Prakriti

Centre for Ornithology & Natural History

The Centre is not only a tribute to the eponymous birdman but also works to spread awareness about the value of preserving flora and fauna.

If there's one person all ornithology enthusiasts need to know about, it is Salim Ali. He was 'The Birdman of India' and a revered researcher. He has left behind a rich legacy of ornithological research for the country. Salim Ali’s life changed when, as a young boy, he shot a bright bird with his air gun and showed it to a family friend. The friend happened to be W.S. Millard, secretary of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Millard identified the bird as a Yellow-throated Sparrow and went on to show young Salim the various exhibits in BNHS. This incident changed Salim Ali… and the rest, as they say, is history.

One of the many outcomes of his legacy is the Centre for Ornithology and Natural History located in Anaikatti Hills. Spread across 55 acres, it is located at the foothills of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It gives researchers an opportunity to study the multiple ecosystems that the area supports.

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam: Modern Day Study Of The Vedas

An ashram started by the initiatives of Pujya Sri Swami Dayanand Saraswathi in 1990, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is a unique place to study ancient scriptures and look at life through a spiritual lens.

If you've always wanted to study the Vedas, Upanishads and other ancient scholarly texts, this ashram in Anaikatti Hills is one place you must visit. The Arsha Vidya Gurukulam started out with the goal of simulating the traditional ‘Gurukul’ method of schooling. It has a modern setup with English as the primary mode of instruction. Established in 1990 by Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a distinguished scholar and Vedanta teacher, who encouraged his disciples to study ancient scholarly texts that go beyond what modern day textbooks teach. Students get a chance to live with the teacher to master their chosen field and practise important life skills. At the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, learned scholars give discourses on Advaita Vedanta, along with courses in Yoga, Sanskrit and many other classical Indian disciplines. The goal is to help disciples embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of existence.

The Arsha Vidya Gurukulam offers both long-term and short-term courses for Indians and foreigners alike, making it one of the most coveted spiritual experiences in Anaikatti Hills. A typical course runs for about three years. During this time, the Vedanta, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Vedic chantings are taught. Visitors can also sign up for short weekend courses in guided meditation and chanting to reap the benefits of a deeply spiritual holiday in a tranquil setting.

The Swami also considered Carnatic music to be one of the many ways of connecting with the Divine. Hence, regular Carnatic concerts are held in the ashram, especially during November and December, which is a sensory treat for anyone who has not experienced this before. Apart from these, you can also be a part of their regular satsangs that allow you to evoke your inner calling.

Located by the Anaikatti Hills Main Road, a short drive, the gurukulam is surrounded by deciduous trees and resounds with the happy chirping of numerous birds. Even if you’re not keen to enrol in a full-fledged course, a few hours in this gurukulam is enough to encourage deep contemplation and quiet introspection, an act much needed in today’s hectic lives.

Silent Valley: One of the Last Untouched Rainforests in India

The Silent Valley is where you go to reconnect with your soul, when you feel the tug of a virgin forest and the song of wild beasts calling out to you.

Legend has it that when the Pandavas roamed the forests during their exile, they chanced upon a lush valley with a river meandering through it. Peaceful and harmonious, even the wild animals seemed to welcome them. They named the forest Sairandhri Vanam - the forest of Sairandhri - after one of Draupadi’s many names, and the river Kunthipuzha, after their mother. This forest is now known as the Silent Valley National Park.

This protected zone is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna and one of the last untouched rainforests in India. The Silent Valley lies at the very heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This is one of nature's unbelievably beautiful wonderlands and is a delight to your eyes.

While visiting the Silent Valley, once you purchase entry tickets at the Visitor Centre in Mukkali, you will be assigned vehicles - powerful 4x4 jeeps capable of traversing the steep path up the forest. It is definitely worth waking up early just to be on the first jeep, as the chances of sighting wild animals are far higher. During the safari, the forest comes alive with cries of numerous birds and animals, teleporting you deeper into their world. As you proceed further into the forest, you’ll find a tall watchtower at the top of a hill that provides a truly breathtaking view of the entire valley. From the top of the watchtower, the course of River Kunthipuzha, the dazzling green forest river flowing through deep ravines, can be traced.

Silent Valley is one of those enchanting places that conceals more than it reveals. Only when you see it, you will believe that a place of such breathtaking beauty actually exists.

Arya Vaidya Shala Pathanjalipuri

There is a magical quality in the ambiance that envelops Pathanjalipuri. Ancient lore pins this geographical area to one of the places where Sage Pathanjali meditated upon. The yogic reverberations evoke a deep meditative quality to everything that is pursued here. In the first two decades of its history, Arya Vaidya Shala devoted itself to the dissemination of the pure tradition of Ayurveda.

From its academic portals, have emerged more than 100 Ayurveda practitioners, who have devoted a great many years to learning the science of this ancient medicine through the Gurukula system. Today, this seat of learning has trained and moulded two generations of doctors, paramedical professionals and seekers of this wisdom, and they in turn, have dedicated themselves to the spirit of service.

Arya Vaidya Shala is located in sun-kissed Mangarai, a rural hinterland in the lap of the Western Ghats. The rural and tribal communities around this region have benefitted from the comprehensive services of the institution. They come here to seek physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Attapadi Mission – Balabhavan

Balabhavan also comes under the auspices of the Jesus Village concept of the Attappadi Mission and was incepted with the purpose of supporting children from poor and neglected sections of the society.

A house where Adivasi orphans are sheltered. They grow with the mission imbibing right thoughts, right words, right deeds, right habits and above everything a good character worthy of a true citizen This imbibes a homely feeling among the children, a feeling that they are also the gifts of God, the almighty.

The home meets its expenses by the broad-mindedness of the local people and well wishers. We solicit help of people from all walks of life to serve with us in giving these children a new lease in life. The doors of the mission are always are always open for you.