Text : Sumesh Mangalassery and Nirmal Joy
Photos : KABANI
Wayanad, the least developed district in Kerala, South India, is blessed by the bounties of forests, hills and wildlife, mist and myths, and above all its people, many of them Adivasis (tribals). Kuruva Island - a biodiversity treasure, Edakkal Caves - a pre-historic proof of civilization, Soochipaara Waterfalls, and Chembra Peaks - the highest point in Wayanad, are only some of the highlights. While Wayanad is promoted as an emerging destination in ‘God’s Own Country’, the team of KABANI believes that “another tourism is possible”. Named after the Kabani River, the only river in Wayanad flowing in the ‘other direction’ than most of the rivers in Kerala, KABANI is a community-based initiative focusing on sustainable socio-economic development and the conservation of natural resources. KABANI promotes organic agriculture, waste management techniques, and capacity building among local communities.
Under the title “Tour MASC”, traditions, the people, agriculture, nature and crafts are integrated into a unique tourist programme. Tour MASC provides opportunities for tourists to explore, to learn and to enjoy while they are trying their own hands in activities such as agriculture, cooking, crafts, etc. The income generated through the Tour MASC activities directly benefits local communities in a decentralized manner. The guests stay with local families, eat local food, use local transport and experience local culture – while local people also learn from them in a mutual process of benefit sharing.
Contact
Sumesh Mangalassery & Nirmal Joy
’Nest’, P.O.Mananthavady
Wayanad (Dist), Kerala, India.
Pin – 670 645
Tel. : +91 - 9447546584 OR
Tel. : +91 - 9447887396
E-mail : kabanitour@yahoo.com OR
info@kabani.org
Internet : www.kabani.org
Langauge : English, Malayalam, Hindi
Booking : NGO KABANI – the other direction, a non-profit organisation for community-based tourism.