Diphlu River Lodge, Kaziranga, Assam

The machan at Diphlu River Lodge, a short distance from Kaziranga National Park, is a great spot for visitors to soak in the sounds of the jungle as they sip a cocktail and watch rhinos bathe in the river. Paddy fields surround the bamboo and wood huts, built on stilts in the style of the local Mising tribe and connected by walkways. A variety of birds flutter through the property, and the absence of fences or harsh lights encourages small animals from the park to saunter through the property at dusk.

Visitors are given a list of dos and don’ts on arrival, and the staff—nearly all from the area—are regularly coached on ways to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and manage waste. The cottages, decorated with local handicrafts, are air-conditioned, but the resort tries to offset the carbon footprint by reforesting the areas around the property. Grey water is recycled at the in-house filtering pond and used to irrigate the fields where organic rice, a variety of vegetables, and mustard are grown. The resort is sometimes closed during the monsoon due to heavy rains and water logging, so check in advance before making plans