Shameer at the foot print workshop at the Institute of palliative care, Calicut
The Blue Yonder is starting a series of stories from destinations that have inspired us, stories of local heroes who fought against all odds. We introduce you to Shameer.
Shameer was a young and vibrant high school student enjoying his life when fate intervened to change his life forever. Whilst climbing an aracanut palm tree, Shameer fell to the ground and was never the same again.
Shameer had been living in one of the most picturesque villages of Kerala, Mukkom in the Kozhikode district, with his mother, sister and grandmother. The family had great expectations for him as he was the sole male member of a traditional Muslim family. He was supposed to lead the family financially and emotionally. However, following the accident, the family had to face the reality that Shameer had lost his mobility and he needed support to live. This came as a complete shock to him as well as his family members.
' I managed to survive! I don’t know. The courage and support provided by palliative care people really helped me to survive,”' Shameer.
Even during his most difficult initial years, Shameer tried hard to survive and take care of his family. He engaged in many vocations, such as making hand made products, copying music CDs according to the requirements of the local people and earning a little bit of money.
However, the needs of his family were greater than what he could provide them with. Even in her old age, Shameer's grandmother was forced to work as a domestic servant in nearby houses in order to feed the family.
Thirteen years have passed since the accident, and now Shameer has only his grandmother at home. She is now more than eighty years old, neither able to look after herself nor Shameer.
Now, however, circumstances have changed a great deal. We find a cheerful Shameer surrounded by young intelligent friends, sharing stories, debating issues, leading an active social life, working to finish projects and earning enough to live and care for his grandmother. His strong will power helped him get to where he is today.
These days, Shameer works with the community based rehabilitation project 'Foot Prints', a project by the Institute of Palliative Medicine, Kozhikode. Now he is a trained person in different vocations such as paper bag making, eco-friendly bamboo pen production, artificial jewellery making and more. He also finds the time to engage in two of his favourite hobbies: painting and photography. He has many friends like Aayaz, a college student and his neighbour who regularly visits him. Athira, Aswathi, Junaiz, Althaf, Babin... the list is long. He met these students at Footprints camps, and even though many of them are residing or studying far away from his village, they somehow find time to visit him at least once in a week.
'Now I do not consider myself a disabled person. I am earning,occupied and I have a social life. I have participated in some of the programmes held in Kozhikode last year with the help of my friends like the musical programme by A R Rahman and the talk by former president Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam. I have friends always ready to help me and I talk to them whenever I want. My mobile phone helps me to keep contacts and I don’t have to depend on anyone now to meet the expense to charge my mobile and other expenses because I am earning just like others,' says a proud Shameer, clutching a mobile phone in his hands.
His future looks bright.
---------------------------
The Blue Yonder is partnering with Palliative care movement in Calicut to set up another unit of travellers' forest in the Calicut campus and also to bring in interested travelling volunteers to work in foot print workshop. The first step of planting by travellers will be inaugurated on the 5th of June 2010, which also happens to be the world environment day.
Labels: Local Heroes, Palliative Care, The Blue Yonder
The Blue Yonder is partnering with Maraa to organise folk expressions from Vayali. Part of the 'Near the river ' series, the evening is a continuation of show casing the unique culture and civilisation of River Nila in Kerala (Bharathapuzha).
The performance is held at JAAGA, near hockey stadium in Shantinagar, Bangalore.
Date 21 Jan 2010
Time: 17.30-20.30
More details check out the site
Labels: Bangalore, Folk expressions, Maraa, River Nila, The Blue Yonder, Vayali
The Blue Yonder is exhibiting with Karnataka Tourism at 2010 edition of SATTE New Delhi from 29-30th Jan. This will be an opportunity for trade partners to know more about our new product range. For appointments, please contact Sandeep Sinha
We are once again partnering ITB Berlin to promote Responsible tourism at SATTE. 2009 SATTE saw excellent turnout at the Responsible tourism networking. This year we are working with Tour Operators for Tigers (TOFT) and ICRT India to organise various responsible tourism workshops and networking events.
29 Jan 2010
Responsible Tourism networking
organised by The Blue Yonder and TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers). The evening will also witness the launch of TOFT awards.
Time 5-6 pm
Venue: Conference Hall, Hall 18, Pragati Maidan. RSVP on email or facebook
Labels: ITB Berlin, Responsible Tourism Networking, SATTE, The Blue Yonder
Malabar was once a British Principality of India. After Independence, Malabar as a state was no longer recognized and the region was divided to form the northern part of what is today called Kerala. Though Malabar has no geographical boundaries, no presence on a map of India, it still exists as a state of mind: laid-back, slow, to live and let live.
While most of Kerala is recognised as a traveller’s must–visit destination, Malabar is yet to be discovered. And hence to the uninitiated, Malabar offers a plethora of delights ranging from a river cruise to legend trails to spice tours to tea estate visits to craft villages and heritage sites.
This is a Kerala where the everyday and exotic merge seamlessly. For a traveller who is weary of experiencing shrink wrapped plastic package tours, the Malabar leg comes minus hype and spin and instead is a way of life that asks little of the traveller except an open mind.
The Malabar holiday is now available for an auction through The International Eco Tourism Society website. Check here for more details.
Labels: eoc tourism, Responsible Tourism India, The Blue Yonder, TIES
Responsible tourism networking event at the ITB Asia in Singapore on the 22nd OCT saw people from more than 25 different countries gathering to interact with like-minded people working in Responsible Tourism. The event also became very unique by providing a platform to organise an art auction. WIT conference attendees drew doodles on a canvas which was later transformed into a stunning visual by local artist Sarbani Bhattacharya based in Singapore. An initiative by Issu.E.Rasers, the proceedings from the event went to Himmapaan Foundation based in Thailand. The RT networking event was organised in partnershisp with The Blue Yonder, Wild Asia and Traveltocare.com
Labels: ITB Asia, RT networking, The Blue Yonder
Responsible tourism networking at WTM - London
0 Comments
Published by GP
on Tuesday, 3 November 2009
The Blue Yonder is partnering Tripbod.com to organise another responsible tourism networking which is coinciding with World Travel Market, London. Kindly join us to meet partners in Responsible Tourism from across the world.
