Eco-lodgings in 'God's own country'

The southern state of Kerala located on India's Malabar Coast has become an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years. Kerala is world renowned for its many tranquil resorts and retreats where the ancient system of health care called Ayurveda is practiced.

The state which is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West and the hillocks of the Western Ghats on the East has a long shoreline which is characterized by simmering sand beaches. Moreover verdant Kerala is irrigated by the waters of more than forty four rivers and is known for its lush landscape which is peppered with sprawling paddy fields, spice and rubber plantations and slow flowing picturesque backwaters. Such is the natural beauty of the state that it is often described as 'God's own country'.

Tourists are attracted to Kerala's slow pace of life and head out to jewel of south India for a peaceful relaxing vacation where they have a chance to kick back and enjoy nature. Though cities like Cochin, which is the capital of the state have a plethora of five star hotels to cater to the diverse needs of the international tourists who come to Kerala , in recent years 'homestays' offered  at  the homes of the local have  gained favor with  tourists who  wish to experience  authentic and distinctive 'Kerala' culture and cuisine.  Many people who reside in the state's various scenic districts have converted their historical Kerala homes called Tharvads and farms into tiny hotels which may have one or two guest rooms. Many of these lodgings are located on spice farms, as Kerala has been the epicenter for the production and trading of spices in India for centuries. Eco conservation on these farms is a way of life for many of these indigenous dwellings which have now been converted into tourist destinations.

Ecotourism  efforts at Pamba Heritage Villa

The Pamba Heritage Villa is located on the banks of the Pamba River in the district of Allepy. This river is the longest of the many rivers that flow through Kerala and it is considered to be a holy river. The Pamba Heritage Villa is a wooden mansion which is more than a century old and which has been handed down through generations of the descendants of a famous feudal family in Kerala, called the Kanjooparambil family.

This beautiful home is built on two acres of farm land which consists of lush paddy fields and banana and coconut plantations. The rooms which were used to store the paddy which was grown on the farm for the consumption of the owners in the years gone by , have now been converted into three well equipped guest rooms.

In the main compound of the Pamba Heritage Village, the owners grow a wide array of fruit trees and flowering and medicinal plants. The jack fruit, pomegranate, cocoa, coffee, mulberry, lemon and pepper vines all cultivated by using organic wastes as manure. The vegetables used in the delicious Kerala cuisine which is prepared for the guests by the owner's wife, Leelamma Thomas are also grown on the farm itself. The Pamba Heritage Villa has a rustic lure and harks back to a time when life was extremely simple, when you were sustained by all that  you could cultivate on your own farm.

Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge

The Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge is located in the district of Thekkady and is closed to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. The lodge was created by the management of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to aid the socio-economic needs of the local population and also to preserve the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge functions as a center for experimental learning. The dwellings at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge are constructed entirely of natural, sustainable materials like bamboo and grass. The aim of this eco development effort is to create a habitat in which man and nature can co-exist in harmony.

The exquisite Tiger reserve at which these eco development efforts are concentrated is spread over 777 sq km and is home to approximately forty Indian tigers, a species which is rapidly becoming extinct. The reserve also has  many other animals  like elephants, bison, Gaur, Samba , Barking and Mouse varieties of  deer ,  the Nilgiri langur( monkey), Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs, bears, porcupines, jackals, the Indian Giant Squirrel, the Malabar flying squirrel, wild boars, the small Indian Civet, the Indian Mongoose and the Pangolins. Further, more than 256 species of birds are found on this reserve which is a naturalist's heaven. In order to preserve this exquisite wild life sanctuary, several experimental learning and nature sensitization camps are also conducted by the management of the Reserve. Details of these various programs are available at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge.

The reserve management also organizes special nature walks and border treks which are specially designed for conservation of the reserve. These walks and treks are conducted by guides who are sourced from the local population of the area. While participating in these walks and treks visitors to the reserve can also avail of the eco lodging facilities available at Gavi, located within the environs of the reserve. In addition, the Eco Development committee of the Reserve also organizes village visits to the tribal villages so that visitors can get an insight to the life of these tribals. These walks too are conducted by local guides and help to generate employment in the local communities in accordance of the sustainable tourism goals of the eco-development program of the reserve.

