The best eco-friendly hotels in India promise sustainable stays in stunning locations across the country

India is a land of diverse traditions. However, one commonality between the different cultures of the country is the unified love for Mother Earth. The best eco-friendly hotels in India are known to respect nature, engage with community, and care for every being in their surroundings. These one-of-a-kind accommodations not only excel in their holistic sustainability ethos’ but also provide the very best in luxe accommodations. Read on to see how these properties approach everything aspect from building materials to water treatment, and if you’re in the country for a while, be sure to take a look at the best palace hotels in India to add some royal glamour to your holiday too.

The best eco-friendly hotels in India

1. Pench Tree Lodge | Madhya Pradesh

Hotel: Pench Tree Lodge
Location: Village Sarrahiri, Tehsil Kurai, District Seoni, Madhya Pradesh 480661, India
Neighbourhood: Karmajhiri, on the edge of Pench Tiger Reserve
Rooms: Six treehouses and ten cottages spread across a 40-acre forest estate
Style: Rustic luxury wildlife lodge built with natural materials, including local sal wood
Family-friendly: Yes. The cottages offer comfortable accommodation for families, with nature activities for different ages
Wellness: Nature walks, cycling and night trails; no dedicated spa or fitness centre
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Multi-cuisine dining with regional dishes and ingredients from the lodge’s organic garden
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families and nature lovers seeking an intimate safari experience
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 30,000 per night for two guests, depending on room and season

Ethical glamping at its best, Pench Tree Lodge is among the must-visit eco-friendly hotels in India for wildlife enthusiasts. Nestled among 40-acres of forest area, it lies only 20 minutes from Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Constructed using local sal wood and other natural materials, the 12 treehouses and cottages at the resort are very much in touch with their surroundings. Yet Pench Tree Lodge further promises invigorating indulgences even in the middle of the wilderness. A pool for a refreshing dip, night trails for the adventurous, a lounge to mingle, and a library to learn more about the local flora and fauna help make every visit here even more eventful.

The high point of any stay at Pench Tree Lodge is residing in their treehouses (main image). Perched 18-feet above the ground, they grant spectacular panoramic views of the forest and a patio to sit and enjoy stunning sunsets.

Learn more about Pench Tree Lodge

2. Evolve Back | Kabini

Hotel: Evolve Back, Kabini
Location: Bheeramballi Village and Post, Kabini, H D Kote Taluk, Mysore District, Karnataka 571116, India
Neighbourhood: Kabini, near Nagarhole National Park and the Kabini River
Rooms: Luxury cottages and pool cottages, including accommodation with private courtyards and plunge pools
Style: Traditional village-inspired architecture with natural materials, earthy interiors and contemporary comforts
Family-friendly: Yes. The resort has family accommodation, activities and a dedicated family swimming pool
Wellness: Spa treatments, yoga and relaxation experiences
Pool: Two swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool and a family pool
Dining: Restaurants serving regional Karnataka specialities and international cuisine, with locally inspired menus
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples and families seeking a luxury riverside safari retreat
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 50,000 per night, depending on room and season

A wildlife resort enclosed on two sides by the Kabini River, Evolve Back has a paradisiacal setting that places you in the very heart of nature. Located in Karnataka, the retreat takes inspiration from the local Kadu Kurubu tribe.

It’s a property that encapsulates the design ethos of a traditional village, with abodes made using locally sourced natural elements that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The property has been built to leave the smallest ecological footprint and provides authentic local experiences to guests while engaging extensively with the local community.

Contemporary elements accentuate the experience of every stay, including large lounging areas, grand bathrooms, and courtyards. Among the best features here are the two swimming pools. The adults-only infinity pool epitomises romance, whereas the family pool presents an activity-laden setting for all ages to enjoy.

