Introduction

In the midst of Gurugram’s urban bustle lies Karma Lakelands, a remarkable green sanctuary embodying the vision of 63-year-old entrepreneur Ashwani Khurana. Blending luxury with sustainability, this unique project showcases how dedication to the environment can flourish alongside thoughtful development, inspiring eco-conscious initiatives within India’s rapidly expanding cities.

The Genesis of Karma Lakelands

Early mornings in Gurugram, Haryana, reveal a city bustling with activity, yet just a few miles away is Karma Lakelands—a verdant oasis that awakens with the sunrise. This expansive resort offers guests a luxurious retreat set amid nature, featuring activities such as beekeeping, eco brick crafting from plastic waste, and a nine-hole golf course.

Ashwani Khurana, a Delhi University graduate, draws inspiration from his youth, recalling his encounters with Padma Shri awardee Nek Chand, creator of Chandigarh Rock Gardens. His passion for nature grew early; at 25, he planted hundreds of trees at his Delhi farmhouse, setting an ambitious goal to plant 100,000 trees over a decade.

Following the closure of his company in 2000, Khurana invested in 235 acres in Gurugram to develop Karma Lakelands, aiming to create “a dream place to live that is not limited by walls,” with sustainability at its core.

Sustainable Practices at the Resort

The resort combines luxury accommodation with environmental education, collaborating with global architects and planners. Phil Ryan from Australia was selected as lead planner due to his alignment with the project’s eco-friendly principles.

“They first mapped all existing trees and then planned around them, ensuring preservation rather than destruction,” explained Khurana.

Karma Lakelands is embraced by nature, with a nine-hole golf course that excludes single-use plastics and serves drinks in glassware. Water conservation is prioritized through a Sewage Treatment Plant treating 500,000 liters daily.

Adjacent to the golf course is a 25-acre nursery cultivating seasonal crops, including Chinese oranges used in signature welcome drinks. Visitors can tour the nursery to learn about sustainable horticulture practiced on-site.

A Green Paradise: The Four Forests

Beyond the nursery, the resort hosts four distinct forests, each reflecting unique ecosystems:

  • Sacred Forest: Inspired by the kodigu tradition of Coorg villages, featuring moringa and gular trees.
  • Bamboo Forest
  • Rewilding Forest: Reviving traditional plants like the yellow-flowering khejri tree, dormant for years.
  • Ficus Forest: Home to peepal and banyan trees.

Approximately 200,000 trees were planted 1.2 meters apart to foster natural canopy formation within three years, eventually self-sustaining without human intervention.

Khurana emphasizes that nurturing grasses is equally vital, as they provide nesting grounds for birds. The resort also hosts a beekeeping program aimed at supporting pollination, crucial amid global declines in bee populations.

Beekeeping and Environmental Impact

Recognizing the ecological importance of bees, Karma Lakelands integrates beekeeping to enhance pollination of plants and fruit trees, contributing positively to biodiversity. “The tasty honey we get is just a bonus,” states Khurana.

Culinary Offerings Reflecting Sustainability

Guests enjoy meals prepared with ingredients grown on-site, offering dishes such as som tum salad with homegrown papayas, pizzas topped with local produce, salmon with orange butter sauce and asparagus, Tunisian egg, and Champaran mutton curry, providing a diverse culinary experience aligned with farm-to-table principles.

Commitment to Waste Management and Renewable Energy

The resort employs comprehensive sustainability measures including rainwater harvesting for irrigation and nutrient-rich water reuse from its sewage treatment plant. Solar panels generate 15 to 20 percent of the energy demand.

To minimize plastic waste, glass cutlery and crockery are used throughout, and plastic waste is converted into eco bricks on-site. These eco bricks are utilized for constructing installations, pathways, stairs, staff toilets, and animal shelters.

Accommodation and Visitor Experience

Karma Lakelands offers cottages and villas with three to four bedrooms, providing comfortable stays praised by guests as “dreamy.” Pricing is set at Rs 11,000 per night for suites and Rs 32,000 for villas. Monthly visitors number around 5,000, encompassing overnight guests and day visitors.

Conclusion

From a personal passion to a landmark achievement, Ashwani Khurana’s dedication has transformed Karma Lakelands into a sustainable haven that harmonizes luxury living with environmental stewardship in Gurugram.