In a world where the impact of tourism on the environment is under increasing scrutiny, travelers are gradually shifting toward more responsible and sustainable forms of travel. The rise of eco-stays and jungle resorts represents not just a lifestyle trend, but a growing consciousness about preserving the natural world, supporting local communities, and minimizing one’s ecological footprint. These unique accommodations offer a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and ethical responsibility, without compromising on the richness of the travel experience.
This article takes a detailed look at some of India’s most captivating eco-lodges and jungle resorts that exemplify sustainable tourism. Set in biodiverse hotspots near national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, these destinations cater to wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers, and travelers who yearn for authentic experiences rooted in nature and conservation.
What Defines a True Eco-Stay or Jungle Resort?
Eco-stays go beyond scenic locations and rustic aesthetics. At their core, they function with the intention of reducing negative environmental impacts while positively engaging with the local ecosystem and communities. Key features include:
- Sustainable Architecture: Use of indigenous building materials such as bamboo, mud, stone, and reclaimed wood that harmonize with the local climate and ecosystem.
- Energy and Water Conservation: Solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling are standard practices.
- Waste Management: Composting, eco-toilets, plastic-free kitchens, and strict recycling protocols reduce landfill contribution.
- Biodiversity Preservation: These stays often partner with conservation initiatives and limit construction to ensure minimal disruption to local flora and fauna.
- Community Involvement: Employment of locals, promotion of traditional crafts, and use of locally grown produce help integrate tourism with rural empowerment.
1. Kipling Camp, Kanha National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Located on the edge of Kanha National Park, Kipling Camp is one of India’s most renowned conservation-based eco-lodges. It was founded in the 1980s by conservationists with a mission to provide a comfortable base for exploring wildlife while promoting environmental awareness.
The lodge operates with minimal ecological disturbance. Organic gardens supply vegetables for meals, and solar energy heats water. The camp works closely with the Baiga tribal community and supports local conservation programs.
Visitors can enjoy guided jeep safaris into Kanha’s tiger territory, walk through forest trails, or spend time with Tara, the rescued elephant, now a symbol of ethical elephant care in India.
2. Evolve Back (formerly Orange County), Kabini – Karnataka
Nestled between the Kabini River and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Evolve Back Kabini is a luxury eco-resort that successfully fuses opulence with sustainability. Built in the style of local tribal villages, the resort features private villas with courtyards, outdoor showers, and plunge pools, all set amidst a landscape that attracts countless bird species and wildlife.
Evolve Back’s eco-conscious practices include solar lighting, water recycling, and organic farming. The resort also runs various educational and employment initiatives for the Kuruba tribe, offering cultural immersion through tribal performances and storytelling.
Activities range from coracle boat rides to birdwatching, riverfront dining, and professionally guided safaris into the adjacent tiger reserve.
3. Svasara Jungle Lodge, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve – Maharashtra
Just minutes away from the Kolara Gate of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Svasara Jungle Lodge offers environmentally sensitive luxury combined with robust wildlife experiences. The lodge comprises ten stylish cottages built to blend into the surroundings without harming the native flora.
The lodge is committed to eliminating plastic use and managing waste through composting and upcycling. Naturalists and trackers employed by the lodge are extensively trained and often come from the local community, reinforcing its sustainable ethos.
Daily safaris into Tadoba’s dense sal and bamboo forests offer opportunities to witness Bengal tigers, sloth bears, wild dogs, and over 250 bird species.
4. Forsyth Lodge, Satpura Tiger Reserve – Madhya Pradesh
Forsyth Lodge is an exemplary eco-stay for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the forest. Unlike many tiger reserves that emphasize jeep safaris, Satpura offers alternatives such as walking safaris, canoeing, and night safaris, unique in the Indian context. Forsyth Lodge embraces these options fully, encouraging visitors to see the forest from ground level.
The lodge features earth-walled cottages designed to maintain thermal comfort without air-conditioning. It uses solar energy, bio-toilets, and low-water landscaping. The staff is trained in wildlife ethics, and several members contribute to ongoing biodiversity research in the region.
Forsyth is ideal for birders, herping enthusiasts, and those interested in conservation-based travel.
5. The Machan, Lonavala – Maharashtra
Situated in a private forest near Lonavala in the Western Ghats, The Machan offers treehouse-style accommodations suspended above the forest canopy. It is completely off-grid, relying on renewable energy sources and eco-friendly construction.
