kundala - Keralatrip

Kundala 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Neelakurinji - Keralatrip

Kerala is blessed with many natural spectacles and among them is a unique canvas that gets unveiled every twelve years in God's Own Country.The phenomenon of once in twelve years occurring on the fabled hills of Munnar is attributed to the blooming of Neelakurinji or passionately called by botanists as 'Strobilanthes kunthianum'. The flower with 40 odd varieties bloom mostly in shades of blue, and thus in its name Neela in the local language stands for the colour blue and Kurinji the local name for the flower. This year, the hills of Munnar once again have welcomed Neelakurinji on to its bosom after a period of twelve years.Revered by the local tribal community and admired by visitors to these enchanting hills, the blooming of Neelakurinji usually starts from August and would last up to October. Once in Munnar, you may locate the magical blooms of Neelakurinji at Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala, Iravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain ungulate- the 'Nilgiri Tahr' and at other places in and around Munnar. Nature lovers and travelers have already started heading for Munnar to savour in this once-in-twelve-year phenomenon. It is an ethereal experience to stand amidst the sprawling blooms of Neelakurinji. The Neelakurinji plant shows variation in height according to the elevation of the land from the sea level. Usually shorter plants (about 2 ft) are found at the high elevations, while taller ones (about 5 to 10 ft) are seen at lower elevations. Many tour operators, adventure clubs etc. organise trekking for visitors to reach some of the best locales in and around Munnar for seeing the grand spread of Neelakurinji.

Vattavada- keralatrip.

This month check out a less explored entity of Munnar, the much sought after hill station in Kerala. Located about 45 km east of Munnar is the serene village of Vattavada. At Vattavada, in comparison to other regions in Munnar, instead of tea plantations, it is the predominance of vegetables that occupy the terraced slopes and valleys of Vattavada. The scenic hilly tract of Vattavada is at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level, and is a refreshing experience, which is yet to come under the constant gaze and the footprints of visitors. The place receives plenty of sunshine and the winter temperatures never dip below unbearable levels. Besides the slopes of vegetable fields, one could also find forest patches, interspersed with eucalyptus and conifers. The area also teems with bird life and also other winged beauties like butterflies in various colour, size and shape. Vattavada could be taken for a place significant for trekking. Here, an avid trekker would get options to explore many adjoining locations. Some of the trekking routes starting from Vattavada include the ones going to Kodaikanal, Top Station, Mattupetty, Kanthaloor and Meesapulimala. Most of these treks offer enough excitement in terms of negotiating the terrain as well as enjoying the floral and faunal wealth on its course. Visitors could also engage in activities like mountain jeep safari, mountain biking, jungle camping etc. offered by private operators in the region. The local populace of Vattavada has a significant number of tribals. Their way of life, art forms, language, natural remedies are some of the other interesting aspects that could be of interest to visitors coming to Vattavada.

Mattupetty - keralatrip

Cradled by the undulating plantation hills of Munnar, and not far away from the Anamudi peak is Mattupetty. Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers. Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place. One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake. Of all the main attractions at Mattupetty is the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with several varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.

Vagamon - Kerala Trip

Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air in many other places but not the Vagamon kind; not just this exciting blend of religious mysticism and European legacy. Like a lot of other beautiful things in life, Vagamon too has to be experienced, not read about or its stories merely listened to. What you've got to do is get yourself some means of transport, head straight for Idukki district and then on to Vagamon. Once there, try taking off your shoes, closing your eyes and just listening to Vagamon. And when you're through with the mystic getting to know session, you could take a trek across the chain of three hills - the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala, important for Muslims, Hindus and Christians respectively.

Rajamala-keralatrip

Rajamala:About 15 km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world Tahr population estimated at around 1300. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever! www.keralatrip.in

Munnar- keralatrip

Munnar www.Keralatrip.in It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India. This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar. Eravikulam National Park One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006. Anamudi Peak Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam. Mattupetty Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds. Pallivasal Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot. Chinnakanal Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. Anayirangal When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests. Top Station Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area. Tea Museum Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

keralatrip

Pattumala www.keralatrip.in Pattumala or Hill draped in silk, thats what they call the fascinating place that we are featuring for you this month. This silken hill, in Peermede in exhilarating Idukki, has charms like no other. The lofty peaks, the little streams and the green expanse of the tea plantations give the hills an ethereal beauty. An early morning walk through all this breathtaking loveliness might make you want to repeat the immortal lines, Bliss was it that dawn to be alive! At the top of a hill is the Velankanni Matha Church, a famous pilgrim center, which is built entirely of granite. Don't miss the delightful flower garden nearby. Pattumala is also home to two of the biggest names in the tea production sector - Harrisons Malayalam and A V Thomas & Co.

Grampi

(5 km from Peermedu; 10 km from Vandiperiyar): Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.

Nilambur- keralatrip

Nilambur is renowned for the oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town. The place is also noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient kovilakoms - residences of maharajas. The teak plantation is named after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar District Collector during the British rule, who was instrumental in planting teak in the entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly's Plot. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, is a rare attraction at the Conolly Plot. The plot extends across 2.31 hectares beside the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferries visitors across. Four kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road, stands the world's first Teak Museum. The museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Arranged in the two storeyed building are exhibits, articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information on all aspects of the teak to visitors. Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed in a measure to save the existing forest land. A half hour journey from here, through the dense forests, by jeep takes one to Mancheri, the home of the Cholai Naikars, a primitive tribe. Yet another tribal settlement of this region is on the hilltops of Valamthode which can be reached only from Kozhikode through the Areekode - Mukkam road. Valamthode is about 27 km from Nilambur, beyond the Chaliyar river. Nilambur town is also famous for a cluster of kovilakoms the residences of the local rajas or rulers of earlier days. These structures, are famous for their beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood. The Nilambur Pattu an ancient festival which is noted for its Kalampattu or ritual powder drawing on floor falls in the month of February.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha) This is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district. Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara - makes this place ideal for trekking.

ponmudi-kerala trip

Ponmudi An enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool, green environs. Ponmudi is a picturesque hill station of Kerala.This place is blessed with an array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and rivulets. A mere one and a half hour's road journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills. Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram (61km). It is located 915 metres above sea level.The name Ponmudi in Malayalam means golden crown.Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and misty valleys the spot is a fast developing into hill resort with cottages and dormitory facilities. www.keralatrip.in

Kerala Trip

Thrissanku The landscape here is breathtaking with rolling hills and a gentle breeze caressing. A perfect spot to unwind and to go for long walks.. The spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise from these hills is simply awesome. www.keralatrip.in

Kerala Trip

Rajamala Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever! www.keralatrip.in

Kerala Trip

Peeru Hills A true haven for trekkers and picnickers, Peeru Hills gets its name after the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed who spent his last days here. Some of the spots worth visiting include the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan, all located nearby.www.keralatrip.in

Munnar - Keralatrip

This beautiful hill station is noted for its cool climate and tea plantation. This little town boasts of many colonial bungalows, tea factories, wildlife sanctuaries and lakes. Literally meaning 3 rivers, Munnar is situated on the confluence of three rivers - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji (Strobilantus kuntianus ) . This flower that bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Accommodation facilities are excellent. The altitude is 4000 feet. www.keralatrip.in

Munnar - Kerala Trip

Power House Waterfalls (18 km from Munnar) The waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 Mts above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic Western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Kundala (20 km from Munnar) Kundala is a picturesque town on the way to Top Station. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also near Kundala.....More CSI Christ Church The British built the Christ Church in 1910 AD. Built of stone, the church is known for its stained glass windows. There are several brass plaques in the church placed in the memory of the tea planters..

