSTC.
• Homestays that support local farmers or use organic produce.
• Properties that manage waste responsibly and go plastic-free.

Top picks in India:

• Spiti Ecosphere, Himachal Pradesh - solar-powered, community-run homestays.
• SwaSwara, Gokarna - yoga, sustainability, and farm-fresh food.
• Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad - built from mud, bamboo, and local love.

Pro tip: Check platforms like EcoBnB or Good Travel India for verified sustainable stays.

4. Eat Local, Shop Local

Here is a simple rule: if it travelled far to reach your plate, it is probably not eco-friendly. Imported food and factory-made souvenirs add to carbon emissions through transport and packaging. Eating and shopping locally, on the other hand, keeps your money in the community and your footprint small.

What you can do:

• Dine at farm-to-table restaurants or organic cafés.
• Order regional favourites like thalis, filter coffee, or local sweets.
• Buy handmade crafts from artisans instead of mass-produced trinkets.

Why it matters: You will taste authentic flavours, take home meaningful souvenirs, and help sustain local livelihoods.

Also Read: 5 Smart Travel Tips That Are Good For You And The Planet

5. Respect Nature And Wildlife

Wildlife tourism is booming, but not always in the right way. Elephant rides, tiger selfies, and feeding wild animals may seem harmless but often cause stress and suffering to the creatures you came to admire.

Be a responsible explorer:

• Book ethical safaris that follow conservation rules.
• Keep a respectful distance and avoid flash photography.
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.

Where to go:

• Kaziranga National Park, Assam - known for community-led conservation.
• Ranthambore, Rajasthan - promotes regulated safaris and eco-lodges.
• Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala - supports local employment through responsible tourism.

Respecting wildlife goes hand in hand with reducing your overall environmental impact. That is where offsetting comes in.

_{Photo Credit: UnSplash}

6. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Even with the best intentions, some emissions are unavoidable. That is where carbon offsetting helps. By contributing to verified green projects, you can balance out the impact of your travel.

How to offset:

• Use SustainableTravel.org or Carbon Footprint India to calculate your emissions.
• Support reforestation, solar energy, or clean water initiatives.
• Donate a small amount even Rs 300 can offset a short flight.

Also Read: 6 Plastic-Free Destinations That Are Leading the Zero-Waste Travel Trend

Eco-Tourism Hotspots In India You Will Love:

If you are wondering where to put all these tips into action, India has a growing list of eco-friendly destinations that combine sustainability with natural beauty.

1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

High up in the Himalayas, Spiti's community-run homestays and solar-powered villages make it a dream for responsible travellers. Stay at Spiti Ecosphere, trek with local guides, and buy handmade woollens directly from artisans.

2. Kanha And Bandhavgarh National Parks, Madhya Pradesh

These tiger reserves balance tourism and conservation beautifully. Stay in eco-lodges that employ locals, reduce waste, and fund anti-poaching efforts.

3. Kerala Backwaters

Trade noisy houseboats for solar-powered ones. Many villages around Alleppey now practice organic farming and waste segregation, making it easy to enjoy slow, guilt-free travel.

4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga shows that tourism and conservation can coexist. Local communities here play a vital role in protecting the park's wildlife and ecosystem.

_{Photo Credit: Pexels}

How Your Choices Add Up?

1. It might not feel like much, but every small action counts.
2. Taking a train instead of a flight can cut your emissions by up to 97 percent.
3. Staying in eco-lodges can reduce energy use by 30-50 per cent.
4. Carrying reusable items can stop hundreds of plastic products from ending up in landfills.

Now imagine millions of travellers making these same choices. That is how real change begins - one journey at a time.

Eco-friendly travel is not about perfection; it is about mindfulness. Every time you refill your bottle, skip a flight, or stay in a homestay, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want to explore. The best part? Travelling responsibly often leads to richer, more meaningful experiences. You connect more deeply with the people, the food, and the places, and leave with memories that stay with you long after you return home.