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Bhubaneswar Travel Tips

Bhubaneswar Travel Tips

Bhubaneswar Odisha, India Travel Guide

Conservation Initiatives

Nandankanan Zoological Park conservation breeding programs for endangered species. Chilika Lake a Ramsar wetland, migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Sites

  • Nandankanan Zoological Park.
  • Chilika Lake, Ramsar wetland.
  • Chandaka Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary for elephant habitat.

Waste and Water Management

Waste management infrastructure developing, limited outside urban centers. Littering issue.

Practices

  • Reduce personal waste. Avoid single-use plastics.
  • Carry reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
  • Be mindful of water usage. Shorter showers.

Carbon Offset Options

Consider supporting carbon offset programs for flights.

Flights

  • Many airlines offer contribution options.
  • Contribute to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Support initiatives for climate.

Eco-Friendly Operators

Look for hotels and tour operators explicitly stating sustainable practices.

Green Choices

  • Waste reduction, energy efficiency.
  • Water conservation, local food sourcing.
  • Support local communities.

Eco-Conscious Travel

Positive Actions

  • Carry a reusable water bottle.
  • Bring a fabric shopping bag.
  • Support environmental protection in the area.
  • Choose accommodations with green certifications.

Things to Minimize

  • Avoid single-use plastics.
  • Excessive water usage.
  • Littering.
  • Unnecessary carbon emissions.

Carry a reusable water bottle and a fabric shopping bag.

This simple action significantly your personal plastic waste during your trip.

Cultural Sensitivity

Your actions reflect on your home country; engage thoughtfully.

Cultural Preservation

Purchase authentic handicrafts directly from local artisans. This sustains livelihoods and traditions.

Respectful Interaction

Learn basic local phrases. Ask permission before photographing individuals. Dress modestly, particularly at holy places.

Photography Ethics

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Be sensitive with children. Respect restrictions at sites.

Religious Site Etiquette

Remove shoes before entering temples. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

Rules

  • Remove shoes.
  • Women may cover heads.
  • Do not disturb worshippers.

Entry Restrictions

Some temples restrict entry to non-Hindus.

Important

  • Inner sanctum of Lingaraj Temple.
  • Jagannath Temple in Puri.
  • Respect these rules.

Further Guidelines

Interactions

  • Maintain politeness and calm demeanor.
  • Use right hand for transactions.
  • Avoid public displays of affection.

Awareness

  • Be sensitive photographing children.
  • Observe local behavior in sacred spaces.
  • Approach sensitive topics cautiously.

Observe local customs before acting.

If unsure, watch how locals behave and follow their lead, especially in religious settings.

Economic Impact

Your choices benefit communities in Bhubaneswar.

Community Initiatives

Seek opportunities to directly support local residents.

Direct Support

  • Stay in family-run guesthouses.
  • Hire local guides directly.
  • Engage with local service providers.

Fair Trade and Ethical Shopping

Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans (e.g., Ekamra Haat) for fair profits.

Ethical Purchases

  • Buy from artisans at Ekamra Haat.
  • Sustain traditional crafts and livelihoods.
  • Look for certified fair trade products.

Supporting Local Businesses

Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls. These businesses are often family-owned.

Local Choices

  • Choose local eateries.
  • Shop at local markets.
  • Use local transport services (Mo Bus, auto-rickshaws).

Ethical Practices

Avoid giving money directly to child beggars. This perpetuates exploitation.

Caution

  • Do not give money to child beggars.
  • Be critical of animal tourism involving mistreatment.
  • Donate through reputable charities or NGOs.

Responsible Choices

Charitable Giving

  • Avoid direct cash making donations to children.
  • Direct cash supports exploitation.
  • Donate to reputable local charities for education, healthcare, conservation.

Animal Tourism

  • Be critical of animal tourism causing mistreatment.
  • Choose ethical wildlife viewing experiences.
  • Research before participating.

Recommendation

Hiring Local Guides

  • Hire local guides for your tours.
  • Their knowledge enriches your experience.
  • Your payment directly supports their family and community.

Choosing Tour Operators

  • Seek operators with stated commitment to sustainability.
  • This includes waste reduction, energy efficiency, local sourcing.
  • Patronize businesses that local communities.

Hire local guides for your tours.

Their expertise enriches your experience. Your payment directly supports their family and community.

Sustainable Practices Overview

Embrace practices that reduce your impact and contribute positively to the destination.

Minimize Waste

Reduce your personal waste by avoiding single-use plastics.

Daily Actions

  • Carry a reusable water bottle.
  • Carry a reusable shopping bag.
  • Dispose of waste responsibly.

Conserve Resources

Be mindful of water usage. Report leaks. Choose energy-efficient options.

Resourceful Living

  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off taps when not in use.
  • Switch off lights and AC when leaving rooms.

Engage Locally

Stay in locally owned guesthouses. Hire local guides for tours.

Local Benefits

  • Support family-run accommodations.
  • Choose local tour operators.
  • Purchase from local markets.

Cultural Immersion

Learn basic local phrases. Respect traditions and customs.

Cultural Respect

  • Learn a few Odia or Hindi phrases.
  • Observe religious etiquette.
  • Ask permission for photos.

Sustainable Travel Resources

Eco Accommodations

Find eco-friendly places to stay.

Ecobnb

Carbon Offset

Offset your travel emissions.

Terrapass

Ethical Tours

Tour operators with ethical practices.

G Adventures

Choose services that clearly state their commitment to sustainability.

Support businesses that minimize their environmental and social footprint.