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| RESERVOIR |
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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.
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
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
(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
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| 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.
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| 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
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
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
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