For today’s discerning traveller, luxury is no longer just about thread count and caviar service. A new wave of eco-conscious travellers craves a different kind of indulgence, one that blends comfort with sustainability. Property owners are also redefining what it means to indulge — offering unparalleled experiences that harmonise seamlessly with a deep commitment to the environment. So, on the occasion of World Environment Day today, My Kolkata lists out five eco-friendly properties where opulence meets sustainability, and where five-star experiences come with a lighter footprint on the planet.
Mary Budden Estate, Binsar, Uttarakhand
A Himalayan brunch at Mary Budden Estate
Perched amidst the mystical oak and rhododendron forests of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mary Budden Estate blends grandeur with environmental responsibility. This 19th-century colonial gem has four lodges and two cottages, all offering an opulent retreat with a minimal footprint. Each room boasts a unique character — adorned with hand-picked antiques and local artisan-made carpets — whispering tales of the bygone era. The sprawling dining and living rooms look grand, accentuated by majestic wooden ceilings and crackling fireplaces.
The estate believes in sustainability and cleverly utilises solar power, harvests rainwater, and even heats water with the sun’s rays. All the ingredients for the delectable cuisines offered at the estate are sourced from organic farms of nearby villages. In fact, to avoid food wastage, there are no buffet menus at the property. Guests are offered special curated meals as per their liking. In an endeavour to minimise plastic use, toiletries are given in refillable bottles. Sunanda Pant, the estate manager adds, “We have a sustainable approach to managing our kitchen waste. All our kitchen food waste goes into the compost pit, where it's turned into manure and used in our kitchen garden as fertiliser. Additionally, we filter wastewater from the kitchen and bathroom. We're also closely working with permaculture principles to ensure our practices are environmentally friendly and sustainable.”
Activities for the perfect holiday
Mary Budden thrives on its unique experiences, especially curated for guests to have an immersive experience. For the ultimate sybaritic adventure, indulge in their Wild Cat Brunch, Milkyway Dinner, Hamlet in the Hills, and Serena’s Garden Lunch, savouring delectable local and continental cuisines amidst nature. Adventure enthusiasts can venture out on exciting jungle tracks like Darwin’s Trail, while bird lovers can get lost exploring more than 250 bird species that inhabit this forest.
- Room tariffs start from Rs. 32,000 plus taxes, including meals.
The Lodge at Wah, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
This sustainable homestay has six cosy rooms equipped with all the modern amenities
Nestled amidst the verdant tea plantations of Palampur, The Lodge at Wah offers a luxurious escape steeped in sustainable practices. Built and run by Upasana Todi Prakash and Surya Jai Prakash, this sustainable homestay is a home away from home with six cosy rooms equipped with all the modern amenities. While the property offers its guests an exquisite stay, it is rooted in its cause of giving back to nature.
The property is 100% natural and made with local materials such as wood, river stone, and slate. All the structures are made to use the weather elements in their favour, thus requiring minimal artificial cooling and heating. In addition, no chemical paints or cement has been used in the cottages. Another effort to minimise their footprint is in the toiletries used. They are sourced from a small local company that makes paraben-free products. Even the toilet rolls, tissues, and serviettes are made from 100% recycled paper. The staff at the Lodge is from nearby villages, ensuring employment for locals, while the delicious Himachali cuisine is organically produced from their kitchen garden. Upasana says, “Our effort has been to truly immerse guests in not only the Himachali culture, but also the Kangra tea planter’s life by having them stay in a traditional gaddi-style home, enjoy the local produce and meals, and understand the art and science behind creating a cup of tea.”
Activities for the perfect holiday
Whilst here, guests can embark on a guided tea tour at the Wah Tea Estate, visit Andretta Pottery Village, take nature walks through the estate, and relish a candlelit meal under the star-studded sky, relaxing by a crackling bonfire.
- Room tariffs start from Rs. 16,500 for double occupancy plus taxes with breakfast and dinner included.
