Exploring Sustainable Tourism in India: Colleges That Promote Eco-Conscious Travel
Sustainable tourism is an emerging concept in the global travel industry, and India, with its rich biodiversity and diverse cultures, is gradually becoming a leader in eco-friendly travel initiatives. For college students, this is an exciting time to engage in responsible tourism that not only enriches their travel experiences but also helps preserve the environment. Colleges across India are playing a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism, integrating environmental education into their curricula, organizing eco-conscious trips, and fostering a culture of sustainability among young travelers.
In this blog, we will explore how Indian colleges are embracing sustainable tourism and discuss various colleges that are actively promoting eco-conscious travel in 2025. These colleges are setting examples by encouraging students to travel responsibly, making them ideal places for students who are passionate about combining education with environmental stewardship.
1. Ashoka University, Haryana: Leading the Way in Sustainability Education
Ashoka University, located in Sonepat, Haryana, is one of India’s premier institutions for liberal arts education. Known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and global awareness, Ashoka University integrates sustainability and environmental consciousness across various academic programs. The university offers a dedicated Sustainability Studies course that explores environmental sustainability, conservation, and responsible tourism. Students from various disciplines engage in research projects related to eco-tourism, sustainable travel, and community-based conservation efforts.
In addition to academics, Ashoka University organizes eco-friendly travel experiences for students. These include eco-tourism study trips, volunteering opportunities in rural communities, and field visits to sustainable development projects. Ashoka’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its campus initiatives, such as waste management systems, energy-efficient buildings, and the promotion of local, organic food in its dining facilities.
Why Ashoka University Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- A strong curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, including courses on eco-tourism and conservation.
- Organizes student trips to eco-tourism destinations for hands-on learning.
- Promotes sustainable practices on campus, such as waste reduction and energy conservation.
- Supports student-led sustainability initiatives, like tree plantation drives and awareness campaigns.
2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay: Green Innovation and Responsible Travel
IIT Bombay, one of India’s top engineering institutions, has also become a key player in promoting sustainable tourism through innovation and research. The college’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its efforts to incorporate green technologies and sustainable practices across various academic fields, including tourism and travel.
IIT Bombay has developed programs that focus on sustainable urban planning, energy-efficient tourism infrastructure, and eco-friendly transportation. Through its various research centers, the college promotes eco-tourism in India by working with the tourism industry to develop low-carbon travel solutions. The institute also collaborates with local and national authorities to design responsible tourism campaigns aimed at preserving natural and cultural heritage sites.
For college students at IIT Bombay, there are several eco-tourism initiatives that encourage responsible travel. The college organizes field trips to environmentally sustainable tourist destinations, where students can engage with local communities and gain firsthand experience in promoting responsible tourism. Additionally, the campus itself is a model of sustainability, with green building certifications and water and energy conservation programs.
Why IIT Bombay Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- Strong focus on sustainable development and eco-tourism in its engineering and management courses.
- Research-driven approach to solving tourism-related environmental challenges.
- Collaborates with national and local organizations to develop eco-friendly travel infrastructure.
- Organizes field trips to eco-tourism destinations, helping students connect theory with practice.
3. University of Delhi: Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Tourism Programs
The University of Delhi (DU) is one of India’s oldest and most esteemed educational institutions, with a wide range of academic programs. The university has embraced sustainability, offering various courses and programs that emphasize the importance of environmental conservation and eco-friendly tourism.
DU's Department of Environmental Studies regularly organizes workshops, seminars, and field trips to popular eco-tourism spots across India. Students have the opportunity to explore responsible tourism practices and gain an understanding of how tourism can be a force for good in preserving natural resources and supporting local communities. Many DU students actively participate in eco-volunteering programs, working with NGOs and government bodies to promote sustainable travel.
In recent years, DU has also fostered a strong partnership with travel companies and environmental organizations that prioritize eco-tourism. These partnerships allow students to undertake internships and hands-on projects in sustainable tourism, where they can apply their learning to real-world challenges.
Why University of Delhi Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- Offers academic programs that integrate sustainability into tourism studies.
