solidary travel destinations

papillon · Oct 18th, 2008, 17:03

Hi,

in Tamil Nadu a local NGO called RIDE (www.rideindia.org), focused on rural development, offers a program that besides accomodation offers guided tours to villages and a close view into the silk weaving industry. The main goal of this NGO is to get children out of the industry and back to school. All proceeds of this 'eco-tourism', as they call it, go to finance RIDE's work.

Does anybody know of similar projects in Kerala (and also Tamil Nadu, of course...)?

I think of projects not only concerning child labour, but anything imaginable. Activities that offer a closer look into daily local life and where services are offered (accomodation, restaurants, guided tours) that eventually would make these NGOs more independent economically and where proceeds strengthen local economic and social development...

I'll spend the entire time in these two states (unfortunately only 5 weeks) and wouldn't mind at all stepping once in a while aside from the habitual "gringo trail" (that's how they call in Latin America the main tourist routes... is there an Indian word for that?).

One last comment: I know that there's a subforum concerning a very similar topic, but it's practically limited to volunteering and it's at the very bottom of the page, a position where it shouldn't be...

Thanks in advanve for any ideas and proposals

Micha

brownboy66 · Oct 18th, 2008, 17:20

Mod Note

Hi Micha and welcome to IM. I've moved your thread here as your post would seem to indicate that the destination of travel is secondary to the charitable situation you mention (which actually forms the bulk of the post). That being the case - then this is the appropriate sub forum for that topic.

Also - just a gentle reminder that the promotion of charitable causes on this site is prohibited (we have no problem with members taking about volunteering or charitable activities in general). Unfortunately, regardless of how worthy the cause is, we've had to take this step due to the promotional activities (many of a commercial nature) directed at this site.

If you want to get in contact with us regarding this policy - just use the "contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

papillon · Oct 18th, 2008, 17:48

Thanks for your explanations, brownboy66. Didn't expect it to be so strict. And as there are so many questions and recommendations concerning hotels, tours...

A minor point is that I don't like the word "charity" to much, got this touch of 'welfare' (at least to me, not being a native english speaker), whereas I'm simply looking for services with a little bit of solidarity background.

And, yes, I have to admit, after 20 years cooperating in the fair trade movement, I think that this kind of projects and the NGOs behind it should be more promoted. But this is a strictly personal opinion and I'm not asking for a discussion on this forum.

My main question simply remains: who knows of "solidary travel destinations" in Kerala and Tamil Nadu?

Have a nice day

Micha

brownboy66 · Oct 18th, 2008, 18:08

Thanks for your understanding Mica (its very much appreciated). Hopefully the Kerala or TN crowd should be along shortly to answer the question!

We'll also keep an eye on the thread as well just in case it doesn't get enough attention in this forum(it could be moved to another forum if that's helpful - these sorts of things are fluid). Good Luck.

Oct 18th, 2008, 17:03	#1
papillon Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Barcelona Posts: 10	solidary travel destinations Hi, in Tamil Nadu a local NGO called RIDE (www.rideindia.org), focused on rural development, offers a program that besides accomodation offers guided tours to villages and a close view into the silk weaving industry. The main goal of this NGO is to get children out of the industry and back to school. All proceeds of this 'eco-tourism', as they call it, go to finance RIDE's work. Does anybody know of similar projects in Kerala (and also Tamil Nadu, of course...)? I think of projects not only concerning child labour, but anything imaginable. Activities that offer a closer look into daily local life and where services are offered (accomodation, restaurants, guided tours) that eventually would make these NGOs more independent economically and where proceeds strengthen local economic and social development... I'll spend the entire time in these two states (unfortunately only 5 weeks) and wouldn't mind at all stepping once in a while aside from the habitual "gringo trail" (that's how they call in Latin America the main tourist routes... is there an Indian word for that?). One last comment: I know that there's a subforum concerning a very similar topic, but it's practically limited to volunteering and it's at the very bottom of the page, a position where it shouldn't be... Thanks in advanve for any ideas and proposals Micha

Oct 18th, 2008, 17:20	#2
brownboy66 newbie with some admin tools...... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 2,733	Mod Note Hi Micha and welcome to IM. I've moved your thread here as your post would seem to indicate that the destination of travel is secondary to the charitable situation you mention (which actually forms the bulk of the post). That being the case - then this is the appropriate sub forum for that topic. Also - just a gentle reminder that the promotion of charitable causes on this site is prohibited (we have no problem with members taking about volunteering or charitable activities in general). Unfortunately, regardless of how worthy the cause is, we've had to take this step due to the promotional activities (many of a commercial nature) directed at this site. If you want to get in contact with us regarding this policy - just use the "contact us" link at the bottom of the page. __________________ "the last meal is history - its the next one that's important" - Garfield (the cat) IndiaMike Mod Team.... just some plonker with access to the mod tools

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Oct 18th, 2008, 17:48	#3
papillon Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Barcelona Posts: 10	Thanks for your explanations, brownboy66. Didn't expect it to be so strict. And as there are so many questions and recommendations concerning hotels, tours... A minor point is that I don't like the word "charity" to much, got this touch of 'welfare' (at least to me, not being a native english speaker), whereas I'm simply looking for services with a little bit of solidarity background. And, yes, I have to admit, after 20 years cooperating in the fair trade movement, I think that this kind of projects and the NGOs behind it should be more promoted. But this is a strictly personal opinion and I'm not asking for a discussion on this forum. My main question simply remains: who knows of "solidary travel destinations" in Kerala and Tamil Nadu? Have a nice day Micha

Oct 18th, 2008, 18:08	#4
brownboy66 newbie with some admin tools...... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Delhi Posts: 2,733	Thanks for your understanding Mica (its very much appreciated). Hopefully the Kerala or TN crowd should be along shortly to answer the question! We'll also keep an eye on the thread as well just in case it doesn't get enough attention in this forum(it could be moved to another forum if that's helpful - these sorts of things are fluid). Good Luck.