Eco-friendly resort/sustainable tourism / greenstories

What are eco-friendly resorts/hotels?

If you’re a traveller you must have heard about the word “eco-friendly resorts or hotels”. And if still haven’t we will tell you more about it and where can you find ones to stay in.

Sustainable hotels or resorts are a lodging facility that reduces their environmental impact by practising green methods in maintenance, service, supplies etc. They even take steps towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility. In the beginning when this concept started there were very limited hotels and they were located in some jungle areas only. But today we can find some in ordinary places as many hotels and resorts have adopted this method sustainability.

http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2019/06/17/14-top-eco-friendly-sustainable-luxury-resorts

________________________________________________________________________

Why do we need eco-friendly resorts?

1) Power conservation

Hotels require a huge amount of energy to run. They spend a large expenditure on energy consumption. By adopting green living, they can use different alternatives for these expenses. Like replacing the electricity supply to solar energy, wind energy which may reduce the energy consumption.

2) Supports local people

Its helps the local people of the area also. They are provided with employment and they can even sell foods or resources from their farm. When bought the food form the locals it even saves the time and consumption of petrol or fossil fuels which helps in preventing air pollution since they cause a lot of smoke.

3) Water conservation

Water already is a renewable resource but we know that only 3 percent is present for drinking. So we need to conserve water and us it in a smart manner. So, in these eco-friendly hotels they have a low flow system in their showers and washrooms to make sure water isn’t wasted. Therefore, waste is conserved.

4) Waste management

Eco-friendly hotels know how to manage the waste in a proper way. All the toilet papers, soaps and everything else are organic and are biodegradable. They use proper methods of waste disposal and make sure garbage like dry waste, wet waste are differentiated.

Where can we find these resorts/hotels in India?

1) SwaSwara

Located in Gokarna, Karnataka. The resort is a little far from the village and lies in 26 acres of land which is surrounded by hills, flowers, shrubs and spices. Beyond the lawns is garden full of vegetables and paddy fields. The resort is near the Om beach where the guests like to take long walks. The resort uses only rain water harvested water for pools, farms and for resort purposes. The resort is made from local stone and clay tiles that are found in the area.

https://magazine.compareretreats.com/review-swa-swara-resort-india

2) Elephant valley

This resort is located in Palni hills, Tamil Nadu. A well-known hill station known as Kodaikanal is just 20 kms away from the resort. The elephant valley is located between an old elephant migration route next to a national forest which boundaries are extends its boundaries into a wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. These migratory elephants can be spotted between April and October going from the shola jungles.

The resort shares the land and rivers with the local people around and promotes an eco-friendly system around the resort. They plant their coffee beans in a 45 acre pesticide free land which employs some of the local people. The resort has a huge organic farm in which they grow many fruits like avocado, sweet lime, pepper, guava, and lemons. The resort has 20 uniquely designed bungalows and the restaurant that serves all the organic food grown in their land. The resort uses solar lighting and cast-iron stoves.

https://dunewellnessgroup.com/elephant-valley

3) Kimpling camp

The camp is located in Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh. This camp was set up by India’s two well-known wildlife conservationist Anne and late Bob Wright with the motto “treading softly in jungle”. The camp has developed a good relation with the Baiga tribal community as they established years ago. And now they work closely. The camp supports their local performance and fine arts.

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Visitors can go on a bird watching or jungle safari and sometimes even spot a tiger. The water body around the area has grown even larger over the years due to the catchment of rain, and is full even through severe drought. The meals are served in different locations across the land like; under a mahua tree, on a patio and even under the stars. Sand and other natural elements are used for sewage filtration purposes.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/madhya-pradesh/hotels/kipling-camp-hotel

4) Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort

This beautiful resort is located in Almora, Uttarakhand. This whole resort is surrounded by green and brown oak trees. The forest around grows every year. The location is also very convenient as the hotel is located near cities many famous destinations.

The 10 cottages in the resort follow the kumaoni aesthetic like floral patterns on the walls with western touch. A rain water harvesting system has been installed which fills up all the underground storage tanks, and fulfils the water requirement of the whole resort. This the property is at a great height and is mountain facing there is no need for any sort of air conditioning. The cottage has now solar powered geysers and lighting facilities. All the staff members of the resorts are from the nearby villages and are a full time employees not part-time or seasonal. For more additional support to the villagers the resort organises a night walk and overnight staying facilities in the villages.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g23313838-d1158044-Reviews-or15-AyurVAID_Kalmatia-Balt_Bari_Almora_District_Uttarakhand.html

5) Nimmu house

This three storey house is located Leh, Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the few remaining example of Ladakhi architecture. It is located near Indus and Zanskar rivers, the house was built by the ladakhi king’s cousin in the early 20^th century.

The house is renovated with modern as well as traditional architectural styles and materials. The house also has a stable full of yaks and dzos with two Buddhist temples. The modern flourishes include solar panels for heated water, light and electricity. It also has a double glazed window for insulation. This place may not be appealing to those who look for luxury like room service or lavish baths. There are various activities around the Nimmu village like hiking, rafting and cycling and many more.

https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g10475838-d6463561-Reviews-Nimmu_House_Ladakh-Nimmoo_Leh_District_Ladakh_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html

6) Sarai at toria

It seems to be a part of the grassland location near the beautiful river ken on the west banks. This resort is located at Panna, Madhya Pradesh. The cottages of this resort is made from the rammed-earth mud. And the whole cottage is decorated with natural and hand-made items. The whole idea of the resort is to bring you close to the nature. Even the dining area is facing the river and it is common for visitors or tourists to spot some jackals, mongoose etc.

There are no mineral plastic water bottles allowed and only filtered water is allowed for drinking purposes, chemical free toiletries are purchased.

These are some of the most famous resorts across India for eco-friendly resorts. They make sure that the environment is taken care of in a proper manner without harming their surroundings and even benefitting the society.

https://www.responsibletourismindia.com/stay/the-sarai-at-toria/114

What is Sustainable tourism?

According to the UN Environment program and UN World tourism Organization “tourism that takes full responsibility of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the need of the visitors, the industry, the environment and the host communities.

_______________________________________________________________________

Read Also : Is green tea good for you?

________________________________________________________________________

https://www.dailymirror.lk/Features/Sustainable-tourism-for-sustainable-development/185-166717

How can we participate in sustainable tourism?

Research the accommodations

While travelling make sure you check with the hotel that they have a high environmental standards. Before choosing some high some large foreign company hotel make sure you check the local places to stay too. This way you can even help the local communities

Travel with reusables

While travelling make sure you don’t travel with use and throw items like plastic water bottles, plastic straws or chips packets etc. Instead carry a water bottle that can be used again and again by filling water and metal straws and containers for your leftovers. If you carry these with yourself you won’t need the single use disposables.

Support local restaurants

You can spend some time by exploring some local restaurants instead of ordering room service to your room. Supporting local businesses and trying from them means buying from people who are enthusiastic about you trying their local food. This also helps the local economy and may even boost their morale and confidence.

Buy souvenirs from local shops

If you ever plan buying some souvenirs buy them from the local shops instead of some fancy hotel super market. Try to buy local hand-made items from the small businesses instead of buying something that may get thrown into the trash. Invest in something that has good value such as art, textiles or show pieces.

So when you travel next time remember to follow all these points and you will be ready to become a part of sustainable tourism. When you practise sustainable tourism you not only benefit the locals but also help them encourage to show their traditions whether it is in the form of food, art or even dance.