A "wildlife corridor" that allows for the free movement of large mammals like tigers, leopards and wild dogs, the Mahdei region is wedged between the tri-state boundaries of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The region is ecologically important but rich in minerals too—a dangerous trait for any forest. A trip to the region twenty years ago had prompted Captain Nitin Dhond, a merchant navy captain and o Managing Director today, to rescue it from the pressures of timber and mining lobbies and cash crop monoculture planters. His vision brought together a team of nature lovers and wildlife professionals, including Nirmal Kulkarni, a herpetologist and ecologist, to create a dream project that initiated environmentally-conscious tourism in Goa.
"Wildernest Nature Resort was based on the sound principle of ‘minimal interference’. We wanted to create a natural aesthetic and infrastructure that blends well with the location — a task that took years to plan and execute," says Kulkarni. Braving rough weather, arduous terrain, a shortage of skilled workers and dwindling resources, the construction phase lasted four years. Today, the place consists of 22 eco-cottages, a restaurant serving local cuisine, a beautiful ionised infinity pool that uses minimal chlorine and an Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre.
A decade and half after it started operations, and having declared its 900 acres of forest a private sanctuary called Swapnagandha Valley, Wildernest has not only protected vital forests but has also succeeded in curbing wildlife poaching to a large extent and saved the catchments area of two important tributaries of the Mahadayi river — the Halatar Nallah and the Valvanti river in Karnataka and Maharashtra respectively. In keeping with its ‘minimal interference’ policy, the resort itself takes up only five acres on this sprawling property.
"I see the evolution of the resort from being a space for nature tourism to a venture that provides an alternative livelihood for locals whose lands were ravaged by mining and timber lobbies," says Kulkarni. "Wildernest has been at the forefront of promoting Acacia and other recycled wood for infrastructure, a trend that is being emulated across South India now. In addition, we have our own bio-waste plants that create manure, a strict implementation of plastic reduction as well as a recycle and reuse policy."
Initiating wildlife documentation and research projects with the help of field biologists and ecologists, they have helped generate vital data on the flora and fauna of the region. "Since we began work, three new species of caecilians (an order of amphibians that superficially resemble earthworms or snakes) have been discovered here besides two species of frogs and a scorpion."
The resort provides an array of experiences including nature walks, treks, village visits, folk dances and other activities. For those who simply want to unwind, there isn’t a better setting. Walk in the realms of nature accompanied by naturalists and treat yourself to a visual experience of the magic of the Western Ghats. Listen to the sounds of endemic birds and the alarm call of a Giant Squirrel or better still swim in the crystal clear waters of a cascading waterfall.
Their bonfire sessions are a beginning of long friendships between the local community naturalists and guests. Sharing and narrating jungle lore is the only requisite here, while tasty forest roots and shoots are roasted over a slow bonfire.
Special encounters with reptile experts, butterfly and bird watchers and ecologists of various fields are a bonus at Wildernest as they provide first-hand experience with the subject experts and the subjects themselves.
Their pottery studio is a fun and learning activity center for the young and old. An art and craft center is also attached to this studio where local and traditional craft is promoted. Drive away into unchartered, off the road destinations that are home to ancient cultures and endangered wildlife.
Address: Chorla Ghat, off Sankhali, Chorla, Virdi, Goa 403708
Website: https://www.wildernest-goa.com
Getting There
The resort is around 48 km from Panjim. The nearest major airport is Dabholim airport in Goa. The nearest railheads are Madgaon, Thivim, and Karmali railway stations.
