LOCAL ODYSSEY

Journalist turned eco-entrepreneur, Sanjay Austa, sought refuge in the hills to evade Delhi’s pollution. He then restored his grandfather’s old Himachali house and turned it into a homestay— MeenaBagh Ratnari—in the middle of a Permaculture farm. The entrepreneur talks about the signifi cance of offering travel experiences in nature and upholding local culture.

- Pooja Naik

DESPITE MAKING Delhi my home, my heart always yearned for the quietude of nature. The increasing pollution in the capital became a strong nudge to return to the mountains. For someone like me, hailing from the hills, Delhi can be a harsh contrast. My journey in journalism and photography led me to venture into eco-tourism.

Humble Beginnings 

As a journalist, my travels took me across India and around the globe. I encountered some truly fascinating lodgings. It was only when I turned inwards and began exploring places like mine, did I realise the beauty of my homeland. It struck me, why not create something similar here? Thus, I embarked on the restoration of my grandfather’s old Himachali house in the hills, transforming it into a charming farm stay. The future of homestays shines bright, provided they offer something distinct, something special that regular hotels cannot replicate.

One standout experience was in Lapland, where I noticed that the log cabin that I stayed in remained wonderfully warm with minimal heating. It was all thanks to effective insulation. This inspired me to ensure that the homes I build in the hills are equally well-insulated. As a result, our properties require very little heating even during the coldest winter months.

Sustainability Made Local