Download Mobile Application
Road to the Fragrant Hill was developed in Sugandhagiri in Pozhuthana Grama Panchayath. It was developed as part of the Western Ghats development project, initiated under the prime ministership of Indira Gandhi during 1977. The project in Sugandhagiri later became a comprehensive cardamom project. The project also aims at the rehabilitation of the tribal population in the area and there are about 260 families which are living in an area of 3500 acres. They are divided into 7 units and are engaged in the works related to cardamom production.
Village Life Experience at Sugandhagiri is a responsible tourism initiative which tries to distribute the benefits of tourism to the local community. The journey through Sugandhagiri will offer some enchanting views of nature as well as facilitate an interaction with the inhabitants there. You can also observe the traditional village dwellings made of locally available resources like bamboo and clay and can have a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the tribes.
The programme starts at 8 am and ends at 6 pm and the package is economic which includes lunch, refreshment, help of a guide and a complementary gift pack.
Visit to Handcrafts Unit
The first in the itinerary will be a visit to a handicrafts unit. The crafts centre is operated by ITPD (Integrated Tribal Development Programme) and it aims at enhancing the skills of tribal youth in developing wooden handicrafts.
Anganvadi Visit
A visit to the Anganvadi (kindergarten) nearby is the next item in the itinerary and this will be very interesting to the tourists as they can interact with the local kids.
Sacred Grove
During the journey you can also see a sacred grove (kavu). The presence of sacred groves in the area talks volumes on man’s harmonious existence with nature. There are many rituals followed in the kavu and one of them is the daily lighting of lamps. Besides, the locals observe an annual festival at Kavu during Navarathry.
Other programmes
You can also visit some of the tribal settlers’ houses in the area. It will help you get a glimpse of congenial ecological living. The house is made up of locally available construction materials such as bamboo, grass, clay and dung.
Through the visit, you can also learn about the life and customs of tribes like Paniyas and how their life is led by the age old customs, traditions and values.
A plantation visit too is organised by the RT Cell and during a visit to one of the tribal’s plantations, you can observe the agriculture methods practiced for cultivating cardamom.
A visit to the house of persons belonging to Kurichiya community too is organised. The Kurichiya community is known as warriors who fought against the British with Pazhassi Raja. You can observe their lifestyle and archery skills.
A further journey to another tribal settlement will provide you some of the fascinating views on nature and you pass near the crystal clear water of a natural spring which acts as the source of water for all the inhabitants in the area.
A traditional lunch by one of the settlers is also included in the itinerary and the visitors are sure to enjoy it. Further in the journey, a fabulous stream with foamy water will offer an opportunity to experience a shower and you can also watch the cultivation of some medicinal plants.
As the valley is blessed with rich bio diversity, you may stand a good chance of encountering deer, sambar and elephants. You can also shop at the souvenir/spice shop and can have refreshments of local flavour before ending the journey through Sugandhagiri.
Journey to the soul (Karimkutty)  |
