And when you read about eco-tourism, it is the first thing that occurs to you: the backwaters in Kerala or the trails in the forest in Himachal. However, in one recent visit to Chandigarh, I learned that even a modern and planned city has something to offer in terms of sustainable tourism.
Chandigarh is often referred to as The City Beautiful, but the clean streets and organized sectors are not all that this city has to offer. It is a place with a firm commitment to environmental awareness in everyday life-which makes it an undiscovered treasure to environmental travellers such as myself.
Getting Around the Green Way
The focus on green transportation by Chandigarh made one of the first impressions on me. The variety of the cycle tracks and walk-friendly roads ensured that it was easy to give up motorized transport in the city. I have hired a bicycle at one of the eco-bike stands of the city and spent my days cycling around in the Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden and even in some of the lesser-known gardens, which are located in distant areas of Sector 36 and 49.
In the case of longer distances, I used Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses, most of them using cleaner fuels. The transporting infrastructure is well timed, cheap, and does not compel people to use personal cabs.
Environmentally-Friendly Accommodation Options.
During the city, it is not always simple to find eco-friendly accommodation, yet Chandigarh once again made me feel better. I have been staying at a guest house that is based in the form of a boutique but had hot water powered by solar panels and zero-plastic policies. Their meals were prepared using locally available food which besides giving a fresh taste, they helped farmers in the area.
Chandigarh also features quite a number of eco-lodges and hostels which are keen on minimizing the carbon footprint by conserving water, composting and minimizing energy use.
Playing in Nature without Violating It.
Nature does not simply exist in Chandigarh, but it is the part of the city. One can have a tranquil retreat into the biosphere at the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only a short ride away. There are guided tours that are aimed at sensitizing the visitors on the local flora and faunas without disrupting the environment.
The Terraced Garden and Butterfly Park were also a great visit as I was able to see how urban areas can be used to provide conservation of native species and simultaneously provide the visitor with a peaceful green experience.
Thinking Global, Supporting Local.
One of the aspects of sustainable traveling is the contribution to local economy. I decided to dine at dhabas owned by the family, buy products at the Shastri Market, and shun imported products. This minimized the amount of travel I was making, but also made the experience more genuine.
Sustainable travel does not mean making sacrifices, rather it means making wiser and conscious decisions. Chandigarh taught me that a city that has a reputation as an architectural and planning center can become a pioneer in eco-tourism.
Conclusion
Responsible travel does not imply experience compromise. My trip in Chandigarh was full of memorable events, and these events were based on sustainability and the environment care. Chandigarh must make it to the list of your destinations, in case you are a responsible traveler.
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