Bandhavgarh luxury eco lodge

One of our main objectives is to reforest as much of the land that we have and create safe corridors for the wildlife between core and buffer zones of the national park. Though we have 32 acres of land, of this human impact is confined to a space of 2 acres. The rest is being returned to jungle by reforestation with indigenous species of tress, both fruiting and non-fruiting varieties. We aim to be a haven for wildlife and people who love them.

Our cottages and living areas are made entirely from bamboo and driftwood. Some hardwood has been used as accents. Bamboo is a harvestable natural resource, which is by far the most eco-friendly construction material as compared to wood or log constructions. We use CFL (compact fluorescent lights) which consume a fraction of the electricity used by normal light bulbs. We also use inverters, which store power and thus provide a pollution free electricity back-up during power cuts. Desert air-coolers are used in the warmer months instead of air conditioners, because of the significantly lower power usage. Instead of electric heaters in the winters guests are provided heavier duvets, hot water bottles and coal braziers in the rooms.

Rainwater harvesting is practised during the monsoons and during any rains at other times. Waste recycling is very important as we are part of the forest bio-system and there is civic infrastructure to take care of the waste. Septic tanks and soak pits are created for bathroom waste. Kitchen waste is separated into bio-degradable and non bio-degradable. Plastic, glass and metal waste is taken to Umaria (35kms away) to a government dump. These are not locally disposed of as they may enter the forest eco systems causing injury and damage to wildlife. Bio degradable waste is turned to compost. Plastic bags and polythene is avoided where ever possible.

Our team of 12 staff is all from the local tribal villages. We train them in hospitality as well as basic English language speaking. Staff and their families are encouraged to send their children to schools, to promote education and good hygiene practices within their own communities. Medical costs for staff and their families is provided by us. Guests are encouraged to visit the local villages and pottery, basket weaving, cane making workshops etc are organised for guests. Locals who have been born and brought up in the forests are given language skills and technical training (the English names of birds and plants that they can identify in their own language) to provide our guests the company of naturalists who have real experience and first hand knowledge of the area, its flora and fauna and its people rather than guides proficient in book knowledge only. The tribal dancers who come and perform for our guests at the resort are not a professional dance troupe, but a group of local tribal youths who basically do the dances that are done traditionally in their villages for celebrating weddings, births, harvests etc. Guests are given information and guidance regards local customs, costumes, traditions etc.

Using 100% local, previously untrained staff, most of the team started as manual daily wage labourers on the construction site. They have now been trained in different aspects of the resorts everyday jobs - from kitchen, cooking, housekeeping, gardening etc. Opportunities to learn many varied skills, provide scope for promotion and opportunities to move up the wage ladder. We work with the local ‘panchayat’ (local government body) to help out with teaching aids such as books, stationery, etc. Fruit and vegetables are purchased from local farmers and vendors whenever possible. When outsourcing vehicles whether for transfers or for game drives we prefer to use local owner driven vehicles.