Eco days of JANUARY : 26 World Environmental Education Day | 28 World Climate Action
Etapalli Biodiversity Park
Introduction
We’re delighted to unveil the Etapalli Biodiversity Park… a living landscape imagined in collaboration with Lloyds Metals and Energy, and our second step in creating immersive, regenerative green spaces after the success of the Ambivli Biodiversity Park. Etapalli is where intent meets intuition… a site brimming with ecological promise and cultural depth.
Currently in its design phase, the park is being thoughtfully structured through thematic ecological zones… from Sacred Groves and Medicinal Gardens to Butterfly Habitats and learning landscapes. Each zone is curated to nurture biodiversity while gently educating visitors, inviting them to observe, reflect, and reconnect. Parallelly, civil works and pathway plans have been finalised, shaping the contours, trails, and circulation that will soon anchor this green sanctuary.
One of the most exciting elements taking form is the Visitor Centre… envisioned through a nature-inspired, yurt-style architectural concept. Instead of one imposing structure, the design unfolds into multiple connected pods that breathe with the land. These spaces will house a reception and gift shop, café, auditorium and amphitheatre, activity and exhibition rooms, essential facilities, and a watch tower offering sweeping views of the park… a quiet pause point above the canopy.
Etapalli Biodiversity Park is more than a project. It’s a promise… to design with humility, to build with care, and to let nature lead the narrative.
Project Overview
Project Location: Etapalli forests, Gadchiroli
Project Duration: February 2025 - February 2026
Client: Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd.
Project Interventions
Ecological Zonation and Habitat Creation
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
The park spans over 5.5 hectares and is structured into 18 curated ecological zones, each designed to support specific species and ecosystem functions. Key habitat interventions include:
- Bird Garden with native fruiting and flowering trees
- Butterfly Garden with nectar plants and larval host species
- Bee Garden to strengthen pollination networ
The park spans over 5.5 hectares and is structured into 18 curated ecological zones, each designed to support specific species and ecosystem functions. Key habitat interventions include:
- Bird Garden with native fruiting and flowering trees
- Butterfly Garden with nectar plants and larval host species
- Bee Garden to strengthen pollination networks
- Palm and Orchid Section showcasing native and endemic varieties
- Medicinal and Wild Edibles Garden preserving traditional plant knowledge
- Sacred Trees and Sacred Grove Zones protecting culturally significant species
- Wetland and water influenced habitats supporting micro biodiversity
- Conservation zones for threatened and lesser known plant species
Each zone is interlinked to maintain ecological continuity while offering distinct learning experiences.
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
Native species selection forms the backbone of the plantation approach… enhancing resilience, reducing maintenance needs, and restoring ecological balance. Planting plans are aligned with soil, slope, and water availability, ensuring long-term survival and habitat functionality.
Visitor Movement and Immersive Pathways
Sustainable Landscape and Plantation Strategy
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
A gentle one-kilometre looping trail system has been designed to guide visitors organically through the park. Long sightlines are intentionally avoided, encouraging slow discovery, surprise, and immersion. Pathways are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the terrain, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
At the heart of the park lies a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC)… a space for storytelling, exhibitions, workshops, and ecological education. Supporting structures include:
- Activity and exhibition spaces
- Amphitheatre for talks and community programs
- Picnic grove and reflective gathering areas
- Astral and contemplative garden zones
These space
At the heart of the park lies a Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC)… a space for storytelling, exhibitions, workshops, and ecological education. Supporting structures include:
- Activity and exhibition spaces
- Amphitheatre for talks and community programs
- Picnic grove and reflective gathering areas
- Astral and contemplative garden zones
These spaces transform the park into a hub for environmental awareness and cultural exchange.
Climate Responsive Architecture and Design
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
Climate Responsive Architecture and Design
The Visitor Centre follows a modular, pod-based architectural language inspired by traditional yurt forms. This approach:
- Minimises landscape disturbance
- Preserves existing trees and open spaces
- Allows phased expansion without ecological stress
- Encourages intuitive movement and community interaction
A watch tower positioned slightly apart offe
The Visitor Centre follows a modular, pod-based architectural language inspired by traditional yurt forms. This approach:
- Minimises landscape disturbance
- Preserves existing trees and open spaces
- Allows phased expansion without ecological stress
- Encourages intuitive movement and community interaction
A watch tower positioned slightly apart offers panoramic views, creating a powerful visual and experiential anchor.
