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The Altruistic Traveller

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    Community DevelopmentCommunity-Based TourismIndiaResponsible Tourism

    Empowering Communities in the Himalayas through Sustainable Tourism

    by Bianca Caruana December 7, 2018January 21, 2019
    written by Bianca Caruana
    fernweh-fair-travel-womens-empowerment-india

    At the feet of the Himalayas responsible tourism company Fernweh Fair Travel has introduced income-generating programs into remote village communities in India’s northern region of Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand. Through the implementation of programs such as a women’s empowerment homestay and a village handicrafts program, the organisation is using sustainable tourism to touch the lives of many people in the region.

    “Our main goal is to transcend social and cultural barriers through exchange, education and empowerment that is supported by sustainable tourism initiatives.” – Poonam Rawat-Hahne, Fernweh Founder.

    In 2005, Poonam opened a women’s shelter in Gopeshwar for underprivileged women, including widows and victims of domestic violence. She soon realised that providing shelter was not enough to truly make a lasting impact on their livelihoods and that of their families. Through consultations with the women and surrounding tribes and communities, Poonam decided to combine both her passion for travelling and passion for social good to create Fernweh Fair Travel, a travel experience that utilises the values of sustainable tourism to create positive change.

    women-fernweh

    The tours take participants into villages in the distant hills of Gopeshwar and through regions of the far north, where nature becomes abundant and humans are no longer the dominant species. The week-long immersion program encompasses versatility as guests embrace their adventurous side, their culinary side and their spiritual side, exploring India’s off-the-beaten-path locations and impacting local communities. I had the privilege of joining the November tour – Celebrating Diwali in a Quaint Himalayan Village and below I write about some of the experiences we encountered on tour.

    Supporting women at the Peaches & Pears Homestay

    Peaches & Pears Himalayan Homestay is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunity to widows and victims of domestic violence. The homestay provides sustainable income to 6 women with the aim to grow further opportunities in the future. The homestay has recently been recognised for their efforts in women’s development and made the India Responsible Tourism Award’s shortlist for Best Homestay in India.

    The homestay was a beautiful sanctuary away from the chaotic stereotypes that encompass India. We were far in the north, almost close to the border of Nepal. It was a different feeling out there, and especially at the family-run home. Each day we would eat the most hearty meals made using ingredients from the homestay’s garden. In my whole life, I had never eaten such hearty food for a consecutive amount of time – and the food was mostly vegetarian! The rooms were cozy and the blankets were warm, as we were there in November and the evenings got quite chilly. The homestay was our base and it truly felt like home.

    Related reading: The top 10 responsible homestays in India

    Empowering local villagers through handicrafts

    Part of our tour took us into a village in the distant hills of Gopeshwar. Situated high above the main road, this village lies hidden from view not by coincidence but by a social stigma that sees a divide between communities dependant upon caste. We visited the ‘untouchables’, India’s lowest caste system segregated by a country following archaic beliefs about societal status.

    We trekked through the villages and encountered some of the friendly locals going about their daily activities. As our eyes met it prompted a friendly smile and a “Namaste”, and we lifted our hands into prayer (the common greeting acknowledgment in India). They were as curious about us as we about them, and while there was a language barrier much could be said with a simple smile. Children peeked out of their homes and over rooftops, they followed us cheekily laughing. Two women carrying hand-woven baskets holding produce yielded in the fields walked by, a man followed closely behind leading his cattle up the narrow pathway. The ambience could almost be mistaken for a different era, all our senses were heightened as we experienced a glimpse of the past.

    fernweh-village-visit

    During the afternoon we participated in basket weaving. The villagers make these beautiful handicrafts using bamboo, which they collect from the forests. It is one of the few forms of income they can gain, aside from agriculture, so Poonam brings guests here to learn and purchase the baskets from them. She is also opening up a shop in the homestay as an avenue to sell the products. The exchange between us and them is beautiful, as we drink chai and smile at each other, learning about each other’s lives and opening our own views of the world.

    making-baskets

    Supporting local schools

    We wake to views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance, breakfast waiting for us in the common area of the bright and beautiful Peaches & Pears Homestay.

