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Visit to Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary: The rain forest Gardeners of Wayanad:

Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a forest garden located in the North of Wayanad. The Western Ghats have been identified by the International union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the 25 centres of biodiversity in the world. Founded in the 1981, the Sanctuary is a Noah’s Ark of wild plant species grown in a beautiful tropical garden at the edge of a large rainforest reserve. The central focus of the work is conservation and education.

The garden at the Sanctuary is a repository of sorts. It has created a space where all varieties of rainforest flora could exist – from tiny mosses, to delicate orchid flowers, to huge trees. There are some 2000 plant species growing here, nearly one half of the region’s flora. All have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. Over twenty years they have discovered ways by which to grow them.

Within the 50 acres, some 40 acres are left largely alone to harness the restorative powers of natural succession. In a few, they have pulled out exotic plantations, to allow native species quick access. In about 5 acres they intervene in great details, where every plant is known and tended carefully. You can also learn how you can help to protect and preserve nature, by changing, being aware of what is happening in the localities, and raising questions when nature is under attack.

Suitable for: those who love nature, to know more about local initiatives in conservation, environment. Requires hardly any physical exertion.

Season: Throughout the year. Depending upon the convenience of the host community.

Distance from base camp: 60 kms by road.

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Visit to crafts village:

Uravu in Wayanad, is a non-governmental organisation that offer livelihood sustenance and employment generation programmes in the bamboo sector. It is targeted to help downtrodden social groups including traditional bamboo artisans and tribal communities, especially the women. The organisation also organises bamboo planting programmes for ecosystem restoration and local resource base enhancement.

Our guests can visit their workshop, interact with the artisans and designers and see how they create marvels out of different varieties of Bamboo grown locally. The visit also includes interaction with the promoters, visit to the bamboo nursery. For those who are interested you can also join the artisans in developing several bamboo products.

Suitable for: those looking for insight into local lives, craft, indigenous knowledge.
Season: Throughout the year.
Duration: Half a day to one day to multiple days
Distance from base camp: 15 kms
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Extension trips:
For those who want to explore other areas in Kerala including north and south of Kerala, The Blue Yonder travel desk can arrange the same. This includes holidaying on the banks of River Nila, Nilambur, Kannur, Bakel, Athirampally , Cochin , Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady and Varkala. Please contact our reservation for more details.