MANKAYAM WATERFALLS / KALAKAYAM FALLS / KURISADI FALLS -THIRUVANANDHAPURAM-KERALA

Mankayam, is situated near Palode in Nedumangad Taluk.Thiruvananthapuram This water spectacle can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department.

At the Mankayam ecotourism zone, visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State.

mankayam is Situated at an elevation of around 500 m above sea level, the fertile soil here has yielded lush foliage that houses interesting species of flora. The entire area from Mankayam to Kalakkayam covers a long stretch of forest vegetation on the banks of the Mankayam River. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam Waterfall, one of the biggest falls in this area.

Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi. The spectacular falls at Kalakayam and Kurisadi can be seen and enjoyed from view points provided by authorities. The Kurisadi Ghat offers an excellent spot for bathing.With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.

From Mankayam, visitors can go to nearby picturesque spots and can also go for trekking. An interior area trek here, covering Iruthala Moola - Ayampara is a half day trek, which also would enable one to witness the Ayampara waterfalls and some of the wildlife in the area. Adventure inclined visitors may opt for the one day Mankayam - Varayadin Mottai trek. This trek would take one through rolling valleys, grasslands and shola forests. You would also come across the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; a species of wild goat, at the peak of Varayadin Mottai. Camping options are available here along with trained guides.

Ecotourism Activities

Visits to picturesque spots and treks ranging from soft to hard adventure are possible here. The ecotourism zone extending from Mankayam to Kurisadi is about 1 km and covered with luxuriant vegetation of diverse forest types. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here. Just 20 m from the main road is the Kurisadi Ghat which is an excellent spot for bathing.

Kalakkayam-Kurisadi Falls

These delightful falls can be seen and enjoyed only from the view point provided with all security measures. Approach roads close to the waterfall is dangerous and visitors are not allowed to go near it.

Trekking Trails

The following paths are excellent for soft, medium and adventure trekking.

Interior Area Treks - Iruthala Moola-Ayampara - a half day trek where visitors can see Ayampara Waterfalls and a variety of wildlife.

Adventure Trekking - Mankayam-Varayadin Mottai - one day trek taking in the panoramic view of rolling valleys, grasslands and shola forests. The Peak is famous for the Nilgiri tahr, the endangered species of wild goats. Camping facilities are provided at Varayadin Mottai in machans. Camp equipment, kits etc. will be arranged as also trained guides, to accompany the tourists during the tour.

View Points - There are spectacular vantage points at Varayadin Mottai and Kalakkayam.

Accessing Mankayam

Location: 45 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram, Mankayam falls under Peringamala area of Palode in Nedumangad Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram District.

Altitude: 500 m above sea level.

Distance

Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (55 km).

Rail: Nearest rail head is Thiruvanathapuram (45 km).

Road: 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram en route to Ponmudi hills.

Buses ply regularly on the Peroorkada-Nedumangad-Vithura route to Mankayam.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Divisional Forest Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320637
District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397

ANDHRA-PRADHESH TOURISM MAP / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ANDHRA-PRADHESH / TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN ANDHRA-PRADHESH / TOURIST PLACES IN ANDHRA-PRADHESH / TRAVEL MAP OF ANDHRA-PRADHESH / TOURIST SPOTS IN ANDHRA-PRADHESH

ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM

ANDHRA PRADESH TOURISM

NEYYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

     Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation, this sanctuary set up in 1958 is a colourful canvas of exotic flora and thriving fauna. Tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests to sub-tropical savannahs and reed breaks make this Sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve. Spread over 128 sq km of forest area in the Western Ghats, it forms the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The Agasthyamalai, 1,890 metres high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.

Ecotourism 

      Crocodile watching, boating and trekking are some of the main activities possible here. A medicinal garden near the Crocodile Protection Centre has 178 varieties of plants. The Boat Club organizes boat rides that take visitors around at least two of the six islands, in the easily navigable Neyyar Reservoir extending 9.06 sq km. En route, can be spotted elephants, sambar, quite a few birds as well as the towering Agasthyamalai. The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park. The Sanctuary with its amazing variety of homing and migratory birds is a joy for birdwatchers. Trekking to the Agasthya Peak is possible in summer with prior permission from the Forest Department.
In and Around

   The Neyyar Dam site with milky water thundering down the sluices of the Dam and the adjacent park with unusual life-like statues are interesting places to see. The famous Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Neyyar, renowned for its yoga and ayurvedic treatment, is a 10 minute walk from the Dam site.

