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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

BANASURA SAGAR


















RESERVOIR

PAZHASSI TOMB

Pazhassi tomb


The Lion of Kerala, Pazhassi Raja was gun downed by the British ina ferocious encounter that took place at Mavilanthode. Pazhassi Raja, heir of Kottayam royal family, was one among the pioneers in revolt against the East India Company.

He carried out guerilla type warfare attacks against British and carried out a long tenure of revolution against British during the end of 1805, veer Pazhassi raja was killed by British in a ferocious encounter. The tomb marks the point where the Raja was cremated. The monument and the underground museum were conceived and designed by Eugene Pandala.

Location



Near government hospital, Mananthavady. 1km from the town. Kalpetta-35 km, Bathery 42 km.

How to reach

By road: Near Mananthavady-1km, Pick an auto from Mananthavady.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

SOOCHIPPARA WATERFALLS

SOOCHIPPARA WATERFALLS















Waterfalls, also known locally as Soochipara, is 23 km away from Kalpetta, located at Vellarimala village in Meppadi panchayat. This is a popular picnic spot and trekking area and the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip. The more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

The Sentinel Rock is also ideal for rock climbing. It is a spectacular waterfall where the water cascades down in three steps from a height of about 200 m in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by deciduous, wet evergreen and tropical Shola forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara 'Soochi' meaning 'Needle' and 'Para' meaning 'Rock', The 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad.

From Elevayal junction there is only 2 km distance to entrance of the falls.

There is counter of Vanasamrakshana Samithi to give the passes.
Ticket fee is Rs 20 and for students it is Rs 10.
For vehicles parking: two-wheeler Rs 5
Cars Rs 20 and for big vehicles Rs 50.

One has to make a walk for one km from the parking area as to reach the falls. There is a pond in its upper side called Cheenikund. The forest has many wilds animals.

Locations: Near Meppadi Wayanad








THOLPPETTY

THOLPPETTY


(20 km east of Mananthavady, 13 km from Thirunelly on the Kodagu Road. Open 0600 - 0800 hrs, 1500 - 1730 hrs) This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals, but visitors are restricted to the outer tourist zone. Permitting authority: Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty. Ph: 04935-250853


EDAKKAL CAVES

EDAKKAL CAVES




Rock carvings
The fascinating prehistoric rock etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.
With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 5000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.
The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feet long by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet. A passage opposite the entrance leads upward to a small aperture in the roof through which one climbs up to the next storey whose interior is about 96 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 18 feet high. Light enters the cave through a big gap at the right-hand corner of the roof where the boulder does not touch the facing wall.
Legends of the Caves
The name Ambukuthimala is ascribed to the local legend which has it that the caves were formed by arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Sri Rama, legendary hero of the Ramayana.Even today there are many who believe that Lord Rama killed Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the narrow fissure at the southern end of Edakkal cave.
A local legend associates Kutti Chatan (the little devil of Malabar) with the goddess Mudiampilli, and until recently local people undertook an annual pilgrimage to the peak of the hill to perform a puja (ritual offering) in her honour.







Our team
The Colonial Discovery of the Caves
On a hunting trip to Wayanad in 1890, Fred- Fawcett, the then superintendent of police of the Malabar District, happened to see a Neolithic Celt (stone axe or chisel) recovered from the coffee estate of Colin Mackenzie. An enthusiast in prehistory, Fawcett made local enquiries and went round exploring the Wayanad high ranges. In the course of his rambles he was shown the Edakkal rock-shelter situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. He identified the site as a habitat of Neolithic (i.e. late Stone Age, c4000BC to c1700BC) people on the basis of the nature of representations on the cave walls, which appeared to him as engravings made of Neolithic Celts. It was an exciting discovery, as these were the first specimens of abraded drawings found in India.