Aashraya on the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Aashraya is a mountain retreat with four exquisite cottages
Nestled on the banks of the Ganga, about 45km from Rishikesh, Aashraya isn't just a lavish retreat; it's a haven for those who seek to find themselves through their travels. It is a humble home in the forest where tranquillity reigns supreme, and sustainability is rooted in its core.
Built by Depi Chaudhry and now run by his sustainable architect-daughter, Aditi, Aashraya is a mountain retreat with four exquisite cottages equipped with all the modern amenities. With a major emphasis on sustainability, all the rooms are made of natural stone, while the roofs are insulated with recycled jute bags. The water supply for the entire property comes from a fresh-water spring located 2km away. “Aashraya is all about nature, and we would like our guests to feel the same way. We are an eco-retreat, and in our endeavour to go green, Aashraya is completely powered by solar. We try to reduce the use of single-use plastic and provide refillable shower gel and shampoo dispensers. Our drinking water comes from an RO, and refillable water bottles are provided in each room,” says Depi.
Activities for the perfect holiday
Aashray is great for outdoor lovers, and numerous hiking trails surround the property. Those wanting some adrenaline action can go rafting in the Ganga, whilst nature lovers can go for gentle strolls to discover the flora and fauna of the region. Evenings can be spent relaxing by a warm bonfire, savouring delicious food in a candlelit setting under a blanket of stars.
- Room tariffs start at Rs. 15,000, including taxes and breakfast.
Svanir Wilderness Ecostay, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Svanir has four spacious cottages constructed from locally available materials, mimicking traditional tribal Santhal architecture
Tucked away on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Svanir Wilderness Homestay isn't your typical luxury retreat. At this boutique property, indulgence takes the form of serenity and connection with nature.
Svanir has four spacious cottages constructed from locally available materials, mimicking traditional tribal Santhal architecture. Indrani Chakraborty and Soumya Mukherji, the hosts of Svanir, have made special efforts to make their homestay environment friendly. Indrani elaborates, “We practise drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Our bathroom greywater is channelled to plants. Another unique feature of our ecostay is that during construction, none of the pre-existing (tall) trees were cut down. All man-made structures were moulded around them, and artificial landscaping was kept to a minimum. Also, at Svanir, we want our guests to experience the rich heritage of Odiya cuisine, which I curate and serve personally.”
Activities for the perfect holiday
Svanir is the perfect getaway for the discerning traveller looking for a holiday off the beaten path with a potpourri of experiences. From exploring local markets and traditional food walks to learning traditional crafts, community interactions, and storytelling. Special tailor-made itineraries can also be curated for guests.
- Room tariffs start from Rs. 5,200, including breakfast and taxes.
Cranganor History Café & Riverside Château, Cochin, Kerala
The château has seven rooms, each with balconies overlooking the river
Nestled on the banks of the Periyar River, Cranganor History Café & Riverside Château in Cochin offers an exclusive escape with a deep commitment to sustainability. This chateau-style property is a labour of love constructed bit by bit by Rasmi Poduval and Vineeth Viswambharan, the owners, who wanted to build a lavish home for eco-conscious travellers.
The château has seven rooms, each inspired by the Indo-Dutch architectural style, with balconies overlooking the river. This almost-zero-waste property sources local ingredients for their delicious meals and minimises waste production. Rasmi explains, “Our food waste is segregated and sent to local piggeries; paper and plastic are washed and dried to be taken away by village women self-help groups. But what makes us truly and 100% sustainable is our staff, who are all from the nearby village. We work with local artisans to give them employment and revive old art forms like Tholpaavakoothu (shadow puppetry), Ottamthullal (comic/satire dance drama), Mizhavu meal (temple drum orchestra).” She calls themselves a work in progress, inching closer to complete sustainability.
Activities for the perfect holiday
Whilst at the property, guests can indulge in the infinity pool, enjoy a range of rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, go kayaking, and experience heritage trails exploring an old synagogue, a Dutch palace, an ancient restored market, and a handloom weaving society.
- Room tariffs start from Rs 9,900 plus taxes, including breakfast.