Location Map here. The event is organised with support from Intrepid, Rough Guides & Traveltocare.com. To ensure that everyone gets to meet those attending the event, there will also be a fun-filled speed networking. Please RSVP on facebook or write to Sally
The Blue Yonder is exhibiting at the World Travel Market from 09-12th November. For appointments contact us over email or drop by at AS4600 /03 (International Centre for Responsible Tourism - India).
| Date: | Monday, 09 November 2009 |
| Time: | 18:30 - 23:00 |
| Location: | Pavilion End Bar |
| Street: | 23 Watling Street |
| City: | London, United Kingdom |
Location Map here. The event is organised with support from Intrepid, Rough Guides & Traveltocare.com. To ensure that everyone gets to meet those attending the event, there will also be a fun-filled speed networking. Please RSVP on facebook or write to Sally
The Blue Yonder is exhibiting at the World Travel Market from 09-12th November. For appointments contact us over email or drop by at AS4600 /03 (International Centre for Responsible Tourism - India).
Labels: Responsible Tourism Networking, The Blue Yonder, World Travel Market
Kerala tourism roadshows in Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm
1 Comments
Published by GP
on Saturday, 17 October 2009
We are participating in the Kerala Tourism roadshows organised in the Oslo,Helsinki and Stockholm. This is continuation to the roadshows in Brussels and Milan. In a newly designed format, the business meetings are organised in well-known Indian restaurants rather than in hotel auditoriums.
Wonder how much of business can be talked over mouth-watering spicy meals! Let's see!
Oslo 2 Nov 2009 Agra Restaurant,
Stranden 3, 0250 Aker Brygge, Oslo, Norway
Helsinki(Finland) 4 Nov 2009 Samrat Restaurant
Intialainen Ravintola, Etelä Esplanadi 22c,
00130 Helsinki, Finland
Stockholm (Sweden) 5 Nov 2009 Alishan Restaurant
Timmermansgatan 35 11855 Stockholm Sweden
The Blue Yonder will be represented by our Scandinavian representative Linda Veråsdal. All meetings will be between 5-8 pm on respective dates. For more information please contact us .
Labels: Finland, Kerala Tourism, Norway, Responsible Tourism India, Scandinavian countries, Sweden, The Blue Yonder
Our newsletter for Oct 2009 is now available online. It features a travelogue written by Zainab Kakal who visited Sunderbans immediately after Cyclone Aila that hit Eastern India on 25th May. It carries an interview with Jeremy Smith, founder of ivili.org on the potential of the website to bring together innovative solutions to sustainable development. Two other articles show case The Blue Yonder attending ITB Asia and WTM London. A short summary of latest recognitions to TBY can also be read here.
For more details, check online here
Labels: Ivili, Media, Newsletter, Responsible Tourism India, Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder
Ravaged Beauty : Sunderbans copyright � 2009 Zainab Kakal
Cyclone Aila Support Group managed to raise 5,00,000 INR (appr 10,550 USD) through the facebook campaign. Compared to the devastation and the need in Sunderbans, this amount is quite small. However with guidance from Association for Conservation and Tourism, the money is spend on basic needs of the affected people. Charities Aid Foundation India is doing the due diligence, programme planning, funds disbursement, monitoring, auditing and reporting. Updates from us will be send to all donors. We thank all the organisations and people who raised awareness about the disaster. We salute the resilience of the people of Sunderbans and self-less work by our partners at Help Tourism who stood by the communities when they needed them the most."
Seeing a posting on facebook for a volunteer to document the Cyclone Aila that hit the Eastern India on the 25th May 2009, Zainab Kakal went to Sunderbans to share the need of the people and give her insights into the disaster that affected millions of people in West Bengal and neighbouring regions. The following text and photos are from Zainab's personal journal that she maintained during her travel to Sunderbans.Sunderbans: the land of floating green islands:
Arrival: (June 2009) "I enter the Sunderbans exhausted. The endless journey jumping from boat to boat through the riverines has taken about 4 hours and I am drenched and extremely skeptical. The Sunderbans, even to a tired eye looks like a marvel. It is close to being called mythical for it could not be real - it is the land of floating green islands. I am sitting in a boat huddled in cargo and open umbrellas. My umbrella is poked in too many places to offer any protection and my baggage is wet and drippy but I could not care less for I was in the Sunderbans. Yes, there is a wonder of it all - the endless skies, the elegant angler dropping his nets into the birthing seas, the exodus of people traveling back and forth; all in the palette of murky grays and soft blues." Read the full text here: Labels: Cyclone Alia, Media, Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder
The Blue Yonder to attend World Travel Market, London
3 Comments
Published by GP
on Sunday, 4 October 2009
The first time we visited the World Travel Market was in 2005. The next year we were glad to be highly commented for Responsible Tourism awards, and there after we have been regularly exhibiting at this international trade fair in London every November. Exhibiting with the Incredible India stand, this has become a trade show that we can't afford to miss. 2007 edition saw the launch of Responsible Tourism Networking - an initiative kick started by The Blue Yonder and Your Safe Planet.
The official forums at WTM were largely focusing on larger corporations, (rightly so, as even a small change towards sustainability by these companies will have a large impact in the travel industry) so we got together many small operators from different parts of the world in a little pub in London and prompted them to pitch their RT initiatives. Since this was not officially part of the WTM programs media called it as a 'fringe event', a name that stuck and continued to be used by many of our partners as well.
Since then similar networking events have happened in London, Berlin (supported by ITB Berlin), New Delhi (supported by SATTE and ITB Berlin) and for the first time in Singapore (supported by ITB Berlin and ITB Asia) on the 22 Oct 2009. For the 2009 World Travel Market, preparations are going on for the third get together, details of which will be announced by Sally.
This year at the WTM London (9-12 Nov), The Blue Yonder is exhibiting along with Help Tourism, Ecosphere, River Retreat and Traveltocare.com under the banner of International Centre for Responsible Tourism - India. There will be new initiative launches, media interactions etc at Incredible India stand AS4600, details of which will be announced shortly.