Munnar - Kerala Trip

Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar): It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot. Devikulam (7 kms from Munnar) This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns , exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience to visitors. The Sita Devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal trout fishing. Valara (10 kms from Adimali on the Kochi-Madurai highway) Valara has a chain of waterfalls surrounded by thick green forests. Marayoor (40 kms from Munnar) This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the forest department, the caves(muniyaras) with the murals and relics from the New stone age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single banyan tree, are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam waterfalls and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby. Cheeyappara The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway Top Station (32 kms from Munnar) 1700 Mts above sea level , this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station (a viewing point) also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil nadu. Echo Point (15 km from Munnar) This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar. Meenuli It is noted for 2 acres of evergreen forests upon a huge rock. The rock is more than 500 acres in area and an ideal spot for mountaineering. Malankara Reservoir (6 kms from Thodupuzha) Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. Thommankuthu waterfalls (17 kms from Thodupuzha) The seven step waterfall here is a much loved picnic spot . At each step there is a cascade and a pool beneath . Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism. (This is also a tricky spot and visitors are advised to exercise caution !) Nadukani (25 kms from Idukki) Moolamattam town , Malankara lake etc. can be viewed from the high pavilion situated here. Kalvari mount This is a famous pilgrim centre on the way to Kattapana. Palkulamedu (12 kms from Idukki) Kochi, Allapuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak at 3125 mts above sea level. Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar) With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old play grounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantation. Ramakalmedu (16 kms from Nedumkandam) Rolling green hills and fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Kambam on the Eastern slope of the Western ghats. One can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature. This is an ideal place for trekkers and mountain climbers. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km from Munnar) Situated on the Tamil Nadu border, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 90.44 sq km. Animals Most of the Southern Indian wild animals can be found in this forest. These include the grizzled giant squirrel, champal squirrel, elephant, sambar deer, gaur etc. Birds Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl etc.

Munnar -Kerala Trip

Nilgiri Tahr The Nilgiri Tahr scientifically named ‘Nilgiritragus hylocrius’ is a caprine ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the southIndian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, Kerala’s neighbouring state. It is also known by the name Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex. Locally the animal is called ‘Varayaadu’. Its closest relatives are the sheep belonging to the genus ‘Ovis.’ The Nilgiri Tahr is different from the other species of Tahr namely the Himalayan Tahr and the Arabian Tahr. The Nilgiri Tahrs are stocky goats with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. The males are found to be larger than the females, and have a darker color when mature. Both sexes have curved horns, which are larger in the males, reaching up to 40 cm in males and 30 cm in females. The horns of the females are shorter and more slender. Adult males weigh 80–100 kg and stand about 100 cm tall at the shoulder. Adult females weigh around 50 kg and stand 80 cms tall at shoulder height. Adult males develop a light grey area or ’saddle’ on their backs and are hence called ‘saddlebacks’. The Nilgiri Tahr has a short grey-brown or dark coat. There are facial markings, particularly distinct in mature males, consisting of a dark brown muzzle separated from a dark cheek by a white stripe running down from the base of horns. Females and immature males are an overall yellowish-brown to grey, with the underparts being paler. These Tahrs inhabit the open montane grassland habitat of the south western ghats montane rain forests eco region. At elevations ranging from 1200 to 2600 m, the jungle opens into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, known as ‘sholas.’ These grassland habitats are surrounded by dense forests at the lower elevations. The Nilgiri Tahrs formerly ranged over these grasslands in large herds, but hunting and poaching in the nineteenth century reduced their population to as few as 100 animals by the early 20th century. Since that time their populations have increased somewhat, and presently number about 2000 animals. Their range extends over 400 km from north to south, and Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population. The other significant concentration is in the Nilgiri Hills, with smaller populations in the Anamalai Hills, Periyar National Park, Palani Hills and other pockets in the western ghats south of Eravikulam. Endangered species The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and assessed as endangered by the IUCN using the 1994 Red List Category. Having been exterminated from the northernmost landscape, the high altitude grasslands of southwestern Karnataka during the past 50 years, the Tahr is at present found only within 6 high altitude landscapes. And within these 6 landscapes, 18 localities have sustained small to large populations that vary in size between 20 and 550 animals. Estimates made at various times during the past 30 years placed the population size of the Nilgiri Tahr between 2000 and 2500 over its entire range. It is evident that the Nilgiri Tahr had reached the brink of extinction sometime during the latter half of the 19th century. Early interventions by the erstwhile Nilgiri Game Association and High Range Game Association as well as modern conservation initiatives guided by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 have aided a rather dramatic comeback of the species in less than 150 years. A rough estimate wouldpresently place their numbers within 1800-2000. The reason for the rather local distribution of the Tahr is its preference for a habitat that is predominantly of grasslands adequately sheltered by steep rocky cliffs; a unique habitat type that has rightly given the species the local name meaning ‘Cliff Goat.’ These grasslands receive not less than 1500mm of rainfall annually and enjoy a short dry season and as such are restricted to just 7 high altitude landscapes (1200-2600m ASL) in the southern Western Ghats. The main breeding season of the wild Nilgiri Tahr is from June to August during the monsoons. Conception is for a period of 6 months. A peak in births occurs in January and February. A new born Tahr is called a Kid. By two months of age the kid follows its mother but they are not weaned until four to six months. Sexual maturity occurs at around 16 months. The average life expectancy of the Nilgiri Tahr in the wild is estimated to be only three or 3.5 years, although their potential life span is at least 9 years.

