Tucked deep within the forested slopes of the Western Ghats in Kerala’s Thekkady, a quiet experiment in sustainable tourism is taking shape. At a time when unchecked construction is placing mounting pressure on fragile hill ecosystems, Niraamaya Retreats’ Cardamom Club offers a different vision one where hospitality adapts to the land instead of reshaping it.
Spread across nearly eight acres in the Cardamom Hills of Idukki, the retreat has been designed to minimise ecological disturbance, conserve water and energy, and strengthen local livelihoods. In doing so, it presents a working model of how tourism can coexist with one of India’s most sensitive biodiversity hotspots.
Letting the Landscape Decide the Design
Unlike conventional hill resorts that level slopes and clear vegetation, Cardamom Club was planned around what already existed. Mature trees were retained, pathways follow the natural contours of the hills, and open spaces were deliberately left untouched.
According to Niraamaya Life officials, the guiding principle was simple: the land would dictate where and how construction could happen. Rather than dominating the forest, the retreat aimed to belong to it.
Native plant species have been restored across the property to rebuild natural habitats, while bamboo groves have been introduced to support bird nesting. Rainwater harvesting systems and natural seepage channels help replenish groundwater, allowing the ecosystem to recover gradually rather than forcing rapid transformation.
Small Scale, Lower Impact
Scale was a conscious decision. With only 13 cottages spread across nine acres, the retreat avoids the density typical of many hill destinations. This low footprint reduces strain on water, waste and energy systems, while preserving the stillness that defines Thekkady’s forest landscape.
Architectural choices further reinforce this restraint. Mountain View Cottages use locally sourced wooden plywood inspired by regional craftsmanship, while Garden View Cottages employ muted colours and eco-friendly materials that blend into the surrounding greenery.
Together, these decisions ensure that built structures recede into the landscape rather than compete with it a critical consideration in a region where overdevelopment has already destabilised slopes and wildlife corridors.
Saving Water in a Water-Stressed Landscape
Water conservation lies at the heart of the retreat’s sustainability approach. Through rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling for landscaping, low-flow fixtures and strict water-use protocols, Cardamom Club manages to conserve an estimated 30–35 per cent more water annually than conventional hospitality properties of similar size.
These measures significantly reduce pressure on local water sources, particularly during dry months when tourism demand often peaks. Waste is managed through in-house composting, while bird-feeding structures and restored green patches help sustain biodiversity within the property.
In a region increasingly vulnerable to erratic rainfall and longer dry spells, such systems offer a practical blueprint for climate-resilient tourism.
Tourism That Keeps Communities at the Centre
Sustainability at Cardamom Club extends beyond environmental design to social continuity. Nearly 90 per cent of the retreat’s workforce comes from nearby villages such as Kumily, where livelihoods have traditionally depended on spice cultivation and plantation work.
By hiring locally and investing in training, the retreat provides stable, year-round employment, reducing dependence on seasonal and climate-sensitive income sources. Tourism revenue circulates within the region rather than flowing outward.
The same philosophy shapes the retreat’s kitchen. Most ingredients are sourced from local farmers, foragers and vendors within a few kilometres of the property. Around 25–30 small suppliers provide fresh produce, spices, dairy and artisanal goods, ensuring fair pricing and steady demand.
Nearly 60 per cent of the menu draws from regional cuisine, preserving local food traditions while reducing the environmental cost of long-distance sourcing. This diversification has helped several partner families move away from reliance on single-crop plantations, making incomes more resilient to market fluctuations.
Preserving Traditions Alongside Nature
Beyond employment, the retreat plays a role in sustaining traditional knowledge systems. Indigenous spice cultivation, organic farming, wild honey collection and artisanal production continue through consistent demand from the property.
The Ayurvedic spa sources herbs and oils directly from small-scale growers and traditional practitioners in nearby villages, supporting practices that are closely tied to local ecology and culture.
Guests are also encouraged to engage with the region beyond the resort. Guided nature walks, wildlife tours in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, spice plantation visits and explorations of Kumily’s markets offer insight into the ecological and cultural fabric of Thekkady.
Performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, organised in collaboration with local artists, further connect visitors to Kerala’s living traditions while supporting community livelihoods.
A Model for Fragile Hill Destinations
As tourism continues to expand across India’s mountain regions, the pressures on land, water and communities are intensifying. In Thekkady, where forest cover, wildlife corridors and traditional livelihoods intersect, the costs of poorly planned development are already visible.
Against this backdrop, Cardamom Club demonstrates that tourism need not come at the expense of ecology. By prioritising restraint over scale and connection over consumption, it shows how hospitality can regenerate landscapes rather than degrade them.
In an era of climate uncertainty and ecological stress, such models may no longer be optional. They may be essential.