Category: Conscious Living

Zerodha’s Rainmatter invests in Up⤴ with smart home cooking on the menu

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Nithin Kamath-led Rainmatter pumped in $500,000 to consumer hardware startup Up⤴ (formerly React Labs) as part of its pre-seed funding. The firm with headquarters in Bengaluru was founded by Mahek Mody and Mohit Sharma, and it successfully closed its pre-seed round at a total of $1.3 million.

Up⤴ has received investment from the co-founders of Ather Energy, Unacademy and the Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs India. The startup’s revolutionary technology and vision for Indian household appliances also intrigued Tim Draper, an early investor in Tesla, who took part in the company’s pre-seed fundraising round.

Additionally, consumers from the brand’s beta testing programme have also turned into mini-angel investors in Up⤴.

Also read: Adani Power to sell entire stake in Support Properties for Rs 1556.5 crore

The investment will be employed to execute the go-to-market strategy for the company’s first ‘upliance’- delishUp⤴. The appliance, which has been installed in more than 250 modern Bengaluru houses, combines a cutting-edge touch screen with an infinite number of built-in guided recipes with a jar that cooks and warms food while providing controlled chopping, stirring, and other culinary tasks.

Up, which is designed and manufactured in India, makes it simple and affordable for Gen Z and millennials to prepare nutritious meals at home.

The Co-Founder and CEO of Up⤴, Mahek Mody, said,“Everyone knows the best way to manage your health is to eat home cooked food, and with this new funding we are looking forward to taking delishUp to consumers across the country.”

“Most other services available in the market focus on the exercise or ‘calories out’ options, but nearly none of them are offering users the superpower to take control of ‘calories in’. Nithin & the whole Zerodha-Rainmatter family are the flag bearers of health and nutrition in the Indian startup sector. Them discovering and using delishUp⤴ and following that with an investment is a massive vote of confidence,” she added.

According to Nithin Kamath, Co-Founder and CEO of Zerodha, Rainmatter is extremely enthusiastic about assisting individuals in improving their health. “When Mahek and Mohit showed us delishUp⤴ and what they were trying to build, we really liked it. We could instantly see that this could go a long way in helping people eat healthy. We’re really excited to join Up in this journey.”

Also read: Over 60% Indian firms feel they can be sustainable & profitable at the same time: Survey

The next wave of smart and connected innovation, according to Siri Srinivas, Principal Investor at Draper Associates, will be designed to elevate the standard of  home life.

“The next generation of smart and connected devices for the world will be built in countries like India and by the upcoming generation of hardware startups. Up⤴’s mission aligns with ours — taking long odds on extraordinary outcomes. We are excited to be a part of their growth and look forward to seeing the delishUp in Indian homes soon,” he said.

People with no prior cooking knowledge may now make hassle-free, wholesome meals for themselves owing to delishUp. The recipes on ‘upliance’ have been created in-house, taking into account widely accessible products, their nutrition, and the macros and calories for every meal.

The linked features provide limitless recipe options in addition to other services like meal planning, grocery buying, and other things. The best superpower for almost all young Indian families is the promise of delicious and nutritious home cooking, as seen by the brand’s customers’ transformation into little angel investors.

Also read: Jet Airways relaunch likely to be delayed — Jalan-Kalrock consortium yet to fulfill its payment obligations

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Ayurvedic Tour in India: Experience real peace of mind, body and soul

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Are you looking for a healing tour or just want to visit a place to indulge in a few days of leisure? Visit India, a country where medical and health tourism are flourishing. The country’s rich cultural background, provides the greatest spa and ayurvedic treatments. In fact, the government of Kerala is expected to transform the state as the world capital of Ayurveda. The comprehensive and skillfully designed spa and Ayurveda programmes in India are ideal to revitalise your body, mind and spirit. Plan a trip to India and discover the healing powers of nature that are concentrated in the lush vegetation and expansive spaces of the breathtaking vistas.

You can find a wide range of programs based on the Vedic science “Ayurveda” at any Spa and Ayurveda Resort in India, including spa packages, facials, body scrubs, massages, body wraps, hydrotherapy, and Ayurveda packages.

The roots of the name Ayurveda in ancient Sanskrit are “Ayus” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge). It provides a rich and thorough outlook on living a healthy life. It is thought that this therapeutic art dates back roughly 5000 years.

