tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20154552948134847082011-11-23T17:07:27.763+05:30Get Lost In Nature.....V S Sankar
<a href="http://www.blogadda.com" title="Visit blogadda.com to discover Indian blogs"> <img src="http://www.blogadda.com/images/blogadda.png" width="80" height="15" border="0" alt="Visit blogadda.com to discover Indian blogs"></a>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-31285289573188338592011-11-22T09:42:00.001+05:302011-11-22T10:29:21.975+05:302011-11-22T10:29:21.975+05:30Nature Beckons You......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Get Lost in Nature.......</div>
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Yes! Thats what most us want.To be with Mother Nature is the best pass time one can indulge in.To be with the greenery of the jungle or to immerse yourself in the cool waters of a jungle stream or trek those arduous hills and mountains and of course sleep in the slence of pristine wilderness.......</div>
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Thru this Blog I have tried to explain and explore the places I have visited.....</div>
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Happy reading<br />
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With Warm regards<br />
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V S Sankar</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-3128528957318833859?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-36539146026138852302011-11-18T10:08:00.003+05:302011-11-22T08:45:52.778+05:302011-11-22T08:45:52.778+05:30Athirapally.....A Kerala Rainforest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Athirapally.....Verdant and Pristine</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfMUC5FBxIw/Tp0h9-0578I/AAAAAAAABLA/h2owZu1ZAyk/s1600/athirapallyfalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfMUC5FBxIw/Tp0h9-0578I/AAAAAAAABLA/h2owZu1ZAyk/s320/athirapallyfalls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Athirapally waterfalls is a very famous destination for tourists and naturelovers alike.Its thick canopy of greenery and crystal clear waters attracts the whole family.For me the most impressive attraction is the Chalakkudy River which flows with all its glory here.The river is unusually wide here and and meanders thru thick forest which reinvigorates the souls of everybody.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was time for us to make our trip to Athirapally and on a Saturday afternoon we reached the pristine location.The temperature was high(around 32 degree C)but he crystal clear and not so cool waters of the Chalakkudy river helped to soar our spirits.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have decided that if I visit Athirapally again,the only indulgence I would engage myself is to dip in the water from dawn to dusk<br />
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Sholayar Dam(Kerala)</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The road from Angamaly to Athirapally vis Ezhattumugham in not in good condition.But Ezhattumugham is also another place which will cool down the excess heat you have aquired because of the scorching sun.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">A Trek to the top of the Athirapally falls is an experience in itself.It may take an hour to climb up toe top of the falls and come back.Of course that depends on how time you want to spend on the top.Some tourists want to come back only when it becomes dark</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtbflefO0iE/Tp0iQvtm8XI/AAAAAAAABLY/aoTXBcw01CA/s1600/chalakkudiriver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxB1Wu6EIu4/Tp0iI8bDySI/AAAAAAAABLQ/BuX0OXCJdGE/s1600/athirapallyfalls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxB1Wu6EIu4/Tp0iI8bDySI/AAAAAAAABLQ/BuX0OXCJdGE/s320/athirapallyfalls3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-6gyQ8Swuo/Tp0iYuAHqJI/AAAAAAAABLo/bj-dlM-iYPE/s1600/vazhachal800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-6gyQ8Swuo/Tp0iYuAHqJI/AAAAAAAABLo/bj-dlM-iYPE/s320/vazhachal800pix.jpg" width="320" /></a>Vazhachal is a further 5kms from Athirapally falls.At vazhachal the river flows over a wide rock formation and the currents look intimidating.Bathing here is highlydangerous and one must find more calm waters upstream of downstream.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUdRQVh2AWM/Tp0ifuVcgPI/AAAAAAAABLw/I2q4TDQPdoA/s1600/teaestate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xUdRQVh2AWM/Tp0ifuVcgPI/AAAAAAAABLw/I2q4TDQPdoA/s320/teaestate2.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you have decided to move forward from Vazhachal towards Sholayar and Walpara then pristine forest awaits you.In this route you follow the river upstream and there are locations where it looks like white water.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jS2Svo8IOPo/Tp0iETpwrZI/AAAAAAAABLI/gPYjpRpkh-Y/s1600/athirapallyfalls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jS2Svo8IOPo/Tp0iETpwrZI/AAAAAAAABLI/gPYjpRpkh-Y/s320/athirapallyfalls2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Athirapally from top of the falls...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whitewater.......Near Sholayar</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtbflefO0iE/Tp0iQvtm8XI/AAAAAAAABLY/aoTXBcw01CA/s1600/chalakkudiriver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtbflefO0iE/Tp0iQvtm8XI/AAAAAAAABLY/aoTXBcw01CA/s320/chalakkudiriver.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-3653914602613885230?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-71698644632684525682011-04-15T11:18:00.000+05:302011-04-15T11:18:26.151+05:302011-04-15T11:18:26.151+05:30Berijam Lake:Kodaikkanal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aXTojoymyw/TafZ5j98qhI/AAAAAAAABH4/xl8xMZ4t0ZY/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aXTojoymyw/TafZ5j98qhI/AAAAAAAABH4/xl8xMZ4t0ZY/s320/lake.jpg" width="320" /></a>Berijam Lake<br />
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When the mercury soars during summer,as is this year,most travelling south Indians head towards Kodaikkanal,the misty cool abode in Tamil Nadu.We have been to this place several times but that didint sap our enthusiasm to visit Kodaikkanal one more time.<br />
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We started from Trivandrum and reached Maduari and settled there for the night.After having received the blessing of Madurai Meenakshi Amman headed straight to Kodaikkanal.We could see heavy traffic up and down the hills leading to the hill resort.The temparature dipped as we climbed the undulating road towards Kodaikkanal.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlydXpp8pXE/TafY2-1_IoI/AAAAAAAABHs/2dqVfkPxsgM/s320/kid.JPG" width="213" /> Kiddish......<br />
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We made ouselves comfortable in one of the old and economical lodges of Kodai.Spend the evening at the Kodai lake.Next day morning at 9am reached the Forest office to take permission to visit Berijam lake.I was forced to spend around 1hr for getting the permission.<br />
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Then we headed straight to Moir point which is the gateway to Berijam Lake.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There were quite a few tourists who took the pain to get the permission and see Berijam Lake.It about 14kms from Moir point to Berijam.The road is in good condition and misty surrounding was waiting for us.We stopped at many places and enjoying the serene atmosphere.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asDHWDqVh4M/TafY8cBDhNI/AAAAAAAABHw/8prSeY5_qJw/s1600/ravine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asDHWDqVh4M/TafY8cBDhNI/AAAAAAAABHw/8prSeY5_qJw/s320/ravine.JPG" width="320" /></a>A Rvine on the way.......</div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Berijam lake is quite vast and looked very calm and beautiful.No boating is allowed.No refreshments are also not there.We spend around 2 hours at Berijam and then headed back to Kodai.A very good trip which we all enjoyed.And for sure we will come back.........</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgEFsCMLc3U/TafYwEiowxI/AAAAAAAABHo/0qDfcx0IR20/s1600/I+love+my+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgEFsCMLc3U/TafYwEiowxI/AAAAAAAABHo/0qDfcx0IR20/s320/I+love+my+mom.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom and Kid.....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlydXpp8pXE/TafY2-1_IoI/AAAAAAAABHs/2dqVfkPxsgM/s1600/kid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIVWsAsdxW4/TafYtbwOnzI/AAAAAAAABHk/e-5R0wz99Ds/s1600/berijam+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-7169864463268452568?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-55857639962013258652010-05-28T21:08:00.002+05:302010-05-28T21:12:50.455+05:302010-05-28T21:12:50.455+05:30Summer Vacation 2010:Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer Vacation 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Schools closed by the end of March and it is by May that we started on our summer vacation travel.We chose to visit Muthanga,Bandipur,Mudimalai,Masnagudi,Ooty,Munnar,Chinnar and Kodaikkanal.It is a long list by any stretch of imagination.Here are some pictures from our trip.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pine Trees of Kodaikkanal.......Magnificient</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hCCtvX3I/AAAAAAAABFc/329ArFsf5nM/s1600/chinnar800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hCCtvX3I/AAAAAAAABFc/329ArFsf5nM/s320/chinnar800pix.jpg" /></a></div> Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.......Wilderness Paradise<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Rock Agama changed colors in 5 secs......Amazing Nature</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hJQ4qGSI/AAAAAAAABFk/HSWDjQ7WiyE/s1600/eagle2.800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hJQ4qGSI/AAAAAAAABFk/HSWDjQ7WiyE/s320/eagle2.800pix.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Hawk Eagle........Stunning stare</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hPY3_2sI/AAAAAAAABFs/CpCzF2E-4iQ/s1600/thoomanam800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S__hPY3_2sI/AAAAAAAABFs/CpCzF2E-4iQ/s320/thoomanam800pix.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thoomanam Waterfalls......Breathtaking</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-5585763996201325865?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-6381989785251629962010-05-16T12:08:00.004+05:302010-05-27T22:16:53.925+05:302010-05-27T22:16:53.925+05:30Loghouse Stay at Chinnar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Log House Stay At Chinnar........<br />
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I have visited the Chinnar WLS few times over the years and never had the opportunity of spending a night in the wilderness of the beautiful place.The idea of visitng Chinnar and staying for a night came up again in this May(2010), and we packed our bags and headed towards Munnar on a fine morning.<br />
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Chinnar is one of the 12 WLS that Kerala is proud of and is adjoined by Eravikulam Natonal park,Anaimali WLS and Kodaikkanal WLS.The highest peak of Kerala,The Anaimudi is just 23kms away from Chinnar.<br />
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We reached Munnar around 8pm and stayed for the night there.The climate was pleasant and we felt really good and at least for a few days escaping the gruelling heat down the plains.<br />
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The next day, our idea was to visit Eravikulam National Park and then proceed to Chinnar.But the tourist inflow was very high and we saw quite a number of them lining up to get to Eravikulam NP.We decided to skip the Nilgiri Tahrs for this vist and headed immediately towards Chinnar.<br />
