Sarai at Toria
As a hotel we are not a conservation organisation though we do also run a conservation trust supported by the. As a hotel we do conservation on our own property – keeping it as controlled wild landscape, without lawns and exotic plants, so maintaining a habitat for a variety of birds, insects, and small mammals. We have an organic garden using our own compost from wet waste and use benign products for cleaning that do not harm the surrounding environment. We interact in conservation through education with the local communities, especially with the younger generation. Guests are encouraged to take walks in the countryside and to the village and when appropriate to visit the local potters and a Madla village handicraft workshop.
To us wildlife conservation is but one aspect of living better in the world and does not stand alone. Without a fuller understanding of human’s impact, the question will be moot! Our foundational idea was to maintain as low a carbon footprint as possible both in the creation/building of the property and in the way we run it. The conventional 5 star “luxury” hotel is quite inappropriate for a rural area such as the one in which we are situated. We wanted a building appropriate to the local environment and one that would not alienate the local community with whom we wished to work. We built with local materials using vernacular knowledge for appropriate architecture for the area. Our cottages are built with mud which is breathable, maintains an even daily temperature and stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than more modern materials. We also only operate for a little over half the year, a fair weather property, so heavy energy use for air conditioners is not required. During our first few years we ran entirely on solar power and continue to maintain a very low energy load. We also understand the need for tourism to be regenerative and thus work towards improving the livelihoods and living environment of the community around us.
WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa
In wildlife corridors such as ours, guests must become active participants in conservation and responsible tourism practices. While our guided safaris and walks are an opportunity for guests to learn more about the local flora and fauna, and the need to maintain their delicate balance, we also encourage them to participate in community-oriented programs, such as cultural experiences and eco-tours, which promote awareness of local traditions and help sustain the cultural heritage of the region.
WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa
Known as the land of leopards, for over 150 years man and the leopard have lived in harmony in Jawa. However, while the leopard is the star attraction, there’s the crocodile, pink flamingoes enjoying the wetlands close to Jawai dam area, and many more flora and fauna. The prime ethos of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa is to provide a unique experience to guests comprising comfort, local flavor, wildlife, and wellness but in an ecologically sensitive manner, keeping this jewel of a region intact. Cheetahgarh is committed to being ecologically sensitive and all actions are designed to preserve the environment and the natural habitat of the wild. Spread across 20 acres, we have a lake built within the property premise for the birds, our boulders serve as resting spaces for the wild who venture out to the area, and our safaris, including night drives, are done in an extremely sensitive manner. Rewilding through plantation of trees is an ongoing project. Being part of the forest region, we have ensured that our structure, design and colors blend with the nature around us. While our primary activity at the destination is the Leopard and with a 99% sighting during a safari, we have always aimed at creating experiences beyond the safari in order to be more sustainable in the long run. We are TOFT certified.
In addition, we ensure our carbon footprint is minimised. Water is a scarce resource and largely recycled. Rainwater harvesting in the natural lake ensures that we have negative consumption of water and drip irrigation is also used to reduce wastage of water. We do not have any single-use plastic in the resort. All drinking water is served in glass bottles in the rooms and in the restaurant. Guest bathrooms we use dispensers for soap, shower gel etc. helping us stop use of any small plastic bottles. Any plastic which comes in packaging material of food products like lentils, spices etc is segregated and sent to agencies that use this to make recycled plastic non-food grade items. We have STP’s, water treatment plants and various other practices designed for conservation and the staff is be trained to fully comply with this ethos. All our food waste is recycled to create organic compost which is then used in our organic gardens as manure.
We work very closely with the local community – in keeping with our philosophy of showcasing Jawai beyond the leopard, we encourage our guests to sign up for our guided local visits to Rabari villages to understand their culture, music, food lifestyle etc. As far as possible local people have been hired for housekeeping, horticulture, security, kitchen stewards, safari drivers and guides etc. We also provide business opportunities to the locals for providing the resort with the supplies needed. We’ve been encouraging entrepreneurship in the region to sustain better growth for the destination. Also, all materials used within the resort are largely locally sourced.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hospitality Horizon’s Dec 2024-Jan 2025 issue here:
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