11 Sustainable Travel Practices in India You Can Follow

4. Stay in eco-homestays and small guesthouses

Where you sleep matters. Choose family-run homestays, small guesthouses, or certified eco-lodges instead of large chain hotels when you can. Homestays often use lower amounts of water and energy, source food locally, and direct earnings straight to the community. Places such as Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, Thenmala in Kerala, and small homestays in Sikkim show how local stewardship and eco-practices can make tourism sustainable and rewarding. Ask hosts about solar panels, water-saving measures, and waste management when you book. Many homestays will happily explain their daily practices — that’s part of the experience. If you need to verify eco-credentials, look for guest reviews that mention sustainability, check for local certifications, or contact the host with simple questions about energy and waste policies. Staying smaller often gives you richer cultural exchange, better regional food, and a direct contribution to local livelihoods.