As I leave behind Coimbatore and its partly sunny skies, I am eager for the day ahead at Baralikadu, an eco-tourism getaway, located at 70 kilometres from the city. After a two-hour scenic drive, the reserve forest opens up a stunning view of river Bhavani, the heart of Baralikadu.I enjoy my welcome drink, a refreshing sukku coffee made with dry ginger and jaggery, under a mighty banyan that overlooks the backwaters of Pilloor Dam, a critical drinking water lifeline for Coimbatore. In the next few minutes, I wear my life jacket, adjust my hat, and step into the coracle. Soon, we are gliding across the shimmering waters, inhaling crisp, pollution-free air and soaking up the silence.
river Bhavani forms the heart of Baralikadu
| Photo Credit:
S Thiyagu
What began in 2007 as a modest eco-tourism initiative in the Karamadai Forest Range has now evolved into one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful community-based conservation models. “The idea was simple,” says Joseph Stalin, Karamadai Forest Range Officer, adding, “If we wanted the forests to remain sustainable for future generations, we had to create alternative sources of income.”
