In general, ecotourism is an insightful, mindful and participatory travel experience to natural and cultural and social environments, assisting the well-being of the local cultures and environments for future generations. To simplify the term, Ecotourism can be defined in terms of -environment and -culture -orientated travel. The overall layout of the ecolodge and associated development must reflect the dual purpose of creating an ambient and attractive environment for the visitor as well as protecting the natural features of the site. To achieve this standard the proponent must demonstrate that some of the following conditions have been created: Visitor experience and ambience. Views within the site and to the surrounding landscape have been maximized Adequate shade is provided by the use of vegetation and facility orientation Local winds are funneled for natural ventilation Individual accommodation units have adequate privacy Movement around the site and connecting of the various facilities is efficient Environmental Protection. All special features on the site are protected. Only essential facilities are constructed adjacent to the beach and other focal points on the site. The overall footprint of the constructed buildings are kept to a minimum

1. ECO RESORTS
Ar.Suvarna Lele

2. ECO TOURISM:
 In general, ecotourism is an
insightful, mindful and
participatory travel experience to
natural and cultural and social
environments, assisting the well-
being of the local cultures and
environments for future generations.
To simplify the term, Ecotourism can be defined in
terms of
-environment and
-culture
-orientated travel

3. Principles Of Ecotourism:
• Minimizing the impact of tourism on nature and culture.
Educating tourists to the importance of conservation .
Promoting responsible business practices .
Providing financial benefits for the conservation of the
natural areas .
Educating the traveller on the local community and its
culture .
• Use of local building and landscape materials .
• Hiring local labor during construction and operations processes .
• Applying innovative water and energy management and conservation
solutions (many lodges have been very creative in identifying and adapting
new technologies)
• Preparation of informative environmental education programs and
materials.

4. Eco resorts in India

5. Swaswara
Gokarna, Karnataka

6. Banasura Hill Resort
Wayanad, Kerala

7. Kipling Camp
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

8. Elephant Valley
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

9. Nameri Eco Camp
Nameri National Park, Assam

10. Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort
Almora, Uttarakhand

11. Nimmu House
Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

12. Sarai at Toria
Panna, Madhya Pradesh

13. Facility Location, Layout, and Orientation:
The overall layout of the ecolodge and associated development must
reflect the dual purpose of creating an ambient and attractive environment for the
visitor as well as protecting the natural features of the site.
To achieve this standard the proponent must demonstrate that some of the
following conditions have been created:
• Visitor experience and ambience.
• Views within the site and to the surrounding landscape have been
maximized Adequate shade is provided by the use of vegetation and
facility orientation Local winds are funneled for natural ventilation
• Individual accommodation units have adequate privacy
• Movement around the site and connecting of the various facilities is
efficient Environmental Protection.
• All special features on the site are protected.
• Only essential facilities are constructed adjacent to the beach and other
focal points on the site.
• The overall footprint of the constructed buildings are kept to a
minimum.

15. Architectural Layout Facilities:
• Orientation to the most attractive views (sleeping units, restaurant and
common areas).
• Easy access between the sleeping units and the services.
• Private outdoor space (patio, veranda)
• Attractive and charming rooms.
• Spacious and appealing eating area .
Interior Ambience:
• Natural lighting through proper placement of windows
• Natural ventilation and shading.
• Attractive views.
• Visual contact with the surroundings and natural resources.
Use Of Colour:
• Muted earth tones that blend with the local environment and reflect light
are the best colours.
• The use of the local materials (sand, wood, clay) provides an
opportunity to maintain a palette of natural colors.

16. Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort
Bhuj, Gujarat

17. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Palakkad, Kerala

18. Khem Villas
Ranthambore, Rajasthan

19. Wildernest
Chorla Ghats, Goa

20. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

21. North Goa

22. Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation
Coorg, Karnataka

23. Diphlu River Lodge
Kaziranga, Assam

24. Diphlu River Lodge
Kaziranga, Assam

29. Maya Ubud Resort , Indonesia.

30. Maya Ubud Resort, birds eye-view.

31. Treatment of smaller spaces

32. Interior spaces as per the ethos of the space.
Lay out of guest rooms

35. Treatment of smaller spaces

39. Resort with focal entertainment areas

41. Resort taking advantage of the beach views.

44. Dormitories

58. Characteristics Of an Eco Resort:
Green hotels follow strict green guidelines to ensure that their guests are staying in a
safe, non-toxic and energy-efficient accommodation. Here are some basic characteristics
of a green hotel:
1.Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent
2.100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses
3.Non-smoking environment
4.Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy
5.Bulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual packages to reduce waste
6.Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins
7.Towel and sheet re-use (guests can tell housekeeping to leave these slightly used
items to reduce water consumption)
8.Energy-efficient lighting
9.On-site transportation with green vehicles
10.Serve organic and local-grown food
11.Non-disposable dishes
12.Offers a fresh-air exchange system
13.Grey-water recycling, which is the reuse of kitchen, bath and laundry water for
garden and landscaping
14.Newspaper recycling program

