Go green, is the call of the nation, pollution and excess of carbon content in the atmosphere calls for the need to have a conscious and an eco-sensitive approach towards the environment. So if you are a nature lover and would like to spend some time in luxury, without harming the natural ecosystem then we have some amazing retreats for you.
These retreats are the great example of conscious tourism, as they do not touch and harm the natural vegetation or reserves in their surroundings, rather they adjust within it. Also, helps in preserving the region’s natural cultural history and help in boosting the local economy by generating employment.
Thus they set the perfect example of how being natural and connected to nature not just rejuvenates you and your soul but helps the planet in large too.
Here we have selected a few resorts for your eco-vacation, so detoxify yourself and calm your soul.
1. SwaSwara
SwaSwara resort in Gokarna, Karnataka spans over an area of 26 acres, wherein built in area is only 11 acres and rest of the area is left untouched to preserve the local vegetation. The resort offers amazing therapeutic and ayurvedic treatments and ious healing activities. Your normal day here will start with yoga or meditation followed by long walks at the Om beach, breakfast and all the meals here are cooked with the home-grown organic products.
The resort’s farm and swimming pool is also eco-sensitive as they use only harvested rainwater, not just that guests can indulge in ious activities too like kayaking, clay pottery or can go on a short hike.
How to reach: SwaSwara is situated near the Om Beach in Gokarna, which is 140 km from Dabolim, Goa.
2. Barefoot at Havelock
Barefoot at Havelock is India’s only beachside jungle resort, which offers myriad activities and amenities all are done keeping in mind the ecosystem. They run on sustainable practice such as rainwater harvesting and waste management.
The idea of staying here will connect you with nature in true essence where staying in a jungle and enjoying the beauty of the ocean is breathtaking.
You can also indulge in ious activities planned for the day here to keep you involved like kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
How to reach: Barefoot at Havelock is situated on Havelock Island, which is an hour and a half away by ferry ride from Port Blair.
3. Nature Resorts
Nature resorts, Kurumba, Coonoor is nature’s paradise situated in the Nilgiri bioreserve, this resort boasts of preserving the natural wildlife and vegetation in Kurumba valley.
They have amazing spice plantation within the resort premises and you can smell the aromas of cloves, nutmeg and ious other spices in the resort as you enter. They also organize the spice trail walk every day for the guests and that’s the one thing you can’t afford to miss if you are there.
Also, while in your cottages you may also get the chance to say hello to local animals and breeds from your windows, or you can hear them hooting or whistling.
The idea of going all natural, have made them provide their guests all natural toiletries made by the natural spices. They also have an in-house ayurvedic spa, which gives all kinds of oil treatments to rejuvenate your soul.
One can also go for trekking and indulge in activities organised by the staff on daily basis and enjoy an amazing waterfall within the resort premises only.
How to reach: Nature resort, Kurumba is situated in 13 km drive from Coonoor
4. Nimmu House
Located close to Indus and Zanskar river, Nimmu house Ladakh was built in the early 20th century by Rinchen Namgyal Zildar, a cousin of the then Ladakhi king. Built on an expanse of 5000 sqm this property is surrounded by an orchard of apple, apricot, and trees of walnut.
It also houses two Buddhist temple and a stable full of yaks and dzos, thus preserving the natural habitat and ecosystem. The windows in the houses let natural sunlight to come in and they also have few modern amenities too like solar heating panels for your hot water and double insulated windows for heat.
One can also indulge in activities here, like cycling and hiking around Nimmu.
Travelers who are not seeking luxury and service and would like to enjoy the raw and natural beauty then must visit here.
How to reach: Nimmu House is situated in the Nimmu village, which is 30km away from Leh.
5. Shaam-e Sarhad village Resort
The Shaam-e Sarhad village resort is an eco-resort built by the Indian government in coalition with the United Nations Development Program to support tourism in rural areas. The resort houses amazing traditional mud houses, which stays cool during the day and warm in the nights.
There is a touch of their tradition everywhere, the walls in the resort are decorated with block prints, mirror work, and traditional paintings.
Also, guests can enjoy ious activities such as folk dance and music performances and go on tours of Rann of Kutch and Chharid Dhand wetlands.
Note to all the travelers: The resort opens only from October to March.
How to reach: Shaam-e-Sarhad is situated in the Hodka village, which is an hour and a half away from Bhuj.