Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park (15 kms from Munnar) is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the north where it extends as the Annamalai National Park. 


The mountains covered with the rolling grasslands and high level sholas is breath-takingly beautiful. This park was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr also known as the Nilgiri Ibex. The Rajamala is the natural habitat of this rare mountain goat. Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres) lives here. (Around 1317, according to the 1991 census).

Besides the Nilgiri tahr other important fauna are elephant, leopard, tiger, malabar civet, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, langur, phyhon etc. The birds found are imperial pigeon, grey jungle fowl etc. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. The park is divided into 3 regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area.
Eravikulam National Park harbours the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius).Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.Its relatives are the Himalayan tahr(Hemitragus jemlahicus) and Arabian Tahr(hemitragus jayakiri).The estimated population of Nilgiri tahr inside the park is about 750. 

 Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators.Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits. 

Wild dog, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Apart from tahr, other little known animals such as Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky striped squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.   

The high attitude rolling grassland in the park looks as an emrald stretch highly romantic and captivating. The trekking paths to the park were originally bridle path used by English planters who lived in Munnar tea town. A steady climb takes one to the climbe covered hillocks with numerous shoals and Nilgiri tahr moving around. In the tourist zone the Tahrs move unperturbed in spite of the tourists watching them at close range. 

Kumarakom

When nature is all youneed to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinatingparadise in Kerala, God's own country. Theslender coconut palms standing here,there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons andbackwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calmand invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life.That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom the charmingemerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes youinto the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty oftraditional country crafts, boats and canoes. 

The fresh water of the lake runsinto the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They arerich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spottedfish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. 

As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakomis transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks breaktheir banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout fromevery available space.

Water birds, migratorybirds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. Theresorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure optionslike an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. Theadventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing.You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishingrod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and freshtoddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

Kumarakom - Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.. A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catche

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.  This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.. Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.. Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake. Best Time To Visit  The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.

Ponmudi

This awe-inspiring hill station, which forms a stretch of themammoth Western Ghats, has been rightly named Ponmudi, meaning ‘The GoldenPeak’. One is welcomed by the thick tropical forests that carpets the foot ofthe Ponmudi hill range. 


The thickly entwined foliage paving way to extensivetea plantations on the way uphill is indeed a feast to the eyes. Ponmudi alsohas the advantage of being a hill station in close proximity to the sea and thefamous beaches of Trivandrum.  


This salubrious hill-station showcases luxuriant green hills, scenic winding roads, vibrant singing birds, natural springs, fluttering butterflies, vast expanses of spice and tea plantations peppered with small built yet pretty cottages,. There is not a single visitor that has not been left spellbound by the cadence of the avian orchestra and the verdant shades of green that Ponmudi is known for. What more can you ask for! 

PlacesTo See 

Golden Valley

A place that is not to be missed, golden valley, gifts itsvisitor a sight that sparkles with copious rivulets and rapids, and polishedwith well-rounded pebbles, ice cool water and green trees. 


Just the absolutewilds of the place are enough to mesmerize its beholder. 


Agasthyarkoodam

Agasthyarkoodam is one of the main attractions in Ponmudi. Itis the highest peak (1868 m) in Trivandrum district and is also one of thehighest peaks in the Western Ghats. 


The peak has restricted access and is wellknown for its wilderness. 



Meenmutty Falls

This breathtakingly beautiful waterfall is sited on the trekpath to Agasthyarkoodam. Trekkers can avail the golden opportunity of anexciting trek through dense forests to reach the falls.


 Situated near theMeenmutty waterfalls is another splendid waterfall- The Kombaikani Waterfalls. 



Orchids and Deer Park

The Orchids and Deer Park, situated at a few kilometersdistance from Ponmudi, is another main attraction of the place. 

The extensive tea plantations in Ponmudi that border the winding way uphill, isanother sight that is worth seeing. 

Things To Do

Trekking and Hiking: Ponmudi serves as a base for trekkersand hikers to enjoy a perfect holiday engaged in their favorite sport.