Learn more about Evolve Back, Kabini or Book through Booking.com

3. SUJÁN The Serai | Jaisalmer

Hotel: SUJÁN The Serai
Location: Bherwa, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India
Neighbourhood: Thar Desert, around 45 minutes from Jaisalmer city
Rooms: 21 luxury tents, including Luxury Tented Suites and a Royal Tented Suite
Style: Luxury desert camp inspired by traditional Rajputana caravan sites, with canvas interiors and local sandstone
Family-friendly: Suitable for families, with spacious tented accommodation and private outdoor spaces
Wellness: Raison d’Etre spa, outdoor treatments and private wellness facilities in selected suites
Pool: Heated private plunge pools in selected suites; the Royal Tented Suite has its own outdoor pool
Dining: Farm-to-table dining featuring organic produce, regional Rajasthani dishes and international cuisine
Best for: Couples and luxury travellers seeking an exclusive desert experience
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 90,000 per night, depending on room and season

SUJÁN The Serai is among the highest-rated eco-friendly hotels in India. Operational since 2008, it occupies a prime location in a private 100-acre property, only 45 minutes from downtown Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Surrounded by the unforgiving and arid desert, The Serai is both a surprisingly extravagant respite and a destination that celebrates the sanctity of its environment.

Each of the 21 tents at The Serai redefines the concept of glamping. Going beyond standard luxuries, they offer lavish indulgences such as walled gardens for privacy, heated jacuzzi pools, king-sized beds adorned by the finest of linen, and en-suite bathrooms. Conservation, though, continues to be a SUJÁN trademark. Guests can thus expect farm-to-table dining, unmatched insight into local wildlife, and a chance to partake in community enhancement programs.

Find out more about SUJÁN The Serai or Book through Booking.com

4. Shaam E Sarhad Resort | Gujarat

Hotel: Shaam-E-Sarhad Village Resort
Location: Hodka Village, Banni, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat 370510, India
Neighbourhood: Hodka, in the Banni grasslands near the Great Rann of Kutch
Rooms: Twelve accommodation units, including mud bhungas, eco-friendly tents and family cottages
Style: Community-owned rural resort showcasing traditional Kutchi architecture, mud construction and regional handicrafts
Family-friendly: Yes. Family cottages accommodate up to four guests, with extra beds available on request
Wellness: No dedicated spa or fitness facilities; cultural experiences and the surrounding landscape provide a slower-paced stay
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: Traditional vegetarian Gujarati and Kutchi meals, served buffet-style in the communal dining area
Best for: Cultural travellers and families interested in community-led tourism and traditional Kutchi heritage
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 5,000 per night, depending on room and season

Open from October to March each year, the ethos behind Shaam E Sarhad Resort is to give the indigenous people of the region ownership over tourism in their area. As the primary stakeholders of the resort, the property provides employment for the local community and also promotes the traditional music, food, and crafts of the area.

The property is designed in the local style and features eco-friendly rooms and tents, many crafted from mud to ensure coolness during the day and warmth at night. The interiors here are decorated with regional prints and paintings, and the team can arrange experiences for guests to connect deeply with the people behind the hotel.

Find out more about Shaam E Sarhad Resort or Book through Booking.com

5. SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Ranthambhore

Hotel: SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Location: Sherpur, Khiljipur, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001, India
Neighbourhood: Outskirts of Ranthambhore National Park, near Sawai Madhopur
Rooms: Twelve luxury tented suites, including the Royal Sher Suite and larger family-friendly suites
Style: Luxury safari camp inspired by 1920s colonial-era expeditions, with canvas tents and handcrafted campaign furniture
Family-friendly: Yes. The Machhli Suite and Imperial Raj Bagh Suite are suitable for families and groups
Wellness: Jungle spa offering treatments in a natural setting
Pool: Handcrafted swimming pool; selected suites also have private heated plunge pools
Dining: Farm-to-table cuisine featuring seasonal produce, organic ingredients and traditional Indian dishes
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples and families seeking an upscale tiger safari experience
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 100,000 per night, depending on room and season

Another SUJÁN property to make the list, SUJÁN Sher Bagh is a 12-tent resort that lies on the periphery of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the topmost destination to see the national animal of India in its natural habitat. Offering a 1920s colonial camping experience with modern-day opulence, the award-winning hotel has tents that come with every comfort imaginable, and then some. Think brass bathtubs, open showers, patios, walled gardens, an outdoor fireplace, and heated plunge pools.

However, at the core of SUJÁN is a family heavily invested in wildlife conservation and community building. Therefore, a vacation at Sher Bagh is also a step towards appreciating the hotel’s efforts towards providing health benefits to locals, employment, wildlife protection, anti-poaching measures, and a school adoption scheme.