PALARUVI

Palaruvi A beautiful water fall in southern kerala Besides bathing in the delightful waterfall, trekking is the main activity at Palaruvi which attracts a lot of tourists. Best time to visit November and Decmber How to reach ? 4 km walking distance from Aryankavu junction(On Kollam Chenkotta road) From kollam town - kottarakkara - punalur - thenmala 77 km From Trivandrum - nedumngad - thenmala - chenkotta 100 km Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram ( 95 km). Rail: Nearest railway station is Kollam (broad gauge) and Aryankavu (metre gauge). Phone numbers Palaruvi vanasamrakshana samithi - 0475 2211200 DFO Achankovil - 0475 2342315 Divisional Forest Office, Thenmala, Ph: 0475-2344521 District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Kollam, Ph: 0474-2750170 Where to stay ? KTDC Aaraam - Palaruvi - 0475 2211600 Forest Rest House Achankovil - 04752342315

THENMALA

THENMALA Thenmala or the hills that flow with honey is situated about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, on the Shencottai Road. Once much sought-after for its honey believed to have medicinal properties, Thenmala is today home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. The nerve-centre of a chain of ten satellite eco-tourism destinations scattered across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Thenmala is spread over acres of evergreen forest. Ecotourism Activities The principles of zoning in ecotourism have been adopted here to create various zones, featuring specific familiarisation activities for nature enthusiasts. The Thenmala Ecotourism Facilitation Centre has enough activities to entertain both adults and children. Culture Zone * Amphitheatre - For local art forms and other cultural performances. * Shop Court - Managed by local women self-help groups for selling local forest products, souvenirs, local handicrafts etc. * Musical Dancing Fountain - A rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light in a natural ambience. Adventure Zone (9 am to 5.30 pm on all days) * Nature Trail - Winding trail through various elevations in the zone. * Canopy Walkway - Elevated path through a canopy of trees that helps explore the ecosystem and the level changes of the area. * Lotus Pond - A water body that exhibits various forms of aquatic plants. * Mountain Biking - A 2 m wide, 1000 m long bike path facilitates mountain biking with various levels of difficulty. * Recreational Rock Climbing & Rappelling - Rocks of different heights and sizes are equipped with pegs and ropes to facilitate rock climbing and rappelling. * River Crossing - Ropes are tied at a height across the river for adventurous river crossing activities. * Hill Thrills - Valley crossing, spider net, shot range, trust fall, pedal boating etc. * Resting Points - Quiet spots in the wilderness to take a break. Leisure Zone (8.30 am to 6.30 pm) * Pathways - Winding trails leading tourists to various sites. * Boardwalk - 250 m riverfront built of wooden planks that gives the visitor a close view of the stream below. * Sway Bridge - An unsupported bridge, made of wooden planks and hung from ropes across the river. * Sculpture Garden - Based on the theme 'Man and Nature', this garden depicts the relationship between the two in the serene backdrop of the forest. * Resting Points - Quiet spots in the wilderness to take a break. * Deep Woods - Soft trekking and biking programme to explore the two patches of Niptica swamp forest (2 to 4 hrs). * Boating at the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary: Battery-operated vehicles to the boat landing from where begins an exciting boat cruise. Watch wildlife at close quarters and be prepared for surprises. Deer Rehabilitation Centre An opportunity to befriend a deer and understand their delicate ecosystem. The deer that stray out from the forest are rehabilitated here. Spotted deer and the sambar are the main inhabitants. The Centre also has a children's eco-park with treetop huts, swings etc. Other Attractions Trekking One to three-day guided trekking tours and bird watching trails in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. Bird Watching Trail: Two-day programme in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. Pilgrimage Tourism: An eco-pilgrimage connecting the three surrounding Ayyappa shrines at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankovil can also be arranged from Thenmala. Environment Education Centre: This Centre facilitates various activities inside the forest area, using the potential features of the site to educate the visitors. One-day Ecotourism at Palaruvi: The eco-trip to the 300 ft waterfall is managed by the local community. Ecotourism programmes are also available at the ten satellite spots that fall under a 50 km radius of Thenmala. In and Around Hanging Bridge, Punalur (22 km) is en route to Thenmala from Kottarakkara. Achankovil is one of the major temples of Lord Ayyappa and along the way lies the Manalar Falls, a tiny strip of cascading water that is usually visible only after the rains. A little further is the Kumbavurutty Falls, to get to which you need to trek for half a kilometre. This is a nature interaction centre and it even has tree houses for children. Accommodation Tented and dormitory accommodation by Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society, Green Valley and the Lake View Ayurvedic Resort offers excellent accommodation facilities. Accessing Thenmala Location: Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 80 km away. Rail: Thenmala runs on metre gauge. The nearest broad gauge station is Kollam, about 66 km away. Road: Equidistant from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, Thenmala is a two-hour drive from both cities. There are regular buses from Kollam, Kottarakkara and Punalur. Altitude: 1,640 ft above sea level. Snuggled in the foothills of the Western Ghats in east Kollam District, adjacent to the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, Thenmala is 72 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. A short distance from Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu, this ecotourism destination lies on the northernmost end of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. For enquiries and bookings, contact: Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society, Ph: 0475-2344800, 0471-2329770 District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Kollam, Ph: 0474-2750170 www.thenmalaecotourism.com info@thenmalaecotourism.com