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We have planned to stay at one of the Loghouses that Chinnar offers.We havn't planned which particular loghouse.Any one of them would do for us.All are inside the Chinar sanctuary.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--KrLzKsqI/AAAAAAAABDg/3bd8KgOoWhs/s1600/bord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--KrLzKsqI/AAAAAAAABDg/3bd8KgOoWhs/s320/bord.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div>We meandered our way towards Maraiyur(which is around 40kms from Munnar).Both sides were filled with tea plantations and we stopped at a few places to take some pictures.We reached Maraiyur and without stopping headed towards Chinnar which is a further 18 kms away.<br />
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We stopped on way to view the Thoomanam waterfalls which was cascading with all its splendour.I clicked a few photos with my Canon 400D and 55-250 IS lens.<br />
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From the tourist info center we came to know about the loghouse near the falls.But we have already made up our mind to be at Chinnar proper.<br />
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We finally reached Chinnar checkpost around 2pm.A quick vegetarian lunch at the hotel run by tribals satisfied our hunger.We booked the loghouse and waited for the Tribal forest guard to come and lead us to the loghouse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LQRkMK8I/AAAAAAAABEI/lVL4XRR-pQ8/s1600/loghouse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LQRkMK8I/AAAAAAAABEI/lVL4XRR-pQ8/s320/loghouse1.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The Loghouse at Chinnar.....Spectacular surroundings</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mr.Kannan ariived at around 3pm and we immediately started our trek rowards the Loghouse.We kept only a few pieces of cloth and rest of the baggage remained in the car which we parked near the Checkpost.<br />
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Chinnar boasts of certain wild animals which can be seen only here.Star Tortoise is one among them.The white Guar is another and this an extremely rare sighting.Only a few handful of people have seen it<br />
and very less number of photographs exists of the animal.The largest population of Mugger Crocodiles are living in Chinnar sanctuary.<br />
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We started our 3km trek to the loghouse in right earnest.The heat here is unbearable.Chinnar is the "Rain shadow" region of the Western Ghats.Rain shadow region is where the rainfall is minimal.The temparature can raise upto 38degree celcius at times!<br />
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I was expecting to sight elephants on the way to the loghouse and Kannann also gave me assuarance.We passed the watch tower(Didnt bother to climb as it was early afternoon) and continued to walk towards our destination.Yellow throated bulbul is one of the 245 or so species of birds that can be seen here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--KdUwLKOI/AAAAAAAABDQ/xHjPQPAZ000/s1600/agama3.800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--KdUwLKOI/AAAAAAAABDQ/xHjPQPAZ000/s320/agama3.800pix.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A Rock Agama has blended in with the surroundings</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In around 45 minutes we reached our loghouse which was built near the Pambar river bank.Chinnar is the other river and it becomes the Amaravathy river as it reaches Tamil Nadu.<br />
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The log house is built with logs(of course) and thatched with asbestos sheets.The time was around 4:30pm and the heat was still on the higher side.Kannan informed us that the temperature will be cooler during night.<br />
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After sitting in the loghouse for some time I headed to the river.I could see plenty of rock Agamas playing around.I photographed the agamas to my satisfaction and in between dipped myself in the Pambar river.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--MMplsxGI/AAAAAAAABEo/HfEp_Oikn-w/s1600/Thoomanamwaterfalls800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--MMplsxGI/AAAAAAAABEo/HfEp_Oikn-w/s320/Thoomanamwaterfalls800pix.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thommanam Waterfalls....Magnificient</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>A few babblers were rustling at a distance and the sound of birds reinvigorated our souls.Since my lens can reach only up to 250 mm I decided against attempting to photograph them.<br />
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I asked Kannan about the prospect of sighting a Star Tortoise.Kannan as usual was very optimistic.Darkness was approaching and we sat on the steps in front of the door and listened to the sound made by nature.Before reaching the loghouse we saw a few sambars standing and looking at us from a hill top opposite the trek path.(Of course well out of range for my lens!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LA0zuQkI/AAAAAAAABD4/NDbJTJt3mmU/s1600/hawk+eagle2.800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LA0zuQkI/AAAAAAAABD4/NDbJTJt3mmU/s320/hawk+eagle2.800pix.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A Hawk Eagle on the way</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>At around 7:30 pm another guard arrived with our dinner.It was simple Parothas and vegetable curry.We can't complain about the food when you are in deep forst!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The log house is comfortabel for 2 people.The guards said they would be comfortable sleeping on a rock face very close to the river.I saw some people moving in the opposite bank of the river.Kannan informed us that they are Tribals from Tamil Nadu laying nets for catching fish.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had a good nights sleep in the middle of the Chinnar foest.That is what I have been dreaming for over a number of years.Now it has been fulfilled.Just before we retired to the bed I heared Kannn calling me from outside.On opening the door I saw a Star Tortoise baby crawling towards the door.Immediately I took some pictres using flash.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We got up early the next morning and went and sat near the river.It was a beautiful feeling to sit there just listening to the flow of water and chirping of birds.Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LJJkeTEI/AAAAAAAABEA/7VIuVsKzbPc/s1600/kameecolors.800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LJJkeTEI/AAAAAAAABEA/7VIuVsKzbPc/s320/kameecolors.800pix.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazing......A rock Agama changing colors.This happened in 10seconds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We started our trek back to the check post around 8am.I was very optimistic about the sighting of an elephant herd on our way back.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--K5vpSLjI/AAAAAAAABDw/lb727GY5GXo/s1600/chinnartower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--K5vpSLjI/AAAAAAAABDw/lb727GY5GXo/s320/chinnartower.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We coudn't see any elephants but foot marks were aplenty.Kannan pointed out a particular set of foot prints which was of a tusker.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We reached the check post around 9am.We thanked Kannan for the way he has taken care of us and asuured him that we would be back agian for a stay.After having breakfast at the tribal hotel we started our journey back.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--L-qm-bsI/AAAAAAAABEY/BuhaASZ4ckI/s1600/star+tortoise800pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--L-qm-bsI/AAAAAAAABEY/BuhaASZ4ckI/s320/star+tortoise800pix.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The famous Star Tortoise of Chinnar.....Head withdrawn</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LbsHd4-I/AAAAAAAABEQ/dkIytiyI2H4/s1600/loghouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--LbsHd4-I/AAAAAAAABEQ/dkIytiyI2H4/s320/loghouse2.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Another view of the Loghouse.....Away from Hustle and Bustle</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--ZDU29k-I/AAAAAAAABE0/E-TZFBXQQh8/s1600/watchtower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--ZDU29k-I/AAAAAAAABE0/E-TZFBXQQh8/s320/watchtower.jpg" wt="true" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The Watch Tower....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--ZMdpUAFI/AAAAAAAABE8/pnTiy00q0ds/s1600/chnnar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S--ZMdpUAFI/AAAAAAAABE8/pnTiy00q0ds/s320/chnnar.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Chinnar........Get lost in this place!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-638198978525162996?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-67750693448113911582010-03-14T08:47:00.009+05:302010-03-14T09:38:38.080+05:302010-03-14T09:38:38.080+05:30Soochipara Waterfalls<div align="right">
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<div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdX5fdP0I/AAAAAAAABCw/rh0Z4GGe8m8/s1600-h/soochi800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448332314362593090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdX5fdP0I/AAAAAAAABCw/rh0Z4GGe8m8/s320/soochi800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
Soochipara waterfalls......Breathtaking</div>
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Soochipara is a beautiful waterfalls in Wayanad district of Kerala State.It is roughly 22kms away from Kalpetta which is the gateway to Wayanad district."Soochi" in Malayalam means "Needle" and "Para" means "Rock".So it is "Needle Rock" waterfalls and the reason is obvious in the needle shaped mountain close to the waterfalls.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdNV9aQLI/AAAAAAAABCo/lU-qiCVYTcI/s1600-h/soochi4.800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448332133025857714" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdNV9aQLI/AAAAAAAABCo/lU-qiCVYTcI/s320/soochi4.800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
Less water cascades because of summer heat
The road which leads to the waterfalls from Kalpetta is in good shape.You have to take a right turn from Meppady and drive a further 13 kms to the breathtaking falls.Since we reached the falls in peak summer the water gushing down was lower than usual.Still it was a spectacular sight.
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdYWnHG7I/AAAAAAAABC4/ErWEzYPvLig/s1600-h/soochipara800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448332322179324850" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdYWnHG7I/AAAAAAAABC4/ErWEzYPvLig/s320/soochipara800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
Soochipara or Needle rock.......
The Kerala Forest department is having a check-post just less than 1km from the falls.The entry to the falls is restricted from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.A nominal fee is charged for entry into the waterfalls area.As we walk down the nicely laid down granite path to the waterfalls we first see the "Needle" or "Soochi" hill.Then there is a steep downward path which takes us right to the front of the falls.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdNFkv99I/AAAAAAAABCg/8rDo5L2CmSE/s1600-h/soochi3.800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448332128627455954" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdNFkv99I/AAAAAAAABCg/8rDo5L2CmSE/s320/soochi3.800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
Another view.......Refreshing...
