8 eco resorts and sustainable rentals for nature lovers to bookmark this World Environment Day

May 27, 2023

By Kriti Saraswat-Satpathy

With the world hurtling towards unprecedented levels of climate change—just look at the summer we’ve had—there's been a sharp rise in eco resorts in India. From exclusively using local produce and banning the use of plastic to harvesting rainwater and using natural elements for construction, these properties take carefully devised measures to preserve the environment alongside ensuring guests are aware of their carbon footprint as well. If you want to combine your wanderlust with a sense of responsibility towards nature, these are the eco resorts in India worth checking out:

Brij Lakshman Sagar, Raipur

Brij Lakshman Sagar, Raipur

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Brij Lakshman Sagar, Raipur

Committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices that protect the environment, support local communities and preserve traditional crafts, Brij Lakshman Sagar is nestled on the fringes of the badlands of Raipur in Rajasthan. Built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge, today it offers 12 cottages with private pools, along with a hand-carved pool on top of a rock hill. Apart from a no-plastic policy, it was also constructed using a zero-kilometre concept wherein all building materials were sourced from the vicinity, and the design is reflective of rural Rajasthani homes. Following a ‘slow food movement’, the cuisine offered includes traditional recipes made using organic vegetables and spices sourced locally, or grown in-house.

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Oleander Farms, Karjat

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Oleander Farms, Karjat

Spanning 180 acres of lush greenery, Oleander Farms is an eco-conscious getaway in Karjat, Maharashtra. Natural beauty, a large swimming pool and several dining options like Saltt, Common House and more surround the 46-room stay. For those with a green thumb, Kensho Greenery—a nursery at the resort—lets you pick your favourites and also have a potting session. From pop-ups of handmade products by artisans to small batches of organic honey, it promotes all things local. The solar panels at Oleander Farms reduce its carbon footprint while eco-friendly practices like composting, sourcing produce from farms nearby, using minimum plastic and having a vegetable garden further help this cause.

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Enchanted Forest Farm by Airbnb, Gangtok

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Enchanted Forest Farm by Airbnb, Gangtok

An 18-acre forest farm stay in the scenic village of Parbing, this property is ideal to reconnect with nature and breathe the fresh mountain air. Featuring one bedroom, this family-run stay can sleep two guests and your furry friends, with plenty of nature-inspired activities to keep you busy. Not only is it plastic-free, but the hosts also conduct a monthly cleanup drive to collect plastic from the village. Made with mud, bamboo and wood, the stay is secluded from the main road with farms all around where you can sometimes spot deer, foxes and more. Organic farming, composting, rainwater harvesting and using solar lights are other sustainable initiatives followed here.

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Wildlife Luxuries - Tipai, Tipeshwar

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Wildlife Luxuries - Tipai, Tipeshwar

Situated close to Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, this is a luxury wilderness retreat that is designed keeping in mind the drought-prone region and its sensitive ecosystem. Spread across 35 acres, it offers forest and private pool villas that feature a natural filtration process using sand, gravel and plants. There's also a common pool, organic garden and restaurants. From decor products by homegrown brands that celebrate sustainability and craftsmanship to employing people from the local community, Wildlife Luxuries - Tipai is a luxe yet eco-conscious retreat. Vernacular building techniques using local materials and the planting of thousands of saplings to create a natural ecosystem, make this property even more sustainable.

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Amger, Goa

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Amger, Goa

In the quaint village of Parra, a 130-year-old restored Goan-Portuguese property has been turned into a rental villa by the owners. Set on a half-acre land overlooking paddy fields, the 5,500-square-foot villa stands tall with its original Mangalore tile-and-wood roof, arched windows and doors, Juliet balconies, and a grand verandah. Restored yet maintaining its old-world charm, Amger features four en-suite bedrooms, a swimming pool, a lawn and a well-stocked kitchen with an on-call chef. Its sustainability efforts include composting waste, reusing leftover wood within the villa and following organic farming practices.

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Six Senses Vana, Dehradun

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Six Senses Vana, Dehradun

A retreat inside a forest, Six Senses Vana is situated in the Himalayan foothills and offers wellness therapies using the principles of ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan medicine and natural healing. From guided nutrition and activities to wellness consultations, the property immerses you completely. Totally plastic-free, it is a LEED Platinum-certified building where energy, water and waste are managed effectively. Local and seasonal produce makes its way to the food served here along with cheese, nut butters, kombucha and more made in-house. Using textiles made of natural fibres, recycled paper for stationery, and Green Seal-certified solvents for cleaning are other eco-conscious norms followed here.

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SaffronStays Milton Abbott Estate, Ooty

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

SaffronStays Milton Abbott Estate, Ooty

A 19th-century colonial bungalow on a 4.5-acre estate, this rental features a two-bed suite and a heritage bedroom, making it ideal for a family or group of five people. Surrounded by lush greenery, SaffronStays Milton Abbott Estate is also a consecutive winner of the Ooty Flower Show. When here, enjoy home-style food, bonfires, stargazing, walks in the garden and a reading session by the fireplace. You can also find an organic garden on the property along with a well and ask the caretaker for some gardening pro tips.

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Saj in the Forest, Pench

By Ana Morales

By Hasina Khatib

By Rujuta Vaidya

Saj in the Forest, Pench

Sprawling over 32 acres and sharing a boundary with the buffer area of Pench Tiger Reserve, Saj in the Forest is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts but also has an inviting ambience for those looking to get away from the hubbub of the city. Sensitively designed to be non-invasive to the species around, it showcases traditional architecture fitted with modern amenities. Throughout the property, nature keeps you company with even rooms named after trees native to the region. Its design also pays an ode to the Gond Tribe through hand-painted wall murals. From treating water and composting to being a plastic-free zone and having an impressive tree cover, this definitely one of the best eco resorts to have on your list.

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