Classic Kerala holiday

Planet

This tour features homestays, small privately owned hotels and an eco-resort. In these properties you are supporting the host families or local owners, their staff and the surrounding community. The owners of the accommodation all have a commitment to environmental issues and as you travel between the properties you will find good practices, eg waste being recycled, low power light bulbs, water being heated by solar panels etc. With small numbers of individuals staying in small properties the impact on the environment is reduced, as waste, lighting etc will be minimal. This tour includes a visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Periyar is a protected area, committed to conserving the numbers of tigers and elephants within the reserve and practices community based ecotourism.

Francis Residence, as a small, family-run homestay, it uses far fewer resources than larger hotels—keeping energy and water consumption naturally low. The property makes use of an existing building rather than new construction, helping to preserve the character of Fort Kochi while reducing environmental impact.

Ambady Estate, Munnar began sustainability efforts with a simple ‘plant-a-tree’ initiative, which evolved into ‘Project Rainforest’ upon realising the alarming loss of Western Ghats rainforest. The estate terrain consists of rocks, boulders, and small soil pockets supporting unique and near-extinct native trees, many aged 100–200 years. Ongoing efforts are made to identify rare indigenous tree species naturally growing across the slopes. Spread over 70 acres, the plantation nurtures diverse flora and fauna, maintaining a thriving natural ecosystem. Adopted a strict 100% chemical-free approach, practising “spiritual farming” (since 2010) with absolutely no pesticides, insecticides, or chemical fertilisers. Uses biogas to convert organic waste into clean energy for cooking. Uses solar power to generate environmentally friendly electricity.

This tour features Spice Village, a CGH Earth property. This group of hotels is a Kerala family owned business that has been operating since 1954. Sustainability has been their ethos from the start. At CGH Earth protecting the environment and nature is core to their business and visitors staying at their various hotels will see this in practice. Every hotel has been inspired by the nature that surrounds it. Spice Village cottages are built in the style of traditional tribal homes, using locally sourced materials and techniques that minimise environmental impact while blending seamlessly into the landscape near Periyar National Park. The property is set within a spice garden, preserving native plant life and supporting local biodiversity.. Sustainability runs through its day-to-day operations. The resort uses renewable energy sources such as solar power, harvests rainwater, and treats and reuses wastewater. Waste is carefully managed, with composting and recycling programmes helping to reduce landfill impact.

Emerald Isle, another homestay, is widely regarded as eco-friendly because it’s built around a low-impact, heritage-based approach to tourism rather than large-scale development. Set on its own small island in the backwaters, the property uses a restored traditional Kerala home, meaning there’s been minimal new construction and the original architecture has been preserved. This not only reduces environmental impact but also maintains the cultural integrity of the region.

Lakes & Lagoons Houseboat’s are constructed using eco-friendly materials and responsible building methods. Energy-efficient lighting is installed across vessels to reduce power consumption. Biodegradable soaps and natural disinfectants are used for cleaning, protecting aquatic life. Noise-reduction and low-emission systems minimise disturbance to the environment and wildlife. A plastic-free policy is followed onboard, with emphasis on reusable materials. Waste is properly segregated and disposed of responsibly.

Flamingo Marari converts organic waste into clean energy, reducing waste pollution and lowering dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power – Generates renewable electricity, cutting carbon emissions and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy. Rainwater harvesting – collects and reuses rainwater, reducing pressure on groundwater and supporting sustainable water management.

People

Our local agent predominately only works with us, so he and his team (and their families) are dependent on us for their income. Our drivers have a contract and are paid a monthly wage rather than only earning during the season. This gives them income throughout the year and the knowledge that they have a job next season (most other drivers have to re-apply for their own job each year).

Francis Residence sustainability is reflected in everyday practices, such as mindful water use, limited plastic, and energy-efficient systems where possible. Meals are typically home-cooked using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which cuts down on food miles and supports nearby farmers and markets. Equally important is its positive impact on the local community. Being locally owned and operated, it ensures that tourism income stays within the area, while guests gain a more authentic cultural experience. This combination of low resource use, local sourcing, and community support makes it a genuinely eco-friendly place to stay.

Ambady Estate employs local staff, supporting community livelihoods and reducing environmental impact from commuting.

Spice Village supports local people by employing staff from surrounding villages and promoting regional culture, crafts, and traditions—making it not only environmentally responsible but socially sustainable as well. At Spice Village they have a 50 mile radius restaurant. This means that all the food has been sourced no more than 50 miles from the hotel. This initiative has given local farmers a regular source of income and has enabled them to produce higher quality, organic food knowing that there is a market for it. CGH Earth is a Kerala family run business and at all their hotels they endeavour to employ as many people as possible from the local community. Their obligation to ‘give back’ is key to their beliefs and is a major contributor to their success. Local people are employed at all levels. They have instituted community based programmes that have helped to rehabilitate poachers and smugglers and local tribes have been taught organic farming techniques.

Emerald Isle’s food is another strong eco element. Much of what’s served is organic and locally grown, often sourced from nearby villages or the property’s own garden, cutting down on transport and supporting the local economy.

The Houseboat crew members and chefs are employed from local communities, supporting livelihoods and cultural exchange. Staff receive regular training in environmental sensitivity and sustainable hospitality practices.