All tiredness goes away the moment we see the falls.Since the water levels were little low than usual we could go very close to the falls.As the cool droplets fell on our face we felt re-energised and rejuvenateed.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdBvtxbTI/AAAAAAAABCY/gWtuFD1-pkc/s1600-h/soochi2.800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331933781159218" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xdBvtxbTI/AAAAAAAABCY/gWtuFD1-pkc/s320/soochi2.800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
Frozen.......
The forest guards who accompanied us were very friendly and they narrated their experince in dealing with various types of people who come to see the falls.They informed us of the large variety of wild animals which inhabit this part of the forests.They even showed us the remains of a kill by a leopard.
We were informed that there are large number of snakes which live in close proximity to the waterfalls.Even large sized king cobras can also be seen once in a while.
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xg282jIeI/AAAAAAAABDE/jmPw3LOuyzA/s1600-h/Leopard+kill+remains800pix.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448336146375582178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/S5xg282jIeI/AAAAAAAABDE/jmPw3LOuyzA/s320/Leopard+kill+remains800pix.jpg" border="0" /></a>
A Leopard killed a deer a few days ago
As we started back to the parking area we were satisfied in experiencing one of the magnificient waterfalls of Kerala.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-6775069344811391158?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-1416972982877312632008-12-16T11:46:00.009+05:302008-12-16T12:59:41.540+05:302008-12-16T12:59:41.540+05:30Greenish Vagamon<span style="color:#ffffff;">Situated in Idukki district of Kerala is the beautiful Vagamon hills.Roughly around 230 KMs from Trivandrum, this mystic hill village is mesmerising to everybody who steps on its greenish grounds.Towering at 1100 m above mean sea level, this cool abode of nature is a jewel in the crown of Kerala State. </span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>
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<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdSjMJ2e-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/9u1SKnpyxmQ/s1600-h/vagamonlake3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279852626639842" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdSjMJ2e-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/9u1SKnpyxmQ/s400/vagamonlake3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Breathtaking Vagamon......</span></div>
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<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdTIReJejI/AAAAAAAAAx8/MtDr2VRE2g8/s1600-h/vagamon+googleeaarth+copy.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280280489709107762" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdTIReJejI/AAAAAAAAAx8/MtDr2VRE2g8/s400/vagamon+googleeaarth+copy.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Google earthmap of the Area......
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<span style="color:#ffffff;">We started early morning from Trivanrum and took the Trivandrum>Kottayam>Pala>Erattupetta>Vagamon route.There are other routes to reach this wonderful place.After having lunch at Erattupaetta we negotiated the 25 KMs winding road to Vagamon.We stopped ar several points enroute and felt the cool environs of Vagaon country.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRzkDFwuI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y1jDhRa8BUc/s1600-h/path+to+heaven+vagamon800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279034407011042" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRzkDFwuI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y1jDhRa8BUc/s400/path+to+heaven+vagamon800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Path to Heaven.....
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<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">If you like the color green,then Vagamon is the place you should be visiting.Then you can ask, nature is full of green so what is so special about Vagamon?The green meadows of Vagamon are something special and walking the slopes of these hills are a memorable experience.The prisitine climate keeps the adrenalin pumping and your mood becomes upbeat and exciting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRaVyBJjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/mdq-FHUpJmI/s1600-h/vagamonhills800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280278601080579634" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRaVyBJjI/AAAAAAAAAw0/mdq-FHUpJmI/s400/vagamonhills800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">On way to Vagamon from Erattupetta........
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<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Enroute to Vagamon from Erattupetta is the Christian shrine of Kurisumala.After parking the vehicles you have to negotiate a steep hill to reach the top of the Kurisumala.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdSi7TfoSI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ai5abd_AzkY/s1600-h/vagamonlake2.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdVCPJGErI/AAAAAAAAAyE/t-et5ohScb0/s1600-h/kurisumala.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280282585027973810" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdVCPJGErI/AAAAAAAAAyE/t-et5ohScb0/s400/kurisumala.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Kurisumala........</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">We stayed at a resort at Vagamon overlooking the pine forests.The gentle breeze was so refreshing we always wanted to be outside our rooms.Next day morning we headed to the Kolahalamedu meadows and spend a lot of time there.The greenish hills are so invigorating we never wanted to comeback from there.There are lot of tourists who come to Vagamon and soon it will compete with Munnar,Ooty and Kodaikanal for attracting people.
</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdSiF0bfRI/AAAAAAAAAxk/tWAxObbhuHQ/s1600-h/vagamongrassland3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279833746308370" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdSiF0bfRI/AAAAAAAAAxk/tWAxObbhuHQ/s400/vagamongrassland3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">The meadows...fantastic....
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<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">After finishing our rendezvous with the Kolahalamedu meadows we proceeded to the pine forests.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRz6Ap_LI/AAAAAAAAAxU/kelgo_kdiIA/s1600-h/pineforest1-800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279040302382258" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRz6Ap_LI/AAAAAAAAAxU/kelgo_kdiIA/s400/pineforest1-800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Pine forest...Cool and quite.....</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">It was so cool inside the forests and the tall pine trees prevented the sunrays from reaching the ground.We could see a number of couples barking the pine trees!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRaULpcyI/AAAAAAAAAw8/hYw53yI5Es4/s1600-h/magiv+leaves800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280278600651207458" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRaULpcyI/AAAAAAAAAw8/hYw53yI5Es4/s400/magiv+leaves800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Coleum leaves from the Resort</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">After lunch it was time for us to get back and we decided to take another route to reach Trivandrum.We took the Vagamon>Elappara>Kuttikanam>Changanaserry>Trivandrum route.On the way we drove to the top of Panchalimedu(Near Mundakkayam) and the secene from there was breathtaking.We were informed by locals that a number of pilgrims climb the Panchalimedu to witness the Makaravilakku at Sabarimala which can be seen from here.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRzuf2JuI/AAAAAAAAAxE/it6OJMWGCjk/s1600-h/panchalimedu1-800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279037211977442" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdRzuf2JuI/AAAAAAAAAxE/it6OJMWGCjk/s400/panchalimedu1-800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">View from Panchalimedu....Awsome.....
</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdShzkATdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/YHQKAZeGHxA/s1600-h/vagamongrassland1-800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280279828845579730" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUdShzkATdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/YHQKAZeGHxA/s400/vagamongrassland1-800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">Full of greenary.........</span></div>
<div><span style="color:#ffffff;">We reached Trivandrum by 10pm.We all knew that this is not going to be the last trip to Vagamon.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-141697298287731263?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-73998056152071447442008-10-03T20:35:00.008+05:302008-10-18T20:33:36.080+05:302008-10-18T20:33:36.080+05:30A Trek to Dhoni Waterfalls<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3NYzxH7I/AAAAAAAAAug/kpvTdmZJ5L0/s1600-h/dhoniw+falls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258505849301704626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3NYzxH7I/AAAAAAAAAug/kpvTdmZJ5L0/s320/dhoniw+falls.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><strong>Dhoni Waterfalls....
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</span><div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Dhoni is a quite and serene forest 15kms from Palakkad in Kerala.Dont mistake,the name of the place resembles the famous Indian cricketer!But no swashbuckling stuff here!All quite and cool and the singing of birds and the sound of jungle streams and waterfalls welcomes you to Dhoni.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3O7eorvI/AAAAAAAAAuo/EosdQRG4ekI/s1600-h/web.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258505875788181234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3O7eorvI/AAAAAAAAAuo/EosdQRG4ekI/s320/web.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Webcast.....
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Situated in the western ghats, Dhoni is famous for Jersey breed cows and farms.Dhoni waterfalls is a 4KM trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills.Eventhough a jeep road exists upto the falls, private vehicles are not allowed beyond the Forest check post at the foothills of Dhoni.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3PEMnZJI/AAAAAAAAAuw/7Gjm5qfg98U/s1600-h/scorpion.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258505878128518290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn3PEMnZJI/AAAAAAAAAuw/7Gjm5qfg98U/s320/scorpion.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>A scorpion on the way.....
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>After paying the nominal entry fee,we started our walk towards Dhoni falls.Its 4KMs thru the motorable road but the shortcuts make the distance quite lesser.We started the trek around 10Am and thick forest and big trees welcomed us to Dhoni.Teak plantations can be seen at the beginning and wild animals also move around inside the forest.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn2TsVy9OI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/QI_iCSYOvQg/s1600-h/board.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258504858112292066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn2TsVy9OI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/QI_iCSYOvQg/s320/board.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>A Sign board on the way.....
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Shortcuts are steeper and required regular stops and rest.We carried some food and refreshments along with us.As we climbed up we could see the plains below and there was reasonable coverage for the mobile phones.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SOY-Txee65I/AAAAAAAAAlo/et1IbrmB2nI/s1600-h/green+snake.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252954524793891730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SOY-Txee65I/AAAAAAAAAlo/et1IbrmB2nI/s320/green+snake.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>A Green rough snake caught a Frog.....
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>We reached the Dhoni falls around 1PM and the sight was refreshing.All tiredness vanished as we dipped ourselves in the river.One has to be careful while bathing near the falls as the rocks are slippery and the depth is more than 7 feet.
