Help & FAQ | Ecomantra Nature Adventures PLC

General

What is Ecomantra all about?

Ecomantra is a concept showcasing our love for nature and our desire to be an agent for conservation of natural and rural lifestyles. The word – Eco stands for both eco-friendly and ecology and the importance we give to both in our work sphere. Our mantra is about Connecting You with all the aspects of Nature.

We are a green business organization with a strong belief in the benefits of social entrepreneurship. Ecomantra took its first step in the field of Ecotourism in the year 2001, offering our own unique eco holidays and experiential learning programs, and conducting eco workshops for bringing conservation in daily lifestyle.

In future, we see ourselves taking the ‘Eco’ concept further, as we develop our Nature Shop – where we hope to promote rural handicrafts, organic produce, traditional art and eco-friendly products. We look forward to being a strong advocate of eco-friendly architecture, organic farming, sustainable energy management and waste management, as well as bringing more changes in lifestyles to be in tune with nature, which we greatly respect and revere.
What is Ecotourism?

Eco-tourism is responsible travel to natural areas, that promotes awareness and conservation of nature and sustains the well being of local people.
In Ecotourism, there is minimum impact of tourism on the natural environment. Genuine ecotourism directly benefits the local community, showcases their nature friendly lifestyle and infact enhances and strengthens the natural environment, through conservation measures
How do we choose a holiday style?

Our eco holidays are classified into holiday styles so that you can choose your particular area of interest in your holiday. Each holiday style has a primary focus like adventures, nature and wildlife, culture or special interest to enable you to make the most of your holiday. Some holidays have a mix of adventures, wildlife and or indigenous culture trails, however the primary focus will be any one area in each eco holiday.

Active Adventures usually include treks, hikes, mountaineering sports, water sports or aero sports. It is ideal for trying new eco adventures in your eco holiday.

Culture Trails specialize in showing you a new culture. On this holiday you can experience the culture of indigenous people through their art, craft forms, their homes, cuisine and lifestyle.

Nature Trails holiday style is ideal or those who love watching wildlife, enjoy nature treks, guided nature trails and living in the wilderness. Safaris are usually part of this holiday style along with wildlife learning sessions.

Special Interest holidays are recommended for specific purposes like research, conservation, film or photography shoots, anthropology, internship projects, volunteer holidays and environment camps.
What is the difference between an eco resort/eco camp/ eco-friendly homestay and a normal resort?

An ‘eco’ accommodation whether eco resort, camp or homestay differs from the ordinary resort as it follows eco-friendly principles in the following areas:

1. Environmentally sustainable waste management and water management practices
2. Energy conservation measures / alternative energy methods
3. Majority of local employment, local interaction and choice of local cuisine
4. Absence of television, air-conditioning, personal refrigerator, etc and instead focus on natural cooling, heating methods and promotion of outdoor activities.
5. Camping tents and camping activities are offered in an eco camp
6. Personal interaction and understanding of the local culture with the home stay host forms an important part of a home stay experience.
What are Eco Adventures? How are they different from general adventures?

Eco adventures are eco-friendly, non- polluting and aim to bring you closer to nature. They are thrilling adventures but not for the sake of thrill itself. (For the entire list of Eco adventures click here).

Eg. A boat ride to watch birds, while you enjoy rowing is an eco adventure but a diesel powered noise making water scooter, for solely thrill will not be classified as an eco-adventure. Rappelling is an eco-adventure - Bungee jumping is not!

Eco adventures are always guided. They aim at empowering the local community of the destination you visit, as locals are trained in their respective fields to impart their knowledge to you.
What are Eco Holidays? How are they different from other holidays?

An eco holiday involves a holiday in natural wilderness, where the local community is benefited and maximum interaction with them is possible. An ideal eco holiday has a mix of eco adventures, offers you local cuisine and activities unique to the destination. An eco holiday takes care to offer you places where the architecture is nature-based and waste management and sustainable energy practices are in place.
Is your holiday ideal for families?

Yes. Families who wish to enjoy a holiday in nature and offer this experience to their children, will enjoy our eco holidays. Children who are brought up in the city get an exposure to forests, mountains and village lifestyles which is new and enjoyable experience for them. Most eco adventures can be enjoyed by senior citizens and children, unless specified to the contrary as per the age group. Families can select the accommodation which is most suitable for them – Eco resort or eco camp, home stay or heritage bungalow, camping tents or huts.
How safe is an eco-holiday from Ecomantra?

All adventure activities are conducted by certified Adventure supervisors and trained adventure experts, often locals themselves.

We avoid high-risk adventures and instead offer soft adventures, suitable for most age groups. Thrilling adventure activities are offered as optional activities only.
Accommodation check is regularly conducted by us at Ecomantra, to ensure the comfort levels offered and safety practices followed at the destinations we promote.

We have a ‘No Drinks’ policy during any activity in the day or at night. Drinks are permitted only during dinner and if essential.
We also keep a checklist of the nearest primary health centre and hospitals to be prepared for any type of emergency. A first-aid box is kept with our guides at every destination and during every activity.

Ecomantra to date has a 100% safety record and takes every care to maintain the same.
What are the options for booking an Eco holiday with Ecomantra?

To inquire for your eco holiday and experiential learning program, you can fill in your query on our Contact Us page and email it to us or alternatively speak to our Booking officers.

To book your eco holiday, you can download the booking form (under Booking Advise) and send it us duly filled in along with your payments:

a) You can courier the payment by cheque.

b) If you are in Mumbai, we can also send our collections executive to your address for bookings (ideal in case of cash payments).

c) If you can directly deposit a cheque in our bank a/c in State Bank of India – Ghatkopar (W) SIB branch in Mumbai. ( check Booking advice)

d) You can make an online transfer to our bank account in Mumbai.
Why should I select Ecomantra for my eco holiday?

Uniqueness and Innovation is a hallmark of Ecomantra. Often our customers find Ecomantra’s holidays uniquely structured and full of exciting adventures. The level of personal attention too is very high in our holidays while the service from the local community is warm and sincere, which also makes us stand apart. Our eco holidays intentionally avoid commercial and crowded tourist destinations. The Ecomantra team enjoys challenges and constant innovations in activities seen in the fact that we offer you something new to look forward to, each time you visit us. An Ecomantra holiday is a holiday with a heart – where you enjoy, the locals benefit from your visit and your visit to the destination helps conserve nature.
What is an Eco rating?

As there are no guidelines for eco-rating of holidays, Ecomantra has developed a simple five star rating for Eco-friendly aspects in your chosen holiday.

The 1st star stands for Eco-friendly building construction and / or the use of locally sourced natural materials / eco-friendly design and use of traditional architecture,.
The 2nd stands for Local Cuisine offered
The 3rd star stand for conservation of water and eco-friendly waste management practices
The 4th star is for local interaction and benefit to the community
The 5th star is for sustainable energy practices in the destination.
What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is a hands – on learning through new experiences, shedding old beliefs and bringing awareness about cultures and traditions not seen or known before.
Why should I choose Ecomantra for Experiential Learning?

In Ecomantra, we focus on nature for our experiential learning programs. We believe that Nature is the best teacher of all. Through experiential learning we bring you the message of conservation, while you enjoy a new art or craft, a new adventure or a lifestyle change. Have fun with nature and respect it as well, is the message.
Our Experiential learning programmes are not restricted to any particular groups. They are conducted for all age groups, irrespective of backgrounds or cultures, which make them very inviting.
Is Ecomantra a travel agent or tour operator?

Ecomantra is not a travel agent. Through our India Sustainable Tourism Network, we have alliance partners with whom we have an official relationship. Ecomantra manages the western India regional bookings of all its alliance partners who in turn promote our company owned campsites and resorts.

We are similar to a Tour operator, but with an offering that is often in a class of its own – unique and inspiring, spreading fun and awareness.

We are also a training company focusing on learning from Nature.
Do you have any fixed departure trips?

Fixed departure trips are announced in our newsletter every month. You can also check the eco holiday of the month or the weekend holiday / workshop of the month for fixed departures or workshops.
Do you provide an escort / tour guide/ trip leader in your trips?

Depending on the destination or the group size, an escort is provided for your trip.
For group sizes of 12 and more, a trip leader is always provided. Every activity however, is always a guided one, conducted by the local experts.
Will Ecomantra promote my home stay or resort?

If you wish to join Ecomantra as an alliance partner, please download our Alliances Form for new lodges and resorts – click here.

We will get in touch with you soon after we receive your complete details and understand our mutual requirements and potential.

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Corporate

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is outdoor based learning for corporate groups. These are hands – on learning programs through adventures and new experiences, using well designed modules and delivered by experienced professionals in the field of training.
Why should I choose Ecomantra for Experiential Learning?

In Ecomantra, we focus on nature for our experiential learning programs. We have developed a complete set of learnings from nature and eco adventures. We also promote theatre based learning in our programs. Our Experiential learning programmes are not restricted to any particular groups. They are conducted for all age groups and hierarchies irrespective of backgrounds or cultures, which make them very inviting.

Know more about our experiential learning programs here
How can we form an Eco club in our company?
Why an Eco club?

An Eco club brings together all the offers of Ecomantra that a corporate can avail of from us, at exclusive rates. An eco club also offers various complimentary office campus programs with each membership. From adventure offsites, to training programs and workshops, incentive holidays to corporate social responsibility programs, an eco club helps you plan and execute an annual calendar of events for your organization.

To form an eco club you can contact Ecomantra through email at or contact us at 022-42155222.
How is your nature based Corporate Training programme ECOLE different from other Outdoor Training programmes?

The learning process in our course is based on self and insightful learning arising out of tapping the subconscious using our inherent connection to nature in a natural environment. The main differentiator is also the fact that one learns through fun here and hence our programmes are Fun N Learn.
Do you follow standard programmes?

