Tucked away in the lush greenery of Wayanad, Kerala, lies a gem of sustainability, creativity, and community spirit – the Uravu Indigenous Science and Technology Centre. I had the opportunity to visit this fascinating place a couple of months ago during my trip to Wayanad, and I must say, it turned out to be one of the most enriching and inspiring parts of my journey.
A Journey That Began in 1996
Uravu was founded in 1996 with a mission to promote and preserve the use of indigenous materials in everyday life. They initially explored a wide range of natural materials including clay, metal, and coconut shells. However, over the years, they chose to focus exclusively on one incredible material – bamboo.
Why bamboo? Because it’s sustainable, renewable, and incredibly versatile. It grows quickly, requires minimal resources, and can be shaped into just about anything – from construction materials to fine jewelry.
A Living Library of Bamboo – The Nursery
Uravu works across eight different verticals, all centered around bamboo. From growing bamboo in their nursery to creating crafts, building structures, designing interiors, and even conducting workshops, they’re doing incredible work. They even install bamboo art pieces, making the entire experience not just educational but also visually inspiring. It was fascinating to learn that bamboo can be used for both structural strength and delicate detailing – a duality that very few materials offer.
Workshops, Weaves, and Art
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Uravu also conducts training workshops to teach locals and artisans the art of bamboo craftsmanship. These programs empower the community with skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods.
I had the chance to visit their weaving unit, where artisans were carefully creating mats using bamboo strips.
Another highlight was the Bamboo Rhizome Art on display – a beautiful reminder of bamboo’s organic forms and artistic potential.
A Bamboo Lover’s Paradise
The best part was their outlet – a treasure trove of bamboo products! From lampshades and earrings to photo frames, pen holders, laptop bags, and even bamboo face masks – the range of eco-friendly products was endless. It was like walking into an eco-bazaar where everyday products had a green twist:
This visit to Uravu gave me a whole new appreciation for bamboo and how creatively it can be used in everyday life. It was truly an immersive experience and one of the most enriching parts of my Wayanad trip.
If you ever find yourself in Wayanad, Uravu is a must-visit — not just to shop or take a tour, but to understand what it truly means to live in harmony with nature.