Simple Phenomenon

Numerous health risks are a result of how modern man lives nowadays. A cleaning and renewal procedure forms the cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. According to the Vedas, the body accumulates “Ama,” or harmful compounds, as a result of our weak digestion, poor food, incomplete waste removal, inadequate sleep, pollution, and stress. The Tri Dosha (pitta, vata, and kapha) as well as the accumulation of toxins are further consequences of this, both of which can result in poor health. Ayurveda is a full system of natural medicine that aids in obtaining the ideal vata, pitta, and kapha balance for a healthier lifestyle.

Facilities

In India, there are many spa and ayurvedic resorts that provide a variety of spa packages, hydrotherapy, massages, Ayurvedic treatments, personal fitness training, body composition analysis, physiotherapy, gyms with cutting-edge equipment, exercise studios for all aerobic as well as exercise programs, and outdoor pools for sports like aqua aerobics.

Treatments using Ayurveda

The earliest medical system in existence is thought to be Ayurveda. This therapeutic method has no negative effects because it is entirely based on natural ingredients (medical plants, medicated oils, herbs, milk, herbal powders, curd, etc.).

The following therapies are used in the basic 8-fold process:

Panchakarma

a five-pronged cleansing procedure that restores equilibrium to the doshas or life energies (Pitta, Vata, and Kapha). Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma, and Paschatkarma are the three primary phases of panchakarma therapy.

Abhyanga

It is a coordinated full-body massage given by two therapists. It is carried out using particular herbal oils that have been recommended for the body type. Abhyanga is beneficial for enhancing vision, encouraging sleep, and giving the skin a healthy glow.

Udwarthana

Herbal powders are used in a dry massage technique. It is an excellent therapy for fat loss.

Choornaswedan

An herbal powder-filled cotton bundle is used to give this strenuous massage. Neurological diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, and sports injuries can all be effectively treated with it.

Njavarakizhi

Once more, a tiny linen bag packed with boiled Njavara rice is used as the massage medium. This therapy completely rejuvenates both your body and mind.

Kaval

It entails gargling with medicinal oil. is very helpful for conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Additionally, it makes the voice better and makes you look younger.

Vamana

To produce therapeutic vomiting, a herbal decoction is administered as a kind of therapy. The method is effective in treating Kapha imbalances that cause conditions including asthma, coughing, psoriasis, and other skin ailments.

Virechana

It is carried out using the purgative Virechak Aushdhi with cream or warm water. It helps treat skin conditions like dermatitis, chronic fever, heartburn, and jaundice as well as excess Pitta in the body.

Kerala is regarded as the birthplace of Ayurveda. This country is endowed with a temperate temperature, an abundance of forests (which are home to a multitude of medicinal plants and herb plants), and a mild southwest monsoon (June-November). These elements all work best with Ayurveda’s therapeutic and restorative regimens. The state of Kerala takes great pride in being the only one in all of India to adhere to this method of treatment.

Ayurveda is also practiced in a few other states besides Kerala, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab, Goa, etc.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Nature therapy: How nature can heal you in unexpected ways

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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One of the most awe-inspiring creations in the universe is mother nature. From sky-high mountains to deep blue seas, flat green grasslands, arid deserts and freezing cold glaciers, nature has never failed to astound humankind. Ever since our childhood, we have loved running through the meadows, diving into the river for a swim and dancing in the rain. 

As adults, most of us do not have the time, space or energy to engage in pursuits that wake our inner child. Did you know that you can take up nature therapy, or eco therapy, under the guidance of a trained therapist, to harness the healing powers of nature to your own benefit? Read on to find out more. 

Nature therapy 

This type of therapy is for everyone, and not restricted to those with mental illness. Under this method of psychotherapy, a trained therapist designs activities to do with you, based on the areas you need to work on. Each type of landscape induces a different type of emotion in human beings, and hence the location and activity will be based on the work you need to do with your psyche. It is known that travelling, or making an outside journey has a direct influence on our psyche. 

One important thing to note with nature therapy is that it does not solely rely on visual impact alone. Actively engaging with nature is mandatory for the treatment to be effective. Let us take a look at the multifarious benefits nature therapy offers.