Munnar - Kerala Trip

Neelakurinji The misty hill station of Munnar located in Idukki district of Kerala is a tourist’s paradise that is blessed with a rich variety of exotic flora and fauna. Situated about 1600 mts above sea level, Munnar is well known for its vast expanse of Neelakurinji flowers. It bloomed in the year 2006 and once again in 2009 and attracted large crowds to Munnar. Though the massive flowering happens once only in twelve years, the Neelakurinji blooms in small quantity, sometimes a few plants only, at places around Munnar such as Santhampara owing to the fact that different varieties of plants have different flowering cycles.The plant has a strange life cycle in that it dies after the once-in-twelve-year blooming phase. Botanists identified its periodic flowering as early in 1838. These belong to 'Acanthecea family’.In facts there are different varieties of 'Kurinji', which flower at intervals between seven and twelve years, they say. This delicate shrub grows to the height of about two feet, and takes root on the poorer soils on steep grassland slopes. The Nilgiris meaning Blue Mountains derives its name from the wild Neelakurinji flowers which during its flowering season, carpets the whole of the mist-clad hill ranges in a swathe of blue and beckons the tourists to experience the scenic beauty. Neela means blue in Malayalam language and Kurinji is the local name of the flower. Botanists state that there are about 300 species of this plant in several hues that bloom in 10 to 16 years and the legendary and most admired Neelakurinji is the best known among them. About 46 of them are found in India . Plants that bloom at long intervals like this is called plietesials. These are mostly found on the hills of high altitude. The main habitat of Neelakurinji is the hills surrounding Munnar which is in the Western Ghats. It has become a symbol of bio-diversity of the Western Ghats. This endemic species is also an indicator of the health of the ecosystem. It may well be claimed as flagship species of the mountains. Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a bush with several branches. The species name Kunthiana has been derived from the River Kunthi which flows through the rich expanse of the renowned Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. It means that the plant has been first described from the vicinity of this river. The plant grows profusely around Shola grasslands and mountain slopes of the mighty Western Ghats and Nilgiris in India. Neelakurinji blooms in a clustered manner on typical inflorescence stocks once in every 12 years. The flowering season ranges between August and November with a peak period of late September and October although some varieties exhibit little variation in their phrenology. The flower has a purplish blue colour when aged. It looks light blue in the earlier stage of blooming. . Kurinji sanctuary declared About 32 sq. km core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji plant is preserved in Kurinjimala Sanctuary in Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages in Devikulam Taluk, Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. The area was declaried a sanctuary by the Kerala Forest Minister Benoy Viswam at the Neelakurinji Fest at Munnar which took place on 7th October 2006. The sanctuary was declared in the light of renewed efforts to preserve the unique biodiversity of the area. It has been estimated that about ten lakh tourists visited Neelakurinji at Munnar during the bloom in 2006. However it’s sad to note that the last few decades witnessed impairment to the habitat of the Neelakurinji. Plantations of tea, cardamom and timber devastated a stupendous range of pristine forests home to this rare bush. Vast stretches of virgin rain forests got drowned by some hydro-electric schemes and activities. Tea plantations engorged maximum space of the Kurinji-filled hills. Today the Kurinji species thrives only in the valleys and gorges that remain undistorted and unpolluted. Another anthropogenic threat witnessed this year is the indiscriminate collection and destruction of bushes and stocks of Neelakurinji by some unaware and unruly visitors. This is particularly noticeable in some of the Neelakurinji habitats around Ooty in the Nilgiris. In the last week of September, the peak season, many tourists were observed to have gone on a rampage inside Neelakurinji thickets at Kodanadu in Kotagiri. They were also found to collect bunches of these flowers in gay abandon. In addition to habitant destruction, such impudent activities may well prove serious threats to the long term survival of this important member of the biodiversity of these mountains.

Munnar- Kerala Trip

Kundala - Munnar Kundala is a picturesque place, about 20 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station. It is at a height of 1700 meters above sea level. It is located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Munnar. In Kundala, cherry blossoms appear twice in a year. The famous Neela Kurunji flowers which bloom once in twelve years, bloom in the hills and valleys around Kundala lake. There is an artificial dam in Kundala which is another major attraction here. It is Asia’s first Arch dam. The boating experience at this dam is a wonderful experience beyond words. Boating facilities namely pedal boats, Kashmiri shikkara boats and row boats are available on rent to make your trip more enjoyable. A Golf Course is also located here which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. Aruvikkad Waterfall is also situated nearby Kundala. The Sethuparvathi dam built in 1946 as a part of Pallivasal hydroelectric project is a sight to behold. Munnar is the nearest town to Lake Kundala and is well connected by road transport, mainly buses and taxis. The nearest railway station is either Ernakulam or Kottayam. You can get hired vehicles such as private cabs and taxis from the railway station to reach Lake Kundala.

Munnar - Kerala Trip

Marayoor – The Hub of Sandalwood Trees Marayoor, located forty km from Munnar, is a rain shadow village lying in the eastern side of the Western Ghats and is bordered by the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. A reduced rainfall is most suited for the the sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest. Although compared to the neighbouring states like Tamilnadu and Karnataka, Kerala has less acres of sandalwood forests, the same being confined to Marayoor and a few forest areas in Wayanad hills, the state possesses the best types of sandalwood trees owing to a reduced rainfall which favours its abundant growth. Marayoor as a pristine, heavenly and unexplored tourist spot is comparable to Munnar which is one of the most sought after hill stations in India in every respect. The place is especially an excellent trekking spot for adventure seekers. The road from Rajamala to Marayoor is flanked by lush green tea estates. As you drive by, there are occasional waterfalls. Then you come across the sandalwood forest. First, the trees appear one by one, and soon these turn into a sea. The air is cool and one comes under the rain shadow area. Marayoor houses the ‘muniyaras’ or the stone coffins with underground tunnels, which date back to the Neolithic period. These cave-like structures resting on vertical rocks are present everywhere - they are stone slabs resembling crudely-made boxes. There are paintings depicting the legendary wanderings of ‘Rama and Sita' and the 'Pandavas' inside the caves. Descending the hill, one can see the cane crop in the valley below dancing in the wind. A park named Rajiv Gandhi National Park is an ideal picnic spot nearby. A children's park formed under the canopy of a single Banyan tree spreads across a hectare of land and is a wonderful sight. Then there is the Thoovanam Waterfalls where one can spend endless hours romancing with nature. Marayoor is inhabited by a group of tribals who are primarily engaged in agriculture. The temperature in summer goes up to 30 degree Celsius while the winter temperature can come down to as low as 8 degree Celsius. It is one of the main towns in the district of Idukki. This place can also be accessed from Pollachi / Palani in Tamilnadu and from Munnar. Tourists can find a good number of accommodation facilities as well as shopping facilities at Marayur and in Munnar. Sandalwood & its utility Sandalwood, the famous aromatic wood is yielded by the family of trees belonging to the genus Santalum. This particular wood which is heavy, fine-grained and yellow in color, retains its fragrance for decades. The sandalwood fragrance is very distinctive and is used in countless applications including utility and decoration. Sandalwood has been valued and treasured for many years for its fragrance, carving, medicinal and religious qualities. To get commercially valuable sandalwood with high levels of fragrant oils, the Santalum trees need to be at least eight years of age and ideally fourteen years of age. Unlike most trees, sandalwood is harvested by toppling the entire tree instead of sawing them down at the trunk. This way, valuable wood from the stump and root can also be sold or processed for oil. Sandalwood paste is integral to rituals and ceremonies, to mark religious utensils and to decorate the icons of the deities worshipped. It is also distributed thereafter to devotees, who apply it to the forehead or the neck and chest. Preparation of the paste is considered a duty fit only for the pure, and is therefore entrusted in temples and during ceremonies only to priests. The paste is prepared by grinding pieces of the wood by hand upon granite slabs shaped for the purpose. With slow addition of water a thick paste results, which is mixed with saffron or other such pigments to make the aromatic ‘chandan’. Sandal is also used in perfumes and to coat incense sticks. In medicine, sandalwood essential oil, which is very expensive in its pure form, is used primarily for ayurvedic purposes and treating anxiety. Sandalwood curios and fancy décor items are also available in the market.

