A different approach to tourism is emerging around Visakhapatnam and the Eastern Ghats, where nature-based experiences are placing greater emphasis on smaller groups, local communities and responsible interaction with the environment. The approach moves beyond simply visiting popular destinations and instead encourages travellers to understand the landscapes and ecosystems they enter. 

At Pravaham, an eco-stay in Mettavalasa village near Araku, nearly 90% of the construction uses locally available materials such as soil, hay, timber and bamboo, according to its founder V. Samved. The property also sources food, workforce and experiences from nearby villages while promoting waste management, composting and reduced single-use plastic. 

EcoHikes has conducted more than 600 treks in the Eastern Ghats, taking over 8,000 participants into the region over nine years. The group has reduced its trek group sizes and uses practices such as gas stoves instead of collecting firewood, while encouraging participants to carry their waste back. 

Along the Visakhapatnam coast, the East Coast Conservation Team conducts guided tidepool walks, introducing visitors to marine organisms while limiting group sizes and asking participants not to touch or disturb wildlife. Visitors are also encouraged to record observations through citizen-science platforms such as iNaturalist. 

 

Platypus Escapes combines recreational scuba diving with conservation activities and underwater clean-ups. Its approach encourages divers to maintain distance from marine life, avoid touching corals and minimise damage to the underwater environment.