Like the rest of India, responsible tourism in Rajasthan makes for a pretty long list. Respecting local culture, reading up before you go, not making naïve assumptions about economic conditions, and how to appreciate the wildlife in a responsible way. These are just some of the issues we go into detail about below. Please do take time to read and ruminate on your time in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is a wonderful place to visit. It is brimming with history, architectural splendour, fine hospitality and the most dramatic desert landscapes. And, in the middle of it all, you have the extraordinary Ranthambore National Park. It does, however, have its fair share of responsible tourism issues. One thing that Rajasthani people don’t do, however, is brush their issues under their beautiful carpets. People are open to conversation and debate and welcome tourists who want to gain an honest understanding of their state. A state of which they are rightly very proud. So, here are a few of our thoughts of responsible tourism issues in Rajasthan, which we hope will help you think before you go, and get to understand in more detail when you are there.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Rajasthan is a state that is full of contrasts. And with its history of royalty and opulence, it is hard to avoid the issue that poverty is one of these contrasts. Recently, the Indian government stated that more than 21 percent of its population is below its official poverty limit which, with a population of 1.3 billion, is a lot of people.
Tigers are poached for money, camels and elephants are mistreated for money. In reality, an elephant ride could feed a small family for a week. Sex tourism, and indeed child sex tourism is more and more in demand in Rajasthan too, with people being trafficked and lured away with a promise of a better lifestyle. Our point is that although tourism can act as a force for positive change and, if you travel responsibly, your money will be directed to the right place and used sustainably, Indian people are tired of outsiders calling them poor. So many are working incredibly hard to make an honest living, they are culturally aware, want to protect their environment and engage in interesting debate. We are not asking you to turn a blind eye to poverty where it exists. We are asking you to open your eyes to all the positive changes going on too, and not arrive with poverty hang-ups.
WILDLIFE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Elephant rides for tourists are particularly popular around Jaipur and the Amber Fort. Elephant-back safaris used to happen in Ranthambore National Park but not any more. At places like Jaipur, however, or during festivals, the ways in which elephants are treated in order to be habituated for humans is unethical. So always avoid these circuses and spend your money locally in a more ethical way.
Camels are also sometimes used in processions for performance purposes and this use of animals for tourists’ entertainment is totally irresponsible. The same goes for camel races, such as at the annual Pushkar Fair where they put as many as ten people on top of one camel to see which camel can carry the most people. There are even camel beauty contents, which involve piercing the camel and shaving or dying their fur into intricate designs.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Water usage is not surprisingly an issue in the desert and you certainly do need to drink bottled mineral water.
Jeeps should never go over 20kmph in the national park. Noise levels should also be kept to a minimum.
If you come across camel meat in Rajasthan, be aware that slaughtering it for meat is illegal in the state,
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