# Allergies: An approach by the lodging property to take care of people with chemical sensitivities

and allergies to airborne particles that also reside in carpets, drapes, and bedding. The issue of
allowing pets is of concern here too.

# Alternative Energy: Renewable energy sources, such as biomass, small hydro, solar, wind,
geothermal, tidal energy and photovoltaic conversion systems. It excludes fossil fuels.

# Bonus: This indicates the property took more environmental steps than just the ones on the list.
These steps can be found in the Comment field. We will share that additional information in the
Comments Field.

# Bulk Soap and Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion provided in the guestrooms
from a bulk dispenser rather than in individual packages. This approach saves time and money
for the lodging property and natural resources and landfill contributions by cutting down on the
packaging.

# Comments: This is a field we use for sharing the pros and cons of a property. As mentioned in
Bonus, you'll find mention of environmental steps above and beyond the issues we chose to look
at. This is also where we share observations that we feel could negatively affect your stay.

# Compostable Disposables: Sometimes the use of disposable service items can't be avoided. In
those cases we want to give credit to the properties that choose disposable items, like paper
napkins and corn-based plastic, that are biodegradable.

# Composting: A biological decomposition of solid organic materials by bacteria, fungi, and other
organisms into a soil-like product that can be used to enrich garden soils . This enrichment not
only nourishes the soil but also helps increase moisture retention and thus decrease the need for
additional watering.

# Conference Center: This data is included so that conference planners can find green hotels with
meeting capacity. We suggest that conference planners also stress a green approach to the
conference facility so it's not just the guestrooms that are approached with environmental
sensitivity.

# Cotton Towels and Linens: Cotton products don't add VOCs to the air, thus helping air quality in
guestrooms where they are used. Towels and linens that are a blend of cotton and synthetic
fabrics aren't sustainable because of their reliance on petrochemicals. Organic cotton is even
better because of their non-use of petrochemicals.

# Donating to Charity: One often overlooked aspect of recycling is what to do with sheets, towels,
table linens, furniture, carpeting, window coverings, appliances, bedspreads, etc that aren't
useable or useful to the property any longer. Selling or donating them to others is a great way to
have the goods reused and keep the items out of the landfill. Food scraps can be donated to
farmers while buffet leftovers can be given to shelters or farmers. What can't be given away can
be composted.

# Durable Service Items: Dishes, cups, glasses, mugs, tableware, and serving pieces that are
long-lasting, not disposable.

# Eco-friendly Food Served: Offering food that's been grown in a manner sensitive to its natural
habitat for preserving wildlife and other plants, organically grown and raised, or local and thus
freshly "harvested".

# Educate Guests About "Green": Teaching people looking at their website or staying at their
property about the green actions they take and why those actions are important, as well as
encouraging others to take their own green actions.
# Educate Staff About "Green": Teaching people working at their property about the green actions
the property takes, why those actions are important, why the staff needs to support the program,
as well as encouraging staff to take their own green actions.

# Energy Conservation: Reducing the amount of energy used, for example, through the use of
energy efficient lighting and appliances, turning off lights and appliances when not in use and
using insulation and weather stripping. This may also be referred to as energy efficiency. It is
possible to dramatically reduce energy consumption for powering our homes and buildings (and
cars) without major sacrifices. This lessens our dependency on non-renewable resources and
reduce the costs connected with excessive energy use.

# Environmental Cleaning: Approaching housekeeping and laundry from the perspective of not
using harsh or harmful-to-people chemicals or cleaning styles. That includes not using perfumed
or scented laundry supplies, carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies, or air fresheners.

# Fitness Club: In this use we specifically are referring to a room of weight and resistance
machines for guests to use to maintain their health and fitness regime.

# Fresh Air: Guestrooms that either have windows that open or are part of a fresh-air exchange
system within the hotel. Fresh air, even in cities, is healthier than the musty, stale air of closed-up
rooms.

# Gray Water Recycling: Gray water is wastewater composed of wash water from the kitchen,
bathrooms sinks and showers/tubs, laundry sinks and tubs, and washing machines (clothes and
dish) where only non-polluting, biodegradable soaps are used. Recycling this water is done via
using it to water gardens and landscaping and as it filters through the soil on its way to ground
and subterranean water sources it is cleaned. Using it on the gardens and landscaping reduces
the amount of fresh water needed for that purpose.

