Nilgiri Hills eco bungalows, India

Nilgiri Hills eco bungalows, India

How this holiday makes a difference

Environment

Selected to be amongst the top 30 eco-resorts in India by Conde Nast recently, O’land Plantation is environmentally friendly in concept and practice. Tea and coffee plantations in India have become economically unviable and organic farming especially, needs the support of eco-tourism to help it thrive. O’land Plantation is one of the few organic estates using this innovative way to support the local community and protect its beautiful natural surroundings.

The guesthouses at O’land Plantation have been designed keeping in mind the local topography and with maximum use of eco-friendly materials. We cut down the carbon imprint of the build by using local stone and the bricks were made from the soil that was dug up during the construction. The original Estate Bungalow was restored and built upon to preserve heritage as well as avoid wasteful new construction.

O’land Plantation uses a biomass converter to heat water at the resort thereby making good use of the dried leaves and other bio-waste on the estate. Solar panels on the roof provide electricity.

We have got organic certification from IMO the Institute of Marketecology (Switzerland) for the crops grown on O’land Plantation.

By providing a natural corridor for wildlife between the many sanctuaries that surround us, we help preserve the delicate Nilgiri biosphere: home to over 100 animal species and 350 bird species. These include the Great Indian Hornbill, the Indian Bison, many variety of deer, elephant and sloth bear.

Community

By using local labour rather than machines and organic fertilizers rather than nasty sprays and pesticides, we support the local community and keep O’land the way nature intended it to be. Your stay helps support organic cultivation and gives the local community employment. What better way to remember it than to take back a bit of O’land Plantation with you to share with family and friends. Please ask at Reception if you wish to purchase organic pepper grown on the estate. It may be worth noting however, that crops are seasonal and all products may not always be available.

We support two tribal villages adjacent to our property and organise tea and coffee tours which include tea-plucking with locals. Over 20 people have been given employment on O'land Plantation. Two of them help out in the Guest Houses, the rest on the Estate. The local Irula tribe produce bananas which we buy and serve to guests. We also encourage our guests to buy local handicrafts. Local guides are hired to take guests for treks and Plantation walks. Our resident manager, Sajan Devaiah has been a planter for over 20 years and knows the local area well. His recommendations can be relied upon to help the local community with whom he has long and close links.

Nilgiri Hills eco bungalows, India