In a country with more than 1.2 billion people (nearly one fifth of the world’s population),
 in harmony with the natural world takes on a particular urgency—a challenge that has been
 embraced by India’s Orange County Luxury Resorts,a family-run enterprise based   in the
 southwestern state of Karnataka. “We focus on delivering life-enriching experiences to our guests with out sacrificing the planet,” says Orange County Luxury Resorts’ managing director Jose Ramapuram,who also serves as an adviser   on sustainability for
 the Karnataka state government.
At its two elegantly rustic villa properties, Coorg and Kabini, recycled and
 natural materials were used throughout construction, and indigenous flora provides the landscaping. Plastic water bottles have been replaced by a reverse osmosis water-purifying system in all 80 villas and cottages, wind-power generators deliver energy, kitchen waste is transformed into biogas for cooking, and the remaining waste is weighed,cataloged,and recycled to improve sustainability.Guest activities reflect a “spirit of the land” philosophy,from tiger-spotting excursions in Nargarhole National Park to bird-watching on resort property, participating in traditional dances, volunteering for plantation chores, and exploring local waterways on boat safaris