Body: Activities
Jungle Retreat is ideal for the adventurous ones and at the same time is perfectly suited for people looking for spending time relaxing amidst nature and total privacy. Our guests enjoy complete freedom to choose how they spend their time and the clocks ticks at your pace.
Trek through the jungle with trained guides, go on a game drive and watch the animals from the comfort of your vehicle, visit Thirunelli temple and other places of historic significance, take a dip in the gurgling streams, go fishing or just laze around with your favourite book in your big & comfy balcony sipping on your drinks.
Wilderness Adventure
India is often referred to as the "Land of the Tiger". The farm is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere which is home to hundreds of mammals, some of them endangered and not found anywhere else in the world. Surrounded by Nagarahole to the North, Tholpetty reserve to the East, Bandipur and Muthanga to the south and Brahmagiri to the West makes it a unique hotspot for wildlife.
The fauna of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes over 115 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, 300 species of butterflies and innumerable invertebrates. It is also rich in plant diversity; about 3,300 species of flowering plants can be seen here.
Though the wise say that animal sighting is a matter of luck, it is a given that you will bump into Elephants, Gaur, Sambar deer, Chital etc during your stay here. It is also interesting to note that we have had umpteen Tiger & Leopard sightings in a radius of 5Kms from the farm - which probably makes it one of the hot spots in the world to see the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger! It is also a favourite with the elephants due to the abundant bamboo grove surrounding the area.
Game drives
One of the best ways to view the wildlife at the farm is on a game drive or a vehicle safari. Whether you go early in the morning or late afternoon, your own informative guide will take you in an SUV across the open plains, through the jungle or along the river bank viewing the wide variety of animals, birds, plants and trees.
Tholpetty reserve is just a stone's throw away and it is always a fulfilling experience to go on a drive inside the park and watch the animals in their natural surroundings. We also arrange night safaris which is a major attraction amongst our guests. The animals venture out in the night and you can watch them right on the road next to your vehicle. In fact these late night outings are so popular because of the anticipation of coming face to face with a Bull elephant at the next corner and also the innumerable sightings you witness during these late night drives.
Night watch in a machan
Being a farm, we keep a regular watch on the crops cultivated because fruits like jackfruit and crops like paddy attract elephants, bears and other animals to the farm. It is a common sight to see the elephants trying to sneak into the farm in the middle of the night and we provide our guests a unique opportunity to spend a night in a spacious matchan; from this vantage point you will see the drama unfold in the thick of the night.
Jungle treks: Follow the jungle paths into the wild with trained guides
A great way to view the stunning diversity of Wayanad is on foot. You will be accompanied by experienced guides whose knowledge of local flora and fauna, is unmatched. They will train you in the art of tracking by translating the signs, sights, sounds and smell of the jungle. There are various trekking options available, some take you deep into the thick jungle where you can camp out for the night and for the less adventurous, there are other options which are equally adventurous but less taxing. These jungle treks and nature walks takes you closer to nature as never before; the pure forest air along with crystal clear water from the forest rivers and the freshly cooked food is sure to invigorate tired legs and body.
The farm
The Jungle Retreat Wayanad is a multi-crop farm where we grow Paddy, Coffee and Pepper in an organic manner. The labour force comprises of the local tribal folks, who are partners to this project of sustainable, responsible tourism. Half the farm is fenced, which is where the cultivation happens and the remaining half is open to the wild, and the green grass in the meadows attracts wild animals from all over the region.
Other activities
Set in a picturesque location, apart from the incredible attraction of exploring wildlife, there are various activities one could indulge in and around the camp. This includes visiting Thirunelli temple which was built around 1000BC, visiting the amazing cave structure at Edakkal Caves, going for a wonderful boating experience at Pookkot Lake, getting amazed at a 1000 acre island with exotic birds and plants at the Kuruva Island and much more. The farm is conveniently situated and can be used as an ideal hub to visit Wayanad and near-by places. For more information on activities, have a look at the Brochure under the "Facts File" section.
