Sustainability at Waghoba

At the heart of our sustainability vision is not only the commitment to reduce our impact on the shared environment, but also to contribute towards a positive change. We strive to encourage avenues for economic well-being for the host communities that we co-exist with, and charming our guests with authentic & holistic experiences. We have in 2020 adopted ESG, the international sustainability criteria for hotels, provided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. In doing so, we realigned our commitments and positioned active governance, as the lever to manage our actions, monitor performance and sustain the changes; in collaboration with our guests, tourism bodies and industry networks.

Handmade Adobe earth bricks, vaulted ceilings made from handmade conical tiles, sustainable lighting fixtures, ground water recharge, Phytroid Sewage Treatment Plant, Rain Water Harvesting, Rewilding the land with native species, energy-efficient cooling, are some of the sustainable features of our newest lodge, at Tadoba. Standing true to our commitment, most of the lodge construction work has been done by workers from the adjoining villages and we have ensured that the material used, is primarily procured from the neighboring areas, thereby keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum.

Tadoba National Park - Andhari Tiger Reserve, provides habitat to a varied range of flora and fauna & offers an incredible array of opportunities to sight the elusive tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears and much more unimpeded wildlife, that abounds the expansive forest range. The park is a haven for the best native woodland bird species of Central India & there’s an incredible variety of birds you get to spot— including aquatic birds, birds of prey, and fruit-eating birds. Our experienced set of naturalists sharing their know-how through engaging daily presentation, storytelling engagements with kids & a bird hide for eye level bird photography, are a few things which set us apart from other resorts in Tadoba.

We have installed a 50 KV net metering solar plant which takes care of about 75% of our power need. Net metering plants are more responsible as there are no battery banks involved. In addition to this, a rain water tank has also been installed for water harvesting, along with a water treatment plant to recycle and reuse water. The STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) treats the effluents present in sewage water, giving a recovery of 95% which is then used in our farm and landscaping the lodge.

You will go on a trail of new tastes at Waghoba Eco-Lodge where our chefs have very thoughtfully designed regional platters and dishes for you. Our Waghoba kitchen serves authentic thalis for lunch including the regional Varadhi thali from the Vidarbha region we are in. The menu also includes a taste of the famous spicy Saoji curries. Also on offer is Maharashtrian Thali which includes the best entrants from the state and Hyderabadi Thali inspired by our next-door neighbour. The lunch menu is served in traditional hand-made Kansa thalis with the beverage of the day. Dinners are more laid back allowing the guests to choose from a wide range of A la carte menu with options available in Indian, Continental & Oriental. Dinner is served in hand-made pottery crafted exclusively for Waghoba Eco Lodge.

The current ratio of female to male numbers in the wildlife industry, was surprisingly striking, which hinted towards the urgent need to reform. With this lodge, we aim to break this social norm, by creating equal opportunities for women in the sector. We are ensuring this by creating a conducive environment for women employees, who wish to work & grow in our remotely located, but well connected wildlife lodges. We are aiming at 50% of women staff in Waghoba Eco Lodge where candidates from the neighboring villages, are always given a priority. Once we are successful in achieving the numbers, we also hope to achieve this ratio across all our lodges.