Tree Houses and Eco Loges at Vythiri Resort

The Vythiri Resort is located in one of the greenest districts of Kerala, called Wayanad. The district of Wayanad can be found on an elevated, extremely picturesque mountainous plateau located in the Western Ghats. This lush verdant paradise is worlds away from Kerala's industrial and agricultural hubs and gives you the opportunity to be completely in sync with nature. The Vythiri Resort has unique eco–dwellings in the form of two types of tree houses which are built in the trees at a height of 100 ft above the ground.  One type of tree house can be accessed by climbing wooden steps while entrance to the other tree house can be accessed by a riding in a unique crane that works with the counter effect of water.

These tree houses are the modern adaptation of the tree houses which are indigenous of the area. The tree houses are called erumadams and these were used by the original tribal inhabitants of the area to track down wild animals. The modern tree houses which are equipped with modern amenities are made of biodegradable resources like bamboo which is a sustainable resource and are powered with solar energy.

These tree houses have been constructed by local craftsmen who have used the indigenous techniques which were used to construct these houses by the original inhabitants of the area. Apart from these tree houses the resort also has dwellings called Nigunjam Huts which have been built entirely out of biodegradable resources like mud, bamboo and palm leaves. Recreation activities at this resort which is located over 500 acres of lush verdant tropical rainforests include walks into the dense rain forest, bird watching and visits to the nearby spice farms. All these activities which are meant to entertain and educate the visitors have been designed to maintain and preserve the unique bio-diversity of this region

The Casino Group of Hotels - CGEarth

The Casino Group is one of the largest hotel groups located in Kerala which operates a number of eco friendly hotels under their CG Earth brand at various locations in Kerala. These hotels are the Spice Village( Thekkady), the Coconut Lagoon( Kumarakom) The Marari Beach ( Mararikulam)  Spice Coast  Cruises ( Vembanad) The Brunton Boatyard( Fort Kochi) Casino Hotel( W Island)  and the Bangaram Island Resort in the Lakshwadeep islands.

The mission statement of the group states that it wishes to educate its guests to respect the environment and to treat it and its extant human cultures with dignity and respect. All their hotels try to capture the very essence of the destination that they are located in. For instance, their Spice Village resort which is located in the heart of Kumily Village in the Cardamom hills has been constructed to resemble a tribal enclave in the midst of a spice garden. This was the way in which the original inhabitants of the village, the mannans constructed their cottages in the midst of the spice gardens which are located all along the hills.

In-house naturalists at the Spice Village have specially designed nature walks for guests to help them explore and discover various species of birds, plants and trees that grow in this region and the importance that they hold for the local community. On these walks visitors can also learn about the various conservation efforts of the resort. The resort uses natural lemon grass oil to control pests like fruit flies and it recycles its solid waste through the method of vermicomposting so the finished product is used as manure for the gardens located on the property.

Further the waste water generated through the operational activities of the resort is recycled by using a technique called   Rotating Biological Contactors technology (RBC) and the recycled water is used in the garden.

The Casino Group has developed a code of eco conduct for its guests which states:-

• Guests should try not to throw litter on the properties as the resorts are well equipped with garbage disposal units. Moreover guests should be cognizant of this no litter advice when they participate in the nature walks and treks that are organized by the in-house naturalists of the resort.

• Guests are encouraged to try and conserve their water usage. While the resorts are well equipped with water resources, the management believes it is prudent to be sensible about use of water and have equipped the guest rooms with placards advising them on various ways to conserve water during their stay.

• The visitors to the group's hotels and resorts are also encouraged to eat the local cuisine available at the resorts which is created using local produce and fresh seafood which is available in abundance in Kerala.

• Guests at the group's resorts located at various Kerala hideaways are also advised to avoid room service so that the natural peace and quiet of the resort is maintained and  not disturbed by staff bearing hampers and trays as a part of room service.

• Guests are also encouraged to travel light as the weather in Kerala necessitates only cool cotton clothing .Moreover the group states that heavy luggage is a drain of resources all along the chain, right from the time that you board your first flight to get to Kerala.

• The group runs its various properties as traditional village communities and encourages its guests to take active part in various operational activities on the organic farms located on most of the group's properties.  

.With its wide range of eco lodgings, the state of Kerala, located in South India is an ideal destination for someone who is keen to travel 'green' and make a difference through their travels and adventures.

Images of  Kerala's eco destinations originally posted on http://www.flickr.com by  anil R , Michael Foley Photography,mckaysavage,jared zimmerman,s.j.jagadeesh,skasuga.

