KCRE (Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology), Agumbe, is a premier research and conservation centre regarding rainforests and wildlife. It is for those who wish to be more than tourists to learn, explore and engage. Nevertheless, it paves the way for more fulfilment than a usual holiday that we are all accustomed to by connecting intimately with nature.
What does KCRE Agumbe do?
Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology, Agumbe, was founded in 2012 by Dr P. Gowri Shankar, a herpetologist and his wife Sharmila. It is involved in various research and conservation activities about rainforests, like
- Cobra rescue activities
- Organise specialised workshops, programmes and events guided by experts.
- Aids people to understand and experience rainforest and its inhabitants like snakes and other forms of wildlife.
- Conducts various research dealing with rainforests and wildlife.
KCRE, Agumbe inspires whom?
KCRE aims to inspire and equip adults and kids to prioritise nature. It interests nature enthusiasts, weekend travellers, family explorers, bloggers, photographers and students seeking internships in areas related to wildlife, birding and forests.
Specialised programmes, workshops and more by KCRE, Agumbe
KCRE (Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology) conducts various programmes and workshops for adults and kids in Agumbe, Bangalore and Chennai. They consist of day programmes as well as overnight events and programmes.
The programmes deal with aspects of the king cobra, like its ecology, habitats, rescue methods, breeding biology, wild walks, birding and outdoor science. Kalinga also conducts national and international herping and biodiversity tours in unexplored parts of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Sundarbans, Andaman Islands, Thailand etc.
In addition, Kalinga creates and increases awareness of reptiles to reduce the conflict between humans and animals in urban and semi-urban areas without any chemical intervention. Furthermore, it conducts projects for the school children of Agumbe. Besides online classes on snake ecology, KCRE also has live classes on its vast campus in Westfield, London.
Trails and Treks from KCRE, Agumbe
KCRE (Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology) also offers you interesting treks and trails to stoke the spirit of adventure in you in the pristine rainforests of Agumbe. Stream Walk, Peak Trek, Night Trail, Herp Trail, and Bird Trail in the lap of nature are sure to excite you. Besides these, there are day visit packages as well.
Kalinga Mane, Agumbe
Kalinga Mane of KCRE, Agumbe, offers cosy and posh wooden cottages with a sit-out overlooking the rainforest in the embrace of nature. Otherwise, you can also choose to stay in a dormitory jungle tent or bring your tent and pitch it on the provided platform. However, do not expect the luxury of holiday resorts as its focus is not tourism-centric. KCRE serves delicious food from Malnad cuisine, and alcohol consumption is prohibited.
How to reach the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology
Kalinga is about 13 km from Agumbe, 90 km from Shivamogga, 74 km from Udupi and 113 km from Mangalore. There are buses daily from Bangalore to Agumbe in Majestic bus stand, Bangalore. The closest bus stop to Kalinga is in Guddekeri, where you can hire an auto or a Maruti Omni van to reach KCRE. The research centre can also help arrange cabs from Shivamogga, Udupi or Mangalore on request. The nearest railway station to Agumbe is in Udupi, and the nearest airport is Mangalore.
Places to visit near the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology
- Doddamane – 13 km
- Barkhana Trek – 14 km
- Forest Park – 14 km
- Kundadri mountain – 15 km
- Onake Abbi waterfalls – 15 km
- Sunset point of Agumbe – 15 km
- The Ghats – 15 km
- Jogi Gundi waterfalls – 16 km
- Sringeri – 25 km
- Thirthahalli – 25 km
- Kavimane and Kavishaila, Kuppali – 40 km
- Kavaledurga – 50 km