Eco-resorts are usually equated with luxury, peace and nature. The concept of eco-friendly tourism is rapidly growing in India. So if you want to reduce the carbon footprint you leave behind and are looking for a green adventure, here are 8 beautiful (and affordable!) eco-resorts in India.
1. Debrigarh Nature Camp Hirakud
Where: Odisha
Nestled on the banks of Hirakud Dam and Reservoir, Debrigarh Nature Camp is inside the famous Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It is popular among tourists for having a healthy population of wild animals and easy sighting of wildlife. The strategically located cottages of the Nature Camp offer a breathtaking view of the surroundings and wildlife makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. You can also take a tour of the sprawling Hirakud lake and the islands during sunrise and sunset.
Here the local community manages the Nature Camp. The variety of foods which are being offered in the Debrigarh Nature Camp are also prepared by the local people.
How to reach:
Sambalpur is the nearest well-connected town to the sanctuary that connects it with the rest of the world. By road, one can reach the sanctuary from Sambalpur in just 1 or 2 hours. Sambalpur is approximately 280 km from Bhubaneswar, and it takes approximately 7 hours to reach.
Tariff:
It has 14 numbers of luxury rooms with all modern facilities. Tariff for Double bedded A/C room starts from Rs. 5571, which included complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For booking, you can click the link.
2. Neora Valley Jungle Camp
Where: Kalimpong, West Bengal
Located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, Neora Valley national park is famous for its virgin forest patch and unique biodiversity. The Neora Valley Jungle Camp is situated on a hill above the picturesque Kolakham village, on the fringe of the national park. All the rooms in the Jungle Camp are constructed by local artisans in ethnic style with maximum usage of local materials such as wood, bamboo, stone, and brick. On a clear day, you can have a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the rooms.
You can have excellent birding opportunities in the lodge itself. Moreover, there are numerous walks through the terraced fields and excellent trails from the lodge into the thickly wooded forest, which are extremely rewarding.
How to reach:
The nearest railhead to Neora Valley Jungle Camp is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected by long-distance train with major cities of India. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. From both the places, it will take nearly 4 hours to reach the camp.
Tariff:
There are 3 double cottages and 3 attic cottages available in the lodge. Tariff starts from Rs. 6000, which includes all the meals also.
For booking, you can click the link.
3. Olaulim Backyards
Where: Goa
If you want to experience Goa in a completely different way, Olaulim Backyards will be a perfect choice. It is located amidst dense tropical vegetation and beside the beautiful Mandovi backwaters of North Goa, with many a coconut palm photogenically curving towards the waters. The homestay has five cottages which are built using local materials, primarily laterite rock and wood. You will not find any glass or concrete structure here as everything in this property is earth-friendly.
The backwaters, right at the homestay’s doorsteps, are great for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. You can also have nature walks and village walks while staying on this property.
How to reach:
Olaulim village is only 11 km from Panjim and 42 km from Dabolim Airport. From the airport, it will take approximately 1 hour to reach the property. The famous North Goa beaches like Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, Vagator, etc. are about half an hour's drive.
Tariff:
Rs 6,000 on double occupancy, which includes accommodation, breakfast, and in-house activities during peak season.
For booking, you can directly call the owners on these numbers: 9326017731 and 9823390233. Also, you can mail them at: olaulimgoa@gmail.com
4. Kipling Camp
Where: Madhya Pradesh
If you wish to relax in idyllic surroundings, explore the remote forests and villages of central India, Kipling Camp is for you. It is located right in Kanha National Park’s buffer zone. There is no fencing around the property that can separate you from the surrounding forest. During your stay, you will be a part of the forest and can watch the animals around the camp throughout the day. For families, Kipling Camp is very ideal as it is a wonderful place for children to learn about nature and have their first wildlife experience.
Apart from daily safaris into Kanha National Park, you can relax at the Camp in a hammock, have a massage, bird watch, take a nature walk, or photograph the wildlife coming to drink at our waterhole.
