Exploring South India - Travel blog.....

Monday, October 4, 2010

Kodanad elephant camp near periyar river

This Kodanadu village is in the banks of Periyar makes it more beautiful and attractive. Kodanad is the head quarters of Malayattoor forest division. The elephant Kraal here has a history of more than 50 years. This tourist spot is an elephant rescue centre and it is listed in the eco tourism destinations of Kerala. Here you can enjoy the restless baby elephants, there luxurious bath in the near Periyar and have an elephant ride through the walkways of the village. A mini Zoo with a lot of rare species is also an attraction of this picnic spot. Kapprikkad a village near to Kodanad is transformed in an eco friendly way is a main shooting location in Kerala.

Kodanadu very well famous through malayalam mohanlal movie "Ividam Swargamanu".

Find more details about Kodanad in the below URL's

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodanad

http://wikitravel.org/en/Kodanad

Route Map from Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, Kerala:

Kodanad elephant camp Entrance

A newcomer

Elephant krall

History of Kodanadu

Kodanadu Zoo

Way to Periyar River

Sreekanth talking to elephant

New comer

Elephant ride @ Kodanadu

Banks of periyar

Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple

Mekkappala junction is situated 15 Kms. from Perumabvoor. Kulakkunnel Dharma Sastha Temple is very near to it just about 1 Kms. This temple situates in the midst of forest on the top of a hill called Kulakkunnel Mala. Ayyapan is the diety there. Ulsavam being celebrated on Makaravilakku. Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple. About 4 Kms from Payyal Junction and 17 Kms. from Perumbavoor in Ernakulam District.

We have to climb a hill all the way through eucalyptus forest

Sree with his king Bullet

Sign board showing way to temple

Evening valley view from the hill

The one behind is the new temple under construction

Kulakkunnel Dharmasastha temple

New one under construction

panoramic view in my cell

Way to hill

Meenvallam Waterfalls

Meenvallam Waterfalls are located at the originating point of Thuppanadu River from 'Kalladikodan Mala' (Kalladikode Mountain), a part western ghats. These 10-Step waterfalls are of great scenic beauty. Each fall ranging between 20 to 25 feet, water is finally collected in a pond with a depth of approximately 20 feet. Of the 10 steps of the waterfalls, eight are located in the upper hills within dense forest. The lowest two steps can be reached by Jeep from Thuppanadu Bus Stop on NH 213 (about 8 km). The place is visited most in the months of April and May. Out of these 10 water falls, it is being said that, one can reach on 5 of them. It is not possible to climb further on the Mountain without an expert in mountaineering.

See more details in below URL:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karimba,_India

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/article/tourist_spots/waterfalls/meenvallam_/42/

Route Map from Palakkad

Second Fall

Rocks near second fall

Second Fall Another view

A beautiful tree on the way to uphill

First small Fall

The way we walk is really thrilling

All they up....need good balance

Lot of big trees in the forest

Thuppanad river,this river forming from the waterfall

Lot of adventure to reach the destination.

You have to cross many water streams on the way.

A very big pineapple farm on the valley.

KTDC Sign board 4 more Km

A typical canal from Malampuzha dam

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Palakkadan Kazhchakal.....

Palakkad is one of the new best tourist destinations in Kerala, blessed with gardens, lakes, hill stations, valleys, national parks, Temples, monuments - Located on the Western ghat sector. Palakkad is a land of palm trees and paddy fields.

Porichakku and Arimurukku - snap from Mannarkkadu pooram

Poorakazhcha - Chinakathoor pooram

NH crowded on Chinakathoor pooram day

Mannarakkadan poorakazhchakal

Pookavadiyattam

Oru nattuvazhi

Karimpana

Paddy fields

A small pond on my paddy field

Naveen's HomePage

My Home Sweet home at Palakkad...

I am really happy and thankful to god to say that I am born and bought up in such a lovely country(another thanks for Kerala). As every one knows Kerala, the land of rivers and backwaters is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. Kerala is a state with full literacy, Higher Health care and lower mortality ratio. In Kerala you experience freshness and touch of mother earth every where. No wonder keralites call their State "God's Own Country".

Map to My Home

B & W view

Flower in my gaden...

Will add more snaps soon..............

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Siruvani Dam, Kerala

26th Aug 2010, myself and cousin Sooraj.

Started from Mannarkad.

Also you can go via Kanjirappuzha dam site, then to Palakkayam....

Please opt a bike ride on a rainy day, this will give a such a thrilling experience, u cannot experience the same if you opt a four wheeler.

Tips: You cannot go after Kerala Check post, they provide you van, please book in advance(reach divisional forest office, please see my snap for numbers) if you really wish to have a safari around dam site and through forest.

Route: Mannarkkad -> Palakkad Highway, take a left to siruvani road(land mark St Johns orthodox Church), u can also see Kerala tourism development's green color sign board. You will reach Palakkayam town then to Siruvani dense forest.