India’s extensive rail network offers a unique and sustainable way to experience the country’s beauty and culture
To discover India, train travel should be on the plan for responsible, conscious people
As we commemorate World Tourism Day in 2023, the meaning of travel takes center stage. Sustainable tourism not only allows us to discover the diversity of our planet, but also ensures that future generations can also enjoy these wonders. Discovering India is an eco-traveler’s delight with its landscapes, cultures and histories. To discover India, train travel should be on the plan for responsible, conscious people. India’s extensive rail network offers a unique and sustainable way to experience the country’s beauty and culture.
So if you’re looking for a getaway, hop aboard a train tour. Dinesh Kumar Kotha, Co-Founder and CEO of ConfirmTkt shares five eco-friendly travel destinations in India as we celebrate World Tourism Day 2023.
- Auroville, Tamilnadu:Station to reach Auroville: Villupuram Junction, Villupuram, Tamil NaduNestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, South India, Auroville is a paradise for travelers seeking sustainable living and eco-friendly tourism. This experimental community shines as a beacon of renewable energy, efficient waste management and organic farming. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of eco-friendly activities, from volunteering in community projects to attending sustainable living workshops. Discover the community’s sustainable infrastructure as you walk or cycle through Auroville’s lush botanical gardens. To reach this eco-paradise, embark on an eco-friendly train journey that fits perfectly with Auroville’s sustainability ethos. Train travel to Villupuram Junction offers scenic views, reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a greener, more sustainable way to explore this beautiful destination. Auroville is more than just a place; it is a way of life that promotes ecological harmony.
- Kaziranga, Assam:Station to Kaziranga: Jakhalabandha Railway Station, Furkating Railway Station
Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a true paradise for nature lovers. It has the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also offers a delicious mix of rich biodiversity and lush tea plantations. During your visit, you can choose to take a thrilling jeep safari to encounter the iconic one-horned rhino, a remarkable conservation success story. As you explore this fascinating region, you will also have the chance to interact with expert naturalists who provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. Travel to Kaziranga National Park is convenient with the Furkating Railway Station just 75 km away, offering excellent connections for responsible travellers, to major cities such as Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi. Overall, it is an adventure that combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with the charm of Assam’s natural beauty.
- Matheran, Maharashtra:Station to Matheran: Neral Railway StationA charming hill station in Maharashtra, Matheran is a car-free oasis in the heart of the Western Ghats. To get there, hop on a scenic toy train that chugs through lush forests, offering birdwatching opportunities and breathtaking views. Nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, just 80 km from Mumbai, Matheran lives up to its name, which means ‘forest on the forehead’. It is a place committed to nature conservation and has been recognized by the Ministry of Environment as an eco-sensitive area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching and more in this pristine environment. Moreso, if you choose to alight at Neral Railway Station for Matheran, don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking view of Charlotte Lake.
- Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim:Station to Khangchendzonga National Park: New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri JunctionLocated in the Himalayan region of Sikkim, Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a testament to the majesty of nature. Thanks to an extensive railway network connecting the state, a trip to this pristine park offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and lush valleys, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Sikkim’s fascinating landscapes and vibrant culture. This park is not only a natural wonder, but also an essential part of the global diversity hotspot in the Himalayas, home to countless endemic plant and animal species. The landscape includes lush green valleys, glaciers, serene lakes and mysterious caves.
- Coorg,Karnataka:Station to Coorg: Mysore Junction, Mysore, Karnataka
Known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a quiet hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, just 252 km from Bangalore, the state capital. Coorg is a very popular and budget-friendly destination for students. The misty hills, lush green valleys and rolling plains of Coorg create an enchanting natural wonderland. Known for its rich biodiversity, the destination features the Nagarhole National Park, home to diverse plant and animal species, along with extensive coffee and cardamom plantations. The region also features numerous rivers and waterfalls, which invite visitors to explore the backwaters of the Kaveri River. With its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes, Coorg is a popular holiday destination where nature takes center stage. Coorg can be visited by taking a train to Mysore, which is not far from the region. Travelers are promised scenic views along the way.