The combined marketing initiative by DMCs and related partners focusing on responsible tourism in India is a new beginning for successful partnerships that we believe should be emulated across the world. We believe that complementing each other with their core competency is the way forward rather than competing in a cut-throat business environment. This partnership has helped us understand a lot from each others work and stand by each other when there is a need. Cyclone Aila support group that was formed as a facebook group is another example of how such networks can be formed for the benefit of people and destination. We are also officially supporting WTM World Responsible Day on the 11th November 2009 to highlight other initiatives on Responsible Tourism.
We welcome you to visit us and know more about our unique holiday experiences at the ICRT India stand at AS4600.
Labels: ICRT India, Incredible India, Responsible Tourism India, Responsible Tourism Networking, The Blue Yonder, World Travel Market
The Blue Yonder will be exhibiting for the first time at ITB Asia Suntech, Singapore. We will be introducing our holidays in India focusing on Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa, West Bengal, North Eastern India, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.
ITB Asia is a B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry and is designed to become the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event, the ITB Berlin itself.
We are also co-organising Responsible tourism networking on the 22nd Oct 2009 at 1800 in partnership with ITB-Asia, Traveltocare.com and Wild Asia. There will be a dedicated stand focusing on Responsible tourism S01, where details of the Responsible Tourism Networking can be collected. ITB Asia has announced that pre-registered attendees for the RT networking can visit ITB Asia on the 23rd without any payment.
We request our trade partners and visitors to fix appointments before visiting the stand, so that prior meetings are not clashing. Click here for appointments. You can also reach Sandeep Sinha on email who will also be available at the stand C17 (The Blue Yonder).
Labels: ITB Asia, Responsible Tourism Networking, The Blue Yonder
Responsible Tourism Training Workshop in Kuala Lumpur
0 Comments
Published by GP
on Tuesday, 29 September 2009
The Blue Yonder has announced it's participation at the Responsible Tourism Training Workshop organised by Wild Asia in Kuala Lumpur on the 29-30th OCT 2009. We will be presenting the trends and development of Responsible Tourism Partnerships and networks with a focus on India.
Wild Asia announcement says, "This workshop, which targets business owners, tourism operators and media, provides a background to sustainability principles in tourism and numerous case studies from the region. The workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn and share with your peers, as well as, an opportunity to take home ideas for your own businesses. For the media, the workshop will highlight areas where travel journalism can expand."
Check out the site for more details on venue, time, participation fee etc.
Wild Asia will also be partnering with The Blue Yonder and Traveltocare.com to organise the Responsible Tourism Networking at the ITB Asia (Suntec, Singapore) on the 22nd OCT 2009. We believe this partnership will be able to bring together many RT initiatives across South and South East Asia and share their experiences.
Labels: Responsible Tourism Networking, The Blue Yonder, Wild asia
Responsible Tourism Networking at ITB Asia - Singapore
0 Comments
Published by GP
on Thursday, 24 September 2009
We are glad to announce the Responsible Tourism Networking to be organised on the 22nd OCT 2009 between 1800-2000 at Suntec City Singapore. The event is a continuation of RT networking initiated by TBY and YSP in London, and later organised with support from ITB in Berlin and SATTE in New Delhi.
The event in Singapore is co-organised by The Blue Yonder, Traveltocare.com and Wild Asia. Travel Mole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism also has joined us as official media partner.
The previous editions of networking in Berlin and New Delhi and fringe events in London saw many Responsible tourism operators and stake holders sharing their unique experiences. The events helped operators talk about their initiatives, find partners to do business in originating and destination markets and build partnerships across various countries. 'Green Travel Circuit' initiated by Social Tours which is now run between 4 different operators based in Nepal and India (Social Tours, Help Tourism, Grass Routes, The Blue Yonder) is one such example that saw partnership developed within the travel industry.
We invite you to attend the presentations, discussions and networking followed by cocktail sponsored by ITB Asia at Suntec Singapore on 22nd OCT 2009. If you wish to attend the event or give a presentation on Responsible Tourism initiatives please get in touch with the organisers through info@rtnetworking.org or RSVP on facebook.
This will be a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and continue to promote Responsible Tourism.
Attendees for the 2 hour networking will be given a free pass to enter the trade show on 23rd OCT 2009
Labels: ITB Asia, ITB Berlin, Responsible Tourism Networking, The Blue Yonder
The Grand'Place in Brussels pic copyright www.lescinqsaules.be
The Blue Yonder exhibited with other 5 operators in Brussels as part of Kerala Tourism Road series. It was for the first time Kerala tourism is organising a Roadshow in Belgium. Good response and interesting buyers!
Labels: Brussels, Kerala Tourism, Marketing, The Blue Yonder
TBY Rajasthan holidays "10 Incredible Eco Travel Destinations"
3 Comments
Published by GP
on Friday, 18 September 2009
One of The Blue Yonder's Rajasthan itinerary (explore the kingdoms of India) has been reviewed amongst the "10 incredible eco travel destinations" by Green Living. The selection is a further shortlist of 500 eco destinations and experiences selected by the authors of Clean Breaks (August 2009), Richard Hammond and Jeremy Smith, from around the world.
"To see the true Rajasthan, the largest province in India, The Blue Yonder tour company facilitates a program that avoids the tourist traps and takes visitors to family-run hotels, artisan-based communities and lesser-explored regions".
The following text is from Amanda Rappak of Green Living:
"These days, so-called ecotourism or green holiday options are advertised everywhere, but what makes for a truly legitimate eco-vacation? The authors of Clean Breaks (August 2009), Richard Hammond and Jeremy Smith, have done the digging for you and selected 500 eco destinations and experiences from around the world. "We studied the green claims made by many hundreds of operations worldwide before selecting those that we felt both offered the best experiences combined with genuine environmental and social commitments," says author Hammond. "We show how you can see the world in a responsible way through minimizing your environmental impact on your journey and at the destination - by choosing carefully how you travel and the nature of places that you stay at. We also hope to show how you can have a positive impact in other ways - by contributing to the conservation of wildlife and local heritage and supporting local economies."
We suppressed our wanderlust to pick just 10 of their incredible sustainable vacation ideas to share with our readers. Here's a snapshot of what's awaiting you, so start packing and get out there.
