The childhood of all of us is often spent listening to the stories of our grandparents’ era. Whenever we hear about his era, it seems that this cannot happen now? Even today my grandmother tells me stories from the old haveli of her village. She says that the mansion made of stone was neither hot in summer nor cold in winter. That’s why even today they do not need AC or fan, because their body is molded in the same way. Whereas today’s generation cannot spend even two days in summer without AC-cooler. Especially people living in cities.
Paulson, who hails from Kerala, also grew up listening to tales of his grandfather’s era. Some of his grandfather’s tales were so funny that he was determined that one day he too would live close to nature like his grandfather. So in 2012, after working a decent job in Dubai for several years, he returned to India with his wife, Elza and children. Coming here, he did not settle in any city, but living in his native place, Devgiri, is living a better life by doing organic farming.
Along with seasonal crops, there are also many old coconut, jackfruit and wild jamun trees in their fields. Apart from these, he also has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations. The treehouse in this plantation spread over 15 acres of land is the specialty of his farm. Which he is running as a home-stay for the travelers coming from different places. Talking to The Better India, he spoke about his ‘Jungle Jive Tree House’ and farming.
Grandpa’s story inspired
He says, “Paulson’s grandfather bought this land. This place is just 15 km away from Munnar. Grandfather always used to tell that there used to be a dense forest here and he used to do farming in the middle of it. He did not cut a single plant because he loved nature very much. Grandfather always used to repeat an anecdote that in those days a large herd of elephants used to pass through our fields. That’s why Grandfather had built a small tree house on a tall tree. While living in the same tree house, he used to look after his fields.”
Paulson was very impressed by hearing the stories of the tree house from Grandfather. It was always in his heart that if he ever got a chance, he would definitely build a tree house.
About her new life, Elza tells that till 2012 her family lived in Dubai. But there was the biggest lack of greenery. Both Paulson and Elza felt the lack of greenery and life close to nature. So he decided to settle back in Munnar.
Elza says it was not that we just decided and came. It was always in his mind that he had to return to his home. That’s why he started preparing for it many years ago. So that when they return to Munnar and join agriculture, they have enough resources to meet their family needs for a few years. “There is no harm in farming but not everyone can be successful in farming. We had earlier given this land on lease and those farmers used chemicals. But we just wanted to do organic farming. So we knew it would take us time to succeed in farming and based on that we prepared,” she says.
Treehouse built on 400 year old wild Jamun tree
Elza told that after returning to Munnar, she first decided to do organic farming on her own land. “When we returned, Munnar was developing as a tourist destination. Many people were cutting trees and plants from their lands and making resorts in them. We also thought of making our farm like a ‘home stay’. But we decided that we will not cut a single tree. It was with this thought in mind that Paulson got the opportunity to make his age-old dream come true,” he said.
He decided to build a tree house on a 400-year-old wild Jamun tree after examining the large and dense trees already in his fields. Along with building the tree house, he also started the cultivation of tea, coffee, black pepper and cardamom on his land. He explains, “Our tree house is of two floors and is about 10 feet above the ground. It has a total of four rooms and all have attached bathrooms. To support the tree house, four pillars have been erected under it so that it remains strong,” he said.
Bamboo, wood and metal have been used more in the construction of tree houses. He told that he could not make much use of common building materials like bricks and stones. So he chose mostly natural things. Stairs have been made using bamboo and metal to go to the tree house. There are two rooms on the first floor and both have bathroom and balcony facility. From the rooms on the first floor you can see his garden.
At the same time, you will get mountain view from the rooms on the second floor. The temperature of this place remains quite good almost throughout the year. Therefore, there is no need of AC-cooler in the tree house. Rather naturally this tree house is quite cool and comfortable.
12 people can stay at a time
Elza says that her eco-friendly tree house can accommodate 12 people at a time. Every year from September to March-April, many travelers come and go here. However, when it rains heavily in Munnar, they keep the home stays closed. “We wanted to give a message to the people that they can make home stays without cutting trees. We keep getting calls for booking people. We want to give our visitors a chance to see and feel the nature up close. So we also arrange things like campfire, hammocks for them,” he said.
Sometimes Elza herself prepares the food for the passengers. She makes people coming from different areas taste the local food of Munnar. With this, travelers get healthy and pure food even when they are away from home. Amal T, who has spent time in his tree house, says that this place is amazing. There are many trees and plants here and the climate is also good. “I am an IT professional and am always so busy with work that I cannot sleep properly. But after reaching here, I felt a sense of peace and relaxation,” he said.
They say that it took them about five years to successfully settle down and start organic farming here. But now they are able to live a healthy and comfortable life while earning well. He always advises others that if you want to do something like this, then plan well first. Even if you have enough resources that your idea fails, you will be able to sustain yourself only then do something like this. Because if you take a hasty decision just by looking at others, then there is a possibility of loss.
Editing – G N Jha
Cover Photo: Farming Leader and Ashwathy Krishnan
Also read: ‘Treehouse’ and 2000 trees at Khejdi, the farm of this retired soldier, no less than the theme park
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