    Our first stop is a local school. Fernweh has been supporting rural schools in the region and we were invited to watch one of the dance recitals. Before we arrived, Poonam advised us that we could bring small gifts for the children so we stopped off in the markets the night before to purchase school supplies. Buying products in the local market is also a way to generate income in the local economy.

    fernweh-school-visit

    We are welcomed into the school with a song and gifted traditional leis around our necks. Of course, chai and biscuits are also on the menu – a hospitable treat for any guests. The school consists of 2 main classrooms, for 6 grades. Meaning 3 grades and 2 teachers per class. While this is not the most ideal circumstance for the teachers, over 30 students from surrounding villages are able to gain access to a government-funded education here. The funds from Fernweh provide assistance with school supplies and food.

    The recital is about to start and 4 young children dressed in colourful costume brace the stage in the schoolyard. One child in the background is manning the bongo drum. Before long the rhythm starts to play as the children start their dance to music. They laugh and sing and we join in with claps and applauded. The teachers sit proudly watching their classes perform. After the performance, we gift the children some souvenirs from our home countries as well as pencils and book supplies that will greatly help them throughout the school term.

    school-fernweh

    fernweh-school

    Related reading: Experience rural tourism in India at Camp Ringall Chopta

    Lunching in local villages and culinary experiences

    The whole Fernweh itinerary is carefully programmed to accommodate the inclusion of women and their families. One of the many highlights of the tour is the chance to lunch in a traditional Indian home, in a riverside village.

    The home we visit is that of Sarita, a widowed woman, and mother to 3 daughters. In rural Indian culture it is frowned upon for women to marry again after their husband passes away and so 3 years ago, after the passing of her spouse, Sarita arrived at the doors of the women’s shelter looking for desperate relief. At this time her 2 daughters were under the age of 3 and she was expecting her third child. The shelter provided temporary support but Poonam knew that Sarita’s life moving forward was going to be confronted with hardship. Knowing she wanted to do more for this women Poonam decided to include Sarita’s home as a stop for guests to experience the local flavours of this region in an authentic home.

    “One of the main objectives of Fernweh Fair Travel is to provide livelihood to women by training them as travel guides and in other fields of our travel programs. The authentic home lunch allows them to earn an income without them having to leave their homes or their families.” – Poonam Rawat-Hahne, Fernweh Founder. 

    women-empowerment-fernwehLunch in Sarita’s home was just one of the many local meals that graced our taste buds on tour. The culinary experience of the tour is definitely a highlight as we are fed wholesome meals 3 or more times a day. On day 6 we are also able to participate in our own cooking class to learn about the concoction of ingredients that go into creating this authentic far-northern Indian cuisine.

    cooking-with-fernwehcooking-class-fernweh

    Participating in Diwali celebrations

    Our tour fell right in the heart of one of India’s largest festivities, Diwali. Days 5 to 7 on the tour revolved around preparation for this magical festival of lights. We visited the local Gopeshwar markets a day prior to purchase some decorations. Colours lined the bustling streets as people hurried to get their supplies for the big day. When we arrived back to the homestay we participated in the decoration of the balcony and common area. It was our first time trying Rangoli, at artform created using coloured rice and a significant aspect of Diwali. By the time evening had come we had one of the most beautifully decorated houses in the village.

    painting-diwali

    rangoli-diwaliThe evening erupted into an explosion of celebration. Our group put on their best attire, many of us had purchased traditional dress-wear and I even went as far as buying a beautiful laced sari. We danced around the fire, laughed with the locals. The women had let their hair down as this was one night where everyone was free from all worry and care. We set off fireworks and heard them echo through the quarries. It was truly an unforgettable night of celebration.

    celebrating-diwali

    dance-diwaliThrough cross-cultural exchange and understanding, Fernweh Fair Travel is pioneering a sustainable tourism movement here in Gopeshwar that is inspiring all involved.

    Find out more about their upcoming tours on their website and Facebook page.

    sustainable-tourism-women

    This tour was provided by Fernweh Fair Travel in association with Impact Travel Alliance, and I was a guest at the Peaches & Pears Homestay. 