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn2T7hG-PI/AAAAAAAAAuY/fT2Sq6IXonw/s1600-h/dhoni+w+falls2.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258504862186273010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SPn2T7hG-PI/AAAAAAAAAuY/fT2Sq6IXonw/s320/dhoni+w+falls2.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Dhoni Waterfalls...Another view</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>What happened next was very exciting for me as a photographer.I was moving into a canopy of green leaves and vines by the side of the river when I heared a distress call.I turned and saw a green snake having a mouthfull of a frog.The distress call was of the frog.The snake was small but lengthy and it carried the frog into the canopy.I could take several pics and some video as well.It was around for almost 10 minutes and it disapperaed.I wonder how it could have swallowed the frrog which was very big compared to the mouth of the small snake.</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SOY-T0OYvnI/AAAAAAAAAlw/8dqKU1UNfng/s1600-h/green+snake2-800pix.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252954525531684466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SOY-T0OYvnI/AAAAAAAAAlw/8dqKU1UNfng/s320/green+snake2-800pix.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Could it have swallowed the Frog?....
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>I was satisfied with the trip as I thought I got a number of good pictures of the snake and frog.We couldn't spot any other animal except of course a dead scorpion.
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<div><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#ffffff;"><strong>We started our return trek around 3 pm and reached the base at 5pm.The trip was a refreshing break for all of us.</strong></span></div>
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<div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-7399805615207144744?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-58319231560323262262008-05-31T21:40:00.027+05:302008-06-04T20:28:17.716+05:302008-06-04T20:28:17.716+05:30Agastyamountains Trek Report....May 2008<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJUeoY7AQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/fL5_k69TzAk/s1600-h/agastyakoodam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206817004408471810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJUeoY7AQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/fL5_k69TzAk/s400/agastyakoodam.jpg" border="0" /></a> Agastyakoodam,1868m<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Agastya mountains are located in the Kerala-Tamilnadu border and the Agastyakoodam(peak)towers at 1868m.(The highest peak south of Himalayasis is Anaimudi in Munnar).Eventhough I have hiked these mountains several times the urge to climb it one more time always exists .So we started off on 16th May 2008 to one of the few surviving tropical forests in India.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhSw9FkAI/AAAAAAAAAjs/6s3gJKTHhbw/s1600-h/agastyamuni.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206831094200373250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhSw9FkAI/AAAAAAAAAjs/6s3gJKTHhbw/s320/agastyamuni.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sage Agastya<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhT1cx-uI/AAAAAAAAAj0/MYVG8dnUWIU/s1600-h/IMG_6886.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206831112586918626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhT1cx-uI/AAAAAAAAAj0/MYVG8dnUWIU/s320/IMG_6886.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kappukadu,Kottoor,The starting point of our Trek<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJkzMhszyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/QmZUPsjSMP4/s1600-h/baby+ele.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206834949892394786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJkzMhszyI/AAAAAAAAAkE/QmZUPsjSMP4/s320/baby+ele.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJk0REHSxI/AAAAAAAAAkM/MrQXb1KM0Zs/s1600-h/ele.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206834968290347794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJk0REHSxI/AAAAAAAAAkM/MrQXb1KM0Zs/s320/ele.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Elephants at the Rehabilitation Centre<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJv5ty56iI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Kv44f0bcwNk/s1600-h/agastyamalai+googleearth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206847156530047522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJv5ty56iI/AAAAAAAAAkU/Kv44f0bcwNk/s400/agastyamalai+googleearth.jpg" border="0" /></a>Google Earth view of the Area...<br /><br /><br /><br />Agastya mountains lies within the Agastyamalai biosphere Reserve in Trivandrum District in Kerala.Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve came into existence in 2001 and it is spread over 3500 sq.km.It is composed of Neyyar,Peppara and Shendurni wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.The forest consists mainly of moist deciduous and shola grasslands.Around 2000 varieties of medicinal plants can be seen here out of which 50 are endangered.The fauna includes the Tiger,Elephant,leopard,bear,bison and many more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVXvPPZkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/iNOlX19Yb-I/s1600-h/grassland2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206817985499457090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVXvPPZkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/iNOlX19Yb-I/s320/grassland2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVXJb-yCI/AAAAAAAAAgs/2efKoQw5gAM/s1600-h/grassland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206817975352346658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVXJb-yCI/AAAAAAAAAgs/2efKoQw5gAM/s320/grassland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Grasslands......Beautiful<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhUjfWYHI/AAAAAAAAAj8/9hFcTPAPuiE/s1600-h/kottor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206831124945723506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJhUjfWYHI/AAAAAAAAAj8/9hFcTPAPuiE/s320/kottor.jpg" border="0" /></a> Catchment of the Neyyar Dam at Kottoor...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZaMqeTLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/tHCgVCRSGy0/s1600-h/babaysnake1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206822425804557490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZaMqeTLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/tHCgVCRSGy0/s320/babaysnake1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hump Nosed Pit Viper....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sightings of Pygmy Elephants(Kallana in Malayalam) have been reported by many but no concrete evidence exists.The "Kani" tribe who lives in these areas vouches that the Pygmy elephants are real.I am waiting for my opportunity to photograph them!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVYNP4FRI/AAAAAAAAAg8/K0Xai0IUuug/s1600-h/grassland3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206817993555186962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJVYNP4FRI/AAAAAAAAAg8/K0Xai0IUuug/s320/grassland3.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another View of the Grassland...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWPUzXAYI/AAAAAAAAAhM/TyVJr8PzwrE/s1600-h/machinery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206818940475867522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWPUzXAYI/AAAAAAAAAhM/TyVJr8PzwrE/s320/machinery.jpg" border="0" /></a> Remains of machinery used to generate electricity by the Britishers long ago<br /><br /><br /><br />So we started off on 16th May at 7AM from the Kappukadu Elephant Camp in Kottor which is 35Km from Trivandrum City.We parked our cars there and started our trek with much enthusiasm.Our Trek party consisted of 9 members which included forest official Lenin and Guide Rajashekharan who knows the Agastya forests like his backyard.I was particularly excited because my gear included the newly purchased Canon 400D with the 18-55 and the 55-250 IS lenses.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZakSdSNI/AAAAAAAAAic/BxsagnDvEhE/s1600-h/meenmutty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206822432146278610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZakSdSNI/AAAAAAAAAic/BxsagnDvEhE/s320/meenmutty.jpg" border="0" /></a> Meenmutty Waterfalls....awesome<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaTrhOk_I/AAAAAAAAAis/Imh5o15LGSM/s1600-h/snaketree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206823413339821042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaTrhOk_I/AAAAAAAAAis/Imh5o15LGSM/s320/snaketree.jpg" border="0" /></a> Can we call it the Snake Tree?!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJb9gCqJtI/AAAAAAAAAjk/iDW4lp-SjpI/s1600-h/flow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206825231324948178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJb9gCqJtI/AAAAAAAAAjk/iDW4lp-SjpI/s320/flow.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jungle streams aplenty in this area...<br /><br /><br />The total distance from Kappukadu to Agstyakoodam is roughly 25KMs and requires minmum 3 days trek.Our first destination was "Valia Meenmutty" waterfalls where there is a forest guest house."Meenmutty" literally means the end of way for fishes upstream."Meenmutty" is always a waterfall and the fishes cant swim the cascading water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbOgJhwMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/hilMEpRC0dY/s1600-h/Attayar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206824423899906242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbOgJhwMI/AAAAAAAAAi8/hilMEpRC0dY/s320/Attayar.jpg" border="0" /></a>Attayar......<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJb9EnCHPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/3PW5T6V56xY/s1600-h/waterspider.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206825223961320690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJb9EnCHPI/AAAAAAAAAjc/3PW5T6V56xY/s320/waterspider.jpg" border="0" /></a> A Water moth....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We have to traverse the Neyyar wild Life Sanctuary first which is around 128 sq. km in area.Elephants are aplenty here apart from the other animals.Within the first hour of our trek we encountered the first wild animal.It was a Hump Nosed Pit Viper.We were taking a break near a tree which was uprooted and suddently the snake moved.It stayed for quite some time and I could take a no.of pictures.So the Pit Viper was the lucky animal to have been photographed by my new Canon 400D!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXZZAci3I/AAAAAAAAAhc/jZEba-Uy0rg/s1600-h/pulmedu+waterfalls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206820212914817906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXZZAci3I/AAAAAAAAAhc/jZEba-Uy0rg/s320/pulmedu+waterfalls.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Grassland Waterfall....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We reached "Cheria Meenmutty" at 12:30 pm and prepared our lunch.Lunch consisted mainly of rice,sambar and a vegetable curry.After an arduous trek we were really hungry and the food tasted very nice.Before the meal we all had a wonderful bath in the river which was slightly colder.The bath gave new fresh energy to all and after a good meal it was time for 1 hour rest.The trek resumed at 4pm and our destination was "Valia Meenmuuty".There is a clear trek path all thru to the Agastya mountain and at some places more vegetation have grown right on the trek path.Before reaching Valia Meenmutty we have to pass thru grasslands,thickets and cross rivers.Animals especially elephants are many here and I was praying for the Pygmy elephants to bump right in front of me!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXZ8O6GOI/AAAAAAAAAhk/jQr7VYEJ2tU/s1600-h/river.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206820222370715874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXZ8O6GOI/AAAAAAAAAhk/jQr7VYEJ2tU/s320/river.jpg" border="0" /></a>The water is crystal clear...