BOLGHATTY PALACE

Bolghotty Palace A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD. This palace, once the residence of the British resident of Kochi, is now a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) hotel. Bolghatty Palace is on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. The building was once a Governor's palace for the Dutch and later the home of the British Governors. The palace is two-storeyed and contains well-decorated bed chambers, a huge lounge wherein historical portraits are displayed. The ferry ride from the mainland Ernakulam to the island is a pleasurable experience. There is a golf course to boot.

ATHIRAPPILLY WATERFALLS

ATHIRAPPILLY Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot.Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high.

VAZHACHAL WATERFALLS

Vazhachal Waterfalls The Vazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. The Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Its cool, misty waters cascading down with the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain are a scintillating experience for visitors. How to reach there ? From chalakkudy - 30 km on Chalakkudy anamala road. Railway - Chalakkudy 30 km,Aluva 64 km entrnace -8 AM to 6 PM Where to stay ? Rainforest - 04802769062 RivrokVillas - 2769140 Pookkadans Residency - 2724012 Hillview Resort - 2769192

NILAMBUR TEAK MUSEUM

NILAMBUR TEAK MUSEUM The well-known Teak Museum is located at Nilambur in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995. The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The world's first Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Nilambur, about 3 km from the Teak Museum. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 36 km from Malappuram.

POOKOT LAKE

POOKOT LAKE
 Pookot Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it. Boating in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.




This is a beautiful natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and wooded hills. Boating facilities, Children's Park and shopping centre for handicrafts and spices of Wyanad are arranged by District Tourism Promotion Council. These provides recreational facilities to the visitors. A fresh water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by the Fisheries Department.
Salam sir and mafeekhar sir

The lake is 3 km south of vythiri resorts.
How To Get There By Air - Nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 63 km By Rail Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode about 63 km. Frequent buses(KSRTC) are available from kozhikode to Kalpetta(wayanad)

MEENMUTTY WATERFALLS

MEENMUTTY WATERFALLS Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.[1] Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.[2] It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest. The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome, but the waterfalls are worth it. How to reach ? This waterfall lies approximately 12 km east of Meppadi and is around 500 metres deep. The Tourism Information Centre located at this site provides trekking and hiking equipment. It is easily accessible by road from Meppadi Bus Station and Sulthan Bathery Bus Station. Where to stay ? Hotel new Paris -Meppadi 282489 soochippara holidayresort- 9947474888 Aaranyakam Homestay -280261 Meenmutty heights - 9349892255

PYTHAL MALA

PYTHAL MALA Pythal Mala, the enchanting hill station, situated near the Kerala-Karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 kms trek to the top of the hills. This beautiful, calm hill station, 65Km from Kannur is at an altitude of 4500 ft. above sea level. Abundant in flora and fauna, this place is now being developed as a hill resort. One has to trek 6 kms to reach the top of the hills. There is a proposal to set up a zoo at the top of the hill. The enchanting hill station offers a challenging trek to those inclined to stretch their legs. Trekkers are rewarded by a profusion of exotic flora and fauna and an exhilirating view from the top.

BEKAL FORT

'Bekal Fort' (Malayalam: à´¬േà´•്à´•à´²്‍ à´•ോà´Ÿ്à´Ÿ) is the largest fort in Kasargod, Kerala, India, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2). An important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. The nearest railway stations are Pallikare, Kotikulam, Kanhangad,and Kasargod.This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort. How to reach there * Nearest towns are Kanhangad – 8 km and Kasargod 18 km. These towns are well connected to nearby cities by bus and train. * Nearest airports Mangalore International Airport – 60 km. Karipur International Airport – 180 km.

PERUVANNAMOOZHI

PERUVANNAMOOZHI The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoirs here provide facilities for speed and slow boat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises during which one can see the 'Smaraka Thottam', a garden built in the memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 60 km. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 25 km from Kozhikode town. Frequent bus services are available from Perambra to Peruvannamuzhi dam.

