Hospitality and environmental responsibility don't always make easy partners — but in Coorg, tucked into the Western Ghats among coffee estates and dense forest, one luxury resort seems to have figured out the balance. The Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, which is spread across 180 acres of rainforest, however, only 30 acres have been constructed and converted into a hotel without cutting even a single tree.

The resort is part of Paathya, the ESG+ framework of Indian Hotels Company Limited, which brings together environmental responsibility, community development and operational discipline under one approach. At Madikeri, that policy plays out on the ground.

Construction followed the natural slope of the land. There was no large-scale levelling. Pathways curve with the terrain. Soil dug up during building was not discarded. It was used to create a freshwater lake that now supports aquatic life, draws migratory birds and helps harvest rainwater.

As per the statement, the buildings themselves used compressed stabilised earth blocks made from displaced soil. These were sun-dried instead of kiln-fired, cutting emissions and keeping the construction footprint low. All these make the property function more like a forest habitat than a working resort or a hotel. It records 310 species of birds, 68 species of butterflies, 79 species of mammals and 32 species of frogs. The Air Quality Index remains below 3 for most of the year. The campus is plastic-free.

The company said that the forest walks, a butterfly park and honey cultivation supported by 32 active bee colonies are part of the daily rhythm, as we need more pollinators to produce our food. A heritage conservatory on site showcases Kodava culture, linking conservation with local identity.

Behind the scenes, operations focus on cutting resource use. Mobility within the estate has also changed. After trials on steep terrain, petrol vehicles were replaced with electric Tata Punch models. The switch has reduced both emissions and noise, a small but important shift in a forest setting.

The resort has also created community jobs; 31 per cent of employees come from neighbouring villages. The resort works with local artisans and producers, spreading income beyond its gates.