# Guestroom Recycle Bins: Special containers placed in guestrooms so they can put their
recyclable items there, rather than in the trash. This approach can teach a hotel's guests about
the ease and benefit of recycling, and makes it easier for a hotel to sort recyclable items.

# Hotel Recycle Bins: Special containers placed around the property guests can put their
recyclable items there, rather than in the trash. This approach can teach a hotel's guests about
the ease and benefit of recycling, and makes it easier for a hotel to sort recyclable items.

# Internet: High speed internet access in the guestrooms. A hotel may have high speed internet
access in the business center, common areas, or conference rooms without having it in the
guestrooms. A guestroom may have dial-up internet too. We are only acknowledging high speed
internet access in the guestrooms.

# Maintenance for Conservation: A hotel's approach to their green program can be replacing old,
wasteful fixtures (light bulbs, old toilets that use lots of water in their flushing, old shower heads
and faucets that allow more than 2 gallons/minutes through) and appliances (like refrigerator and
freezers, ice machines, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners, furnaces/heaters, and
computers) as they break or wear out, with new efficient fixtures and appliances.

# Newspaper Program: We feel that newspapers shouldn't be delivered to every guest in the
hotel because it is such a waste of paper and resources. Instead, newspapers should be
available to those who want them, either free or at a reduced price, thus saving resources and
landfills.

# Non-Smoking Rooms: Guestrooms guaranteed to be safe from the pollution of smoking. Some
hotels have either entire floors that are non-smoking or are completely non-smoking. Once a
room has been smoked in, it's very difficult to clean it enough to get rid of the odor that so many
people are sensitive to.

# Organic Food Served: Organic food has been grown without the application of pesticides or
fertilizers. Plant nourishment comes from the use of compost. Pest protection comes from
growing healthy plants, companion planting, and natural pest controls like beneficial insects.

# Participate in Green Programs: Properties that either are involved in a certification program or
have a membership in a green program get acknowledged here. There is no guarantee that the
property is taking green action just because they are a member of a green association, but we
hope their membership is an indication of some green action. We have also learned from
experience that involvement in a certification program doesn t guarantee as much green action as
indicated by the program. We are hoping this site changes that and encourages more
compliance.

# Promote "green" in Their PR: Properties that at the very least mention their green focus are
acknowledged here. We have found it sad to see the number of properties that don't share their
green actions via their website and hope to see that change with time.

# Recyclable Disposables: We feel that foam products -- cups, bowls, plates, and clam-shell
boxes -- not only consume petrochemicals in their production but also aren't recyclable, and they
fill landfills with materials that will be around for hundreds of years. Some of the same plastic
products also don't degrade in landfills and consume precious non-renewable resources in their
manufacture. There are recyclable disposable products that we encourage the use of instead.

# Review: As featured hotels are visited and reviews submitted, they'll be posted here. They'll
also be posted at our environmental education sister site, ECOnomically Sound.

# Sheet Re-use Program: Different hotels have different names for this, but it's a way of reducing
the water and energy consumption involved in washing sheets daily. Sometimes the hotel states
they wash sheets at a specific interval, unless requested for more frequent changes, and
sometimes the hotel lets the guests request a less frequent than daily sheet change. Either way,
when housekeeping complies with the "rule" it saves on resources, time, and wear and tear on
the sheets.

# Towel Re-use Program: Different hotels have different names for this, but it's a way of reducing
the water and energy consumption involved in washing towels daily. Sometimes the hotel states
they wash towels at a specific interval, unless requested for more frequent changes, and
sometimes the hotel lets the guests request a less frequent than daily towel change. Either way,
when housekeeping complies with the "rule" it saves on resources, time, and wear and tear on
the towels.

# Transportation: Some properties offer free transportation within its grounds, between the
property and town, or within town (when the property is located in a town/city). It's a service that
can reduce air pollution and fuel consumption by increasing the efficiency of moving guests
around. And when the property uses a vehicle that runs on alternative fuels it's very conserving
and efficient.

# Water Conservation: The practice of reducing water usage. Water use reduction methods range
from more efficient practices to capturing water for use through water storage or conservation
projects. More efficient practices include using low-flow toilets and waterless urinals, shower
heads, and faucets; washing sheets and towels less frequently (though of course between
guests); planting xeric gardens -- using native plants that don't require much additional water
beyond what falls from the sky; and gray water recycling systems.

