India Resort Saves 30% Water, Protects Western Ghats Forest

In Kerala's Thekkady region, where concrete hotels have replaced forest canopy and quick profits threaten fragile hillsides, one small retreat is proving tourism doesn't have to destroy the places travelers love.

Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club sits within eight acres of Western Ghats forest, but you'd barely know it's there. The property has just 13 cottages spread across the land, each one built carefully around trees that were already standing.

"This location was chosen not to dominate the landscape, but to belong to it," says Dhavalakeerthi M K, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Niraamaya Life. "The idea was always to let the land lead the design, rather than forcing a layout onto it."

That philosophy shapes everything at the retreat. Pathways follow the natural slopes instead of cutting through them. Open spaces remain untouched. Native plants restore habitats for birds and wildlife.

The buildings themselves reflect this same restraint. Mountain View Cottages use locally sourced wood and traditional craftsmanship. Garden View Cottages blend into the greenery with earth-toned colors and eco-friendly designs.

But the real innovation happens behind the scenes. Through rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling for landscaping, low-flow fixtures, and careful water protocols, the retreat saves 30 to 35 percent more water annually than similar hotels. That makes a huge difference during dry months when local water sources run low.

Operations Manager Vinay Shankar N K explains that sustainability isn't an add-on. "The property follows several eco-conscious practices, including rainwater harvesting to conserve water, waste recycling through an in-house compost pit, and the creation of bird-feeding structures to support local biodiversity."

The Ripple Effect

The retreat's impact extends far beyond its borders. By employing staff from nearby communities and sourcing materials locally, Cardamom Club supports traditional livelihoods that have sustained the region for generations.

The timing matters. Thekkady sits near Periyar Tiger Reserve, where tourism brings essential revenue but also mounting pressure on fragile ecosystems. The region is one of the world's most significant cardamom-growing areas, where spice plantations and wildlife corridors have shaped life for generations.

As development threatens to tip the balance, Cardamom Club demonstrates a different path. Bamboo groves provide nesting sites for birds. Natural seepage methods help replenish groundwater. The forest continues to breathe even as guests move through it.

The retreat's success proves that small-scale, thoughtful development can protect landscapes while still welcoming visitors. When hotels choose to adapt to nature instead of conquering it, everyone wins.