<br /><br /><br />We reached Valia Meenmutty around 6PM and immediately unloaded our baggage in the guest house.There is nobody there apart from us and the building was little old and not very clean.We tidied up the place and went down a hill to have another refresing bath in the river.We came back to the building before darkfall and started discussing our plan for the next day.A rice soup was prepared for dinner and we all had a wonderful nights sleep amidst the beautiful jungle.We could hear differeant sort of noises and could "smell" elephants but didnt see one.There is a trench around the building and we knew that we were safe from the pachyderms.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaTK0JmtI/AAAAAAAAAik/L2zic9cS0bs/s1600-h/road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206823404560816850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaTK0JmtI/AAAAAAAAAik/L2zic9cS0bs/s320/road.jpg" border="0" /></a>Trek path is wider here but narrows down...<br /><br /><br />We started our next day's trek at 8AM after having breakfast.Now onwards the trek path becomes more upwardly gradient and our first stop for the day was "Unnikadavu" which is around 3 hours trek from Valia Meenmutty.We reached that place at 11 am and decided to rest for a few hours.Lunch was made and as usual before luch a refreshing bath.Before taking bath I could spot a checkered Keelback and took a few pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZaRNfBbI/AAAAAAAAAiU/D9ovy89g2do/s1600-h/leaf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206822427025147314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJZaRNfBbI/AAAAAAAAAiU/D9ovy89g2do/s320/leaf.jpg" border="0" /></a>Magic Leaf.....!<br /><br /><br />We resumed our trek at 1pm and our destination was Athirumala Estate guest house.We can call it as the base camp of Agasyakoodam.We reached at around 2PM.The route from Unnikadavu to Athirumla consisted of breathtaking sceneries which is the best in the enitre stretch of the trek.It consists of grassland and thick jungle.The fresh smell of the grass was invigorating and the Grassland- waterfall is one the beautiful sights I have ever seen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYryqtxnI/AAAAAAAAAh0/DrKCjLHpEPQ/s1600-h/spiderweb+crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206821628552267378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYryqtxnI/AAAAAAAAAh0/DrKCjLHpEPQ/s200/spiderweb+crop.jpg" border="0" /></a>A spider in the way.....<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWPlGfaCI/AAAAAAAAAhU/jMa3_72uqGk/s1600-h/misty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206818944851077154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWPlGfaCI/AAAAAAAAAhU/jMa3_72uqGk/s320/misty.jpg" border="0" /></a> Misty.....on way to Pongalappara<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWOxCm79I/AAAAAAAAAhE/vRp9O8CaIIY/s1600-h/keelback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206818930876149714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJWOxCm79I/AAAAAAAAAhE/vRp9O8CaIIY/s320/keelback.jpg" border="0" /></a> Checkered Keelback....less poisonous<br /><br /><br />At 2:30 pm we parked our luggage at Athirumala guest house and started our final journey to the peak.Since we have to come back to Athirumala, there was no need to carry the eintire luggage.The stretch from Athirumala to Agastyakoodam is quite diffuclult and involved climbing steep trek paths.The climate was cool and we were very excited about conquering the second highest peak south of Himalayas.Leeches were aplenty on the way since it had rained continuously in the previous months.Everybody carried a small pouch of salt soaked in water.Just apply the saline on the spot were the leech has attched itself and it suddently falls off and dies.The bleeding stops in a few minutes.I was bitten by the leech a number of times that I have no fear of this creature any more!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbPYAH2NI/AAAAAAAAAjM/P1Ho7dNg3og/s1600-h/butterfly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206824438892845266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbPYAH2NI/AAAAAAAAAjM/P1Ho7dNg3og/s320/butterfly.jpg" border="0" /></a> Butterflies aplenty.....<br /><br /><br />We reached a place called "Pongalappara" and rested for half an hour.The source of the "Thambraparni" river which runs thru Tamil Nadu is here.Then our final phase of the trek started.Now it mainly consisted of climbing steep rock structures.We could see lights from cities of Tamil Nadu from the top.At last we reached the top of Agstyakoodam.There is a statue of Agsastya muni and we all thanked him for taking us to him without much trouble.One cant stay at the top for long since it is very windy and cold.Many times it is fully covered with mist.We all stayed there for a few minutes and started to climb down.We could again "smell" the elephants but none came before us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbPITIC6I/AAAAAAAAAjE/Txj1yyOKopo/s1600-h/avenue.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206824434677582754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJbPITIC6I/AAAAAAAAAjE/Txj1yyOKopo/s320/avenue.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bonakkad Estate.....<br /><br /><br /><br />There are many medicinal herbs and plants at the top.We are not supposed to pluck anything and all of us adhered to that law laid down by the forest department.While climbing there are occations when one would be gasping and a few minutes rest would reenergise oneself.While climbing down one may not gasp that much but the joints might not cooperate completely.Again a few minutes rest will lead you on your way.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXadLxZrI/AAAAAAAAAhs/iWUUKCsOM2E/s1600-h/route.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206820231215933106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJXadLxZrI/AAAAAAAAAhs/iWUUKCsOM2E/s320/route.jpg" border="0" /></a> Steeper Rocks at the final stretch...<br /><br /><br />We reached Athirumala and had a good supper and slept soundly.The next day we dicided to return via Bonakkad which is a shorter route.We reached by around 6pm at Bonakkad and arranged a taxi to get to Kappukad elephant Camp(where we have parked our vehicles)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYtP1LSkI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CsjAP1uvjFI/s1600-h/waterfalls3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206821653560642114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYtP1LSkI/AAAAAAAAAiE/CsjAP1uvjFI/s200/waterfalls3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Breathtaking sceneries all the way long....<br /><br /><br />The Agastyamalai trip is full of good memories where we were left with nature for a few days.This is very invigorating for the souls and any opportunity to hike the mounatins again will not be missed.We are planning a trip to "Pandipathu" hill which is within the Agastyamalai biosphere reserve with great opportunity to sight Bisons.But we have to wait till the monsoon gets over............<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYssxrs9I/AAAAAAAAAh8/C5lCrIfbAr0/s1600-h/waterfalls.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206821644150748114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJYssxrs9I/AAAAAAAAAh8/C5lCrIfbAr0/s200/waterfalls.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another view of the Grassland waterfall...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaULn_ecI/AAAAAAAAAi0/ycNadtXMdvA/s1600-h/agastyakoodam1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206823421958126018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SEJaULn_ecI/AAAAAAAAAi0/ycNadtXMdvA/s320/agastyakoodam1.jpg" border="0" /></a> We bow before Sage Agastya.......<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-5831923156032326226?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-1438144511058950352008-03-13T18:22:00.021+05:302008-03-24T21:54:46.583+05:302008-03-24T21:54:46.583+05:30Lakshadeepam(one lac lights) at Sripadmanabhaswamy Temple Trivandrum<span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fUySi8mKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/dFA8l1X3lrE/s1600-h/lakshdweepam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181343856750008482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fUySi8mKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/dFA8l1X3lrE/s400/lakshdweepam.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><div><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong> Lakshadeepam</strong><br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVSi8mBI/AAAAAAAAAcM/xOZMrmahNLg/s1600-h/ldeepam+2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341159510546450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVSi8mBI/AAAAAAAAAcM/xOZMrmahNLg/s200/ldeepam+2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVCi8mAI/AAAAAAAAAcE/nU9DEVie2GM/s1600-h/ldeepam+1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341155215579138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVCi8mAI/AAAAAAAAAcE/nU9DEVie2GM/s200/ldeepam+1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVii8mCI/AAAAAAAAAcU/wV15r3AXqZ4/s1600-h/ldeepam+3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341163805513762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSVii8mCI/AAAAAAAAAcU/wV15r3AXqZ4/s200/ldeepam+3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><strong> Seeveli on January 14 2008</strong> </span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span> </div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Trivandrum celebrates Lakshdeepam or one Lac Lights once in 6 years.In 2008 it was observed on January 14.The first such Lakshadeepam was held in mid January 1750 AD.Since then every six years this magnificieant spectacle is being celebrated.The entire temple and the Gopuram is decorated with lights and it is a treat to watch.</strong> </span></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzEF0qdHI/AAAAAAAAATs/COIUU9jtGpc/s1600-h/ld4.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzEl0qdII/AAAAAAAAAT0/I1oP2fD5sxU/s1600-h/ld5.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRyyi8l9I/AAAAAAAAAbs/zstfqvt0vk4/s1600-h/ld3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181340566805059538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRyyi8l9I/AAAAAAAAAbs/zstfqvt0vk4/s200/ld3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRzSi8l-I/AAAAAAAAAb0/knTwQbLPDOQ/s1600-h/ld4.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181340575394994146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRzSi8l-I/AAAAAAAAAb0/knTwQbLPDOQ/s200/ld4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRzyi8l_I/AAAAAAAAAb8/4pgRnC89Xok/s1600-h/ld5.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181340583984928754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRzyi8l_I/AAAAAAAAAb8/4pgRnC89Xok/s200/ld5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>The Lakshadeepam is preceded by a 56 day Yajna known as the "Murajapam" literally means Japa done in cyclic rotation.The origin of this goes back to the Mabhabharatha and puranic times.To this day it is done without a break</strong><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vybV0qdEI/AAAAAAAAATU/TMZov3w1qG0/s1600-h/ld1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177998748120937538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vybV0qdEI/AAAAAAAAATU/TMZov3w1qG0/s200/ld1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzxF0qdMI/AAAAAAAAAUU/xeySzYDvLWg/s1600-h/ldeepam+5.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178000221294720194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzxF0qdMI/AAAAAAAAAUU/xeySzYDvLWg/s200/ldeepam+5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vycF0qdGI/AAAAAAAAATk/1u3C4I7YDpo/s1600-h/ld3.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzw10qdLI/AAAAAAAAAUM/4XJNMo0MuQ8/s1600-h/ldeepam+4.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzxl0qdNI/AAAAAAAAAUc/l_gQKF4QYQw/s1600-h/ldeepam+6.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178000229884654802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vzxl0qdNI/AAAAAAAAAUc/l_gQKF4QYQw/s200/ldeepam+6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS1Ci8mGI/AAAAAAAAAc0/sf-fqcQl_Lw/s1600-h/ldeepam+7reflection.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341704971393122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS1Ci8mGI/AAAAAAAAAc0/sf-fqcQl_Lw/s200/ldeepam+7reflection.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS0ii8mFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/MEUR1I0a9M4/s1600-h/ldeepam+7.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341696381458514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS0ii8mFI/AAAAAAAAAcs/MEUR1I0a9M4/s200/ldeepam+7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vx510qdBI/AAAAAAAAAS8/lQWLDpAgvv0/s1600-h/l+deepam2.