Labels: Green Travel India, Jeremy Smith, Media, Rajasthan holidays, Responsible Tourism India, Responsible Travel India, Richard Hammond, Rough Guide, The Blue Yonder
"Born in the late seventh century monk Shantideva was an Indian Buddhist philosopher of the famous University of Nalanda.
Praised throughout the Buddhist world for his writings on the Bodhisattva path and philosophy of the Madhyamika, Shantideva remains one of the authors most read and discussed today.
Beyond the qualities of scholarship and poetic power of his work, Shantideva urges all people to pursue the path of wisdom and compassion."
A Tashi Lhumpo monastery - TBY promoted Calendar
Continuing its long term association with the monastery of Tashi Lhumpo in Bylakuppe in Karnataka state, The Blue Yonder is supporting the initiative of several volunteers and supporters to set up 'Shanti Deva' - an association to preserve and promote cultural and spiritual heritage of the Tibetan monastery of Tashi Lhunpo restored in southern India in 1972.
Besides learning of Tibetan language and Buddhist studies, it allows its members to frequent visits to the monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, as well as the discovery of the Himalayan regions of Ladakh, Zanskar, Spiti, Lahul, Sikkim and Tawang through cultural travel.
For more details visit the official site here:
Labels: Karnataka, Responsible Tourism India, Responsible Travel India, Spiti Valley, The Blue Yonder, Tibetan Buddhism
The Blue Yonder to support WTM World Responsible Tourism Day
0 Comments
Published by GP
on Thursday, 13 August 2009
WTM World Responsible Tourism Day, the only global day of action of its kind, is being supported by the UNWTO and leading industry associations. The day is vital – for business, for profitability and for our planet. It means taking care of a world that we seek to promote, preserving our heritage and cultures and taking into account the views and needs of local communities.
The Blue Yonder has been supporting this initiative for the last three years and has once again shown our commitment to Responsible Tourism. Our role doesn't stop by celebrating the Responsible Tourism day, but in sustaining our initiatives to promote and build Responsible Tourism as the way to travel.
For more details visit the official website.
As in the last 4 years, The Blue Yonder will also be exhibiting at the WTM. Details of attendance are being finalised and we will announce the details at the earliest.
Labels: London, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Travel, The Blue Yonder, WTM
West Bengal, a state in eastern India, stretching from the Himalayas to the Bay Of Bengal in the south, is a popular tourist destination for its art, culture, history and natural beauty. West Bengal is an agricultural dependent state. Rice and fish are traditional favorite foods. West Bengal offers everything for a discerning tourist. From wild life tours, himalaya expeditions, exotic beach holidays to waterfalls, coffee and tea plantations.
The Kolkata city, also known as 'City of Joy' is well known for Howrah Bridge, local Bengali sweets and the world famous Shantiniketan (Visva-Bharati University) - set up by renowned poet and Nobel Laureate Shri Rabindranath Tagore.
Near the coastal region is the world's largest delta covered with 10,000 sq.km of mangrove forest, popularly known as Sunderbans. The wild life of of Sunderbans offers a fascinating diversity of terrain, flora and fauna.
On the eastern side, lies the Darjeeling, 'Queen of Hills, well known for Sandakfu, the highest peak of the state, Khangchendzonga hill ranges, Tiger Hills and heritage railway station. Kalimpong, Dooars valley and Siliguri are quite close by to Darjeeling city and make the visit a worthwhile experience for nature and adventure sport lovers.
With a combination of holidays in nearby Sikkim, we are now offering some unique and of course responsible holidays in West Bengal. Check it out here for more details.
Labels: Darjeeling, India, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Travel, Sikkim, Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder, West Bengal
Monsoon clouds setting above the valley en route to Wayanad
Day before yesterday some of us from The Blue Yonder (Arun, Sandra, Gopi) went to visit our friends at Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Wayanad to update them on our recent initiatives and leveraging on our common interest. It was Suprabha Seshan who inspired us to launch the concept of 'One Metre Forest' in the villages where we come from. Similarly we came back smiling as she gave us another beautiful term to define the work Botanical Sanctuary is involved in : "Gardening the bio-sphere back into life". We don't think there is no other way to express what they do!! How beautiful...
Entrance to Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary - Wayanad
TO read what we offer as part of our holiday in Wayanad, please check the following links:
Trekking Camping River Rafting River Trails Legend and Heritage Trails Wildlife safari Spice toursCraft Village Visit Rain forest Gardeners Alternative lifestyle
Trekking Camping River Rafting River Trails Legend and Heritage Trails Wildlife safari Spice toursCraft Village Visit Rain forest Gardeners Alternative lifestyle
Labels: Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, Nila Foundation, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Travel, The Blue Yonder, Wayanad
sapling planted last year post monsoon.
7th July 2009, as part of eco-restoration initiative along Bharathapuzha (River Nila) in Kerala, we had an initiative where we invited friends, volunteers and our local community members to plant a tree. The event which is part of Traveller's Forest initiative we started last year, brought together people from various background and locations for the common cause. Musicians from Vayali, volunteers from Pravah, The Blue Yonder, Nila Foundation, Gandhiyan Prakrithi Chikilsalayam and Punarjeevani Trust celeberated the day planting about 120 indigenous saplings that constitute a typical sacred grove of Kerala. Another 100 saplings will be planted in the coming week and volunteers are also implementing what is known as "one metre forest".
The idea is to ensure that we don't just plant some saplings here and there, but replicate miniature sacred groves that were so plenty in our area even couple of decades back.
Dr M. S Swaminathan once said of Sacred Groves "Unlike, a botanical garden where a wide range of trees and plants are collected and cultivated for the purpose of education and enjoyment, the sacred groves are one method of expressing the gratitude of human families to the trees which sustain and support life under a given agro-ecological condition."
volunteers from Vayali on their way to traveller's forest
The idea is to ensure that we don't just plant some saplings here and there, but replicate miniature sacred groves that were so plenty in our area even couple of decades back.
