The Blue Yonder

Climate change affects us all. But it doesn’t need to be seen as the end of the world either. From reforestation, wetland conservation to circular economies that sustain continuous patches of mangrove forests, there are still reasons for us to hope.

Hope for a better future , hope for repurposing many things that we do including tourism that bring supplementary sources of income to communities.

Do you know that a small initiative we launched as “Travellers forest” many years ago has developed into many acres of wilderness managed by entrepreneurs and communities ?

Next time you travel, try to include some community owned nature based experiences similar to our Mangrove Trail in different locations in India.

Today we present to you, The Blue Yonder’s Mangrove Trail, while observing the International Day of Forests.The theme has been identified as “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”

The Mangrove Trail in Malippuram, Vyppin Island, near Fort Kochi, is a model for conservation. This interactive tour of lush mangroves educates visitors about pioneering mangrove conservation efforts. A mangrove conservation nursery precedes a peaceful boat journey through complex mangrove canals. Along with a naturalist, tourists learn about conservation methods and mangroves’ ecological importance, including birdwatching chances that showcase the area’s richness.

This project is part of a larger conservation project with the Resilient Destinations Foundation to revitalise Ernakulam’s 32-square-kilometer mangrove forests, home to 16 species. This “super forest” breeds fish, crabs, and mollusks and sequesters 34% more carbon than typical woods, helping fight climate change.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Emergency’s circular economy concepts are used to plastic waste management, which is recycled into road construction pellets. This community-driven initiative, mangrove nurseries, sapling distribution to coastal communities, and over two hundred thousand sapling plantings, illustrates the theme of “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World,” showing how innovative conservation methods can create sustainable and resilient ecosystems.

 

In celebration of the International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14th, an initiative that underscores the importance of rivers to biodiversity, human culture, and sustainability, we spotlight Nilāvala - a distinctive twilight dinner experience set on a Chinese fishing net platform in the serene backwaters of Ezhikkara. This unique experience not only offers a mesmerizing sunset view coupled with a feast of local delicacies but also plays a crucial role in community resilience. By intertwining traditional fishing practices with tourism (for good!) and local cuisine, Nilāvala stands as a testament to the sustainable stewardship of river ecosystems, highlighting the vital connection between our rivers and the livelihoods they support.

Be inspired here.
www.theblueyonder.com

Here is a wrap up of three wonderful days at Berlin for the much coveted ITB Berlin, gathering the world’s tourism fraternity to discuss new ideas, innovations and experiences.

We have been exhibiting here since 2005 and in the capacity as the official responsible tourism partner from 2007 onwards, Berlin is home and we couldn't have been happier to receive the same warmth and love from the industry.

The 16th Annual Responsible Tourism networking that we co-organised with ITB Berlin once again brought together peers and leaders from around the world.

Looking forward to March 2025 already!

Meet .blue.yonder team at at our usual spot in Hall 4.1/224 between 5-7 Mar 2024.

Get to know about our immersive travel experiences across India and South Asia.

Meaningful, immersive travel experiences that derived from various community focused initiatives we run on our own as well as in partnership with Resilient Destinations Foundation.

Be it a half a day experience or month long travel, we have multi-awarded, pioneering itineraries.

Find out how twenty experiences we launched during our 20th anniversary can change the travel scape.

Drop in an email to [email protected] or [email protected]

Join us also at the Responsible tourism networking event on the seventh March 2024 at 1730 at Hall 4.1.

Responsible Tourism Networking ITB Berlin 2024 7 Mar 1730 CET

ITB Berlin The Blue Yonder

Nilavala by The Blue Yonder is among "The 5 most beautiful tables for two to book this Valentine’s Day", curated by Condé Nast Traveller.

A twilight dinner atop Kerala’s Chinese fishing nets

For those who want to celebrate their love through responsible tourism, look towards Kerala. Here, sustainable tourism outfit The Blue Yonder conducts romantic twilight dinners—the experience is known as Nilāvala—atop the coast’s iconic Chinese fishing nets. Guests head out from Ezhikkara, about 30kms from the centre of Kochi, on a charming wooden country boat gently eased across the backwaters by a gondolier.

