Mela Kothi Chambal Safari Lodge

Hotel Type: Heritage Hotel & Wildlife Lodge  

Founders: Ram Pratap Singh, an engineer from IIT Roorkee, and his wife Anu Dhillon Singh, an Environmentalist from London University. Trading in the security of their professional careers for the dream of sustainable ecotourism showcasing the raw wilderness of the Chambal ravines and river, the couple moved back to their family farm in 1999. 
The couple remain actively involved with various research organisations, community projects, government & non-government agencies to help spearhead policy, conservation, and development projects in the area and beyond.

The Philosophy: To place the Chambal valley on the international map, enabling conservation and protection of the natural and architectural heritage, whilst simultaneously engaging with the local community to create livelihood options.

Experiences Offered:Jeep Safaris | Nature Walks | Visits to Community Projects (Conservation projects run by TSA and Gharial Conservancy, School environment education programmes run by local NGO’s) | Picnic treks | Off the tourist trail | The real village India | markets | Interaction with local artisans | nearby monuments | Organic farming | River Safari | Cycling Trips  

Eco Facts

  • Land reclamation/rewilding: 80-100%
  • Food from a 50-mile radius: 60 – 80%
  • Organic food used: 60-80% 
  • Wastewater is recycling: 80-100% 
  • Natural construction materials:
    Original/heritage building 80-100%
    New buildings 80-100% 
  • Single use plastic bottles. Never 
  • Percentage of staff are locals? 90%

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Bamboo based toilet paper, napkins, kitchen rolls, baking & wrapping paper
  • Chemical free herbal detergents, dishwashing liquids, cleaning agents, repellents
  • Chemical and plastic packaging free toiletries
  • UV Filtered water in recycled wine bottles
  • Soya based candles
  • Solar power
  • High energy efficiency rated equipment.
  • LED lighting

ACCREDITATIONS

  • TOFT
  • OUTLOOK RESPONSIBLE TOURISM