Inspires hope

In general, people who are connected to nature tend to be happier, or calmer than those who do not have any exposure of the kind. When one undertakes nature therapy, one experiences the feeling of being one with something larger than themselves. Regardless of the landscape, nature has the power of making us believe that we are all connected and that the world is a breathtaking place, whose beauty cannot be savoured in one lifetime. This profound connection takes the participant’s minds off their problems, makes them think in a different perspective and lightens their hearts. 

Increases awareness

Any activity done alongside nature demands all senses be employed, to carry out the task effectively. When a person recluses themselves from the overstimulated world to indulge in a task or activity associated with nature, they slowly become aware of their surroundings. Once they get deeply involved, they tend to be more aware of their surroundings, their actions, its potential consequences and dangers to take note of. This heightened awareness keeps improving and also influences the day-to-day life of the participant. Nature therapy also helps us in developing a deeper connection with nature, as it instils awe and a meaningful association with nature. 

Instils creativity

As per a study carried out among Danish creative professionals and published by Science Direct, it is noted that nature is a significant contributor to humans’ creativity. The fascination induced by the beauty of nature is primarily hard-coded in our brains, which is why we feel excited when we are amidst natural spaces. Nature helps us restore our mental balance, which tends to go askew in our daily lives. Once that balance is restored, we get a fresh perspective on things, which drives us to produce works of art. Engaging with nature also increases brain activity, hence there is increased blood flow to the brain, and improved cognitive ability, we can connect distant dots and bring about amazing pieces of art. This is why many artists (all forms of art) prefer a deep retreat for them to create brilliant creative work.

Reduces anxiety and depression

As per survey findings by the UK-based Mental Health Foundation, 45% of people who took this survey have claimed that visiting green spaces helps them cope through distressed periods of time. Nature therapy impacts the nervous, endocrine and immune system, reducing anxiety considerably. The wilderness of nature paired with rhythmic activities increase the secretion of serotonin, thus drastically reducing anxiety, fear, depression, extreme mood swings and heart rate.

Boosts physical health

It is a no-brainer that nature therapy improves the physique. Taking part in activities that embrace nature and basking in its beauty actually reduces muscle tension and blood pressure. It is also proven that people who spend time with green and blue spaces, such as grasslands and water bodies tend to acquire Natural Killer or NK cells that fight against tumours and infections that try to enter the immune system. 

Enhances cognitive functions

Since nature therapy involves a combination of activities done amidst the vastness of nature, it results in sharpened cognition. The working memory is made better and participants would be better able to perform their day-to-day activities with an increased information retention rate and enhanced attention span. Since the mind is clear of disturbances and overstimulation, controlling attention and switching attention between different tasks becomes much easier, resulting in higher cognitive flexibility. 

Better connection with people

It has been proven beyond doubt that when a human being undertakes an activity in the midst of nature, either alone or with a partner or group, tend to develop a deeper appreciation of one another and feel positively connected to others, mankind in general. One such nature therapy tour is offered by the Unheard Unseen Project in collaboration with an experiential learning platform, Freebirds.co, which is an initiative by like-minded and free-spirited adventurers. In this project, people from different walks of life come together, engage in shared experiences, spend time in quiet reflection and co-create beautiful structures for the locals. This type of engagement with nature, fellow human beings and oneself opens up layers within ourselves that we didn’t know existed.  This profound connection to fellow humans is brought about by nature. Since we connect with others while simultaneously connecting with power much bigger than us, the feeling of belonging kicks in, leading to deeper trust and connection among our fellow beings. The new found affinity is found to reduce depression, feelings of isolation and resentment.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Conscious traveling: A trip with an intent

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Booking an all-inclusive resort, whiling away the day sipping cocktails by the pool, shopping designer labels from those luxurious multistoried malls – is this really a travel exploration?

In this new period, where everything is centered on minimizing individual carbon footprint, why not apply the same rationale to our vacations?

While we are somewhat acquainted with the jargon surrounding the latest movements in leisure travel, such as experiential, transformative, sustainable and regenerative. Conscious travel is the new way forward – a synthesis of the aforementioned travel trends.

So, what does conscious travel mean?

Aware or conscious travel is about making mindful and responsible decisions –towards our exploration and journey. These could be decisions of various kinds about where to stay, what activities to engage in, which services to use, what goods to purchase, and how to behave with the locals. Being ‘conscious ‘ in no way means giving up your freedom or reducing your air travel; on the contrary, it means pursuing as much introspective and geographical exploration as possible.

