How and why we at El Domo have created a responsible tourism project in Kodagu district in Karnataka
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and has proven to be a huge boon for developing countries. But too many tourists in developing countries are causing harm to the local population, their economy, and the environment.
With the escalation of air and water pollution, deforestation, and many other ills that come from irresponsible tourism practices, sustainability has become a major priority for any government or business looking to make their mark on history. Sustainability is a vital movement in the world of tourism. The environment and its future are of paramount importance to entrepreneurs and investors alike. Then what exactly is sustainability and why is it important?
What is sustainable or responsible tourism?
Sustainable tourism is the latest in niche marketing and eco-tourism trends. On a global scale it's a big part of how we see green living and how we can reduce our carbon footprint in the future. It's all about sustainable communities, ecotourism, eco-friendly house construction. It aims at reducing our impact on planet Earth, promoting ecotourism and creating sustainable communities around the world. Sustainable tourism is an essential part of the larger philosophy of sustainable living. Sustainable living is a way of life post-modern culture is obsessed with. It's about human beings living in tandem with nature, rather than against it. It's about doing as little harm as possible in our generation and those that will come after us.
Responsible tourism refers to those practices that do not exploit a destination or host community beyond its ability to maintain economic growth. Sustainable development, green wave, eco-friendly house construction are all buzzwords of the green tourism industry. A well-regulated and managed tourism industry has a lot of benefits for everybody. It can be profitable for local communities and sustainable for the environment on which these communities rely.
The good news is that you can succeed at eco-friendly tourism. It is as simple as acting with a conscience for the future. You have to put in the time and effort now if you want to reap the rewards in the future. You can’t afford to ignore sustainability. It’s good for the environment and your wallet.
In turn, this is a great opportunity to support local economies while also providing jobs and other opportunities for locals. A symbiotic relationship between local business owners and their ecosystems is the need of the hour. Tourists need to take the time to understand their local surroundings. Learn about your destination, then go explore!
Eco tourism is about creating opportunities for community members. By adopting sustainable practices for their livelihood and travel, one can ensure equivalent living standards for local populations. Careful planning needs to be done before starting any travel and tour activities.
At EL Domo, we are committed to socially responsible tourism.
Why are we so passionate about responsible tourism?
Sustainable tourism is vital to both developing, and underdeveloped communities. We believe that tourism, when practiced responsibly, benefits the resorts themselves and their surrounding communities. For us, tourism is about more than just interesting activities. It’s the opportunity to experience life in a new way. It’s about meeting new people and building connections with them.
The practice and study of sustainability is our passion. This drives us to take the time to find out whether your stay is eco-friendly. Because the more and better options you have, the more likely that your choice can be good for the community.
It’s a perfect partnership. As tourism becomes more widespread, it provides new job opportunities for people in developing countries. And at the same time, protecting and preserving the environment will attract even more tourists to the area.
The cash flow from tourism creates job opportunities for people who need them most and provides an incentive for protecting the local environment.
Tourism can provide money for schools and hospitals and jobs for those in need. It improves infrastructure and protects fragile environments.
Our goal is to bring you closer to the culture and people of your destination—to understand, respect, and appreciate how they live their lives. Exploring the world with us is one way to understand and appreciate what makes us all unique.
Sustainable tourism is one of the most positive developments in travel and hospitality today, which is why we at El Domo have selected this in-demand niche. We’re committed to sustainable travel at every level. We’re building a better future, one project at a time.
A weekend getaway to El Domo’s Slopes of Paradise in Madikeri
Madikeri is a city in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India. Lying at an altitude of 5500 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest cities in India. Known for its lush green surroundings and coffee plantations, Madikeri lies in the midst of Western Ghats. A major tourist destination in South India, located on the bank of river Kaveri, Madikeri is also called the Scotland of India. But human urbanization has ruined the balance of nature, and we are lost to most of the life around us. Hill stations like Madikeri have suffered the ravages of mass and irresponsible tourism for long.
At El Domo, we are trying to set that balance right again, through our sustainable ecology and tourism practices. Sustainable ecology means living in harmony with the natural world around you. Our houses ideally must be constructed with minimal damage to the ecosystem habitat that existed before. “Slopes of Paradise”, an El Domo project at Madikeri, is an excellent example of how this green surrounding and holiday housing can be integrated, to create an ecology for responsible tourism.
At El Domo our Preliminary Ecology Team members study the topography, natural water flow patterns, nesting activities, and bird migration patterns. They also observe mammal movement patterns at different times of day and in different seasons. The presence of rare plants, medicinal value of herbs and shrubs are evaluated. All fencing, driveways, and walkways are placed so that they do not disturb the life and ways of the animals. This could be access to a pond of water or food tucked away under a bush. Ecosystems are living natural gardens. We consult ecology experts on how to facilitate more nesting and attract friendly mammal visitors so the property will continue to have more life after the project has been completed.
A thoughtful housing location is also taken into consideration. We avoid driveways which are too long and wide. Instead, we can use vehicle bays where vehicles cross paths from opposite directions.
The exterior paint colours are chosen to reflect the colours of rocky or tree bark, or any surrounding natural colours, so as not to scare away small mammals nearby. Harvesting rainwater and recharging underground water are basic integral parts. A booklet and a documentary are provided to help the occupant/visitor identify the flora and fauna in the area.
Typical methods of flattening shrubs and trees with JCBs in order to create a dead ornamental garden with no life inside are not conducive to creating a true experience of nature. The first few years of such gardens are devoid of chirping sounds, no fluttering of birds, and no butterfly sightings. When we make our homes here, we preserve the trees and life amidst the trees.
Here are some of the pictures from the Ecosystem study at “Rainforest Paradise”, Madikeri, to inspire you to visit us.
Few birds and Carnivorous plants [yes, they gobble up insects] seen
Find out more about EL Domo Rainforest Paradise here. Taking time out of your life for wellness and self-care is one of the best investment decisions you'll ever make. If you're planning to take a getaway adventure to any place, we've got some practical tips to help you get ready and hit the road (or water). Invest in your very own eco-friendly holiday home, earn from assured rentals and property management services, gift a legacy with responsible tourism and sustainable living awareness. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos here Click here for Ecosystem gallery at Rainforest Paradise, Madikeri.