Kerala Trip: Parambikulam-keralatrip

Kerala Trip: Parambikulam-keralatrip: Animals The sanctuary is endowed with very rich and diverse wildlife due to the mosaic pattern of vegetation. The ecotones (edge effects...

Parambikulam- Kerala Trip

Plants Parambikulam is the receptacle of 1432 species of plants falling under 753 genera and 140 families. Plants in Parambikulam (As per KFRI research Report No: 246 ) Species: 1432, Genera: 753, Families: 140 Category No: of Species Herbs 653 Shrubs 268 Trees 359 Climbers 152 Highlights Endemic 13 (Among the 60 endemic genera of Peninsular India) Rare and Threatened plants 109 (Among the 460 rare and threatened species recorded from Kerala)

Parambikulam-Kerala trip

Butterflies Important Butterflies found in Parambikulam Download Checklist (PDF) » No Species 1 Graphium sarpedon teredon Felder 2 G. aqamemnon Lin. 3 G. doson eleius Fruh. 4 G. antipathes Fb. 5 Pachliopta aristolochiae Lin. 6 P. hector Lin. 7 P. pandiyana Moore 8 Papilio polytes thesus Cram. 9 P. demoleus Lin. 10 P. paris tamilana Moore 11 P. budha Westwood 12 P. helenus Lin. 13 P. polymnestor parinda Moore 14 P. dravidarum Wood-Mason 15 Troides minos Cram. 16 Cethosia nietneri mahratta Felder 17 Charaxes bemardus imna Butl. 18 Cirrochroa thais thais Fb. 19 Cupha erumanthis maja Fruh. 20 Ariadne ariadne indica Moore 21 A. merione merione Cram. 22 Polyura athamas athamas Drury 23 Euthalia lubentina arasada Fruh. 24 E. aconthea meridionalis Fruh. 25 Hypolimnas bolina Lin. 26 H. misippus Lin. 27 Junonia orithya swinhoei Butl. 28 J. lemonias Lin. 29 J. hierta Fb. 30 J. almana Lin. 31 J. atlites Lin. 32 J. iphita pluvialis Fruh. 33 Kaniska canace viridis Evans 34 Moduza procris Cram. 35 Neptis hulas uarmona Moore 36 N. jumbah iumbah Moore. 37 Pantoporia hordonia Stoll 38 P. ranqa (Moore) 39 Parthenos suluia uirens Moore 40 Phalanta Dhalanta Drurv 41 Tanaecia lepidea miyana Fruh. 42 Vanessa cardui Lin. 43 Vindula erota saloma Swinhoe 44 Danaeus genutia genutia Cram. 45 D. chrllsippus chrusippus Lin. 46 Euploea core core Cram. 47 Idea malabarica malabarica Moore 48 Parantica aqlea aglea Cram. 49 P. nilgiriensis Moore 50 Tirumala limniace leopardus Butl. 51 T. septentrionis dravidarum Fruh. 52 Appias libuthea libuthea Fb. 53 A. luncida latifascia Moore 54 A. albina darada Felder 55 A. indra shiva Swinhoe 56 Anaphaeis aurota Fb. 57 Catopsilia pomona pomona Fb. 58 C. puranthe Lin. 59 Cepora nerissa phryne Fb. 60 C. nadina remba Moore 61 Colotis fausta (Oliv.) 62 C. etrida Bois. 63 C. danae Fb. 64 Delias eucharis Drury 65 Eurema laete laeta Bois. 66 E. hecabe Lin. 67 E. blanda Bois. 68 E. briqitta rubella Wallace 69 Hebomoia alaucippe australis Butl. 70 Ixias purene sesia Lin. 71 I. marianne Cram. 72 Leptosia nina nina Fb. 73 Pareronia valeria hippia Fb. 74 Lethe rohria neelgheriensis Guerin 75 L. europa Fb. 76 Melanitis leda leda Drury 77 M. phedima varaha Moore 78 Mycalesis anaxias anaxias Hewit. 79 M. igilia Fruh. 80 M. patnia junonia Butl. 81 M. perseus Fb. 82 M. mineus polydecta Cram. 83 M. visala Moore 84 Orsotriaena medus mandata Moore 85 Ypthima ceylonica ceylonica Hewit. 86 Y. baldus madrasa Evans 87 Y. philomela Lin. 88 Y. huebneri Kirby 89 Zipoetis saitis Hewit. 90 Badamia exclamationis Fb. 91 Celaenorrhinus leucocera Kollar 92 C. ambareesa Moore 93 Hasora chromus chromus Cram. 94 Iambrix salsala luteipennis Plotz 95 Oriens concinna EI. 96 Odontoptilum anqulata Feld. 97 Potanthus pava pava Koll. 98 Pelopidas subochracea subochracea Moore 99 Spialia galba Fb. 100 Tagiades litigiosa Moschler 101 Taractrocera ceramas ceramas Hewit. 102 Telicota ancilla bambusae Moore 103 Caleta caleta Hewit. 104 Castalius rosimon (Fb.) 105 Celastrina lavendularis Moore 106 Cheritra freja (Fb.) 107 Chilades pandava pandava Hors. 108 Curetis dentata dentata Moore 109 Discolampa ethion vavasanus Froh. 110 Euchrysops cneius cneius Fb. 111 Jamides alecto (Feld.) 112 J. celeno (Cram.) 113 J. bochus bochus Cram. 114 Loxura atymnus Cram. 115 Neopithecops zalmora dharma Moore 116 Spindasis vulcanus vulcanus Fb. 117 S. schistacea schistacea Moore 118 Talicada nyseus nyseus Guerin. 119 Udara akasa Horsfield 120 Virachola perse Qhela Froh. 121 Zezius chrysomallus Hub. 122 Zizina otis decreta Butl. 123 Acraea terpsicore Lin. 124 Discophora lepida lepida Moore