In addition to leaving an environmentally good impact and repairing the damages of past reckless travels–empathetic and conscious travel is essential for our own personal growth as global citizens.

Also read: Stunning destinations in India that resemble foreign locations

There are many ways to become a more conscientious traveler, but here are five simple ones to get you started. And keep in mind that it might end up costing a little more and requiring a bit more preparation than you’re accustomed to.

1. Pick your destination wisely

The first step in every trip should be deciding where you want to go. It’s not about where you go but how you travel that makes you a conscientious traveler. While everyone else is posting Insta-perfect pictures of themselves in Maldives, Turkey and London, you could use your vacation to experience the real deal- meet real people, experience the culture and get a feel for what it’s like to live there.

In lieu of the typical tourist attractions, you could also try visiting somewhere unusual and off the beaten path. An article in National Geographic claims that not only would visiting a relatively unexplored location fill you with the enthusiasm of discovering a new and uncharted region, but it will also facilitate your attempts to be more conscientious. For instance, in Italy, Treviso about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of the popular destination of Venice, is a lovely alternative – and a place that hasn’t yet been as commercialized as Venice. For people visiting Iceland- choosing to skip the capital city of Reykjavik and go to the non-touristy peninsula in the northwest of the country- Westfjords could be an interesting option. This is a place in Iceland which is more like a virgin unspoiled paradise where you’ll find quaint cottages, bungalows, and cabins dotting the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Exploring places like these would not only allow you to uncover novel beauty – but would also be beneficial to the economies where you are travelling

Also read: Immerse into your spiritual side at these Breathwork and Yoga Retreat destinations in India

2. Support local

Once you’ve arrived at your final destination, it’s time to start paying attention to what you do. If you want to save money and also help the place you are visiting, be selective and conscious. Pause for a while and observe how the locals behave and the things they choose. Getting a sense of the local opinions on how best to proceed will help you immensely on your trip.

Stay: Staying in an Airbnb or bed & breakfast is a fantastic first step in helping the local economy. Smaller hotels may also be eco-friendly options; for instance, a place that runs on solar energy, feeds guests breakfast made from locally sourced organic ingredients, and hires locals.

Experiences: One of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel is by seeking out new and exciting experiences right in your own backyard. Consider taking out a few hours to drive to a nearby beach or forest if you’re itching to get out of town. A short trip like this might seem like a lifetime away and yet aid “non wasteful travelling”. Always be sure to listen to the local guides or friends that you meet while you are traveling and drawing inspiration from their experiences – this could be a great approach to creating memorable moments.

Dining: Eating locally is another method to reduce your impact on the environment. One could also choose to visit the nearby farmers’ markets and supporting local growers. Gaining an insight into the local tastes and cuisines could be very enriching and adventurous

Also read: All packed but still waiting? All you need to know about travel plans impacted by visa delays

Adopting local habits: Learning the local way of doing things can help you stay out of trouble and also teach you proper etiquette. You may also help the local economy by staying with a local family, hiring a local guide, or participating in a volunteer program. Friendships of a lifetime are frequently formed when travelers choose to stay at homestays or tiny B&Bs and use local transportation in the area.

3. Pack wisely

It’s important to be cognizant of the fact that as travelers while we are at the holiday spot only for a short period of time – but the people who live there shouldn’t be forced to cope with the consequences of our irresponsible behavior.

That’s why it is extremely important to give a careful thought to your packing process.

Keep a copy of your hotel confirmations, flight tickets, and insurance documents, on your mobile to avoid unnecessary paper wastage and keep track of all of your trip. If your phone ever gets stolen or lost during the trip, you would still be able to access these documents through email, or via a cloud storage service.

Careful vacation planning also includes taking just the essentials . Create a list of the things that are absolutely necessary for you to take with you. Select pieces of clothing that are understated and multifunctional rather than purchasing a large number of items that are not essential. This will be advantageous for you since it will lessen the weight of your luggage that you have to carry, and it may even have an effect on the total weight of the airplane, which is significant because a heavier plane consumes more fuel.

When you go shopping, bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups, straws, soaps rather than bottled shower gels, and lightweight tote bags with you to cut down on the amount of single-use plastic you consume.

