Visiting India? Promote Responsible Tourism by staying in one of these resorts. Their sustainable practices preserve the local culture and environment.


Orange County Resorts, Kabini

India is not short of luxury resorts and hotels, thanks to the massive growth in the tourism industry. A plethora of Eco-resorts can be found in the many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. Travellers not willing to give up the material comforts can rejoice with plenty of options available. The list below gives three of the best resorts promoting responsible tourism.

360 Leti - Perched high in the mountains of Uttarkhand, this is an ideal retreat to escape the hustle of everyday life. The Kumaon hills offer a splendid mountain scenery with the snowy Himalayas on one side and quaint villages on the other. The rooms in the resort are rustic with stone-walls and antique furniture; the soft bed and fireplace make it cosy. The French windows let you enjoy an unobstructed view over the mountains. Indulge in fine dining, scenic treks, mountain walks, camping and go fishing in the nearby lake with a picnic lunch. The resort is constructed in local style with support from local families. It offers employment to the villagers and the electricity needs are powered purely by solar energy.

Orange County Resorts - With two resorts in Karnataka, this is much sought-after in South India. Wildlife enthusiasts can plan a stay in the Kabini resort while those looking for relaxation can opt for the Coorg resort. The rooms are built in traditional style with the surrounding environment in mind. The Kodava manors at Coorg and the Kuruba huts at Kabini, equipped with modern facilities including Jacuzzis and swimming pools, give you luxury at its best. The sumptuous food based on local produce is worth a special mention. There is a range of activities from safaris to nature walks to coracle rides to feel at one with nature. The resort boasts many sustainable practices like energy conservation, pollution control, waste management and water conservation.

Khem Villas - This is a luxury jungle camp on the outskirts of Ranthambhore in the state of Rajasthan. There are simple rooms, private cottages and charming tents for accommodation. The food is home-grown, organic and entirely vegetarian. Go for a jungle safari in the Ranthambore National Park, known for its dense tiger population. Other activities include: Nature Walk, Camel Ride, Village, Fort and River Trips. The camp has helped the local communities in relocation and revived some traditional practices. The founders of the camp are greatly committed to tiger conservation. They were proud recipients of the Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy in 2004 for their work in the field of alternative energy using biogas.

The responsible practices followed by these resorts minimize the negative impact on society, culture, economy and environment. Plan your stay in a responsible resort to support the locals and their culture.

My first hand experience of Orange County Resorts can be found here.

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