Kerala
Forests & Wildlife
Silent
Valley
Silent Valley, which is about 50 kms northwest of Mannarkad is
described as the sole surviving bit of evergreen forest in the Sahya
ranges. These forests devoid of the chirping of Cicadas have aptly
got that name. Vehicular transport is allowed only up to Mukkali.
From Mukkali, at least 24 kms have to be covered by foot to reach
the source where Kunthipuzha merges with Bharathapuzha. It is
estimated that more than 1000 types of trees grow in this forest.
Silent Valley is rich both in terms of wild life and natural
resources.
Wagamon
The trekker’s paradise is situated 60 km. from Kottayam. The
mist covered places like Kuttikkanam and Wagamon are known as Kerala’s
Kodaikanal.
Marayur
The only place in Kerala having natural growth of sandal wood trees
is situated in the outskirts of Munnar at Idukki. This may be called
as a historian’s treasure house. It is believed that Pandhavas
stayed at Maravoor during their exile.
Lakkidi
Bedecked among the hills, Lakkidi is considered to be the gateway
to Wayanad. It receives the highest annual rainfall in Kerala. The
mist-covered mountains make this place an enchanting one.
Jatayu
Para
‘Jatayu Para’ is a huge rock near Kollam where it is
believed that ‘Jatayu’ the giant bird in the Epic Ramayana
fell after failing in it’s attempt to stop Ravana from taking
Sita away. It also offers an exhilarating hang gliding experience.
Nedumkayam
Nedumkayam, in Malappuram district is famous not only for its thick
forest but also for the elephant training. Near to Nedumkayam, is
Macheeri, the settlement of Chola Naikans, the primitive tribes.
Attappady
Attappady, mainly a tribal area, is about 38 kms north east of
Mannarkad. This is a nature-blessed area with forests, rivers and
mountains. Mainly Irulas and Mudugas inhabit it. These tribals
worship the mountain peak ‘Malleswaran’ as a gigantic Siva
ling (Idol).
Edakkal
Caves
These are two caves in the Ambukuthy mountains located 3 kms away
from Ambalavayal and 25 kms. from Kalpetta. These caves contain
several paintings and pictorial writings of the new Stone Age
civilization.
|
