Grass Routes Private Day Tours, Puri, Orissa India

Grass Routes is passionate about bringing people together and sharing experiences that enrich lives. Their philosophy is founded on respect  for the environment, culture and community.

They provide opportunities for travellers to engage with local communities by working in partnership with the people whose lives, stories, and experiences make their authentic journeys so unique. Grass Routes fosters positive and effective communication to bridge boundaries and open up possibilities.

Grass Routes journeys explores the east India state of Orissa; a fascinatingly diverse mix of rural and indigenous communities. So come and cycle country back-roads, cruise tranquil lakes and hike in biodiverse hotspots. Meet local communities, join festivities and share authentic local experiences. Immersing yourself in different cultures has never been so easy, or so much fun. Grass Routes is committed to providing financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles of fair trade:

They choose small-scale locally owned establishments, source products locally from markets and cultivators, employ local leaders, and when possible, local residents in the villages they visit as local guides. This is all done in order to keep revenues in the communities.

They support local craftsmen, weavers, dancers, musicians and performance artists to maintain their traditional cultures. They give special importance to revitalising traditional folk art forms that have been neglected and in danger of slipping into oblivion.

They provide their Local Leaders with eco tourism, hospitality, environment management and leadership training. They also provide them with information on eco tourism, environmental and sustainability issues.

They invest in capacity building among Local Leaders, guides, drivers, boatmen and village representatives, support reformed poachers to seek alternative livelihoods, and provide Local Leaders with First Aid training.