Eco-lodgings in 'God's own country'

The southern state of Kerala located on India's Malabar Coast has become an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years. Kerala is world renowned for its many tranquil resorts and retreats where the ancient system of health care called Ayurveda is practiced.

The state which is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West and the hillocks of the Western Ghats on the East has a long shoreline which is characterized by simmering sand beaches. Moreover verdant Kerala is irrigated by the waters of more than forty four rivers and is known for its lush landscape which is peppered with sprawling paddy fields, spice and rubber plantations and slow flowing picturesque backwaters. Such is the natural beauty of the state that it is often described as 'God's own country'.

Tourists are attracted to Kerala's slow pace of life and head out to jewel of south India for a peaceful relaxing vacation where they have a chance to kick back and enjoy nature. Though cities like Cochin, which is the capital of the state have a plethora of five star hotels to cater to the diverse needs of the international tourists who come to Kerala , in recent years 'homestays' offered  at  the homes of the local have  gained favor with  tourists who  wish to experience  authentic and distinctive 'Kerala' culture and cuisine.  Many people who reside in the state's various scenic districts have converted their historical Kerala homes called Tharvads and farms into tiny hotels which may have one or two guest rooms. Many of these lodgings are located on spice farms, as Kerala has been the epicenter for the production and trading of spices in India for centuries. Eco conservation on these farms is a way of life for many of these indigenous dwellings which have now been converted into tourist destinations.

Ecotourism  efforts at Pamba Heritage Villa

The Pamba Heritage Villa is located on the banks of the Pamba River in the district of Allepy. This river is the longest of the many rivers that flow through Kerala and it is considered to be a holy river. The Pamba Heritage Villa is a wooden mansion which is more than a century old and which has been handed down through generations of the descendants of a famous feudal family in Kerala, called the Kanjooparambil family.

This beautiful home is built on two acres of farm land which consists of lush paddy fields and banana and coconut plantations. The rooms which were used to store the paddy which was grown on the farm for the consumption of the owners in the years gone by , have now been converted into three well equipped guest rooms.

In the main compound of the Pamba Heritage Village, the owners grow a wide array of fruit trees and flowering and medicinal plants. The jack fruit, pomegranate, cocoa, coffee, mulberry, lemon and pepper vines all cultivated by using organic wastes as manure. The vegetables used in the delicious Kerala cuisine which is prepared for the guests by the owner's wife, Leelamma Thomas are also grown on the farm itself. The Pamba Heritage Villa has a rustic lure and harks back to a time when life was extremely simple, when you were sustained by all that  you could cultivate on your own farm.

Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge

The Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge is located in the district of Thekkady and is closed to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. The lodge was created by the management of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to aid the socio-economic needs of the local population and also to preserve the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge functions as a center for experimental learning. The dwellings at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge are constructed entirely of natural, sustainable materials like bamboo and grass. The aim of this eco development effort is to create a habitat in which man and nature can co-exist in harmony.

The exquisite Tiger reserve at which these eco development efforts are concentrated is spread over 777 sq km and is home to approximately forty Indian tigers, a species which is rapidly becoming extinct. The reserve also has  many other animals  like elephants, bison, Gaur, Samba , Barking and Mouse varieties of  deer ,  the Nilgiri langur( monkey), Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs, bears, porcupines, jackals, the Indian Giant Squirrel, the Malabar flying squirrel, wild boars, the small Indian Civet, the Indian Mongoose and the Pangolins. Further, more than 256 species of birds are found on this reserve which is a naturalist's heaven. In order to preserve this exquisite wild life sanctuary, several experimental learning and nature sensitization camps are also conducted by the management of the Reserve. Details of these various programs are available at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge.

The reserve management also organizes special nature walks and border treks which are specially designed for conservation of the reserve. These walks and treks are conducted by guides who are sourced from the local population of the area. While participating in these walks and treks visitors to the reserve can also avail of the eco lodging facilities available at Gavi, located within the environs of the reserve. In addition, the Eco Development committee of the Reserve also organizes village visits to the tribal villages so that visitors can get an insight to the life of these tribals. These walks too are conducted by local guides and help to generate employment in the local communities in accordance of the sustainable tourism goals of the eco-development program of the reserve.