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9v0P10qdSI/AAAAAAAAAVE/AMbOGkWKKx4/s1600-h/ldeepam+9cutout.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRFCi8l4I/AAAAAAAAAbE/Qlxe8-r0Iy0/s1600-h/l+deepam2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181339780826044290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRFCi8l4I/AAAAAAAAAbE/Qlxe8-r0Iy0/s200/l+deepam2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRFyi8l5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/07NRfHToWKU/s1600-h/l+deepam+1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181339793710946194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRFyi8l5I/AAAAAAAAAbM/07NRfHToWKU/s200/l+deepam+1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRGii8l6I/AAAAAAAAAbU/_RsKUxSUQ-g/s1600-h/lakshdweepam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181339806595848098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRGii8l6I/AAAAAAAAAbU/_RsKUxSUQ-g/s200/lakshdweepam.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fTJyi8mII/AAAAAAAAAdE/RLhb7faaWxs/s1600-h/ldeepam+9.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181342061453678722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fTJyi8mII/AAAAAAAAAdE/RLhb7faaWxs/s200/ldeepam+9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRHSi8l7I/AAAAAAAAAbc/slVT7sLODbM/s1600-h/ld1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181339819480750002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRHSi8l7I/AAAAAAAAAbc/slVT7sLODbM/s200/ld1.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRySi8l8I/AAAAAAAAAbk/NvUpqyMBqBs/s1600-h/ld2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181340558215124930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fRySi8l8I/AAAAAAAAAbk/NvUpqyMBqBs/s200/ld2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fTKCi8mJI/AAAAAAAAAdM/eQ8EyyvxMoM/s1600-h/ldeepam+9cutout.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181342065748646034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fTKCi8mJI/AAAAAAAAAdM/eQ8EyyvxMoM/s200/ldeepam+9cutout.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vx6V0qdCI/AAAAAAAAATE/JGhm7Mu_Pa8/s1600-h/l+deepam+1.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS0Si8mEI/AAAAAAAAAck/Qv5aJlQ0f8U/s1600-h/ldeepam+6.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341692086491202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS0Si8mEI/AAAAAAAAAck/Qv5aJlQ0f8U/s200/ldeepam+6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS1Si8mHI/AAAAAAAAAc8/JEHGYKLdyqs/s1600-h/ldeepam+8.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341709266360434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fS1Si8mHI/AAAAAAAAAc8/JEHGYKLdyqs/s200/ldeepam+8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSWSi8mDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/UUy8cBNp_JA/s1600-h/ldeepam+4.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181341176690415666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fSWSi8mDI/AAAAAAAAAcc/UUy8cBNp_JA/s200/ldeepam+4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9v4A10qdVI/AAAAAAAAAVc/Td795TZM9BY/s1600-h/laksh+deepam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178004889924171090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9v4A10qdVI/AAAAAAAAAVc/Td795TZM9BY/s400/laksh+deepam.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">The next Lakshadeepam is on January 14, 2014</span></strong></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-143814451105895035?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-42289931401975080502008-03-09T12:05:00.016+05:302008-03-30T10:15:35.488+05:302008-03-30T10:15:35.488+05:30A Trip to Karaiyar Dam<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vnHV0qc4I/AAAAAAAAAR0/cGVuzgCthjs/s1600-h/dam.jpg"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177986309895648130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vnHV0qc4I/AAAAAAAAAR0/cGVuzgCthjs/s320/dam.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Karaiyar</strong></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong> Dam</strong><br /><br /></span><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Karaiyar Dam or Tambraparani dam is around 20 km from the Town of Papanasam in Tirunelvely district of Tamil Nadu.The dam is inside the Kalakkad-Mundamthurai Tiger reserve.But spotting tigers is very remote as many vehicles ply in this route including State Transport buses everyday.</span> </span></strong></span></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-8aYii8mRI/AAAAAAAAAeM/W47vezhIFb4/s1600-h/karayar+dam+google+earth+map.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183390705019296018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-8aYii8mRI/AAAAAAAAAeM/W47vezhIFb4/s400/karayar+dam+google+earth+map.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Karayar Dam and Surroundings</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></strong> </div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>But a trip to this place is very invigorating as you pass thru beautiful landscapes,waterfalls and rivers.One may not spot the magnificient Indian cat,the tiger but Nilgiri Lnagurs,Lion tailed macaques,Deers and numerous birds are sure sightings.The Agastyar Falls and the more famous Banatheertham falls can be accessed from this route.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vrY10qc_I/AAAAAAAAASs/VFxz8peqUg0/s1600-h/Serenity+River+2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177991008589870066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vrY10qc_I/AAAAAAAAASs/VFxz8peqUg0/s320/Serenity+River+2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Serene....The dam is upstream</strong></span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>To reach Bana falls you have to catch a boat from the Karaiyar dam and an half an hour cruise will take you there.Depending on the water level you have to trek uphill to have a refreshing bath in the falls.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vo8V0qc7I/AAAAAAAAASM/wso_hKWSUbA/s1600-h/trees-river.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX3yi8mLI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Y73qNdREdRg/s1600-h/tree+on+river.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181347249774172338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX3yi8mLI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Y73qNdREdRg/s320/tree+on+river.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Quite and Beautiful.... <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vg3F0qc0I/AAAAAAAAARU/pAuDkIHDqXs/s1600-h/Neyyar+vallom.jpg"></a>Trees on the river... </strong></span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><strong>The Agastya mountains can be trekked from here with prior permission from the Forest Department.</strong></span><br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vpzl0qc9I/AAAAAAAAASc/lSoFNsjrztA/s1600-h/river.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX5Si8mNI/AAAAAAAAAds/htKl7CUyDL4/s1600-h/river.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181347275543976146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX5Si8mNI/AAAAAAAAAds/htKl7CUyDL4/s320/river.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Relaxing.......</strong></span><br /></span></p><br /><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9voCV0qc5I/AAAAAAAAAR8/m4Gf0fZO6eA/s1600-h/view.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177987323507930002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9voCV0qc5I/AAAAAAAAAR8/m4Gf0fZO6eA/s320/view.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Kalakkad-Mundamthurai Tiger Reserve</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9voC10qc6I/AAAAAAAAASE/dRRjTxEd00M/s1600-h/tron+bridge.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177987332097864610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9voC10qc6I/AAAAAAAAASE/dRRjTxEd00M/s320/tron+bridge.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><strong>Iron Bridge on way to Karaiyar Dam</strong></span><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vrZl0qdAI/AAAAAAAAAS0/fmlhwvkh5L4/s1600-h/monkey.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX4yi8mMI/AAAAAAAAAdk/nQgjE70bZzY/s1600-h/monkey.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181347266954041538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX4yi8mMI/AAAAAAAAAdk/nQgjE70bZzY/s320/monkey.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Sure Sightings</span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></strong></div><br /><br /><div><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vp0F0qc-I/AAAAAAAAASk/UqdRNqNedNg/s1600-h/kids.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX6Si8mOI/AAAAAAAAAd0/JTPFebWDpms/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181347292723845346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX6Si8mOI/AAAAAAAAAd0/JTPFebWDpms/s320/kids.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></strong></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>Kids can have a nice time..</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vmd10qc2I/AAAAAAAAARk/EhZFpylpG5E/s1600-h/boats+at+karaiyar+dam.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vnG10qc3I/AAAAAAAAARs/Aekyqt1A0qw/s1600-h/board.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177986301305713522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R9vnG10qc3I/AAAAAAAAARs/Aekyqt1A0qw/s320/board.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Board says it...But difficult to sight</span></strong></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX7Ci8mPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/_vk23Gzw9SI/s1600-h/boats+at+karaiyar+dam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181347305608747250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R-fX7Ci8mPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/_vk23Gzw9SI/s320/boats+at+karaiyar+dam.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Boats at Karaiyar Dam... </strong></span><br /></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;"><strong></strong></span></p></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-4228993140197508050?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-85555275901614124832008-02-24T10:14:00.003+05:302008-03-31T21:27:14.428+05:302008-03-31T21:27:14.428+05:30Eravikulam National Park....Munnar<div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EQkW95d6I/AAAAAAAAAKc/Bxb9abtMkKk/s1600-h/NT+1.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170432064024573858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EQkW95d6I/AAAAAAAAAKc/Bxb9abtMkKk/s200/NT+1.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"> <strong>A Male Nilgiri Tahr</strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170439558742505426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EXYm95d9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/h1ae1-nn-Kc/s200/Munnar+2.jpg" border="0" /> <strong>A View from the Park</strong><br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is world famous and information about this park is easily available.Still I thought I would share my experience of the numerous visits to this magnificient abode of the endangered Nilgiri Tahrs.</span></strong></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EN_G95d4I/AAAAAAAAAKM/W1OjRlxsKoM/s1600-h/Nilgiri+Tahr.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170429225051191170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EN_G95d4I/AAAAAAAAAKM/W1OjRlxsKoM/s200/Nilgiri+Tahr.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EO2G95d5I/AAAAAAAAAKU/DJ64nftcC_A/s1600-h/Nilgiri+Tahr+2.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170430169943996306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EO2G95d5I/AAAAAAAAAKU/DJ64nftcC_A/s200/Nilgiri+Tahr+2.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ESkm95d7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/XZfd-hS_1yI/s1600-h/3+is+company!.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170434267342796722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ESkm95d7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/XZfd-hS_1yI/s200/3+is+company!.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Tahrs.....<br /></strong><br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECH295dwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/xbtbol_LfFU/s1600-h/neela+5.