    December 7, 2018January 21, 2019 1 comment
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    30 Photos Of Asia That Will Take You Back In Time

    by Bianca Caruana July 12, 2016
    July 12, 2016

    These images captured throughout Southeast Asia will transport you briefly to another moment in time.

  • Community DevelopmentPersonal StoriesResponsible TourismVietnam

    The one with the Homestay Experience In Sapa Vietnam

    by Bianca Caruana July 9, 2016October 13, 2021
    July 9, 2016October 13, 2021

    A traditional homestay experience in Sapa Vietnam, staying with the ethnic Hmong people and trekking in the beautiful northern region of Vietnam.

  • Fair TradeTravel Inspiration

    5 Ways To Shop Fairly When You Travel

    by Bianca Caruana July 6, 2016March 15, 2021
    July 6, 2016March 15, 2021

    5 of the ways that you can make more fair shopping choices when you travel, and even when at home. Shop fairly with these 5 easy tips.

  • Environmental AwarenessResponsible TourismTravel Inspiration

    5 Of Asia’s Most Beautiful Destinations Destroyed By Mass Tourism

    by Bianca Caruana July 4, 2016December 28, 2019
    July 4, 2016December 28, 2019

    The after effects of mass tourism have transformed some of the world’s most stunning destinations to some of the world’s most unpleasant ones.

  • Responsible TourismVietnam

    A Responsible Guide To Travel In Hanoi Vietnam

    by Bianca Caruana June 26, 2016January 9, 2021
    June 26, 2016January 9, 2021

    A responsible traveller’s guide on all there is to eat, see and do in the lovely city of Hanoi Vietnam.

  • Personal StoriesResponsible TourismVietnam

    The one learning the art of Stamp Making in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

    by Bianca Caruana June 25, 2016October 13, 2021
    June 25, 2016October 13, 2021

    On tour with Backstreet Academy learning the traditional art of stamp making in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Vietnam.

  • Animal FriendlyTravel Inspiration

    10 Of The World’s Best Places For Wildlife Spotting – Part 2

    by Bianca Caruana June 23, 2016October 7, 2018
    June 23, 2016October 7, 2018

    Travel bloggers from around the world bring you the insider information on the world’s best places for wildlife spotting.

  • Animal FriendlyTravel Inspiration

    10 Of The World’s Best Places For Wildlife Spotting – Part 1

    by Bianca Caruana June 22, 2016October 15, 2018
    June 22, 2016October 15, 2018

    Travel bloggers from around the world bring you the insider information on the world’s best places for wildlife spotting.

  • Ethical EateriesThailand

    Food For Good – Ethical Eateries In Chiang Mai

    by Bianca Caruana June 18, 2016October 7, 2018
    June 18, 2016October 7, 2018

    Bringing you a list of Chiang Mai’s ethical restaurants and cafes. Choose to eat for good and visit these places in Chiang Mai.

  • Responsible TourismTravel Inspiration

    10 Websites For The Responsible Traveller

    by Bianca Caruana June 14, 2016October 7, 2018
    June 14, 2016October 7, 2018

    For all the responsible travellers out there, here are some websites you might find useful for making an impact that counts.

  • Thailand

    15 Photos That Prove Chiang Mai Is The Best City For Street Food

    by Bianca Caruana June 14, 2016
    June 14, 2016

    The locals here in Chiang Mai know how to do street food, and they know how to do it well.

  • Local ToursPersonal StoriesResponsible TourismThailand

    The one visiting a Countryside Flea Market in Chiang Mai

    by Bianca Caruana June 12, 2016October 13, 2021
    June 12, 2016October 13, 2021

    Traveling like a local with Take Me Tour and visiting one of Chiang Mai’s most famous countryside flea markets.

  • MyanmarResponsible Tourism

    A Myanmar Three Week Itinerary

    by Bianca Caruana June 11, 2016December 28, 2019
    June 11, 2016December 28, 2019

    I’ve just spent three weeks in this fascinating, unspoiled region of the world, backpacking across the country of Myanmar. Here’s how you can do it too!