Itprovides ample opportunity for trekking and long leisurely walks. The climatebeing always pleasant favors trekking and hiking all year long. 

Bird watching and listening to the avian orchestra is entertaining as well asrelaxing. So take care not to miss out on this!  

Location

Ponmudiis situated in the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) district in South India.

Nelliampathi

Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition and is one among the best tourist spots in Kerala. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area.

The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. 

There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season. The lush valleys in the region have very valuable teak plantations with extraordinary height and girth. The orange estates on the Nelliampathi Hills produce high quality oranges. Nellikota or Padagiri is the highest peak in the region. A picturesque picnic spot near the Sithargundu Estate offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Nelliampathi is a popular hill station with excellent trekking trails. It is a 3 hour, 75 km trip away from Palakkad (Palghat) and, at 1600 mts above sea level, is surrounded by panoramic views of hills draped by plantations of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom. On Nellikotta and the other peaks grow huge great teak trees value for their wood. Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantation

The height of the hills ranges from 467 mts to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 mts. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad (Palghat) is a sensation on its own, as one negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.
En route, 17 kms from Palghat, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make the ideal stop over. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below - a wide-angled vision of a third of the entire Palghat area. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The Community Hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for trekkers.

ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കേരളം

കേരളം ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്വന്തം നാടാണ്. ലോകമെമ്പാടുമുള്ള സഞ്ചാരികളുടെ സ്വപ്‌നഭൂമി. മരതകമണിഞ്ഞ സമതലങ്ങളും മഞ്ഞണിഞ്ഞ മാമലകളും സമുദ്രനീലിമയും ഉള്ളം കുളിര്‍പ്പിക്കുന്ന നാട്.


ഈ നാടു തേടി അന്യ ദേശങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന് എത്തുന്നവരുടെ എണ്ണം ദിനം പ്രതി കൂടി വരികയാണ്. കൈരളിയുടെ സൗന്ദര്യ തികവാര്‍ന്ന പ്രകൃതിയുടെ രമണീയത ആസ്വദിക്കാനെത്തുന്നവര്‍ക്കായി ചില വിവരങ്ങള്‍ നല്‍കുകയാണ് ഇവിടെ ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്. പുകള്‍ പെറ്റ വിനോദ സഞ്ചാര ഇടങ്ങളിലൂടെ ഒരു യാത്ര. അതാണ് ഇവിടെ.....

BeacHs KeraLaM

Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever.

Kovalam beach

 

This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.

Poovar Beach

Poovar is an unspoilt and unexplored island, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.

Shanghumugham Beach

This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) airport and Veli Tourist Village.

The Varkala Beach

Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there

Alappuzha Beach

This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old.

Cherai Beach 

This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occassionally seen here.

Fort Kochi Beach

 The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British..

 

Kappad

This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.

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WilD Life KEraLa

Nestled in the lush forests of the Western ghats in Kerala are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks

The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries / National Parks in Kerela :

Peppara Wildlife sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary

Shenduruni Wildlife sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife sanctuary

Idduki Wildlife sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary

Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Silent Valley National Park

Eravikulam National Park

Main animals in the sanctuaries of Kerela

Elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars, sloth bears, leopards, lion tailed macaques, Nilgiri Tahrs, langur, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger,panthers, spotted deer, grizzled giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises, wild dogs, civet cats, The Atlas moth, bonnet, macaques, Loris, mongoose, foxen, bears, barking deer, pangolins, bison, bears etc

The Reptiles found in the sanctuaries of Kerala

Cobra, Viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, bicoloured frogs, crocodiles, varanur pond terrapins, cane turtles, star tortoises, geckoes, skunks, chameleons, spectacled cobras, pythons, green keel backs, rat snakes, vine snakes, monitor lizards etc

Main birds seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela

Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows,Grey jungle  fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..

    Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, , mulluvenka. elavu, manjakadambu pala, vembu, aval etc... and over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids etc...

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