What we say

Shola Shack does something rare: it makes you feel like an intruder in the best possible sense. You are here on nature’s terms, not the other way around. Two treetop rooms on six acres next to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the only sounds those of a thriving forest ecosystem going about its business.

Rajesh’s obsession with the land runs deep. By virtue of rewilding the land with endemic  RET(Rare Endangered and Threatened) trees, Critically Endangered Frogs have taken refuge here. Hill turmeric, fragrant land orchids and rare gingers flourish. Orange Minivets, Black Eagles and Serpent Eagles move through the canopy above while Painted Bush Quails and Red Spur Fowls forage the forest floor. Two simple rooms whose balconies look over shola grassland and, if you are lucky, on a clear day to sight Banasura peak and beyond. Strolls to the nearby tribal village, consultations with a tribal healer, forest treks with the Forest Department, and a perennial stream running directly in front of the rooms, as much soundtrack as stress cure, complete the picture.

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, was made for places like this. Spotted deer, wild dogs, Atlas moths and Malabar Banded Swallowtails inhabit the designated paths guests are asked to keep to, a request that speaks to everything Rajesh stands for. He is not selling a room. He is selling a unique experience, and one of the most genuinely committed conservation stays in Kerala, if not India.

Our three words:

Raw | Committed | Extraordinary

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Wilderness | Conservation | Offgrid

Nestled in the lush Western Ghats in Kalpetta, in Wayanad District, Kerala, this hidden gem, part of the Sustainable Stays 101 collection, offers guests an immersive experience in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.

Shola Shack’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operation. The lodge is constructed using locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Solar panels provide clean energy, while rainwater harvesting systems ensure responsible water usage.

The property’s organic farm supplies fresh, pesticide-free produce for the kitchen, reducing food miles and supporting local agriculture. Waste management is taken seriously, with composting and recycling programs in place to minimize environmental impact.

Guests at Shola Shack can explore the surrounding shola forests and grasslands through guided nature walks, learning about the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. The lodge also offers workshops on sustainable living practices, empowering visitors to make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.
Community engagement is at the heart of Shola Shack’s ethos. The lodge employs and trains local staff, providing valuable opportunities for nearby villages. Additionally, it supports conservation initiatives and works closely with environmental organizations to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats.

From its low-impact architecture to its community-centric approach, Shola Shack exemplifies the principles of responsible tourism. It offers travelers not just a stay, but an opportunity to connect with nature, support local communities, and contribute to conservation efforts. Probably one of the very few places in the World to have Eco-Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Tourism and Conservation Tourism rolled into one

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 60/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 8
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 9
  • Organic Produce: 7
  • Wastewater Recycling: 9
  • Natural Materials/Heritage Building: 9
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 9
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • No AC
  • 450 plus RET saplings planted including critically endangered species.
  • Ecosan UDDT toilet installed 2011, first in Wayanad district.
  • Gravity-fed plumbing with no pumps or motors.
  • Wildlife waterhole in place of a pool.
  • Areca wood used for fuel.
  • Dry waste segregated for recycling.
  • School conservation awareness programmes.
  • Forest fire prevention including defusing incendiary devices during summer months.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 60/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 8
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 9
  • Organic Produce: 7
  • Wastewater Recycling: 9
  • Natural Materials/Heritage Building: 9
  • Single Plastic Use Never: 9
  • Local Staff: 9

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • No AC
  • 450 plus RET saplings planted including critically endangered species.
  • Ecosan UDDT toilet installed 2011, first in Wayanad district.
  • Gravity-fed plumbing with no pumps or motors.
  • Wildlife waterhole in place of a pool.
  • Areca wood used for fuel.
  • Dry waste segregated for recycling.
  • School conservation awareness programmes.
  • Forest fire prevention including defusing incendiary devices during summer months.

EXPERIENCES

Shola Forest Walks
Birdwatching
Trekking to Muneeswaran Hill Viewpoint
Tribal Village Walks and Tribal Doctor Consultation
River Swimming
Wildlife and Herpetofauna Spotting
Conservation Volunteering

HOW TO REACH HERE

By Air: Kannur International Airport 65 KM
By Train: Kannur Railway Station 88 KM, Kozhikode Railway Station 107 KM, Mysore Railway Station 122 KM

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Wayanad 30 Km 40 Minutes
Muneeswaran Hill View Point 2 Km 5 minutes
Tholpetty Wild Life Sanctuary 36 Km 1 Hour
Edakkal Caves 60 Km 1 Hour 35  Minutes
Banasura Peak 30 Km 1 Hour 10 minutes