Kerala Eco Destinations | Eco Tourism Destinations | Eco Tourism Places in India | Eco Tourism in Kerala
Thenmala:
Palaruvi Waterfalls is only 16km from Thenmala. The main attraction is a 300 foot-high waterfall which looks like a Stream of milk and hence the name Palaruvi.
Thenmala (Parappar) Dam is a centre of attraction at Thenmala. It is built under Kallada Irrigation Project. The Thenmala Eco-tourism Project has a threefold strategy, that involves eco friendly general tourism, eco tourism and pilgrimage tourism. The culture, adventure, and leisure zones fall within the project area.
Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Predominantly a forest area, Thenmala is a small village, located at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains . Thenmala is about 72 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, the southern most state of Kerala. The name Thenmala is derived from two words – Then & Mala”, in local parlance. “Then” means honey and “Mala” means hillock i.e. honey hills. The honey collected from Thenmala forest area is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
This premiere eco-tourism destination, is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats
General Information Location:
Location:
Kerala, in the southern part of India.Known For:
The First Planned Eco-tourism destination in India.Altitude:
Between 100-600 m above MSLClimate:
Hottest months - March to MayColdest months – December & January.
Languages:
Malayalam,Tamil & EnglishSeason:
Throughout the yearClothing:
TropicalHow to Reach at Thenmala:
Nearest Railway station:
Kollam, about 66 kms away.Nearest Airport:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 kms away.By Road Route:
Those coming from Kochi, Kollam, Kottayam or other centres in the North can reach Thenmala via Punalur.Tourist Attractions at Thenmala:
Thenmala Reservoir:
Thenmala Dam:
Thenmala (Parappar) Dam is a centre of attraction at Thenmala, the pioneer eco-tourism destination. Built under the Kallada Irrigation and Tree Crop development project, it is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala (India). The dam impounds the longest reservoir in the State. Water from the reservoir is now used for power generation also.
Metre Gauge railway:
Visitors can experience the exciting travel through the rare metre gauge railway.
Thenmala Eco Tourism Centre:
This centre provides the tourist all the needful assistance and facilities to experience the eco-tourism around Thenmala. The region has been divided into Culture, Leisure, Adventure zones to explore every destination spot. Boating, Canopy Walkway, Musical Dancing fountain, Sculpture garden etc are some of the sight seeing options.
Punalur:
It is 45 kms from Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkottah railway line and is also linked with Kollam by road. The Suspension bridge across the Kallada river erected in 1877,is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft long. A concrete bridge has been constructed nearby and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.
Palaruvi Falls:
******************************
Ooty:
Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the “Queen of hill stations” and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means “Blue Mountains”. It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. One can notice a marvellous change in vegetation, as one goes from Kallar to Coonoor. The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers.
General information about Ooty:
Altitude:
2,240 mts.Climate of Ooty Hill Station:
Summer: Max. 25°C, Min. 10°CWinter : Max. 21°C, Min. 5°C
Rainfall: 121cms
Best Time to Visit ooty:
April to June and September to NovemberLanguages:
Badaga, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam and EnglishClothing:
Heavy Woolen in winterLight Woolen in summer
How to Reach at Ooty Tourism:
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore, 100 kmBy Rail:
Nearest railway station: Mettupalayam 46 kmBy Road:
Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani)Tourist Attraction in Ooty Hill Station:
Botanical Gardens:
Ooty Lake View:
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary :
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary offers a leisurely ride on elephant-back through its forest trails, with a view of varied flora and fauna, as well as ever-changing symphonies of birdsong.
Art Gallery:
It is situated about 2 km from Ooty on way to Mysore. The Art Gallery has various collections of contemporary paintings, items of tribal objects, district’s ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamilnadu.
Nasiyan Jain Temple:
Nasiyan Jain Temple is located on Prithvi Raj Road and devoted to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdeoji. The temple is greatly revered by the Digambar sect of Jains. There is a museum alongside the temple. The construction of the temple began in 1864 and opened to the public in 1895.
Dodabetta Peak:
Dodabetta Peak located at a height of 2623 m is the highest lookout point of the hill station- Ooty. The landscape of green valleys is the extraordinary locale of your travel and tour to Ooty. Derived from the two Kannada words ‘Betta’ and ‘Dodda’ literally translating to ‘Big Mountain’ Dodabetta Peak is counted amongst one of the Jewels of the valley. Dodabetta Peak is popular for rhododendrons and flowering sub-elphine shrubs.
Deer Park:
Deer Park is positioned at a distance of 1 km from Ooty Lake, a frequented travel spot of Ooty. The place is one of the few high-altitude wildlife sanctuaries in India. Stretched at 22 acres, the place is the home to a wide variety of animal species. Hare, chital and sambar are the few examples of animals found here. A wide range of aquatic birds in the park is the exceptional features of Deer Park.
