Sustainable travel india
Heart of India Travel: Pioneers in sustainable tourism with positive local impact sustainability, sustainable tourism, vocal for local & social projects
At Heart Of India Travel we strongly believe in sustainable travel and the power of working with local communities to provide travellers with an authentic and unforgettable experience. We are ‘vocal for local’; actively involved in local communities. Our carefully selected hotels value personal attention, and for us they are more than just places to stay; they are places where hospitality and genuine interest are central. If you want it, we make it possible!
Our Mission
Our mission goes beyond offering tailor-made trips. We aim to promote sustainable tourism and encourage responsible tourism to support local economies. By working with passionate local entrepreneurs and hotels who are committed to serving the local population, we not only create meaningful travel experiences, but also contribute to sustainable development.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
We invest time, money and attention in local initiatives, projects and charities. By working with, visiting and financially supporting local foundations and NGOs, we aim to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, but not limited to, we focus on Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). .
Heart of India Travel donates
Heart of india travel donates 5% of our turnover to local projects to support the improvement of living conditions in indigenous villages. Think of facilities such as sanitation and electricity infrastructure. We would of course like to keep you informed of these developments and regularly post updates about this!
Get to know some of our partners and projects
Driver Ranjeet Singh
I met Ranjeet during one of my solo travels, when I was struggling with public transport to a difficult destination. He was incredibly helpful and asked his guests if I could ride with them, since they were taking the same route. From that moment on, we had a nice relationship, which I have maintained. Later, I went on a trip with my mother where Ranjeet was our driver. During that trip, we briefly discussed the possibility of starting a travel agency together, but that idea faded away. However, a year ago, I decided to take the plunge and revive this idea
I have known Ranjeet for four years now and have complete confidence in him. Together we founded Heart of India Travel and I have gotten to know all the drivers who work for him. Ranjeet and the drivers who work for him are more than just drivers; they are true companions who ensure that everything runs smoothly during the trip. They check the rooms for the guests and in some places join us on walks through the city or village. All our drivers also speak English, which makes communication easier.
Their discretion and flexibility ensure that you lack nothing during your trip. Ranjeet stands for high quality, respect for others and reliability. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him and that we now run a wonderful company together. His dedication and passion for the profession make Heart of India Travel a unique experience for all our customers. With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Ranjeet has travelled the world, immersed himself in diverse cultures and forged strong bonds with local communities. His expertise extends across Rajasthan and Gujarat.
His commitment to responsible tourism
Today, Ranjeet works with regular drivers who provide the same high-quality service as he does. His deep passion for responsible and transformative travel is reflected in his belief that travel not only enriches our lives but can also have a positive impact on the world. That is why he is committed to giving back through “DASVANDH” in his “GURUDWARAS”, donating 10% of his profits to the Sikh temple. This ensures that his adventures leave a lasting and meaningful impression. During his tours, Ranjeet enjoys taking you to local school communities to donate school supplies.
Ashraful Arefin
Ashraful Arefin, a fine art photographer, is a valued collaboration partner of Heart of India Travel.
His photographic passion was awakened in 2013 during a 365 photography project, and since then he has been passionate about capturing the meaningful moments in everyday life. Ashraful strives to show the beauty of ordinary moments, often overlooked. He wants viewers to understand that the everyday world is a place to dream and that we should appreciate the simple beautiful moments around us.
With the 2023 People Photo Award from The Independent Photographer to his name and international workshops, including The Photography Show 2021, Ashraful is a well-known name in the photography world. Currently living in Dhaka, he has made documentaries for GAVI and various non-profit organizations. Heart of India Travel is proud to collaborate with this talented photographer.
Parvez Shaikh
Parvez Shaikh is a street and documentary-style photographer who focuses on everything human. His work is a blend of moods that tries to bridge together his emotions with artistic expression and the value of documentation.