  • Community DevelopmentLocal ToursMyanmarPersonal StoriesResponsible Tourism

    The one visiting the Pa’O tribe of the Shan State Myanmar

    by Bianca Caruana June 5, 2016October 13, 2021
    June 5, 2016October 13, 2021

    Visiting Kakku, home to one of the nine ethnic groups of the Shan State Myanmar – the Pa’O people.

  • Fair TradePhilippines

    Southern Partners and Fair Trade Centre celebrate World Fair Trade Day in Cebu City

    by Bianca Caruana June 2, 2016October 7, 2018
    June 2, 2016October 7, 2018

    SPFTC gathers together to celebrate Fair Trade Day 2016 and raise awareness about the importance of fair trade in the Philippines.

  • Fair TradePhilippines

    Land is Life – Farmer’s Fight For Justice in the Philippines

    by Bianca Caruana June 2, 2016October 7, 2018
    June 2, 2016October 7, 2018

    Farmers struggle against coercive movements that threaten their land rights.

  • Animal FriendlyCommunity DevelopmentMyanmarResponsible Tourism

    Community Based Tourism Gives New Hope to Irrawaddy Dolphin and Burmese Fishermen

    by Bianca Caruana May 31, 2016November 20, 2018
    May 31, 2016November 20, 2018

    How community based tourism is helping to protect the last of the Irrawaddy dolphin in Myanmar.

  • Travellers From Around The World

    Travellers From Around The World – India

    by Bianca Caruana May 29, 2016
    May 29, 2016

    “My advice is only one thing, add life to years and have the zeal to experience things. In the end have tons of memories not just crores of money.”

  • Myanmar

    A Yangon Photo Journal

    by Bianca Caruana May 26, 2016
    May 26, 2016

    This is a photo journal of my 3 short days in the awe-inspiring city of Yangon Myanmar.

  • Community DevelopmentPhilippines

    The Philippines – Behind the Postcard

    by Bianca Caruana May 26, 2016October 7, 2018
    May 26, 2016October 7, 2018

    From poverty to pollution and inequality to injustice, this country disguised by all its beauty is concealing a certain ugliness to the eyes of the world.

  • Community DevelopmentFair TradePhilippines

    Fair Trade helps women rebuild their lives two years on after Typhoon Yolanda

    by Bianca Caruana May 23, 2016October 7, 2018
    May 23, 2016October 7, 2018

    Fair Trade provides new hope for the women of Kinatarcan Island, Philippines

  • Animal FriendlyPhilippines

    Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol Philippines (The ethical way)

    by Bianca Caruana May 16, 2016August 1, 2020
    May 16, 2016August 1, 2020

    Swim ethically with whale sharks in the sleepy town of Donsol, Philippines. Your experience contributes to conservation and community-based tourism.

  • Local ToursPersonal StoriesPhilippinesResponsible Tourism

    The one in the homestay on the Philippines’ Balicasag Island

    by Bianca Caruana May 8, 2016October 13, 2021
    May 8, 2016October 13, 2021

    Experiencing Island life in a homestay on Balicasag Island, Philippines. Community-based tourism.

  • Travel Inspiration

    Defeating Stereotypes – Travellers Tell Their Stories

    by Bianca Caruana May 7, 2016October 13, 2021
    May 7, 2016October 13, 2021

    Defeating Stereotypes – Travellers Tell Their Stories

  • Community DevelopmentPhilippinesResponsible Tourism

    Manila’s Slums – The People Left Behind

    by Bianca Caruana May 4, 2016October 18, 2018
    May 4, 2016October 18, 2018

    A thousand years spread through this city, a vast spectrum of incomprehensible inequality and indifference.

  • Travel InspirationTravellers From Around The World

    Travellers From Around The World – Hong Kong

    by Bianca Caruana May 3, 2016October 7, 2018
    May 3, 2016October 7, 2018

    Have you wondered what life is like for those of us from different countries and cultures around the world that also have a case of wanderlust?

  • Fair TradeMalaysia

    The Fashion Revolution comes to Malaysia

    by Bianca Caruana April 26, 2016October 7, 2018
    April 26, 2016October 7, 2018

    Fashion Revolution Malaysia are asking you to ask the question “Who made my clothes?”

