Greenara : How Mustafa Turned Ruins into a Paradise
Imagine a place where time slows down, where you’re surrounded by lush greenery, flowing waterbodies, and the soothing sounds of nature. Well, this is no imaginary retreat—it’s Greenara, a breathtaking seven-acre sanctuary in Karipur , Calicut, Kerala.
What makes this story even more remarkable is the man behind it: Mustafa P.A. Once a busy businessman, Mustafa decided to trade the chaos of city life for a dream that seemed impossible—a dream to turn barren, degraded land into a thriving oasis.
A Dream Born from Longing
Mustafa’s inspiration came from the farmland of his childhood. Urban life, with its fast cars, noisy streets, and endless grind, left him longing for something simpler, quieter, and greener. This longing led him to Karipur in 2016, where he stumbled upon a ruined, over-mined plot of land.
Most people would have written it off as hopeless. But Mustafa saw something no one else could: potential. Armed with nothing but determination and hope, he decided to transform the space into what he now calls Greenara.
The First Step: A Pond of Possibilities
The journey wasn’t easy. Skeptics laughed at his “madman’s dream,” and even experts suggested expensive, complex solutions to restore the land. But Mustafa trusted his instincts and started small. His first project? Digging a pond.
With the help of local masons, the pond was ready just in time for the monsoon. When it overflowed with rainwater, Mustafa knew he was on the right track. That success fueled his determination to keep going.
Over the next few years, Mustafa added more waterbodies, each designed to bring life back to the land. Slowly but surely, the barren landscape started breathing again.
From Barren Land to Lush Forest
The transformation didn’t stop with water. Mustafa planted over 2,000 trees—fruit trees, tropical rainforest plants, and ornamental species—all carefully chosen to thrive together. He nurtured them like they were his own children, watering, protecting, and watching them grow.
One of Greenara’s standout features is its Miyawaki forest. This dense, fast-growing forest style mimics natural ecosystems, creating a thriving habitat for birds, insects, and animals. Today, Greenara is home to countless species and feels like a slice of paradise.
Not Just Nature, But a Way of Life
What sets Mustafa apart as an eco-warrior is his mindset. Greenara isn’t a business venture or a tourist hotspot—it’s a personal sanctuary. “It’s not a commercial space or family retreat,” Mustafa says. “It’s a sanctuary I built for myself, for my peace of mind.”
His passion for the project goes beyond personal gain. Mustafa’s story shows us the true power of dedication. Despite countless challenges, he remained focused on his goal, proving that even the most degraded spaces can be restored with love and effort.
A Legacy of Green Living
Mustafa reflects on his decade-long journey with pride. While he has spent over three decades as a businessman, he says nothing compares to the happiness Greenara has brought him.
Greenara isn’t just a place—it’s a living, breathing example of what’s possible when you respect and work with nature. Mustafa’s daughters are now actively involved in the sanctuary’s upkeep, ensuring its legacy continues for generations.
A Call to Action
Mustafa’s story is more than inspiring—it’s a wake-up call. In a world where urbanization is eating away at green spaces, he shows us the healing power of nature. It proves that even the most hopeless spaces can become sanctuaries if someone dares to dream.
So, what’s stopping you? Whether it’s planting a tree, starting a garden, or simply caring for your environment, you too can be an eco-warrior. Take a page from Mustafa’s book and start small. Paradise isn’t far away—it’s waiting to be created, one step at a time.