59. The Programs that may be incorporated:
A veterinary clinic – The plantation owners have expressed interest in
bringing farm animals onto the site and also to take care of the animals
already farmed on R block
Seed production farm – Currently there are 62,000 hectares being cultivated
in Kuttanad. All the seeds needed for this are currently being brought in from
other states. A new industry could be created with the allocation and proper
planning of this space
Solar and wind power units – The project should look at the possibilities of
renewable energy onsite. This idea should be explored to make the project
more eco-friendly and the island become self sufficient.
An Ayurvedic centre – practicing traditional Indian medicine

60. GAOKOS-An abode of Tranquility

61.  A conscious effort on part of every Architect is necessary while designing a habitat
which is totally eco friendly.
 The planning should be as per the natural characteristic of land pertaining to the
topography, type of vegetation and climatic aspects of the surroundings. Instead of
cutting the existing tress, they are properly maintained and nurtured.

63.  ‘Gavkos’ is a lovely privately owned farm-land and farm-house which has been
converted into a picnic spot. It’s about 35 KM from Pune.
There are two routes that you can pick from to exit Pune. One is via the Sinhagad
Road and another from Warje. The roads meet near Khadakwasla.
 About an hour’s drive from Pune, Gavkos — the 55-acre privately-developed hill
with five cottages and a dormitory — encourages you to explore the pristine
green landscape and the rich variety of flora and fauna. You can also access the
vista point that allows you a breathtaking view of Khadakwasla backwaters.
 The farm house of Gavkos, situated on a hill just above the confluence of two
rivers, is at a very scenic spot. There are little squares of different farms all
around the rivers.
 Looking down from Gavkos, the view is very pretty and serene. The delight of
watching the coming-together of two rivers and then moving on as one can be
enjoyed from a viewing deck.
 The area has cottages and dormitories with a central kitchen area. It is
beautifully landscaped with stone path ways, parking areas, kiosks and a lush
vegetation that include all kind of trees and grasses.
 A little deck is marked as a sunrise point overlooking the rivers and patches of
green and brown farms around it.

64. Small temple near the Office Entrance

65. DORMITORY-accomodating around 100 people

66. DORMITORY-with two levels designed
on concept of traditional Kerala House

67. Terracing towards the cottage.

68.  All varieties of trees from big trees to small planters with creepers and grass
are seen around. The big trees include trees as mango, coconut, neem,chickoo,
jacaranda, cassia, palash, acacia, silver oak and many more
 The small trees include plants as casuarinas, palms, Ashoka, nilgiri, thuja and
so on shrubs and creepers include plants as sadaphuli, didonea, fern,
marigold, magnolia, mogra, shatawari, verbena, crotons, lantana etc.
 Variety of grass like hariyali, wandering jew is also found around. Area is
surrounded with fragrances of fresh flowers and plants.
 The surrounding flora and fauna is incomplete without birds, so a variety of
birds is seen in vicinity of this Landscape.
VEGETATION ON THE SITE