Accommodation

   The Youth Hostel, Neyyar Rest House, Forest Department Inspection Bungalow, Dormitory of the Irrigation Department, KTDC's Agasthya House and the Rest House at Meenmutty are all excellent places to stay.

Accessing NeyyarLocation: 
30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Altitude: 1,868 m above sea level.

DistanceAir: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km).
Rail: Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Road: 21 km east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the Sanctuary is connected by a network of roads to different parts of the district.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:

Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2360762
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2315397

MUZHAPPILANGAD DRIVE-IN BEACH / DRIVE-IN BEACH IN KERALA

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach is in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is located parallel to National Highway 17 between Kannur and Thalassery. This beach is also considered the only Drive-in Beaches in Asia and the most popular beach in the Malabar region in Kerala. Even though Goa has many beautiful beaches, it does not have a Drive-in beach .A news article published by Manorama News on 24th October, 2012, showed the 8km stretch at Thikkodi beach in the neighbouring Kozhikode district is also drive-able. The beach festival is celebrated in the month of April and it is one of the important tourist attraction in the district of Kannur in Kerala. The youth also try many driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes as this is a paradise for driving along the shore. Just 100m from this beach you would find a private island, which can be reached by walk at times of low tide. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Tellicherry towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the first railway crossing you encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger currents of the ocean. Approximately 100–200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam, which translates to Green Island in English). It is possible to walk to the island during low tide. Since the late 90's, the beach has seen a steady influx of European tourists during winter. even though the beach has attracted many lucky visitors into her,a major share of foreign and domestic tourists are not aware of the potential of this elusive destination.it is a must see destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists.after the face lift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors including resorts roads etc.

Distance from Muzhappilangad Beach
Kozhikode: 79 Km
Thrissur: 201 Km 
Kasargod: 108 Km
Ernakulam: 253 Km
Kochi: 269 Km
Alappuzha: 314 Km
Kumarakom: 315 Km
Kottayam: 323 Km
Kuttanad: 332 Km
Idukki: 342 Km
Munnar: 349 Km
Kollam: 402 Km
Thiruvananthapuram: 465 Km
Kovalam: 471 Km
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport  Kozhikode.-100km
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery Railway Station.-7km

                                           : Kannur Railway Station.-15km
Road: To access to this beach, in case you are driving from Thalassery in the direction of Kannur, take the left turn just prior to the very first railway crossing you come across as soon as crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is roughly around 5 km long and curves in the wide area giving an excellent view of Kannur in the north. 

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY -PALAKKAD-KERALA

       Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a 285 km² Protected area in Chittur taluk in Palakkad district of Kerala state, South India. Established in 1973, it is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.^[ The sanctuary is the home of 4 different tribes of indigenous peoples including the Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar settled in six colonies. Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as part of the 390.88 square kilometres (150.9 sq mi) Parambiculam Tiger Reserve on February 19, 2010. the Sanctuary, a haven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and the world's tallest and oldest teak tree. The famous Kannimara teak tree, believed to be over 350 years old is about 5 km from Thunacadavu, and is one of Parambikulam's prime attractions.

Many peaks are also seen here, of which the Karimala Gopuram is the tallest at 4,718 ft. A favourite with visitors, the Vengoli Peak is an easy climb and those lucky enough might even get to see the endangered Nilgiri tahrs. The sanctuary has three man-made reservoirs; Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Peruvaripallam, with a combined area of 20.66 km². The Thuvaiar water falls empty into one of the reservoirs. There are 7 major valleys and 3 major rivers, the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. The Karappara river and Kuriarkutty river also drain the area.  a unique feature of this Sanctuary is the presence of a series of reservoirs interconnected with tunnels, channels, river courses and canals. The deep freshwater ecosystem created by the construction of these dams adds to the diversity of the Sanctuary.

Trekking in the forest is allowed with prior permission.Contact: Ecocare Centre, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Anappady, Thunakadavu (PO), Pollachi (Via), Palakkad, Kerala – 678 661.Phone : 04253 – 245025
Ecotourism Activities

    Bestowed with rich flora and fauna, Parambikulam is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. While deer, sambar and gaur roam around in the Vayal area, deep inside the Sanctuary can be seen lion tailed macaques, slender loris, king cobras, the royal Bengal tiger, cane turtle and the Nilgiri marten; as also 250 species of birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, great pied hornbill and the Peninsular Bay owl. The Sanctuary's spectacular floral diversity - seen in the 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered flora, 1320 species of flowering plants, including 70 species of orchids, about 50 endangered medicinal plants - makes it ideal for nature lovers as well.