# Xeric Gardens: Xeriscape is a coined word derived from the Greek 'Xeros', meaning dry. It is
used to describe landscaping with water conservation as a major objective. It often is also
accomplished by using plants native to the region. A xeric garden is an attractive, sustainable
landscape that conserves water and is based on sound horticultural practices.Green Partnership
Program

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was founded on an enduring connection to the land and communities
where we do business. In 1990, our Canadian hotels pioneered the Green Partnership program—
a comprehensive commitment to minimizing our hotels’ impact on the planet, which was
accompanied by a guidebook on sustainable best practices in the lodging industry. This green
philosophy has grown to become a core value of our company.

The Fairmont Green Partnership program allows us to meet and exceed guest expectations of
operational sustainability. It focuses on improvements in waste management, sustainability, and
energy and water conservation at our properties, and innovative community outreach programs
involving local groups and partnerships.

Through operational improvements, environmental benefits are realized, often through reduced
utilities consumption and best practices. Our sustainability efforts encompass everything from
recycling and organic waste diversion in the hotel’s kitchens to retrofitting energy-efficient lighting.
They also include such activities as redistribution of household goods and food to those in need,
purchasing green power and employing sustainable energy technology.

Our joint hotel and community projects—known as Eco-Innovation signature projects—are

designed to concentrate our efforts to “think globally and act locally.” These projects offer unique
travel experiences that encourage guest interaction and learning; examples include clean air
awareness in California, coral reef protection in Hawaii, and international efforts in the
conservation of endangered species, such as North Atlantic right whales, peregrine falcons and
sea turtles. We are also involved in efforts to address deforestation and river conservation, as
well as green space and trail development.

Fairmont also believes in sharing the stewardship message. We continue to work with partners
and associations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (ENERGY STAR®
program), the Hotel Association of Canada (Green Key Eco-Rating Program) and the Pembina
Institute for Appropriate Development. Most recently, Fairmont has joined the World Heritage
Alliance, an industry-leading initiative that was jointly formed by Expedia® and the United Nations
Foundation to promote sustainable tourism and awareness of World Heritage sites and
communities. Beyond highlighting our commitment to the environment, these affiliations help
promote unique Fairmont eco-experiences and share Fairmont’s vision as we strive towards
sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices.

With over 50 distinctive hotels and 23,000 hotel rooms around the globe, Fairmont continues to
lead by example with innovative programs and an unwavering commitment to expanding its
Green Partnership. Under the leadership of their corporate environmental affairs division and
hotel-based Green Teams, 26,000 Fairmont employees have become environmental
ambassadors, helping protect the habitat, resources and culture of the places where we, and our
guests, work, live and play.

let the clean economy begin

“Reducing your carbon footprint is not only achievable, it’s inspiring.”

FOLLOW THE LEADERS HERE

green meeting options

The Eco-Meet program helps meeting planners by providing a meeting structure that encourages
maximum waste diversion and environmental awareness for conference delegates. Eco-Meet
consists of options that can be tailored to the individual needs of the client; they can meet their
environmental goals while choosing how “green” they want to go. There are four main
components of Eco-Meet: Eco-Accommodation, Eco-Cuisine, Eco-Service, and Eco-
Programming.
LEARN MORE

Download our Green Partnership Brochure

Click here to view our Environmental Policy

Eco-Friendly Practices
From design to equipment, all Red Fox Hotels attempt to maximize use of environmentally
friendly principles and practices. These include:
Power & Fuel

* Natural Lighting
Reduces power consumption dramatically
* CFL Lighting
Provides as much light as a conventional bulb yet consumes far less energy
* Key Tag Energy Saver System
Conserves energy in unoccupied rooms
* Double Glazed Vacuum Sealed Windows
Conserves energy and reduces noise
* Auto Time Management for Lighting, Air-conditioning and Ventilation Fans
Conserves energy
* Energy-Efficient Hydro-Pneumatic System for Water Supply
Ensures constant pressure and reduces load on pumps
* LT Voltage Stabilizer for Energy Saving
Prevents damage to equipment due to sudden power fluctuations
* Thermal Insulation
Increases room comfort and conserves energy

Water Conservation

* Aerators/Flow Restrictors
Maintains water force and yet reduces outflow, hence saving water
* Rain Water Harvesting
Protects and replenishes water table
* Auto Flush For Public Urinals
Minimizes water wastage