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170416181235513090" style="WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" height="133" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECH295dwI/AAAAAAAAAJM/xbtbol_LfFU/s200/neela+5.jpg" width="526" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECH295dvI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZiWyMCEwDck/s1600-h/neela+2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170416181235513074" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px" height="223" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECH295dvI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZiWyMCEwDck/s200/neela+2.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Neelakurinji......Blooms once in 12 years only.Next season 2018.....<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">Eravikulam National park is siruated in Idukki district of Kerala and is roughly 145kms from Cochin.From Munnar town it is 15km away.The park is around 97 sq.km in area.The endangered Nilgiri Tahrs live here and the park is also famous for the "Neelakurinji" (Strobilanthus Kunthiana) flower which blooms only once in 12 years.The last time they were in full bloom was in 2006.</span></strong></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECHm95duI/AAAAAAAAAI8/QDeGPwsRWc4/s1600-h/neela+1.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170416176940545762" style="WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" height="210" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ECHm95duI/AAAAAAAAAI8/QDeGPwsRWc4/s200/neela+1.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Neelakurinji(Strobilanthus Kunthiana)</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">The Nilgiri Tahrs are ungulates seen mainly in Nilgiri Hills and southern Western Ghats.It is also known as Nilgiri Ibex or just Ibex.In Malayalam it is called 'Varayadu".It belongs to the goat family.Around 800 of them roam the terrains of the Eravikulam National Park.The park is made of high rolling hill plateau with an average elevation of 2000meters.The highest peak south of Himlayas,Anaimudi(2690m),is within the park.</span></strong></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIiCi8mhI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TrMFW1Cs93E/s1600-h/ernp.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183934026972174866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIiCi8mhI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TrMFW1Cs93E/s400/ernp.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EI8295d1I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/qtNSjMa1Y5Y/s1600-h/Munnar+1.jpg"></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Eravikulam National Park</strong><br /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;"><strong>The raod from Munnar to Eravikulam is in good condition and on both sides you can see tea plantaions.There is a beautiful ground on the left side with a nice pitch in the middle.A serene river flows around the ground.Plastics are prohibited inside the park and a nominal fee is collected to enter the park.</strong></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ELgG95d3I/AAAAAAAAAKE/Tdinm5YILkM/s1600-h/Munnar+4.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170426493451990898" style="WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" height="135" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8ELgG95d3I/AAAAAAAAAKE/Tdinm5YILkM/s200/Munnar+4.JPG" width="356" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>On way to the Park</strong>....<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The Nilgiri Tahrs are slow movers and photographing them are quite easy.With a medium range zoom lens good pictures can be taken of the Tahrs.The females outnumber the males and sighting male Nilgiri Tahr is a rare opportunity.The calving season is in February and the Park remains closed for visitors for 45 days from Feb 1st onwards.</span></strong><br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EKV295d2I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/GE1HteMkwXk/s1600-h/Munnar+3.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170425217846703970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EKV295d2I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/GE1HteMkwXk/s200/Munnar+3.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>View from the Park....</strong><br /><br /></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">The other animals found in this park includes the Gaur,Indian Muntjack,sambar Deer,golden Jackal and Jungle cats.132 types of birds have been recorded from this place.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170442470730332146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EaCG95d_I/AAAAAAAAALE/mhMgxILiafY/s200/000063.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170442466435364834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EaB295d-I/AAAAAAAAAK8/ZSNJShCZ_dk/s200/Looking+for+Me!.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170439537267668930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="183" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R8EXXW95d8I/AAAAAAAAAKs/5dyfI55znq8/s200/000067.JPG" width="135" border="0" /></span></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EExSi8mSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mZWRQ3njQ-U/s1600-h/nt2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183929890918668578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EExSi8mSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mZWRQ3njQ-U/s400/nt2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEyii8mTI/AAAAAAAAAec/z09-RxvnOug/s1600-h/nt3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183929912393505074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEyii8mTI/AAAAAAAAAec/z09-RxvnOug/s400/nt3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEzCi8mUI/AAAAAAAAAek/E4Y9x3xRpcI/s1600-h/nt4.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183929920983439682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEzCi8mUI/AAAAAAAAAek/E4Y9x3xRpcI/s400/nt4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEzii8mVI/AAAAAAAAAes/kYaqNfglR1M/s1600-h/nt5.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183929929573374290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EEzii8mVI/AAAAAAAAAes/kYaqNfglR1M/s400/nt5.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF5Si8mWI/AAAAAAAAAe0/3MJZ45GzFyk/s1600-h/nt6.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183931127869249890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF5Si8mWI/AAAAAAAAAe0/3MJZ45GzFyk/s400/nt6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF5yi8mXI/AAAAAAAAAe8/khJ13WhD7lA/s1600-h/nt7.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183931136459184498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF5yi8mXI/AAAAAAAAAe8/khJ13WhD7lA/s400/nt7.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF6Si8mYI/AAAAAAAAAfE/5P-wJ9l9i54/s1600-h/nt8.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183931145049119106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF6Si8mYI/AAAAAAAAAfE/5P-wJ9l9i54/s400/nt8.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF6ii8mZI/AAAAAAAAAfM/xadMv-XdgIE/s1600-h/nt9.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183931149344086418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EF6ii8mZI/AAAAAAAAAfM/xadMv-XdgIE/s400/nt9.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHICi8maI/AAAAAAAAAfU/WOUGAoS-VQ0/s1600-h/nt10.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183932480783948194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHICi8maI/AAAAAAAAAfU/WOUGAoS-VQ0/s400/nt10.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHIyi8mbI/AAAAAAAAAfc/iJ8CLxcd2wA/s1600-h/nt11.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183932493668850098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHIyi8mbI/AAAAAAAAAfc/iJ8CLxcd2wA/s400/nt11.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHJSi8mcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/1DsC2kFWS18/s1600-h/nt12.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183932502258784706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHJSi8mcI/AAAAAAAAAfk/1DsC2kFWS18/s400/nt12.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHKSi8mdI/AAAAAAAAAfs/UlAkPLZ6dgQ/s1600-h/nt13.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183932519438653906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EHKSi8mdI/AAAAAAAAAfs/UlAkPLZ6dgQ/s400/nt13.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIgii8meI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Q02AJ6Zo5c8/s1600-h/nt18.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183934001202371042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIgii8meI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Q02AJ6Zo5c8/s400/nt18.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIgyi8mfI/AAAAAAAAAf8/D-BSMUOwlD4/s1600-h/nt19.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183934005497338354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIgyi8mfI/AAAAAAAAAf8/D-BSMUOwlD4/s400/nt19.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIhii8mgI/AAAAAAAAAgE/1_dz4PBMKxY/s1600-h/nt20.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183934018382240258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R_EIhii8mgI/AAAAAAAAAgE/1_dz4PBMKxY/s400/nt20.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-8555527590161412483?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-43710392110052328402008-02-19T21:22:00.002+05:302008-12-17T10:57:31.547+05:302008-12-17T10:57:31.547+05:30Trekking the Agastya Mountains<span style="color:#ffffff;">The Abode of sage Agastya<br /><br /></span><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJVm95dqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/-Xo4j3dkVvY/s1600-h/agastyakoodam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168735264179844770" style="WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" height="150" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJVm95dqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/-Xo4j3dkVvY/s200/agastyakoodam.jpg" width="247" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Agastya Mountains...as seen from the Boat</strong><br /><br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Agastya mountains are part of the Western ghats and borders Tamil Nadu and Kerala.It is a pilgrimmage center for Hindus and special permission is required from the forest department to visit the mountain.Agastyarkoodam(peak) is one of the highest peak south of Himalayas.Trivandrum in Kerala and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu are the nearest big towns.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sKX295dtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OL5BCfxqzBk/s1600-h/Bambooed.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168736402346178258" style="CURSOR: hand" height="137" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sKX295dtI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OL5BCfxqzBk/s200/Bambooed.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></span></a><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Bambooed...Near Kombakkani</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Agastya mountains can be accessed from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala side.The Agastya mountains are known for their abundance of rare medicinal plants and herbs.The Agastyamalai Biosphere Reserve harbours rare flora and fauna.</span></strong> </span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUiMXTKmmaI/AAAAAAAAAyU/AqIE4xLPwyQ/s1600-h/Neyyar+vallom800pix.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280624895001532834" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUiMXTKmmaI/AAAAAAAAAyU/AqIE4xLPwyQ/s200/Neyyar+vallom800pix.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJB295dpI/AAAAAAAAAIU/dlinqQAQIQQ/s1600-h/Neyyar+vallom.jpg"></a><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Small Boat ....on Neyyar Dam</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">We started our journey from Neyyar Dam from the Kerala side.We obtained the necessary permission from the forest department.A Kani tribesman was sent along with us as guide.We boarded a boat at Neyyar Dam at 9Am and reached Kombakkani,a 30 minute ride.Then the trekking started.It was quite hot since we were still in the plains.Our destination was Cheria Meenmutty waterfalls which was around 15 km away from Kombakkani.Meenmutty is a Malayalam word which means "end of way for fish".The fishes can no longer swim upstream as the water cascades.There are many such Meenmutties in the jungles of Kerala.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sElG95djI/AAAAAAAAAHk/n1LboZVDaek/s1600-h/Greenish.adj.