4. Shop consciously

Think about buying experiences rather than material goods. Instead of purchasing trinkets to remind you of your trip, why not take a walking tour or photography tour to get a feel for the local culture and history? That magnet on the fridge won’t stay as long as the things you remember.

But if you at all feel a shopping spree, you don’t have to kill it, there are ways to indulge in it and yet be responsible.
Giving business to the local shops and merchants gives you the ideal chance to practice your language skills, understand the local mindset, and establish a real connection with the location that you are visiting.

Make an effort to buy clothing that was created responsibly – by hunting for brands that adhere to ethical standards. They could be ethical in a variety of different ways. A majority of them make their designs using materials that are either organic or recycled, are open about their supply chain, and have decent working conditions for the individuals working with them.

Ditch the mall culture and explore those narrow-hidden alleys, to find tiny little shops selling the most unique creations- hand carved art , beautifully embroidered clothing to heirloom jewellery that the owners have been making for generations. With experiences like these- you are not only purchasing a memento for your trip, but you are actually making an investment in the culture of the area. A lot of travelers have now also started opting for seconds hand products- with the intent of giving previously treasured goods a new lease of life.

5. Respect local culture

Your mind and heart must be open before you start the trip. “Aware Travel” also means -experiencing “mindfully”. Taking in, absorbing and being open and receptive to new experiences. Living each moment to a 100 percent- allowing these new learnings to widen your horizons and make you embrace a whole new way of living life.

Learn more about the local culture by reading books about the place, going though blogs and Vlogs, watching online documentaries could really help you gather an understanding of the place. You could also familiarize yourself with the location by speaking to seasoned travelers who have experienced the place before you and making a checklist of things to do and to avoid.

As a “Guest” in the new town – It is essential to show respect for the locals whose principles you are not familiar with rather than attempting to impose your own belief system on them. When you respect others, they will likely respect you in return, which will help you form meaningful connections with the people in the community. Locals will frequently support you and be more forthcoming with information about their life if they see that you are making an effort to learn and respect the cultural norms of their society.

As Global citizens- Home is not just where we will- it includes every place we inhabit for even a while. It is key for us to see ourselves as representatives and ambassadors of our own nation and culture. As we leave our foot prints across the world- we also need to leave memories which are worthy of being cherished. We can’t afford to be the privileged travelers using the locals as props for our social media feeds. Building in the feeling of humility and compassion is essential in our travel journey. As the new age traveler it is important to be fully aware and make our wholehearted efforts in assisting people across the globe in preserving this beautiful planet.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Immerse into your spiritual side at these Breathwork and Yoga Retreat destinations in India

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ambitious goals, long working hours and almost no meaningful recreation has left most of us on the brink of burnout. If you have wanted to explore the depths of spirituality in a serene spot, but postponed it for a different time, wait no more. 

This article talks about the top 3 breathwork and yoga retreat destinations in India. 

Rishikesh 

A land of the gods, surrounded by the Himalayas and blessed by Ma Ganga, Rishikesh is one of the best places to go on a breathwork retreat. Ashrams (spiritual centres) like Akhanda Yoga offer a holistic package that covers the basics of Hatha Yoga, basic asanas that help in relaxing and delves deep into Pranayama (breathwork). These retreats usually start with the travellers arriving at the destination by air or rail or bus. 

Also Read: Visiting Rajasthan: Five best tourist spots in the State Royale of India

Once they acclimatise to the surroundings, their daily routine starts. The day starts with a refreshing aasana session, followed by a light, yet filling breakfast. The instructors facilitate a more focused and advanced asana session, followed by guided meditation and breathwork. After a break for lunch, time is allotted for self-reflection and practice of the asanas learnt. The evenings are majorly for deep meditation, and physical exercises to unwind, with a quiet and healthy dinner that evokes thoughts on the connection between the mind and body. 

To add flavour to the routine, some ashrams arrange for excursions once a week, preferably to a holy centre or to the foothills of the Himalayas, to experience the aura of the place. Holy ceremonies (pujas) are conducted with the traveller/devotees witnessing them, chanting powerful mantras and indulging in a deep, vibrant spiritual experience. 

If you are a person who finds deep meaning amidst the hills, the retreat to Rishikesh is a must-have.