Tree Houses and Eco Loges at Vythiri Resort

The Vythiri Resort is located in one of the greenest districts of Kerala, called Wayanad. The district of Wayanad can be found on an elevated, extremely picturesque mountainous plateau located in the Western Ghats. This lush verdant paradise is worlds away from Kerala's industrial and agricultural hubs and gives you the opportunity to be completely in sync with nature. The Vythiri Resort has unique eco–dwellings in the form of two types of tree houses which are built in the trees at a height of 100 ft above the ground.  One type of tree house can be accessed by climbing wooden steps while entrance to the other tree house can be accessed by a riding in a unique crane that works with the counter effect of water.

These tree houses are the modern adaptation of the tree houses which are indigenous of the area. The tree houses are called erumadams and these were used by the original tribal inhabitants of the area to track down wild animals. The modern tree houses which are equipped with modern amenities are made of biodegradable resources like bamboo which is a sustainable resource and are powered with solar energy.

These tree houses have been constructed by local craftsmen who have used the indigenous techniques which were used to construct these houses by the original inhabitants of the area. Apart from these tree houses the resort also has dwellings called Nigunjam Huts which have been built entirely out of biodegradable resources like mud, bamboo and palm leaves. Recreation activities at this resort which is located over 500 acres of lush verdant tropical rainforests include walks into the dense rain forest, bird watching and visits to the nearby spice farms. All these activities which are meant to entertain and educate the visitors have been designed to maintain and preserve the unique bio-diversity of this region

The Casino Group of Hotels - CGEarth

The Casino Group is one of the largest hotel groups located in Kerala which operates a number of eco friendly hotels under their CG Earth brand at various locations in Kerala. These hotels are the Spice Village( Thekkady), the Coconut Lagoon( Kumarakom) The Marari Beach ( Mararikulam)  Spice Coast  Cruises ( Vembanad) The Brunton Boatyard( Fort Kochi) Casino Hotel( W Island)  and the Bangaram Island Resort in the Lakshwadeep islands.

The mission statement of the group states that it wishes to educate its guests to respect the environment and to treat it and its extant human cultures with dignity and respect. All their hotels try to capture the very essence of the destination that they are located in. For instance, their Spice Village resort which is located in the heart of Kumily Village in the Cardamom hills has been constructed to resemble a tribal enclave in the midst of a spice garden. This was the way in which the original inhabitants of the village, the mannans constructed their cottages in the midst of the spice gardens which are located all along the hills.

In-house naturalists at the Spice Village have specially designed nature walks for guests to help them explore and discover various species of birds, plants and trees that grow in this region and the importance that they hold for the local community. On these walks visitors can also learn about the various conservation efforts of the resort. The resort uses natural lemon grass oil to control pests like fruit flies and it recycles its solid waste through the method of vermicomposting so the finished product is used as manure for the gardens located on the property.

Further the waste water generated through the operational activities of the resort is recycled by using a technique called   Rotating Biological Contactors technology (RBC) and the recycled water is used in the garden.

The Casino Group has developed a code of eco conduct for its guests which states:-

• Guests should try not to throw litter on the properties as the resorts are well equipped with garbage disposal units. Moreover guests should be cognizant of this no litter advice when they participate in the nature walks and treks that are organized by the in-house naturalists of the resort.

• Guests are encouraged to try and conserve their water usage. While the resorts are well equipped with water resources, the management believes it is prudent to be sensible about use of water and have equipped the guest rooms with placards advising them on various ways to conserve water during their stay.

• The visitors to the group's hotels and resorts are also encouraged to eat the local cuisine available at the resorts which is created using local produce and fresh seafood which is available in abundance in Kerala.

• Guests at the group's resorts located at various Kerala hideaways are also advised to avoid room service so that the natural peace and quiet of the resort is maintained and  not disturbed by staff bearing hampers and trays as a part of room service.

• Guests are also encouraged to travel light as the weather in Kerala necessitates only cool cotton clothing .Moreover the group states that heavy luggage is a drain of resources all along the chain, right from the time that you board your first flight to get to Kerala.

• The group runs its various properties as traditional village communities and encourages its guests to take active part in various operational activities on the organic farms located on most of the group's properties.  

.With its wide range of eco lodgings, the state of Kerala, located in South India is an ideal destination for someone who is keen to travel 'green' and make a difference through their travels and adventures.

Images of  Kerala's eco destinations originally posted on http://www.flickr.com by  anil R , Michael Foley Photography,mckaysavage,jared zimmerman,s.j.jagadeesh,skasuga.