THUSHARAGIRI

THUSHARAGIRI The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor. The best roar of the waterfalls can be enjoyed from September to November. The waterfall with its gentle spray is sure to soothe every eye. The cascading waters of the waterfall slides past with surfy smiles. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker's delight. Trekker's start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Waynad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut. The place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls.

BEYPORE

BEYPORE Beypore or Beypur is a small coastal census town in Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. The place was formerly known as Beypuram. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. This place also has a small port and a beautiful beach. Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala from where trading was done to the Middle East. Beypore is also famous for building wooden ship, it is called Dhows or Urus in Malayalam language. These ships are usually bought by arab merchants for trading, fishing and now used as a tourist ships. TASARA creative hand weaving centre in north beypore attracts visitors and students from all around the world. Chaliyar Puzha which is the fourth longest river in the Kerala state flows through this village.The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned a station here in 2006. How to reach there ? By bus Beypore has an excellent local bus service system and it is cheap. Your first choice should be travelling by Bus. Be aware that the busses can travel at neck-breaking speeds, but they are fairly safe. From Kozhikode (City buses) it take 30 minutes to reach Beypore in local buses. Plenty of buses available, mostly 2 to 3 minutes gap. Starting from 6AM to 11 PM.

PLANETARIUM

(Show time: 1030 hrs, 1200 hrs, 1500 hrs and 1700 hrs) Opened in 1994 to the public, this is one of the most versatile planetariums in the country. The main GM-11 star field projector here can project almost all the constituents of the visible universe. (Show time: 1030 hrs, 1200 hrs, 1500 hrs and 1700 hrs) Opened in 1994 to the public, this is one of the most versatile planetariums in the country. The main GM-11 star field projector here can project almost all the constituents of the visible universe.

ART GALLERY

A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode - the land of spices which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma. Getting there About 5 km from Kozhikode town at East Hill, Kozhikode district, north Kerala.

Aripara Falls

Arippara Falls is a tourist spot in Thiruvambadi panchayat in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is located on the Thiruvambadi - Anakkampoyil route, 15 km from Thiruvambadi. The waterfall is a tributary of Iruvanjippuzha. There is a proposal for implementing a hydel power project on the Aripara waterfall.

KAKKAYAM

Kakkayam is a picturesque trekking site, it also has a dam in the area. Conserved by the Forest Police, it offers good rock climbing sites as well. It is best to travel in the months of April & November. How to reach there ? Kakkayam is situated 50 kms away from Calicut. The dam sight and the waterfall are 14 kms away from the Kakkayam market.One can approach through Calicut- Balusseri route, Thalayad- Perambra route and from Kurachundu- Kallunode road. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport and nearest Railway Station is Kozhikode Railway station.

RAYRANELLUR MALA

Narayanathu branthan Temple. Naranath Branthan (The madman of Naranam) is a character in Malayalam folklore. He was considered to be a divine person, a Mukhta who pretended to be mad. His chief activity consisted of rolling a big stone up a hill and then letting it fall back down. Unlike Sisyphus, he acted on his own volition rather than under the influence of a curse. There is a large statue of Naranath in Palakkad district of Kerala where he is believed to have lived. Naranathu Branthan was born as the son of Vararuchi, the famous astrologer who adorned the court of King Vikramadithya. Naranathu Branthan was one among the twelve offsprings or the Parayi petta panthirukulam, of Vararuchi and was brought up in the Naranathu Mangalathu Mana, situated at Chethallur in Palakkad. Branthan came to Thiruvegappura for mastering 'Vedas'. Thiruvegappura and the nearby Rayiranelloor Maountain, which is known as 'Branthachalam', became his usual abode. Due to his strange behavior and odd activities, people perceived him as 'mad'. At Rayiranellor Mountain he had the vision of the Devi (Goddess), and later for the benevolence of the people he enshrined Devi in the Mountain and started his worship there. No clear descriptions have yet been received of Naranath's last days. The temple open at morning only. Best time to visit before 9 AM. Many devotees visits this temple on Thulam 1 and Karthika in Vrischikam How to reach there ? Only 1 KM from Naduvattam(ON Valanchey Pattambi Road - about 9 KM from Valanchery.