Dr M. S Swaminathan once said of Sacred Groves "Unlike, a botanical garden where a wide range of trees and plants are collected and cultivated for the purpose of education and enjoyment, the sacred groves are one method of expressing the gratitude of human families to the trees which sustain and support life under a given agro-ecological condition."
volunteers from Vayali on their way to traveller's forest
Arun our colleague at The Blue Yonder and Nila Foundation, who is leading the Nila Foundation's initiative on 'one-metre-forest', explained "We were inspired by the concept of One-metre-forest during a discussion at Gurukula Botanical Garden in Wayanad where Suprabha Seshan that we try to get friends plant 'forest' or let it grow naturally with no human intervention. Even at a time when the real-estate prices are sky-rocketing in places like Kerala, not many people wouldn't have hesitation to maintain a one metre forest in their plot if it's looked up on as an investment for clean drinking water for the future. Preaching about the impacts of global warming, or future war for water wouldn't stop people from leading the un-sustainable life style we all lead. However, if we can link this to a day to day reality, a reality where one ends up drinking the 'chlorine treated pipe water' instead of the clean water source from a well or a pond in villages, we are certain that people will become proactive to plant more trees."
Trustees of "punjarjeevani' who are implementing partners of The Blue Yonder and Nila Foundation
Of the 120 saplings we planted, many of them were special as we planted it on behalf of many people we knew. Listing some of them here.
** May I have a "I love my son" tree?
** Could you please plant a tree for our wedding date
** For my family
** One for the spirits of the past, present and future?)
** For a life that is full of adventures
** One for the decriminalisation of gay sex in India (which for me is a big step in a democracy),
** Another one for the strife in Iran (whatever, the outcome, it makes me happy to see that people come together to fight for their freedom. It gives me hope)
** A tree for a marriage I witnessed
** A tree just to celebrate life (and lots of thoughts and wishes).
** "THANK YOU for a good life" tree
"if its not too late, could I have one more tree for my Uncle Johnny? He loved them, would never even accept cut flowers until the end of his life - scolding people who "killed plants":) And he always wished to be remembered in this way, actually..."Plant a tree for me!" he used to smile.."And I'll be with you always.." Could you - please? "
Volunteers from Vayali and Pravah at the "traveller's forest"
While we planted for our friends around the world, we had few things to look at. We planted trees for /to
** our team at Vayali who won the Change Loom Awards last week,
** to celebrate the naming ceremony of one of our colleague's son,
** to make up for a bird that one of us killed when he was 7 years old ( yeah, now don't think this is like a carbon-offset program! ;)),
** a plant for our friends and families,
** for an uncle who died,
** for a friend who lost her son in an accident,
** for a colleague who completed an amazing book on rivers in Kerala,
** for our teachers and more than anything
Trustees of "punjarjeevani' who are implementing partners of The Blue Yonder and Nila Foundation
Of the 120 saplings we planted, many of them were special as we planted it on behalf of many people we knew. Listing some of them here.
** May I have a "I love my son" tree?
** Could you please plant a tree for our wedding date
** For my family
** One for the spirits of the past, present and future?)
** For a life that is full of adventures
** One for the decriminalisation of gay sex in India (which for me is a big step in a democracy),
** Another one for the strife in Iran (whatever, the outcome, it makes me happy to see that people come together to fight for their freedom. It gives me hope)
** A tree for a marriage I witnessed
** A tree just to celebrate life (and lots of thoughts and wishes).
** "THANK YOU for a good life" tree
"if its not too late, could I have one more tree for my Uncle Johnny? He loved them, would never even accept cut flowers until the end of his life - scolding people who "killed plants":) And he always wished to be remembered in this way, actually..."Plant a tree for me!" he used to smile.."And I'll be with you always.." Could you - please? "
Volunteers from Vayali and Pravah at the "traveller's forest"
While we planted for our friends around the world, we had few things to look at. We planted trees for /to
** our team at Vayali who won the Change Loom Awards last week,
** to celebrate the naming ceremony of one of our colleague's son,
** to make up for a bird that one of us killed when he was 7 years old ( yeah, now don't think this is like a carbon-offset program! ;)),
** a plant for our friends and families,
** for an uncle who died,
** for a friend who lost her son in an accident,
** for a colleague who completed an amazing book on rivers in Kerala,
** for our teachers and more than anything
** for a river that we destroyed,
** for a river that we have pledged to bring back life into it.
** for a river that brought many of us together to understand the meaning of life!
Why don't we all start planting trees to celebrate? Why gift useless presents for your friend's wedding, when giving a plant could bring cheer for many generations to come?
** for a river that we have pledged to bring back life into it.
** for a river that brought many of us together to understand the meaning of life!
Why don't we all start planting trees to celebrate? Why gift useless presents for your friend's wedding, when giving a plant could bring cheer for many generations to come?
More pictures from the planting can be seen here
Labels: Kerala, Nila Foundation, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Travel, River Nila, Sustainability, The Blue Yonder, Travellers Forest, Water
Click on the above pictures to read the photo feature prepared by Madhu Reddy, who travelled as a volunteer to the Sunderbans as part of Responsible Tourism initiatives to document the disaster and the work being done there. The initiative was started by The Blue Yonder, Help Tourism and Traveltocare.com, in association with Association for Conservation and Tourism to respond to the devastating Cyclone Aila that hit the eastern part of India on 25th May 2009.
Labels: Help Tourism, Media, Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder, Travel to Care
Important archaeological finding left un-attended
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Published by GP
on Monday, 22 June 2009
A finding of historical importance left un-cared
Anakkara along River Nila is becoming a site of great importance because of many recent findings. So this morning we decided to go and find more details that that is available online. Idea was to meet the local Panchayat president, meet the owner of the place ( the land belongs to a private school that is constructing massive buildings in the vicinity). With such an important finding, we were expecting proper protection for the area, ensuring that no further damage is done to the location. Instead all we could see was a thin coir rope tied around a radius of about 5 metres. That's it! The following pictures were taken today and the text in quote is from two articles that came out in The Hindu 10 / June / 2009 and 21 / May / 2008
"The archaeological excavation at Anakkara in the district gave evidences of first excavated Iron Age habitation-cum-burial site in Kerala. Carbon dating of charcoal fragments and physical anthropological studies of bones would give more information on the chronology and life pattern of people lived in this area."