Find out more about SUJÁN Sher Bagh or Book through Booking.com

6. Dune Eco Village & Spa | Puducherry

Hotel: Dune Eco Village & Spa
Location: 70, East Coast Road, Pudhukuppam, Keelputhupet, near Puducherry 605014, Tamil Nadu, India
Neighbourhood: Pudhukuppam, a coastal village around 14 kilometres from Puducherry
Rooms: 62 individually designed rooms, bungalows and suites, including sea-facing Eco Bungalows
Style: Eco-conscious beach retreat combining traditional architecture, natural materials and contemporary comforts
Family-friendly: Yes. The property offers a variety of accommodation options and outdoor spaces for families
Wellness: Dune Healing Centre offers Ayurvedic treatments, holistic therapies and yoga sessions
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Two restaurants serving organic, locally sourced food and healthy cuisine
Best for: Wellness travellers, couples and families seeking a relaxed coastal retreat
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 8,000 per night, depending on room and season

Spread over 35 acres, Dune Eco Village and Spa is a wellness resort that highlights the liberal nature of Puducherry. The waterfront property has a total of 62 rooms, bungalows, and houses. While contemporary in their facilities, all guestrooms have classic design touches that give them a characteristic appeal.

Our preference, however, are the sea-facing Eco Bungalows. Built using wood from casuarina trees and palm leaves for roofs, they are the reason Dune is constantly listed among the best eco-friendly hotels in India. Guests staying in the bungalows can expect solar water heating, energy consumption bulbs, traditional cooling methods, and organic linen. Plus, Dune Eco Village has two restaurants that serve organic, locally sourced food and an excellent healing centre conducting various Ayurvedic treatments.

Find out more about Dune Eco Village & Spa or Book through Booking.com

7. Alila Diwa | Goa

Hotel: Alila Diwa Goa
Location: 48/10, Adao Waddo, Majorda, Salcete, Goa 403713, India
Neighbourhood: Majorda, surrounded by paddy fields and around 300 metres from Gonsua Beach
Rooms: 153 rooms and suites, including family accommodation and the exclusive Diwa Club rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary luxury resort with traditional Goan architectural influences and views of tropical gardens and paddy fields
Family-friendly: Yes. Family suites, Play Alila Kids’ Club and a Teen Zone cater to younger guests
Wellness: Spa Alila, fitness centre and yoga sessions
Pool: Infinity pool, Diwa Club pool and children’s pool
Dining: Several restaurants and bars, including Spice Studio, VIVO, Bistro and The Edge Tropical Bar & Kitchen
Best for: Couples and families seeking a sustainable luxury resort near South Goa’s beaches
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 15,000 per night, depending on room and season

Alila Diwa is an authentically unique sustainable hotel in Goa. Although 15 minutes away from the closest beach, its location amidst the raw beauty of lush paddy fields is a haven for solitude seekers. Ensuring no trees were cut during its construction, the hotel strongly believes in maintaining a balance between luxury and its surrounding environment, and the design uses traditional Goan architectural elements that feature different regional materials such as red laterite stone. Simultaneously, Alila Diwa works with the community, helping the local youth club and maintaining a nearby beach.

Dinner at the culinary hotspot, Spice Studio, is a must for gourmands who enjoy homemade food. And an unmissable experience for guests staying here is a swim in the awe-inspiring infinity pool that overlooks the paddy fields.

Find out more about Alila Diwa Goa or Book through Booking.com

8. Six Senses Vana | Dehradun

Hotel: Six Senses Vana
Location: Mussoorie Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
Neighbourhood: Sal Forest, on the outskirts of Dehradun near the Himalayan foothills
Rooms: 66 rooms and 16 suites, including the spacious Vana Suite with a private pool and therapy room
Style: Contemporary wellness retreat with minimalist interiors, natural materials and landscaped gardens
Family-friendly: Yes. Family accommodation and tailored experiences are available, although the retreat focuses primarily on wellness
Wellness: Extensive programme combining Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, yoga, meditation and natural healing therapies
Pool: Indoor and outdoor heated pools, a Watsu pool and hot tub
Dining: Two restaurants serving nutritious, guided-nutrition menus, alongside a tea and juice bar
Best for: Wellness travellers seeking an immersive retreat focused on physical and mental rejuvenation
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 100,000 per night, depending on room and season

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Six Senses Vana is an oasis of tranquility amongst the bustle of the state capital, Dehradun. A wellness retreat with 66 rooms and 16 suites, it is a popular accommodation option for travellers seeking self-enlightenment. Consisting of open spaces, neutral colour tones, and delicate interiors, the guestrooms at Vana help visitors rejuvenate their minds with a sense of purity that forever lingers in the air.

