The Ecovillage
Located on 6 acre agricultural plot near Dhokshet Lake, close to Khopoli, our eco-village is designed and built using principles of permaculture, a sustainable design system that mimics natural ecosystems.
This means we grow food in a way that enriches the soil, build with natural materials, minimise waste and support the living ecosystem of plants, animals birds & insects around us
Learn more about our eco-village and our journey over the past 4 years to make it a reality.
Our Community Principles
As a community we follow these four principles to ensure that our decisions are guided and inspired by these principles.
Pursue biodiversity, the preservation of ecosystems, energy conservation and renewable energy using the principles of permaculture as our north star. Create the infrastructure for the land to thrive and for each season to nourish and grow the resources and landscape.
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Commitment to the land
Improving the lives of people living around us
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Provide employment to local communities. Work with them to learn and inculcate traditional knowledge of the land, agricultural and construction practices and include them within our ecosystem.
Creating a community that inspires & educates
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Share the challenges and learnings we've gone through to inspire others to live more sustainably and learn from us. Create a community centre as an avenue for wider communities and visitors to become a part of the Whispering Waters family
Building & growing sustainably
Onboard the best sustainable practices of global and local eco communities. Use traditional materials and techniques for construction as much as possible. Take only what is needed from the environment and respect what is being given.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Key things to know about our eco-village and our principles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whispering Waters Ecovillage?
Whispering Waters is a community-run ecovillage designed and built using sustainable living principles. Spanning 5.5 acres, it serves as a real-world model for living in harmony with nature by practicing permaculture, natural building, waste minimization, and ecosystem preservation.
Where is the ecovillage located?
The property is located near Dhokshet Lake, close to Khopoli, Maharashtra, India. It sits amidst the scenic landscape of the
Western Ghats region, making it an accessible eco-destination from both Mumbai and Pune.
What are the guiding principles of the community?
Our decisions and growth are anchored by four core commitments:
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Commitment to the Land: Pursuing biodiversity, preserving local ecosystems, and practicing energy conservation using permaculture as our north star.
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Local Community Employment: Providing jobs to neighboring villages and actively working with them to exchange, learn, and preserve traditional agricultural and construction knowledge.
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Openness and Transparency: Committing to sharing both our successes and the challenges we face along the journey to inspire and educate others.
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Building & Growing Sustainably: Implementing global and local best practices for eco-communities, using traditional materials, and respecting what the environment gives us.
What agricultural practices are used here?
The land relies heavily on permaculture, a sustainable design system that closely mimics natural ecosystems. This method focuses on growing food in a way that actively enriches the soil structure rather than depleting it, while supporting a vibrant ecosystem of native plants, animals, birds, and insects.
What is the Food Forest?
The Food Forest is a multi-layered, highly biodiverse cultivation space. It integrates ground covers, root systems, herbs, shrubs, and canopy trees to produce food sustainably while maintaining a balanced, self-sustaining microclimate.
How does the ecovillage manage its water resources?
Because the property is situated on sloped land, water management is crucial. Whispering Waters uses a dedicated network of ponds and landscaping specifically designed to capture heavy monsoon runoff. These earthworks slow down and hold water, allowing it to percolate into the ground and recharge local groundwater reserves. We also utilize a water well and a solar-powered water pump to distribute water cleanly across the property.
What is the Community Center?
Currently in development, the Community Center is designed to be the anchor point for both residents and visiting guests. It will serve as a central gathering place to participate in workshops and educational programs, or simply a space to unwind and enjoy scenic views of the nearby dam backwaters, sunrises, and sunsets.
What is the Cobb Oven? The communal space features a project for a traditional, handcrafted Cobb Oven. Built using natural earth, clay, and straw, this structure is highly efficient—capable of baking a pizza in under 45 seconds—and serves as a social focal point for gathering and building camaraderie.
Can I visit Whispering Waters Ecovillage?
Yes, we welcome those looking to experience sustainable living firsthand. Visitors can view our active permaculture projects, see our water-harvesting landscaping, and explore the surrounding natural reserve. Please reach out through our contact form to coordinate your visit.
Our Community
Our community is a collective of 9 eco-conscious families focused on inspiring a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life.
From our beginnings in 2021 we've transformed a dry patch of land into a lush natural ecosystem. Learn more about the people behind Whispering Waters Eco-Village and our expert teams and consultants.