1. Introduction

Seetharkundu Resorts is a nature-centred eco-tourism destination nestled in the hills of Kollengode, Palakkad. Our guests, staff, and local community share a responsibility to preserve the natural environment, maintain respectful conduct, and foster a safe and welcoming space for all.

These Community Guidelines apply to all guests, visitors, and online users who interact with Seetharkundu Resorts - whether on our premises, through our website, or on any social media platform. By visiting the resort or engaging with our online channels, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

These guidelines are framed in the spirit of responsible eco-tourism and in compliance with applicable laws of India, including the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

2. Respectful Conduct

All guests and online users are expected to treat others with courtesy, dignity, and respect at all times. This includes:

2.1 Towards People

• Treat fellow guests, resort staff, and local community members with consideration and respect.
• Use courteous language in all in-person and online interactions with the resort.
• Respect cultural sensitivities and local customs of the Kollengode community.
• Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or abusive behaviour based on gender, religion, caste, nationality, or any other ground will not be tolerated.

2.2 Towards Nature & Wildlife

• Do not approach, feed, chase, or disturb wildlife in or around the resort premises and forest areas.
• Stay on designated trails during nature walks and treks; do not venture into restricted forest zones.
• Do not pick, uproot, or damage any plants, flowers, or natural vegetation.
• Observe wildlife silently and at a safe distance; use binoculars where provided.

3. Environmental Responsibility

As a committed eco-tourism property, Seetharkundu Resorts asks all guests to actively participate in our sustainability efforts:

• Plastic-free zone: Single-use plastics are discouraged within the resort. Please use the reusable alternatives provided.
• Waste management: Use designated bins for waste segregation (wet, dry, and hazardous). Do not litter on trails, near the waterfalls, or in forest areas.
• Water conservation: Use water mindfully. Report leaks or wastage to staff.
• Energy conservation: Switch off lights, fans, and air-conditioning when not in use. Unplug chargers when not needed.
• Natural ecosystem: Do not introduce non-native plants, animals, or insects into the resort environment.
• Waterfall & stream areas: Do not use soaps, shampoos, or chemical products in or near natural water bodies. Do not leave food waste near water sources.

4. Photography & Drone Policy

4.1 Personal Photography

• Guests are welcome to photograph the resort and surrounding landscapes for personal use.
• Do not photograph resort staff, fellow guests, or local community members without their explicit consent.
• Photography in restricted or private areas of the resort is not permitted.

4.2 Drone & Aerial Photography

• The use of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or any aerial recording devices on or above resort premises is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from resort management.
• Any permitted drone operation must comply with the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021 issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India, including valid UIN registration and operator certification.
• Drone flights over forest areas, wildlife habitats, or the waterfall zone are prohibited regardless of permission.

4.3 Commercial Photography & Filming

• Commercial photography, videography, film shoots, or content creation for monetised platforms require prior written approval from the Resort management.
• Unauthorised commercial use of the resort's name, images, or intellectual property is prohibited.

5. Noise, Fire & Safety Rules

5.1 Noise Policy

• Guests are requested to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in keeping with the resort's nature-retreat character.
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Loud music, shouting, or other disturbances during these hours are not permitted.
• Personal speakers or music systems must be used at low volumes and only in designated areas.
• Noise levels that disturb wildlife or neighbouring properties are prohibited at all times.

5.2 Campfire & Fire Safety

• Campfires are permitted only in designated campfire areas and only when supervised by resort staff.
• Lighting open fires, burning waste, or using fireworks anywhere on the premises is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited inside rooms, indoor common areas, near fuel storage, and in all forest and trail areas.
• In the event of fire or smoke, immediately alert resort staff and follow evacuation instructions.

5.3 Activity Safety

• Follow all safety briefings and instructions provided by resort staff before participating in trekking, cycling, or any outdoor activity.
• Guests with medical conditions or physical limitations should inform staff before joining activities.
• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times, especially near water bodies, trails, and activity areas.
• Do not venture near the waterfalls or stream edges during or after rainfall; such areas may be slippery and hazardous.