For nearly a decade, Parvez has travelled across Asia. His work has appeared in publications like Condé Nast Traveler and The Nepali Times. His photographs are regularly featured by the platform VSCO.
“Photography involves more than just a camera and a lens,” Parvez says. “Observation, storytelling, social and cultural understanding play a great role in making a good photograph.” His working style involves putting people before photographs, approaching them with respect, and prioritising relations with them.
Divyraj Singh and Hotel Barli
Divyraj Singh and Hotel Barli, our valued partners, play a vital role in the conservation of the majestic fort and actively contribute to the local community. The Barli Royal Family demonstrates their dedication by hiring staff from the village, boosting employment and providing opportunities for skills training and education. Their philanthropic efforts extend to education, with the donation and support of two schools, helping more than 400 girls benefit from educational initiatives.
In addition, the hospital, donated by Rani Sushila Devi of Barli, serves as an important healthcare center in the region. The Royal Family of Barli embraces the principles of community service, welfare and sustainable development, with a commitment to education and socio-cultural enrichment. Guests of the fort have the unique opportunity to participate in initiatives that promote rural communities. As custodians of this beautiful estate, the current heirs and former royal family are committed to upholding a legacy that extends beyond the walls of the fortress, is deeply rooted in the local community, stimulates growth and creates lasting positive change.
Shatrunjay Pratap Singh in Jawai district
We are happy to collaborate and book rooms at Shatrunjay Pratap Singh’s hotel to indirectly contribute to his efforts. Below you will find a brief description of Shatrunjay’s background and his dedication to wildlife conservation, while supporting the local community.
After studying winemaking at UC Davis in California, he ventured into the wine industry and worked at Sula Vineyards. However, during his wine career he became aware of the dire situation of leopards in the Bera-Jawai region, where there are 10-15 operational mines and another 144 mines in the pipeline. At the height of his career, he faced a moral dilemma and took the courageous decision to resign from his post and dedicate his life to the protection of Indian leopards.
He started a determined fight against the state government, dragged the mining department before the Hon’ble High Court with the support of the forest department. Separated from his family, he lived in a remote area, enduring the challenges of a rented village house with minimal facilities. Over the past decade, his dedicated efforts have yielded significant results, culminating in the cancellation of 144 mines that were to be allocated in 2014. In 2016, he founded the Bera Safari Lodge, marking a transformative chapter in the region.
Today, the Bera-Jawai region is one of India’s premier wildlife and birding destinations, captivating both domestic and international travelers. With the rise of sustainable ecotourism, the region has more than 40 lodges, which contribute significantly to the local catering industry. The increase in tourism has not negatively affected the leopard population, which continues to thrive without conflict with humans. The area is now known as an excellent breeding ground for Indian leopards and is an example of successful coexistence of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.
Shatrunjay plans to set up a fund for the welfare of the locals. As soon as the foundation has been established, we will post an update on the Heart of India Travel website.
He strongly believes in the fruitfulness of joint efforts, supported by a passionate team. His initiatives are promising for both wildlife conservation and local people. The youth in the area are showing growing interest and are now actively pursuing professional courses in wildlife and hotel management. This positive trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
Harendrapal Sinh
Heart of India Travel works closely with Harendrapal Sinh, a member of the former royal family of Poshina, who has ruled the region since 1632 and remains committed to the local community to this day. In his endeavor to provide direct and indirect employment to the tribal population, Harendrapal has transformed his ancestral house into a heritage homestay. Not a single outsider works in his hotel; a conscious choice to keep employment local. Harendrapal is committed to expansion and innovation, currently preparing his family home on his mother’s side to create employment there as well.Harendrapal est un fervent défenseur de l’expansion et de l’innovation. Il prépare actuellement la maison familiale de sa mère pour y créer également des emplois, contribuant ainsi au développement durable de la région.
Regional initiatives
Part of the family income is returned to the region. Over the years, they have taken several initiatives:
They support tribal schoolchildren by providing notebooks, regularly visiting schools with guests for visits and donations, and marking special occasions with cooked meals.
