India’s Top 5 Sustainable Homestays for Peaceful Getaways & Dreamy Vacations

As 2024 comes to an end, eco-friendly travel has solidified its status as the guiding principle for contemporary travelers, with homestays central to this environmentally conscious trend. From foggy mountains to expansive tea plantations and serene riverbanks, these sustainable getaways have turned into havens for travelers looking for genuine bonds with nature and a deeper approach to discovering the planet. This year, homestays have revolutionized the travel experience and have also promoted local cultures and environmentally friendly living as never seen before.

Here are 10 amazing eco-friendly homestays in India, each featuring an intriguing narrative and a dedication to protecting the environment.

Medini Homestay, Kaziranga National Reserve, Assam

Nestled close to the renowned Kaziranga National Park, Medini Homestay was conceived by Champak Deka and his spouse, Anna Louise Meynell. It was established as a refuge for environmentally aware travelers keen to discover Assam’s lively wildlife and heritage. The estate emphasizes natural materials, solar power, and organic produce. Medini also invites visitors to engage with local communities and experience Assamese customs. Moreover, Anna has established a weaving studio that has ignited discussions about handcrafted textiles. You can also observe their methods for producing cruelty-free silk.

Aashraya by the Ganga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

“Perhaps my true desire is to be close to the river.” Conceived from Depi Chaudhry’s desire to reside close to nature, Aashraya on the Ganga merges serenity with sustainability. Located 45 km from Rishikesh, this sustainable getaway boasts solar-powered cabins enveloped by more than a thousand trees. The homestay represents sustainability, with food waste composted in merely five days and recycled water supporting thriving gardens. The cottages, named after tributaries of rivers, serve as a sincere homage to Depi’s daughters. A picturesque 2.2 km hike takes you to this refuge where nature, elegance, and sustainability meet.

Avabodha, Panchgani, Maharashtra

This charming homestay in Panchgani is managed by an energetic mother-daughter pair, Alka Shesha and Prachi Chaphekar. They have turned their riverside property into a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, featuring solar energy, organic agriculture, and rainwater collection at the heart of their activities. Visitors can relish stunning sunsets, delicious organic cuisine, and peaceful riverside strolls by the Krishna River. “This is a great spot to reconnect with your true self,” Alka states.

. O’land Plantation Accommodation, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Nestled in the tranquil Nilgiris, O’land Plantation Stay is a 120-acre eco-retreat established by Vinati and Pavan Sukhdev. Showcasing bungalows constructed from eco-friendly materials such as CSEB blocks and solar panels, this property combines colonial elegance with contemporary amenities. Visitors can visit tea estates, enjoy tea-tasting experiences, and observe unique wildlife, such as the Great Indian Hornbill. “Tourism can be accountable,” states Vinati, emphasizing the philosophy of this sanctuary that protects the area’s ecosystem. A trip to this place offers a chance to unwind, reestablish connections, and gently interact with the Earth.

Muthunandhini Palace, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Perched in the serene hills of Pothayadi village, Muthunandhini Palace is a harmonious blend of Tamil, Venad, and Chettinad architecture, designed by Rajchandar Padmanaban and his wife, Naga Jeyalakshmi. This eco-friendly homestay features over 100-year-old artefacts, 50 upcycled antique windows, and natural cooling systems thanks to its mud and clay construction. Sustainability shines through practices like composting, organic gardening, rainwater harvesting, and the use of eco-friendly Athangudi tiles. “We wanted to make the very roots of our home eco-friendly,” shares Rajchandar. Guests are treated to authentic meals, cultural heritage, and a home that feels like their own.