6. Alcohol, Substances & Prohibited Items

• The consumption of alcohol is permitted only within designated areas of the resort and in a responsible manner. Public intoxication that disturbs fellow guests or staff will not be tolerated.
• The possession, consumption, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited and will be reported to law enforcement authorities.
• Guests may not carry weapons, explosives, or any item prohibited under Indian law onto the resort premises.
• The resort reserves the right to deny entry or ask guests to leave if found in possession of or under the influence of prohibited substances.

7. Children & Pets

7.1 Children

• Children below the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• Parents and guardians are solely responsible for the safety and behaviour of children in their care.
• Children must be kept away from fire, water edges, forest trails, and activity equipment unless under direct adult supervision.

7.2 Pets

• Pets are not permitted within the resort premises without prior written approval from management.
• Where permitted, pets must be kept on a leash at all times, must not disturb other guests or wildlife, and are not allowed inside rooms or dining areas.
• Pet owners are responsible for waste disposal and any damage caused by their animals.

8. Social Media, Reviews & Online Conduct

We welcome honest feedback and social media engagement. When sharing your experience online, we ask that you:

8.1 Review Integrity

• Share genuine, experience-based reviews on platforms such as Google, TripAdvisor, or social media.
• Do not post fake, paid, or coordinated reviews - this is a violation of platform policies and may constitute an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Constructive criticism is valued and handled through our Grievance Redressal process.

8.2 Online Content Standards

• Do not post content that is defamatory, abusive, hateful, obscene, or misleading about the resort, its staff, or guests.
• Do not share photographs or videos of other guests or staff without their explicit consent.
• Do not use the resort's name, logo, or imagery for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
• Content that violates these standards may be reported to the relevant platform or authorities under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

8.3 Tagging & Mentions

• We welcome guests tagging us on social media: @seetharkunduresorts
• By tagging the resort in publicly shared content, you grant Seetharkundu Resorts a non-exclusive licence to reshare or feature your content with appropriate credit.

9. Prohibited Behaviour - Summary

The following are strictly prohibited on resort premises and in online interactions with the resort:

• Harassment, intimidation, or abusive conduct towards any person
• Possession or use of illegal substances or prohibited items
• Unauthorised drone or aerial photography
• Open fires or fireworks outside designated areas
• Feeding, disturbing, or capturing wildlife
• Littering, polluting water bodies, or damaging vegetation
• Excessive noise during quiet hours (10:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
• Trespassing into restricted or private areas of the resort
• Defamatory, fake, or malicious online content targeting the resort or its guests
• Any activity that violates the laws of India or the State of Kerala

10. Enforcement & Consequences

Seetharkundu Resorts reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions in response to a breach of these guidelines:

• Verbal warning: Initial intervention by resort staff for minor breaches.
• Restriction of access: Limiting a guest's access to certain resort areas or facilities.
• Removal from premises: Asking a guest or visitor to vacate the resort immediately, without refund, in cases of serious misconduct.
• Refusal of future bookings: Blacklisting individuals from future reservations.
• Reporting to authorities: Reporting unlawful behaviour - including drug use, assault, wildlife offences, or drone violations - to local police or relevant regulatory authorities.
• Legal action: Pursuing civil or criminal remedies under applicable Indian law for damage to property, defamation, or other actionable conduct.

All enforcement decisions will be made fairly, proportionate to the severity of the breach, and without discrimination.

11. Reporting a Concern

If you witness a breach of these guidelines, feel unsafe, or have a concern you would like to raise, please contact resort staff immediately or use our formal Grievance Redressal process.

We are committed to ensuring every guest feels safe, respected, and welcome at Seetharkundu Resorts.

12. Contact Us

For questions about these guidelines, please reach out to: