The Change Makers in Sustainable Tourism Landscape, India

Across India’s mountains, coasts, and quiet villages, changemakers rise – guiding footsteps that tread lightly, voices that honor stories, and journeys that heal

India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, is home to inspiring individuals and organizations dedicated to developing and promoting sustainable tourism. These changemakers work closely with local communities, creating travel experiences that are both meaningful and responsible.

At Ekathra, we believe that your travels have the power to make a lasting impact on destinations and the people who call them home. By learning from seasoned experts in sustainable tourism and choosing to travel with the right people and organizations, you can turn every trip into a transformative experience-one that supports local communities, preserves heritage, and nurtures the environment.

Let us introduce some of the remarkable changemakers who are shaping India’s community-based sustainable tourism movement-visionaries whose work continues to inspire and guide responsible travel across the country.

Shivya Nath – Climate-Conscious Travel Advocate

Shivya Nath is an award-winning travel writer, author, and sustainability consultant. After leaving her corporate job at 23, she embraced a nomadic lifestyle, focusing on responsible travel and climate-conscious tourism. Through her blog, The Shooting Star, she shares stories that inspire sustainable and community-centric travel.

• Website: The Shooting Star
• Instagram: @shivya

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Kuldip Gadhvi – Founder, Kutch Adventures India (Kutch, Gujarat)

A native of Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch region, Kuldip Gadhvi founded Kutch Adventures India to promote responsible tourism. His self-funded initiative offers guided tours that immerse travelers in the local culture, crafts, and traditions, ensuring that tourism benefits the community and preserves the region’s heritage.

• Website: Kutch Adventures India
• Instagram: @kutch_adventures_india

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Malika Virdi – Founder, Himalayan Ark (Munsiyari, Uttarakhand)

Malika Virdi is a community leader and founder of Himalayan Ark, a collective of homestays in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. Her initiative empowers local women by integrating tourism with conservation efforts, ensuring that visitors experience the Himalayas authentically while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

• Website: Himalayan Ark
• Instagram: @himalayanark

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Ishita Khanna – Co-founder, Spiti Ecosphere (Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh)

Ishita Khanna co-founded Spiti Ecosphere, a social enterprise in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley. Her work focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, renewable energy, and conservation projects, all while preserving the unique culture and environment of the high-altitude desert region.
• Website: Spiti Ecosphere
• Instagram: @ishitaecosphere

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