| The Rainforest Retreat was established in 1999 by Drs Anurag
and Sujata Goel. Sujata has a Ph.D. from the dept of Botany, Delhi
University and Anurag has grown up and completed his studies (Ph.D.
in Molecular Biology) in Toronto, Canada. Together, we quit the
rat-race of urban living and careers to pursue a more simple and
harmonious existence with nature. After extensive travels throughout
the country, we chose to settle in the rainforests of Kodagu (in
Southern Karnataka) because of the tremendous bio-diversity and
unique agri-ecosystems. The major crops of this region, grown under
the shade of rainforest trees, are coffee (which has been introduced),
cardamom and pepper (which are indigenous to the Western Ghats).
Most plantations in Kodagu are abundant with small animals, birds,
reptiles and insects, however, heavy use of toxic pesticides and
chemical fertilizers poses a serious threat to the bio-diversity
of this region. Therefore we established an NGO to raise environmental
awareness and develop sustainable means of agriculture. The major
research project (initiated in 1997 by a grant from the National
Geographic Society, USA) is to develop and field test biological
pest control agents.
The Rainforest Retreat eco-tourism project has been carefully conceived
and developed so that others can share this unique, natural experience
(and to raise awareness and funds for the various environmental
activities) . Surrounded by rolling hills and densely forested valleys
abundant with fresh water streams, this part of Coorg remains an
undiscovered paradise for trekkers and naturalists. Here one can
truly relax and unwind and experience a peace and tranquility that
only nature can provide. There are numerous treks (of varying distance
and difficulty) through evergreen rainforests and remote idyllic
valleys that highlight the beauty and bio-diversity of this region.
Most importantly, the Retreat provides an example of how one can
live in harmony with nature rather than always exploit it. One of
the highlights is a guided tour of the plantation with Sujata to
discover how coffee, cardamom, pepper, vanilla and other spices
are organically cultivated in the shade of rainforest trees and
about the biological pest control methods being developed here.
Our scientific backgrounds and experiences here provide a unique
perspective and valuable insights into the ecology of this region.
In the short span that it has been open, the Rainforest Retreat
is becoming recognized as one of the finest eco-retreats in South
India.
The
Rainforest Retreat
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Eco
Tropical Resorts