Integrated Water and Energy Systems
Nature Interpretation and Learning Infrastructure
Climate Responsive Architecture and Design
The presence of a natural water source enables sustainable water management interventions… supporting wetlands, irrigation, and habitat hydration. Energy conscious planning and passive design strategies are embedded to reduce long-term resource dependence.
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
The park is envisioned not just as a biodiversity reserve, but as a shared community asset. Spaces for learning, leisure, and reflection are woven into the design, fostering stewardship, ownership, and ongoing participation from local communities.
Project Updates
Final Design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park
Final Design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park
Final Design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park
We’re pleased to share the final design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park in Gadchiroli… a thoughtfully planned green space that brings together conservation, education, and community.
Spread across 5.5 hectares, the park features 18 curated zones supporting diverse habitats including pollinators, wetlands, sacred groves, and threatened pl
We’re pleased to share the final design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park in Gadchiroli… a thoughtfully planned green space that brings together conservation, education, and community.
Spread across 5.5 hectares, the park features 18 curated zones supporting diverse habitats including pollinators, wetlands, sacred groves, and threatened plant species. A centrally located Nature Interpretation Centre, gentle ~1 km accessible pathways, integrated water and energy systems, and community spaces such as an amphitheatre and picnic grove complete the vision.
Designed by Square Peg Architecture+Design, the layout follows an organic planning approach, offering visitors an immersive, nature led experience.
Visitor Centre development
Final Design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park
Final Design of the Etapalli Biodiversity Park
We have started the development of the Visitor Centre at Etapalli Biodiversity Park… and the first aerial views offer a promising glimpse of what’s taking shape.
Inspired by the traditional yurt, the design unfolds into a series of interconnected pods rather than a single structure. These circular forms sit gently within the landscape, pre
We have started the development of the Visitor Centre at Etapalli Biodiversity Park… and the first aerial views offer a promising glimpse of what’s taking shape.
Inspired by the traditional yurt, the design unfolds into a series of interconnected pods rather than a single structure. These circular forms sit gently within the landscape, preserving open spaces and trees while creating an organic, village like flow. Each pod accommodates a key function, including reception, café, exhibition and activity spaces, auditorium, support facilities, and a watch tower.
The modular layout allows intuitive movement, minimal ecological disturbance, and flexibility for future expansion. Positioned slightly apart, the watch tower offers panoramic views of the park… a quiet, reflective pause at the end of the visitor journey.
Etapalli Biodiversity Park – Zonation Plan Progress
Etapalli Biodiversity Park – Zonation Plan Progress
Etapalli Biodiversity Park – Zonation Plan Progress
Ladybird Environmental Consulting has completed the zonation plan for the Etapalli Biodiversity Park, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and engaging visitors. The park will feature a Bird Garden with native trees to attract local species, a Butterfly Garden with nectar-rich and host plant species, a Palm & Orchid Section to highlight native
Ladybird Environmental Consulting has completed the zonation plan for the Etapalli Biodiversity Park, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and engaging visitors. The park will feature a Bird Garden with native trees to attract local species, a Butterfly Garden with nectar-rich and host plant species, a Palm & Orchid Section to highlight native species, and a Sacred Trees Zone for significant cultural and ecological trees. Additionally, a Bee Garden will support pollinator populations, while the Medicinal & Wild Edibles Section will showcase useful plants. The next step is to finalize the park’s layout for ecological integrity and accessibility. Stay tuned for updates on this sanctuary's development!
First Steps Towards Etapalli Biodiversity Park
Etapalli Biodiversity Park – Zonation Plan Progress
Etapalli Biodiversity Park – Zonation Plan Progress
Our Co-founder, Partner, Naturalist and the Butterfly Man of India Mr. Isaac Kehimkar along with Architect Mr. Vistasp Mehta, conducted the first site visit to the upcoming Etapalli Biodiversity Park, joined by Kumari Swami from Lloyds and a Forest Ranger Officer. They assessed the landscape, discussed sustainable design ideas, and explo
Our Co-founder, Partner, Naturalist and the Butterfly Man of India Mr. Isaac Kehimkar along with Architect Mr. Vistasp Mehta, conducted the first site visit to the upcoming Etapalli Biodiversity Park, joined by Kumari Swami from Lloyds and a Forest Ranger Officer. They assessed the landscape, discussed sustainable design ideas, and explored key site features. Notably, the site has its own water source, essential for nurturing a thriving ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates on this green initiative!