The Nilgiris exist as one of Earth’s most biodiverse highlands, a living microcosm of the planet’s ecosystems, and one of its most threatened. Over the last century, much of its shola forests and montane grasslands have been lost to plantations, invasive species and changing land use. With them goes the water security of the plains below.

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Join Godwin Vasanth Bosco, a restoration practitioner who has been working to restore the Nilgiris for nearly 15 years, for a personal walk through the Upstream Ecology Foundation nursery in Ooty. See the native trees and special plants he’s planted, many now standing over 15 feet tall, and hear the stories behind them. You probably know the Neelakurinji, but did you know the hills have many more? See over 10 species of kurinji growing here. Discover rare shola and grassland plants found nowhere else on Earth, and learn about the issues the Nilgiris face today and what it really takes to bring a landscape back.

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The visit ends over a cup of tea. Suitable for adults, families and students aged 12+. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.