In a world where travel has become more about ticking off bucket lists than truly experiencing the essence of a place, we stand as a beacon of responsible and experiential travel. We are a small-group adventure company, known for our bike, hike, and dive tours across India and South East Asia. We have not only redefined travel but have also been recognized for the unwavering commitment to sustainability. On International Mountain Day, December 11, 2024, we were honored with the Bharat Ratna Gobind Ballabh Pant Paryavaranparak Paryatan Prashasti by the Rethink India Institute—a prestigious accolade that acknowledges excellence in environmental tourism.
The Unventured Way:
A Journey Beyond Travel Deep-rooted at the core, it is a journey beyond travel agency; we create a movement about changing how others explore the world. Funnily, all of us established Unventured on sustainability grounds, immersion culture, and respect for nature because we want those who venture under our auspices to really and deeply step into the unknown through connection with earth, people, and their story.
What sets Unventured apart is the focus on creating symbiosis between tourism and local communities. Working in collaboration with small businesses, through ethical travel support, and providing education to the traveler and locals alike on why eco-conscious tourism matters, Unventured built a model of empowerment rather than exploitation.
Sustainability at the Heart of Every Journey
Unventured ensures that its tours do not harm the environment. Some of our sustainability efforts are in line with:
Unventured, through these measures, ensures that every journey undertaken is one that nurtures the environment rather than depletes it.
Meeting with Local Communities
Our travellers relishing a local meal in Leh.
Our Himalayan Flagship Project – Greener Alternatives for Bottled Water
One such example of the organisation’s commitment to sustainable travel can be seen in its flagship initiative in the Himalayas, Greener Alternatives for Bottled Water. The group seeks to ban plastic from the environment and replace it with reusable bottles with built-in filtration systems, a strict “No Plastic Policy.” The group educates its travelers and engages with local communities to ensure that sustainability is not just a goal but a way of life.
Further, Unventured supports local economies by prioritizing homestays over hotels and encouraging travelers to support local artisans. By integrating authentic cultural experiences, the company fosters respect and understanding between travelers and host communities.
One of its broader efforts to be more sustainable, Unventured promotes 5 Simple Acts for responsible travel, like bringing reusable utensils and eschewing plastic straws. The small steps become a wave to make tourism a greener destination.
Propagating Responsible Travel
Beyond the Himalayas:
Local Efforts for Global Change Sustainability isn’t just a far-flung destination; it begins at home. Along with their Himalayan projects, Unventured regularly organizes clean-up drives in Bengaluru, emphasizing that environmental responsibility must begin locally before spreading globally. In this way, they continue to lead by example in minimizing the environmental footprint of tourism through active travel and reducing dependency on vehicles.
Nandi Cleaning Drive – where we cleared the trail by collecting seven bags of discarded waste.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Winning the Bharat Ratna Gobind Ballabh Pant Paryavaranparak Paryatan Prashasti
The Bharat Ratna Gobind Ballabh Pant Paryavaranparak Paryatan Prashasti is one of the most prestigious awards in India for environmental tourism. Instituted by the Rethink India Institute, a nationalist action cum advocacy think tank operating at the interface of academia, industry, and government, this award recognizes organizations that go above and beyond in preserving and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Winning this award is not just an acknowledgment of Unventured’s efforts; it is a testament to the impact that conscious, sustainable travel can have on the world. It reinforces the idea that travel, when done responsibly, can be a force for good—enriching communities, preserving ecosystems, and creating transformative experiences for travelers.
Looking Ahead: Rethink India Tourism Forum Award Nomination
As Unventured celebrates this remarkable achievement, the journey is far from over. We remain steadfast in its mission to advocate for and practice responsible travel. By constantly innovating and finding new ways to make travel more sustainable, we hope to inspire a global movement of mindful travelers who leave behind not footprints of waste, but footprints of change.
As Unventured continues its mission, the team remains committed to developing innovative ways to minimize the environmental impact of travel while maximizing its positive contributions.
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Mission of Responsible Travel
As Unventured celebrates this remarkable achievement, the journey is far from over. We remain steadfast in its mission to advocate for and practice responsible travel. By constantly innovating and finding new ways to make travel more sustainable, we hope to inspire a global movement of mindful travelers who leave behind not footprints of waste, but footprints of change.
It’s for those adventurers who do not want to compromise and wish to explore the world by giving it back. Here’s Unventured Expeditions proving that the real exploration of a place doesn’t lie in just seeing the new places, but in feeling them with the utmost respect, responsibility, and purpose.
Join the Movement
Unventured invites all travelers to be a part of this change. Whether it’s cycling through the spice plantations of Kerala, trekking in the Himalayas, or diving into the coral-rich waters of the Andaman Sea, every journey with Unventured is an opportunity to be a responsible traveler and make a difference.
Because travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you go.
The flower market was so vibrant and beautiful. Really felt like I was able to soak up some of the local culture. Gladys was amazing and I highly recommend!
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