As the sun begins to sink below palm trees and egrets soar over sandbanks, a candle-light dinner of fresh local staples awaits, from prawn and vegetable curries to shallow-fried fish. As the moon makes itself known, diners learn that this meal is more meaningful than simply a serene setting. The experience helps support the livelihood of local fishing communities impacted by the climate crisis, where the waters they sit above have seen an increase in tidal flooding, harming the freshwater life that once thrived here.
Guests also get to see the Chinese fishing nets up close in action, a bit of 14th-century engineering that still has the power to amaze. - Julian Manning

https://www.cntraveller.in/story/the-5-most-beautiful-tables-for-two-to-book-this-valentines-day/

To make a reservation, call us at +919995573475, +919047523960

🌍✨ We are thrilled to share that our documentary short, "Stories and People: From the Brink," is set to grace the screens at the COP28 Blue Zone in the UNWTO stand. Join us in this impactful journey showcasing progress in implementing the Glasgow Declaration.

📍 Venue: UNWTO Stand, Blue Zone, COP28, UAE
📅 Dates: December 10-11, 2023

*Stories and People: From the Brink* is a poignant collection of seven portraits capturing the resilience of individuals facing the day-to-day challenges of the climate crisis in the coastal areas of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. It sheds light on the chronic impacts of climate change on our precious coasts.

Climate change affects us all, yet its impact varies widely. *From The Brink* emphasizes that while it may be a distant story for some, it has already become a harsh reality for many. The film communicates the global responsibility for local impacts and calls for collective action.

🌊💙 This documentary also conveys a message of hope, illustrating how communities with vision and determination can adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, fostering dignity in these changing times.

🎥 Created by Ajay Menon, Vimal Chandran, and Gopinath Parayil, in collaboration with Papaya Media, The Blue Yonder, EQUINOCT Community Sourced Modelling Solutions, and CRC Puthenvelikkara, this production marks the inaugural venture of the Resilient Destinations Foundation.

🕊️ However, our excitement is tempered by the recent loss of our talented team member, Jibin, who edited several of our videos, including this docu-short. His memory lives on as we dedicate this screening at COP28 to all the youth facing difficulties and those bravely pressing forward.

Join us in honoring their stories and advocating for a resilient, sustainable future. 🌱💙

A bit of Nilgris with our travellers.

Happy news!

Four of The Blue Yonder experiences have been featured by in their list of 'Best Places to Go in Asia'! Nilavala - Twilight dining on a Chinese Fishing net, Pokkali - The Story of a Rice, Mangrove trails, and our two-week-long River Nila journeys were featured in the magazine.

1. As the name goes, Nilavala provides twilight dining experiences on Kochi’s famed Chinese nets with the backdrop of the city lights. Following a short tour of the Veeranpuzha Lake in the village of Ezhikkara at sunset, guests will be escorted onboard to a fishing net to enjoy a choice of traditional Malayalee meal of either a spread of delicacies that include fresh catch from the surrounding lake and locally sourced rice, or a wholesome vegetarian meal.

2. Mangrove Trails gives a peak of a forest in marshy land. These conservation-focussed trails offer an insider view of life within the thickets of a forest, experienced on a boat snaking through lush mangroves. This 3-hour punting experience includes a visit to a rich nursery that grows thousands of sapling varieties from around the state of Kerala, as well as birdwatching.

3. Pokkali – The Story of a Rice is literally that. This half-day experience narrates the story of an indigenous variety of saline-tolerant rice, rare to the world and unique in cultivation. In the experience, a fascinating symbiosis is also shown, where paddy and freshwater prawn farming takes place simultaneously. The tour also gives an insight into the workings of the cooperative banks' function in rural Kerala in improving the quality of life of farming communities.

4. The many forms of life and art take shape during the two-week River Nila journey. From the Western Ghats in Palakkad, to the seaside town of Ponnani, all colours of diverse communities on the banks of a river come to life. Our flagship experience, this two-week mega trip explores cultural abundance and attractive landscapes of three districts in the Malabar region – Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur.

Join us on one or all of these trails :)

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After being the Winner of GLP Films Sustainability Storytelling and Arival Community Impact awards recently, We are now the runner-up in the 22nd edition of the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award, which was announced in Malaga, Spain last week.