Goa

On the other hand, if you find peace in the sound of waves crashing the shore, in their highs and ebbs, then you must book a visit to Goa for a yoga retreat. Following a similar daily routine as the Rishikesh retreat, you can go on 7/14 day packages to Goa. You can witness the influx of devotees from different cultures. Yoga and breathwork have a profound impact on a person, added with the refreshing winds from the sea, you are sure to have a deep spiritual cleanse in the city. 

Pondicherry

The sea town is famous for its yoga retreat clubbed with the surf and/or, naturopathy, fetching amazing results for its devotees/travellers. They offer a holistic experience involving various techniques of naturopathy and yoga.

Also Read: Here is a look at the 12 Blue Flag beaches in India

There are 14 days packages you can choose from. Qualified and trained professionals offer you guided meditation, counselling, deep therapy sessions, and 3 hours of yoga classes per day, followed by mud therapy, aromatherapy and acupuncture to take you to the next stage of your healing journey. Offering both physical and spiritual healing and mind and body orientation, this is a perfect choice for people who look for a variety to go with yoga.

For more adventure seekers, yoga combined with surfing makes a perfect getaway that builds increased awareness of mind and body, makes you feel the beautiful synchrony and invites you to harness the power of a strong connection. They offer a 6-day package involving beach yoga, daily guided surf sessions, meditation, deep breathwork, chanting, and short trips in and around Pondicherry. The combination of activities taps into your inner power, makes you aware of its beauty, and gives you the relief you have always wanted.

For your next vacation, book a breathwork and yoga retreat to find a new ‘you’.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Sustainable Tourism: Four things you should know!

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Who doesn’t want a fancy luxurious trip to the Himalayas and Gulmarg, sipping juice from the outdoor pool while watching a glorious sunset? Everyone does. But, these experiences come with a cost, in fact, a huge one. Also, most of the hotels in the luxury segment offer a similar range of services, to appease their well-paying customers. However, there is a flip side to this. In this article, we are going to look at how we, as a community can help promote sustainable luxury travel and at the same time, help the local economy thrive.

The reality of luxury travel

Be it high atop snow-capped mountains, in the valleys, or in the grasslands, big brands have a way of setting up fabulous luxury hotels by scraping and altering the landscape of the place. Since luxury hotels come with a set of standards they have to meet, businesses end up altering, or even exploiting the region to provide the infrastructure to their customers. This is more so in the case of setting up swimming pools where finding water is a hassle, or when a place known for the beauty of its mountains is littered with hotels, that it almost diminishes the view of the mountains. When looked at from a bird’s eye view, luxury hotels end up giving the same experiences irrespective of the place, especially if you decided to stay in only.

What if we told you, we could change the notion of luxury travel itself, so as to make it more sustainable and still maintain its exotic flavour of it?

A different place to stay

With all safety and hygiene requirements taken care of, eco-lodges, or near-native accommodation facilities can be arranged for the tourists, which can include a dip by the lake or river, if it is permitted in the area, instead of bathing in a swimming pool. The uniqueness of the place needs to be absorbed, which is the main reason for tourists choose the destination in the first place.

ALSO READ: What makes ‘Amla Murabba’ a classic winter dish? Know its historical roots and health benefits

Experience the life of the place

Waking up with the locals, adapting to their daily routine, visiting their farms, or forests with them, helping them out with their work on the farm or plantation, and becoming one with their life can prove to be an exhilarating experience than you might imagine. Kamana Gautam, a sustainable living enthusiast, advocates green travel and experiencing the life of the locals so that we appreciate the deeper meaning of life. People in every part of the country have their own unique rituals and customs to follow. By closely following their footsteps, engaging with the community, and taking part in their dance, music, food and animal rearing during the time of your stay, you are creating memorable experiences that will stick to your heart, than will a calm peaceful day at a resort.

Explore a different side of yourself

Luxury travel, in this sense, will be your spending your money on local accommodation, unique eco-friendly experiences, making charitable donations if you deem appropriate and contributing to the local economy directly by making local purchases. You will walk back home with more than just local souvenirs, your hearts will sing the countless songs you heard and repeated during your stay. Instead of repeating the same lifestyle, sustainable luxury tourism will bring you out of your comfort zone and give you a wholesome memory for a lifetime.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow