Responsible/Sustainable Tourism
Preservation of the colonial style bungalows and keeping the vibe unchanged, is one of the many things that Wild Mahseer ensures as a conscious policy. The easy access to national parks and knowledge-based activities is unique to the property.
No Single Use Plastic: Filtered water is stored in a glass bottle and is provided in each room instead of using single use plastic mineral water bottles.
Safe Garbage Disposal: Recycling and composting measures are in place.
Water Conservation: Wild Mahseer is sensitive to the usage of water and ensure water conservation is practiced.
Nature and Biological Diversity Conservation: Tree saplings grown at the nursery within Wild Mahseer are used for plantation at Balipara Forest Reserve and for various afforestation projects. The 22 acres property also grows indigenous species of plants. The landscaping of each bungalow is designed to enhance the biodiversity of the property. The Eastern Himalayan Botanic Ark in residence at Wild Mahseer is a bio-diverse ark of 1,00,000+ plants, 75+ species of birds and 72+ species of butterflies. Headquartered within the property, the Balipara Foundation is working towards preservation and conservation of biodiversity, culture and heritage. It holds workshops and awareness programmes regularly on ecology, different species of venomous and non-venomous snakes, fungi photography courses and on many other vital topics at Naturenomics™ School at Wild Mahseer. These are attended by guests, school children and people from the nearby communities and staff.
Local Community Engagement: There is ample community engagement, both at excursions and the property, as most of the staff belong to the tea tribe Adivasi community, the local Assamese and Nepali tribes from the neighbouring areas.
Light Footprint Tourism: In-house organic vegetables are used in the meals for guests. Nature inspired activities are curated like the early morning botanical trail with a guide who has immense knowledge about the different species of plants, birds and butterflies. A walk through the trails is an eye opener for even the most uninitiated. The Japanese art of ‘Shinrin Yoku’ (forest bathing) which is done in the form of tree hugging and meditation is further accentuated by morning yoga sessions.
Sensitive Destination Discovery: The tribal communities that live around the ark engage in traditional and sustainable lifestyle. Guests are encouraged to visit them and experience the village tribal life. The community homestays of Mishing, Garo, Nepali, Bodo and Nyishi are around the Ark and organize various traditional activities. These include organic dyeing workshops, weaving demonstrations, making rice powder, arranging lunch by the river, boating and showcasing organic kitchen garden in their homes where they implement traditional agroforestry practices and grow medicinal plants. This allows the communities to preserve their heritage and continue to have a livelihood through responsible tourism.
Heritage Preservation: Certified as a ‘Heritage Building’ by the Directorate of Archaeology, the Burra Bungalow dates back to more than 150 years. It was the official residence of the Visiting Agents or Burra Sahibs of McLeod Russel Tea Co. till the late 1900s and has been restored. The rest of the tea bungalows draw inspiration from Assamese architecture. Furniture made from indigenous materials such as cane, bamboo and water hyacinth are extensively used in all the rooms at Wild Mahseer. The hotel promotes cultural practices and celebration of all the community festivals like Bihu, Ali ai ligang and Donyi-Polo, while continuing oral traditions by narrating cultural and traditional stories of the forests, tea estates, people living around forest fringe communities. The diverse team represents various languages such as Assamese, Bodo, Nepali, Bengali, Garo, Mishing, Adivasi, etc.
Human Touch: The estate is managed by retired senior tea plantation managers who have wide expertise not only related to tea but also sustainable agricultural, horticultural and agro-forestry processes.