No, each of our courses is designed to meet a specific client need.
Will we see tangible results after the programme?

Yes. The fact that most of our clients come back for further programmes highlights the fact the courses do make a difference in the work environment. A lot of the changes and learning derived during the course has to be supported by the company and implemented.
Will the course be very strenuous?

The degree of difficulty of an activity can be designed to suit the group, without compromising the end objective.
Are you prepared for medical emergencies?

Yes. We have trained medical specialists in both first aid and sports related injuries. There is also a vehicle available 24 hours in case of medical evacuation and most of our campsites are within 15 -30 minutes from hospitals and/or national highways.
Do you conduct programmes outside your designated campsites?

Yes, if the place is suitable for our chosen activities
Will you permit us to use your eco resorts and eco camps for our own activities?

Yes
Are you open to outside consultants working with Ecomantra?

Yes. As campsite we consider the opportunity of working with any consultant as a learning opportunity and will seek to add value also, if required.
What if your faculty is wanting in certain areas?

We have access to a large number of experts from various fields. We can always tap into this pool of resource based on client requirements.
How can my company use the outdoors for management training?

The outdoor is the ideal forum for working groups to develop teamwork, leadership, problem solving and risk taking skills essential to an organisation’s success. Training can take many different approaches and may be tailored to meet a variety of goals. Ecomantra, along with your learning manager and/or facilitator will custom design a programme to address your specific organisational requirements.
What can our employees learn about themselves?

Programs such as these are as much a mental progression as it is a physical challenge. Your employees are almost certain to leave with something more than you bargained for - a heightened sense of the self, courage to overcome reluctance, capacity for perseverance, potential for making fundamental changes in their life. This programme can give your employees a new perception of themselves. We believe that without the vision to see possibilities beyond our everyday existence and the certainty that we can realize them, we simply drift through life without real direction or motivation.
What can our employees learn about themselves in relation to each other?

There may be times during these programs when your employees could wish they were somewhere else. Blisters. Weariness. At such times they will learn the real meaning of patience, cooperation and compassion. For their team to be successful, every team member has to reach the goal. Choosing to put the welfare of others before their own is a sign of real emotional growth. We believe that the generosity and concern of a single person can change the world for the better.
What kind of groups sizes do we plan for?

Groups between 20-40 participants are the norm.
Who qualifies to participate?

Out bound programs are open to any individual in reasonably good physical condition. No prior camping experience or exceptional physical fitness is required. The programme is designed for the average person in reasonable health. The programme is not recommended for those suffering from cardiac problems, chronic respiratory ailments, expectant mothers and those who have undergone major surgeries or fractures in the recent past.
Do we need to be in great shapes to take a course?

Out bound courses are meant to be physically & mentally challenging, but one does not have to be an athlete or have prior experience to participate. If your employees are not already doing so, we would advice them to begin an aerobic (running, walking) exercise programme to help build their stamina before they come.
To what degree is an Ecomantra company-specific programme tailored to our company?

Every programme we design and develop with you is tailored to meet the needs of your company and your company only. We do not believe in designing company-specific programs from ‘off-the-shelf’ programs and will only develop a solution when we have met with, or addressed, a company directly
What are some of the typical issues addressed in a tailor-made programme?

Learning or Re-learning new skills, improving interpersonal team relationship, General life and nature appreciation, Managing Stress and finding your direction, Implementing corporate change, general management education are just some of the issues we have addressed through our programs. The extensive knowledge and experience of our faculty enables us to develop programs on many issues facing today’s corporation.
How long will it take to develop our programme?

It typically takes between 4 and 9 days to develop a company-specific programme depending on the pedagogy and the complexity of the programme required. A round the year program for specific corporate takes longer than a 2-week programme. This may involve several locations and intense technological support which will take longer to develop than a short three-day workshop.
How long should our programme be?

The length of your program will be determined by your programme objectives, the desired location(s) and participants availability. Ecomantra will help you achieve the best balance between length and desired content.
How many executives can attend a given programme?

The number of participants depends on their level of seniority and on the programme pedagogy. In line with the emphasis of our programs on exchange and interactivity, and based on our experience, we typically recommend between 20 and 30 participants for maximum pedagogical efficiency/impact. However, with e-enabled solutions, we can address the needs of a broader group of executives.
What are the typical profiles of programme participants?

Our participants can be either fresh from college/still studying youth with boundless energy or senior or top management caliber having many years of experience within their company or industry. We also address the needs of younger ‘high-potentials’ identified as being key in succession strategies within their company.
Do you compete with other trainers or HRD managers?

Quite the contrary. In many cases, Ecomantra works alongside trainers or counsellors to develop and deliver content on specific issues that complement a company’s overall curriculum/portfolio of management development activities. We will always consider a possible partnership where we feel we can bring significant value to both our client and your faculty.

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