The best eco-friendly hotels in India promise sustainable stays in stunning locations across the country
Raghav Modi takes us on a journey of his homeland with this guide to sustainable accommodations across India.
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
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
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 is 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
3. SUJÁN The Serai | Jaisalmer
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 re-defines 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
4. Nimmu House | Ladakh
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
5. SUJÁN Sher Bagh | Ranthambhore
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
6. Dune Eco Village & Spa | Puducherry
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
7. Alila Diwa | Goa
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
8. Six Senses Vana | Dehradun
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 color 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
9. ITC Maurya | New Delhi
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
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