The Trail: (14-27 July 2017)
This is a journey that starts in the Western Ghats ranges and ends in estuary where River Nila (Bharatapuzha) joins Arabian sea in Ponnani. A Mega journey that takes you through the magical civilisation of rivers that celebrates it's culture, social and natural heritage along with it's people and amazing places. We travel in a small group of not more than 12 people staying in ancient heritage houses and other properties with character. A journey we find the river witihin ourselves through music, percussion, folklore and legends. Meet the most amazing people, crafts and arts during this journey.
This 14-day trip is also available as a hop on and hope off version. You may choose 2-4-6-8-10-12-14 nights option according to your convenience.
The journey that awaits you
The Villages
The trip begins from villages at the valley of Western Ghats in Thrissur and Palakkad. Stay in traditional "boutique heritage" properties, eat local cuisines, explore the farmlands and ethnic toddy shops including in Malappuram Districts.
The Mountains & Hills
Explore photography vantage points of Nelliyampathy hills and Nilambur and many hillocks doting the river. Take out your wide lenses. Create panoramas.
The River
Travel along the banks of Chalakudy river, River Nila and Chaliyar . Meet people ,click portraits. Visit local teashops. Document Nila amidst monsoons. Central theme of this trip would be the river and it's influences and vice versa on local culture , nature and heritage.
Temples, Mosques, Myths & Rituals
Visit temples and mosques and listen to the legends and myths from the people of the region. Experience rituals like Kalamezhuthu paattu and Pulluvan pattu and explore the still remaining sufi traditions which are exclusive cultural symbols of Kerala's rich tradition. Where else would you hear stories of 600 year old Muslim mosque that was built by a Hindu carpenter who's tomb is still taken care inside the mosque?
Art, Artists, Craft, Craftsmen
Meet various artists and craftsmen while they perform. The man who creates Kathakali koppu, the only family who creates Adakkaputhur Kannadi, magical shadow puppetry and Glove puppetry performances are just some of them.
Music
Experience the music of the river from the mountain to the sea that nurtured this civilisation. Follow us on a musical trail.
Nature, Landscapes
Follow the river, explore natural ponds, farmlands, mangroves. Join our local friends in their conservation efforts.
Train that takes you to forests
Experience a train journey through villages to reach Nilambur forests. Visit Railway stations canopied by trees and shrubs.
The Architecture
Stay in some of the largest remaining traditional households in Kerala, study the intricate designs of sustainable architecture. Understand the future plans of handing over this knowledge to the next generation.
The Sea
Nila ends at Ponnani, where it flows in to the Arabian sea. Visit villages in Ponnani, that predominantly houses muslim communities in contrast to the other villages of Nila.