COIMBATORE: Five air-conditioned tents set up at Sethumadai at the foothills of Western Ghats near Pollachi by the Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experiences Corporation (TNWEC) are attracting tourists and corporate groups, particularly during weekends and public holidays. Encouraged by the response, the corporation is planning to add more tents and create further employment opportunities for tribal residents.
Since bookings opened in March, the campsite has provided a steady source of income for local tribal communities.
"We have employed 22 people for various activities, including cooking, tent maintenance and front-desk operations. Of them, 18 are tribals, of which most of them are woman from Sarkarpathy and Nagaroothu tribal settlements who were previously unemployed. Salaries are fixed according to their roles," a TNWEC official said.
A tribal woman employed at the campsite's restaurant said she earns Rs 12,500 a month and support her family and her son's education.
The campsite offers accommodation for two adults and a child at Rs 6,000 per tent. Reservations can be made through the official website, https://trektamilnadu.com.
Designed to offer visitors an immersive nature experience, the campsite is equipped with solar-powered facilities and an air-conditioned restaurant. It also conducts stargazing sessions lasting two to three hours, during which visitors can observe stars and celestial objects, including the Sombrero Galaxy, weather and viewing conditions permitting.
"Tech professionals from Chennai and Coimbatore are among those choosing the campsite for weekend getaways. Some visitors also book accommodation on weekdays while continuing their work from here. The eco-friendly setting allows them to experience nature without giving up modern comforts," the official said.
The corporation also organises environmental education programmes for school students. Visitors can choose trekking routes from the campsite to Aliyar, classified as an easy trek, or Topslip, a moderate trek. Vehicle safaris can also be arranged for those interested in witnessing captive elephants being fed at the Kozhikamuthi tribal settlement.
With tourism generating livelihoods for local residents while introducing visitors to the region's natural surroundings, TNWEC is looking to expand the facility to meet growing demand.