How to reach:
Kipling Camp is well connected with flights to Jabalpur (a 160 km drive) and Nagpur (260 km) from
The major cities of India. There are also good overnight trains to Jabalpur.
Tariff:
Here tariff starts from Rs. 12000, which includes accommodation, all meals, experienced naturalists, bird-watching walks, local excursions, picnics, and time with elephant 'Tara'.
For reservation, you can call them on this number: 9811114446. Also, you can e-mail at info@kiplingcamp.com.
5. Banasura Hill Resort
Where: Waynad, Kerala
Set amidst the mesmerising mist-clad hills of Wayanad, Banasura Hill Resort is Asia's largest Earth resort. The resort is so named because it is located at the foot of Banasura Hill, which is the second-highest mountain in Wayanad. The ambience that the property radiates is irresistibly appealing to every lover of Nature. All the rooms in the resort offer an array of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Here, the major attraction is the Wellness Center that offers special body, face, and head massages using herbal oils followed by herbal steam baths. Your holiday in Kerala will be incomplete without spending quality time at this one-of-its-kind eco-resort.
How to reach:
The nearest airport and major railhead is at Kozhikode, which is 123 km from the resort. You can also contact their helpdesk for pick and drop facility from Airport or Railway station.
Tariff:
6 types of accommodations are available in the resort, i.e., Mini-earth, Earth rooms, Suites, mini-suites, log hut, and Twin Villas. Tariff starts from Rs. 6000 for double bedded Mini-earth room.
For booking, you can click the link.
6. Anantya Resort
Where: Tamil Nadu
Nestled among the tall rubber trees, Anantya by the Lake is a tranquil resort on the bank of Chittar Lake. If you are an experiential traveller, who wants to simply rest and relax, and want to engage in various experiences, this property is ideal. The resort is constructed using eco-friendly materials. All cottages and villas are accompanied by large verandas to watch the shimmering lake.
While staying, you can learn about rubber tapping and the entire rubber-making process at the plantation or can visit the Kani tribal community in their settlement and understand their way of living. Moreover, there are numerous forest and hill trails nearby to go hiking.
How to reach:
Trivandrum is the nearest major city to the resort, which is 47 km apart. It will take about 90 minutes to reach Anantya Resort from Trivandrum.
Tariff:
Tariff starts from Rs. 8500, which includes accommodation and breakfast.
For booking, you can click the link.
7. Ayar Jungle Resort
Where: Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the mid of a private forest estate, spread in an area of more than 5 acres, Ayar Jungle Resort is situated close to the famous Nainital Lake. Away from the bustle of the city, the Resort offers absolute calmness, which adds to the beautiful views of the jungle. As you step out from the room, you will be welcomed by tall green trees with fresh dew drops.
During your stay, you can see a variety of rare birds chirping around in the forest. As an adventure enthusiast, you can go for Zip Lining, Sky Cycling, Rappelling, Caving while visiting this place.
How to reach:
Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railway station to Nainital, which is 36 km from the property. It will take nearly 1.5 hours to reach there from Kathgodam. This is the easiest way to reach the resort from any major city in India.
Tariff:
The price for a double-bedded deluxe cottage in the resort starts from Rs. 8000.
For booking, you can click the link.
8. Elephant Valley Eco Farm Lodge
Where: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Just 20 km away from the beautiful hill town of Kodaikanal, Elephant Valley is located on a heavily wooded stretch of the Western Ghats. The property is located on an old elephant migration route next to the border of the national forest, which extends into the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. All the bungalows on the property have private gardens and offer views of the Gangavaar River that runs through the property and the coffee plantation. Also, you can stay in the treehouse, which is located right on the banks of the river and has a circular balcony almost right above the water.
There are several nature trails within and outside the property boundaries on which you can observe wildlife. So, it is a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.
How to reach:
Madurai is the nearest major city to Elephant Valley, which has both an airport and railway station. From Madurai, the property is located at a distance of 130 km, which may take 3.5 hours to reach.
Tariff:
Here, the tariff starts from Rs. 4500, which includes accommodation in the Adventure room and breakfast for two persons.
For booking, you can click the link.
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