Background
The project is run by a well-regarded local tribal organisation. Started by John and a group of tribal friends from his village it began as a youth club concentrating on sports, mainly volleyball, which didn't require too much expensive equipment but it soon developed into a sort of action group to tackle the many problems they faced. In 1987 when they met Jill they decided to register an organisation and try to put some of their development ideas into practice. They're still proud of their sporting history and you'll often see impromptu games of volleyball being played on makeshift courts around the villages.
Over the years they've installed drinking water supplies in 12 villages, introduced various income-generating schemes, particularly for the women and fought a long court battle to win the rights for the tribes to continue to earn a livelihood by gathering forest produce. They're currently helping more than 1000 children to gain a basic education and running a small health clinic. They work with several donors as well as collaborating closely with local government and business institutions.
The Communities
The area is home to a number of indigenous tribal groups including Jain Kurumber (honey gatherers), Yanai Kurumbers (traditionally elephant trainers) and Todas - the original inhabitants of the Nilgiri slopes. They may be some of the poorest communities in India, but they have a rich culture, a unique way of life, and a knowledge of the forests which is unsurpassed.
The Wild Haven Village and Project experience
Arrival
If you’re coming to the project, Bengaluru is the closest international airport with direct flights from the U.K. You can be met there and taken directly to the project (a 5 to 6 hour drive) or, depending on the timing of your flight and your wishes, a hotel can be arranged for an overnight stay at Bangalore itself or at historic Mysore which is just over half way between the two. It really is flexible and can be tailored to your individual preference.
Your Stay
The village/project experience begins when you reach Wild Haven where you’ll be given a warm welcome and an informal introduction to the place and the project. The aim is for you to experience this incredible area as more than just a tourist.
You’ll be able to see something of the project’s varied community development work, get an understanding of the sort of challenges they’ve faced, and a real insight into what life is like for the people there.
Take the opportunity to totally immerse yourself; visit villages, meet locals at the characterful chai shops, join a game of village cricket or volleyball (if you’re feeling energetic) or sit in the shade of pomegranate and mango trees and learn about some of the novel challenges faced by farmers here.
You can even get hands on with the harvest if you like!
Then there are the tea, coffee and spice plantations to visit on the higher slopes while a spectacular, 45-minute drive will take you up to the old hill station of Ooty, passing through 3 different microclimates and habitats on the way.
Don’t worry about language barriers. There’ll always be English speakers on hand to help you and English is quite widely spoken in the South.
We’re sure you’ll want to make the most of the incredible wildlife too and the team will be happy to help you arrange van or jeep safaris, trekking or gentle walks in the hills or perhaps an afternoon by the river enjoying the spectacle of bath time for the working elephants.
All in all, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll be spoilt for choice. And if you simply want to relax around the beautiful campus, watch for visitors at the small waterhole, or learn a few tips on South Indian cooking, that’s fine too. Evenings can be as sociable as you like, chat to other guests around the bonfire or star gaze and listen to the sounds of the jungle from your own veranda.
Project Activities
You’re welcome to spend a week simply enjoying all that this marvelous area has to offer but if you’d like to play a more active part, you’ll probably need to allow a few days to adapt followed by a week or two to join in. Just how much you get involved and with what will depend on your own interests and on what the project is engaged on at the time. There are many possibilities – anything from assisting with some fun sporting or creative activities to helping renovate a school – but remember, this is a holiday, albeit with a difference, so no strict 9 to 5 routine expected and no specific skills required (though any you do have will be welcome).
Bear in mind that the project is a working organisation responding to the needs of the people so the itinerary will need to be flexible but if you’re prepared to be adaptable, you’ll have a wonderful and rewarding stay.
Ethical issues
Just a word about the ethical issues pertaining to volunteering, particularly where children are concerned. We have no connection with any orphanages and any involvement with the schools is always in collaboration with the local teachers so there is no unaccompanied or unsupervised access to classes. The safety of the communities is our priority.
On the wider debate about ‘voluntourism’, ’white saviours’ etc. you can be reassured that this project is entirely designed and implemented by the local community so there’s no fear that you’ll be involved with anything they don’t really want or need. Join them as a valued guest and friend – not a saviour.
For more of South India
If you’d like to see more of South India, why not combine a stay at the project with a tour designed specifically to suit your interests and budget. We’ll be happy to help you arrange it.
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