Parambikulam-Kerala Trip

Fishes Mahseer Mahseer (Tor kudree) is an endangered and endemic fish to a few rivers of Kerala including the Chalakkudy river system. It has a peculiar breeding behaviour that in adult stage it swims upstream and lays eggs and attaches them to the rocks in the sandy bottom at the head of the stream. The young ones (called fries) after hatching swim downstream along the river course and colonise deep pools. 1 Total No. of Fishes recorded in the Sanctuary 47 2 No. of species listed as endangered 7 3 No. of species listed as endemic to Western Ghats 17 Fish fauna of very high importance in Parambikulam 1 Anguilla bengalensis (Gray) (Maninjeel) 2 Puntius carnaticus (Jerdon) (Pachilavetti) 3 Puntius melanampyx (Day) (Vazhayka varayan) 4 Puntius jerdoni (Day) (Chameen) 5 Hypselobarbus curmuca (Ham - Buch) (Kooral) 6 Hypselobarbus kolus (Sykes) (Kuzhikutty / Kooral) 7 Tor khudree (Sykes) (Kuyil) 8 Tor tor (Ham - Buch) (Chenkuyil) 9 Osteochilichthys longidorsalis Pethiyagoda and Kottelat 10 Barilius bakeri (Day) (Pavay paral) 11 Garra Surendranathanii (Shaji etal.) 12 Bhavania australis (Jerdon) (Kalpoolon) 13 Mystus malabaricus (Jerdon) (Kallan koorie) 14 Glyptothorax lonah (Sykes) (Kalle koorie) 15 Pristolepis marginata (Jerdon) (Karipidi) 16 Macrognathus guentheri (Day) (Manalaral) Important Fishes found in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Anguilla bengalensis (Gray) (Maninjeel) 2 Puntius filamentosus (Val.) (Poovaliparal) 3 Puntius carnaticus (Jerdon) (Pachilavetti) 4 Puntius amphibious (val.) (paral) 5 Puntius melanampyx (Day) (Vazhayka varayan) 6 Puntius sarana sabnasutus (val.) 7 Puntius chola (Ham - Buch) (Chola paral) 8 Puntius jerdoni (Day) (Chameen) 9 Catla catla (Ham - Buch) (Catla) 10 Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.-Buch) (Mrigal) 11 Hypselobarbus curmuca (Ham - Buch) (Kooral) 12 Hypselobarbus kolus (Sykes) (Kuzhikutty / Kooral) 13 Labeo rohita (Ham. - Buch) (Rohu) 14 Tor khudree (Sykes) (Kuyil) 15 Tor tor (Ham - Buch) (Chenkuyil) 16 Osteochilichthys longidorsalis Pethiyagoda and Kottelat 17 Osteochilichthys sp. 18 Barilius bakeri (Day) (Pavay paral) 19 Barilius bendelisis (Ham - Buch) (Pavay paral) 20 Barilius gatensis (Val.) (Pavay paral) 21 Danio malabaricus (Jerdon) 22 Danio aequipinnatus (Mclelland) 23 Esomus danricus (Ham - Buch) (Meesa paral) 24 Rasbora daniconius (Ham-Buch) (Kaniyan paral) 25 Garra mullya (sykes) (Kallu mutti) 26 Garra mclellandi (Jerdon) (Kallu mutti) 27 Garra surendranathanii (Shaji etal.) 28 Bhavania australis (Jerdon) (Kalpoolon) 29 Travancoria jonesi Hora (Kalpoolon) 30 Nemacheilus guentheri (Day) 31 Nemacheilus triangularis Day (Manalara) 32 Nemacheilus sp. 33 Lepidocephalus thermalis (Val.) 34 Mystus armatus (Day) (Koorie) 35 Mystus malabaricus (Jerdon) (Kallan koorie) 36 Glyptothorax lonah (Sykes) (Kalle koorie) 37 Aplocheilus lineatus (Val.) (Manathukanni) 38 Clarias batrachus (Linraeus) (Mushi) 39 Pristolepis marginata (Jerdon) (Karipidi) 40 Etroplus maculates (Bloch) (Pallathi) 41 Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) 42 Oreochromis mussambica (Peters) (Tilapia) 43 Glossogobius giuris (Ham.-Buch) (Poolon) 44 Channa marulius (Ham.-Buch) (Cheron) 45 Channa orientalis (Block and Scheider) (Vatton) 46 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) (Kallaral) 47 Macrognathus guentheri (Day) (Manalaral)

Parambikulam- Kerala Trip

Birds 1 Total No. of Birds recorded in the Sanctuary 268 2 No. of species listed as rare 134 3 Birds endemic to Western Ghats in Parambikulam 12 (out of total 16 endemics) Birds of very high importance in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Lesser adjustant 2 Grey headed fishing eagle 3 Peninsular bay owl 4 Broad billed roller 5 Great pied hornbill 6 Lesser Grey-headed Fish Eagle 7 Great Black Woodpecker 8 Malabar Pied Hornbill 9 Black-capped Kingfisher 10 Ceylon Frogmouth 11 Nilgiri Wood Pigeon 12 Malay Night-Heron 13 Oriental Darter

