Nestled in the lush sub-Himalayan Terai region, Jusgar Resort Kotdwar (also known as JunglHabits Spice Garden Resort) offers more than just breathtaking scenery and adventure: it is a shining example of eco tourism in Uttarakhand done right — combining sustainability, community engagement, nature immersion, and thrilling experiences. For travellers seeking the best adventure experiences, or those searching for hotels in Kotdwar or resorts in Kotdwar that align with eco-values, Jusgar stands out as a case study in responsible travel.
A Unique Habitat in the Jungle
The name JunglHabits tells you much of its ethos: shaped as a habitat in the jungle, the resort is perched at about 3000 ft altitude, ~17 km from Kotdwar and just 3 km off the Meerut-Pauri National Highway (NH119), near the village of Umrella on Charekh Road.
What sets Jusgar apart is its deliberate blend of naturalistic atmosphere, ecological sensitivity, and adventure tourism in Himalayas style offerings. From a spice garden to cave houses, hanging tents, tree houses, domes (igloos), cottages, and tranquil yoga and meditation halls, the property is designed to harmonize with local geography, flora, and fauna rather than impose upon it.
Eco-Tourism Uttarakhand: Core Principles at Work
To understand how Jusgar practically practices eco-tourism in Uttarakhand, it helps to look at key pillars of sustainability they incorporate:
- Conservation of Biodiversity & Natural Habitat
Given its location, Jusgar showcases Uttarakhand’s rich diversity of flora and fauna. The spice garden, for example, educates guests about local spices and plants. There is bird-watching, including spotting endangered species like the Nightjar in their natural habitat. The surrounding forests, the river Khoh flowing alongside rocky cliffs, and preserved natural trails all ensure minimal disturbance and maximum respect for local ecosystems. - Low-Impact, Nature-Based Architecture & Accommodations
The design of domes, tree houses, hanging tents, cave houses, cottages, and spice garden structures shows a conscious move away from heavy concrete structures. Many accommodations use natural materials or are built to blend in with the environment, preserving the terrain and reducing visual and environmental disruption. - Community & Rural Tourism
Jusgar isn’t just isolated in nature; it ties in village tourism, traditional culture, and educational tours. They arrange homestays in traditional Garhwal villages for guests who want an authentic rural tourism experience. The spice garden also serves an educational purpose for school students and horticultural departments. This ensures the benefits of eco tourism Uttarakhand are shared locally. - Adventure with Responsibility
People come to find the best adventure and top 10 adventure activities in resorts in Kotdwar; Jusgar does not disappoint. It offers trekking (including a long 28-km trek through villages), hiking, rock climbing, camping, a full set of kids’ adventure setups (zip line, flying fox, monkey ropes, etc.), river-site campsites, and more. These are structured to be safe, low-impact, and to encourage visitors to connect with nature rather than overwhelm it.
The “Most Adventurous Things to Do” Without Compromise
For travellers in search of the most adventurous things to do or top adventurous activities while staying near Kotdwara, Jusgar offers a sweet balance:
- Trekking & Hiking: From day-trips on scenic trails to 3-7 day multi-village treks through charekh, Hillhobbitton, Dhurataal etc.
- Rock Climbing: Natural walls of 30-42 ft height provide thrilling climbing opportunities.
- Camping: Whether in dense forest, river bend settings, or high-altitude grasslands.
- Kids’ Adventure Zone: With more than 35 setups – commando net, flying fox, army tunnels, and rope bridges. Great for families.
- Bird Watching & Nature Trail Walks: For those wanting quieter best adventure experiences, seeing local birdlife (including the Nightjar), enjoying trails, observing trees, flora, etc.
These are among the top adventure activities you’ll find in Uttarakhand, especially for resorts near Kotdwara, where natural terrain is accessible but still preserved. For people seeking both excitement and responsible travel, Jusgar offers the “top adventurous things to do” without sacrificing environmental integrity.
Resorts in Kotdwar & Hotels in Kotdwar: How Jusgar Compares
When someone searches for hotels in Kotdwar or resorts in Kotdwar, or “resort near Kotdwara”, what are the differentiating qualities? Here’s how Jusgar stacks up:
- Proximity + Accessibility: At ~17 km from Kotdwar, yet only 3 km off the highway, it is accessible without being too close to urban sprawl, maintaining seclusion.
