En Ooru: A Journey Through the Vibrant Tribal Culture of Wayanad

The En Ooru tribal heritage village is located in the picturesque Wayanad, Kerala, surrounded by lush greenery. In this village, one can experience the cultural heritage and customs of the indigenous tribes, far from the noise and chaos of the city. Once you step into this sanctuary, you’ll be transported to a world where time seems to stand still and the echoes of ancient rituals fill the air. En Ooru, the first tribal heritage village in Kerala, presents an ethnographic gallery featuring tribal ethnicity, cultural practices, ancestral traditions, and artistic expressions.

A Glimpse into Tribal Life

En Ooru, located in Pookode, Wayanad, is a tribal heritage village that exhibits the rich culture and traditions of the state’s tribal communities. One of the area's most popular attractions is a group of traditional tribal houses with hay roofs set against a backdrop of majestic hills. Situated on a hillock, the centre spans 25 acres and offers a unique chance to explore the culture and way of life of tribespeople.

With the goal of improving livelihoods, the village is managed by tribal communities and offers cafeterias with ethnic dishes, as well as a tribal market. A variety of amenities have been set up on this beautiful campus, including stalls selling souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts by tribal artisans. There is also a warehouse for collecting handicrafts, a felicitation centre, and an open-air theatre that can accommodate 300 people. Tribal music, Thudi Thalam, and ancestral customs are performed at the village’s amphitheatre, which serves as a platform for these art forms.

Learn more: Tribal Food - Taste The Unknown

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of indigenous tribes is the core focus of the En Ooru tribal heritage village. The villagers diligently work on initiatives and programs to preserve their traditions for future generations. Traditional arts and crafts are being revived through this initiative. In the village, skilled artisans practise ancient methods like pottery, weaving, and basketry to produce exquisite handcrafted items that celebrate the tribe’s cultural heritage.

Moreover, visitors have the chance to witness traditional dances, music, and rituals up close through frequent cultural shows and gatherings held in the village. These events highlight the talents of the tribe while promoting a sense of pride and belonging within the community.

The village, jointly managed by the Departments of Tourism and Scheduled Tribe Development, stands out for its commitment to preserving traditional knowledge on food processing and other related areas. Many people have benefited from the centre’s creation of both direct and indirect job opportunities.

Also read: The Tribal Life of Wayanad

Best Time to Visit En Ooru

To experience En Ooru Wayanad at its best, visit during any season but the monsoon. The months of June, July, and August are known for heavy monsoons in Kerala. The majority of tourist destinations are closed during this time. Likewise, En Ooru will remain closed. En Ooru is situated in a hilly area. Heavy rains make it unsafe. It’s also advisable to avoid summers that are too extreme. En Ooru is a place that deserves to be explored on foot. The children are likely to become tired if you go as a family. Public holidays are typically quite busy with crowds.

Tips for Visiting En Ooru

Keeping the following tips in mind can ensure that you can explore En Ooru comfortably and enjoy a memorable experience.

• Parking of private vehicles is only allowed at the Pookode Veterinary College bus stop premises.
• NH 766 road should be used for parking private vehicles.
• There is vehicular access from the gate of Pookode Veterinary College to En Ooru. You will be charged 20 for the vehicle facility.
• To preserve the heritage of En Ooru village, minimize the usage of plastic.
• Consumption of alcohol or any intoxicants is prohibited for visitors during the trip to the heritage village.
• Please dispose of food and leftovers in the designated containers.

Getting There

Reaching En Ooru tribal heritage village is relatively straightforward, with Wayanad being well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighboring states.

By Air

Kozhikode Airport is the closest airport to En Ooru, located approximately 71 km away. To get to Wayanad, you can either take a cab or a bus from the airport (or nearby). Another option is to rent a vehicle and navigate to En Ooru using Google Maps for quick directions. En Ooru is quite close to Kannur Airport, with a distance of approximately 117 km. It is possible to travel to Wayanad by cab from the airport (or nearby).

By Rail

En Ooru is approximately 62 km away from the nearest railhead, which is Kozhikode Railway Station. The Kozhikode railhead boasts excellent connectivity to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as various regional cities and towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. After your train arrives, you have the option to conveniently hail a taxi (although the fares may be higher) or take a bus from the railway station or a nearby stop to reach Wayanad.

By Road

Wayanad is connected to different districts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu through KSRTC and private buses. It is convenient to reach Wayanad by road.

Conclusion

Visiting the En Ooru tribal heritage village is not just about being a tourist; it’s a meaningful experience of exploration and connection. Amidst the tranquil beauty of Wayanad’s countryside, you can explore a captivating world that is both enchanting and enlightening. Plan your next trip to Wayanad and explore En Ooru for an unforgettable experience. Stay at The Woods Resorts in Wayanad to make your getaway even more magical.

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