Parambikulam- kerala trip

Mammals 1 Total No. of Mammals recorded in the Sanctuary 39 Species 2 No. of species listed as endangered 4 Species 3 No. of species listed as endemic to Western Ghats 8 Species Important Mammals found in Parambikulam 1 Nilgiri Langur. Presbytis johni Local Name : Kari Manthi (Tamil), Karin korangan (Malayalam), Kurri korunga (Badaga, Kurumba), Turuni kodan (Toda). Slim and black, this Langur is the common rainforest monkey of the Southern Western Ghats. It has yellow-tinted hair on its head and is often confused with the stockier Lion - Tailed Macaque which has an ashy gray mane. Also, the Nilgiri Langur’s tail is longer. Females have a white patch on the inside of their thighs. Newborns are pink with reddish hair. It is hunted extensively for alleged medicinal properties. Behavior : The characteristic “hoo-hoo” call of the adult male langur can be heard mostly at down and sometimes at dusk. - Size : Total body length : 60 - 80 cm. Weight : 11 - 14 Kg - Habitat : Primarily rainforests, also deciduous patches, plantations, and edges of estates. - Best seen at Anamalai WLS (Tamil Nadu), Periyar NP (Kerala). - Conservation threats : Habitat loss and poaching. 2 Lion Tailed Macaque. Macaca silenus Local Name : Singalika (Kannada), Nella manthi, Singhawalan, Neelan (Malayalam), Arakkan, Singhaval manthi (Tamil). This endangered Monkey of evergreen forests may be distinguished from the other black of Southern India, the Nilgiri Langur, by its grey facial mane and much shorter, tufted tail that looks like a lion’s tail. The Lion-Tailed Macaque is a medium to large sized macaque, which is very arboreal in its natural undisturbed habitat. It moves in a characteristic slow motion style on tree tops. - Behavior : The call of this monkey sounds like a “coyeh” or “coo”. - Size : Total body length : 46 – 60 cm. Weight : 6 – 8Kg. - Habitat : Dense evergreen and semi evergreen forests. - Best seen at : Silent Valley National Park (Kerala), Palakkad and Anamalai WLS (Tamil Nadu). - Conservation threats : Habitat loss and poaching. 3 Tiger. Panthera tigris Local Name : Bagh, Sher (Hindi), Bagh (Bengali.Assamese), Pedda puli (Telugu), Patery Wagh (Marathi), Vengai Puli (Tamil), Kaduva, Naree (Malayalam), Hoolee (Kannada), Bagh (Oriya). Undoubtedly the most charismatic animal of India, the majestic Tiger has an orange coat patterned with broad black stripes. It has black ears, each with a winking white spot on the black, powerful forepaws and a long banded tail. The Indian Tiger is one of five races or sub-species distributed through Asia. Today, shrinking Tiger numbers and habitat are major conservation issues. It is estimated that there are only 3,750 – 4,000 tigers left in India, comprising about 65% of the world’s population. This makes the national animal of India a very endangered species. - Behavior : The Tiger prefers to hunt large deer, especially Sambar, where available. Quite adaptable, it can survive on smaller prey, or even fish in mangroves. It may attack humans if prey is unavailable or if it is old or injured. This behavior has earned it the fearsome title of man-eater, although other mammals such as Leopard or the Elephant take far more human lives. - Size : Total body length : 2.6 – 3m. Weight : 135 – 230 kg. - Habitat : Deciduous, thorn and evergreen forests, mangroves and grassland. - Best seen at : Ranthambhor NP (Rajasthan) and Bandhavgarh NP (Madhya Pradesh) - Conservation Threats : Poaching, habitat loss, fragmentation and decline in prey. 4 Leopard. Panthera pardus Local Name : Tendua, Chita, Guldar (Hindi), Diblya Wagh (Marathi), Chirathe (Kannada), Chirutai puli (Telugu/Tamil), Pulli Puli (Malayalam), Cheeta bagh (Bengali), Kelral (Mizo), Teku (Naga), Khare-suh (Kashmir), Dipdo (Gujarathi), Pendra (Oriya). The most adaptable big Cat of the Indian subcontinent, the Leopard has a clear yellow coat marked with black rosettes. It has a small spotted head with powerful jaws and a long tail and its underside is white. The colour of the coat varies considerably in intensity from gold to tawny in commoner forms. The rasping call of the Leopard (called “sawing” because it resembles the sound of wood being sawed) is a familiar nocturnal call in the Indian jungle. Behavior : Leopard manage to co-exist with Tigers by hunting smaller prey and hauling the carcasses up trees. They prey upon cattle, dogs and even children, thus earning notoriety as man – eaters. As they are often sighted near habitation in rural India, the Leopard is mistakenly considered to be a common species. Size : Total body length : 1.85 – 2.15 m. Weight : 39 – 68 Kg. Habitat : Deciduous and evergreen forests, scrub jungle, open country and fringes of human habitation. Best seen at : Sanjay Gandhi NP, Borivili NP (Maharashtra), and Gir NP (Gujarat). Conservation Threats : Poaching, habitat loss, human – animal conflict and decline in prey species. 5 Indian Elephant. Elephas maximus Local Name : Hathi (Hindi/Bengali/Assamese), Yanai (Tamil), Aana (Malayalam), Aane (Kannada), Yenugu (Telugu). The largest land mammal in India, the Asian Elephant’s grey wrinkled skin, long trunk and sail – like ears make it one of the most easily recognized animals. It is revered by Hindus due to its association with the God Ganesha. The Asian Elephant is slightly smaller than the African Savanna Elephant and differs from it anatomically in many ways. The Asian Elephant has a rounded or humped back as opposed to the saddle – shaped one of the African Elephant. Its trunk ends in one tip or “finger” as opposed to two, it has a two domed forehead, and its ears are smaller in size. Only male Asian Elephants have large tusks, while females have very small dental protuberances called “tusks”. Some males, called “makhnas”, are tuskless and can be distinguished from adult females by the penis bulge below the tail. Behavior : Elephants migrate over long distances in search of food and water, or for security, and use the same forest corridors for many hundreds of years. If these corridors are blocked, they enter human settlements. Elephants are also attracted to human settlements by crop or by domestic alcohol distilleries that they can smell from miles away. The resulting human – elephant conflict is a major threat to the survival of the species. Size : Height at shoulder – 245 – 275 m. Weight : 3000 Kg Habitat : Mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, scrub and grassland. Best seen at : Nagarhole NP (Karnataka) and Corbett NP (Uttaranchal). Conservation Threats : Poaching, habitat loss and human animal conflict. 6 The Gaur. Bos gaurus Local Name : Gaur (Hindi), Gawa (Marathi), Kadu kona, Kadu emmai (Kannada), Kattu Pothu, Kattee (Malayalam), Methun (Assamese), Kattu madu (Tamil). The largest bovine in the world, the Gaur is often mistakenly called the Indian Bison although it is not related to the North American Bison. It has a massive head, deep chest and muscular shoulder ridge. Adult males are glossy black, while the young and females are coffee-brown. The newborn calf changes colour from golden yellow to fawn, light brown and then red brown. Behaviour : Very shy and calm for a creature of its size, the Gaur rarely attacks unless tormented, and in most parts of South India will allow humans to approach very close. It has an acute sense of smell. If a herd is taken by surprise, it might start a stampede with calve getting run over in the process. Size : Height at shoulder – 165 – 195 cm. Weight : 800 – 1200 Kg. Habitat : Mixed deciduous, scrub and evergreen hill forests and grassland. Best seen at : Mudumalai NP (Tamil Nadu) and Bandipur NP (Karnataka). Conservation Threats : Poaching, habitat loss, cattle grazing and disease. 7 Nilgiri Tahr. Hermitragus hylocrius Local Name : Vara Aadu (Malayalam), Varai aadu (Tamil). A handsome goat, the male Nilgiri Tahr looks like a shorn version of its close cousin, the male Himalayan Tahr, without the following mane and hair of its Northern relative. The short grayish – brown coat of the females and young bucks is dark brown tending to blue – black in adult males, with a whitish saddle-shaped patch across the shoulders and back. The throat and abdomen are white. The borns of both male and female are parallel and curve backwards. Behaviour : While the herd rests in the hot afternoon hours, a very conspicuous sentinel stands guard. Size : Height at shoulder – 100 – 110 cm. Habitat : Montane grassland and rocky crags, interspersed with shola forests. Best seen at : Eravikulam NP (Kerala) Conservation Threats : Poaching and habitat disturbance. 8 The Sloth Bear. Melursus ursinus Local Name : Bhalu (Hindi), Reech (Gujarati), Asval (Marathi), Karadi (Malayalam/Tamil/Kannada), Elugu banti (Telugu), Bhalluk (Bengali). This widespread Indian Bear is familiar as a performing bear in the streets. A shaggy black animal with a long snout and lumbering gait, it can be lethal if confronted. The Sloth Bear is dim-sighted and rears up on its hind legs and bites or claws when alarmed. Behaviour : This bear sucks up termites and ants through the gap caused by its missing front incisors. Its long claws are used to tear up termite mounds. Size : Total body length : 140 – 170 cm.; Weight : 65 – 145 Kg. Habitat : Deciduous forest, scrub and grassland. Best seen at : Mudumalai WLS (Tamil Nadu) and Melghat NP (Maharashtra). Conservation Threats : Habitat loss and poaching. 9 Nilgiri Marten. Martes gwatkinsi THE LARGEST AND RAREST Indian marten, the Nilgiri Marten is considered by some to be a sub- species of the Yellow-throated Marten. It varies from dark brown to black, has a pale yellow to yellowish- orange neck, and a fiat skull with a concave depression on its forehead. SIZE Total body length: 55-65cm. Weight: 2 kg. HABITAT AND OCCURRENCE Grassland, shola, deciduous, and evergreen forests of W Ghats, BEST SEEN AT Eravikulam NP (Kerala). 10 Sambar. Cervus unicolor LOCAL NAME: Tekha .(Naga), Sambar (Hindi/Marathi/Bengali), Kaduve (Kannada), Kadama (Kodava), Kadaa maan (Tamil), Kezha maan, Mlave (Malayalam), Khar pohu (Assamese), Sabar (Gujarati), Sazuk (Mizo), Kadathi (Telegu). A TYPICAL FOREST DEER with a shaggy, dark brown coat, and large spreading antlers, the Sambar is India's largest deer. Females are lighter and less shaggy. The adult males are largest in Central India and on account of their size, they form the preferred prey base of tigers. This is the only widespread large forest deer -the other three species (see p. 42-43) are endangered and restricted in their range. - BEHAVIOUR The Sambar alarm call is a loud "dhonk". Mostly browsers, Sambar are rarely seen grazing. They often feed in shallow water and when chased by predators such as dholes, they take to water, splashing loudly with their hooves to confuse their attacker. Stags fight each other during rutting season for access to females. During the rut stags wallow like cattle and pigs. - SIZE Height at shoulder: 150cm. Weight: 225-320kg. - HABITAT Mixed deciduous forest and grassland scrub. - BEST SEEN AT Sariska and Ranthambhor NPs (Rajasthan). - CONSERVATION THREATS Poaching, habitat loss, and disease. 11 Small Travancore Flying Squirrel. Petinomys fuscocapillus A RARE SPECIES, the Travancore Squirrel has yellowish-white undersides, with this colour extending to the cheeks, and white hairs fringing its wing membrane. The seven species of Petinomys found in South and Southeast Asia are placed in a separate genus due to the peculiar honeycombed bones in their ears. SIZE HBL: 30cm; tail: 25 cm HABITAT AND OCCURRENCE Evergreen forests along Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and possibly Goa. BEST SEEN AT Anamalai NP (Tamil Nadu), Periyar (Kerala). Species of very high importance in Parambikulam 1 Gaur - Flagship mammal of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary 2 Lion Tailed Macaque - Endemic to Western Ghat 3 Nilgiri Tahr - Endemic to Western Ghat