69. Stone sittings near the rooms

70. Passage way leading to Kitchen.

71. Cosy Cottages

72. Flag stone laid for pavings.Palms planted around

73. Passages,lawns,sitting areas, pathways-all in natural materials.

74. Tree circumferences decorated by circular
arrangements of flag stones

75. Gathering/play area with a kiosk and simple
Cudappah stone sittings.

76. DORMITORY-A sit out passage area
overlooking the play space.

79. Appropriate vegetation with
Indigenous trees including variety of
flowering and fruit trees.

80. Kiosks spread all over the site for
relaxation and admiring Nature’s beauty.

81. Step up towatds the viewing platform.

82. Beautiful pathways
connecting the spaces

84. Appropriate use of levels to situate
platforms and cottages at strategic points

85. A stone sitting viewing a beautiful
Panorama of confluence of two rivers.

86. Evening lighting converting the kitchen
into a magical place.

88. Morning sunlight brightening the lawns

89. Pathways and bridges connecting the
cottages on upper level

90. Simple yet elegant rooms plastered with
rough cast plaster and stone finish.

91. Simple yet elegant external facades with
glass windows and stone sittings.

92. Decorative flagstone pathways.

93. Semi open area next to the owners
bangalow

94. VIEWING DECK

95. Mist spread over the rivers

98. One of the Parking lots

99. Extended sitting areas

100. View from kitchen area

103. Rooms topped with POP sheets or slate
stone sheets

104. Rough cast plaster for rooms.

106. Steps reaching the childrens play area.

107. Wooden, resting kiosks in between…

108. A lovely cottage surrounded by the trees.

109. Meeting slopes

112. Stone sculptures, play areas and cast iron railings……

113. Mist covered River

114. A High end Eco Resort On The Banks Of Vaitarna.

115.  Tucked away amidst this tranquil landscape is a unique hideaway - Anchaviyo
Resort.
 It serves as an ideal getaway for the city mouse, looking to escape from the chaos
and confusion of the concrete jungle. Every detail of the resort has been carefully
nuanced to bring about the perfect juxtaposition of the warmth of home and the
charm of luxury.

116. Hidden amongst a rich cluster of towering trees - Mango, Chikoo and Guava, the
Luxurious chalets and the tents at Anchaviyo are built across a sprawling estate of 150
acres. It has been the relentless effort of owners to epitomize exclusivity, privacy and
peace of mind for our patrons.
So, whether you want to enjoy some outdoor activities, or simply pamper yourself,
come immerse yourself in the scintillating voices of nature at Anchaviyo.

118. Appropriate use of the site

119. Screening and Visual Integration with the landforms :
1. Screen negative features such as roads and traffic from the ecolodge site.
2.Create a separation between the ecolodge and adjacent facilities .
3.Screen the ecolodge from the views onto the site.
4.Partially obscuring such features such as the parking lot, utility building
and maintenance facilities .
5.The use of landforms can integrate the ecolodge into the wider landscape
with its hills and mounds. These berms can also be used to:
a.Direct wind movement to increase natural ventilation.
b.Control wind and offer protection in exposed areas and blowing sand.
c.Create a sense of privacy in different parts of the ecolodge .
b.Cluster vegetation around select landforms .

120. Appropriate use of the site

122. Effective Landscaping: Merging with the terrain.

123. Landscaping as per the terrain

124. Cycling tracks all around the site.

125. Recreational Facilities:
• Recreation Facilities .There are recreation equipment companies that
offer low impact facilities. This may include:
• Chloride free salt water pool.
• Natural surface games area.
• Low energy hot tubs .
• Cycling pathways.
• Private areas for relaxation, meditation and contemplation.
Alternative technology options:
• Energy conservation (wind, sun, thermal; cooling roof materials) .
• Water conservation (flow restrictors, metering, water reuse, and
recycling).
• Fuel (biogas) .
• Waste recycling.

126. Cost effective construction

130. Toilet Interiors-bamboo matting,
sawdust compressed boards,
timber board roofing

134. Use Of Local, Natural Building Materials:
1.Stone.
2.Compressed Earth blocks.
3.Rough wooden rafters.
4.Mangalore tiles.
5.Steel roof trusses.
6.Bamboo.
7.Adobe.
8.Karvi sticks, cow dung, mud plasters.
9.Bricks with rat trap bonds.

135. Energy Conservation Measures And Monitoring Plan:
This plan will include but not be limited to:
• Renewable energy or co-generation schemes, including wind, thermal, fuel
cell, etc.
• Energy Management Systems .
• Energy efficient refrigeration.
• Real time metering and sub- metering for establishing load profiles
throughout the lodge .
• High efficiency appliances .
• Solar Energy Systems.
• High efficiency thermal water heaters and instantaneous/tank less water
heaters.
• Waste Heat/Energy Recovery Systems (air, steam, etc.)
• Ground Source Heat Pumps .
• Efficient Piping design (steam, water and glycol piping) .
• Efficient fluorescent lighting .

136. Incorporation of Passive cooling in Design

137. Rooms open to external views

140. Tents provided with decorative tough cotton covers

141. Semi open dining areas

144. Interiors from available wood nearby.

145. Bamboo screens as partitions.

146. Library-A part of surrounding Nature

148. Pavillions for the relaxed sitting.

149. Decorative wooden planks for the spiral staircase.

151. Raised pavilions for night dining.

154. Night view of the rooms.

156. Boating facility available over the adjacent Vaitarna River

157. Traditional writing desk
overlooking a small waterfall.

161. Battery driven scooter for carrying the guests.

162. Effective landscaping as per the terrain.

165. Thank You
Ar.Suvarna Lele
http://www.natgeotraveller.in/magazine/
month/september-2014/go-green--22-eco-
sensitive-resorts-in-india-353/