With internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps, dedicated workspaces and nature-based activities, the initiative by Keralam Forest Department aims to let professionals work remotely without missing out on the forest experience. Photo: Keralam Forest Department Corporation
Keralam launches ‘Work from Forest’ for professionals at Gavi and Suryanelli
From video conferences to birdwatching and wildlife trails, the initiative by KFDC combines remote working with a forest stay at two prisitne destinations in Keralam
What if your daily commute to work involved walking through a forest and crossing streams? What if, instead of the constant honking of traffic and the pinging of notifications, your workday began with birdsong and animal calls? And what if you could enjoy all this while still getting your office work done?
This is no imaginary escape. The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) has introduced a new concept called Work from Forest (WFF), giving professionals the chance to trade the urban jungle for the real thing. That too at two of its pristine locations in Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts. Doubtful about Net connectivity? The department has set up a specialised aerial link that beams data directly to spots deep inside the forest.
What is WFF?
Designed as a workation option for professionals and nature lovers, the programme allows visitors to work amid lush forest canopies without giving up the conveniences of a regular workplace.
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The idea is to combine the tranquillity of the forest with the demands of remote work. To make this possible, KFDC has partnered with BSNL to provide high-speed internet connectivity, backed by generators, outdoor routers and charging stations. Dedicated workspaces, discussion areas and lawn seating have also been set up to give professionals a quiet environment to work. The SHOLA workation experience is currently available at Gavi in Pathanamthitta district and Suryanelli in Idukki.
Taking connectivity deep into the forest
Reliable internet connectivity is perhaps the biggest challenge of working from a remote forest location. To address this, BSNL engineers have developed a specialised aerial link that beams data directly from Sabarimala to the deep-forest camp at Gavi.
Once the workday is over, visitors can explore the surrounding forest through activities such as guided nature walks, viewpoint treks, birdwatching, wildlife trails, stargazing, campfires and safaris.
The network is supported by heavy-duty backup generators to deal with power disruptions caused by falling branches and adverse weather. This ensures that wireless connectivity and charging facilities remain available even when the forest experiences power cuts.
According to KFDC, internet speeds range from 100 Mbps at Gavi to 500 Mbps at Suryanelli. The facilities are designed to support video conferences, large file uploads and other work-related requirements.
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The workspaces come with discussion areas, live-streaming television, additional power outlets and outdoor verandas. Visitors can also work from lawn seating areas or tent spaces, with the forest landscape providing a backdrop unlike that of a conventional office.
Work by day, forest experiences by evening
The experience is not limited to working amid greenery. Once the workday is over, visitors can explore the surrounding forest through activities such as guided nature walks, viewpoint treks, birdwatching, wildlife trails, stargazing, campfires and safaris.
The package also includes meals, tea and local coffee, round-the-clock assistance and optional laundry services, making it possible for visitors to spend a few days in the forest without worrying about everyday arrangements.
Speaking to The Federal, KFDC managing director Raju K Francis said the programme was conceived in response to professionals' growing preference for unusual locations where they could work without compromising productivity.
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“The concept was originally proposed by Forest Minister Shibu Baby John. To make it a reality without disturbing the ecosystem, KFDC decided against new construction and instead carefully renovated existing forest rooms,” he said.
''The idea is to provide uninterrupted Net and power supply. We are getting a lot of enquiries from cities like Bengaluru. We can offer the best experience for techies and other working professionals. You don't get the opportunity to work deep inside a forest every day. Gavi, for instance, is one of the most pristine locations in the country itself, going by air quality and other parameters. This is also ideal for writers working on long-term projects. To enhance the experience, we have also added guided trekking by evening,'' Raju K Francis told The Federal.
Brand ambassadors
The Keralam government has also appointed Malayalam actors Kunchacko Boban and Prithviraj Sukumaran as honorary brand ambassadors of the Forest Department. Kunchacko Boban, along with Minister Shibu Baby John, recently visited the Work from Forest locations.
The actors will lead public awareness campaigns across seven key areas, including wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, human-wildlife coexistence and environmental awareness among children.
Stay details and bookings
The accommodation is designed for small groups. Gavi has four duplex rooms that can accommodate up to eight guests, while Suryanelli has three rooms with a total capacity of six guests. Each room can accommodate up to two people. For bookings: https://kfdcecotourism.com/workation
The package also includes meals, tea and local coffee, round-the-clock assistance and optional laundry services.
The introductory package is priced at Rs 14,000 per room, plus applicable taxes, for a three-night, four-day stay. A one-day package has also been added.