Parambikulam-keralatrip

Animals The sanctuary is endowed with very rich and diverse wildlife due to the mosaic pattern of vegetation. The ecotones (edge effects) created at the interspersion of different vegetation types are the vital wildlife habitats. Such junctions are plenty in this sanctuary and are well distributed as well. Same is the case with water resources constituted by the reservoirs, rivers and streams. The abundant herbivore population present in the sanctuary in turn support a substancial population of predators like tiger and leopard. In a nutshell, following is the faunal diversity available in this sanctuary in various catagories. Category Species Mammals 39 Amphibians 16 Birds 268 Reptiles 61 Fish 47 Insects 1049 Butterflies 124 Some interesting facts Tiger (Panthera tigris) Tiger, the charismatic predator of the jungle, delineates its own territory and lives within that. The territory is marked by urinating on the trees and rocks along the boundary. Trespass by another male usually ends up in conflict which turns into a bloody battle sometimes. The tigresses in a family may have overlapping territories within the male's territory. Even though tiger is a powerful predator with plenty of tactics, it is observed that only one in twenty attempts of hunting is really successful. Leopard or Panther and Cheetah Leopard and Panther are one and the same and its zoological name is Panthera pardus. Black Panther is not a separate species. Blackness, the general darkening of colour is due to the excessive presence of a substance called Melanin which intensifies pigmentation. The production of melanin is increased where there is a combination of high temperature, humidity and reduced light. Both black and normal-coloured cubs may be produced in the same litter. They are prevalent in the rain-swept Equatorial forests south of Malaya. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) also known as hunting leopard is different from the ordinary leopard and distinct. The distinguishing features are small round head, slim waist line, prominent tear marks and solid close-set individual black spots. They are more common in Africa. It is supposed to be extinct in India. Indian Wild Dog or Dhole The Wild Dogs (Cuon alpinus) are social animals moving about in 'Packs'. The pack may be one family or aggregation of several families. In packs they are capable of hunting larger prey and the way of killing is gruesome. They are capable of eating meat several times their body weight. Wild dogs generally communicate with each other with a peculiar 'whistling' cry and they don't bark like the common dogs. Primates (Apes, Monkeys and Lemurs) 'Fur-picking', the universal habit among the apes and monkeys is not a hunt for lice or fleas. They are naturally remarkably free from these vermin. On the contrary it is a means of social communication between members of the troop (a group of monkeys) and to develop strong social bond. Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock) is the only ape found in India. Rest of the monkeys are all macaques and langurs Elephant (Elephas maximus) Elephants are the largest mammal living on land. Elephants are of two namely African Elephant and Asiatic Difference between African and Asian Elephants African Elephant Asian Elephant Larger than Asian Elephant Smaller than African Elephant Both male and female possess tusks Only male possess tusks Ears are larger than Asian Elephants Ears are smaller than African Elephants Highest point is the Head Highest point is the back Difficult to get tamed Can be tamed easily Elephant is facing a threat to its life from poachers due to the fact that it possesses valuable ivory.The ivory of elephant is not a distinct organ but an extension and modification of its teeth, the upper incisors. Bison and Gaur The Gaur in our forests are generally wrongly referred to as Bison which is a misnomer. What we see in Indian forests is Gaur (Bos gaurus) and not Bison. Gaur is also known as Indian Bison. Gaur is a wild relative of our domestic cows and not buffaloes. Horns and Antlers Horns are different from antlers. Horns are external in origin. It is hollow sheath covering the bony core arising from the skull. They persist throughout life. They may wear and flake off as new horn grows below. Horns are characteristic of Bovidae, the cows and buffaloes family. Both the sexes sport horns, the only difference being that horns of male are massive and that of the females are smaller and less massive. Antlers are solid horns that are skeletal in origin. They are shed when old and new antlers grow. Antlers are possessed by Cervids, members of the deer family. Only the males possess antlers.

