Discovering Poomaale: A Sustainable Haven in Coorg

In the heart of the Western Ghats, where mist clings to ancient trees, Poomaale Estate redefines the relationship between nature and human existence. Managed by Beforest, this sanctuary blends agriculture, conservation, and travel.

Sunith Reddy, the CEO of Beforest, reflects on his journey towards sustainability. What started as a quest for a 'slow life' in 2018 evolved into an ecological model that nurtures both nature and community. "I wanted to grow my own food and enjoy sunsets, but I soon realized the challenges of maintaining such a lifestyle," he shares.

Poomaale operates as a working forest rather than a protected area. It integrates a productive coffee plantation with strict conservation practices that mirror natural ecosystems. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, they utilize nitrogen from fallen leaves, creating a circular system that enhances biodiversity.

This holistic approach has led to remarkable outcomes such as:

• 90% increase in species richness.
• 50% of the estate dedicated to wilderness zones.
• Zero irrigation through conservation of harvested surface water, saving around 12 million liters annually.

Sunith emphasizes that true success extends beyond coffee yields. Beforest employs the '4 returns framework' to monitor the land’s health over a 20-year timeline:

• Return of inspiration: fostering a purpose in the land.
• Return of social capital: rebuilding local connections.
• Return of natural capital: enhancing biodiversity.
• Return of financial capital: ensuring long-term income.

Poomaale is more than a property investment; it represents a shift toward community living and stewardship of the land. Residents like Dr. Madhavi from Hyderabad have embraced this lifestyle, appreciating the health and tranquility it brings, reminiscent of childhood memories.

The estate is a sanctuary for city dwellers seeking serenity. It encourages a lifestyle that respects and nurtures the environment, where guests learn to appreciate the wild and embrace a deeper connection to nature.

Ultimately, the aim is to 'rewild' the human spirit. Sunith states, "We want to immerse guests in the wild; our agenda is to make them part of this natural rhythm, not just visitors." Poomaale is a reminder that true adventure lies in appreciating and preserving our natural world.