It was a sight that left one stung, and disappointed. A few metres away from us, on a pleasantly crisp morning during our ascent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Elephanta Caves, two Frenchmen seemed oblivious to the fact that they were littering the pathway with empty plastic water bottles. Never mind the large dustbins in full view.

This seemed to be replayed all around us. Indian tourists, and even non-Indians an act, we suspect none of the above would be caught dead doing in their home countries, or when we, Indians travel on international holidays, let alone at sites of similar importance. Around us, was a litter fest that made for a permanent eyesore throughout this scenic island, blessed with abundant flora and fauna, the world-famous rock-cut caves.