Earth Day 2025: The Best Eco-Friendly Homestays In India

Every year on April 22, the world marks Earth Day to raise awareness about the planet’s health and mark the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. This year is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme to celebrate it is "Our Power, Our Planet," which calls for people worldwide to unite behind renewable energy and promote clean electricity by 2030.

Participation in Earth Day can take many forms, including small home or classroom projects like planting a herb garden or picking up litter. People also volunteer to plant trees, join other ecological initiatives or participate in street protests about climate change and environmental degradation.

In India, many Tier 1 and 2 cities are holding awareness campaigns and events, including film screenings, to mark Earth Day 2025. The country has a rich history of environmental movements led by grassroots activitists and tribal communities to safeguard their natural heritage, such as the Chipko movement of the 1970s and the Narmada Bachao Andolan of the 1980s onwards.

The growing climate consciousness of Indian travellers has led to a rise in eco-friendly homestays that espouse responsible tourism principles. More and more travellers are choosing to stay in homestays as they travel, not only because they offer more value for money but also because of the luxury of larger spaces, access to local home kitchens and the minimal environmental footprint they have on the community.

Before you embark on your journey to find your favourite homestays, discover a few gems we've handpicked from across the country—all of which have been fêted for their work by the Outlook Group's Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA).

North India

H20 House, Chamba

Self-sustaining in the traditional way, the H20 House is built on a gharaat (watermill). The over 150-year-old Chambyali building has been painstakingly maintained by the hosts, Renu and Manuj. If you ask them their secret of running a successful homestay in a remote corner of Himachal Pradesh, they would say it's only possible because of the community's support, which is not a one-way street. The Sharmas involve their neighbours in multiple ways—from hosting two community kitchens to promoting local guide-led nature walks, preserving Himachali handicrafts and selling local produce to boost the local economy.

There are two sitting rooms where guests can practice meditation, yoga, eat meals or simply sit with a book or a Kindle and just laze around. Take advantage of the special heritage walks which are arranged by the owners where you will be taken for a stroll around Chamba, a place with over 1,000 years of history around every corner.

Address: Chaminoo Village, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

How to reach: Take an overnight bus from Delhi or fly in/take a train to Pathankot, followed by a 110 km drive.

Kundan Homestay, Kullu

Set amidst apple and plum orchards, even the most jaded travellers feel at home when entering this over 100-year-old, naturally insulated, wood-and-stone building. So much so that they often extend their stay at Kundan Homestay, thanks to the warm hospitality of the hosts, Kundan and Kala, and their lovely dog, Mishti. Access to mineral-rich spring water next door, organic vegetables grown at the farm, delicious local treats like bari and siddu, or just the tranquillity of this Himalayan hamlet makes it much harder to leave. 

Address: Kais Village, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

How to reach: Take an overnight bus from Delhi or fly into Bhuntar Airport, 28 km away.

Tanhau Homestay, Jim Corbett National Park

Built atop a hill at a height of 4,300 feet, Tanhau has some of the best views of Jim Corbett National Park and the Kosi River. Yet, it has much more to offer than just a bird's-eye view. Think immersive, dew-drenched walking safaris led by the host, a wildlife photographer and conservationist; village walks to experience local Kumaoni culture; and a picnic in the woods of Manila, a bird haven nearby. As the host at Tanhau, Sunando Sen sees it, "It is not just a place or property, but more a way of life."

There are only two guest cottages at Tanhau. In the evenings, guests can enjoy sundowners while listening to sambar deer call from the thick forest below, dine al fresco while counting shooting stars in the night sky, or simply soak in the peace and spectacular view with a book and wholesome soul food instead.

Address: Ghweri Village, Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

How to reach: The 293 km drive from Delhi takes approximately six hours. You can also take a train to Ramnagar in Uttarakhand.

East India

Do Patchi Homestay, West Garo Hills

An ode to traditional Garo architecture and the house swifts that nest in its roof, Do Patchi Homestay seamlessly blends in with its natural surroundings. Located within the Daribokgre Nokrek National Biosphere Reserve, in the western reaches of Meghalaya, you can try your hand at everything from birdwatching to beekeeping here, under the guidance of the host, Dharmen. Away from the cacophony of the city, Do Patchi is a quiet perch for birds and travellers. 

Address: Sasatgre Village, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya

How to reach: Take a train or fly into Guwahati, followed by a five-hour drive (194 km).

PaliGhar Farmstay, Kalimpong

Made entirely with local materials and using local architectural techniques, this mud-plastered farmstay allows you to experience a true farm-to-table holiday, where tables are laden with the finest Newari delicacies on a bright winter's day. The hospitality and personalised attention by the hosts Kabir and Ahana only add to its many charms. Whether going on a hike to the Relli River or trying your hand at the family recipes, your holiday at PaliGhar will not be dull.

Guests can embark on weeks-long walking holidays with the hosts or customise a bespoke tour that takes in journeys across Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal and Ladakh.

Address: Kafley Village, Kalimpong, West Bengal

How to reach: Fly into Bagdogra, followed by a 3.5-hour drive or take a train to New Jalpaiguri, followed by a three-hour drive.

Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse, West Sikkim

Perched at 4,200 feet, the Biksthang Farmhouse has been offering unparalleled views of the Khanchendzonga in this quiet corner of Sikkim since the 18th century! Deyki Gyatso, who belongs to the 14th generation of the family that has lived here for centuries, welcomes guests at her ancestral home to restore this remote region's built heritage and cultural glory. Once you've admired the beautiful architecture of Biksthang, though, you can also de-stress with a traditional hot stone bath known as menchu or dip in the fresh spring water infinity pool or oonko.  