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168730032909678130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sElG95djI/AAAAAAAAAHk/n1LboZVDaek/s200/Greenish.adj.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Scene near Cheria Meenmutty...</span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">When we started from kombakkani it was quite dry and no trace of water could be seen.But once we reached Cheria Meenmutty we were welcomed by a beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear water.We all had a refreshing bath in the river.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Our idea was to trek further and stay at Valia Meenmutty(Big Meenmutty)which was a further 10 km uphill.I</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">t seemed that nature didnt want us to go any further since it rained very heavily.We got into the comforts of a forest rest house at Cheria Meenmutty and spent the night there.</span></strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJ3m95dsI/AAAAAAAAAIs/aX4GwftlKmE/s1600-h/chembadutha+Snake(poisonous).jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168735848295397058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJ3m95dsI/AAAAAAAAAIs/aX4GwftlKmE/s200/chembadutha+Snake(poisonous).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Chembadutha Snake</strong><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The heavy downpur changed the face of the Cheria Meenmutty waterfalls.It became brownish in color and the amount of water gushing down was considerably increased.It is dangerous to dip in the river at such occations and we stayed by the shore.</span></strong><br /></span></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">Evernthough I have named my trip as 'Trekking Agstya Mountains' we returned the next day.This time we didnt climb the Agastayrkoodam.</span></strong></p><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJ2295drI/AAAAAAAAAIk/7LJ6EzWaJ5Q/s1600-h/a+koodam.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168735835410495154" style="WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" height="150" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sJ2295drI/AAAAAAAAAIk/7LJ6EzWaJ5Q/s200/a+koodam.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Agastyaarkoodam..Much closer...</strong><br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">On the way back we were greeted by a baby Chembadutha snake.This is definitely elephant country but unfortunately we didnt bump against a herd!(or fortunately).</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I am impatient to make another trip to the beautiful Agastya Mountains....</span></strong></span></p><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUiNRuHEmrI/AAAAAAAAAyc/3BvMxn3kE-s/s1600-h/meenmutty.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280625898666891954" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/SUiNRuHEmrI/AAAAAAAAAyc/3BvMxn3kE-s/s200/meenmutty.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sE_G95dkI/AAAAAAAAAHs/0qQB574fylU/s1600-h/Meenmutty+Falls.jpg"></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Meenmutty waterfalls..Before the Rains</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sFCW95dlI/AAAAAAAAAH0/XJixooW-Cxg/s1600-h/Meenmutty+W+falls.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5168730535420851794" style="WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="150" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7sFCW95dlI/AAAAAAAAAH0/XJixooW-Cxg/s200/Meenmutty+W+falls.jpg" width="280" border="0" /></span></a><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">After the Rains....</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-4371039211005232840?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2015455294813484708.post-74893393132929414582008-02-17T11:32:00.002+05:302008-12-17T10:45:58.054+05:302008-12-17T10:45:58.054+05:30Silent Valley National Park<div><div><div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>My Dream Fulfilled</strong> </span><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>I have always dreamed of visiting the Silent Valley National park situated around 80kms from Palakkad(or Palghat)in Kerala.Eventhough I am a Keralite living in Trivandrum I never had the opportunity to visit my dream park earlier.I completely enjoyed my trip to Silent Valley and is having tremendous memories of the park whih turned out to be more breathtaking than what I thought.</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fVAm95dQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/j3Mh7Fbd4V8/s1600-h/silent+valley2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167833303867815170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fVAm95dQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/j3Mh7Fbd4V8/s320/silent+valley2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Park</span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>The Silent Valley National Park is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve.Its a small park with a geographical area of just 90 Sq.KMs.The park came into existence in 1980.The Silent Valley was rescued by naturalists and environmentlists from inundation by their relentless struggle against the construction of a dam in the 70s.The Kerala Govt abandoned their plan to construct the dam and a great rain forest was rescued.Today we can take our children to this park and show them the beautiful forest.</strong> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Getting there</strong> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>The Silent Valley National park is around 80 km from Palakkad and around 450km from Trivandrum.The visitors center for the park is at Sairandri and decent lodging facilities are offered by the forest department.Since there are no tarred roads the best option is to hire a jeep from Sairandri.Take permission from the Forest office at Sairandri and a guide is send with you to visit the park.</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fXeW95dRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/9ToETRnMbps/s1600-h/000036.JPG"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167836013992178962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fXeW95dRI/AAAAAAAAAFM/9ToETRnMbps/s320/000036.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Name</span></strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>The park got its name because of the conspicuous absence of Cicadas.You dont hear them sing in Silent Valley.But my forest guide tells me that now a days they do hear them sing!</strong><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Fauna and Flora</span></strong></div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Silent valley boasts of tremendous variety of animals and plants.Most of them are endemic to the park.At least 16 species of birds are labelled as thretend by the Bird Life International.The rare bird species seen here include Ceylon Frogmouth ,Great Indian Hornbill,Long-Legged Buzzard,Red winged crusted </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fmQm95dUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/PngZPsf4qvg/s1600-h/kingfisher.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167852270443394370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fmQm95dUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/PngZPsf4qvg/s320/kingfisher.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">cuckoo,pale harrier and many more.The Hornbill is the State bird of Kerala.There are at least 34 species mammals in Silent valley which includes the threatened Lion Tailed Macaque,Nilgiri Langur,Malabar Giant Squirrel,Nilgiri Tahr and Hairy winged Bat.Apart from this there are at least 730 species of insects in the park.The flora includes 1000 types of flowering plants 108 species of Orchids and 100 ferns. </span></strong><br /></div></div><br /><div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fjzm95dTI/AAAAAAAAAFc/5Px6wmbnCP4/s1600-h/watch+tower+silent+valley.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167849573203932466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fjzm95dTI/AAAAAAAAAFc/5Px6wmbnCP4/s320/watch+tower+silent+valley.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">My Experience</span></strong></div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>We hired a jeep from Sairandri and started our trip to the park along with our friendly forest guide at around 9 am.The 20km journey to the center of the park takes around 2 hours and the muddy road gives you a bumpy ride.We saw a few Lion tailed macaques and malabar squirrels on the way.We could also see a snake meandering its way into a thicket by the side of the road.A tall watch tower greets us at end of our journey.We climbed the tower and the scenery around us was extraordinary.</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fb8m95dSI/AAAAAAAAAFU/jbdlT4zB3N4/s1600-h/silent+valley+4.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167840931729732898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fb8m95dSI/AAAAAAAAAFU/jbdlT4zB3N4/s320/silent+valley+4.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">Kunthi River</span></strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>I havent seen a more pristine and crystal clear river than the Kunthi river at Silent Valley.The dam was proposed to be constructed across this river.Thanks once again to all those involved in preventing the Kerala Govnt from building it</strong> <strong>and today one can take a refreshing bath in this serene river.The Kunthi River runs across the park and drains in to the Bharathapuzha.Thre is a hanging bridge across the river in the park.There is a forest office near the watch tower and with the "jungle Orchestra" one can hear the cries of different animals and birds.</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">Momories of Silent Valley</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">We returned to Sairandri by evening and with prior permission we could have arranged for a stay in the park itself.Our trip was fantastic and we enjoyed our close encounter with the Silent Valley.I am sure about one thing......this is not my last visit to the great Silent Valley!</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw6295dYI/AAAAAAAAAGE/q-_4UUHm7Ms/s1600-h/kunthi+river.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167863991409145218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw6295dYI/AAAAAAAAAGE/q-_4UUHm7Ms/s200/kunthi+river.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></strong></div><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Serene.....Kunthi</span></strong><br /><br /></span><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw6295dXI/AAAAAAAAAF8/EBmsUxZa08g/s1600-h/brige2.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167863991409145202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw6295dXI/AAAAAAAAAF8/EBmsUxZa08g/s200/brige2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Hanging Bridge </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></strong><br /><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7G95dZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Wv1tYViNQXc/s1600-h/MVI_0644+001_0001.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167863995704112530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7G95dZI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Wv1tYViNQXc/s200/MVI_0644+001_0001.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">View from Tower</span></strong><br /><br /><br /></span><div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ffffff;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7W95dbI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QHguAet2YnA/s1600-h/sv5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167863999999079858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7W95dbI/AAAAAAAAAGc/QHguAet2YnA/s200/sv5.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Kunthi River....Nicely it flows</span></strong></span></div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7W95daI/AAAAAAAAAGU/LxeWL4MjU6Q/s1600-h/sv3.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167863999999079842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VSF3TKiBPLI/R7fw7W95daI/AAAAAAAAAGU/LxeWL4MjU6Q/s200/sv3.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ffffff;"><strong>26 Kms to Silent Valley </strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2015455294813484708-7489339313292941458?l=greenstvm.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>V S Sankarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16701942917985631294noreply@blogger.com1