Top 10 Eco-friendly Hotels in South India

There are a couple of times when you don’t want to do anything but pack your bags and land on the steps of a pretty hotel atop a hill or beside the beach and garage yourself there and do your own things. Maybe, not do anything at all; Catch a glimpse of the sunrise, laze around, walk purposelessly down the pretty drive way, read the books you so wanted to but could not find time to on the terrace garden, do yoga or cycle around a pretty locale nearby. And while doing all these you want to have an experience of a life time. The best way to relax and yet gain something substantial is to lodge in an eco friendly hotel. It is a wholesome experience that you can cherish for years to come. And here goes my list of top 10 eco-friendly hotels in South India to help you beat the untraded path.

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom

The air whiffed up by the Kerala spices and the glistening water of canals criss-crossing 30 acres land welcome you enticingly when you set your feet on Coconut Lagoon situated in the Kuttanad district of Kerala. Its villas are furnished with furniture sourced from traditional homes and local craftsmen, with some of the buildings having been transplanted from heritage mansions across Kerala. These are interspersed with beautiful green spaces such as a butterfly garden and a traditional forested area known as the “Sacred Grove”. Over eight acres are used for rice cultivation, especially of the medicinal “njwara” variety. Besides being home to countless water birds such as the Darter, it also helps in the conservation of the world’s smallest cow, the Vechoor. Other local community initiatives include a weekly cleaning initiative to clear the garbage of the neighbouring village. The resort also has a composting plant to convert waste to manure, and offers rides on its solar-powered boat. You can try your hand at canoeing on the canals, coconut husking, or watching a Kalari wrestling match in the morning.

Karuna Farm, Kodaikanal

Karuna is surrounded by forests and peaks on either side, with paths for a short forest stroll or an all day trek, with spectacular views, tropical forest and wildlife, a perfect setting to heal the battered soul. At Karuna Farm, you can get one with nature without giving up on the basic city comfort. At Karuna they don't use electricity from the national grid. All power is sourced from solar energy and hydroelectric power. The climate and water resources are good for cultivation all through the year. The potential is good. Various systems of organic farming are being practiced. At present 20 varieties of fruits are growing. 

SwaSwara, Gokarna, Karnataka

Situated along Gokarna’s beautiful Om Beach, SwaSwara’s goal is to create balance and harmony with the mind and the soul. Guests can try morning yoga on the beaches, meditation, Ayurvedic massages and treatments, pottery classes or Warli painting at the art studio, and learn cooking from the chef. The resort practices vermicomposting, rainwater harvesting, along with recycling waste water in the garden, and turning kitchen and solid waste into biogas for cooking and organic fertilizers. In addition, one-third of the staff is hired locally, with community programs for neighboring schools and self-help groups.

Dune Eco Village & Spa, Pondicherry

Spread across 35 acres on a beach near Pondicherry, the Dune Eco Village & Spa is an oasis of calm and well-being. All its 55 bungalows use solar water systems, low consumption bulbs and organic linen. Many have been built from local colonial houses, planters’ mansions and Chettinad palaces, and several forego air-conditioning for refreshing sea breeze. The Dune also has a seven acre organic farm—equipped with its own composting yard—which supplies fresh produce for the in-house Fun restaurant.

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. You can enjoy hiking through the countryside to visit waterfalls, caves, and a tribal village. The resort also has a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa.

Our Native Village, Bangalore, Karnataka

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.

Elephant Valley, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

This 100 acre nature reserve and organic farm has a stunning location on an old pachyderm migration route in the Pani Hills of Tamil Nadu. Even though Kodaikanal is just 20 km away, you’ll want to stay put in this paradisaical resort. Its 20 eco-friendly bungalows are built with local materials such as granite, reclaimed doors and wood, and equipped with solar lights, low consumption bulbs, cast iron wood stoves and firewood fuelled hot water showers. Each has its own private garden, overlooking the Gangavaar River and the pesticide-free coffee plantation. Guests are offered fresh food made with produce from the organic garden and steaming cups of local filter coffee. Don't forget to take a nature walk to see the local wildlife, birds and plant life.

Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala

Stretched across a misty hilly ridge, Spice Village is only a short distance away from the Periyar Tiger Reserve. There are over 140 varieties of trees spread across its 14 acres, along with a spice garden and organic vegetable farm. All the food cooked in its kitchen is sourced within a 50 mile radius, Guests can go on nature walks and night treks, take a day trip to the neighboring pepper plantation, learn traditional recipes, go bird watching or fishing. The entire estate is chemical-free—natural oils, plants and camphor are used pesticides and insecticides. Every day, waste is segregated and recycled in the in-house vermicompost plant to make organic manure for the vegetable and herbal gardens.

