As 2024 attracts to a detailed, sustainable journey has firmly established itself because the mantra of contemporary globetrotters, with homestays on the coronary heart of this inexperienced motion. From misty hills to sprawling tea estates and tranquil riversides, these eco-friendly retreats have grow to be sanctuaries for travellers looking for genuine connections with nature and a extra significant approach to discover the world.
This 12 months, homestays haven’t solely remodeled the journey expertise but in addition championed native cultures and eco-conscious residing like by no means earlier than.
Listed below are 10 unimaginable sustainable homestays in India, every with an enchanting backstory and a dedication to preserving the atmosphere.
1. Medini Homestay, Kaziranga Nationwide Park, Assam
Situated close to the famed Kaziranga Nationwide Park, Medini Homestay is the brainchild of Champak Deka and his spouse, Anna Louise Meynell. It was created as a sanctuary for eco-conscious travellers desirous to discover Assam’s vibrant wildlife and tradition. The property prioritises pure supplies, photo voltaic power, and natural meals.
Medini additionally encourages friends to attach with native communities and partake in Assamese traditions. Moreover, Anna has arrange a weaving studio that has sparked conversations round hand-woven textiles. It’s also possible to witness their cruelty-free silk manufacturing methods.
It’s actually a window into pure wonders. Learn extra right here.
2. Aashraya on the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
“Perhaps what I really need is to be close to the river.” Born from Depi Chaudhry’s longing to stay close to nature, Aashraya on the Ganga combines tranquillity and sustainability. Nestled 45 km from Rishikesh, this eco-friendly retreat options solar-powered cottages surrounded by over a thousand timber.
The homestay embodies sustainability, with meals waste composted in simply 5 days and recycled water nourishing lush gardens. The cottages, named after river tributaries, are a heartfelt tribute to Depi’s daughters. A scenic 2.2 km trek results in this sanctuary the place nature, luxurious, and sustainability converge.
A coolness engulfs each visitor who units foot on the property. Learn extra right here.
3. Avabodha, Panchgani, Maharashtra
This quaint homestay in Panchgani is run by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Alka Shesha and Prachi Chaphekar. They’ve remodeled their river-view property right into a haven for nature lovers with solar energy, natural farming, and rainwater harvesting on the core of their operations.
Visitors can take pleasure in breathtaking sunsets, delectable natural meals, and serene riverside walks alongside the Krishna River. “This can be a great place to reconnect together with your inside self,” says Alka.
It’s the proper alternative for weekend getaways. Learn extra right here.
4. O’land Plantation Keep, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Set amidst the serene Nilgiris, O’land Plantation Keep is a 120-acre eco-retreat based by Vinati and Pavan Sukhdev. That includes bungalows constructed with sustainable supplies like CSEB blocks and photo voltaic panels, this property blends colonial allure with fashionable comforts.
Visitors can discover tea plantations, savour tea-tasting classes, and witness unique wildlife, together with the Nice Indian Hornbill. “Tourism will be accountable,” says Vinati, reaffirming the ethos of this sanctuary that preserves the area’s ecosystem. A go to right here is an invite to calm down, reconnect, and tread flippantly on the planet.
A nature lover’s dream vacation spot, isn’t it? Learn extra right here.
5. Muthunandhini Palace, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Perched within the serene hills of Pothayadi village, Muthunandhini Palace is a harmonious mix of Tamil, Venad, and Chettinad structure, designed by Rajchandar Padmanaban and his spouse, Naga Jeyalakshmi. This eco-friendly homestay options over 100-year-old artefacts, 50 upcycled vintage home windows, and pure cooling techniques because of its mud and clay building.
Sustainability shines via practices like composting, natural gardening, rainwater harvesting, and the usage of eco-friendly Athangudi tiles. “We wished to make the very roots of our house eco-friendly,” shares Rajchandar. Visitors are handled to genuine meals, cultural heritage, and a house that appears like their very own.
The ‘mud palace’ gives an immersive nature retreat. Learn extra right here.
6. Greenara Mud Homestay, Kerala
Greenara Mud Homestay stands as a testomony to nature’s restorative energy. Situated on a plot as soon as barren attributable to mining, Mustafa labored tirelessly to transform the land right into a thriving forest. Surrounded by seven water our bodies, the homestay is the pure getaway of your goals.
The property options eco-friendly mud structure and sources all meals domestically. Visitors can expertise the enjoyment of staying amidst lush greenery whereas studying about reforestation and sustainable residing.
“Our philosophy revolves round respecting nature,” Mustafa says. Learn extra right here.
7. Adiem Kaanan Farmstay, Nashik, Maharashtra
Tucked amidst the sprawling vineyards of Nashik, Adiem Kaanan Farmstay is a six-acre eco-retreat constructed utilizing domestically sourced bamboo and dust. Based by Madhu Chougaonkar and her daughter Disha, this homestay champions sustainability with solar energy, rainwater harvesting techniques (with a 32,000-litre capability), and natural farming practices.
Visitors can savour homegrown delights like lychee sauce and blue flower rice, or bask in fruit plucking and birdwatching. “Sustainability must be a lifestyle,” says Disha, echoing the household’s ethos. With its serene setting and eco-conscious practices, Adiem Kaanan gives a trip that’s as enriching as it’s rejuvenating.
The farm is stuffed with over 2,000 timber! Learn extra right here.
8. Ranade Homestay, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
Surrounded by 2,000 thriving Alphonso mango timber, Ranade Homestay in Ratnagiri gives a singular agro-tourism expertise. Based by Ganesh Ranade, this 40-acre farm keep combines natural farming with hospitality. Visitors can climb timber, pluck ripe mangoes, and study sustainable practices like neem-based pesticides and composting.
The homestay options genuine mud rooms and serves mango-infused delicacies like aamras and chutneys. “Agrotourism is helpful since you get direct prospects on your merchandise,” says Ganesh.
The retreat is ideal for mango lovers and nature fanatics. Learn extra right here.
9. Tiny Farm Fort Homestay, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Set deep throughout the forests of Rishikesh, Tiny Farm Fort appears like stepping right into a storybook. Constructed by 90 volunteers from 18 international locations utilizing cob — a mix of clay, sand, and straw — this eco-friendly marvel was designed by architect brothers Raghav and Ansh Kumar.
That includes 19-inch mud partitions, a rooftop backyard, and handcrafted décor like driftwood chandeliers, the fort balances sustainability and allure. Visitors can relish foraging adventures, brew kombucha, or take pleasure in cosy candlelit dinners whereas soaking in breathtaking views of the Ganges.
“We see this home as a museum the place we exhibit merchandise and supplies of various designers working with waste or biodegradable biomaterials,” the brothers say.
This fairy story house might be the escape you want. Learn extra right here.
10. Vinyasa Earth, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Sankalp Sharma’s Vinyasa Earth is greater than only a homestay; it’s a artistic retreat for artists and eco-enthusiasts. Constructed by dancers and constructed utilizing bamboo, mud, cob, and lime, this Jaipur homestay gives artwork residencies and workshops. The second you enter the cottage, you are feeling heat. On the similar time, in summer season, the cottages really feel six to seven levels cooler.
Sankalp says, “Vinyasa Earth is an area for artistic minds to come back collectively and have fun sustainability.” Visitors can bask in sustainable residing experiences whereas partaking with the native artistic neighborhood. Sankalp’s mission is to make the property a hub for artwork and eco-awareness.
Able to get your artistic juices flowing? Learn extra right here.
Edited by Khushi Arora
