Whenever we get tired of our daily city life, we yearn to go close to nature. The concept of co-friendly tourism in India captures the same emotion. From past many years, such hotels have been established that offer their guests a chance to feel close to nature, without compromising on modern comforts.
An eco-friendly resort or ecotel is an interesting concept, comprising of nature resorts, tented accommodation, Ayurveda retreats, special initiatives and so on. This is an absolutely refreshing concept. These properties are committed to their duty towards nature, use consumption bulbs, are made of recycled or eco-friendly materials. For a rejuvenating experience, here is a list of 12 best eco-friendly hotels and resorts in India:
Vythiri Village, Wayanad – Housing the first artificial waterfall in India
Lying at an altitude of 2600 feet above the sea level, amid the lofty hills, Vythiri village resort, spreads on 22 acres of verdant green jungle that has vegetable gardens. One the best treehouse resorts in India, it has 200 accommodations, games rooms, health center, convention hall, multi-cuisine restaurants, conference room and so on.
Open your eyes to the chirping of the birds, savor the wonderful views of the gushing waterfall and the Chembra peak, relish the lip-smacking delicacies of the local cuisine, and rejuvenate yourself with Ayurveda therapies and so on. Have a comfortable stay in rooms, villas, cottages or suites, well-appointed with world-class facilities.
Indulge in activities such as archery, cycling, zip lining, trekking, stream walk, yoga, and morning walk. Get rid of all your tiredness around the bonfire. A meal at the traditional Kerala houseboat restaurant would be memorable. The artificial there-tiered waterfall is the major attraction here. Relax yourself with a spa session.
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Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom- Hidden treasure for tourists
With the Lake Vembanad traversing its landscape, Coconut Lagoon resort is a part of a tiled roof bungalow, which supposedly has a part that is 400 years old. The property features villas, which are recreated tharawads of Kerala, which are made by local craftsmen. The décor too is vintage with some traditional artifacts. The resort is accessible by boat and looks like Kerala countryside.
An amazing feature of the resort is its composting plant, which converts waste into manure, which is later used in solar-powered boats for offering rides to the guests. They also have an organic farm and its products are used in the resort’s kitchen to prepare freshest of meals.
Guests can partake in different types of activities such as bird watching, canoeing, coconut husking, backwater cruises, sunset cruises, bird watching, Ayurveda massages, and watching a special Kalari wrestling match in the morning. Savor sumptuous food delights of varied cuisines.
Nameri Eco Camp, Nameri National Park- Getaway for nature-lovers
Founded 22 years back, Nameri eco camp is one of the oldest nature camps in north-east India. Accommodation here is offered in the form of tents with colorful fabrics, well-made beds, attached bathrooms, and thatched-roofs. There is another bigger tents with dorm beds. At the open-side restaurants, enjoy lip-smacking meals, prepared by trained cooks.
Enjoy panoramic views of the clear skies and the Eastern Himalayas, and listen to the gushing of River Nameri. One of the best activities in Nameri is bird watching that has as many as 370 species of birds. You can also enjoy trekking. If you love water sports, enjoy river rafting in River Jia Bhoroli or wildlife spotting in a rubber dinghy. Visit the nearby villages to catch a glimpse of their lifestyle.
Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park- A mix of luxury and wilderness
Located in the buffer zone of Kanha National Park, Kipling camp was founded in 1982 by Anne and the late Bob Wright, two celebrated wildlife conservationists. One of the finest wildlife camps in India, it is one of the oldest ones in the region. Shamiana is the on-site restaurant cum bar where Indian and World fares are served. Special meals can be planned at different venues.
The rooms and cottages here have been built using indigenous materials and come with all contemporary comforts. One of the special features here is a sewage treatment plan, which filters water by using sand and other natural elements.
There is a lot to do. Read books at the well-stocked library. Lie down on the hammock to enjoy the lush scenery. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or a game of volleyball. The resort also features a wildlife-theme souvenir shop. The evenings are made special by tribal dance performances or screening of wildlife documentaries.
Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Coorg- Up close and personal with nature
Mingling eco-tourism with environmental education and sustainable agriculture, Rainforest retreat at Mojo Plantation was founded by Sujata, and Anurag Goel, a botanist couple, in the year 1994. One of the most picturesque eco lodges in Coorg, this place offers memorable trekking and birding experiences to its guests.
Closed in the monsoon months, from July 15 to August 30, this retreat has deluxe and plantation cottages, tents, which are made using nature-friendly materials and are powered by 12V solar lighting. Lodges are also available for long-term rental. This award-winning eco-lodge uses its organic waste in biogas plants for electrifying its kitchen. The rest of its used as a fertilizer.
One can enjoy interesting activities such as Mojo plantation tour, trekking, bird watching, sightseeing including Golden Temple at Kushalnagar, and visit to Dubare Elephant camp. Educational camps for school groups are also organized here.
Barefoot at Havelock Resort, Andamans- Refreshing break at beach-side jungle resort
Inspired from the pristine beauty of Andamans, Barefoot at Havelock resort is the only beach-side jungle resort in India. The resort is placed amid the rainforest of Havelock beach and comprises of 31 stylishly made cottages, thatch tents, and cottages, filled with world-class conveniences for a comfortable stay. The only source of water at the resort is natural spring field and rainwater harvesting. Relax amid nature, away from city chaos.
The resort has its own farm. Freshest of poultry and seafood is used in making tasty meals of international standards here. It is one of the few Indian places where courses in diving are offered. The on-site spa is pure bliss and absolutely rejuvenating.
Kayaking, snorkeling, nature walks, fishing and scuba diving are some of the other activities at which the guests can try their hands. Stay surrounded by clear skies, colorful creeks, white sandy beaches, and sparkling lagoons.
Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa- A getaway with the family
Showing a different side of the beach state of Goa, Wildernest nature resort spreads in an area of 450 acres, which joins Mhadei and Bhimgad Wildlife sanctuaries, at an altitude of 800 m above the sea level. The resort offers breathtaking views of the verdant Swapnagandha Valley and the cascading Vazra falls. The resort gives employment to locals and uses solar power.
The resort has 16 eco-friendly cottages built from local materials. Enjoy a pleasant stay amid world-class facilities and amenities. The resort bans the use of plastic, conserves energy and recycles wastes. Boasting of tranquil surroundings, the resort is a multi-cuisine restaurant to meet your food needs.
Enjoy activities such as nature walks, bonfires, folk dances, and village excursions. Hike up to the Machan to enjoy bird watching and wildlife spotting. The resort also has an interesting souvenir shop. Enjoy a stay in the lap of nature.
The Dune Eco Village and Spa, Pondicherry- A nature’s retreat
Spread in an area of 35 acres of land, the Dune Eco Village and Spa is a stunning beachfront property that is placed just north of Pondicherry. An amazing feature of this resort is that it has 55 well-equipped bungalow and all the bungalows have different interiors as well as exteriors. The accommodation features organic linen, solar water system, and low consumption bulbs.
The food at the dining venues of this eco village is nutritious yet lip-smacking. The meals are prepared from the vegetable that come from the organic farm land, spread in 500 acres, helping 4000 farmers. Paradise is a Vedic Spa at the property offering refreshing and rejuvenating therapies.
Make your stay interesting by indulging in interesting activities apart from sightseeing. Enjoy activities such as partaking in pottery classes, milking the cows at the farm, swimming at the 14 meter long swimming pool and so on. Savor the wonderful surrounding views.
Ananda–in the Himalayas, Tehri, Garhwal- A luxurious rejuvenation
An award-winning luxury destination spa in the foothills of Himalayas, Ananda-in the Himalayas adopts eco-friendly gestures such as recycling bottles for the purpose of gardening to making bags and pends of biodegradable material. Afforestation drives are also organized by the hotel for increasing forest cover in the hills.
If you love being amid nature, you will love this retreat that overlooks the Ganga River Valley, and Rishikesh town. Organic cuisine at the dining venues is the specialty and gels well with traditional Ayurveda, and Vedandta coupled with modern wellness. Special menus and low calorie food made from fresh ingredients is served. The world-class spa spread in 2500 square feet and comprises of gym, 24 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities and outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool.
While a typical day at Ananda is filled with fitness, there are a number of other activities too that guests can enjoy. For the adventurous souls, there is white water rafting in the challenging waters of River Ganga. Attend evening Ganga Arti, a site to remember. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, wildlife safari at Rajaji National Park should be your pick. Opt for refreshing and soothing nature treks and walks.
Mountain Trail, Mukteshwar- Footloose in the hills
If you are looking for green spaces, stunning vistas, an escape from the city crowed and some much-wanted solace, Mountain Trail in Mukteshwar is just for you. Placed at an altitude of 2300 m, over an area of two and a half acres, this green resort has orchards with over 70 floral varieties and more than 100 trees for fruits.
The property works towards promoting local traditions, preserving biodiversity, creating employment for the locals and working towards cultural tourism. Carrying plastic bags is not allowed in the hotel. The wasted water from the bathrooms is used in the gardens. The cottage-style rooms here do not have televisions and thus bring you close to the nature. The food is healthy too.
The property lies amid dense mountainous forest and offers a number of memorable experiences. There is a wide range of activities in which one can partake in such as bird watching, picnics with the loved ones, and jungle walks. Evenings are made special with bonfires. Let the fresh air brush past your face and refresh you. Do not miss visiting the popular sunset point on the ride, right behind the property.
Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad – Paradisiacal stay amid jungles
Covering a lush terrain of 35 acres, Banasura hill resort is placed amid the Western Ghats, one of the world’s the richest biodiversity region. The resort lies at an altitude of 3200 feet above the sea level, and is dotted with pepper, coffee, cashew and tea plantations. The largest earth resort in Asia, the property has Earth rooms, Log huts, Family Suites, and Twin Villas that are well-appointed.
One of the most interesting features of the resort the accommodation that are built together with earth technique, have bamboo furnishings, and elephant grass thatched roofs. A rainwater harvesting system fulfills the entire resort water requirements. Go for a relaxing massage or therapy at the hotel’s Ayurvedic spa.
The on-site dining venue not only serves lip-smacking Indian and World delights, but also lets you treat your eyes to the surroundings views. Guests can enjoy a plethora of activities such as bird watching and walking on jungle trails. You can also visit the various nearby streams, and the waterfall. Visit the nearby tribal village and get an insight into the living style.
Orange County Resort, Kabini- Escape to the wilderness
Just two hours’ drive away from Mysore, Orange County Resort lets you have a comfortable stay, amid green surroundings of Kabini wildlife reserve. Taking cue from the Hadis or tribal villages, the accommodation here is in the form of huts, which come with all the world-class conveniences. The on-site Ayurveda spa offers impeccable services.
To protect the environment, the resort makes several endeavors such as recycling metal cans, unused plastic and paper; installing Sewage treatment plant with stream water; and other kinds of eco-friendly practices. At a given point of time, only a particular number of guests can enter the resort. At the two restaurant, the best of food delights are served.
Visit the nearby village to get an insight into the tribal life. You can also opt for a cycling tour to nearby villages. The activities include boat safari, vehicle safari, coracle ride, night trails, and guided nature walk. Do not miss a visit to the resort elephant. Special activities are also organized in the evenings for the guests.
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