"Archaeologists have discovered a pre-historic necropolis (cemetery) with megalithic cairn circles dating back 2,500 years, many post holes that probably point to the ancient practice of excarnation, a 'wood-henge'-like ritual monument and a site of primitive astronomical intelligence at Anakkara, near Kuttippuram in Malappuram district."
River Nila flows in the background of the escavated site.
"Excavations at the site, a laterite plateau atop one of several primary hills overlooking the Ponnani river at Valayangad in Anakkara grama panchayat, have revealed three chamber tombs containing burnished black and red ware, black bowls and some iron objects commonly seen among megalithic grave goods. Archaic features of the burial type and the conspicuous absence of non-local artefacts among the interred objects suggest that the find is around 2,500 years old. Valayangad literally means the burial place with cairn (stone) circles, derived from the ancient necropolis of cairns. "
The three burial rooms refered in the press reports
"Interior of the stone circle is divided into three chambers using granite boulders. In this, two chambers were excavated and in each chamber large burial urns with burial goods like iron implements, bone and pots were noticed. Special features of the burials are the occurrence of a hanging lamp and the burial goods were found kept in the river sand at the bottom of the urn, possibly indicating some sort of rituals associated with riverbanks."
In less than 100 metres away from the 'escavated burial ground, laterite stone cutting is going on un-disturbed. It was in a similar site that workers came across "caves" and gets reported to the Archaeological Survey of India. If this finding was in some other countries, I can't imagine this happening. Reckless Government, reckless people?
The tiller was working hardly 20 metres away from. Wonder what all they might have crushed away ! Look at the massive construction going on in less than 60-100 metres away from the burial site?
Labels: Anakkara, Archeology, History, Kerala, River Nila, The Blue Yonder
Independent UK review :The Barefoot resort features 18 environmentally sustainable, rustic cottages set against a jungle backdrop
Survival International accuses Barefoot group of endangering the lives of the entire Jerawa people and of potential genocide!
On 16th June 2009, we received several forwarded emails from friends and colleagues about a press release from Survival International titled, "Celebrity resort threatens isolated tribes". This was of concern for us at Traveltocare.com and The Blue Yonder as the Barefoot Group is one of our partners in business. We have recommended them to our guests , they impressed us by sharing their credentials and initiatives as a responsible service provider. We have been working together and a campaign accusing one of our partners as 'irresponsible" and worse, accused of threatening the survival of the Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands came as a shock.
" Survival believes that by constructing at Collinpur, you are endangering the lives of the entire Jarawa tribe. If a serious epidemic were to strike them then your company could be responsible for their genocide. We urge you to abandon all plans to build a hotel in this location" (read the direct letter from Survival International)
We approached Samit Sawhny (Managing Director) of Barefoot asking if the accusations were correct or not and if Barefoot had a statement to make. The well-documented reply that we received from him makes us quite sceptical about the real intention of Survival International and we believe that this issue has to be brought out in the public domain.
We urge you to read the contents in the links Press Reports from Survival International and Responses from Barefoot.
Based on Survival International's accusatory and ill-worded press release and Barefoot's response, this appears to be a malicious campaign by an NGO based on sheer ignorance, carelessness or ... We have seen many businesses in the travel industry that would fit into the domain of being irresponsible. We have also seen many travel companies, accommodation providers and governments being accused by NGOs of being irresponsible. We want to stand by one of our partners who is engaged in a legally and responsibly managed business. Campaigns based alone on emotions and celebrity name-dropping (like Kate Winslet) can bring in sound bites, but should lose credibility if the facts are not right.
We would like to hear your opinion: Can NGOs freely accuse any business of wrong doing, without substantiated research and evidence? Aren't NGOs accountable for their words and actions? Doesn't responsibility apply to NGOs as well, or is this confined only to private business and governments?
We would like to hear your voice on this topic! Join us on the Irresponsibletourism.info forum to discuss the responsibilities of NGO campaigners.
On 16th June 2009, we received several forwarded emails from friends and colleagues about a press release from Survival International titled, "Celebrity resort threatens isolated tribes". This was of concern for us at Traveltocare.com and The Blue Yonder as the Barefoot Group is one of our partners in business. We have recommended them to our guests , they impressed us by sharing their credentials and initiatives as a responsible service provider. We have been working together and a campaign accusing one of our partners as 'irresponsible" and worse, accused of threatening the survival of the Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands came as a shock.
" Survival believes that by constructing at Collinpur, you are endangering the lives of the entire Jarawa tribe. If a serious epidemic were to strike them then your company could be responsible for their genocide. We urge you to abandon all plans to build a hotel in this location" (read the direct letter from Survival International)
We approached Samit Sawhny (Managing Director) of Barefoot asking if the accusations were correct or not and if Barefoot had a statement to make. The well-documented reply that we received from him makes us quite sceptical about the real intention of Survival International and we believe that this issue has to be brought out in the public domain.
We urge you to read the contents in the links Press Reports from Survival International and Responses from Barefoot.
Based on Survival International's accusatory and ill-worded press release and Barefoot's response, this appears to be a malicious campaign by an NGO based on sheer ignorance, carelessness or ... We have seen many businesses in the travel industry that would fit into the domain of being irresponsible. We have also seen many travel companies, accommodation providers and governments being accused by NGOs of being irresponsible. We want to stand by one of our partners who is engaged in a legally and responsibly managed business. Campaigns based alone on emotions and celebrity name-dropping (like Kate Winslet) can bring in sound bites, but should lose credibility if the facts are not right.
We would like to hear your opinion: Can NGOs freely accuse any business of wrong doing, without substantiated research and evidence? Aren't NGOs accountable for their words and actions? Doesn't responsibility apply to NGOs as well, or is this confined only to private business and governments?
We would like to hear your voice on this topic! Join us on the Irresponsibletourism.info forum to discuss the responsibilities of NGO campaigners.
Labels: Andamans, Ethics, Irresponsible Toursm, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder, Travel to Care
TBY featured twice among '500 new ways to see the world'
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Published by GP
on Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Cover page: edited by Jeremy Smith and Richard Hammond
Discusses 500 experiences and different ways to travel. This book lets you discover various adventures from sleeping in houseboats in Kerala and witnessing the zebra migration in Botswana to taking the train-hotel from Paris to Madrid. It offers information on the best hotels, resorts, and tours run by people who are passionate about what they do.
