A living story of environmental sustainability, responsible tourism, learning, and women-led community empowerment in the lush buffer zone of Jaldapara National Park.
It began with a vision- women from different ethnic backgrounds, part of the collective BarnaliPelloJukki Foundation (BPJF), dreamed of creating a space where nature, culture, and community could thrive together. Their goals were simple yet profound: to protect the environment, promote responsible tourism, and offer a place of experiential learning in a relaxed mode.
That dream took root in the lush buffer zone of Jaldapara National Park at Madarihat, where today the Experiential Vacation Centre stands as a living story of environmental sustainability, responsible tourism, learning and empowerment.
The Centre is of the many projects successfully run by the women’s collective BarnaliPelloJukki Foundation, initiated and nurtured by Professional Institute for Development and Socio-environmental Management (PRISM), India since last several years. This retreat is built using local architecture and guided by empowered women from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
It is not about a homestay, not eco-tourism, and not for any commercial tourism—it is a haven for those seeking peace, committed to environmental harmony, and shared learning between the tourists and the locals. Every guest becomes part of a story—one that celebrates sustainability and inclusivity.
Guests arriving at the retreat step into more than just a holiday—they enter a cultural tapestry woven by indigenous traditions. The architecture itself tells a story: crafted with natural materials, inspired by tribal artistry, and designed to tread lightly on the earth. Every wall and every beam carry the imprint of local craftsmanship, reminding visitors that beauty can be both traditional and sustainable.
At the heart of this retreat are women—first-generation learners from diverse ethnic backgrounds—who run the Centre with passion and purpose. Their leadership is not only reshaping tourism but also strengthening the local economy. By welcoming travelers, they share their heritage while pioneering climate-friendly practices, proving that community development and innovation can walk hand in hand.
Meals here are more than food—they are experiences. Fresh produce from the retreat’s own garden becomes vibrant dishes cooked in traditional styles, yet keeping the principle of simple food as a stepping stone towards environmental harmony. Guests can choose their menu, cook alongside the women, or simply watch as meals come to life in the open kitchen. Every bite carries the flavors of the region, connecting visitors to the land and its people.
Here, environmental sustainability and responsible tourism are not slogans—they are a way of life. The retreat's green initiatives include:
Not a single drop of underground water is used, ensuring balance with nature.
Careful systems conserve and recycle this precious resource.
Harnessing sunlight to power daily life, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Vegetables stay fresh for more than two weeks with zero energy consumption.
An ingenious design that cooks up to four items at once, reducing firewood use by nearly 75%. Beyond efficiency, it lessens smoke exposure, significantly improving women’s health by reducing the hazards traditionally associated with cooking over open fires.
There are many such innovations that exist in this center for shared learning with the tourists.
The Experiential Vacation Centre is more than a getaway—it’s a movement. It shows how responsible tourism, sustainability, and community can come together to create something extraordinary and a better earth. For every guest, the retreat offers peace, learning, and inspiration.
Every practice—from rainwater harvesting to solar energy—is a lesson in responsible tourism and environmental sustainability. Here, guests don’t just visit; they participate in a shared journey of living lightly on the earth. It is a story of harmony between people and planet, written not in words but in actions.
For the region, it lights the path toward a greener and more inclusive future.
The Experiential Vacation Centre is not just a destination. It is a vision for sustainable living and responsible tourism. It is a model for the future- a space where responsible tourism and community empowerment create a better earth. Here, you don’t just visit; you participate in a journey of living lightly on the planet. Join us in creating a future where travel empowers communities and protects nature.