- Range of Accommodation: Options ranging from domes and hanging tents to cave houses and more conventional cottages. The variety lets visitors choose their comfort level and degree of closeness to nature.
- Blend of Adventure + Tranquility: Many resorts/hotels might focus only on comfort, spa or luxury; others might focus solely on adventure. Jusgar integrates both — offering best adventure experiences, yet preserving calm spaces (yoga/meditation, tree houses, nature walks).
- Year-Round Pleasant Climate & Scenic Value: The climate at Jusgar ranges between ~20-30 °C in summers and 5-15 °C in winters, making it usable all through the year. Add in spectacular mountain views and river Khoh scenery to enhance the natural feel.
Uttarakhand Eco Tourism: Setting a Standard
Jusgar Resort is more than just another resort – it is proof that Uttarakhand eco tourism can be pursued in a way that preserves nature, supports local culture, and still gives travellers the thrill of the best adventure. Some elements which mark its role as a standard-setter:
- Educational Themes: The spice garden gives educational exposure. Village tourism and homestays teach visitors about Garhwal culture. The natural habitat is used not just for sightseeing but for learning.
- Minimal Disruption Infrastructures: Instead of large scale hotels, Jusgar leans toward eco-friendly structures (domes, tree houses, etc.), often using materials and designs that reduce environmental impact.
- Encouragement of Low Carbon Footprint Activities: Trekking, hiking, bird watching, camping are all lower impact compared to motorised tourist luxury. This aligns with the spirit of uttarakhand eco tourism, favouring nature over concrete.
- Responsible Tourism Policy: Though not every detail is public, from the way the resort is described, it is apparent that service design considers environmental health, wildlife conservation, and visitor education. This is the hallmark of true eco tourism, rather than just “greenwashing”.
The “Top 10 Adventure Activities” That Laugh in the Face of Boredom
If you’re planning to stay in resorts in Kotdwar and want the “top 10 adventure activities,” here’s a suggested list (many of which Jusgar offers or is setting up):
- Multi-day trekking through villages (e.g., Kanvashram, Bharkil, Charekh)
- Rock climbing natural cliffs (30-42 ft)
- Camping in forest, riverbanks or high-altitude grasslands
- Hanging tent / tree house stay for immersive nature nights
- Zip line, flying fox, rope bridges, tyre bridges for thrill seekers (especially in the kids/adventure zone)
- Bird watching of rare/endangered birds including being in the habitat in the jungle
- Nature/hiking trails to appreciate flora, trees, river Khoh, local geography
- Spice garden tour / educational walks in local flora and agriculture
- Village homestays / rural tourism to understand culture, traditional lifestyle
- Meditation & yoga in natural settings to balance adrenaline with peace
These are experiences that make Jusgar one of the best adventure resorts near Kotdwara while maintaining eco-values.
Challenges & the Path Forward
No eco tourism model is perfect, and there are challenges:
- Maintaining low human disturbance, especially in sensitive habitats.
- Waste management, especially given influx of guests, food services, etc.
- Ensuring that adventure activities (rock climbing, trekking) are done safely and sustainably (trail erosion, wildlife disturbance, etc.).
- Balancing infrastructure that guests expect (comfort, amenities) with minimalist eco design.
Jusgar’s model seems to be aware of these. By offering both adventurous and tranquil options, keeping much of the structure lightweight and nature-oriented, involving villages, it suggests a path forward for other hotels in Kotdwar and resorts in Uttarakhand eco tourism in general.
Conclusion
In the landscape of eco tourism Uttarakhand, Jusgar Resort Kotdwar (JunglHabits) emerges as a leading example — combining the seclusion and wonder of nature with responsible, sustainable tourism practices. For travellers seeking resorts near Kotdwara that offer the best adventure, the most adventurous activities, or simply want to escape urban life and reconnect with nature, Jusgar offers a model that respects both planet and people.
If more resorts build on similar principles — conservation, fairness, education, and nature-based adventure — Uttarakhand’s promise as a top eco-tourism destination will not just endure, but flourish.