Waste Management

* Sewage Treatment
Prevents pollution

Noise Pollution Management

* Double Glazed Vacuum Sealed Windows

Reduces external noise level below 50 decibels
* Environmental Seals
Prevents entry of noise and smoke (in case of fire) into the room
* Noiseless Generators
 Acoustically insulated, the sound level is dampened to a minimal level

Interiors

* Rubber Wood and Particle Board

Helps save trees

Operational Practices

* Laundry
Cloth bags instead of plastic
* Recycled Garbage Bags
Bio-degradable
* Pencils
Not plastic pens

Why Environmentally Friendly Hotels

Environmentally friendly hotels not only save money for the owner/manager, but also resources
for the world, while at the same time letting their guests continue doing good things for the
environment. Many guests will be attracted to the green hotel just because it is taking
environmentally friendly steps. Whether it's water or energy conservation, recycling, or reducing
the consumption of natural resources through bulk amenities and newspaper programs, a positive
impact can be made through simple steps.

People who consider themselves very "environmentally aware" take special care to at least
conserve water and energy, and to recycle. But when they travel, many of these same people
either leave their environmentalism at home or figure they just have to put up with extreme waste
in hotels. It doesn't have to be that way. I challenge you to take your environmental action on the
road with you, and to not accept hotel waste anymore.

It's getting easier to support environmental practices when you travel, but not all hotels haven't
caught on or are not up-to-speed yet. Be sure to first look for "green" hotels for your lodging
options. Participate in any "green practices", like towel and sheet reuse programs, recycling, and
energy conservation (turning your lights and TV off when you aren't in the room), that the hotel
offers. Be as conserving on the road as you are at home.

There are numerous names for green lodging, including green hotels, ecolodges, and sustainable
tourism (conserving both the environment and the culture or social aspects of an area, having a
low impact on both). The best place to start your green hotel research is online, starting with the
website Environmentally Friendly Hotels, and then using the search engines, where the best term
to use is "environmentally friendly hotels". Don't let the various terms confuse you or put you off,
because people have different focuses in their environmental actions, and the name often reflects
the focus of each specific hotel. The bottom line is the same, though: these properties are
interested in preserving their environment, both social and natural.

Green Seal, an organization that certifies the environmental practices of a variety of businesses,
conducted a survey a few years ago and found an average 150-room hotel consumes in one
week as much as 100 4-person households do in one year. That's a lot of consumption and
waste! Some of the reasons that go into the increased consumption are:
* houses are "off" during the night and sometimes during large portions of the day while hotels
are "on" 24/7, with lights, climate control, etc.
* people in households are aware of the cost of rampant water and energy use, so do some self-
monitoring and conserving, while people often don't worry so much about resource consumption
when they are at hotels
* soap, shampoo, lotion, and food items can be reused by the family until they are consumed,
while hotels have a one-use policy (for which you are grateful)
* houses often are sized to fit the number of regular inhabitants while hotels are sized to fit more
than the number of regular inhabitants, causing unused space to be built and heated/cooled

The problem with hotels' approaches to resource consumption is that thinking tends to go no
further than "today". While guests (like you) are being pampered or taken care of, precious, non-
renewable resources are being consumed at an alarming rate. That consumption not only
impacts the quality of the air you breathe and the water you drink today, it also takes resources
from the future. What does that mean for the future of our children?

Another issue to consider is that of natural habitats. Cutting a forest down, or digging a prairie up,
to build a resort means the local ecosystem has been destroyed, impacting animals, air, water,
and even future vegetation. Building a hotel in the middle of the desert causes resources that
aren't naturally there to be piped in, again changing the environment. These changes impact not
only the local environment, but even the worldwide environment. Can we afford to keep doing
that?

You can contribute to waste reduction in the hospitality industry by first booking your hotel nights
at green hotels. If you can't find a green hotel it might be because they don't promote their
environmental actions, so further research may help you find one. Learn to ask hotels what green
steps they take, and be prepared to prompt them with suggestions like a sheet/towel reuse
program, bulk bathroom amenities, recycling, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. If they don't
have such programs, encourage them to create one -- and if you don't stay there, tell them why.