All rooms come with a changing room and a balcony that opens onto splendid picture-postcard views. The farmhouse also has a pool, gym and spa facilities for guests to use.

Address: Biksthang Village, Kamling, Sikkim

How to reach: Fly into Bagdogra, followed by a 4.5-hour drive or take a train to New Jalpaiguri, followed by a five-hour drive.

West India

Rawla Bisalpur, Jawai

This 17th-century haveli is the perfect place to experience Rajputana heritage and hospitality but with modern creature comforts. From water harvesting to making soaps with camel milk sourced from the local Rabari community, the hosts, Veer Vinod, Paramveer and Bhagyawanti, ensure that sustainability is at the heart of their operations at the homestay. The space co-exists peacefully with the wildlife that surrounds it at the Jawai Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can spot over 200 bird species on the Twitchers' trail, go on village walks, try out some of the family's 200+ year-old recipes like Bisalpur Rajwada Smoked Daal or Godwad Lamb, or just watch the sun go down behind the Aravallis.

Address: Bisalpur, Pali, Rajasthan

How to reach: Take a train to Jawai Bandh or fly into Jodhpur or Udaipur, followed by a 2.5 to three-hour drive.

Raptor's Inn, Tal Chhapar

You don't have to go as far as the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara searching for the savannah. Discover the Indian savannah right here, near Raptor's Inn. Located on the edge of Rajasthan's best-known grasslands, this family-run inn is the perfect pitstop for birders and enthusiasts. The hosts, Atul and Sunita, are actively involved in wildlife conservation and work closely with the local forest and tourist departments to raise awareness. When not identifying the wide variety of birds here, you can spend time at the well-curated library at the homestay.

There are separate dining areas on the ground and first floor to allow guests to eat in privacy or dine with the hosts.The rooftop rooms have a sitting space on the terrace, providing pleasant views of the sanctuary.

Address: Tal Chhapar, Churu, Rajasthan

How to reach: Take a train to Ratangarh or fly into Bikaner, followed by a 2.5-hour drive.

Farm of Happiness, Phungus

The Farm of Happiness or Aanandache Shet is housed in a traditional Konkani home, lovingly built by the hosts, Sampada and Rahul, on a piece of ancestral land. Now replete with Alphonso and cashew trees and other wild plant species, guests can follow birdsongs, sleep in a machaan under a star-studded sky, or participate actively in agricultural activities at this 20-acre farm. Living on the farm also has the advantage of having meals cooked with ingredients grown right here in a traditional wood-fired chulha. 

Address: Phungus, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

How to reach: Take a train to Ratnagiri or fly into North Goa, followed by a 4.5-hour drive.

South India

Jacob And Klooster Farms, Chennai

Built entirely on land rewilded painstakingly over 20+ years, Jacob and Klooster Farms is now home to 500+ trees and 30+ varieties of fruits and vegetables. Truly innovative in their approach, the hosts, Shammy and Charlotte, have repurposed shipping containers into comfortable stays completely run on solar power. But that's not all. From bringing the 100-acre Siruseri Lake back to life to helping local schools treat their waste correctly, sustainability is a way of life here.

In fact, from their harvest, Shammy and Charlotte make jams, pickles, oils and juices locally, as well as fashion brooms from coconut tree blades. They sell these products in their farm store, where guests can enjoy an organic coffee in tranquillity.

Address: Thazhambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

How to reach: Take a train to Thalambur or fly into Chennai. The homestay is 36 km away from the latter.

Koh Hee Homestay, Mayabunder

Built by a first-generation Burmese settler, Saw Ang Thong, the Koh Hee Homestay is one of the last traditional Karen homes in the Andaman archipelago. The hosts, Saw John and Naw Doris, are passionate about the unique Karen culture and handicrafts and have dedicated their lives to preserving them. As an environmentalist and researcher, Saw John's knowledge of the sea, coasts and forests is vast. Spending a few days at Koh Hee is like diving into the deep seas of time and reliving history again.

The Koh Hee property is surrounded by the farmlands of neighbouring families, and houses are fairly distant from each other. Visitors can access the nearby stream and forests, go on guided walks to Taun-ji, a prominent hill towards the western extremity of the village, or head east towards the coastal Karen village of Karmatang. On Sunday, the day of the Sabbath, most villagers do not work but attend to church-related activities.

Address: Webi Village, Mayabunder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

How to reach: The only way to reach Mayabunder is by taking a bus or driving down from Port Blair, 225 km away.

Poothali Homestay, Kasargod

Named after the local water lily, Poothali Homestay offers verdant views of the adjoining paddy fields in Neeleshwar. The host, Manoj, works with the local Kudumbashree Unit to empower local women and invites them to share the traditional Malabari recipes with the guests. You will have the option of taking a cruise along the Valiyaparamba Backwaters, watching toddy being freshly tapped, walking through acres of rubber and spice plantations, experiencing otherworldly Theyyam performances, kayaking through the mangroves, or doing nothing at all.

Address: Neeleshwar, Kasargod, Kerala

How to reach: Take a train to Kasargod or fly into Mangaluru airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive.

This story was originally published on December 25, 2023. It has since been updated.