As a surge of mushrooming accommodations, mainly resorts and homestays, heated up competition, two brothers in Kerala have taken an unconventional route to establish a successful business in the tourism sector, leaving behind their corporate jobs.
Arun George, 32, and his younger brother Alan George, 29, of Kattikkulam in Wayanad have built a unique tourism venture that stands out in a region crowded with homestays and resorts.
Arun and Alan had been working in two different private firms for several years when they decided to quit their jobs and return to their native Wayanad to start a tourism venture on their three-acre ancestral land, which was passed down to them by their father.
“We knew that starting a homestay or a small resort on our land would be a challenging task because of the tough competition in the market. So we decided to leverage the lush greenery of our property and started a 1,000 sqft birds aviary,” Arun told “Open Digest“.
They launched their startup venture in August 2023 and named it “GP Ecotic Land,” which is now home to over 25 exotic and native bird species. The aviary is designed as an interactive space where visitors can feed and photograph the birds in their natural habitat. “We wanted to create something that blends education with entertainment. We did over a year of research learning about birds and their eco-system to set up the aviary which lets tourists connect with nature while learning about bird conservation,” said Arun.
As their property has a coffee plantation, they also launched a live coffee blending unit which offers roasted and powdered coffee made from beans freshly plucked from their plantation. “The tourists can immerse themselves in the art of coffee making. From handpicking the finest beans to roasting, grinding, and brewing, visitors get a hands-on experience of creating their signature coffee blend. Coffee has always been integral to Wayanad’s identity. By showcasing the entire process, we aim to give tourists a deeper appreciation of this heritage,” adds Arun.
Their innovative approach has quickly garnered attention. Within a year of opening, GP Ecotic Land has become a must-visit destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists. “Visitors need to take a ticket to enjoy the aviary and the coffee blending activities. We are getting a lot of visitors as all tourists coming to Wayanad visit our facility. Our goal is not just to attract tourists but to create a sustainable model that benefits the environment and the community,” Arun added.