If you still can't find a green hotel, create your own green program by conscientiously turning
lights off you aren't using, especially when you leave the room, using your own shampoo and
soap rather than their individual supplies, and refuse housekeeping services so your sheets and
towels won't get changed daily. And while at the hotel, tell management how important
environmental action is to you so they hear the message and start planning for a green program.
Consider also writing to the hotel owner/manager to express the same ideas, understanding that
sometimes the written word is more powerful than the spoken word.

There are some "green" hotels that offer sheet and towel reuse programs where the request isn't
honored. When you find your sheets and towels changed after requesting they not be, speak to
management about it. If the problem persists, start telling housekeeping not to come into your
room anymore, and write a complaint to management about your experience. Change won't
happen if we stay quiet, so speak up -- and loudly.

Seeing different areas of the country and the world is a wonderful experience. You and the
people you meet are better for the exchange. That's the kind of exchange that makes tourism
valuable. But ruining the surroundings of a tourist location is counterproductive. To keep tourism
from being detrimental, we all need to pitch in and reduce waste.
team Members
"Do not walk Behind me , for I cannot see you ; Do not walk in front of me, for I cannot lead; Walk
beside me, and be my friend."

Team Members:
Every member of The Orchid team from the Managing Director down to the newest recruit has a
total commitment towards being environmentally responsible. At the recruitment stage we select
those individuals who have the drive in them or showed concern and care for the environment.

Environment education, in fact starts from the very first day the team members join The Orchid.
They go through an intensive one week training programme, wherein they are educated to
understand the importance of the environment to not only their livelihood but also to the future of
the world. The team members are on a six-month probation on successful completion of only are
they confirmed. In our annual appraisal forms too we have a separate section dedicated towards
this.

We have monthly activities for our team members in which they can participate. To mention a few
- quizzes, slogan competitions, sketching & drawing competitions, Eco-Skits, on the spot surprise
quizzes, clean-up drives, etc.

The team members actively participate in programmes and activities organised for the community
to spread and create the awareness of being environmentally responsible.

We have a Green Team in the hotel, which acts as the Green Eyes of the hotel. It comprises of
Two members from each department, who are nominated by their respective departmental
heads. Besides assisting in the various programmes, they implement and audit the environment
practices in their respective departments. They are also empowered to conduct training classes in
their areas and go on inspection to various departments. With the help of the Green Team, not
only is wastage in our hotel, kept to a bare minimum, but also every employee is kept well-aware
of his/her environmental commitments.

Incentives:
Team members participating in any environment activities are given a gift for the efforts made by
them e.g. as an incentive for the clean up drive all those who participated were given a T-shirt
with an environment slogan. For the other ongoing competitions (mentioned above) winners are
given momento's and on other such occasion's cash rewards are also given. The Orchid also
gives each of its team members a cloth bag as an alternative to using plastic bags. The more
dedicated the team member, the more chance he has of being included into the Green Team of
the hotel & being made a Green Team member. They are also given a chance to represent the
hotel at various seminars and events organised by the hotel and/or in which the hotel is
participating. It is not only the team members, but also the executives and heads of departments
who show enthusiasm, involvement and commitment towards our environmental causes.
The Following Statistics were Revealed in a Recent Environment Survey carried out at the Hotel:
37% team members' felt that Recycling is the most important and visible programme in our hotel.
98% of our team members have environment practices at home.
65% were willing to volunteer 1 hour per week, unpaid, to help make the hotel more environment
friendly.
94% team members would like to be involved in an environment, nature or conservation
organisation in their free time.
99% would like to see the environmental sensitivity of the hotel to improve further.
99% are willing to make changes in the way they work, if the changes make the hotel more
environmentally sound

10 Enticing Eco Friendly Hotels in India

Top Places to Enjoy an Eco Friendly Stay in India

By Sharell Cook, About.com Guide

See More About:

* eco-tourism in india
* homestays in india
* hotels in india
* mountains in india
* nature in india
The concept of eco friendly tourism is growing in India. Nowadays, India has eco friendly hotels to
suit all interests. There are luxury tented accommodations, homestays, eco villages, and nature
resorts. Not only do these places offer a refreshing approach to tourism, they're located in some
of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of India. Many of them also offer unique local activities
that you won't find elsewhere. It's a fabulous way of experiencing India at its natural best!

Here are 10 top India eco friendly hotels.

