Eco friendly accommodation

Eco friendly accommodation

By:LaveenaRishi

What is eco friendly accommodation?

Eco hotel is a hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the environment. The basic definition of a green hotel is an environmentally responsible lodging that follows the practices of green living.

These hotels have to be certified green by an independent third-party or by the state they are located in. Traditionally, these hotels were mostly presented as Eco Lodges because of their location, often in jungles, and their design inspired by the use of traditional building methods applied by skilled local craftsmen in areas, such as Costa Rica and Indonesia.Today, eco hotels also include properties in less "natural" locations that have invested in improving their "green" credentials.

Bangalore’s OUR NATIVE VILLAGE situated in Doddaballapur is an Eco hotel.

Characteristics of eco hotelGreen hotels follow strict green guidelines to ensure that their guests are staying in a safe, non-toxic and energy-

efficient accommodation. Here are some basic characteristics of a green hotel:

Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent

100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattressesNon-smoking environment

Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energyBulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual

packages to reduce wasteGuest room and hotel lobby recycling bins

Towel and sheet re-use (guests can tell housekeeping to leave these slightly used items to reduce water consumption)

Energy-efficient lightingOn-site transportation with green vehicles

Serve organic and local-grown foodNon-disposable dishes

Offers a fresh-air exchange systemGrey-water recycling, which is the reuse of kitchen, bath and

laundry water for garden and landscapingNewspaper recycling program

Top 10 hotels in India1. Coconut lagoon, kerala backwaters2. Banasura hill resort, wayanad, kerala3. Moutain trail, mukteshwar, uttarkhand4. Kaama kethna ecological village, agonda, goa5. Wildernest nature resort, goa6. Shergarh tented camp, kanha national park7. Yoga magic retreat, anjuna, goa8. Annapara home stay, wayanad, kerala9. The duna eco beach hotel,pondicherry10. Our native village bangalore

Coconut lagoon,kumarakom, kerala

Coconut Lagoon, where water and history are the defining elements, is a CGH Earth property. The beauty of Coconut Lagoon is that it's only accessible by boat, making it a wonderful escape from the world. The stately resort beautifully captures the Kerala of old. Sunset cruises, backwater cruises and Ayurvedic spa are some of the activities on offer.

Eco Features: Conversion of waste into fuel, chemical free zone, use of vermiculture and composting, organic farming, cows to eat the grass.Price: Expect to pay 15,000 rupees 

Banasura hill resort, wayanad, kerala

Asia's largest "Earth" resort, Banasura is predominantly constructed from mud known as rammed earth. Its 31 rooms are nestled on a 35 acre eco-friendly farm, surrounded by rich nature. Guests can enjoy hiking through the countryside to visit waterfalls, caves, and a tribal village. The resort also has a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa.

Eco Features: Constructed from mud and recycled wood. Natural light is exploited to the fullest. CFL lamps minimize energy consumption. A bio-gas plant recycles organic waste and fires the resort's kitchens.

Price: Rates start from 6,000 rupees 

Mountain trail,mukteswar, uttarakhand

As its name suggests, Mountain Trail is situated amidst a thick mountainous forest and orchard, around an hour east ofNainital. Mountain Trail has 10 charming cottage style rooms, with attached bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including picnics, birdwatching, jungle walks, and bonfires -- and fresh mountain air. There's also a library, children's play area, and stunning sunset point on the ridge just behind the hotel.

Price: 4,000 rupees Eco Features: 100% local labor & services,

energy conservation, naturally sourced water, recycled waste, organic garden, chemical free.

Kaama kethna ecological village,agonda, goa

This remarkable eco tourism venture, around two kilometers from Agonda beach in south Goa, was established in 2005 by a German couple. The aim is to create a self sufficient place that offers an alternative way of living. There are five secluded garden cottages that can be completely opened to the outside, so you can bring nature in. Alternatively, you may prefer to stay in a tree hut. The cuisine at the farm restaurant focuses on vegetarian, vegan and raw food. Various health and well being activities and workshops, including yoga, are held.