Summer Festivals:
Cultural programs, fashion parade, flower and fruit shows are all arranged in the summer. Boat races, Boat pageantry, dog shows are the exciting means of allurement at summer festival. All these festivals are arranged by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
******************************
Valparai:
In Valparai, there are several tea and coffee estates, dams, water falls and 15 tea factories. Valparai totally gives us a wonderful natural scenery, which stands majestically with forest all around. Sholayar Dam in Valparai is a fantastic dam to watch. Other important places to visit around Valparai are Balaji temple, Puncha Mugha Vinayagar Koil and spread across tea estates
The pollution free heavenly land. Valparai is located above the 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range Valparai does not mean only a single town. It stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and forest all around. Facility with kind hospitality for you is assured in Valparai. All your needs such as boarding, food, shopping can be satisfied with esteemed Lodges, Hotels and Shops. The place to visit at least once in your life span. To bring out the Joy and peace within you. Visit, enjoy the pleasure of Nature, and keep the green memories alive……
Fast Fact Sheet of Valparai Tamilnadu:
Altitude:
1200 to 1600m above mean sea levelTemperature:
0-30°C (Summer 15-25°C, winter 0-10°C)Rainfall:
Monsoon – June to August (350-500cm)Best time to visit at Valparai:
September to MayLanguages:
Tamil, Malayalam, and English.Clothing:
Woolen, Cotton, Wind breakers.How to Reach at Valparai:
By Road:
Bus frequency is from Pollachi to Valparai for every half an hour.
By Air:
Nearest Airport – CoimbatoreRegular Flights from Chennai & Cochin to Coimbatore
Other nearest Airport is Cochin & Madurai.
By Rail:
Nearest Railway Station is Pollachi – 64 KmsMain Railway Station is Coimbatore 100 Kms
Tourist Attraction at Valparai:
Sholayar Dam:
It is the second deepest dam of Asia. Situated at a distance of 20 Kms, from Valparai. An active tourist spot found always busy. A beautiful place to visit.
Nirar Dam:
This dam is built for multipurpose project such as irrigation, Hydro electricity production. Dam is situated in a wonderful location covered by a dense forest. There is a waterfalls near by the dam which resembles the Cascade. Situated at a distance of 15kms from Valparai.
Chinnakallar:
Chinnakalar is a geographically important place. It is the second highest rain fall area inIndia. Always found wet and misty. A greenish dense forest with tall majestic trees all along the road to Chinnakalar a pleasure to enjoy. There is a falls in Chinnakallar which sounds like a roaring lion. Situated at a distance of 15kms from Valparai.
Karamalai Annai Vellankanni Church :
Lot of miracles happened by Vellankanni Matha. Fesitivel takes place every year during September 8th. New church was built in the year 2003. A place to enjoy spiritual peaceful environment. Many people visit this Church daily. Situated at a distance of 10kms from Valparai.
Balaji Temple:
Balaji temple is owned by the Peria Karamalai tea Industries. Situated in Karamalai. Very famous beautiful temple. Situated at a distance of 10kms from Valparai.Grass Hills:
Situated at a distance of 15 kms. from Valparai. Grass hills is a picturesque spot located in the Valparai hills range, at a height of approx: 2400m msl, with cool climate getting cooler at night, a part of Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary. Right now all efforts are being undertaken by the government to preserve the flora and fauna of this location. Nilgiri Thar is native of this place apart from Elephants, Bison, Indian Gaur, Bear, Nilgiri Langurs etc.. and a wide variety of birds including Hornbills.
Chitti Vinayagar Temple:
Chitti Vinayagar Temple is owned by Jayshree tea Industries, Sholayar the temple is situated in a beautiful garden environment. It is very close to Valparai. Situated at a distance of 5kms from Valparai.
Aliyar Park:
Monkey Falls:
Nearby Aliyar park is monkey falls. Its known as “Chinna Kuttralam”. Enjoy the water showered by mother nature.
View points:
This is a beautiful view point to view Aliar Dam & surrounding mountains of western Ghats. This is situated in 9 th hairpin bend.
Number Parai:
This is also a beautiful view point. Near by Sangiliroad near Valparai.
Nallamudi Poonjolai:
This is also a beautiful view point. Near by Sangiliroad near Valparai.
Kadamparai – Dam :
This is a beautiful place to visit.
Top Slip :
Top slip is a national park and a medicinal plant conservation area in the Anamalai hills. It is about 37 kms. from Pollachi (about 90 kms from Coimbatore). It is famous for its elephant camp at Kollikamuthi and its wildlife. There are bungalows available within the sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house. It got its name during the British era, as lots of timber slipped down to the plains below.
Athirapilly Falls :
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary :
This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 kms. from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq. kms. It has various kinds of fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, grass hills, water falls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs.
Topslip :
It is a picturesque locale in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms. from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot.
*******************************
Allappuzha:
The name Alappuzha is derived from the geographical position and physical features of the place. It means the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it. The district is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.