1. Shergarh Tented Camp, Kanha National Park
""Tom Brakefield/Getty Images

What better way to visit the jungle than to stay in exclusive tented accommodations on the fringe
of Kanha National Park. Shergarh has six well spaced "tents", each with a large front porch,
attached bathroom and hot water. It's run by a naturalist, so you're assured of an authentic
experience. Open from August to May.

* Address: Kanha National Park (Mukki side), Village Bahmni, Madhya Pradesh. Ph:
(07637)226215.
* Price: 5,500-7,500 ($110-150) per person, inclusive of meals and activities (two safaris per
day, elephant rides etc).
* Eco Features: Responsible tourism by reducing waste, use of plastic, and impact on the
surrounding area. Meals prepared with home-grown vegetables, local produce and fish farmed
from the nearby lake. Local labor.

Visit Their Website

Sponsored Links

Holidays in Tuscany ItalyVillas Farmhouses Apartments High quality, splendid

locationwww.terretrusche.com

A great Key Largo HotelSunsets in Key Largo hotels are great in Florida
Keys.www.baysidekeylargo.com

Sidney Pier Hotel & SpaOceanfront hotel, spa, restaurant 10 minutes from Victoria
Airportwww.sidneypier.com
2. Annapara Home Stay, Wayanad Kerala
""Annapara Home Stay
If you love home cooked food and personalized service, all in a lush natural setting, Annapara is
for you! This delightful homestay has only five rooms, and provides an intimate opportunity to get
back to nature. There's a tea factory next door, and a wilderness trail that weaves through
sprawling tea & coffee plantations and a vast stretch of rainforest. In the evening, stargaze while
enjoying a bonfire and music. The food is traditional Kerala cuisine.

* Address: Vythri, Wayanad District, Kerala. Ph: (91)94430-23320.

* Price: $95 per couple per night, all meals included.
* Eco Features: Self generated electricity, water sourced from natural springs, recycled waste,
composting, negligible use of plastic, local labor and services.

Visit Their Website

3. Coconut Lagoon, Kerala Backwaters
""www.flickr.com user albany_tim

Coconut Lagoon, where water and history are the defining elements, is a CGH Earth property.
The beauty of Coconut Lagoon is that it's only accessible by boat, making it a wonderful escape
from the world. The stately resort beautifully captures the Kerala of old. Sunset cruises,
backwater cruises and Ayurvedic spa are some of the activities on offer.
 * Address: Eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom, Kerala. Ph: (0832)5623796.
* Price: Around $360 per night a double, for a bungalow. $440 for a mansion, and $700 for a
pool villa. Includes breakfast. Low season discounts possible.
* Eco Features: Conversion of waste into fuel, chemical free zone, use of vermiculture and
composting, organic farming, cows to eat the grass.

Compare Prices
4. Yoga Magic, Goa
""Yoga Magic Eco Retreat

As well as being eco friendly, Yoga Magic is one of the best boutique hotels in Goa. It has a
magical atmosphere, tucked away amidst coconut palms and rice paddy fields near Anjuna
beach. It aims to provide a relaxing experience that's as close to nature as possible. Open from
mid November to mid April each year.

* Address: 1586/1 Grand Chinvar, Anjuna, Bardez, North Goa. Ph: (0832)5623796.
* Price: around 6,000 rupees ($140) per night per tent and 7,500 rupees ($175) for the
Maharani suite, depending on the time of year. Weekly rates are available.
* Eco Features: Use of sustainable traditional materials: rammed earth, cow dung, stone,
bamboo and coconut. Solar power. Composting eco toilets. Off-site composting of all organic
waste.

Visit Their Website

5. Wildernest Nature Resort, Goa
""Sharell Cook

Wildernest is a wonderfully serene nature resort, set on over 450 acres of forest land on the Goa,
Maharastra and Karnataka state borders. Tranquility is in abundance there. The resort has 16
eco-friendly cottages, built in simple rustic style with wood paneling and tiled floors inside. Guests
can enjoy nature walks, bonfires, folk dances, and village excursions.

* Address: Swapnagandha, Off Sankhali, Chorla Ghats, Goa. Ph: (91-831)4207954.

* Price: Rates start from 3,800 rupees ($80) per night in the Summer/Monsoon season. Peak
season from 6,000 rupees ($120) per night. Includes all meals and activities.
* Eco Features: Constructed out of eco friendly materials, eco friendly washing and hair
products, no plastic, operates conservation programs.

