Tourists heading to Topslip will soon have the option of experiencing the wilderness in style, with the launch of a premium tented camp at Sethumadai in the foothills of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.Developed by Trek Tamil Nadu, an initiative of the Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experience Corporation, Camp Sethumadai promises to blend luxury, sustainability and community participation in one of the most biodiverse landscapes of the Western Ghats.The camp features five premium tented units designed to provide modern comforts while remaining in harmony with the surrounding forest ecosystem. Solar power ensures uninterrupted electricity through the day.A spacious welcome lounge, a full-service restaurant with a dining hall that can seat 40 guests, a yoga and meditation centre, and a dedicated star-gazing facility add to the immersive experience.State forest secretary Supriya Sahu says the camp follows a community-led management model. “Sixteen tribal women from nearby villages have been trained in front office management, housekeeping, culinary services and guest relations, enabling them to manage operations professionally. The initiative is expected to generate sustainable livelihoods while strengthening local stewardship of the forest.”Beyond leisure, the camp aims to function as a hub for environmental education too. Visitors can explore the ‘Anamalaiyagam Conservation Centre’ to learn about the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.Trek Tamil Nadu chief and conservator of forests Vismiju Viswanathan says the guided trekking expeditions, wildlife safaris to Topslip and the adjoining Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and birdwatching sessions are among the curated activities on offer.Adventure seekers can also sign up for a trek to the Pandavarai peak in Topslip, a 10-hour round trip that demands stamina and prior hill-walking experience. The route is divided into moderate and tough categories — an 8km gradual climb for beginners and a 10-km trail culminating in a steep ascent for seasoned trekkers.Bookings for Camp Sethumadai open on March 15 through www.trektamilnadu.com. “The launch coincides with the rollout of the ‘Tamil Nadu Trek Atlas’, a digital and physical repository mapping more than 40 curated trails across 14 districts, offering detailed route maps, biodiversity highlights and difficulty ratings for explorers keen to discover the State’s lesser-known natural treasures,” says Viswanathan.