Pic: Kerala scenes, Kathakali performance, practicsing Kalaripayattu, peppercones growing in the sun
The following excerpts are from the book
" To really discover the heart of Kerala, you need to leave the beach, jump off the houseboat or troop down from the hills to the banks of the River Nila, where a variety of traditional activities are on offer with The Blue Yonder...."
"The Blue Yonder take guest to see people who make dolls like this"
"The largest state in India, Rajasthan is also one of the most beautiful and exciting - home to colourful markets, welcoming cities, vibrant music and delicious cuisine. The royal palaces that pepper the state feature heavily on tourist itineraries, rich , decorative and intricate, they epitomize the luxury and decadenance of the Raj. But for those who want to go behind the scenes, India-based travel company The Blue Yonder runs custom-made trips that allow you to explore what really makes Rajasthan tick. "
Labels: Foot Print Guide books, Jeremy Smith, Kerala, Media, Rajasthan, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Travel, Richard Hammond, River Nila, The Blue Yonder
New appeal to support Cyclone Aila relief in Sunderbans
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Published by GP
on Wednesday, 10 June 2009
© REUTERS/Andrew Biraj
Two weeks ago Cyclone Aila ravaged eastern India and Bangladesh. In the Sunderbans, the scenic islands and mangrove forests set in the Gangetic delta, the wind, the tidal waves and the flood destroyed or damaged over 500,000 houses. Over 150,000 people lost their homes, fields, work equipment and livelihoods. Many of them lost their breadwinners or other family members.With the disaster killing their cattle and rendering their farmlands saline and infertile for many months or even years, it is a very grim outlook for the people here.
In India and Bangladesh an estimated five million people are affected in one way or the other.Heavy monsoon rains are predicted in few days to come - a grim forecast considering that many of the affected families are left with no proper shelter.To prevent more floods, the local communities with support from the government, military and NGOs have been desperately trying to repair embankments to prepare for the monsoon.Still effective disaster management is not on track yet.
There is a lack of basic necessities like water, staple food and medical assistance. While some delta islands have received relief items, many others have got nothing. Health workers fear that lack of water and sanitation facilities may lead to outbreak of epidemics. Already there are cases of diarrhoea. Children will go hungry on under-nourished.
The media grossly under-reported the impact of the disaster and failed to predict its aftermath. It was actually a precursor another calamity with the fierce annual monsoon rains imminent.In a rapid response to the appeal of our local partners in the Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder, Traveltocare.com and Help Tourism have set up the Cyclone Aila Support Group to help local communities in peril in the Sunderbans Region. Our local partner, the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), was in the field during and immediately after the cyclone and is currently stretching its resources to reach out to people at the earliest.The Cyclone Aila Support Group has partnered with the well-known Charities Aid Foundation - India (CAF India) to help manage an accountable and transparent fund raising process. The ACT and the West Bengal Voluntary Health Association (WBVHA) are co-ordinating relief efforts on the ground.
The Cyclone Aila Support Group is committed to supporting the long-term rehabilitation of the Sunderbans region and we need all your support - for now and for the future!We urge governments, public and private organisations, and fellow human beings to wake up to this disaster and the impending tragedy that is about to unfold.
Kindly support the people in need!!
How you can make a difference?
Rs 50 or one euro: Drinking water for five families for one day.
Rs 50 or one euro: Epidemic protection for one week
Rs 250 or five euros: Buys 10 flashlights to protect against snakebites and accidents
Rs 500 or 10 euros: Food for 50 people for one day
Rs 500 or ten euros: Enough food supply for one family for two weeks
Rs 2500 or 50 euros: People in a small village do not have to sleep under open sky
Rs 5000 or 100 euros: Transportation and supplies with one boatWe can make a difference!Check the website for more updates from field and on how to donate efficiently.
Labels: Cyclone Alia, Fund Raising, Sunderbans, The Blue Yonder
As part of fund raising initiatives to support the victimes of Cyclone Aila that has created havoc in the lives of people living in and around Sunderbans region of West Bengal, we are looking at various sponsorship opportunities. The banner on the home page is available for sponsorship. This sponsorship can help us re-build a health centre, or provide shelter, clean drinking water, and help re-build the dykes that has been completely destroyed in many parts of Sunderbans.
This initiative is supported by The Blue Yonder, Traveltocare.com and Help Tourism.
Looking forward to your support.
Labels: Fund Raising, Help Tourism, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder, Travel to Care
Cyclone Alia has hit Eastern India! Scores of people affected and displaced.We are promoting a face book group to support the victims of Cyclone Aila to update on the events and help raise funds for those affected in India.We are currently co-ordinating with our partners in the affected area to ensure that we support them based on their needs. Regular updates will be posted here. In the meanwhile, please spread the message about this group and join us in this endeavour.We need your support!Check http://reliefweb.int and http://alertnet.org for updates.Those who are tweeting, please use #alia2009
Labels: Cyclone Alia, Disaster Management, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder
Join us to discuss Responsible Tourism online to celeberate RT week 2009.
Labels: Belize, ICRT India, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder, Travel Philanthropy
Navin Berry, Rika Jean-Francoise, Gopinath Parayil, Ashish Gupta
The Blue Yonder in association with Travel to Care and ICRT India organised a Responsible Tourism Networking event in partnership with ITB - Berlin at the SATTE April 2009 in New Delhi. The event gave opportunity for many new initiatives on Responsible Tourism to pitch their work to a global audience. Though TBY had taken initiatives to organise similiar events at the back drop of World Travel Market in London and at the ITB in Berlin, this was the first time such a networking was beamed online.
The text interaction with participants from Croatia, Ghana, Vienna, Kerala was streamed live
The text interaction with participants from Croatia, Ghana, Vienna, Kerala was streamed live
attendees who stayed back till the end of the networking event.