Visit Their WebsiteRead Review

6. Mountain Trail, Mukteshwar
""Mountain Trail Mukteshwar

As its name suggests, Mountain Trail is situated amidst a thick mountainous forest and orchard,
around an hour east of Nainital. Mountain Trail has 10 charming cottage style rooms, with
attached bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including picnics, birdwatching,
jungle walks, and bonfires -- and fresh mountain air. There's also a library, children's play area,
and stunning sunset point on the ridge just behind the hotel.

* Address: Mukteshwar District, Nainital, Uttarakhand. Ph: (91-05942)286040.

* Price: 4,000 rupees ($80) per night for a double, including breakfast and dinner.
* Eco Features: 100% local labor & services, energy conservation, naturally sourced water,
recycled waste, organic garden, chemical free.

Visit Their Website

7. The Dune Eco Beach Village, Pondicherry
""The Dune Eco Beach Village
The Dune is a very interesting concept indeed. Situated on a sprawling 35 acre property, with a
beachfront location just north of Pondicherry, The Dune has 30 villas and 20 rooms. They're all
unique and themed. It's quite amazing. Arty types will love it! The Dune is fun, funky, and is home
to the Artists in Residence program as well. The property also has a Vedic Spa.

* Address: Pudhukuppam, Keelputhupet, (via Pondicherry University), Tamil Nadu. Ph: (91-
413)2655751.
* Price: Rates from 5,500 rupees ($110) per night for a double room, including tax and
breakfast. Air conditioned villas start from 11,950 rupees ($240) for a double.
* Eco Features: Solar heated water, reclaimed timbers, waste water treatment plant, organic
farm.

Compare Prices
8. Our Native Village, Bangalore
""Our Native Village

Have you ever wondered what life in an Indian village is like? You can get a taste of it at Our
Native Village, around one hour from Bangalore. Our Native Village is a fantastic place for a
family holiday with a difference! The resort offers a range of unique activities such as cow milking,
bullock cart rides, kite flying, bicycle riding, organic farming. Comforts aren't overlooked though.
The resort's Soul Spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate.

* Address: Survey 72, Kodihalli Village, Mudurai Hobli, Doddaballapur Taluk, Bangalore. Ph:
(91-80)41140909.
* Price: Packages from 10,300 rupees ($210) per night for a double, including meals.
* Eco Features: Renewable energy, eco construction, waste recycling, organic produce,
chemical free pool.

Visit Their Website

Sponsored Links

Cheap Hotels At TahoeKids 17 & Under Stay Free At Tahoe Inn. Make Your Reservation Today!
www.StaySF.com

Costa Rica Luxury HotelOceanfront Rooms Overlooking Private Beaches of Esterillos

Este.MontereyDelMar.com
9. Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad Kerala
""Banasura Hill Resort

Asia's largest "Earth" resort, Banasura is predominantly constructed from mud known as rammed
earth. Its 31 rooms are nestled on a 35 acre eco-friendly farm, surrounded by rich nature. Guests
can enjoy hiking through the countryside to visit waterfalls, caves, and a tribal village. The resort
also has a rejuventating Ayurvedic spa.

* Address: Vellamunda, Wayanad, Kerala. Ph: 91(4935) 277900/01/02/03/04.

* Price: Rates start from 6,000 rupees ($120) per night for a double, including breakfast.
* Eco Features: Constructed from mud and recycled wood. Natural light is exploited to the
fullest. CFL lamps minimize energy consumption. A bio-gas plant recycles organic waste and
fires the resort's kitchens.

Visit Their Website

10. The Orchid EcoTel
""Sharell Cook
It's possible to have an eco friendly stay in the city in India. The Orchid has two eco friendly luxury
hotels -- The Orchid Mumbai and The Orchid New Delhi. They are both conveniently located
close to the airport.
 * Address: Mumbai: Nehru Road, Vile Parle East, Next to Domestic Airport. Ph: (91-
22)26164040. Delhi: NH-8, near Indira Gandhi International Airport. Ph: (91-11)41511515.
* Price: Mumbai: from 9,000 rupees ($180) per night including breakfast, for a double. Delhi:
from 10,000 rupees ($200) per night, for a double.
* Eco Features: Energy conserving design, use of environmentally friendly materials, active
water and energy conservation measures, vermiculture to reduce waste, initiatives for guest
participation in conservation measures.