Each treehouse is crafted from recycled materials and equipped with natural lighting and water-efficient fixtures. The property uses composting, organic waste management, and has maintained a zero-plastic policy since inception.
The Machan is perfect for a quiet retreat amidst dense foliage, with opportunities for trekking, forest bathing, and nature meditation. It appeals to those seeking tranquility along with a strong ecological commitment.
6. Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad – Kerala
Banasura Hill Resort is perhaps India’s most famous rammed-earth resort. Located at the base of the Banasura Hills, it is constructed almost entirely from mud and other sustainable materials sourced on-site. The natural design ensures insulation and energy efficiency without needing artificial air conditioning or heating.
The resort supports organic farming, uses rainwater harvesting systems, and collaborates with local tribal communities for cultural engagement. The surrounding Wayanad forests are rich in birdlife, small mammals, and herbal plants, offering a complete wellness and nature immersion.
Trekking to Banasura Peak or visiting the nearby Banasura Sagar Dam are popular activities for guests.
7. Jungle Retreat, Masinagudi – Tamil Nadu
Located at the confluence of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Bandipur National Park, Jungle Retreat is a family-run haven for nature lovers. The property is unfenced, allowing free movement of wildlife. Guests frequently spot elephants, gaurs, wild boars, and deer within the property grounds.
Cottages are simple yet elegant, with design choices that minimize construction impact. The retreat operates on solar water heaters, avoids chemical-based cleaning agents, and sources most ingredients from local farms.
It stands out for its immersive wildlife education, with passionate naturalists leading night walks, reptile identification treks, and conservation talks under the stars.
8. Mary Budden Estate, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Uttarakhand
This restored heritage estate offers an unmatched blend of solitude, heritage, and wilderness. Tucked deep within Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the estate features restored colonial cottages with stone fireplaces, handwoven textiles, and mountain views.
Mary Budden Estate champions sustainability through solar energy, organic gardens, and zero-plastic policy. The estate supports Binsar’s forest conservation and works with women’s self-help groups in the region.
Visitors can explore ancient temples, go birdwatching in Himalayan oak forests, and walk through cloud-covered trails that seem untouched by time.
9. Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga National Park – Assam
Diphlu River Lodge is a model example of integrating eco-tourism with local livelihoods and wildlife conservation. Located just outside Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, the lodge is built entirely of natural materials like bamboo, wood, and thatch.
Perched along the Diphlu River, its cottages are raised on stilts, giving panoramic views of both the river and the forest. The lodge runs on solar lighting, uses organic produce, and provides employment and training to villagers from nearby communities.
Guests can enjoy safaris, river cruises, village walks, and traditional Assamese cuisine served on banana leaves.
10. Shergarh Tented Camp, Kanha National Park – Madhya Pradesh
Shergarh Tented Camp offers a luxurious yet grounded experience of the Kanha forest. The camp consists of spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, set around a serene waterbody. Solar heating, waste composting, and a plastic-free policy underline the camp’s green philosophy.
Shergarh prides itself on its personal approach. Safaris are conducted in coordination with local guides and are limited to small groups to reduce disturbance. The lodge also supports education initiatives in nearby villages and is involved in forest corridor conservation.
Guests can relax by the lake, take cycling tours, or engage with researchers working on the ground.
Planning a Stay: What to Know Before You Book
When considering an eco-stay, it’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure that your choice is truly sustainable and not just marketing-driven. Look for certifications such as those from the Ecotourism Society of India or Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Read traveler reviews that speak to the resort’s practices, and ask the management about their specific efforts toward sustainability.
Also, understand that true eco-stays may not offer all conventional luxuries. Air conditioning, televisions, or 24-hour Wi-Fi may be absent, but in return, you gain access to something far more valuable: silence, clean air, and meaningful connection with nature.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Travel That Gives Back
Eco-stays and jungle resorts represent more than just a vacation choice, they symbolize a way of life. They remind us that we can enjoy the world’s beauty without exploiting it, and that travel can be regenerative, not just extractive. By choosing such places, you support a global movement toward sustainable tourism and contribute directly to the conservation of endangered species, the protection of ecosystems, and the empowerment of local people.
As you plan your next getaway, consider booking one of these exceptional stays. In doing so, you become part of a travel narrative where every footstep is light, every encounter meaningful, and every moment in harmony with the Earth.