- Regularly organizes field trips and eco-tourism visits to educate students on responsible travel.
- Active collaborations with environmental organizations to promote green tourism.
- Strong student involvement in eco-tourism awareness and volunteering initiatives.
4. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: Promoting Socially and Environmentally Responsible Travel
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is known for its focus on social work and community development, and it has become a significant institution in promoting sustainable tourism. TISS’s curriculum integrates concepts of sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility—principles that are vital to eco-tourism.
Students at TISS are encouraged to participate in projects that focus on the intersection of tourism, social equity, and environmental conservation. The institute’s research on rural development and sustainable livelihoods has helped pave the way for eco-tourism initiatives in underserved regions of India. TISS also collaborates with local communities to promote tourism that benefits the environment and uplifts local economies.
Through its travel and fieldwork-based courses, TISS allows students to visit eco-tourism destinations where they engage with local communities, participate in conservation activities, and contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives. This hands-on learning is complemented by the institute’s active promotion of low-impact, responsible travel practices within the academic environment.
Why TISS Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- Offers interdisciplinary courses that explore the intersection of tourism, development, and sustainability.
- Works directly with rural communities to promote sustainable tourism that benefits locals.
- Organizes eco-tourism trips and volunteering programs that focus on community-driven conservation.
- Strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility on campus and in fieldwork projects.
5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi: Sustainable Heritage and Cultural Tourism
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), located in Varanasi, is one of India’s most prestigious institutions, with a long-standing tradition of promoting cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. The university’s Centre for Environmental Science and Technology offers various programs related to sustainable tourism, including the study of how tourism can protect and enhance cultural heritage sites.
BHU actively engages students in promoting eco-tourism by encouraging them to explore the intersection of heritage conservation and responsible tourism. Students have the opportunity to participate in conservation and restoration projects in Varanasi and other heritage-rich areas of India, learning how sustainable tourism can help preserve both natural and cultural resources.
As part of their field trips, students visit eco-friendly tourist destinations that focus on promoting cultural tourism while minimizing environmental impacts. BHU also works closely with local communities to raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable tourism and how it can be used as a tool for economic development.
Why BHU Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- Offers dedicated courses and research opportunities in heritage conservation and eco-tourism.
- Encourages students to participate in hands-on conservation projects and field visits.
- Actively promotes cultural and heritage tourism that benefits local communities.
- Implements sustainable tourism practices in heritage-rich locations like Varanasi.
6. Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar: Eco-Conscious Volunteering and Travel Programs
The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar is a unique institution that focuses on empowering tribal communities and promoting social welfare. KISS also actively promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging students to engage with tribal cultures and heritage in an environmentally responsible manner.
Through its collaboration with local and national environmental organizations, KISS organizes eco-tourism trips to remote tribal regions. Students learn how to balance tourism with conservation, ensuring that cultural practices and ecosystems are protected while providing economic benefits to local communities. By focusing on community-based tourism, KISS educates its students about the importance of eco-conscious travel in rural and tribal areas.
Why KISS Promotes Eco-Conscious Travel:
- Encourages students to participate in eco-tourism initiatives that support tribal communities.
- Focuses on sustainable travel that promotes cultural heritage and environmental preservation.
- Organizes eco-tourism programs and volunteering opportunities in rural and tribal regions.
- Promotes responsible travel through educational campaigns and community engagement.
Conclusion
Sustainable tourism is a crucial aspect of responsible travel, and Indian colleges are playing a significant role in fostering eco-conscious travel practices among students. Institutions like Ashoka University, IIT Bombay, University of Delhi, TISS, Banaras Hindu University, and KISS are not only providing students with the knowledge and tools to engage in eco-tourism but are also leading by example through their sustainable campus practices.
By participating in field trips, volunteering in conservation projects, and collaborating with local communities, students from these colleges are actively contributing to sustainable tourism. As India continues to embrace eco-conscious travel in 2025 and beyond, these colleges are setting the standard for how higher education can be a powerful tool in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for the tourism industry.