Mangalamkunnu Ganapathy

PAKSHIPATHALAM

Situated at an altitude of 1740m and accessible only by trekking, Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologist's paradise. It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly. There is a cave here, which according to legend, was used by rishis (saints) for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists.

It is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. The deep rock caves; formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. The place is bet knows for the presence of `Edible Nest Swift light' as its nest is made of solidified saliva and is used to make bird's nest soup.

Here virgin forests, streams and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking.

Location
North Wayanad, near Tirunelli temple.
Distance Chart: Mananthavady: 36km/ Kalpetta: 71km/ Sulthan Bathery: 78km
How to reach
Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and trekking is the only mode of reaching this place. Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady. Buses are available upto Thirunelli Temple.

The trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division. From there one would reach the first point, which is the Watch Tower in one and half hours. The Kerala Karnataka border is in 2 km distance from the watchtower. Though Pakshipathalam situated in Kerala, we can reach there only through Karnataka. The landmark after the watchtower is Pancharathodu, which is 2 km away from Kerala Karnataka border.

Then Pakshipathalam is just 500 m away for Pancharathodu. The trekking is for total 7.5 km, which can be completed with approximately three and half hours.

Bus timings: to Tirunelli from Mananthavady bus stand: 5.50am, 7am, 8.15am, 8.40am, 8.55am, 9.15am, 10am, 11am, 12.10pm, 1pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.35pm, 4.10pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm

To Mananthavady from Tirunelli: 7am, 7.40am, 8am, 8.40am, 9am, 9.30am, 9.45am, 10.25am, 10.35am, 11.20am, 11.40am, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 3.45pm, 5.10pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm

Things to be noted
Trekking must be started at 7.30 itself, as total 7 hours would be needed for the total journey
Keep silence during trekking
Obey the instructions of the guide
Carry a first aid kit with needed medicines
Don't use plastic bottles and kits
Never disturb the birds and animals
Use jungle boots for trekking
Carry a battery torch with enough batteries
To save from leaches, rub a mixture of tobacco and mustard oil in legs. Carry tobacco and salt.
If leach bites you, don't try to pull them off. Just pour salt or tobacco over them.
Don't use liquor and cigarettes.
If there are mists covering your view, continue the trekking only after it depletes.

Contact
STD CODE: 04935
Trekking permitting authority, DFO, North Wayanad: Ph: 04935- 240233
Tirunelli forest station: Ph: 04935- 210377
Begur range officer: Mobile: 09447449119
Useful Info
Trekking Fees: Rs.8.00 for a group of 5 persons, Rs 100 for extra person, For foreigners, Rs 1000 for 5 member group.
Tips
Trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division 18. First point: Watch tower (3km away), Then Kerala-Karnataka border (2km from watch tower). Cross Pancharathodu in Karnataka (2 kms from Kerala-Karnataka border). Pakshipathalam is just 500m away from Pancharathodu. Total 7.5 km trekking, almost three and half hour journey.

COURTESY-http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel

JAIN TEMPLE

Jain Temple Wayanad…Serenity’s Example

Jain temple Wayanad is an important tourist spot for Jains and multi cultural guests. This is an excellent piece of Jain architecture. It is a must see not only for Jains but also for other tourists and multi cultural guest who are on visit to the heavenly Wayanad.

Jain temple Wayanad is located near Sulthan Bathery. Jain temple Wayanad is also known by the name Ananthanatha swami temple. Ananthanatha swami temple is an excellent spiritual spot. This Jain temple Wayanad is dedicated to the great Jain saint by name Ananthanatha swami.

Ananthanatha swami temple is located near Kalpetta at a distance of six Km from Kalpetta. This Jain temple Wayanad is generally referred to as Tippu’s fort. There is an interesting reason behind this name being given to Ananthanatha swami temple. King Tippusultan stored his ammunition in this fort during his reign. That is why this place is called Tippu’s fort. Another name given to this Jain temple is Sultan’s battery.

