Panieli Poru

Water and rocks together make for a picturesque scene at Panieli Poru, a little known spot on the eastern tracts of Ernakulam district. Situated along the Malayattoor forest tracts, 20 km from Perumbavoor, the place casts an enchanting spell that mesmerises the visitor. The Periyar gushes along the rocky terrain here.

The rivulets of the Periyar, having separated upstream, join hands at the spot and continue the onward journey. The flowing water makes a symphony along with the chirping of the birds in the nearby forest. It is indeed an alluring locale for those who have a love for nature's splendour.

 Life buoys available

The crystal clear water looks shallow and tempting, but there are many dangerous spots within the rocky bed. About 80 people have lost their lives in the areas within the last eight years, according to local people.

Warning signals and boards have been put up at a few of such spots. The Vana Samrakshana Samiti, an initiative of the Forest department and the district administration, in association with other departments and the local people, has drawn up a plan to streamline the tourism activity here.The Samithy has been entrusted with the task of curbing the menace of drinking among the holiday-makers.

The flowing water here has medicinal properties derived out of the rich herbal presence in the area, says K.K. Linzy, president of the samiti. Many visitors swim in the water for hours together. Life buoys are being deployed to ensure the safety of the adventurous lot.

Watchtower

A wooden watchtower, which could be double up as a tourism project, is under construction.
The ideal time to visit the place is between November and May, says Sasi, a guide and member of the samiti. Even during the monsoon season there are many visitors, he says.
During peak season, about 400 people visit the place daily. With a little more guidance and support from the Forest department and other agencies, the flow of tourists is bound to grow.
And, what does the name Poru stand for? The Malayalam word `Poru' means fight. It is the place of fight between rocks and water, hence the name.

Vagamon

Vagamon (Malayalam: വാഗമണ്‍) is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district ofKerala, India. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 meters above sea level. Vagamon also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India’.

Still untouched by commercialisation, the sleepy town with its scenic valleys, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers andorchids. Cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the chief religions in Kerala, i.e. Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. Vagamon has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. However business interests are trying their best to exploit and sell and market vagamon for tourists. How much benefits the local people are receiving from tourism boom is to be seen. The efforts made by the Kurishumala Ashram have helped the farmers of vagamon to improve their earnings by ensuring better price for milk and marketing opportunities.

Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. This narrow strip of descending land gives a vital connectivity to the plains as both sides of vagamon up to kuttikkanam on the south west and moolamattom on the north east, are marked by steep and inaccessible hill slopes. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deepvalleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch. Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you. The road to vagamon from Erattupetta opened an easily accessible and direct route to vagamon from the plains. This road which was constructed in the 1950s was an engineering marvel and is rated a state highway. Had it not been for the initiative and influence of the then member of parliament Shri George Thomas kottukappillil this very expensive road would not have been materialised. The road was made in treacherous and dizzying terrain. About a dozen workers died during the construction at the hanging cliffs and a 20 foot tall memorial tower stands in honour of those who gave their life for this road project at the beginning of the road in Teekoy town junction .

Vagamon is located 39 km from Thodupuzha, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport while the closest railway station is Kottayam. There are many fine resorts available in the surrounding areas with affordable cost for trekkers. Key tourist centers such as Thekkady, Peermade and Kulamavu are straightforwardly reachable from Vagamon.

Malampuzha Dam, Garden

Malampuzha is a mini hydoro-electric project built across Malampuzha river (a tributary of Bharathapuzha) in Palakkad district of Kerala, South India. It is also the biggest irrigation project in Kerala with a large network of canal systems. It is also one of Kerala's major tourist spots. Malampuzha dam, the biggest irrigation reservoir in Kerala, is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year in October, starting with Tourism Week and Onam celebrations in September.
Malampuzha Dam has brought prosperity to the district, making Palakkad the `rice bowl of Kerala'.