Eco-lodgings in 'God's own country'

The southern state of Kerala located on India's Malabar Coast has become an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years. Kerala is world renowned for its many tranquil resorts and retreats where the ancient system of health care called Ayurveda is practiced.

The state which is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West and the hillocks of the Western Ghats on the East has a long shoreline which is characterized by simmering sand beaches. Moreover verdant Kerala is irrigated by the waters of more than forty four rivers and is known for its lush landscape which is peppered with sprawling paddy fields, spice and rubber plantations and slow flowing picturesque backwaters. Such is the natural beauty of the state that it is often described as 'God's own country'.

Tourists are attracted to Kerala's slow pace of life and head out to jewel of south India for a peaceful relaxing vacation where they have a chance to kick back and enjoy nature. Though cities like Cochin, which is the capital of the state have a plethora of five star hotels to cater to the diverse needs of the international tourists who come to Kerala , in recent years 'homestays' offered  at  the homes of the local have  gained favor with  tourists who  wish to experience  authentic and distinctive 'Kerala' culture and cuisine.  Many people who reside in the state's various scenic districts have converted their historical Kerala homes called Tharvads and farms into tiny hotels which may have one or two guest rooms. Many of these lodgings are located on spice farms, as Kerala has been the epicenter for the production and trading of spices in India for centuries. Eco conservation on these farms is a way of life for many of these indigenous dwellings which have now been converted into tourist destinations.

Ecotourism  efforts at Pamba Heritage Villa

The Pamba Heritage Villa is located on the banks of the Pamba River in the district of Allepy. This river is the longest of the many rivers that flow through Kerala and it is considered to be a holy river. The Pamba Heritage Villa is a wooden mansion which is more than a century old and which has been handed down through generations of the descendants of a famous feudal family in Kerala, called the Kanjooparambil family.

This beautiful home is built on two acres of farm land which consists of lush paddy fields and banana and coconut plantations. The rooms which were used to store the paddy which was grown on the farm for the consumption of the owners in the years gone by , have now been converted into three well equipped guest rooms.

In the main compound of the Pamba Heritage Village, the owners grow a wide array of fruit trees and flowering and medicinal plants. The jack fruit, pomegranate, cocoa, coffee, mulberry, lemon and pepper vines all cultivated by using organic wastes as manure. The vegetables used in the delicious Kerala cuisine which is prepared for the guests by the owner's wife, Leelamma Thomas are also grown on the farm itself. The Pamba Heritage Villa has a rustic lure and harks back to a time when life was extremely simple, when you were sustained by all that  you could cultivate on your own farm.

Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge

The Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge is located in the district of Thekkady and is closed to the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve. The lodge was created by the management of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to aid the socio-economic needs of the local population and also to preserve the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge functions as a center for experimental learning. The dwellings at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge are constructed entirely of natural, sustainable materials like bamboo and grass. The aim of this eco development effort is to create a habitat in which man and nature can co-exist in harmony.

The exquisite Tiger reserve at which these eco development efforts are concentrated is spread over 777 sq km and is home to approximately forty Indian tigers, a species which is rapidly becoming extinct. The reserve also has  many other animals  like elephants, bison, Gaur, Samba , Barking and Mouse varieties of  deer ,  the Nilgiri langur( monkey), Bonnet macaque, Lion-tailed macaque leopards, Jungle cats, Wild dogs, bears, porcupines, jackals, the Indian Giant Squirrel, the Malabar flying squirrel, wild boars, the small Indian Civet, the Indian Mongoose and the Pangolins. Further, more than 256 species of birds are found on this reserve which is a naturalist's heaven. In order to preserve this exquisite wild life sanctuary, several experimental learning and nature sensitization camps are also conducted by the management of the Reserve. Details of these various programs are available at the Bamboo Grove Eco Lodge.

The reserve management also organizes special nature walks and border treks which are specially designed for conservation of the reserve. These walks and treks are conducted by guides who are sourced from the local population of the area. While participating in these walks and treks visitors to the reserve can also avail of the eco lodging facilities available at Gavi, located within the environs of the reserve. In addition, the Eco Development committee of the Reserve also organizes village visits to the tribal villages so that visitors can get an insight to the life of these tribals. These walks too are conducted by local guides and help to generate employment in the local communities in accordance of the sustainable tourism goals of the eco-development program of the reserve.