Jain temple Wayanad is known to be constructed in the thirteenth century. This temple and its surroundings have served as an essential place for commercial developments. It is sad to note that the beautiful pillars of Ananthanatha swami temple are ruined due to several reasons. 
The inner portion of the temple and the sanctum sanctorium are very quiet and serene. You should visit this temple to enjoy that tranquility and view the excellent architecture involved in its construction. Jain temple Wayanad located adjacent to Sulthan Bathery.

NEELIMALA

Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue fro trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.
Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-26 Km, MDY-62 Km.....
How to Reach  District:WayanadNearest Bus Station:KalpettaNearest Railway Station:Kozhikode railway stationNearest Airport:Karipur International Airport at a distance of 95 kms

KURUVA ISLAND

Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. 

Just 17 km to the east of Mananthavady, Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature. It is closed during monsoon (June to September).

KARAPPUZHA DAM

A conglomerate of nearly a dozen lakes forming althogether the Karapphuza Dam, it is 15 minutes from our farm. Nature invites you there for bath in pristine, clear mountainwaters or for a stroll in the beautiful hills dotted between the different lakes.

The dam was designed to utilise 2.7 tmc ft of Karappuzha waters by building a barrage across the river to divert waters to Vaithiri, Sulthan Batheri and Manantawadi taluks in the district.   Karapuzha Lake is a huge fresh water lake. It is very scenic which makes it an ideal picnic spot. The dam is situated at a distance of  16 kms. from Kalpetta.

RANIPURAM

Ranipuram (ooty of kerala Malayalam: റാണിപുരം) is a hill station located withinKasargod district of Kerala state[Panathady Panchayat, Hosdurg Taluk], south India. It is located about 48 kilometres (30 mi) east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range. Panathady-Ranipuram 10KM.
There are two trekking routes available through the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests. Part of the way the climb is assisted by cut steps. The ambiance of the forest trail is remarkable and once you reach the "Mani" (grass covered hilltop) the view is superb. The undulating cloud-topped hills stretch up to the plains and ocean on the horizon. This is unexplored territory for the nature enthusiast and birdwatcher. Butterflies are in abundance and birds of the evergreen biotope like the blackeagle,crested serpent eagle and little spider hunter common. Elephants pay visits in the summer months and leopards have been sighted in the not-too-distant past. The Ranipuram forest should be declared as a wild life sanctuary by Kerala Forest Department to merge with borders of Thalakavery wild life sanctuary in Karnataka. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary may protect and maintain overall biodiversity of the area in a better way. The place holds immense potential for ecotourism and may develop into a premier hill station in Kerala with the judicious development of amenities. Tourist cottages are available here provided by the KTDC and some private players have entered the scene. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary will be a boon to tourism development in Kasaragod district.

PONMUDI HILLS

Ponmudi (Malayalam: പൊന്മുടി)(The Golden Peak) is a hillstation in theThiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. Its located 61 km north-east ofTrivandrum city at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.

Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road offering scenic views on the way to Ponmudi. The climate is pleasant year-round. Trivandrum serves as a base for trekkingand hiking. There are also tea gardens in the area.

Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation. A variety of wildlife inhabit the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing though a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.

Another attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest Department's permission. Meenmutty Falls is also a famous attraction in the area.

Hotel Golden Peak in the upper sanitorium under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation(KTDC) is the only hotel available for stay in Ponmudi.Due to its proximity to the main city of Trivandrum and lack of accommodation options tourists usually prefer to stay in the city and make a one day trip to Ponmudi though the early morning scenery especially during the winter season is worth feeling.

Krishnanattam

 A spectale for both the scholar and simple rustic. The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colorful facial make up with larger the life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding, for certain characters. The characters who do not wear masks have specific facial colors applied within the frame of a white chutti. The predominat colours used are dark green, flesh tint and deep rose. The characters of Krishna, Arjuna and Garuda wear dark blue vests. The traditional performance lasts for eight days and covers whole span of Krishna's life.

KERALA RIVERS

KOVALAM BEACH

 Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees near to the sea.  Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.














There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.
Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel.Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists

KERALA GOD'S OWN COUNTRY.

