Monday, August 13, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
HILL STATIONS
Echo point
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worth a visit.Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar)This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worth a visit.Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Getting there:
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 115 kmsMadurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kms
Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kmsChanganacherry, about 93 kms
Munnar
Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Anayirangal (22 km from Munnar):It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. An ideal picnic spot. Top Station (32 km from Munnar) 1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Anayirangal (22 km from Munnar):It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. An ideal picnic spot. Top Station (32 km from Munnar) 1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Getting there:
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away
Nearest railway station: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away, Changanacherry, about 93 km away
HILL STATIONS IN KERALA
Rajamala
Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!
Fifteen km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world population estimated at around 1300 - of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!
Accessing Munnar:
By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres Goa: 930 km; Chennai: 600 km; Malampuzha: 230 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Top station: 34 km, Anamudi: 20 km.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station, 142 km away
Nearest airport: Cochin international airport, 130 km away and in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Madhurai airport, 142 km away.
Agasthyarkoodam
Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions :Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions :Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.
Agasthyarkoodam
Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions :Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions :Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.
Mattupetty
(13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit time: 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate Rs. 5/- per head. Ph: 530389.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.
(13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit time: 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs. Rate Rs. 5/- per head. Ph: 530389.
The Mattupetty lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire.
Chithirapuram
(10 km from Munnar): With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
(10 km from Munnar): With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.
Mattupetty
Cradled by the undulating plantation hills of Munnar, and not far away from the Anamudi peak is Mattupetty. Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers.Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake.Of all the main attractions at Mattupetty is the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with several varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.
Cradled by the undulating plantation hills of Munnar, and not far away from the Anamudi peak is Mattupetty. Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers.Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake.Of all the main attractions at Mattupetty is the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with several varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.
Getting there:
By road: Mattupetty is just a 13 kms drive from Munnar.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 110 km from Munnar.
Nilambur
Location : 40 km from Malappuram town, Malappuram district, north Kerala.
Nilambur is renowned for the oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town. The place is also noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient kovilakoms - residences of maharajas.The teak plantation is named after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar District Collector during the British rule, who was instrumental in planting teak in the entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly's Plot.The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, is a rare attraction at the Conolly Plot. The plot extends across 2.31 hectares beside the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferries visitors across.Four kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road, stands the world's first Teak Museum. The museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Arranged in the two storeyed building are exhibits, articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information on all aspects of the teak to visitors.Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed in a measure to save the existing forest land. A half hour journey from here, through the dense forests, by jeep takes one to Mancheri, the home of the Cholai Naikars, a primitive tribe.Yet another tribal settlement of this region is on the hilltops of Valamthode which can be reached only from Kozhikode through the Areekode - Mukkam road. Valamthode is about 27 km from Nilambur, beyond the Chaliyar river.Nilambur town is also famous for a cluster of kovilakoms the residences of the local rajas or rulers of earlier days. These structures, are famous for their beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood. The Nilambur Pattu an ancient festival which is noted for its Kalampattu or ritual powder drawing on floor falls in the month of February.
Location : 40 km from Malappuram town, Malappuram district, north Kerala.
Nilambur is renowned for the oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town. The place is also noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient kovilakoms - residences of maharajas.The teak plantation is named after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar District Collector during the British rule, who was instrumental in planting teak in the entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly's Plot.The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, is a rare attraction at the Conolly Plot. The plot extends across 2.31 hectares beside the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferries visitors across.Four kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road, stands the world's first Teak Museum. The museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Arranged in the two storeyed building are exhibits, articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information on all aspects of the teak to visitors.Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed in a measure to save the existing forest land. A half hour journey from here, through the dense forests, by jeep takes one to Mancheri, the home of the Cholai Naikars, a primitive tribe.Yet another tribal settlement of this region is on the hilltops of Valamthode which can be reached only from Kozhikode through the Areekode - Mukkam road. Valamthode is about 27 km from Nilambur, beyond the Chaliyar river.Nilambur town is also famous for a cluster of kovilakoms the residences of the local rajas or rulers of earlier days. These structures, are famous for their beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood. The Nilambur Pattu an ancient festival which is noted for its Kalampattu or ritual powder drawing on floor falls in the month of February.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Nilambur is the terminus of the Shornur - Nilambur railway line.
Nearest airport: Kozhikode, about 26 km from Malappuram town.
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