An Eco Resort In Kerala With A Purpose

By Author: R Vijayan
Total Articles: 1
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An imposing building with strong pillars and a wide alley with lots of earthen pots dotted with beautiful miniature plants. But what if I say that this building is no ordinary one, rather it is one built with mud, excavated mud, and it is becoming a rage among the holiday-makers in and around Kerala. Perched atop at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, in the mystical hilly ranges in Wayanad, the Banasura Hill Resort is Asia's first earth resort.

Set against the legendary Banasura Hill this nature resort is spread over a 35 acres of verdant terrain. Mingled with earth rooms, cottages, twin villas and suites, the resort terrain that gives the guest an anticipation of fun and cosiness in such a stay. The exemplary looks to the building is due to the low constitution of cement in the material, besides an abundantly available supply of excavated mud that is used to construct the buildings. Besides this, locally available degradable materials are also used.

From the burgeoning concrete jungle that dots most of the touristy places, this resort sets itself apart by embarking on a major initiative on sustainable ...
... tourism and rightly justified so. One of the reasons why the renowned architect of the building Mr. Eugene Pandala states that, what you construct should return to earth after their lifecycle, causing least damage to earth. The brainchild of this project, Mr. Eugene Pandala is renowned for a conservation project in Kochi (one near Fort Kochi) and another one in the capital of Kerala.

According to him, excavated mud construction is always best as there is no ratting, no mechanical system used, no artificial smell from synthetics, just a sustainable, natural surroundings with wonderfully constructed structures around.

“Organic designs using natural materials perfectly blend with cultural continuity. The building should be so natural to its surroundings and that is what we have done here too,” said Pandala. “The mud used for the building came from the same property.”

Several mud houses has been constructed by Mr. Pandala, however, it is the first time that a tourism entrepreneur has taken a step forward tapping the potential of such construction with sustainable tourism which is a huge hit.

Unique in its construction the resort avoids the use of fan or AC at any point of time during the year, as the mud acts as an effective regulator of heat and cold. An active, bubbling spring flows through the property. This deserves a special mention to highlight the fact that the unique mud architecture has made it possible to be the first resort in Kerala to go without air conditioning of any sort.

The concept of Banasura resort is unique in many ways. No air-conditioners are needed as the mud wall act as an effective regulator of heat and cold. And there is a sprightly stream flowing through the property.

Spacious and well furnished, the main attraction of the resort is a huge two storied building made of mud with roofs made of bamboo and coconut palm fronds. Apart from this a multi cuisine restaurant, conference hall, coffee shop, ayurvedic spa, library, playing area and gym are some of the attractions at the resort. Natural lighting is used to the maximum possible and CFL bulbs are used to illuminate the rooms and minimising energy usage. A bio gas plant recycles the waste that fuels up the kitchen that churns up tasty dishes. Not many famous Kerala resorts can boast of having such a vision and eco friendly approach.

Don't miss out the traditional Kerala cuisine – prepared by using the best spices that are available around. And Wayanad is famous for some of the best spice gardens in Kerala. Savour the delicacies at the multi-cuisine restaurant amidst the verdant greenery and rustic nature and breathtaking landscape, leaving you, wanting for more. Most of the resorts in Kerala do provide you with a typical Kerala cuisine and it it truly an opportunity not to miss out the grand Kerala cuisine that is so delicious.

Plenty of wildlife and nature adventure trekking with a complete guided tour is available at the resort. Activities galore at Wayanad is available. You can visit the Meenmutty waterfalls, Pookote lake, Soochipara Kanthanpara waterfalls, Begur wildlife sanctuary, Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary as soe of the options you have to see. Visit the tribal hamlets that lies at the foot of the Banasura Hills and has been in existence for centuries.

Rejuvenate yourself with the Ayurvedic therapy and on offer are oil massage using herbal oil and a soothing steam bath that will loosen up your nerves. It is an all in one eco resort in Kerala with some good family vacation packages to enjoy.

The best part is that the mud is non-toxic, non-allergic, termite proof and controls humidity and regulates the temperature in the room when it is cold or hot, no matter what time of the year it is.

The only minus points were that the construction was excruciatingly slow as only a wall upto 3 feet could be built in a day which needed to be dry and firm, when the next batch would continue. This meant that high labour cost. The other fact is that the resort is not too friendly for the disabled or aged people due to the uneven terrain that makes maneuverability quite difficult.

The nearest airport or railway station is located in Kozhikode which is about 3 hours away from the resort. Get ready for an adventurous ride to the resort, an amazing experience of the journey through the hills, dotted with hairpin bends on the way and lots of monkeys to accompany you on the way amidst the misty hills.

The luxury eco resort in Kerala, is a perfect getaway for a long awaited weekend holiday trip for people outside Kerala (and inside Kerala as well), a trip to cherish by families and sweet memories that can be treasured by honeymoon couples. And of course, it is one of the nature resorts close to Bangalore or Mysore, an obvious getaway for those who want to enjoy an authentic food treat in the midst of lush greenery, in Kerala.