"You have been ranked second in the Tour Operators and Travel Agents category. This achievement highlights your commitment towards sustainable practices and implementation of an environmentally friendly business model"

Bouncing back after two years of flood and another two years of pandemic has not been easy at all. However, every such recognition helps us move forward with more determination. We submit this recognition once again to all our community partners and peers. Thank You!

Thailand, has been awarded the winner.
List of finalists in the comment box

* Kalari Kala at The Ginger House *

Calling all dancers, movement practitioners, athletes, and martial arts enthusiasts! Join our two-week intensive Kalaripayattu workshop led by the renowned Vinod Gurukkal.

⭕ Immerse yourself in the ancient Dravidian martial art of Kalaripayattu, featuring a blend of combat prowess and holistic well-being.

⭕Vinod Gurukkal, a seasoned practitioner, welcomes both beginners and movement artists. Beginners can delve into the basics, while movement artists can elevate body awareness and flexibility.

⭕ Nestled by the banks of the Periyar River, the picturesque village of Puthanvelikkara offers a serene backdrop for this unique training experience. Enjoy walking, cycling, and water activities in this tranquil setting.

⭕ The fee includes classes only( morning and evening sessions for 14 days)

For accommodation, we have a range of homestays and resorts, some just a short walk away. Need assistance with bookings? Contact [email protected] for discounted rates.

📍 The Ginger House, Puthanvelikkara, Ernakulam, Kerala

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn the art of Kalaripayattu. Reserve your spot today! Please check the link in bio for registrations.

Sharing details about an initiative The Blue Yonder had launched during the pandemic while exploring possibilities of alternative sources of income for artisans we have been working with for almost two decades.

Kothavil family in Vellinezhi are known to make Kathakali “Koppu” for three generations. The high quality , authentic and proportionate miniatures made from same materials and craftsmanship are now on display in the art gallery.

River Nila trails of The Blue Yonder includes a half a day immersive experience with the artisans.

Unique Kathakali miniatures art for souvenirs and collections Kothavil family in Vellinezhi has a tradition of more than seven decades when it comes to ‘koppu’ making. The accessories needed for various classical and fo...

It's humbling when a third party evaluate our work in the ground.

Here are some of the comments from the judges from ARIVAL Spotlight Awards

Arival - SPOTLIGHT AWARDS WINNER�

The Blue Yonder (shared proudly with Phare, The Cambodian Circus - Siem Reap )

"This project clearly demonstrates the effort designed to preserve and protect our environment. The initiatives are inspiring, and relevant and support local communities. Not only bringing back rice farming but also making sure this community stays intact and the art of the tourism economy."

“The Blue Yonder is totally immersed in the local community. Bringing travellers into those communities where The Blue Yonder is carrying out projects and supporting the local economies is extremely commendable. Again this is a deep dive into the local communities and their way of life. This is full-on local immersion. Whilst also giving something to the local communities and learning about their way of life as well."

“This entry is phenomenal in their endeavours to engage with the local community and support those economies. By using travel and travellers to help do this is a great way to spread the word of what is happening in these communities and the help that is needed. I really applaud everything you do.”

“Great work being done and pushing the envelope on what sustainable practices in tourism should look like. 10/10 - very much appreciate the case studies and stories which lend context and direction for how these types of programs could be scaled across different destinations. The Blue Yonder aims to revive, preserve, and encourage the continued sustenance of a destination's age-old heritage. The only way to ensure the authenticity of a destination is to provide the active participation and empowerment of local stakeholders.”

Happy news 🙏🏾

Community Engagement Social Purpose Award Winners:

, The Cambodian Circus & The Blue Yonder

From Arival citation:

“This category acknowledges tour operators that actively engage with local communities, supporting local economies, empowering residents, and promoting cultural exchange. For this category, two companies tied for the top spot so we are delighted to present an award to both of them!

Phare, The Cambodian Circus is a circus attraction and social enterprise based in Cambodia. The circus was originally founded to employ graduates of a non-profit school founded for refugees of the Khmer Rouge war. 100% of the circus revenue goes directly into operations and supporting social causes such as the school. Judges also appreciated how the organization empowers youth and models responsible tourism while offering travelers an authentic experience of the area.

