In the Kodai EcoVillage, ad agency O&M's dream theme, a plot costs between $19000 to $55000 an acre. Buyers have to sign an eco-pledge that restricts construction to 2,800 sq ft (per acre per level) and mandates green construction material, rainwater harvesting, etc. Pondicherry's Auroville Building Centre is design consultant, and will help with sustainable designs.

More Kodai/eco news: Chennai-based Exnora Naturalists club organizes a six-day trek and nature camp to interior Kodaikanal in October. Participants will hike to the Kukkal Caves, with its traces of prehistoric settlement, the Sheep Research Centre at Mannavannur, the Barijam Lake, and the Poombarai Peak. The big lure: The kurinji flower is expected to bloom again after 12 long years. The camp includes film shows, talks on environment issues and eco-games. Cost per person ex-Kodai: $50, all-inclusive.

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