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I've just returned from my third time instructing our Earth Expeditions course in India, "Species, Deities, and Communities." Co-instructing with GFP graduate Kristen Hannigan, we were joined by 12 wonderful ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs for an unforgettable journey. There's so much to celebrate from this trip that we've compiled our top 10 list below. But first, it's important to consider why travel to India holds such significance for those interested in environmental and conservation issues.

Unfortunately, India is often (and incorrectly) solely associated with poverty and overcrowded cities. While its urban centers are indeed growing rapidly, India has transformed dramatically and stands as one of the most beautiful and culturally rich nations on Earth. As the most populated country in the world (1.4 billion people, representing 18% of the global population) and a thriving democracy, it offers an astonishing diversity of arts, music, and cultures. It's also the birthplace of multiple religions and harbors incredible levels of biological diversity.

With all that said, we hope you enjoy the following list of what we loved most about our once-in-a-lifetime journey to India this summer!

1. Our In-Country Partners, of course! While I served as the Miami instructor, our partners from were the heart of our journey. Special thanks to Omkar, Akshay, Gunuwant, Suchitra, Jayant, and Archana, among many others. Their commitment to engagement, incredible care, and inspiring dedication to environmental action and learning made our trip truly special.
2. Hindu Culture and Spirituality: We deeply appreciated exploring the richness of Hindu culture, including major deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati, along with Ganesha and Hanuman.
3. Locally Celebrated Deities: We were fascinated to learn about local deities, such as the Tiger Goddess, Waghjai, and their historical and ongoing role in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

   

4. The Food! Indian cuisine was a constant highlight. From savory North and South Indian sauces and vibrant chutneys to scrumptious breads like roti, naan, and chapati — it was vegetarian eating at its absolute finest! From an ecological perspective, witnessing a culture with such a high percentage of vegetarians, coupled with restrictions on eating beef, highlights practices that can drastically reduce the ecological footprint of both residents and visitors.

   

5. Exploring Diverse Sacred Groves and Temples: Experiencing these deeply spiritual and ecologically significant sites was profoundly impactful. Highlights included the regionally unique Keshvaraj Temple near Dapoli and Marleshwar Shiva Temple near Devrukh, as well as numerous smaller, locally cherished sacred groves, often home to giant trees and unique flora and fauna.
6. Village Life and Urban Contrast: We gained perspective by witnessing the stark contrast between India's rapidly expanding urban centers and the quieter, more remote villages. Exploring Pune, a vibrant city of 6.4 million (more than twice that of Chicago!) known for its universities, cafes, and culture, then transitioning to more remote Western Ghats villages like Wadi Adhishti Village, offered a view of the shifting facets of Indian life.

   

7. Monsoon rains, Forests, and Waterfalls: While monsoon season might seem daunting to Westerners, it's a lovely time to visit. The temperatures are cool, the forests are lush with greenery, and countless small waterfalls cascade down cliffs and hills. Our umbrellas provided brief shelter during the typical short bursts of rain, after which we could continue our explorations.
8. Cultural and Biological Diversity: It's remarkable to be in a place with so much culture (22 officially recognized languages, plus dozens more in use!). In terms of biological diversity, we were constantly discussing unique plants, including medicinal varieties, and enjoyed birdwatching, spotting nearly 60 species, many endemic to the region, like the Malabar Pied Hornbill.
9. Disco Bus Rides! Our bus this year came equipped with disco lights which was a lot of fun while listening to Indian music and seeing the landscape roll by. The bus rides also gave us a chance to discuss all we were experiencing, from unique endemic species to with villages. 
10. The People: Beyond our partners, every person we met contributed to a beautiful and welcoming experience. We are truly grateful for the warmth and hospitality that we experienced. 

    

Thanks for reading! Like many places, India is a country in major transition, a process that is accelerating. If India can harness its deep connection to nature and commitment to conservation, it will be a tremendous benefit for the entire planet, especially considering the vast population. After our visit, and while acknowledging the significant global conservation challenges, we are more hopeful than ever for the future.

Kevin Matteson currently works as an instructor, administrator, and academic advisor for Project Dragonfly at ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ in Oxford, Ohio… read more.  

Interested in our Earth Expeditions India course? Check out our course webpage to learn more.