Madi Eco-village

23/07/2025

Monika Schaffner, the project initiator of the Madi Eco-village, shares her vision for a more conscious and sustainable way of living. Set in Bankatta village, Nepal, this project was built in close partnership with the local Bote community. It highlights how eco-friendly design, cultural preservation, and women-led homestays can bring meaningful change to rural areas.

As Monika walks us through the landscape and tells the story, the video captures the true spirit of Madi, a place where the community is reclaiming pride and creating new opportunities through holistic and nature-based tourism.

Watch the full video on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBrlt87NXk&t=1s

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23/04/2024

Explore the village life at Bankatta, pedaling on a cycle while immersing in the serene views at Madi, Chitwan.

04/04/2024

Experience the peaceful and laid-back atmosphere of village life while enjoying the comforts of a modern sustainable cottage, perfect for detoxing from city life at Bankatta, Madi.

29/02/2024

Our trailer is out !

Welcome to Madi Eco-village. Community built | Community led | Community run.Website: https://madiecovillage.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadiEcovil...

15/06/2023

Wondering what you can do while you stay with us?
Come visit Baikuntha Taal
A stunning place that is 1.5 hr of tuk-tuk or car ride and a 30 minute hike from Madi, it has a spiritual meaning for the locals and offers serene and undisturbed natural beauty. 🍃

12/06/2023

Everything you see in our homestay rooms have been handpicked.

The furniture is made from locally sourced timber and bamboo, the soaps are chemical-free and hand-made, the mat under your feet and the blinds on the window are locally woven, and the list goes on.

We like to think these small but simple details will make your stay with us comfortable and homely.

12/05/2023

While the Bankatta community primarly has been depending on agriculture, the rise in tourism in the area has made possible a different revenue stream model. The homestay model has taken off throughout the Southern belt of Nepal and Bankatta is no different. With the support of local government, the residents of Bankatta have 10 existing homestays; they're community-based and led by women. Here, the guest can expect basic affordable rooms with modern bathroom and warm hospitality from the community.

18/04/2023

Time moves slowly here in Bankatta, and you share the fresh air and the beautiful fields with all kinds of animals. Take a quick walk aroung the village and you'll see ducks waddling along looking for food, chickens running chosely behind their mothers, buffalos taking lazy dips in the water and adorably shy baby goats.

04/04/2023

Authentic Bot cuisine made with fresh organic vegetables from the fields and even fresher fish from the local river. Expect different types of fish dishes while you visit Bankatta.
The food will be simple but also healthy, authentic and delicious🥬🌽🫑

26/03/2023

Designed with the weather of Madi in mind, the community hall is a building that's open all day or night for the community to gather and use. The elevated floor is robust and can facilitate everything from cultural dances, drying of harvested crops, community workshops, local women's group meetings, to kids playing. The curved thatch roof allows the heavy rain to drain quickly, and the open-air design allows ventilation during the hot summer months. The building materials - bamboo, timber, river stones and earth are all locally sourced.
This is where you will be welcomed by the community as a guest visiting Bankatta.

Sit here for a while and enjoy the fresh air in the peaceful, serene, laid-back atmosphere while the Reu river flows nearby.

24/02/2023

The two homestay cottages at Madi Eco-village are built using natural building materials and are inspired by the local architecture of Bankatta. They offer an experience to live like a local, but with modern conveniences.

Elevated above the ground with stones from the local river, you step up to a timber deck. From here you can watch the rice fields, chat to the villagers or simply read a book. Inside, the floor and walls are made out of mud, like traditional Bot homes. A high ceiling, a modern ensuite, bamboo furniture, electricity generated from solar panels and cosy vibes - it's perfect for your stay in Bankatta.