GREEN GETAWAYS

Advocates of responsible travel, Anita and Mandip Singh Soin, pick India’s top 10 sustainability-focused retreats that are welcoming visitors now

- Anita and Mandip Singh Soin

THE KUMAON UTTARAKHAND

Vikrom Mathur planned on building his own home near Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and first regenerated the denuded land. The 10-suite hotel takes inspiration from Geoffrey Bawa’s tropical modernism. The minimalist design uses locally sourced stone, ash brick, and pine. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems reduce the strain on the region’s water resources. Also, indigenous trees have been planted as they are vital for healthy biodiversity. Doubles from ₹16,500; thekumaon.com

EVOLVE BACK KAMALAPURA PALACE HAMPI

Aesthetic and eco sensibilities blend well at this regal Karnataka retreat. Twenty-five percent of the area was left wild to regenerate naturally. There’s a biogas plant to manage biodegradable waste, a sewage treatment facility to recycle water for the gardens, and an RO water filter in each room, which means no disposable water bottles. The resort harnesses wind and solar power. Most of the staff is local and the group has even adopted a school. Doubles from ₹ 25,000; evolveback.com

DEV SHREE DEOGARH RAJASTHAN

The highlight of the Dev Shree experience is the hospitality of Bhawna and Shatrunjai Singh Chundawat, who will accompany you on your excursions—from bike trips to the nearby village to a ride on the meter gauge train down the Aravallis. Much of the produce at this eight-room luxury homestay comes from the kitchen garden and the property’s farms, which are irrigated through the rainwater harvesting system. The family has also built a school here. Doubles from ₹ 30,000; devshreedeogarh.com

NEERALAYA KULLU