Couple Turns Barren Land Into Wildlife Haven With 700 Trees

When Avantika Chandra and Hans Dalal bought barren land in Maharashtra in 2015, their neighbors probably thought they were crazy. Today, that same plot hosts over 700 trees, dozens of wildlife species, and shows how conservation can actually work.

The duo started The Spotted Owlet Farm House as a base for their tiger conservation group PROWL, which they founded in 2013. Located near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, the property sits in the heart of deciduous forest that shelters hundreds of tigers.

What began as a simple work base quickly evolved into something bigger. The couple planted more than 50 tree varieties including teak, palash, mahua, and mango across their property. Hares, mongooses, snakes, and over 60 bird species now call this land home, with tigers and leopards occasionally passing through.

Guests stay in three private cottages named after India's beloved national parks: Ranthambore, Tadoba, and Bandhavgarh. Each cottage uses locally sourced and recycled materials like bamboo, old Mangalore tiles, stones, and gravel.

The property's three rainwater harvesting ponds capture approximately 10 lakh litres of water every year. Hans explains they've added a clever natural solution to water management: ducks and fish in the ponds.

"The ducks' waste helps to naturally seal ponds so that they hold water for longer while the fish help to reduce the presence of mosquitoes significantly," Hans says. Nature solving problems that humans usually tackle with chemicals.

Visitors eat traditional regional meals like jhunka bhakar, Sindhi kadhi, and dal dhokli. The entire experience connects guests to both the land and local culture.

The Ripple Effect

This project proves conservation doesn't have to mean keeping people out. By creating a sustainable business around wildlife protection, Avantika and Hans show how ecological restoration can support local communities. The homestay employs local staff, sources materials locally, and introduces visitors to regional cuisine and traditions.

Their work demonstrates that barren land isn't a lost cause. With dedication, smart water management, and native plantings, degraded ecosystems can bounce back within years, not decades.

One couple turned dust into forest, proving that conservation and community can grow together.