Dhole’s Den
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Indigenous trees, local shrubs and grasses act as natural aquifers and help recharge groundwater. Trees planted near guest rooms provide natural cooling. Rainwater harvesting is carried out on roofs and in the landscape.
Run by Kartik Davey and his wife Ingrid, Dhole’s Den is a contemporary safari-homestay that offers a panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills. A shining example of uncompromising eco-standards, the lodge’s inclusive approach to tourism is evident in the support it lends to community schools and the Bandipur Forest Department in different capacities.
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What sets Dhole’s Den apart from the rest is its focus on energy conservation. The lodge is perhaps the first in Bandipur to successfully tap into renewable sources of energy with solar and wind energy powering all its energy requirements apart from the water pump. Dhole’s Den has an eco-friendly sewage treatment plant that features root zone technology. Rainwater is harvested on about 90% of the property. An initiative is also underway to increase awareness and deter nearby resorts and lodges from overexploiting groundwater reserves. All cleaning products used are biodegradable and mostly contain natural anti-microbial materials with essential oils. All generated waste is segregated for appropriate re-use or recycling. Guests are encouraged to take their trash back with them and are gifted a memento for the same.
As much as 90% of staff, including women, are hired locally and provided skills training. The Dhole’s Den Research Foundation supports the local school with educational material for students, besides organising regular safaris and conservation awareness programmes. The foundation also supports the local forest department during the forest fire season. They are running an online crowdsourcing campaign to equip forest officials with fire-retardant uniforms and boots. Most importantly, Dhole’s Den is in the process of setting up a community development centre.
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Solar power and a windmill meet all Dhole’s Den’s energy requirements apart from its water pump.
Dhole’s Den regularly supports the community school by providing students with educational material.
The natural landscape has been retained and rejuvenated.
More examples of good practice
Wind and solar energy power all Dhole’s Den’s energy requirements apart from its water pump.
A micro wind and solar power hybrid generator is complemented by decentralised solar energy units.
High ceilings combined with tree planting and wide eaves enable rooms to be kept cool. Rooms have no fans or air conditioning thereby reducing energy use.
The contemporary design maximizes the use of natural light to reduce energy consumption.
Rooms incorporate traditional stonework using local materials.
The lodge’s organic kitchen garden and farm partially takes care of its kitchen needs. Treated wastewater is used for its irrigation.
LED bulbs have been installed throughout the property. A one key system to turn off electricity is used in all the guest rooms. Appliances are star rated.
Indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted on the lodge premises and their nomenclature is displayed prominently for the guests’ knowledge.
Organic waste from the lodge is composted.
Guests are encouraged to recycle and save water and energy. 100% of waste is segregated, and appropriate materials composted or sold for scrap. Guests are encouraged to take waste home.
A bio-gas plant on the lodge premises utilising food and natural waste provides cooking fuel; residual cow dung is used as manure.
A dual flush system and aerated water taps and guest notices are used to conserve water.
A water purifier has been installed to provide drinking water for guests. Bottled water is priced high to discourage its use.
The lodge uses a root zone water treatment system. 25% of water used is recycled. Rainwater harvesting is maximised.
A clean-up drive organised by Dhole’s Den on World Environment Day.
Bee keeping classes are some of a range of community initiatives organised by the Lodge
Local, natural products are sold in the souvenir shop.
The lodge uses a root zone water treatment system. 25% of water used is recycled. Rainwater harvesting is maximised.
A well stocked library provides information on local wildlife, flora and fauna.
Guests are briefed about the local surrounding area and park including do’s and don’ts.
The lodge motivates guests to stay physically fit and organises yoga classes for the same.
Nature walks, village tours, birdwatching and guided jeep safaris are also offered.
A site map is displayed for health and safety.