Harendrapal personally invites you for a jeep safari to one of the schools, where you can donate pens and markers or buy vegetables to distribute among the indigenous families. It is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to local initiatives and support the community.
VIKAS Project
Heart of India Travel works closely with the VIKAS Project, an Indian foundation based in Pushkar, Rajasthan. This active NGO provides educational, medical, housing, food and arts programs to families in tent camps who face complex housing, education and health challenges. Brett, the founder of the VIKAS Project, is always ready to take our travelers to supported villages or to take a look at the school where he not only provides education, but also instills warmth, love and norms and values.
What VIKAS does
This initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
By collaborating with the VIKAS Project, we strive for positive change in the lives of these communities and support broader goals for sustainable development.
Chhotaram Prajapat
Chhotaram Prajapat is the host and owner of Chhotaram Prajapat’s Homestay in Salawas Village. He belongs to the Prajapat community, which is traditionally known for their skill in weaving dhurries, which is his family’s traditional occupation. His village is known as the land of Magical Dhurries (Pukhraj Dhurries). Chhotaram is passionate about preserving and sharing his culture and heritage with his guests.
Through his homestay, Chhotaram plays an important role in promoting sustainable tourism in the region, connecting visitors with the rich traditions of Rajasthan. Chhotaram supports rural tourism and the local economy. Guests have the opportunity to visit traditional dhurrie weaving and contribute to supporting local families through their purchases. They also visit potter families, which also helps these families and gives them the opportunity to experience local arts and crafts. During their stay, guests also have the opportunity to visit local farming families and participate in their farm activities.
This approach to tourism aligns seamlessly with the values of Heart of India Travel, where we strive to provide sustainable travel experiences that support local communities and preserve the authentic culture of India.
Praduman Singh in Chandelao
We also cherish the partnership with Praduman Singh, the manager of a heritage hotel in Chandelao village in Rajasthan. As a resident of Chandelao, he maintains a close bond with the local community. In addition to managing his hotel, he is committed to women’s empowerment and has played a key role in establishing a partnership between The Key of Education and the local school. (We are still looking for a volunteer for this project, so if you are interested, register quickly via
In addition, Praduman Singh has an NGO called Chandelao Vikas Sansthan, which is engaged in the following activities:
These initiatives are a testament to Praduman Singh’s commitment to the social and educational development of Chandelao and his continued efforts to bring positive change to the community.
Amit in Jojawar
We have the pleasure of working with Amit and staying at his hotel. The vast majority of staff are local, so they have chosen to stay in their own communities rather than join the crowds of job seekers in the cities. The employees are trained in various departments of the hotel and rotate regularly to keep the work interesting.
Amit is also committed to supporting local farmers and small entrepreneurs in Jojawar by sourcing most herbs and vegetables locally. The food served to hotel guests follows the ‘farm to table’ principle.
During jeep and horseback excursions, guests can visit various ethnic communities including the nomadic pastoralists Rabaris and Devasis, Nath Jogis and others in their homes. Amit shares the proceeds from these excursions with these communities. Recently, after consulting with the elders, Amit had a community house built for the Rabari tribe.
Amit also supports the Rajkiya Parveshika Sanskrit Vidyalaya School in Jojawar. Previous projects include:
The Key of Education
Heart of Travel India proudly supports and collaborates with The Key of Education, a Dutch foundation founded by Marian Dekkers, which is committed to quality education for boys, and certainly also for girls, in developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America . The foundation finances sustainable school projects and educational resources, with a specific focus on nursery and group 1 education.
These efforts contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). By engaging local communities and working with local teachers, Heart of Travel India promotes equitable and accessible education, with a special focus on encouraging girls’ education. Together we create an impact that goes beyond travel alone, and strive for a world where every child has access to high-quality education, regardless of gender or background.
