Sustainability at Tanhau

A conscious forest home near Corbett

When I decided to make this forest my home, I knew I could not bring my urban, high-consumption lifestyle with me. Nor could I be an outsider who simply enjoys the beauty of the area without contributing to it.

Sustainability is not an add-on at Tanhau. It is the foundation on which everything here has been built.

Located in the wider landscape of Jim Corbett National Park, we believe that living beside this spectacular but fragile ecosystem carries responsibility - to the forest, to wildlife, and to the local community.

Below are some of the ways in which we try to honour that responsibility.

1. Reforestation: From Barren Land to Living Forest

When I first acquired the land, both the property and its surroundings had been heavily degraded due to indiscriminate tree cutting. The landscape was largely barren.

Over the years, we have planted thousands of trees, gradually restoring ecological balance. Today, the land is almost entirely forested, and wildlife movement through the property at night is common.

What was once cleared ground is now part of a growing forest ecosystem.

Tanhau in 2012

2. Almost 100% Solar Energy

Tanhau runs almost entirely on solar power, both for electricity and water heating. The main power line exists only as a backup during extended monsoon periods when solar generation drops.

We deliberately use muted, minimal lighting across the property to:

  • Reduce energy consumption

  • Prevent light pollution

  • Minimise disturbance to wildlife

The aim is to keep the night sky dark and the forest undisturbed.

6. Local Employment & Community Integration

All our staff are from surrounding villages. For construction, maintenance and other work, we use locally available talent wherever possible.

We are closely involved with the community next door, supporting local families in daily needs and ongoing initiatives in:

  • Primary education (including support for the local school)

  • Periodic healthcare camps, organised with visiting doctors

Sustainability, for us, includes social responsibility.

8. Responsible Wildlife Experiences

Being near a tiger landscape brings both opportunity and responsibility. We consciously avoid promoting tourism that focuses solely on tiger sightings. Instead, we encourage guests to experience wildlife and nature in a slower, more observant way.

Low-impact activities such as:

  • Walking safaris

  • Forest hikes

  • Village walks

help guests understand the ecosystem, from insects and birds to trees and soil, not just large mammals.

We believe that when people see the smaller wonders of the forest, they return home more invested in protecting it.

Tanhau in 2025

3. Rainwater Harvesting & Water Conservation

We are located in a water-deficient region of Uttarakhand. Responsible water use is essential.

We:

  • Store approximately 150,000 litres of rainwater

  • Recycle grey water for agriculture

  • Use flow-regulated fittings in guest bathrooms

  • Encourage mindful water use among guests

For us,water conservation is a daily practice, not a seasonal effort.

4. Low-Impact, Local Construction

Almost all construction at Tanhau has been done using traditional, low-impact methods, primarily stone and mud, with minimal use of cement.

The property spans nearly five acres, yet our built-up area is only about 2–3%. The intention has always been to build lightly and leave most of the land for reforestation.

5. Zero Single-Use Plastic & Responsible Waste Management

We maintain:

  • Zero use of single-use plastics

  • Minimal overall plastic usage

  • On-site composting of organic waste

We are also involved in waste management and recycling initiatives in two nearby villages, working with the local community to improve long-term environmental practices beyond our own boundaries.

7. Growing Our Own Food

We are fully self-sufficient in eggs and dairy products, and seasonally self-sufficient in vegetables and fruits.

Everything grown on the property is organic and pesticide-free.

Our aim is simple: shorten the supply chain, reduce transport emissions, and serve food that reflects the land it comes from.

Recognition

We have been fortunate to have received appreciation for our efforts over the years, including the Indian Responsible Tourism Award (Silver) for Best Homestay in India (2020) presented by Outlook Traveller.

While awards are definitely encouraging, the real reward is seeing the forest regenerate and the community grow stronger.

Our Ethos

Sustainability and responsible tourism are ingrained in the ethos of Tanhau.

We do not claim perfection, we are far from it. But we remain committed to building and living in a way that respects the land, reduces impact, and contributes positively to the region we call home.

If you would like to experience a forest stay built on these principles, you can learn more about the place and our wildlife experiences.