Guwahati: The community-based eco-cultural tourism initiative, ‘Journey for Learning’ (J4L), supported by Aaranyak has been awarded the Best Community-Based Tourism Initiative at the inaugural Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA) 2025, announced on October 11.
Lauded as the “Oscars of Northeast Tourism,” NEITA recognises individuals and organisations driving excellence in travel, culture, and innovation across the eight northeastern states. J4L stood out for combining experiential learning with the conservation of indigenous knowledge while promoting sustainable tourism in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong and Manas landscapes of Assam.
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By connecting visitors with the Karbi community’s nature, wildlife, and cultural traditions, J4L demonstrates how community-led models can strengthen both conservation and rural development. In Manas, tourism activities inspired by the Bodo community’s ‘live with nature’ philosophy highlight co-existence, community-led water and forest conservation, and wildlife stewardship.
The initiative has generated sustainable livelihoods through 10 women-led Kindulangso homestays, 11 community-guided Langkiri groups, and 10 women-led Theso SHG catering units, hosting over 1,614 bed-nights, serving 4,000 meals, and welcoming 788 guests to date. Annual income from ‘Ingnam Kengkam’ has grown steadily, peaking in 2024, reflecting the success of community ownership, women’s leadership, and eco-friendly tourism.
Supported by IUCN-KfW, Aaranyak remains committed to biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and indigenous community empowerment in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Manas, using natural resource management, education, and awareness initiatives.
The award underscores J4L’s pioneering role in blending traditional knowledge, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment to shape a sustainable model of tourism for Northeast India.
