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.

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village
village

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.

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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?

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village
village

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.

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village
village

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.

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village

Train that takes you to forests

Experience a train journey through villages to reach Nilambur forests. Visit Railway stations canopied by trees and shrubs.

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village

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.

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village

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.

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ABOUT US

About The Blue Yonder

The Blue Yonder is a social enterprise that uses travel as a tool for social change. We work on the concept of Gandhian Talisman where our business becomes a social platform to address challenges in the society and be the change maker. River Nila is one of the most passionate initiatives that we are involved in. We have won more than 20 international and national awards in the last decade ranging from Conde Nast Traveler Awards to being awarded a Gold for Best Cultural Immersion by Outlook Traveller. Our campaigns to promote responsible tourism as well as River Nila as a destination have won the Tourism Oscars in Berlin, twice. All the activity partners and experience providers and associates that you will meet during these trips are people we have been working with in the last 12 years to 'Create a better place for people to live and visit'. Most of the people you will be interacting with are The Blue Yonder Lifetime Award winners, fellows or scholars that we financially support so that they can pursue their passion.

The Blue Yonder Storytellers

This journey, like all our journeys are rich because of the story tellers. They are born and brought up on the banks of this river. It's knowledge and their passion that helps us network and connect to all the inspiring people and art forms and nature that you will encounter. Coming from local villages, they know the region and surroundings as the air they breathe in.

CONTACT


For inquiries, please contact us :

Tel: +91 99524 23593 | welcome@theblueyonder.com

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