Karadi Malai Camp, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu

All activities at Karadi Malai Camp, a little over an hour’s drive from Chennai, are geared towards making visitors comfortable around wildlife. The owners (famous herpetologist-conservationist Romulus Whitaker and his wife Janaki Lenin) and staff encourage visitors to explore the nearby Vallam Reserve Forest. The fit can go for a relatively strenuous hike up the Karadi Malai Hill (700 feet), identifying birds like the spotted owl and paradise flycatcher, and snakes like the Russell’s viper, common krait, and rat snake. A more leisurely walk winds through the forest towards nearby paddy fields, and helps guests understand the interaction between forest and farm ecosystems. Some of these are conducted by members of the Irula tribal community, who, with Whitaker’s help, have switched from being snake hunters to conservationists. The camp has three cottages made with bamboo matting and timber. Each of these solar-powered cottages is surrounded by a moat, which ensures that the property’s snakes and smaller animals let you sleep in peace.

Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Coorg, Karnataka

The rainforest retreat at Mojo Plantation is a unique project that combines ecotourism with sustainable agriculture and environment education. The certified organic spice farm, in one of the most natural and scenic parts of Kodagu District, was founded in 1994 by Sujata and Anurag Goel. The botanist couple wished to “explore an organic way of life and a more harmonious existence with nature” and “cater to environmentally conscious and intellectually curious travelers”. The two cottages sit surrounded by bamboo, banana, and fragrant coffee and orange plants, and are lit by eco-friendly 12V solar lights. The plantation’s wide population of creepy-crawlies—including spiders, wasps, dragonflies, frogs, lizards, and snakes—contribute towards a diverse and healthy agri-ecosystem. All organic waste makes its way to the retreat’s biogas plant that powers the kitchen. The rest is composted and used to fertilize crops of coffee, kokum, cardamom, and vanilla, which are also available for sale. There are fine birding and trekking routes around the plantation: A peek around the backyard will reveal wonders like the Atlas moth (the largest of the species), yellow caterpillars, and even a Malabar gliding frog’s foam nest. The forest is at its greenest between September and November.

10 tips to travel lighter

When it comes for packing for a vacation suddenly the fun is gone. Not many of us like packing and most of us don’t know the art of it at all. We stuff anything and everything and end up paying a lot for checking in these extra stuff. With most of the airlines upping the cost of checking in luggage, you definitely want to travel light if not for anything else. Also, lighter luggage increase mobility and flexibility dramatically.

Here are ten packing light hacks that will come handy for your next packing venture.

Choose a dark, basic color:

While packing clothes stick to a specific color and pack everything around it.  Not only will it save space but quite a lot of time as well. And, a darker shade, needless to say, will allow you to wear a specific clothing article for a longer time. Not for nothing I love black.

Make a mental matching of clothes and occasions:

Say no to clothing items which you can’t wear for more than one occasion. You will always be tempted to pack in your favorite dress or the shirt close to your heart but if it does not serve any purpose you are only filling up your suitcase with junk. In other words, if you want to travel light be rational.

Stick to light, wrinkle-free fabrics:

Light, wrinkle-free fabrics are the god of space. Polyester, spandex, rayon (or lyocell) and cashmere are a few fabrics you got to look out for.

Pack in minimum bottomwear:

This is a trick that will always work. Bottomwear is always heavier and hence packing minimum number of bottomwear and more color-coordinated tops, tees and shirts is a great way to save space and yet flaunt a new look every day on your vacation.

Multifunctional clothing pieces can take you a long way:

A wrap-around skirt which can also act as a maxi dress, a scarf which can also act as a sarong or denim which can also act as shorts are the clothes you should not leave behind while packing. 

Bundle wrapping is the way to go:

Bundle wrapping is the best way to make more space and reduce the chances of wrinkling up clothes. The trick is to put the smallest and the least wrinkle-able clothing on the inside of the bundle and form the outer layers keeping the criteria intact.

Wear the bulkier pieces of clothing on your travel day:

Wear the heaviest jacket or the bulkiest shoe on the day of your travel rather than packing it into your case.

Make a comprehensive list:

The best way to pack in just the right things and avoid packing in unnecessary stuff is to make a list before you actually start packing.

Organize similar stuff together in small pouches:

It is always good to keep your medicines, make-up, toiletries or shaving-kit in separate pouches. It saves space and time finding stuff.  

Cut down on accessories:

No matter how much like your neon sling bag or your fancy sued shoes be judicious and pack only your all-rounder accessories. A basic black handbag or a multipurpose flip-flop is what you should stick to.
  P.S. The images are copied from google. The sources have not been mentioned because of laziness. Pardon your lazy author for the crime. I am already crying inside. Give me peace and solace.