Numerous activities including camping out in the forests, staying in watchtowers to view the animals, boating in the reservoirs, row boating at Thunacadavu and Parambikulam lakes, bamboo rafting and bird watching are possible here. A hilly terrain with many peaks and valleys, Parambikulam offers an assortment of soft, medium, tough and adventure trekking trails, classified on the basis of their length, duration and difficulty of the terrain. Each group of visitors must get permission to trek, from the Forest Information Centre at Anappady and hire a tribal guide. 

Soft Trekking Trails

Elephant Song Trail
6 km (Anappady-Karianshola-Anappady).

Peacock Trail
6 km (Anappady-4000 Point-Seechali Vayal-Thunacadavu).

Flying Hooves Trail
8 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-Kothala-Parambikulam River Crossing-Tramway Line- Parambikulam).

Kannimara Trail
8 km (Thunacadavu-Teak Plantations-Kannimara Vayal-Kannimara Teak-Thunacadavu).

Medium Trekking Trails

Tarantula Trail
10 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-  
Evergreen Forests-Vengoli
Viewpoint-Rock Point-Thunacadavu).

Bison Trail
10 km (Anappady Depot-
TP Block 1-Chettivara-Seechali-
4000 Point-Anappady).

Dr. Salim Ali Trail
12 km (Parambikulam Dam Site-
Tramway-Kuriakutty-Parambikulam).

Tough Trekking Trails

Sundew Trail
12 km (Parambikulam-Earth Dam-Teak Plantations-Bamboo Break-Evergreen Forests-Grassland-Karimala Peak-Kalyanathee-Parambikulam).

Hornbill Trail 
20 km (Anappady-Karianshola -Pandaravaramalai Peak-Return to Anappady through Inter State Boundary).

Amphibious Trail
20 km (Parambikulam-Tunnel Entry-Waterfall-Alamaram-Velayudhankai-Return to Parambikulam by Bamboo Raft).

Adventure Trekking Trails

Needle Peak Trail
20 km (Keerappady Valley-Naikarkadu-Kuchimudi Teak- Keerappady).

Rocky Ridge Trail
25 km (Parambikulam Coupe Road-Vengoli Peak-Rocky Ridge-Inter State Boundary-TP Block 1-Anappady).

Accommodation

    Tented cottages in Parambikulam Sanctuary; The Forest Department Inspection Bungalow, Thunacadavu; PWD Inspection Bungalow, Thunacadavu; Treetop huts at Thunacadavu and Parambikulam; Wireless station on Vettikkunnu Island accessed only by boat; Overnight camping in machans at Chungam, Anappady, Vengoli, Kuriakutty and Annakal Vayal; Dormitory at Anappady; Community Hall at Parambikulam; the Bison Valley Lodge at Parambikulam all have to be booked in advance through the Anappady Information Centre.

Location: Chittur Taluk of Palakkad District. To reach the place one has to go to Pollachi via Coimbatore or Palakkad.
Altitude: 300 m to 1,400 m above sea level.

Distance
Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore (55 km).
Rail: Nearest rail head is at Palakkad (125 km).
Road: 39 km from Pollachi, 98 km from Palakkad and 102 km from Kochi.

For enquiries and bookings, contact: 
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Parambikulam, Ph: 04253-245005
District Tourist Promotion Council, Palakkad Ph: 0491-2538996

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY -IDUKKI-KERALA

    Synonymous with elephants, misty hills and plantations, Thekkady in Idukki District captures the essence of all that is wild and wonderful. The most prestigious region on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is located on the Cardamom Hills of Thekkady. Sprawled majestically across 777 sq km, Periyar Sanctuary, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under the Project Tiger Scheme, attracts travellers from all over.

An environmental hotspot, Periyar Sanctuary is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. Encompassing a 26 sq km artificial lake, the rich jungles of Periyar is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. The lake which serves as a watering hole for the animals during summer, harbours within itself a unique aquatic ecosystem. A cruise along it is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the Reserve. Exciting trekking trails and other adventure activities like tracking the tiger, jungle patrolling etc. await the tourists at this enchanting Sanctuary.

Ecotourism Activities

      Evergreen, grassland and moist deciduous forests are found here with various species of flora in each type of forestland. The Periyar Reserve shelters over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids. The only South Indian conifer, Podocarpus wallichiana grows here. A host of ecotourism activities have been developed for nature lovers in this unique spot.

