Cardamom County by Xandari Associates with Periyar Tiger Reserve to Bring Earth Day to Life in Thekkady

KOCHI:
Xandari Resorts, a unit of The Muthoot Group, in association with Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Wildlife and Forest Department, hosted a day-long series of nature-led activities at Cardamom County by Xandari in Thekkady. The students’ workshop was inaugurated by Lakshmi R., Asst. Field Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve, followed by a welcome address by Sethu Parvathy, Nature Education Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Sunil C G, Asst. Nature Education Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve. Marking World Earth Day, the initiative focused on creating awareness about climate change, reducing plastic use, and encouraging sustainable living through simple, hands-on experiences.

At the heart of the celebration was an immersive nature camp, where 33 students from different schools in Thekkady explored forests through guided walks led by trained naturalists, along with an awareness session by Ramesh Babu, Conservation Biologist, Periyar Tiger Reserve. As they moved through the Periyar landscape, the students were introduced to the region’s rich biodiversity and learned why conservation is critical today. Demonstration sessions were also conducted on the sustainable practices followed by the resort.

The initiative also included a tree-planting activity with travellers, and Earth Hour was observed across all Xandari Resorts, including Xandari Pearl Beach Resort, Xandari Riverscapes, and Xandari Resort & Spa, Costa Rica, serving as a reminder of collective responsibility.

“This year’s World Earth Day theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ is a reminder that change often begins with simple, conscious choices. Through experiences like this, we hope to spark curiosity among young minds and encourage everyone to play their part, whether it’s reducing waste, conserving resources, or simply being more aware of their surroundings,” said Sobi Devadasan, Vice President, Xperience, Xandari Resorts.

By bringing together children and travellers in a shared space of learning and action, the initiative highlighted how community-led efforts can make a real difference. With its focus on experiential learning and responsible tourism, Xandari Resorts continues to create moments that not only stay with travellers but also inspire a deeper respect for the natural world.