En Ooru Heritage Village ›› Preserving the Past & Embracing the Future

One of the newer additions to Wayanad’s cultural landscape is En Ooru, Kerala's first tribal heritage village. Situated about 35 kilometres from Talking Trees Farmstay, it stands as a celebration of the ethnicity, traditions, and social organisation of our indigenous communities. Built on 25 acres of land previously owned by the Priyadarshini Tea Estate, En Ooru offers a nostalgic trip into the ancestral customs and simplicity of tribal life.

As a nod to tribal architecture, you’re greeted by artistically crafted huts that hint at the serene simplicity of ethnic life. Head over to the breezy cafeteria, and listen to intriguing folklore and arcane tribal laws as you savour the traditional tribal fare dished out by the local culinary experts.

The ambitious 10-crore project, jointly undertaken by the Departments of Scheduled Tribes Development & Tourism, aims to introduce visitors to tribal medicines, handicrafts, and other indigenous products through dedicated stalls. There is an amphitheatre too, which serves as a stage for mesmerising tribal performances and music, as well as Thudi Thalam rhythms, and age-old customs.

The Kerala government's vision is to elevate En Ooru into a recognised heritage site that celebrates the ethnic diversity and rural charm of the region. From safeguarding tribal knowledge, art, and architecture for future generations, En Ooru Wayanad also strives to empower tribal communities by fostering traditional medicine, handicrafts, tribal products, and supporting intermediaries.

There is continuous effort to preserve indigenous languages and support tribal livelihoods. To this end, extensive skill development and entrepreneurship training are provided to promote self-sufficiency among Wayanad’s tribes. Awareness campaigns targeting indigenous populations also aim to Improve health, hygiene, sanitation, and literacy.

By facilitating collaboration between indigenous communities, government agencies, NGOs, and advocacy groups, En Ooru intends to secure funding for tribal welfare programmes. Nurturing the talents and skills of tribal individuals in Kerala by offering financial aid and resources, as well as enhancing the market viability of indigenous products through government assistance and backing, are also attainable milestones.

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS

TRIBAL MARKET

Natti or tribal agriculture embodies a distinct cultural heritage. Millets cultivated by tribal farmers, wild honey, various forest products gathered by the indigenous people, along with traditional artefacts like kambalam and ambum villum (bow and arrow), find a marketplace in the village. Thanks to help from the government, the market supports the community by improving their finances through brisk sales.

Wondering what to buy in Wayanad? You get to explore a wide range of offerings, including bamboo and cane products, medicinal plants and related concoctions, and even locally sourced foods. Artisans from the community showcase their skills live at the stalls, captivating the attention of visitors. The marketplace serves as a platform where you can interact with the Adivasis (indigenous peoples) and get to know their culture better.

OPEN-AIR THEATRE

Wayanad’s indigenous tribes can display their unique art forms to visitors thanks to the open-air theatre. You get to witness and appreciate the cultural richness of many tribes such as Kurichya, Kuruma, Adiya, Hill Pulaya, Aranadan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikkaran, Kattunaykan, Kochuvelan, Koraga, Kurumba, Malai Arayan, Malai Pandaram, Vedan, Mannan, Maratti, Muthuvan, Paniyan, Ulladan, Urali Kuruma, Mala Vettuvan, Kurumbam, Mavilan, Cholanayikkan, and Karimpalan. The main idea behind the amphitheatre is to preserve and promote the invaluable art forms performed by these tribes, comprising thudi thalam, mavilan pattu, tribal archery, and more.

TRIBAL CAFETERIA

If you’re keen on trying out tribal delicacies and immersing yourself in local culture, En Ooru is one of the best places to visit in Wayanad. The breezy cafe treats you to authentic tribal food that brings out the community’s rich flavours. Made from wild plants and edible tubers, the culinary delights served here tingle your taste buds, and provide a gateway to explore the community’s culture and ethnicity. By indulging in these offerings, which also include popular dishes from across Kerala, you also contribute to the economic progression of the tribal population.

FACILITATION CENTRE

Upon arriving at En Ooru, you receive a warm welcome from the dedicated team. Operating within the facilitation centre is a heritage village management team. Doubling as an amenity hub for visitors, the centre ensures expert guidance for exploring the area. Should tourists have any grievances, they can readily approach the team for assistance. The centre is committed to aiding researchers seeking to engage with the local community and delve deeper into its intricacies.

WAREHOUSE

En Ooru village offers robust assistance to tribal individuals actively participating in the operations of the heritage village. Within the village premises, a dedicated warehouse has been erected to securely house the goods and materials belonging to the tribal beneficiaries of the initiative. In addition to providing stakeholders with a reliable storage solution, En Ooru ensures the provision of all necessary amenities for both tribal community members and visitors.

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS

CHILDREN’S PARK

Tourists arriving at the tribal heritage village can relax knowing that their kids will be entertained. The upcoming children's park is set to be one of the main attractions in Wayanad featuring a well-designed play area, providing amusement for young visitors to the village. Thanks to a mix of traditional games and village experiences, the innovative park will reflect the architectural style of En Ooru, offering a unique and immersive experience for all families.

HERITAGE WALKWAY

The essence of Wayanad's culture is truly experienced when tourists have the chance to witness its wall paintings and sculptures. The government is planning to set up a heritage walkway that you can leisurely explore and get better acquainted with Wayanad’s rich tribal heritage and traditions.

TRIBAL INTERPRETATION CENTRE

The upcoming Tribal Interpretation Centre, which will house indigenous artefacts and architectural representations, hopes to make exploring tribal traditions that much easier. Trained officials are expected to curate historical narratives for each exhibit, thus offering visitors a deep understanding of ancestral history. By providing a platform for preserving and sharing cultural heritage, the initiative also aims to support students and researchers in acquiring insights into the community's heritage.

ARTS & CRAFTS WORKSHOP

Tribal customs and craftsmanship are intricately interwoven. Everything from the ornaments they wear to the bamboo goods they create for sustenance falls under the realm of artefacts. At En Ooru heritage village, arts and crafts workshops are organised to help visitors get acquainted with the basics of tribal artisanal work. Through live demonstrations covering the production and design of traditional craft pieces, tourists are both entertained and enlightened.

Visitors intending to explore En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village have the option to buy tickets either online or offline. The website offers a user-friendly interface where you can browse through available time slots and select your preferred date for the visit, subject to availability. The village welcomes visitors between 9 am and 4.30 pm, providing ample opportunity to experience its cultural richness. Else, you could just head over directly to the ticket counter situated near the entry gate of the Kerala Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, located in Pookode.

Tickets are priced at INR 50 for individuals above 10 years, and INR 20 for children between 5 and 10 years old. A maximum of 24 tickets, including those for children, can be purchased per booking.