Labels: ICRT India, ITB Berlin, Responsible Tourism, RT networking, SATTE, The Blue Yonder, Travel to Care
"Yes We Can! Eight Great Trips That Give Back"
April 2009 edition of Condé Nast Traveler has featured The Blue Yonder holidays as one of the 8 great trips that give back. The series of short articles introduces various trips in different parts of the world, "You don't have to wear a hair shirt and dig a well to give back when you travel. Here are 8 great trips that connect you with the world"
The article has quite a lot of factual errors, however shows the spirit of the holiday. Along with our holidays along River Nila in Kerala (India), the other countries featured are Mozambique, Mexico, South Africa, Cambodia, Jordan, Costa rica and Kenya.
April 2009 edition of Condé Nast Traveler has featured The Blue Yonder holidays as one of the 8 great trips that give back. The series of short articles introduces various trips in different parts of the world, "You don't have to wear a hair shirt and dig a well to give back when you travel. Here are 8 great trips that connect you with the world"
The article has quite a lot of factual errors, however shows the spirit of the holiday. Along with our holidays along River Nila in Kerala (India), the other countries featured are Mozambique, Mexico, South Africa, Cambodia, Jordan, Costa rica and Kenya.
Labels: Conde Nast Traveler, River Nila, The Blue Yonder
RT networking at SATTE, New Delhi 24 April 2009
0 Comments
Published by GP
on Tuesday, 21 April 2009
The Responsible Tourism Networking at SATTE New Delhi
> Date : 24th April 2009
> Time : IST 1700-1900
> Venue : Conference Hall 11 / SATTE Pragathi Maidan
> Organisers in India: ICRT India, ITB Berlin, Travel to Care and The Blue Yonder
In co-operation with Travel Mole's VISION, we are making this event available online as well. A max of 1000 online users can access the webinar and see the pitches made in New Delhi and EUME Croatia. If you are interested in following the webinar online, please click the following link. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/299384946/n/n2
The online event is in tune with Indian event. Please check your localtime here and ensure you are online and on realtime. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
By IST 1630 the moderators Sally Broom of YourSafePlanet.com, Gopinath Parayil of TheBlueYonder.com, Ashish Gupta from Traveltocare.com, Raj Gyawali from SocialTreks.com, Marcus Bauer from respontour.net and Valere Tjolle of VISION on Sustainable Tourism - tourism-vision.com will be online.
Please give yourself half an hour preparation time before the actual event start.
Let us know if you have any questions, we will be glad to help you.
Looking forward to meeting you in Delhi or online.
> Date : 24th April 2009
> Time : IST 1700-1900
> Venue : Conference Hall 11 / SATTE Pragathi Maidan
> Organisers in India: ICRT India, ITB Berlin, Travel to Care and The Blue Yonder
In co-operation with Travel Mole's VISION, we are making this event available online as well. A max of 1000 online users can access the webinar and see the pitches made in New Delhi and EUME Croatia. If you are interested in following the webinar online, please click the following link. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/299384946/n/n2
The online event is in tune with Indian event. Please check your localtime here and ensure you are online and on realtime. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html
By IST 1630 the moderators Sally Broom of YourSafePlanet.com, Gopinath Parayil of TheBlueYonder.com, Ashish Gupta from Traveltocare.com, Raj Gyawali from SocialTreks.com, Marcus Bauer from respontour.net and Valere Tjolle of VISION on Sustainable Tourism - tourism-vision.com will be online.
Please give yourself half an hour preparation time before the actual event start.
Let us know if you have any questions, we will be glad to help you.
Looking forward to meeting you in Delhi or online.
Labels: ICRT India, ITB Berlin, New Delhi, Responsible Tourism, RT networking, SATTE, The Blue Yonder, Travel to Care
It's been a while since we compiled a newsletter. While running around and packing more and more new initiatives to the work, we sometimes forget to write it down for those who are not next to us. We understand that it is not fair to those who have been waiting to read our newsletters! We were quite busy, including organising a wedding for an English couple! We have been to Rajasthan many times to see the improvements in our new initiatives on Travel Philanthropy. ITB has invited us to be their partner to promote Responsible Tourism at the world's leading travel fair in Berlin. We have also started a micro-loan project for stake holders from our community to set up workshops both in Rajasthan and Kerala. James Newton from String Films travelled with us for a week to understand Nila and our inititiaves.
More on this later...
For the time being, please go through the Feb - March edition of our newsletter. Let us know your comments! Greetings!
Labels: Newsletter, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder
TBY Responsible Tourism networking - ITB Berlin 2009 March 13
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Published by GP
on Tuesday, 10 February 2009
The Blue Yonder (TBY) has been invited by ITB - Berlin to organise a networking evening to bring together Responsible Tourism initiatives across the world on the 13th March 2009. This was following the success of fringe events organised by TBY and its partner (Your Safe Planet - YSP) in relation with World Travel Market in London in the last two years. Both the events brought together individuals and organisations pursuing Responsible Tourism in destinations and markets.ITB Berlin is dedicating one day on Corporate Social Responsibility of the travel industry and is organising several workshops and conferences on CSR. The evening of 13th March will be providing a platform for Tour Operators, Grass Root organisations, Media, Policy makers and flag-bearers of Responsible Tourism to come together.
Media partner for the RT networking event
"Being the leading travel show in the world, ITB provides a unique opportunity to learn and share from various RT initiatives across the world. The event will bring together those who are looking for promoting their RT products in the originating markets and those in the markets looking for genuine and unique products from the destinations. Considering the demand for such a gathering to learn and share, it is only natural for us to bring this event to ITB. The networking event will be organised in a way that attendees get an opportunity to present their initiatives to the gathering."The Blue Yonder is also organising a workshop focusing on Travel Philanthropy and Responsible Tourism prior to the RT networking event. The 45-minutes discussions and short workshop will be organised in association with Centre for Eco Tourism in Destinations (CESD), Go Philanthropic.om and Travel To Care. The session will be looking at various trends in Travel Philanthropy.
Date 13-03-2009
Venue Messe Berlin / Hall 4.1
Travel Philanthropy workshop 1700:1745
The Blue Yonder Responsible Tourism networking 1800:1930
Those who are interested in attending the event or present their initiatives in front of a gathering that understand Responsibility in Tourism, please contact email
To update on the event check this page
© The Blue Yonder 2009
Labels: Berlin, ITB Berlin, Responsible Tourism, The Blue Yonder, Trade Fair