Kudremukha Trek

Travel is an addiction and I have to have my dose of it every now and then. It was April 2013 and I desperately needed a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. And as happens all the time I started planning a trip. I wanted to exert myself and the 15 km trek to the Kudremukha peak and 15 km downhill really titillated my travel buds. I instantly did some research on the place as I usually do and everything fell into place all by itself.

I fixed the journey date and booked the bus tickets and my travel partners followed commands.

There was no direct bus from Bangalore to Kudremukha. The nearest bus station was Kalasa which was about 311 kms from Bangalore and about 22.5 kms from Kudremukha.

So on 26th April we reached Majestic at around 8.30 pm. Abhisek could not join us due to some last minute official commitment. So it was the three of us this time around; myself, Joga and Debanjan.

We had dinner at our all-time favorite eatery in Majestic, “National Restaurant”. Our patriotism (not the food as you might have been guessing) takes us there every time.

After some real hard time trying to register directions thrown at us in Kannada we reached the exact spot from where buses to Kalasa leave. And after another gruesome ten minutes we were finally able to firmly settle our asses in the bus that was supposed to take us to Kalasa.

The road condition was good. The ride wasn’t all that bumpy.

We reached Kalasa the next morning at around 7 am. We had tea and biscuits from a nearby tea shop and enquired the teashop owner regarding how to reach Kudremukha. We do that all the time. He said that local buses ply every one hour and the bus stand was right opposite his shop. Aha! Bliss.

At around 7.40 am we got the bus to Kudremukha. It was an enchanting ride along the winding trail and ample eye soothing green outside the window.

After about half an hour we reached Kudremukha.

We had to take the trekking permission from Kudremukha tourism office which was like 2 minutes’ walk from the bus stop. And another ecstatic moment. It was almost around 9.30 am when we got the permission (which costed us 250 rupees each, guide separate) in our hands. And then we had to go all the way to Mullodhi which was the base of the trek. Joga wasn’t really for it. We gave into Joga’s ardent pleas and postponed the trek to next day. Instead we decided to go to Hanumangundi falls which was like 40 minutes ride from Kudremukha.

And like the last travel update I will not describe the place but let the picture do it all.

And after coming back to Kudremukha we were like hungry wolves ready to devour anything that our hands would lay on. We had tea, biscuits and cakes from a local tea shop and enquired about  non-veg eateries nearby. He told us to go to Kalasa if we were in real need of chicken and fish. We were in real need. Nothing could be more real than our love for good food.

We went to Kalasa and the first thing that our eyes met was a non-veg restaurant (Raj restaurant) with pictures of succulent fish and tender chicken just near the bus-stand. We gorged on fish fries and chicken kebabs. The price was quite reasonable. After our tummies had no more complains we started with our hotel hunting. It wasn't difficult to find one. Just nearby was "Chandan Lodge" which looked pretty decent. The charges were 600 rupees/ night for a double bed room. Good enough.

Next day we started early. We reached Balagal by bus which took us around 15 minutes. From there we went to Mullodhi by auto which charged us 200 rupees. There are jeeps available but they charge around 600 rupees but since we were three in number auto seemed a better option. The auto dropped us at Mullodhi from where our guide, Rajesh took over. The auto driver had called Rajesh earlier to be our guide and he had agreed.

So we started our trek. Some 2 kms away we saw home stays. We asked Rajesh about the charges. He said they costed around 600/person/day. To that he added that his home is a home stay too and the charges were 500/person/day.

After a 15 km walk through forests and steep inclines we reached the Kudremukha peak. It was tiring to say the least. Joga cursed us heavily every time he was able to take some breath. It was his first trek and for a first timer I would not suggest this trek. The route is not difficult but the distance to the peak does the trick. You need to be a regular trekker to cover 15 kms to reach the top.

While coming down we faced a hail storm. And it made the ascend difficult but made our experience all the more enriching and of course burnt a hole in my pocket (my camera went for a permanent holiday). Rajesh took us to his house, offered us towels to dry ourselves up and served us coffee. He lit fire for us. He had a brother and mother at home. All of them were so humble and welcoming. The other went on incessantly ln Kannada. What I could figure out was that she was asking us to visit them again. The atmosphere at Rajesh's house made up for all the sweat we had shed, all the trouble we had taken. Such experiences  are treasures in the chest called 'life'.