Nature Walk 

(7 am to 10.30 am, 2 pm to 5 pm)

This involves trekking through select nature trails accompanied by trained tribal trackers cum guides. A three-hour interpretative programme, it takes one through interspersed evergreen and moist deciduous forests, providing incredible opportunities for close observation of birds, butterflies and wildlife.

Tiger Trail

This is a protection-oriented trekking and camping activity with reformed poachers as tourist guides. The most significant aspect of this package is the focus on prevention and detection of illicit activities within the forest. There are two programmes organised twice a week that visitors can choose from.

a) One night and two days; max. 5 persons in a group; reporting time: 9 am.

b) Two nights and three days; max. 5 persons in a group; reporting time: 9 am.

Border Hiking 

(8 am to 5 pm)

A conservation-oriented, hard trek along the boundary of the Tiger Reserve gives you a glimpse of the rich flora and fauna. Two guides and an armed forest guard accompany trekkers on this full-day programme that accommodates minimum 2 persons to maximum 10 persons in two groups each.

Bamboo Grove

Typical tribal huts, tents and tree houses made exclusively of natural materials and located in a vast bamboo grove in the middle of Anavachal, functions as eco-lodges for visitors. There is also a thatched seminar hall where nature lovers can avail of experiential learning and nature sensitization camps conducted by the forest department.

Bamboo Rafting 

(8 am to 5 pm)

The programme involves dawn to dusk trekking and rafting across some of the most luxuriant forest tracts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Package involves two hours of trekking, one and a half hours of rafting and then, after a lunch break, a journey back in the same manner. An armed guard and four guides accompany a maximum of 10 persons for this full-day programme.

Jungle Camp

Apart from camping in tents located on the banks of Periyar River at Vallakkadavu inside the Reserve, the package includes optional activities like visits to the Vanchivayal tribal colony and the historical Mullaperiyar Dam, trekking in the forests, tea factory and spice garden visits, vehicle safari, rafting, boating in the Periyar Lake, boating/angling at Vallakkadavu etc. Two to maximum thirty persons can partake in this camp.

Jungle Patrol 

(7 pm to 10 pm, 10 pm to 1 am, 1 am to 4 pm)

Visitors will be accompanied by two watchers and armed forest guards in this night patrolling programme which also helps the forest department in protecting the Reserve. Only upto 24 persons - ie, 4 persons each in two groups on three time slots - will be allowed per day.

Night Camping
(4 pm to 7 am)

Trek for an hour from the forest check post and camp at the jungle inn at Kokkara. Visitors can watch the jungle come alive with avian splendour and at night, experience its silence. They'll also be treated to the enchanting sight of wild animals roaming in the nearby grasslands.

Bullock Cart Discoveries
(6 am and 2.30 pm)

Visit to the farmlands of a tiny hamlet beyond the mountains of Periyar where guides enlighten tourists on the different traditional ways of farming. An optional coracle ride is also included in the package. This three-hour package will have minimum 2 persons and maximum 9 persons.

Tribal Heritage
(8 am to 12 am, 2 pm to 4 pm)

Visit to the tribal heritage museum inside the Mannan settlement that showcases various attractions of the tribal culture. The tour also involves a trek through the tribal hamlet within the periphery of the Reserve, accompanied by a tribal guide.

In and Around

Peermedu, 39 km from Periyar is a scenic hill town covered with aromatic spice gardens including coffee and vanilla as well as tea, rubber and various other crops.

Accommodation

Thekkady has a wide range of options including a stay atop the watchtower to stays at motels and luxury resorts like the Muthoot Cardamom County, Shalimar Spice Garden, Jungle Village etc. There are also a few retreats set right inside the Reserve - Bamboo Grove Lodge, Taj Garden Retreat and the Spice Village. Tented accommodation is also available at Vallakkadavu, run by the eco-development committee of the Reserve.

Location: Situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Periyar Tiger Reserve is about 4 km from Kumily town.
Altitude: 900 to 2,019 m above sea level
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm

Distance

Air: The entry point to the Reserve is Thekkady, which is accessible by road from the airports of Madurai (145 km),
Kochi (190 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (272 km).

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kottayam (114 km).