Tree Houses and Eco Loges at Vythiri Resort

The Vythiri Resort is located in one of the greenest districts of Kerala, called Wayanad. The district of Wayanad can be found on an elevated, extremely picturesque mountainous plateau located in the Western Ghats. This lush verdant paradise is worlds away from Kerala's industrial and agricultural hubs and gives you the opportunity to be completely in sync with nature. The Vythiri Resort has unique eco–dwellings in the form of two types of tree houses which are built in the trees at a height of 100 ft above the ground.  One type of tree house can be accessed by climbing wooden steps while entrance to the other tree house can be accessed by a riding in a unique crane that works with the counter effect of water.

These tree houses are the modern adaptation of the tree houses which are indigenous of the area. The tree houses are called erumadams and these were used by the original tribal inhabitants of the area to track down wild animals. The modern tree houses which are equipped with modern amenities are made of biodegradable resources like bamboo which is a sustainable resource and are powered with solar energy.

These tree houses have been constructed by local craftsmen who have used the indigenous techniques which were used to construct these houses by the original inhabitants of the area. Apart from these tree houses the resort also has dwellings called Nigunjam Huts which have been built entirely out of biodegradable resources like mud, bamboo and palm leaves. Recreation activities at this resort which is located over 500 acres of lush verdant tropical rainforests include walks into the dense rain forest, bird watching and visits to the nearby spice farms. All these activities which are meant to entertain and educate the visitors have been designed to maintain and preserve the unique bio-diversity of this region

The Casino Group of Hotels - CGEarth

The Casino Group is one of the largest hotel groups located in Kerala which operates a number of eco friendly hotels under their CG Earth brand at various locations in Kerala. These hotels are the Spice Village( Thekkady), the Coconut Lagoon( Kumarakom) The Marari Beach ( Mararikulam)  Spice Coast  Cruises ( Vembanad) The Brunton Boatyard( Fort Kochi) Casino Hotel( W Island)  and the Bangaram Island Resort in the Lakshwadeep islands.

The mission statement of the group states that it wishes to educate its guests to respect the environment and to treat it and its extant human cultures with dignity and respect. All their hotels try to capture the very essence of the destination that they are located in. For instance, their Spice Village resort which is located in the heart of Kumily Village in the Cardamom hills has been constructed to resemble a tribal enclave in the midst of a spice garden. This was the way in which the original inhabitants of the village, the mannans constructed their cottages in the midst of the spice gardens which are located all along the hills.

In-house naturalists at the Spice Village have specially designed nature walks for guests to help them explore and discover various species of birds, plants and trees that grow in this region and the importance that they hold for the local community. On these walks visitors can also learn about the various conservation efforts of the resort. The resort uses natural lemon grass oil to control pests like fruit flies and it recycles its solid waste through the method of vermicomposting so the finished product is used as manure for the gardens located on the property.

Further the waste water generated through the operational activities of the resort is recycled by using a technique called   Rotating Biological Contactors technology (RBC) and the recycled water is used in the garden.

The Casino Group has developed a code of eco conduct for its guests which states:-

• Guests should try not to throw litter on the properties as the resorts are well equipped with garbage disposal units. Moreover guests should be cognizant of this no litter advice when they participate in the nature walks and treks that are organized by the in-house naturalists of the resort.

• Guests are encouraged to try and conserve their water usage. While the resorts are well equipped with water resources, the management believes it is prudent to be sensible about use of water and have equipped the guest rooms with placards advising them on various ways to conserve water during their stay.

• The visitors to the group's hotels and resorts are also encouraged to eat the local cuisine available at the resorts which is created using local produce and fresh seafood which is available in abundance in Kerala.

• Guests at the group's resorts located at various Kerala hideaways are also advised to avoid room service so that the natural peace and quiet of the resort is maintained and  not disturbed by staff bearing hampers and trays as a part of room service.

• Guests are also encouraged to travel light as the weather in Kerala necessitates only cool cotton clothing .Moreover the group states that heavy luggage is a drain of resources all along the chain, right from the time that you board your first flight to get to Kerala.

• The group runs its various properties as traditional village communities and encourages its guests to take active part in various operational activities on the organic farms located on most of the group's properties.  

.With its wide range of eco lodgings, the state of Kerala, located in South India is an ideal destination for someone who is keen to travel 'green' and make a difference through their travels and adventures.

Images of  Kerala's eco destinations originally posted on http://www.flickr.com by  anil R , Michael Foley Photography,mckaysavage,jared zimmerman,s.j.jagadeesh,skasuga.