Aaranyam

Denkanikottai, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
(May 2022 - Ongoing)

Size: 3.3 acres

Elevation(m): 936-944

Annual Rainfall(mm): 910

Climate: Tropical Wet & Dry / Tropical Savanna

Function: Whole systems design (homestead).

Key features: Berm n Basin-Ponds-Overflows-Swales

While the site itself has been subjected to degradation in the past on account of exploitative farming activities, the immediate forests forming part of the Jowlagiri Reserve Forest could serve as reference ecosystems for us to understand the vegetation that could have originally inhabited the site before its farming history. Further, the undulating landscapes that surround the site are important catchments for the Cauvery and Chinnar rivers, as well as countless other smaller channels and rivulets which feed lakes, ponds and underground aquifers across the southern peninsula.

The clients wanted a permaculture homestead where they could spend their retirement. The site will also host people on day visits, showcase the principles of permaculture and provide farm to fresh produce to day visitors. After the design was ready, the clients hired Ananas to implement the design over a span of a year. Earth works began with a berm n basin on the top most part of the land and month by month earthworks were carved in with prevented previous water logging from happening. Planting began in late may - early June 2023 and is still on-going.