The Blue Yonder is a tour company and social enterprise founded in Kerala, India. They are focused on offering experiences that immerse travelers in local communities, and contribute to local economies and the climate resilience of destinations. Judges appreciated how The Blue Yonder is pushing the envelope on what sustainable practices in tourism should look like, how the experiences enable travelers to be immersed in and have a positive impact on local communities, and the thought given to scaling their initiatives across destinations. “

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: The Arival & TourReview Spotlight Awards The results are in! Learn more about the awards and see the complete list of winners in each category here

Arival Spotlight Award!

The inaugural Arival Spotlight Awards are dedicated to shining a spotlight on the best and brightest in our industry, those companies that are shaping the travel experiences landscape and setting new standards of excellence.

We are a finalist in the The Social Purpose/ Community Engagement Award category, and we are in good company!

You can find the full list of finalists in the comments section.

celebration time!

The Blue Yonder The Blue Yonder is an travel company that facilitates immersive, cultural travel experiences. The Blue Yonder blog documents stories and legends from our journeys.

*Dancescapes Hyderabad*  presents 'Movement in nature through Bharatanatyam', an explorative session in nature with Nenita Praveen, a passionate dancer, yoga instructor, and founder of Meenakshi Studio for Arts. 

🌿 Movement in Nature through Bharatanatyam lens

Explore Bharatanatyam's basics, rhythm, and emotional expression using nature as your guide. Have fun, play, and discover freedom in movement. Dive into the history and political context of Bharatanatyam, concluding with a student performance.

📅 Date: Sunday, 8th October 2023

🕒 Time: 8 am to 11 am

📍 Location: Yogashala, KBR Park

Discover the beauty of KBR National Park, and connect with nature through a dancer's lens. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!

Limited seats only.

Please click on our bio to book tickets or write to us [email protected] 
Check https://petrichor.travel/dancescapes 

Curated by
Posters by  

*Dancescapes Hyderabad* presents 'Oriental Roots in Hyderabad'. Join us for an immersive session on Oriental Dance with Sravan Telu, a belly dancer, drag artist, and LGBTQ+ activist native to Hyderabad.

🌺 Oriental Roots in Hyderabad 🌎

Discover the essence of Oriental Dance, celebrating its diverse roots and connections to India. Led by Sravan Telu, this inclusive session invites participants of all ages, genders, body types, and races to collaboratively create choreography.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 7th October 2023
🕓 Time: 4 pm - 7 pm
📍 Location: Nirvana Studio, Kondapur

Come together as a community, embracing womanhood, motherhood, and peer support. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect through dance.

Limited seats only.

Please click on our bio to book tickets or write to us [email protected] Check https://petrichor.travel/dancescapes

Curated by
Posters by

*Dancescapes Hyderabad* invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant street expressions in the city of Nawabs. Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring Harsha Komet, a dynamic dancer, healer and host and ProZach, a prominent figure in Hyderabad's rap scene.

🎤 Street Expressions of Hyderabad 💃🏽

Discover the rhythm of rap and hip-hop cypher culture with Harsha Komet and ProZach. Learn signature party moves, delve into rap tools, and witness the fusion of dance, music, and HipHop in the heart of the city.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 7th October 2023

🕘 Time: 9 AM - 12 noon

📍 Location: Thrive Rosa, Madhapur

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the soul of Hyderabad's street scene. 

Limited seats only.

Please click on our bio to book tickets or write to us [email protected]
Check https://petrichor.travel/dancescapes 

Curated by
Poster by

Movement in Nature Through the lens of Bharatanatyam
The participants will go on a guided walk through the periphery of the KBR National park with Nenita Praveen, a Bharatanatyam dancer where they will 'see' and 'connect' with the nature around them from a dancer’s point of view. Using the elements and memories from the walk, participants will learn basic tools of storytelling through movement that is rooted in basic vocabulary of Bharatanatyam.

About the Artist

Nenita Praveen is a passionate teacher, performer, yoga instructor, a social emotional learning educator and currently a student of the theater. With her foundational training in Bharatanatyam, she founded Meenakshi Studio for Arts. At Meenakshi, they have been re-imagining the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam & its pedagogy for students to build their personal movement language by exploring their body, its expression, and their stories through movement.