                                                 KERALA IS A SMALL STATE IN INDIA....IT LIES ON THE SOUTHERN PART OF INDIA. IT IS LIES BETWEEN THE ARABIAN SEA AND THE WESTERN GHATS...THE UNUSUAL GEOGRAPHICAL SPECIALTY MAKES THE STATE PARADISE OF TOURISTS...
                                                                 KERALA HAS MANY WORLD KNOWN TOURIST SPOTS.IT HAVE HILL STATIONS AS WELL AS BEACHES.......HILL STATIONS LIKE MUNNAR AND THEKKADY ARE WORLD FAMOUS SPOTS..KOVALAM IS A FAMOUS BEACH TOO....

Jews Synagogue - Kochi

This Synagogue is constructed in 1568 and this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid-18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc. The Synagogue is situated at Mattancherry, Kochi and will be open for 1000 - 1200 hrs; 1500 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays

Varkala

Location:
51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km south of Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram district, South Kerala.
Attractions:
Beach, mineral water springs, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000 year old Vishnu temple. Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interest like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach' . A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away.

The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru (1856 1928) is also close by. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology: " one caste, one religion and one God ", in a society torn by the taboos of the caste system. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourist and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres. Getting thereNearest railway station: Varkala.Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 57 km away.

Kovalam

Location:
Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, South Kerala.
Best time to visit:
September to March, though it is an all year destination. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive, rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort. The beach complex includes the Ashoka Beach Resort (owned by ITDC), a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery , the Padmanabhaswamy Temple , Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles. To know more about the articles on sale here, see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January '99 to 15 July '99. Getting thereNearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 16 km.Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 10 km.

Shanghumukham

Location:
Just 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this is a favourite haunt for sunset watchers.
This beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli Tourist Village.
Attractions :
Creation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35-meter-long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Kappad

Location:
About 16 km from Kozhikode town.
Attractions:
For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist, it is one of Kerala's most charming beaches.
Kappad finds a mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (14601524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous sociopolitical relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala.

Kappad has witnessed many such landings. Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode, they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today, only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.

Getting there :
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

Bekal Fort

Location:
About a kilometre from Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.
Kasaragod , the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC).

Beautification:
Beautification of the site includes installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created using laterite at the beach and a shed with walls adorning murals created by artisans from Nilambur. Apart from these a rock garden at the parking area has been developed where laterite boulders of various size has been utilised. Under the social forestry scheme planting trees has been done in the beach area.

Parking facilities:
BRDC has developed about 7000 sq. m land for parking different types of vehicles.

Walk way:
A beautiful walk way for the visiting tourists to explore the beauty of the fine coastal line and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort.

Illuminating the beach:
The beach has been illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists can more spend time at the beach even after the sunset.

Resting facilities:
A multi shed will provide the tourist enough facility to take rest and enjoy the sea breeze. By using locally available materials, seating arrangements has been provided for the tourists atthe beach.

Toilets:
Toilets have been provided for the use of tourists and ecofriendly bamboo waste bins has been provided in the entire beach site for keeping the site clean.

Childrens park:
A park has been developed here for children below 14 years. In order to maintain the developed site a nominal charge of rupee one from each visitor would be collected as entry fees and a similar nominal vehicle parking fees would be collected. BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing water park, theme park etc. BRDC was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a planned ecofriendly destination. BRDC has utilised 19 acres of land for the development of the Bekal Fort Beach at a cost of approximately Rs. 25 million including land acquisition charges.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode- Mangalore- Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

Payyambalam

Location:
2 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, North Kerala. Quiet, secluded, this beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening.
Attractions :
The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort. The rest of the land Kannur is equally fascinating to explore. Being the cradle of ageless folk arts like Theyyam and folk music , Kannur has always remained a land of ageless charms. However, if you decide to hide away at this beach destination, your stay should be arranged in the town 2 km away. Comfortable accommodation is available.
Getting there:
National Highway 17 passes through Kannur.
Nearest railway station : Kannur, about 2 km.
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, 93 km to the south.

Chithari

Attractions:
Green and beautiful, a little effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, Chithari is still a virgin destination. The island is accessible only by boat, often wooden canoes that belong to the locals. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to become a mega tourist destination.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 km.Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km.