Responsible Travelling: Keep the Nature travel-proof!

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." -- Khalil Gibran

Off late, there is much popular and a mandatory requirement for traveling, and that is to travel in an eco-friendly manner. It is we who are dependent on nature. Considering that it is the space of nature that we travel in, and hence etiquettes should be followed to keep the travel safe not only for you but for nature too. 

Eco-tourism is "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." -- The International Eco-tourism Society

Eco-tourism is not widely known in India, but surely the word is spreading all over the country. One can never be late to protect nature, but there is a lot of time between being late and too late. So contribute towards nature and conserve this gifted beauty. Here are some guidelines that you can follow to do your bit.  

• Do not litter. Carry back all non-degradable things such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc and dispose them in the dust bins.
• When hiking in woods, cut down on noise pollution. Do not put on your radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment aloud in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
• In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source. 
• Clicking photographs for sending postcards is obvious. But do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Take prior permission, whenever necessary. 
• Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. Protect bio-diversity of the region at all costs. 
• Do not pollute the water. Using pollutants such as detergents, in streams or springs while washing and bathing can pollute not only the water but will also harm the aquatic fauna. 
• Do not leave cigarette butts or make open fires in the forests. 
• Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild. 
• Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered. 
• Respect the local people, and the culture they follow. Do not intrude in it. 

To avoid the falling into trouble, read travelogues, most importantly read about the customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviors, etc. We all are responsible citizens, and should be responsible travelers too. Welcome eco-tourism with open arms, just like the nature amazingly welcomes you on your every trip.