Danish Art Studio & Bookstore

ABOUT US

Hello and welcome to Vattakanal, quaint small hamlet nestled above 2000m in the mountains of Western Ghats . We are a Hostel inspired by Bob&Tanya, two young British backpackers who were travelling through southern India in 1985 and settled in Vattakanal, back in the days.

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They decided to do a short Kodai visit, and “take in” the mountains. Three decades later they were still here, an important part of the local conservation community of citizens, NGOs, academics and government officials. Their commitment, work and achievements were phenomenal, and their deaths — Tanya’s in 2016, and Bob’s in September this year in 2020— have left a huge vacuum. 

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Our goal is to embrace the spirit of backpacking and promote their vision and the conservation of the native plants of the South Western Ghats. We aim to raise plant nurseries, and establishing conservation gardens and restoring habitats to ensure the survival of specific species and eco-systems to achieve SDGs. 

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We also help the development of skills amongst local people and promote handicrafts and vocational skills in underprivileged section of society and create livelihood through tourism and home-stays. We hope to create awareness of the intrinsic value of nature in all its forms, and aim to encourage the spirit of voluntarism among the locals and the travellers alike by healthy engagements in society to fulfil their dream. Support & Join us to help continue our work.

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