Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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All employees are locals and tribal guides are the trackers on safari. The Count and our company give 2 percent of estate profits to local village programmes such as child education and work programmes for the elders.
Most produce used is from our own organic farms that are located approx. 5 kms from the Estate. If it is not directly from our farm then local farms is where the produce is collected and these are all organic in practice. The furniture is all locally made, reed chairs for the gardens during drinks, sustainable mango wood for the tables for lunch during safari. Almost all of the Estates furniture is antique and was locally made 70-200 years ago.
No glass or plastics are allowed in the jungle, all waste materials at the estate are given to a local contractor who re-cycles all materials. The estate uses energy saving light bulbs, and also we store electricity in an inverter which regulates the amount of electricity used which minimizes wastage. We compost and the compost is completely organic. We “hot compost” by making a makeshift clay-brick structure that is 4x3 feet wide and high. Then separate layers of fresh jungle grass, dried twigs, dried leaves and dung is put at 3 foot in height inside this structure. Every day, after the first three days, this is turned with a small amount of water being added to ensure the humidity level. This causes the temperature to rise inside and within 30-45 days organic compost is available.
Our company, together with the Count of Dhariyawad, has documented and safe-guarded the flora and fauna of the Sita Mata Jungle since 2005 along with the Rajasthan Forest Department. Before our project there was no local understanding of the importance of preserving the rare flora and fauna found in the Sita Mata jungle. Constant meetings are given with villagers to educate them on sustainable techniques. The collection of “bastard ebony” leaves is a continual source of income for the local community and we have taught them how to collect the leaves without damaging the re-productive cycle of the tree.
Our staff is trained by us in every eco-policy we enact and are well-versed in our practices and the reasons for them. During drinks on arrival guests receive a 30 minute detailed talk on local customs, proper manners attached to these customs, and the do’s and don’ts on safari. (Our naturalist goes into detail about not wearing perfume in the jungle, smoking is not allowed, no plastic or cans are allowed, not to urinate in the jungle, never to walk alone without our guides in the jungle, not to wash anything inside the jungle rivers, not to speak while observing wildlife, and many more details of the jungle and wildlife and how to safeguard them.)
Guests are informed of the local deities and their meanings as well as on the history of the area. Since I and my partners are the erstwhile rulers of these lands we give an account of our royal customs as well. Dinners are served with me and the Count of Dhariyawad present so guests experience a traditional royal gala dinner.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
