gINKgo | The RARE Newsletter | The powerful message of limited operations | Vol 107 | February 2025

Dear Conscious Traveller...

As we draw closer to 22 years of existence, RARE - a company promoting small owner-run hotels continues to operate with a vision to tread gently and be inclusive of community. Our best lessons have been when on-boarding hotels set out a rule contrary to the market norm. Some of them, such as 'we will not serve pet bottled water' as early as 2009 stumped us as it did our travellers and trade partners. A few added a rider - 'if they (travellers) insist let them bring their own and carry the waste bottle back with them'. Looking back, I remember it took us at least a season to be unapologetic and later to be proud about a hotel that was smashing this 'luxury' norm. Today seeing glass bottles in most hotels, we salute the revolutionaries in the community, unsung heroes who stood their ground on the plastic issue. We saw and understood; this is how change works as every choice made a difference.

Another non-negotiable feature among many RARE hotels was their operational period and this was envisaged at design stage. That hotels came on board with a specific period of operation even though they had the choice of a longer window to operate was an eye opener. Why would a business owner seeking revenue want to reduce his /her scope of operations? The reason I have always been proud of the community is their ability to take a stand which is beyond their individual benefit and to make it work.

There is a powerful message here. Shorter operations by hotels may mean many things. For example hotels may close early and stay closed through summer as they don't wish to add a swimming pool or use air-conditioners. Local teams are able to use this time to go home to their villages and to their chores like preparing for the monsoons, reinforcing their homes, farms etc. Summer operations are also water and energy intensive, keeping their hotels shut ensures these precious resources are channelled back for the community's benefit. A cyclical environment that thinks of the community - water is conserved in summer, collected in the monsoon, fills reservoirs and powers ground water; used sensibly in the winter months, while continuing to recycle grey water. The erstwhile Chhatrasagar is a stunning example of this tradition that continues to shine as RAAS Chhatrasagar, a haven for travellers, birds and wild animals.

Climate change is showing up-close and real, impacting our seasons and hence travel. Seeking opportunities in summers, dire winters or monsoons, upgrades are inevitable. What does that look like for travel and travellers... is a question we must ask ourselves and make choices that puts our planet first.

The answer will always be in the basics...Awareness, Belief and Choice.

Shoba Rudra

Operated seasonally from April till October, Nimmu House is a glamping retreat cum heritage home with Indra and Vikram heading an intensely local and sensitive operations. Activities here can keep you happily engaged for two to three days include culture and gentle hikes while you acclimatise at an altitude lower than Leh. Exploring Nimmu village, sipping traditional butter tea in a Ladakhi home, stretching at the Yoga Shala are a few ideas to explore. For the adventurers stay long to trek, raft or mountain bike.

Set in a prime snow leopard habitat, LUNGM ĀR Remote Camp is a premier wilderness camp with a core focus on conservation of critical habitats and local culture. Known for crafting some of the most incredible snow leopard tours, the camp also arranges personalized adventures, including day trips to track the Eurasian Lynx or Tibetan Wolf, and the chance to explore Wari La and Nubra Valley. Beyond wildlife tracking, there are opportunities to hike to remote Ladakhi villages for a rare glimpse into high-altitude rural life, or to unwind in Sumdo Sarai, to share stories, delicious meals and the region's art, and textiles. LUNGMÄR is open from November to April, welcoming guests to track and view the elusive snow leopard.

Set in the shadow of Amber Fort, Dera Amer is an idyllic glamping experience on a private farm that operates from October till April. The camp's charm revolves around its rescue animals which includes three elephants and a camel. For the nature enthusiast, a guided walk through the rewilded forest offers a serene birding experience. The natural swimming pool amidst all this glorious wilderness is built from local materials with the overflow nourishing the surrounding jungle.

With its legacy of conservation, Kipling Camp continues to tread softly on the land it is set in, which through years of care is almost an extension of the forests around. Operating between October and April, guests often stay four nights or more, beginning each day with an early morning safari into the park or to walk around trails to look out for birds and other forest creatures. The most cherished activity, however, is to walk with Tara as she ambles along with her mahout to the Banjar River. As evening falls, everyone gathers around the campfire at the Shamiana, to dine together and share stories of forests and wildlife from around the world.

Unique in its conception, The Sarai at Toria combines the warmth of a home-stay with thoughtful comfort, offering a simple yet meaningful stay from October till March. Built around a thriving grassland and rewilded land of local forest trees and shrubs, The Sarai at Toria, is a pioneering retreat and as sustainable as it is welcoming. Beyond Panna National Park safaris and Khajuraho temple tours, Sarai offers many local experiences like village visits, birdwatching along the river Ken, and exploring the iconic forts of Ajaygarh and Kalinjar. Perfect for history lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, The Sarai at Toria is perfect for families with plenty of space outdoors for children to enjoy and learn.

For more travel ideas, visit www.rareindia.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

BRIDGES for Conscious Travel 2025, scheduled for 3,4,5 April at The Roseate, New Delhi is a conference that champions sustainable and experiential travel in the Indian subcontinent. Calling all change makers!