Wild Rock Cliff Honey Hunting of Idukki Tribal Communities

Tribal communities including the Muthuvan and Ulladan of Idukki harvest wild honey from rock cliffs and tall forest trees using ancient techniques passed down for generations. Honey hunters fashion long ladders from bamboo and jungle vines, ascending cliff faces at night guided only by fire torches that also create smoke to calm the bees. They use carved wooden tools to detach honeycombs while minimising damage to brood chambers, ensuring colony survival and future harvests. The rock cliff honey of Idukki, produced by the giant Apis dorsata bee, is prized for its dark colour, high medicinal value, and intense flavour. Community honey cooperatives now sell this product as premium wild forest honey, generating significant tribal livelihood.