Road: Thekkady is just 5 km from Kumily on NH 220. Kumily's KSRTC Bus Stand has regular connections with all the major cities in Kerala. Thekkady is on SH 19, connecting Munnar to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady Ph: 04869-222027
Periyar Ecotourism Centre Ph: 04869 - 224571
District Tourist Promotion Council, Idukki Ph: 04869-222620

THENMALA ECOTOURISM / INDIA'S FIRST PLANNED ECOTOURISM DESTINATION -PUNALUR-KOLLAM-KERALA

       Thenmala (തെന്‍മല ) ,is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies. Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain. Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. The waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals. Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Shenkottah in Tirunelveli district(Tamil Nadu). Themala is 72 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi Falls. 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.

       A natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna, this unique eco-tourism habitat lies 500 m above sea level. The rugged terrain of this land harbouring a fragile ecosystem packs plenty of adventure activities. Nature trails dotted with delightful waterfalls and enchanting picnic spots attract naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers. With its forests, rubber estates and tea plantations, Thenmala provides the perfect background for leisure activities.

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 AroundHanging 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.

Location: 
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.

Distance
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.For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society, Ph: 0475-2344800, 0471-2329770 
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Kollam, Ph: 0474-2750170

THOMMANKUTHU FALLS -THODUPUZHA-IDUKKI-KERALA

    

    Thommankuthu (തൊമ്മന്‍കുത്ത്) is a very scenic waterfall near Thodupuzha, in the southern state of Kerala, India and is named after the great hunter, Mr. Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel, who let the world know of this beautiful waterfall in the jungle in the late 1920s. Thommachen also played a big part in the discovery of the site for the Idukki Dam. This panchayat, belonging to Thodupuzha Thaluk in Idukki District, is one of the major eco-tourism centres in Kerala. A song of the Malayalam movie Chattakaari was shot here. falls is about 20 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district, and 74 km from Kochi, the mesmerizing Thommankuthu or Ezhunilakuthu is a series of 12 falls spread over a distance of 5 km. The seven-step falls are surrounded by a number of mysterious caves. At each step, there is a cascade and a pool beneath. Falling from a height of 1,500 m, the difference between the first and last fall is about 500 m. Named after Thomban, a tribal leader who was washed away near the waterfall while crossing a river, Thommankuthu is in the Kaliyar Forest Range. The wild beauty of the scenic waterfall and the pristine surroundings attract hordes of tourists.

      If you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Thommankuthu is just the right place in Kerala. this site draws the attention of several tourists. The exhilarating beauty of Thommankuthu waterfalls captures the heart and soul of every traveler. Thommankuthu waterfall is a beautiful seven-step waterfall offering salubrious weather. Amidst verdure foliage, this shimmering waterfall is a perfect place to spend time in the lap of nature. Thommankuthu waterfall tours will allow tourist to savor the wild beauty of forest and stream. Tours to Thommankuthu Waterfalls in Kerala with Kerala Travel Tourism truly has something for everyone. If you are looking for an adventurous vacation, Thommankuthu waterfall tours offer all the adventure you can handle. This exotic place is congenial for trekking or mountain climbing. Tourists looking for adventure can trek the mountain, which is around 12 km of climbing. Since there are no accommodation facilities available at this site, tourists can enjoy only one-day tours. Tourists can also enjoy boating on the lake. Fishing and horse riding are other options available in this pleasant valley. If you are interested in visiting this amazing Kerala highlight, you can board a bus from Thodupuzha, 18 km from Thommankuthu. For lodging, there are many hotels, rest houses and restaurants at Thadupuzha. The nearest railway station is Nedumbassery Airport, which is 80km away. The nearest railway stations are at a distance of 60 km away at Kochi and Kottayam.
Ecotourism Activities
   The best way to enjoy this much-loved picnic spot is to undertake a 12 km trek that will take visitors to the top of the mountain. The less adventurous can have an equally good time frolicking in the shallow pools below. Trekking, night camping, boating and bird watching are some of the major recreations here.

How To Get There: 
Lot of private buses direct to thommankuthu are available from Thodupuzha. the water falls located 2km away from thommankuthu town. autorickshaws are available from there.

Location:

Situated in Idukki District, Thommankuthu is 17 km from Thodupuzha and 74 km from Kochi.
Altitude: 810 m above sea level.

DistanceAir: 70 km from Cochin International Airport (via Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha).
Rail: 70 km from Aluva Station near Ernakulam (via Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha).
Road: KSRTC Bus Station is 20 km from Thodupuzha.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:
District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Idukki Ph: 0486-2232248
Divisional Forest Office, Kothamangalam Ph: 0485-2822317
Accommodation
   A variety of accommodation options are available in and around the city of Thodupuzha.