The rain made the hilly roads slippery ande no vehicle was ready to come to Mullodhi. So we had to walk all the way down. I could not dare to look at Joga's face. He was pissed off to the extent of planning our funeral. However a localite whom we met midway helped us out. He called his friend who was a auto driver who agreed to take us to Kalasa. He charged us 150 rupees which was like the best that could have happene. When we reached Kalasa it was 5.30 pm and we were drenched to our skin. We desperately needed to change bt we had already checked out in the morning. But Debanjan took the responsibility to talk to the hostel authorities and request them to give us the keys for some 30 mins and he was able to manage them. Some of the few things he successfully accomplished.

Myself

Rolling hills

Forest trails

Fallen Legend - Joga

Cloud nine

Stretches of Savanna grasslands

Rajesh's home

After leaving the hotel room we had dinner and waited for our bus to arrive.
At around 10.30 pm we boarded our bus back to Bangalore and ended another trek and another handful of memories got added to my travel diary.

WAYANAD: A Little Piece of Heaven

I have a penchant for details. My travelogues are usually like pages out of a novel. But well that is my style. This time I have planned to do something different. I will put details in a very scientific manner. Easier for people to find every little details they need. And about the description of the place I will leave everything on the photographs. As wise men say, "A picture says a thousand stories"......

Destination: Wayanad (north-eastern district of Kerala formed in 1980).

How to reach: From Bangalore there are several K.S.R.T.C. as well as private buses plying to Kalpetta ( a town and municipality in Wayanad) where you need to get down. Some of the ticket booking websites are given below for convenience:

1. http://www.ksrtc.in/site/
2. http://www.redbus.in/
3. http://www.goibibo.com/bus/
4. http://www.makemytrip.com/bus-tickets/?intid=OldHP_to_Bus_Menu

(You have to book tickets from Bangalore to Kalpetta)

Road condition: Gear yourself up for a bumpy ride. The roads are not good. I would always suggest you to avail for K.S.R.T.C. buses over private buses. the drivers seem to more careful and responsible.

Places you can visit: The places that I jot dot down are numbered according to their appeal (Opinions may vary)

1. Chembra peak: A must visit. It is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2011 meters (6900 ft.) above sea-level.
                            The trekking is moderately difficult. Not suggested for first timers. But it is worth every      drop of sweat. It is located near Meppady which is 8 kms. south of Kalpetta. Local buses are available every now and then. It is a good idea to lodge in Mepaddy since many of the attractions are near Mepaddy. We had lodged in The Hotel Malabar Cools and it was quite reasonable (600/night for double bed rooms) and clean lapped amidst the tea gardens. You can take an auto to the base (from where trekking starts or rather you can reach the base by walk (if you are roughing it/your budget is low). You have to take permission from the forest department (The office is on the way and the rate is Rs. 500 for a group of 10 or less. For groups larger than 10, the rates are different. A guide is mandatory and it comes within that Rs. 500). The trek to the peak takes about 3 and a half hours. The climb down takes another two. There is a guest house at the base. the rates are reasonable. You can lodge out there if you want to soak in the beauty for a little longer.

Meppadi

Heart-shaped lake en route the top

2. Soochipara falls: An indelible beauty will strike you after almost a 2 km  walk down  the ticket       counter (The tickets cost Rs. 30/head). You can take an auto from Meppady. It will charge you Rs 200 (as per December 2012). The ride to the falls is as scenic as it can get.

3. Meenmutthy falls: It sure is the largest and most astonishing falls in Wayanad district. But unfortunately it is closed for the time being. Please gather sufficient iinformation from localites before you plan a visit.

4. Tholpetty/Muthanga forest range: These are in opposite directions but quite the same. You can visit any of them.

a. Muthanga directions: Kalpetta to Sulthan Bathery to Muthanga (buses are available). Beware you have to reach the gates before 3 pm. Plan accordingly. The entry fees are 250 rupees/person and the jeep ride costs 500 rupees (and it is compulsory).



b. Tholpetty directions: Kalpetta to Manyatavadi to Tholpetty. The rates are same as Muthanga forest range.

 5. Edakkal caves: It wasn't as exciting as we had anticipated. If you have time in hand visit it. Else give it a miss. You can take a bus from Kalpetta to Ambukutty valley and then an auto to Edakkal caves. You can take a cab directly to Edakkal caves if you want to save time. It is about 28 kms from Kalpetta and will take you about 40 minutes.

Expenses: Approximately Rs. 3500 per person for 3 days and two nights. If luxury is your style then you can very well guess that the budget isn't for you.

Food: Don't forget to goge on beef if you are a non-veg and have no inhibitions. Beef cooked in coconut oil is pure bliss.It is available everywhere (can call it a staple food there) and is cheap. chilly beef and Kerala Paratha is something you should not miss out on.

Must-haves: 
1. A nice pair of trekking shoes.
2. Warm clothes are not necessary. The weather is quite moderate.
3. Caps and shades.
4. And an eye for beauty.