Available Tickets

The Nilgiris Earth Festival
19th - 23rd December 2023

19th - 22nd December
Events & Tickets

The Nilgiris Earth Festival (TNEF),
formerly recognized as the "Nilgiris Wild Foods Festival" returns this December.

Over five days, the festival elevates the organically grown native foods of the region while highlighting its deep-rooted cultural heritage and ecological significance. TNEF seeks to:

EXPAND the environmental ethos & movement for preserving traditional ecological knowledge in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve

WELCOME culinary experts & renowned chefs; regenerative farmers & gardeners; thinkers & artists, local artisans & musicians; and international communities, local residents, & visitors

AMPLIFY the artistic contributions, systems of traditional knowledge, & ecological-conscious practices

BUILD the momentum to capture food, culture, & ecology as an imperative to preservation of the region


The Nilgiris Earth Festival is proud to be a part of the:

TNEF is organized by The Nilgiris Foundation Inc. (TNF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit established internationally to create awareness, share knowledge, & build bridges between eco-development initiatives in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and the rest of the world.

As the festival continues to evolve, there's a vision to take its ethos beyond our borders, influenced by The Nilgiris Foundation's international ties, including those in San Francisco. 

Keynote Speakers

Yon Fernandez de Larrinoa

Agricultural Economist & Team Leader, FAO Indigenous Peoples Team
Events: Habba, Keystone Foundation
Date: 21 December 2023

Dr. Nicola Bradbear

Director of Bees for Development, United Kingdom
Events: Habba, Keystone Foundation
Date: 21 December 2023

Chefs

Chef Avinash Martins

Chef, Restauranteur & Founder, Cavatina Cuchina, Goa
Winner of the “TOP Restaurant Awards 2023” by Conde Nast Traveller.
Events:
Two Worlds - Goa Meets Nilgiris

Chef Karan Upmanyu

Awarded the “Food for Thought Award” by the Fine Dining Lovers at the San Pellegrino’s Young Chef Competition in Japan 2019.
Events:
An Indian Christmas

Chef Arup Kakati

Corporate Chef, Little Earth Group
Mentor, Innovator, and recipient of the Culinary Visionary Award 2023.
Events:
Two Worlds - Goa Meets Nilgiris
An Indian Christmas

Event Locations

Instructions for map usage

1. Click on the TNEF icons to open each events' location details

2. Click on the menu tab on the top left to open a comprehensive list of event details

Our films

See what attendees had to say about Nilgiris Wild Food Festival 2022!

Journey through the heartfelt testimonials of our previous festival-goers. Delve into their immersive experiences, unraveled insights, and shared passions at the Nilgiris Wild Food Festival 2022!

Visit NWFF 2022
The Nilgiris Wild Food Festival was easily one of the highlights of 2022 of my life here in the Nilgiris! The coming together of individuals from such diverse backgrounds and professional interests,  focusing on the fascinating world of wild foods and culinary delights of this unique biosphere, was a great idea to come up with.
Dr. Deenaz Damania
Psychotherapist and Management Consultant
The Nilgiri Earth Festival is a wonderful way to get introduced to the rich diversity of ingredients in these hills, the beautiful way growing and cooking food and tribal customs intersect. From the Badaga meals, the walks, the showcase of all the local produce (foraged or grown), the chef's table at Little Earth, it's a very special experience curated with a lot of heart.
Ruchira Bose
Marketing Professional
The Nilgiris Wild Foods Festival in December 2022 was a vibrant 4 day event with music, dance, food and animated discussions about the future of food in a climate-changed world. It was a great opportunity to meet this diverse group: writers, chefs, researchers, food growers, local tribes and more, all committed to promoting the indigenous produce of the Nilgiris.
Lathika George
Environmentalist and Organic Gardener
The Nilgiris Earth Festival (formerly the Wild Foods Festival) is a unique and inspiring celebration of biodiversity. It was a pleasure to connect with the communities of the Nilgiris last year through wonderful repasts and celebrations which helped us at The Kodai Chronicle make valuable connections with mountain communities across the Western Ghats.
Rajni George
Editor and Writer

Organisers, Sponsors and Partners

Organisers

Sponsors

Location and Hospitality Partners

Produce Partners

Event Partners

Media Partner

Secure your spots for The Nilgiris Earth Festival ‘23

Indulge your senses, support a cause, and get in touch with our team.Your journey to the Nilgiris begins here.

The Nilgiris Wild Food Festival 2022

The Nilgiris Wild Foods Festival is a four-day annual celebration of wild & cultivated indigenous and organically grown local produce of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. Bringing together indigenous cooks & growers, renowned chefs, organic farmers, artists, writers, musicians, local residents, and visitors, it is an endeavour to spread awareness and preserve the myriad native food traditions, and culinary knowledge from the region.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I purchase tickets for The Nilgiris Earth Festival 2023?

You can easily purchase tickets on our website or at the festival venue during the event. We accept both online and on-site registrations.

What types of tickets are available?

Choose from Classic Passes for general access, Premier Passes for an enhanced experience, or special rates for students, seniors, and local residents.

Do you offer group booking discounts?

Yes, we provide special group discounts. Contact our support team for more details and to arrange group bookings.

Is parking available at the festival venues?

Yes, we have designated parking areas at each venue for your convenience.

Can I bring outside food and beverages?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Enjoy a variety of culinary options and refreshments available at the festival.

Is the festival suitable for families and children?

Absolutely! The Nilgiris Earth Festival is a family-friendly event. We have special activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.

What should I wear to the festival?

We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities, as some events may be held in open-air settings. Be prepared for both warm days and cooler evenings.

Important Announcement
"It is with deep regret that due to unforeseen, personal circumstances I must announce my withdrawal as host  of my Chef's table event on 22nd December at Le Cafe, Little Earth Ooty. My deepest apologies to the guests and The Nilgiris Earth Festival team for this late cancellation. I am confident your new host chef will provide an exceptional culinary experience."
Sincerely,
Chef Mythrayie Iyer