 Paddy is cultivated in 50,000 acres (200 km²) in two seasons each using waters from the Malampuzha dam.
The Malampuzha Garden and reservoir have a scenic setting with the forested hills of Western Ghats forming the backdrop, making it one of the foremost tourism centres in the State.
The dam across Malampuzha river has a total length of 2,069 metres. Of this, masonry dam has a length of 1,849 metres while the earthen dam covers the length of 220 metres. The catchment area of the dam is 147.63 km². Its storage capacity is 236.69 cubic metres. The full reservoir level of the dam is 115.06 m (375.15 ft)and Gross Storage at FRL is 226 mm3.
The idea of constructing a dam at Malampuzha was mooted in 1914 by the then Madras Government. Palakkad was part of Madras presidency then. In March 1949, the then Public Works Minister K. Bhaktavalsalam laid the foundation stone for the construction of the dam. On October 9, 1955, the then Chief Minister K. Kamaraj inaugurated it. Before the construction of the dam, the area was known as Punnppara, Chovankadu, Iduppady, Vadukampadam, Thanjikapallam, Karakkad, Thoopallam, Varani, Akkarakadu, Kadukkamkunnam, Aanakuzhykadu, Thampurattypotta, Aanamukkara, Pandipotta, Thekkumpadam and Koshavan Idukku. Now the entire area is known as Malampuzha. The dam was conceived as a multi-purpose project to provide water for irrigation, drinking, industries, power generation, fish farming and water transport.

Tourist attractions

Other attractions are the Malampuzha Gardens, Rope Way, Snake Park, Rock Garden and the aquarium. Within the Malampuzha Gardens is a large cement sculpture named Yakshi, created by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman.
There is also an amusement park, Fantasy Park, 1.5 km away from Malampuzha dam, offering many attractive water games and rides.

Transport

·         Nearest railway station: Palakkad Junction - 5 km

·         Nearest airport: Coimbatore Airport - 55 km

·         Nearest international airport: Coimbatore International Airport

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace ( പത്മനാഭപുരം കൊട്ടാരം) complex is located in at Padmanabhapuram Fort, close to the town of Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, in India. It is about 15km from Nagercoil, and about 53 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The palace complex is inside an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats. The river Valli flows nearby. The palace is administered by the Government of Kerala archeology department.
The palace was constructed around 1601 CE by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 CE and 1609 CE.It is believed that the Thai Kottaram was built in CE 1550. The maker of modern Travancore Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma ( CE 1706 -1758 ) who ruled Travancore from CE1729 to 1758 rebuilt the palace in 1n around 1750. King Marthaanda Varma dedicated the kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha , an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and ruled the kingdom as Padmanabha dasa or servant of Lord Padmanabha. Hence the name Padmanabhapuram or City of Lord Padmanabha. In the late 18th century,precisely in 1795 CE the capital of Travancore was shifted from here to Thiruvananthapuram, and the place lost its former glory. However, the palace complex continues to be one of the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hallmark of traditional Kerala style architecture.

Route Distance
Thiruvananthapuram-

Padmanabhapuram Palace Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu is 53KM

  

Interesting features

·         Mantrasala (Council chamber)

·         Thai Kottaram (Mother's palace)

·         Nataksala (Hall of performance)

·         Nataksala (Hall of performance)

·         Thekee kottaram (Southern palace)

·         The Padamnabhapuram Palace complex has several other interesting features:

·         The Palace though surrounded entirely by the State of Tamil Nadu is still part of Kerala and the land and Palace belongs to the Government of Kerala.

·         The clock tower in the palace complex has a 300 year old clock, which still keeps time.

·         A big hall now bare, which can accommodate around 1000 guests, and where ceremonial feasts were held, on auspicious occasions.

·         A secret passage, now blocked, through which the king, his immediate family members, and their entourage could escape to another palace, located several kilometers away in the event of any emergency. Name of this palace is Charottu kottaram.

·         A flight of steps leads to a bathing pond, which has lost its freshness due to neglect and years of disuse.

·         The Palace complex also has a section of curios and several interesting objects:

·         An entire room filled with old Chinese jars, all gifts by Chinese merchants.

·         A variety of weapons (which were actually used in warfare), including swords and daggers.

·         Brass lamps, wood and stone sculpture, a variety of furniture and large mirrors made of polished metal.

·         A gallery of paintings depicting incidents from the history of Travancore.

·         A wooden cot made of up to 64 wooden pieces of a variety of medicinal tree trunks

·         Polished stone cot, meant for cool effect

·         Toilet and well

Backwaters Of Kummarakom

Location: 16 km away from Kottayam town, Central Kerala.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.

Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.