Price: From around 2,000 rupees per night Eco Features: Natural materials used in construction,

permaculture projects, organic farm, creation of jobs for locals.

Wildernest nature resort, goa Wildernest is a wonderfully serene nature resort,

set on over 450 acres of forest land on the Goa, Maharastra and Karnataka state borders. Tranquility is in abundance there. The resort has 16 eco-friendly cottages, built in simple rustic style with wood paneling and tiled floors inside. Guests can enjoy nature walks, bonfires, folk dances, and village excursions.

Price: Rates start from 3,800 rupees Eco Features: Constructed out of eco friendly

materials, eco friendly washing and hair products, no plastic, operates conservation programs.

Shergarh tented camp, M.P

What better way to visit the jungle than to stay in exclusive tented accommodations on the fringe of Kanha National Park. Shergarh has six well spaced "tents", each with a large front porch, attached bathroom and hot water. It's run by a naturalist, so you're assured of an authentic experience. Open from August to May.

Price: 5,500-7,500 Eco Features: Responsible tourism by reducing

waste, use of plastic, and impact on the surrounding area. Meals prepared with home-grown vegetables, local produce and fish farmed from the nearby lake. Local labor.

Yoga magic retreat, anjuna, goa

As well as being eco friendly, Yoga Magic is one of the best yoga retreats in Goa. It has a magical atmosphere, tucked away amidst coconut palms and rice paddy fields near Anjuna beach. It aims to provide a relaxing experience that's as close to nature as possible. Open from mid November to mid April each year.

Price: around 6,000 rupees. Eco Features: Use of sustainable traditional

materials: rammed earth, cow dung, stone, bamboo and coconut. Solar power. Composting eco toilets. Off-site composting of all organic waste.

Annapara home stay, wayanad, kerala

If you love home cooked food and personalized service, all in a lush natural setting, Annapara is for you! This delightful homestay has only five rooms, and provides an intimate opportunity to get back to nature. There's a tea factory next door, and a wilderness trail that weaves through sprawling tea & coffee plantations and a vast stretch of rainforest. In the evening, stargaze while enjoying a bonfire and music. The food is traditional Kerala cuisine.

Price: $95 per couple per night, all meals included. Eco Features: Self generated electricity, water

sourced from natural springs, recycled waste, composting, negligible use of plastic, local labor and services.

Dune eco beach hotel,pondicherry The Dune is a very interesting concept indeed.

Situated on a sprawling 35 acre property, with a beachfront location just north of Pondicherry, The Dune has 30 villas and 20 rooms. They're all unique and themed. It's quite amazing. Arty types will love it! The Dune is fun, funky, and is home to the Artists in Residence program as well. The property also has a Vedic Spa.

Price: Rates from 5,500. Eco Features: Solar heated water, reclaimed

timbers, waste water treatment plant, organic farm.

Our native village,bangalore Have you ever wondered what life in an Indian

village is like? You can get a taste of it at Our Native Village, around one hour from Bangalore. Our Native Village is a fantastic place for a family holiday with a difference! The resort offers a range of unique activities such as cow milking, bullock cart rides, kite flying, bicycle riding, organic farming. Comforts aren't overlooked though. The resort's Soul Spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate.

Price: From 5,500 rupees per night. Eco Features: Renewable energy, eco

construction, waste recycling, organic produce, chemical free pool.

criteria An eco hotel must usually meet the

following criteria: Dependence on the natural environment Ecological sustainability Proven contribution to conservation Provision of environmental training

programs Incorporation of cultural considerations Provision of an economic return to the local

community

Green hotel movement Jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, more

hotels are adopting a “green” attitude for all future building projects. They are willing to make the upfront investment with the expectation of reaping long-term benefits – both financially and from a public relations vantage point.

All the hotels are undertaking measures like: Recycling.

Educating staff. Buy environmentally- friendly paper.

Buy organic, fair trade, cruelty-free guest amenity products whenever possible.

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