So I am just back from Rajasthan, and let me know—this journey was different. This was not about the movement of normal palaces, forts, and cities never ending. I was searching for something quiet, more on the ground. I felt my way, well, well, durable, with land, culture, and honesty.
I am not talking about using a metal straw here and there. I am talking about being real environment-friendly—places that do not only promote stability but actually live it. And wow, do I get some gems.
I will be honest, when I first saw environmentally friendly resorts in Rajasthan, I did not expect much. Many places claim to be “green,” but what does it mean? Solar panels on the roof and some manure toilets? Yes, not enough for me. It was something that felt authentic—as the environment was actually a part of the experience. And boy, did I find it.
Eco Lake Palace magic in Udaipur
I started in Udaipur—the city of lakes. I stopped at this incredible place called Eco Lake Palace. Yes, it seems touristy, but do not let the name be stupid. The moment I stepped in, it felt as if I were inside a postcard—just with zero plastic. Room? Made with local, durable material. The floor was polished, and the roof had wood from local forests (and no tree was damaged, of course).
But what I really got was food. He had a kitchen garden. And when I say the garden, I mean a lush, vibrant green place where they increase almost all the yields. I ate fresh tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers, all where I was sitting, only a few steps away. Every food felt like a gift. I swear, I can taste the difference in tomatoes—so sweet, so pure. In addition, the water they used for cooking was cut from the rainwater tank, which they installed around the property.
I could feel the difference in air, too. Clean, crisp smell of nature in its best form. There is something about waking up to the sun that grows above the lake that slows you down and just breathes.
Living Green in Jodhpur: Sustain House
Jodhpur was my next stop. Now, it was a bit different. I stayed in the Sustain House, and I was not honestly sure what was expected—was it going to be a group of bamboo walls and solar panels with zero attractions? No. This was much more than that. The building in itself was a stunning mixture of traditional Rajasthani architecture and modern eco-tech.
There is a lot about walking in a place that seems so alive and real, such as part of the desert, instead of trying to impose it. The walls were made with local soil mud—its best natural insulation. You could have felt the coolness of the Earth in the rooms, even if the temperature outside was scorching. And I can’t forget the roof. Every evening, the sky is lighter in pink and orange colors, and I just sit there, soaked in the scene, feeling that I am floating over the chaos of the world.
He also launched a community project, where he taught local women the art of sustainable weaving, making beautiful clothes from naturally dyed cotton and silk. Honestly, I bought a scarf to support them, but it is the best purchase that I have ever made.
Phool Mahal: A permanent touch of royalty
When I was in Jodhpur, I had to visit a historic palace, Phool Mahal, which still resonates with my royal past. You know, it’s fun—this place has been there for centuries, but there is something about it that you really feel. This is a beautiful example of how the culture can be present with the land, not separate from it. Architecture is still strong, but it is being preserved in such a way that respects its history and environment.
In a strange way, it made me consider how the journey can be done. We talk a lot about carbon footprints and plastic waste, but what about the historical footprints we leave? How do we make sure that we are preserving the past, not only in the present? And somehow, what are they really trying to do in places like Phool Mahal? Protect, yes—but in a permanent way that does not remove the story of the land.
Desert Escape: Eco-Lax Retreat Pass near Jaisalmer
Last stop: Jaisalmer. This was the most remote and quiet part of my journey. I lived in Eco-Lax Retreat, a small, off-the-grid resort in the Thar Desert. Imagine this:A golden, sun-Mumbai tent is not in the middle of anywhere; there are nothing but sand dunes for miles. There were no concrete walls in this place; there were no huge buildings—only natural, solar-operated tents and huts. He used traditional Rajasthani mud architecture, which kept the interiors cold during the day and warm during the night.
What I loved about this place was what he respected about the ground. No plastic. Everything—from water bottles to toiletries—is either repurposed or biodegradable. He even hosted the stargazing sessions at night, where you lay on comfortable cushions and listened to stories about stars, while the sand below you absorbed all the cool desert night air.
Why does a permanent journey matter more than ever?
So, yes, my journey to Rajasthan was full of surprises. Not only in terms of the amazing scenario, but also how these environmentally friendly things actually affect me. There is something powerful about looking at places that focus not only on preserving the environment but also on the upliftment of local communities. It’s like … when everything clicks in place, and it seems that you are part of something big.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that the journey can be durable and maybe thoughtful, assuming that I can say this—of course. I was feeling less like a tourist and more like a responsible visitor, witnessing the magic of Rajasthan without leaving a heavy footprint.
So next time you are planning a trip, think of the options you are doing. The normal tourist goes beyond the trap and looks for the places that give the Earth as much as you do. You will be surprised by what you find.
