Cultural eco resort at Chikhaldara hill station: Amravati district, Maharashtra.

Abstract

The project envisions a tourism model that blends nature, culture, and experiential design. Located near the historic Gawilgarh Fort and surrounded by deep valleys and scenic viewpoints, the site is strategically selected as part of the region’s tourism development plan. The eco-resort is designed with minimal disturbance to the natural landscape, following the site’s contours and preserving existing greenery. Inspired by the surrounding forest, the architecture blends seamlessly with nature, offering a forest-living experience that allows visitors to reconnect with the environment in a peaceful setting. Accommodation options range from single cottages to luxurious villas, catering to solo travelers, families, and luxury seekers. Amenities include a valley-view restaurant, spa, gym, indoor-outdoor game zones, nature trails, treehouses, and contemplative spaces, ensuring both comfort and recreation. A dedicated cultural zone within the resort showcases the lifestyle and vernacular architecture of the indigenous Korku tribe, enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation. Sustainable features such as a site-sensitive stormwater management system with bioswales and water reuse, along with rooftop solar panels for renewable energy, support environmental responsibility. The project promotes immersive, responsible tourism while fostering ecological conservation and cultural engagement in Chikhaldara. Keywords: Experiential, Sustainability, Indigenous, conservation.