Spend The Monsoon Exploring Along The Banks Of River Nila

Spend The Monsoon Exploring Along The Banks Of River Nila

  • 29 Jun 2017
  • Sunaya
  • Features

A two-week trip to explore the river!

#ItsTheWayYouSeeIt is a journey with some of the finest story tellers, musicians and photographers along the banks of River Nila during the invigorating Monsoon. It's an opportunity to see the monsoon through a local perspective, documenting the history, legends, folklore and lifestyle of this civilisation. Observe and experience how the land and river transform as the monsoon take over. The trip begins at the lush rain forest of Athirappilly and traverses through lands where Nila is more a culture than a river. You get to meet people whose livelihood is connected to Nila.It is a chance to experience the cultures the river has nurtured, and to encounter rare art forms and craftsmanship. Also, spend time with the artists and their families and friends. Listen to magical myths. Be entertained by stories of the river and from the river. Print a visual memoir of the journey through the photographs you have captured. A story that will stay close to your heart, all your life.

WHAT IS IN THIS JOURNEY

The Villages in Malappuram, Thrissur and Palakkad Districts

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 n Malappuram Districts.

The Mountains & Hills

Explore photography vantage points of Nelliyampathy hills and Nilambur and many hillocks dotting 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 whose 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 into the Arabian sea. Visit villages in Ponnani, that predominantly houses Muslim communities in contrast to the other villages of Nila.

The trip will conclude with a musical evening in Tirur, Thunjan Parambu where Sufi artists will perform with local musicians and percussionists creating a new musical fusion dedicated to River Nila.

The trip begins on July 14. If there’s anyone who cannot make it to the whole trip, they also have an option. The journey is curated in a unique way that lets travelers who cannot be a part of the whole trail pick a shorter duration trip, with the Hop-on Hop-off experience, as it would be a great option for travelers from Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai and other close cities to make a quick weekend (or long weekend) getaway. 

For more Information: 
Website:  [email protected] 
Contact number: +91 999 5239 354

Text: Devika V Menon   Photos:Various Sources

Email Please

Enter Password

Register Now!

Close