Parambikulam-Kerala Trip

Animals The sanctuary is endowed with very rich and diverse wildlife due to the mosaic pattern of vegetation. The ecotones (edge effects) created at the interspersion of different vegetation types are the vital wildlife habitats. Such junctions are plenty in this sanctuary and are well distributed as well. Same is the case with water resources constituted by the reservoirs, rivers and streams. The abundant herbivore population present in the sanctuary in turn support a substancial population of predators like tiger and leopard. In a nutshell, following is the faunal diversity available in this sanctuary in various catagories. Category Species Mammals 39 Amphibians 16 Birds 268 Reptiles 61 Fish 47 Insects 1049 Butterflies 124 Some interesting facts Tiger (Panthera tigris) Tiger, the charismatic predator of the jungle, delineates its own territory and lives within that. The territory is marked by urinating on the trees and rocks along the boundary. Trespass by another male usually ends up in conflict which turns into a bloody battle sometimes. The tigresses in a family may have overlapping territories within the male's territory. Even though tiger is a powerful predator with plenty of tactics, it is observed that only one in twenty attempts of hunting is really successful. Leopard or Panther and Cheetah Leopard and Panther are one and the same and its zoological name is Panthera pardus. Black Panther is not a separate species. Blackness, the general darkening of colour is due to the excessive presence of a substance called Melanin which intensifies pigmentation. The production of melanin is increased where there is a combination of high temperature, humidity and reduced light. Both black and normal-coloured cubs may be produced in the same litter. They are prevalent in the rain-swept Equatorial forests south of Malaya. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) also known as hunting leopard is different from the ordinary leopard and distinct. The distinguishing features are small round head, slim waist line, prominent tear marks and solid close-set individual black spots. They are more common in Africa. It is supposed to be extinct in India. Indian Wild Dog or Dhole The Wild Dogs (Cuon alpinus) are social animals moving about in 'Packs'. The pack may be one family or aggregation of several families. In packs they are capable of hunting larger prey and the way of killing is gruesome. They are capable of eating meat several times their body weight. Wild dogs generally communicate with each other with a peculiar 'whistling' cry and they don't bark like the common dogs. Primates (Apes, Monkeys and Lemurs) 'Fur-picking', the universal habit among the apes and monkeys is not a hunt for lice or fleas. They are naturally remarkably free from these vermin. On the contrary it is a means of social communication between members of the troop (a group of monkeys) and to develop strong social bond. Hoolock Gibbon (Hylobates hoolock) is the only ape found in India. Rest of the monkeys are all macaques and langurs Elephant (Elephas maximus) Elephants are the largest mammal living on land. Elephants are of two namely African Elephant and Asiatic Difference between African and Asian Elephants African Elephant Asian Elephant Larger than Asian Elephant Smaller than African Elephant Both male and female possess tusks Only male possess tusks Ears are larger than Asian Elephants Ears are smaller than African Elephants Highest point is the Head Highest point is the back Difficult to get tamed Can be tamed easily Elephant is facing a threat to its life from poachers due to the fact that it possesses valuable ivory.The ivory of elephant is not a distinct organ but an extension and modification of its teeth, the upper incisors. Bison and Gaur The Gaur in our forests are generally wrongly referred to as Bison which is a misnomer. What we see in Indian forests is Gaur (Bos gaurus) and not Bison. Gaur is also known as Indian Bison. Gaur is a wild relative of our domestic cows and not buffaloes. Horns and Antlers Horns are different from antlers. Horns are external in origin. It is hollow sheath covering the bony core arising from the skull. They persist throughout life. They may wear and flake off as new horn grows below. Horns are characteristic of Bovidae, the cows and buffaloes family. Both the sexes sport horns, the only difference being that horns of male are massive and that of the females are smaller and less massive. Antlers are solid horns that are skeletal in origin. They are shed when old and new antlers grow. Antlers are possessed by Cervids, members of the deer family. Only the males possess antlers.

Parambikulam- Kerala Trip

Nature Education Camp I. Camps in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department is conducting nature camps in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary for the students of government recognized educational institutions and NGO’s. Free accommodation and vegetarian food will be provided. The objectives of the nature camp includes: To educate the awareness about nature and wildlife awareness needs among various strata of people especially students To educate the issues of environment degradation and the need for efforts /steps to be taken regarding the preservation of our environment. To give a natural and practical experience of nature and its nature’s magic. To educate young generation about the conservation history of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary including the struggle for conservation and finally the present stage of buffer declaration. II. General guidelines and instruction Application and self declaration form is sent in prescribed format to concern office through the head of the institution concerned. Only one camp will be allowed throughout the sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year. A self declaration should be produced along with the application stating that “ No camps is availed in any sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during the financial year If the school/institutions/organisation found guilty of applying or availing more than one camp in another sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year they may be black listed and no camps will be allowed in sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area in kerala in future Preference will be given to the institutions from the adjoining areas /Panchayath jurisdiction/ District. The locations for the camps within the division are to be decided by the Wildlife Warden. The ideal number of participants in a camp is 35 including accompanying staff. Duration of camps will be 2 days. Simple, hygienic vegetarian foods is served for nature camp participants Instructions Nature camp is for awareness nature and education not to any amusement. Participants are requested to wear sub-dued colour clothes and not to carry plastic wrapped food items, Poly bags, musical instruments and valuable items Match boxes and other inflammables are not allowed in the Wildlife Sanctuary Instructions by the park authority should be strictly followed. Failing to which the person/institution/organisation is be expelled from the camp and not to eligible for availing camps in future in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Parambikulam-Kerala Trip

Parambi Cruise A voyage in the Tribal Bamboo House Boats Those who wish to cherish the real eco friendly house boat exclusively made by bamboos by the tribal engineering design, one can experience the unforgettable voyage in the Parambi Cruise. Parambi Cruise will accommodate a maximum of 4 persons. The Parambi Cruise will start through the journey in the unpolluted and crystal clear Parambikulam Reservoir giving an opportunity to see the mind blowing serenity, green landscapes, hilltops, island shores apart from witnessing a variety of wildlife on the way. The package also includes a short trek in one of the island through the beautiful patch of forest. The package starts at morning 9 am and ends at 5 pm evening. Tea, snacks, packed lunch and refreshments will be served en route. One armed staff, one naturalist and four experienced tribal rowers will serve all your needs.

Kerala Trip

Tribal Symphony Harmonize your rhythm with tribal culture Kerala is the state of diverse cultural and traditional art forms. The tribes do possess the real and unadulterated form of arts. Tribal symphony will take into their stage where the ethnic tribes of Parambikulam Tiger Reserve will display their ancient art in the form of tribal dance, songs and tribal food. Two trained tribal artists will accompany a group of maximum ten persons.

Parambikulam - Kerala Trip

Kannimara Safari Witness the World’s largest Teak Kannimara Teak is really a visual splendor which will please not only our eyes but also expand out chest out in pride witnessing the largest living Teak on mother earth. It has an unbelievable girth of 6.5 mtrs and it needs atleast 5 adult persons to encircle the trunk with their stretched arms. Be a party to this natural history and heritage. The package will start from Thunakadavu dam traversing through the great teak plantations covering some 6 kms to reach this magnificent teak. The Kannimara Safari vehicle will also provide an opportunity to witness the rich wildlife diversity of Parambikulam.

Parambikulam - Kerala Trip

Parambikulam Boating - Experience the real leisure boating on the crystal clear reservoir water of Parambikulam Eco cruise. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary offers the only real uncrowded boating on earth in the reservoirs gifted with the purest of Western Ghat waters. One will feel in the real paradise on earth while boating in these reservoirs. A maximum of 8 persons per boat for one hour package are permitted from 7 am to 6 pm.

Parambikulam- Kerala Trip

Bamboo Rafting A unique rowing experience A unique rowing experience cruising on the century old locally designed bamboo rafts through the vast reservoirs of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. During the rafting one can witness the magnificent gift of nature. Also one will have an opportunity to unearth the history of Parambikulam Dam, Old Parambikulam town now submerged in the reservoir. The four hour programme include one hour trekking inside the richest part of Western Ghats and three hours rafting to get a panoramic view of Parambikulam landscape and to sight some of the most endangered species on this earth which includes elephants, Guars, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Hornbill, Nilgiri Langoor, Wild dogs, Leopard, Crocodile and perhaps the king of jungle – The Royal Bengal Tiger may join this elite list.