Research. Restore. Conserve.
The Khandige Environment Research Foundation (KERF) is a dedicated non-profit scientific initiative born out of the commitment to ecological research, habitat restoration, and long-term biodiversity preservation. Operating as the official research initiative of Khandige Estates and Eco Projects Limited, KERF transforms over 1,000 acres of protected private landscape in the Sirumalai Hills of Tamil Nadu into a living laboratory for science-led conservation.
Our Story & Legacy
Since 2001, KERF has functioned as a dedicated sanctuary and research hub where botanists, zoologists, ecologists, and conservation practitioners study forest recovery, species diversity, and ecosystem dynamics in southern India.
Our conservation efforts gained national recognition as early as August 2003, when the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, then President of India, issued an official letter of appreciation from Rashtrapati Bhavan acknowledging the foundation’s comprehensive biodiversity report on the Sirumalai Estate—a testament to exemplary private ecological stewardship in Tamil Nadu.
Our Core Pillars
- Scientific Research & Policy Support
- Conducting long-term baseline biodiversity assessments, species inventories, and habitat monitoring. We believe effective conservation informs decision-making and actionable ecological policies.
- Active Habitat Restoration
- Engaging in hands-on habitat recovery within our landscape—replacing invasive species, managing grassland plots, propagating native Western Ghats flora, and facilitating natural forest regeneration.
- Capacity Building & Education
- Mentoring the next generation of conservationists through field-based student internships, specialized taxonomy workshops, and institutional academic partnerships.
- Public & Corporate Engagement
- Promoting citizen science through digital tools like iNaturalist and eBird, and collaborating with corporate leaders on high-impact CSR environmental programs.
ABOUT KEEPL — THE STORY OF KHANDIGE ESTATES
When the land was first acquired in the Sirumalai Hills, leadership at Khandige estates and Eco Projects limited (KEEPL) set out to establish a scientific baseline. Rather than destroy the forests for the sake of plantations , the management set out to protect the landscape and do a baseline study of biodiversity. KEEPL is neither a commercial resort nor a high-density tourist attraction. It is a living landscape that invites visitors to slow down, observe, and align with the forest rhythm. Dedicated to evidence-based conservation, KEEPL has set aside 1,000 acres exclusively for scientific research. Since 2001, scientists, taxonomists, and field naturalists have treated the estate as a living laboratory.
KEEPL is expanding its mission to become a internationally recognized Scientific Field Station with the establishment of Khandige environment research foundation (KERF).
KEEPL is transforming into an ecological intelligence hub by constructing dedicated field-station housing, laboratories, and long-term monitoring plots, alongside formalizing research partnerships with national and international universities for field placements and grants. The estate will host diverse artists, taxonomists, and ecologists through immersive residency programs, while translating its long-term biodiversity data into actionable white papers and policy recommendations for forest departments and conservation bodies.