Guwahati: Journey for Learning (J4L), a community-based eco-cultural tourism initiative supported by Aaranyak has been honoured as the Best Community-Based Tourism Initiative at the Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA) 2025, which was announced on October 11.
The inaugural edition of NEITA celebrates individuals and organisations shaping the future of tourism across the eight northeastern states of India. Dubbed the “Oscars of Northeast Tourism,” NEITA recognises excellence in travel, culture, and innovation in the region.
J4L integrates experiential learning with the conservation of indigenous knowledge. Operating across the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong and Manas landscapes of Assam, the initiative promotes sustainable tourism through participatory natural resource management and by creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
In Karbi Anglong, J4L connects visitors with the Karbi community’s nature, wildlife, and cultural traditions, demonstrating how community-led models can strengthen both conservation and rural development. In the Manas landscape, tourism activities reflect the Bodo community’s indigenous “live with nature” philosophy, offering insights into co-existence, community conservation of water and forest resources, and wildlife habitats.
J4L has made notable progress in promoting community-based eco-cultural tourism in Assam’s Karbi Anglong through the active involvement of local communities who have been central to its success.
The initiative includes 10 women-led Kindulangso homestays, 11 community-led Langkiri guiding groups, and 10 women-led ‘Theso’ self-help groups providing catering and food services. Through these efforts, it has generated sustainable livelihoods while conserving local ecosystems.
To date, J4L has hosted 1,614 bed-nights, served over 4,000 meals, and welcomed 788 guests for guided nature experiences—all under transparent benefit-sharing and biodiversity conservation models.
The annual income from its flagship project, Ingnam Kengkam, has steadily increased, peaking in 2024, highlighting the impact of community ownership and participation. By blending traditional knowledge, women’s leadership, and eco-friendly tourism, J4L has strengthened both community resilience and environmental sustainability.
Aaranyak is committed towards conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem and supporting the indigenous communities residing in Kaziranga-Karbi_Anglong and Manas Landscapes through promotion of natural resource management, alternative and sustainable livelihoods activities, education, and awareness, The initiative is supported by IUCN – Kfw.
