KONNI-PATHANAMTHITTA-KERALA / SOUTH INDIA TOURISM / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH INDIA

A forested village situated on the banks of the mighty Achankovil River in Pathanamthitta District, Konni has a long and rich history of man-forest interface. Crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivulets, and the vast expanse of the Western Ghats, Konni is renowned for its Elephant Training Centre - the oldest of its kind in India. One of the first Reserve Forests in the State, the forests in and around Konni were once inhabited by aboriginals. A repository of rich biodiversity, this unique land was constituted into Konni and Achankovil Reserve Forests way back in 1897 and 1901 respectively. The forested tract in this geographical location provides the right climate and environment for the development and sustenance of diverse flora including a variety of medicinal herbs.

Ecotourism Activities
Konni, rich in cash crops is extremely popular for its elephants and 'aanakoodu'. Built in 1941, the Elephant Training Centre or aanakoodu, facilitates elephant viewing, elephant feeding, elephant ride etc. An Elephant Museum, planned to be developed as a complete natural history museum based on elephants, has been set up here. The Elephant Camp at Konni serves as a hub for forest-based ecotourism activities and various other locations in the forest too have been developed as camp sites, which can be accessed through trekking. Visitors going on treks will be assisted by trained guides.
Trekking Trails

Half-day trek to the evergreen forests of Kurichi, Chavarpandy etc. Peruvally in Kallar River is an enchanting location for relaxation after half a day of trekking.

Kattathi, Kottampara and Aluvamkudy are locations, which can be accessed by a one-day trek through sylvan forests.

Manalar-Kumbhavurutty in Achankovil is a rejuvenating waterfall deep inside the forest, which can be accessed by two days of trekking.

Distance

Air:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 110 km away. Cochin International Airport is 165 km away.

Rail: Chengannur railway station is about 35 km away.

Road:About 10 km from Pathanamthitta, the district headquarters.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:

Divisional Forest Office, Konni, Ph: 0468-2242233

Ecotourism Office, Konni, Ph: 0468-2247645

District Tourism Promotion Council Office, Pathanamthitta. Ph: 0468-2229952

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GAVI-PATHANAMTHITTA -KERALA

Gavi (ഗവി): is a village in Pathanamthitta district ,Kerala, India. It is located 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar, a town in Idukki on N.H 220, the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai. Its been said that most enjoyable route to Gavi is the way from Pathanamthitta. The rough journey to Gavi may better be made on a sturdy vehicle like jeep which are available on hire either from Vandiperiyar or from Kumily. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post en route at Vallakkadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd. is highly appreciable wherein such formalities will be taken care of by the Company itself.
A 40 kilometre drive from Kumily, the road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. The two-hour jeep ride will take you past hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. With more than 260 species of birds, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. En route are the Pamba Reservoir and a large tract of reserve forests, so chances of wildlife encounters with endangered species like the Nilgiri tahr and lion tailed macaque are big. Developed into an exclusive ecotourism project, Gavi is listed as one of the must-see places in India. Active involvement of tribals makes Gavi one of its kind in the country.
Gavi is 28 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 14 km from Kumily, near Thekkady.Gavi is inside the ranni reserve forest. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger reserve, and the route can be covered by car from Vandiperiyar. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Both day and night stays are available. Forest tent camping is available from November through March.
Ecotourism Activities
       Visitors to Gavi can indulge in trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters of the Reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu Peak offers a panoramic view of the famed Sabarimala shrine. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an experienced 'elephant chaser' and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara Kokka and Valley View that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu. A unique feature of Gavi is night-camping in the forests, where it is possible to pitch a tent in the camping site - a rarity in many Indian forests. Gavi also has a treasure trove of birds for all those avian enthusiasts.
In and Around

    A visit to Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli is a must for all nature lovers. Kullur, Kochu Pampa, Pullumedu and Pachakanam are some of the adjacent places that are worth going to. On the way to Gavi are many places of interest like Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi. Visitors can also go to the nearby cardamom factory where one can leisurely walk through forests interspersed with spice gardens.

Accommodation
      Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion', the scenic eco-lodge overlooking the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests, one can pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Treetop houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest are also available.
Accessing Gavi 
Location: The place is 40 km from Kumily and about 28 km from Vandiperiyar.

Distance 
Air: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km away and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away are the nearest airports.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Road: The nearest bus terminal is Vandiperiyar, 18 km from Thekkady.

For enquiries & bookings, contact: 
Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2320604, Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204mail@keralafdc.org
Eco-Tourism Project, Periyar, Ph: 0481- 2581204, 2582640
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Pathanamthitta, Ph: 0468-2229952

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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

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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

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