Thinking about where to go on your next wilderness holiday? Go green and make a difference by booking yourself into an exciting vacation with our editor’s pick of five truly wonderful eco-lodges from across India.
Not only will you and your friends or family have a fabulous trip, you will also come away knowing that you have made a positive impact on the ecology and local community of these places that you visit. Now that’s what we call an adventure with soul!
1. Andaman Islands: Barefoot at Havelock
Swimming elephants, stunning coral reefs, and sea kayaking safaris. Fly across the Bay of Bengal to a remote island in the Andaman Sea, and stay at this stunning 18-cottage beach resort sitting on what the Guardian UK rated as among the ‘top 30 eco-lodges in the world.’
How do they make a difference: Composting and food waste recycling, waste water recycling and rainwater harvesting, solar heaters. Barefoot is strongly involved in the local community – it has set up an Environmental Education Centre to create awareness and educate the local community on marine conservation; sponsors local festivals, employs almost 95% of its staff from local community, and funds and supports the Andaman & Nicobar Environmental Trust.
Prices start from Rs 4,100 per couple per night with breakfast
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2. Southern Tamilnadu: Mayuram Eco-Lodge
350-acres of wilderness, 270 bird species, magnificent mountain backdrop – and you!
Drive from Madurai or Trivandrum to the ultimate birdwatching hideaway – a simple but stylish two-room cottage set right at the foot of the magnificent Western Ghats, 170 kms south of Madurai.
How do they make a difference: Mayuram was started as part of an eco-restoration project where denuded and degraded land was bought and nurtured to a healthy state over a period of 15 years. The savannah-woodland eco-system has become an ideal habitat for a huge variety of bird species. The energy, waste and water use footprint is minimal. There is an organic farm that is self-sustainable, and all the employees are from the local village.
Prices start from Rs 3,600 per couple per night with breakfast included.
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3. Great Rann, Western Gujarat: Kutch Safari Lodge
Visit tribal communities, drive across salt deserts, and see the most star-filled sky ever at this traditional style eco-lodge in the Western-most part of Gujarat (and India). Fly or take a train to Bhuj, and be surrounded by a unique eco-habitat in the Great Rann of Kutch.
How do they make a difference: They have solar panels for hot water, filter their gray water from the kitchen to use in the gardens, and all waste is segregated into organic and non –organic waste. The rooms have been built in the traditional Kutchi style and used the expertise of local artisans in the making of the Lodge, and beautiful, unique furniture made from carved wooden pillars that broke during the earthquake. The food itself is also traditional Gujarati food and made using only local produce.
Prices start from Rs 5,300 per couple per night with all meals included
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4. Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal: Camp Forktail Creek
Come to this stylishly rustic birding camp with the perfect mud houses in the middle of a beautiful Sal forest on the north east border of the Corbett national park where elephants and tigers still roam
How do they make a difference: Almost zero environmental impact. No electricity from the grid – all solar. All water is recycled and reused; all waste is segregated and recycled. Employment is all local, food is local; and building construction using all natural materials. Supports local communities and works with women self-help groups.
Prices start from Rs 5,200 per couple per night with all meals and walks included
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5. Eastern Himalayas, West Bengal: Neora Valley Camp
Float above the clouds in this rustic 4-room eco-lodge in the remote Eastern Himalayas with views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. And then step out to the jaw-dropping treks, birdwatching trips, and if you are lucky get to spot the highly endangered Red Panda, in one of its last refuges in the Himalayas.
How do they make a difference: No electricity; minimal use of water; all organic waste is recycled through the piggery; all non-organic resold to the nearby village; all food and employment is local; and establishment of a community-based reforestation programme to extend the habitat of the Red Panda.
Prices start from Rs 5,000 per couple per night with all meals included
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