How your trip will make a difference to our communities and our environment
We have tied up with the promoters of Nila Foundation to revive and regenerate a dying river in Central Kerala.
Once practiced in several places in Kerala and especially on the banks of River Nila, featured art forms and rituals are no longer financially viable for people who practice it as there are less and less people who are showing interest in these rituals (change in life style and attitude). This has affected the way of life of these ritualistic performers and they have been looking for other jobs based on daily wages. The Responsible tourism initiative has helped some of our community members to continue their lifestyle and earn from what they know for many generations; instead of having to look for a lifestyle they aren’t comfortable with.
Due to many social restrictions, they have no access to perform in temples and courtyards which are otherwise restricted only to musicians of upper caste Hindus. These members from the poor families make a living out of traditional launderettes and daily-wage jobs which are very seasonal. Now the program has shown them an alternative source of income and more than everything, sense of pride and social recognition.
The boats you will travel on were traditionally used for transporting fine sand and coconut husks to different locations. (In River Nila, most of the boats are used for illegal sand mining). A slump in the local economy and falling market prices along with the ban in sand mining has hit the boat owners and workers. We believe that by hiring these boats from them instead of owning our own boats, for ferrying tourists, we could give them an alternative source of income. This in turn gives them a dignified job and decent income to live with.
Part of this holiday supports those people who live on the fringes of the forest as trackers, guides and interpreters. Due to several "social re-engineering" and political decisions, many of the tribal people have been forced to leave the forest and are no longer associated with its day to day activities. This particular trip focuses on their role as care takers of forest, its resources and wildlife and by doing so also assures them a decent livelihood with dignity. Sustainable income through responsible tourism ensures increasing interest amongst local community members, which in turn supports conservation of wildlife and forest resources.
The Kodeeri Natural Camp is a pioneering partner of Nila Foundation that has brought in our traditional life style back into our communities. The centre provides jobs to local women and has now set up a Self Help Groups for women to engage in organic farming and provide market assistance for the same.
Spice tours were initiated to support farmers who were struggling to get fair prices for their products in the market. The farm tour is now supporting them with supplementary source of income. Promoting heritage properties have managed to save close to 9 heritage properties in the tour itinerary and you will be staying in two such properties.
During your holiday you will also be planting saplings to promote Traveller’s Forest. This is a small initiative by Nila Foundation to promote bio-diversity in the region and is now growing as a greening movement.
Price Per Person : From Euro 1660/- net per person.
Inclusions:
Accommodation in double room per person on Bed and Breakfast basis :
- Nila: River Retreat ( Palace Chamber ) and Kooderimana-Homestay ( non AC room/all veg meals included )
- Wayanad: Vythri Resort-suite room ( Breakfast and Dinner )
- Nilambur: Maranat Mana ( All meals )
- Fort Cochin: Malabar House-deluxe room
- Alleppey: AC Premium House boat ( all meals )
- Marari: OGs Beach Bunglow-AC room cottage ( all meals )
One spacious AC vehicle ( AC Innova ) for all local movements including airport pickup and drop.
All taxes.
All Activities as per the itinerary
One massage in Ayurveda Mana
Portage
One interpreter during Nila activities and Jungle naturalist during Jungle tours.
Train fare in non ac class.
English Speaker Guided tour in Cochin
All entrance / entry fees.
Price valid till 30th April 2013 and is in Euro net per person.
Exclusions
- Airfare. Visa etc.
- Payment for service provided on a personal basis
- Any item not specified above in inclusions.
- Personal expenses on items such as laundry, incidentals
- Tips or any other service
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