A calendar of the snake boat races of Kerala from July to September

• Champakulam Moolam Boat Race

• Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali

• Payippad Jalotsavam

• Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Squads of rowers compete for the Nehru Trophy)

• Available for backwater cruises in the lake.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km. 
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 km from Kottayam town.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala. The areas hilly and rocky, drained by several rivers, including the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy.
Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.This virgin valley that is the pride of Palakkad district is a glorious tribute to untouched nature.The reservoir harbours several varieties of aquatic fauna including mugger crocodiles that are often seen sunning on its banks.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences.
The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife. It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature.
Western Ghats is one of the world’s 34 bio diversity hotspots. While considering the abundance of Wildlife and the adorable beauty of Nature, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is perhaps the most attractive piece of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. Thus it is popularly revered as ‘Nature’s own abode’. It has a total area of 285 Sq. Kms.
Thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood and teak, the sanctuary has some marshy land and scattered patches of grassland.Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary,Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil Nadu,Parambikulam Sanctuary tour, Parambikulam was once home to some of south India’s finest stands of teak.
Little remains of the original teak forests, other than the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia as most of these have now been replaced by teak plantations. The tree is about 5 km from Thunakadavu, and is one of Parambikulam’s prime attractions.
There are two watchtowers one at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and other at Zungam, 5km from Thunakadavu.

Parambikulam has one of the largest population of gaur (bison). It is also a home to elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, sambhars, chital tigers, panthers and crocodiles. There are also bonnet macaques, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles.

Parambikulam is open throughout the year, but is best avoided during the monsoon. Between June and August, the monsoon rains lash, making hillsides unstable and causing slush, mosquitoes, drippy roofs and other nuisances. Boat cruises can be arranged in the Parambikulam Reservoir.
The rest house of the state forest department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode offer comfortable lodging facilities. A tree - house in the reserved forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance.

  Kannimara Teak
 
Kannimara teak is one of the largest living teak tree in the world. It has an amazing girth of 6.48m and a crown height of 48.75m It is believed to be around 400 years old.
 
According to the local tribal belief here when this tree was tried to cut down, the blood spurted out from the place of cut. This tree was being since then worshipped by the local tribes in Parambikulam as “Virgin tree“. Thus the name Kannimara is given as the word ‘ Kanni’ means ‘Virgin’. This tree has been awarded ‘Mahavriksha Puraskar’ by the Government of India.

Athirappalli , Vazhachal

Location: Athirappalli 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.

Getting there: A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.tillating experience to visitors.

 Nearest railway station: Chalakudy, about 30 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Nearby Places of Interest

Charpa Falls
To the east of Athirapally is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.

Anakkayam
It is located about 20 km from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route. Anakkayam means the "Elephant pit". It is noted for a lake with cool and placid waters. The place is a forest untouched by human encroachments and is a haven for those who wish to escape from concrete jungles. It attracts the visitors with its bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora.

Water Theme Parks
For those who want a little extra recreation, there are two water theme parks nearby with plenty of adventure games and water sports.

Malakapara Tea Gardens
For the adventurous, a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges ( Western Ghats ) complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some wildlife.

Thumpurmuzhi Gardens
Thumpurmuzhi is an ideal stopover with its garden, scenic splendor and a classic waterfall.

Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams
Deep in the forest on the way to Valparai are the two dams that generate hydroelectric power to the state. Entry to the dam site is with special permission only.


Vazhachal Forest Gardens
With the abundant flora and the even herbal plantation maintained by the forest department, Vazhachal is a botanist’s treasure trove. 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady

Periyar is a protected area, and a nature reserve in the South Indian State of Kerala, set high in the mountains of the Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. It lies in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta. The protected area covers an area of 925 km², out of which a 350 km² part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, sometimes dubbed the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is often called by the name thekkady also. Thekkady is located four km from Kumily, approximately 100 km east of Kottayam, 110 km west of Madurai and 120 km southeast from Kochi.

 

Tourists and Pilgrims
A boat cruise on Periyar Lake. Note the tree stumps protruding from the water, which are used for navigation to ascertain the waters depth.

The Periyar tiger reserve is considered as one of the best managed reserve in India. The core zone of the park is not accessible to the tourists. Within the buffer zone of 430 km², a zone of 55 km² is kept apart for tourism. Game wardens and staff have been recently spotted illegally fishing and gathering specimens within the sanctuary area. The facilities within the sanctuary are in need of much maintenance and are presently in very poor standards. This has also contributed a steady decline in returning tourists to the sanctuary.

Bamboo Rafting during guided tour through Periyar Wild Life Sanctury

In the buffer zone there is also the temple of Sabarimala, which is visited by about 4 million pilgrims annually.

Its important to recognize, however, that for the very purpose of protecting its wildlife and shielding them from human interference, Periyar National Park allows extremely limited access to the territory under its jurisdiction, restricting tourist entry only to the northern corner adjacent to man-made lake Periyar.