Plan Your Trip

Do's and Don'ts for Travelers in West Bengal

DO'S

  • Always travel with a guide.
  • Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails.
  • Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
  • Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.
  • Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.
  • It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
  • Avoid loud music and noise.
  • Always keep your Identity Card / Passport Copies to avoid hasslement in hotels.
  • Do Use dustbin in public places as you are also responsible for clean environment.
  • Don't take a lot of cash with you, there are many ATM's of almost all major banks in the major towns of the region.
  • Do not encourage beggars and always beware of strangers.
  • Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
  • In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
  • While traveling to high Hills always carry Camera, Goggles, Sun screen lotion and Sports Shoes incase you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).

DON'TS

  • Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.
  • Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.
  • Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.
  • Don’t pluck plants or flowers.
  • Don’t use Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as plastic does NOT decay itself & harms the natural environment. If you do use plastic kindly don't throw in the forest and carry back.
  • Don’t throw cigarette buts on leaf litter as they are an important cause for forest fires
  • Do not leave any non-biodegradable items.
  • Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings.
  • Do not destroy any type of vegetation or plants during your visit here.
  • Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs.
  • Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
  • Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
  • Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
  • Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions.
  • Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered.

Golden Rules When You Travel

  • Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.
  • Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
  • Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.
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