  • Environmental AwarenessTravel Inspiration

    Guest Post – Eco Friendly Sports to Try on Your Travels

    by Bianca Caruana April 23, 2016October 7, 2018
    April 23, 2016October 7, 2018

    Try these eco-friendly sports to reduce your impact on this wonderful world – Guest post by Roxana Oliver.

  • Travel Inspiration

    Sharing the Leibster love – A travel blogger’s award

    by Bianca Caruana April 21, 2016February 4, 2019
    April 21, 2016February 4, 2019

    Sharing the Leibster love – A travel blogger’s award

  • AltruismIndonesiaPersonal StoriesTravel Inspiration

    The one where I still visited Indonesia after a travel warning

    by Bianca Caruana March 30, 2016February 4, 2019
    March 30, 2016February 4, 2019

    Why I still visited Indonesia after a Travel Warning

  • AltruismCommunity DevelopmentIndonesiaPersonal StoriesResponsible TourismVolunteering

    The one teaching English In The Remote Jungle Villages Of North Sumatra

    by Bianca Caruana March 21, 2016October 13, 2021
    March 21, 2016October 13, 2021

    Teaching English In The Remote Jungle Villages Of North Sumatra

  • Laos

    7 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Laos

    by Bianca Caruana March 20, 2016
    March 20, 2016

    7 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Laos

  • Community DevelopmentLaosResponsible Tourism

    Stay at a Fairstay in Vang Vieng and Help to Support Local Community Projects

    by Bianca Caruana March 9, 2016October 7, 2018
    March 9, 2016October 7, 2018

    Stay at a Fairstay in Vang Vieng and Help to Support Local Community Projects

  • AltruismCommunity Development

    5 Organisations Empowering Women this International Women’s Day

    by Bianca Caruana March 7, 2016October 12, 2021
    March 7, 2016October 12, 2021

    5 Organisations Empowering Women this International Women’s Day

  • LaosResponsible Tourism

    A Responsible Guide to Travel in Vientiane Laos

    by Bianca Caruana March 5, 2016October 7, 2018
    March 5, 2016October 7, 2018

    A comprehensive list of responsible places to eat, visit and shop in the Laos capital of Vientiane. Plan your ethical trip to Vientiane right here.

  • Fair TradeLaos

    There are people behind your coffee and they’re not the Baristas

    by Bianca Caruana March 4, 2016October 7, 2018
    March 4, 2016October 7, 2018

    Where does your coffee come from?

  • Laos

    Why you should definitely get the Slow Boat from Northern Thailand to Luang Prabang

    by Bianca Caruana February 23, 2016December 21, 2019
    February 23, 2016December 21, 2019

    Why you should definitely get the Slow Boat from Northern Thailand to Luang Prabang

  • Community DevelopmentPersonal StoriesResponsible TourismThailand

    The one in the homestay on Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

    by Bianca Caruana February 13, 2016October 13, 2021
    February 13, 2016October 13, 2021

    A Homestay Experience on Koh Yao Noi – Community Based Tourism

  • CambodiaCommunity DevelopmentPersonal Stories

    The one with Expert Exchange – tackling poverty one small gesture at a time

    by Bianca Caruana January 15, 2016October 13, 2021
    January 15, 2016October 13, 2021

    Never think you are too small to make a difference, Expert Exchange will prove you wrong with this inspirational story about making a difference.

  • CambodiaResponsible Tourism

    An Ethical Guide to Travel in Battambang

    by Bianca Caruana January 14, 2016October 7, 2018
    January 14, 2016October 7, 2018

    Tips on travelling responsibly in Battambang Cambodia. All the socially responsible places to eat and things to do. Make your adventure an ethical one.

  • AltruismCambodiaPersonal Stories

    The one with the reflections of the buskers in Siem Reap, Cambodia

    by Bianca Caruana January 14, 2016October 13, 2021
    January 14, 2016October 13, 2021

    The Buskers of Siem Reap – A Reflective Story

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About Bianca

About Bianca

The Altruistic Traveller

I am an Australian-Maltese blogger & podcast host specialising in stories that ignite thoughts surrounding compassion, ethics and sustainability. Through my work, I aim to promote ethical values and offer this platform as a space to share stories that shape our future for the better.

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