Overview
- The Kerala Forest Development Corporation launched SHOLA workation facilities at Gavi and Suryanelli and opened bookings, which began Wednesday and have drawn encouraging early inquiries.
- BSNL installed an aerial wireless link from Sabarimala to provide internet inside the protected sites, delivering about 100 Mbps at Gavi and up to 500 Mbps at Suryanelli with backup power for continuity.
- KFDC repurposed and renovated existing forest rooms rather than building new buildings, offering a three‑night, four‑day package priced at ₹14,000 per room and limited capacity of four duplex rooms at Gavi and three rooms at Suryanelli.
- The launch also unveiled linked initiatives including ATMA‑branded tea and coffee, a Vagamon premium pod‑stay project with pods due by December, an eco‑guide training course, and a ‘Travel Today Pay Tomorrow’ instalment scheme.
- Officials say the package targets creative professionals, film teams and corporate groups and could boost local value addition and livelihoods, but limited room inventory and the need to protect biodiversity mean growth will be scaled and monitored.