The present Alappuzha district comprises of six taluks namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara. Total area of this district is 1414 sq. kms. The district head quarters is located at Alappuzha.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race:
The not-to-be missed spectacle in Alleppey is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which began in 1952 on the occasion of the visit of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to Alappuzha. It is now a major event held on the second saturday of August every year and features the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala, the Chundans-once the battleships of the Malayalee King of Yore. Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha’s single most important tourist event with boats being sponsored by different villages. Competition is severe as the boats with over 100 rowers in each, race to finish to the accompaniment of rousing music.
Fast Fact Sheet of Alappuzha:
Climate:
Summer: March-late June, Hot & humidMonsoons: June – September, Moderate rainfall
Winter: October-March, Cool & pleasant
Temperature:
27.9°C-35.2°CAnnual rainfall:
230 cmTemperature:
21.3°C-28.4°CBest Time to Visit at Alappuzha:
August & October – February.Clothing:
Light cottons during summer and light woolens are sufficient for wintersHow to Reach at Alappuzha:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Cochin, 64 kms to the North. Thiruvananthapuram International airport is 159 kms to the south.By Road:
Alappuzha is on the NH 47 highway and is connected to all important towns in South India.By Railway:
Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like Cochin, Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore and Bokaro.The railway station is situated 5 kms away from the bus station and ferry station.Ferry Services:
Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the backwaters to Quilon, Changanassery, Kottayam, Cochin, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Chengannur.The ferry station and bus station are close to each other. The ferry boats from Alleppey passes through scenic backwaters.
Places to Visit in Alappuzha:
Alappuzha Beach:
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park:
Boating, a children’s park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 – 2000 hours.
Backwater Cruise:
View the landscape beauty, monuments, temples, churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its rivers, canals and backwaters. The starting point is from Alleppey and the finishing point is at Jetty.
Boat Races:
Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.
Krishnapuram Palace:
Kuttanad Region:
The region is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.
Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple:
It is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari. The nine day ‘Navarathri’ festival is celebrated twice a year and is of special significance to the people of Alappuzha. Another important festival of the temple is ‘Thaipooyakavadi’.
Pathiramanal:
This is a small captivating island in the Vembanad Lake. Situated between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, this island is the favourite spot for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Ambalapuzha Temple:
Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are displayed on the inner walls of the temple. The ‘ Ottanthullal’, a satiric art form based on social themes was the brain child of the poet Kunchan Nambiar who performed it for the first time in the premises of this temple.
Arthunkal Church:
Champakulam Church:
The St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest church in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established by St.Thomas. Tha annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of October. The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th.
Chavara Bhavan:
The ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, lies 6 km. from Alappuzha. Thousands of devotees gather at this shrine. It can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha.
Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara:
The shrine is known for the Kettukazhcha festival, which attracts a large number of devotees. The festival is held in Feb./Mar. and colourful procession is taken out.
Edathua Church :
This church, dedicated to St. George is of special significance as it is believed that prayers and offerings here help in healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held from 5th – 7th May and attracts devotees from all parts of south India. The Church is just 24 kms. from Alappuzha.
Mannarsala:
It is 32 kms. from Alappuzha near Haripad and is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents. Pilgrims from all over the country assemble here during the two day annual festival.
*************************************
Cochin:
Being a seaport, many foreigners came to the place and one can clearly see the influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans in its culture and lifestyles of the natives. It boasts of the oldest church in India, the famous old-traditioned Chinese fishing nets, 500-year-old Portuguese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, synagogues, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora and mosques. The harbor is still hale and hearty and the main exports of the region are pepper, seafood, rubber and coir. However, it attracts tourists because of its serene backwaters, beautiful lagoons fringed by swaying coconut palms and picturesque islands. The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery look more like a fusion of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village into one and are situated on the tropical Malabar Coast. Today, Cochin is one of India’s largest ports and a major naval base.
Fast Fact Sheet of Cochin:
Location:
Significance:
Famous Sea Port & Spice Capital of India.STD Code:
0484Best Season:
December – FebruaryLanguage:
Malyalam and EnglishClimate of Kochi / Cochin:
As Kochi is on the seashore, it has a moderately warm tropical climate with heavy annual rainfall of about 310 cm. In summers the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC, while in winters, it is around 25 ºC.How to Reach at Cochin / Cochi:
By Air:
Kochi is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India.By Railway:
Kochi has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island.By Road:
Kochi (Cochin), an important commercial centre of the South India is very well serviced by a network of national and state highways, connecting it to all major centres of the area.Local Transport:
Taxis, city buses and autorickshaws.Ferries:
Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.Tourist attractions in Cochin Kochi:
Bolghatty Palace:
Chinese Fishing Nets:
Dutch Palace:
This palace was originally built by the Portuguese. In the 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The Dutch palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Hill Palace:
Jewish Synagogue:
The Jewish Synagogue was built in the year 1568. Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers magnificently decorate the synagogue. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. This palace is located near the Dutch Palace.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary:
This bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds.
Museum of Kerala History:
The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala History.
St. Francis Church:
It is the oldest church built by European in India. It is said that the Portuguese trader, Vasco da Gama was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church.
Eco Tourism Destinations in India Photos:
