Attappady Family Learning Camp – Dec 20–21, 2025

A 2-day immersive family camp in Attappady for parents and children (5–16 years) who are comfortable with jeep travel, walking on uneven terrain, and a medium hill trek.

A meaningful experience exploring landscapes, rivers, ecology, and Sarang’s educational philosophy.

Dates:
✔ Arrival by 19th Dec (night)
✔ Camp on 20 & 21 Dec
✔ Departure: 21st evening

Who is this for?
Families with children aged 5–16 who are comfortable with jeep travel, uneven terrain, and a short hill trek, and who want to:

Explore Attappady’s unique landscapes
Understand watershed, ecology, and climate
Learn about sustainable development
Experience Sarang’s philosophy of “learning through life”
Spend meaningful time together in nature

🌄 What Happens in the Camp

Day 0 – Dec 19 Fri | Reporting at camp venue

Participants arrive at the camp venue by the evening. After dinner, we will have a brief orientation session to prepare for the next day’s ecological journey.

Day 1 – Dec | 20 Sat | Attappady Ecological Journey

A full-day guided trip across two contrasting parts of Attappady:

West Attappady: spice farms, flowing water, greener landscape
East Attappady: ecological decline, shifting cultivation patterns, climate signs
Understand wind turbines, watershed systems, land use changes, and development projects
Simple breaks, playtime, observations, small games
Evening campfire (weather permitting)

Your children will see how geography, ecology, livelihoods, and community life are deeply connected.

Day 2 – Dec | 21 Sun | Siruvani & Sarang Experience

Morning visit to Siruvani, short walks, time in cold river water
Drive/trek up the hill to the Sarang campus
Guided tour: regenerative work, the land restoration story, and Sarang’s educational philosophy
Packed lunch at the hilltop
Walk back through the Sarang campus and the watershed
Conclusion

Families get a first-hand understanding of how “learning through living” works in real environments.

🏡 Stay & Food

Accommodation at the Attappady Camp Centre (simple, clean, nature-oriented)
2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches included
Campfires and recreational time, as weather permits

💰 Pricing

Adult: ₹3,900
Child (5–15): ₹3,500
Below 5 years: Only food cost (₹1,000)

Includes: stay, food, jeep charges, guided tour, river time, campus visit, and facilitation.

🔖 Limited slots

To keep this intimate and meaningful, only a small group will be taken.

frequently asked questions

What is the age group for this camp?

The camp is designed for families with children aged 5 to 16 years. Younger children can join the trip but may need more supervision from parents.

Is this a leisure trip or an educational trip?

This is an educational nature-based camp. Families will learn about:Attappady’s geography and ecologyWatersheds and climateTribal culture and local livelihoodsSarang’s educational philosophyThere will also be time for play, rest, river time, and a campfire.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Shared accommodation will be at the Attappady Camp Centre:Simple, clean, hostel-style rooms Basic bedding Safe for familiesThis is not a luxury stay, but comfortable for outdoor-oriented learning.

What about food?

All meals are included:2 breakfasts 2 lunches 2 dinners Food is simple, and prepared locally. If you or your child has an allergy or restriction, please let us know in advance.

How will we travel inside Attappady?

We will use shared jeeps arranged for the group. These are required for the terrain and steep hill routes. All transport costs are included in the camp fee.

Is the trip suitable for young children (under 5)?

Yes, but at least one parent should accompany them, unless they are already familiar with the community and can stay alone with us.

How difficult is the trek to Sarang?

The walk from Siruvani to the Sarang campus is usually easy for children and moderate to hard for adults . Parents can also go up by jeep, if needed. We move slowly and take breaks.

What should we bring?

You will receive a full list later, but essentials include: Light warm clothing (December is cold) •⁠ ⁠A tiffin box for each person (we'll pack lunch for everyone). •⁠ ⁠A water bottle to stay hydrated. •⁠ ⁠A small backpack to carry your essentials like the tiffin box, water bottle, towel, etc. •⁠ ⁠A towel and a change of clothes for bathing in the river. •⁠ ⁠Comfortable footwear suitable for climbing hills and walking long distances. •⁠ ⁠A cap or headcloth to protect yourself from the sun. •⁠ ⁠Personal medication (especially for allergies, asthma, or anything else you might need). •⁠ ⁠Healthy snacks or energy bars for extra fuel during the trek. (Please take back all plastic wrappers with you.) •⁠ ⁠Sunscreen, if you're not used to being in the sun for long periods. •⁠ ⁠A plastic or cloth bag to carry wet clothes. •⁠ ⁠Notebook and pencil (optional, if you'd like to record your observations or sketches).

Is river time safe?

Yes — we choose a safe shallow area. There will be clear safety instructions and parents must stay close to their children.

Who is leading the camp?

The camp is led by Gautham Sarang, based on Sarang’s educational philosophy and his long experience teaching through nature, ecology and real-life environments.