vithura

Walking Kallar #1: Aranakkuzhi Trail

Walking Kallar is a day-long walking programme and the Aranakkuzhi trail is one of the three unique trails introducing this pristine landscape, rich flora and fauna and the life and livelihood of the Kani indigenous community.

The walk starts with an introduction to the community based sustainable tourism initiative and the Kani and other communities of Kallar.

The trail starts near the Meenmutty Eco-Tourism entry point. Meenmutty waterfall is a beautiful waterfall two kilometers deep inside the forest. A walk to the waterfalls through a well-demarcated route is a great experience to get close to nature and observe rare butterflies and birds.

On the way back from the waterfalls, the trail takes a deviation and follows the sacred grove route to Aranakkuzhi. Aranakkuzhi is a place where wild elephants were trapped and caught long ago and even today we can see the trenches and traps remaining in there.

The traditional wellness and rejuvenation centre is the next stop and a medicinal steam bath is a much sought-after activity here. A well-experienced and highly awarded medicinal man shares his experiences and stories with the group while having refreshments.

The walk continues to follow narrow pathways and reaches the Kani settlement of Aranakkuzhi. The community here diversified their livelihood options by getting involved in spice plantations and fish farming. A walk to the fish ponds and spice plantations amid the tall trees of the adjoining forest land is an experience to cherish.

Traditional food is planned for lunch and both the food and the story behind it are equally interesting.

Community members here are very much skilled in weaving and crafting and with a weaving workshop we say adieu to the community and follow the trail back to the start point.

Walking Kallar #2: Mottamoodu Trail

Walking Kallar is a day-long walking programme and ‘Mottamoodu trail’ is one of the three unique trails introducing this pristine landscape, rich flora and fauna and the life and livelihood of the Kani indigenous community.

The walk starts with an introduction to the community based sustainable tourism initiative and the Kani Community.

The trail follows the banks of one of the tributaries of river Kallar and enters the forest trail after half an hour. The trail follows a sacred grove and community center before taking the first break for refreshments.

As you sip the herbal drinks under the canopy of tall trees, the story teller from the community shares his life’s experiences living inside forest and the challenges they face in everyday life.

The trail takes a deviation to the mud route and crossing the stream, reaches the traditional hut of the artisans.

A bamboo weaving workshop with the artisan from the community is an opportunity to learn about alternative and sustainable options in daily life. The community members still use their crafting and weaving skills to make utensils, mats, toys, fishing tools and weapons to drive away wild animals when they get closer and try to destroy their crops and vegetables.

Fishing from the stream with the traditional trap basket is an interesting activity to try your hands at.

Trail leads to the mid-day break point and the time is well spent relaxing in tree houses and listening to the experience of the traditional healer from the community. This part of Western Ghats is rich with medicinal plants and the Kani tribal community is the custodian of this knowledge.

Kani Food is an interesting element of the walk and a community kitchen is planned where you could be part of food preparation. Most of the ingredients are collected from forest and they are seasonal.

After a much-needed rest, the trail follows narrower paths and crisscrossing streams to take us to the last point.

A traditional art form named ‘Chonam Kali’ is planned here. Men from the community sings and plays unique musical instruments made of bamboo and the women dances to the tune. The story behind this art form is quite interesting and a perfect example of the harmony with which indigenous communities lived alongside wildlife for ages.

Following a shorter route, the walk ends at the starting point and bids adieu.

Walking Kallar #3: The Mullamoodu Trail

Walking Kallar is a day-long walking programme and the Mulla Moodu trail is one of the three unique trails introducing this pristine landscape, rich flora and fauna and the life and livelihood of the Kani indigenous community.

The walk starts with an introduction to the community based sustainable tourism initiative and the Kani Community.

The trail starts near a beautiful bridge over Kallar. Crossing the river, the trail leads to a Kani tribal settlement named Kongumarathin Moodu.

The members of the community are actively involved in crafting and a craft workshop is planned as we reach the settlement along with refreshments.

Women from the community are members of VSS (Vana Samrakshana Samithi), which promotes conservation activities with the support of tourism and an interaction with them help us learn about their challenges and get inspired by their lives.

As the walk continues and finally reaches the settlement area of ‘Mullamoodu’ there awaits a very enterprising community with exposure to outside world and shares their knowledge and skills at different venues.

They are masters of weaving with bamboo, reeds and creepers and a weaving demonstration is a great opportunity to appreciate their skills.

Preparing food with ingredients from forests is a long process and its collection has many challenges as well. Get involved in the process and have a great mid-day meal with never tasted delicacies.

This settlement at the foothills of Ponmudi is an ideal place to enjoy the traditional art form of ‘Kambadikali’. The elders from the community sing songs from the epics and folktales and the groups of men and women dance with the tune.

This art form is more physical and requires great practice and flexibility. With evening refreshments, we leave the settlement and trace the trail back to the bridge.