The experience

Using nature as a guide, participants will be introduced to the basic movement vocabulary of Bharatanatyam through observation and practice. They will explore rhythm and learn to read and express emotions with one's body, to find freedom in movement through play and fun activities.

The participants will also learn of the history and political context of Bharatanatyam. The session will end with a performance by students of Nenita.

Date : Sunday, 8th October 2023

Time : 8 am to 11 am

Location : Yogashala, KBR Park

Oriental roots in Hyderabad

Discover basic techniques in oriental dance, highlighting its diverse roots and connections to India. Participants will collaboratively create choreography using these techniques. This inclusive session welcomes all, with no age, gender, body type, or race restrictions.

About the Artist

Sravan Telu, a belly dancer, drag artist and an LGBTQ+ activist native to Hyderabad and brings in the communal spirit of the city through their dance. RAQSology India, which was founded by Reeka Karrai, is run under the leadership of Sravan Telu and Srilakshmi Pullella. RAQSology was founded with a mission to promote awareness about the impact and education of belly dance on society in ways that go beyond normal dance movements. The school explores and strives to embody the concept of community, which is the basis of Bellydance.

The experience
Oriental Dance a.k.a Belly dancing is all about celebrating as a community (celebrating womanhood, motherhood, peer support). We Hyderabadis also have a similar concept where we all support each other as a community regardless of which art form we are in. Discover basic techniques in oriental dance, highlighting its diverse roots and connections to India. Participants will collaboratively create choreography using these techniques.

This inclusive session welcomes all, with no age, gender, body type, or race restrictions.

Date : Saturday, 7th October 2023
Time : 4 pm - 7 pm
Location : Nirvana Studio, Madhapur

Street Expressions of Hyderabad

Come witness how rap and HipHop cypher culture takes place in the city of Nawabs. The participants will learn a few signature party moves and some rap tools with our favorite local artists - Harsha Komet and Prozach.

About the Artists

Harsha Komet, is a proud native of Hyderabad and an enthusiastic artist with a natural flair for dance. She has trained in several street and hip hop styles which has become her key movement expression. She is also driven by healing practices and creating campaigns and events that create a vibrant, communal atmosphere. She is the co-founder HydDanceFestival and Camp Celebrate which aims at creating a safe space for everyone to bloom in their own ways.

ProZach has been relevant in his city's Art scene since the age of 13. On the road to finding himself as an artist he was deeply influenced by his immediate surroundings. The social and political situation of his country and city paved way to opening his mind to creating art that would compensate for our powerlessness in modern society. He claims that he makes music for people like him, who look for the meaning in the chaos, the order in the disorder and peace amidst the turmoil. He works integrally with the Hyderabad Rap scene, The Black Diamond Crew also from Hyderabad.

The experience

Guests will be introduced to street flavors of Hyderabad through dance and rap. Harsha will introduce a few old school hip-hop moves along with street styles such as wacking and tutting. The experience will have local rapper Prozach introducing his art.

The guests will go back picking a signature party move and some rap tools that they can show off to their friends and family.

Come, witness, how rap, dance, music, and HipHop cypher culture takes place in the city of Nawabs.

Date : Saturday, 7th October 2023

Time : 9 AM - 12 noon Location : Thrive Rosa, Madhapur

Exploring urban spaces through the POV of performing artists.

World Tourism Day: Discover cities in India through performance arts Travellers can explore cities through art forms. The Blue Yonder has created Dancescapes, city-specific modules to showcase culture. These include folk arts, martial art, theatre, Tamil kuthu, Afro-Dance Hall, Bharatanatyam, hip hop, freestyle & more.

Outlook Traveller Editors pick



Book An Immersive Travel Experience With The Blue Yonder

"The Blue Yonder offers unique travel experiences connected to local communities and provides meaningful encounters with local people"

Book An Immersive Travel Experience With The Blue Yonder For World Tourism Day 2023, the UNWTO emphasises the importance of more and better-targeted green investments for people, the planet, and prosperity. The 2023 t

Pondicherry Dancescapes
The cultural cauldron, Pondicherry, has seen colonial influences and representation of different cultures across India in the past century. Dancescapes in Pondicherry is an attempt to explore the city and its surroundings through the eyes of performing artists ranging from classical, folk, and contemporary forms.

PS Check the video in the comment box