Not one to compromise on modern-day luxuries, all the rooms in the hotel are well-appointed and comfortable. Our favourite, the Vana Suite, is a 3140 sq-ft abode with 180-degree views, a separate therapy room, a private pool, and a meditation corner. Adding further to the bespoke environment of Vana are various eco-friendly endeavours across the property. From rainwater harvesting and solar heating to using organic linen, 99% LED bulbs, and an in-house bottling plant, Vana creates a blissfully inviting eco-friendly space.

Find out more about Six Senses Vana Dehradun or Book through Booking.com

9. ITC Maurya | New Delhi

Hotel: ITC Maurya
Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021, India
Neighbourhood: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi’s diplomatic district
Rooms: 433 rooms and suites, including Executive Club rooms, The Towers and Luxury Suites
Style: Grand luxury hotel inspired by the Mauryan dynasty, featuring Indian art and contemporary interiors
Family-friendly: Yes. Spacious rooms, suites and family dining options make it suitable for families
Wellness: Kaya Kalp – The Spa, fitness centre, steam and sauna facilities
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Nine dining outlets, including the acclaimed Bukhara, Dum Pukht and Avartana
Best for: Luxury travellers, business guests and food enthusiasts seeking an environmentally conscious city hotel
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 20,000 per night, depending on room and season

Considered one of the top legendary hotels in India, ITC Maurya in New Delhi is where presidents, CEOs, and foreign dignitaries typically stay while visiting the capital city. Each of the guestrooms boast the very best of facilities and amenities, while at the same time, the hotel impresses with its Buddhist-influenced architecture works of art by top Indian artists like M F Hussain and Tyeb Mehta.

An industry leader, ITC Maurya continues to innovate with a watchful eye towards the environment. Its “responsible luxury” motto has led the hotel to take numerous steps towards a sustainable future. At present, ITC Maurya recycles 99% of its solid food waste, has radiation harmonisers, no single-use plastic products, an in-house water purification plant, and consumes energy derived from solar and wind power. Don’t miss out on sampling cuisine from two of the most iconic restaurants in India, Bukhara and Dum Pukht, during your stay.

Read our local’s guide to things to do in Delhi and our picks for the best restaurants in Delhi too.

Learn more about ITC Maurya New Delhi or Book through Booking.com

10. Nimmu House | Ladakh

Hotel: Nimmu House
Location: C/o Nangso House, Village Nimmu, Leh, Ladakh 194101, India
Neighbourhood: Nimmu, a traditional village around 45 minutes from Leh
Rooms: Five heritage rooms and seven deluxe tents set within an orchard
Style: Restored 100-year-old Ladakhi residence with traditional architecture, Buddhist influences and understated interiors
Family-friendly: Yes. Selected rooms and tents can accommodate children, with extra beds available on request
Wellness: Yoga retreats, cultural experiences and opportunities for outdoor exploration; no conventional spa
Pool: No swimming pool
Dining: Meals featuring local Ladakhi ingredients and produce from the property’s organic farming activities
Best for: Couples, families and culturally curious travellers seeking an intimate Himalayan retreat
Prices starting from: Approximately INR 12,000 per night, depending on room and season

The alien-like landscape of Ladakh plays an intriguing character in the story of Nimmu House, a five-room and seven-tent property 45 minutes from the airport in Leh. Occupying a 100-year-old traditional residence, Nimmu House is a seasonal escape, hidden among the mountains at an altitude of 3100 metres. Operating from mid-April to mid-October, it exudes a minimalistic Buddhist aura, providing guests with plenty of opportunities for deep introspection and relaxation.

One of the most extraordinary eco-friendly hotels in India, Nimmu Houses’ exclusivity is partly due to its complete immersion into the local culture. Visitors staying here enjoy spacious heritage-infused abodes that come with modern conveniences. However, extra efforts by the hotel, such as using solar energy, water recycling, and organic farming, make it a foremost example of sustainable hospitality. Additionally, Nimmu House sells fair-trade handmade products in their gift shop to help the local artisans and neighbourhood economy.

Learn more about Nimmu House Ladakh or Book through Booking.com

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