subject: Ponmudi, Thenmala Invite Brave Souls [print this page] If you are a lover of hills and adventure you have two places inviting you tantalizingly. Both are in Kerala and both are quite easy to reach (60 km and 72 km respectively) from the Kerala Capital""Trivandrum-which is well linked by air, rail, and motor vehicle.
Ponmudi Hills and Trekking Paradise
Ponmudi is on the outer edge of the SouthernWestern Ghats near Agasthyakoodam which is perched at 6,201ft and the second tallest peak after Anamudi. This place gives you the best trekking escapade with its offer of adventure (but safe) and your fill of flora and fauna.
Ponmudi means "Golden Hair" a name the hills believed to have earned for the golden blaze the hilltop dons at dawn. It"s the handiwork of Heaven"s greatest artist: Sun. Tourpackagekerala advise you to approach Ponmudi driving slow to feel the thrilling experience. The 60-km route has 22 hairpin curves that would enthrall you. Since adventurism is in your blood, you"d love the seemingly dangerous but safe trip which, nevertheless, frequently pump adrenalin in your bloodstream.
En route are many rivers and breathtaking waterfalls to add spice to the journey. You could get down near Kallar upstream and begin trek or you could go all the way up to Ponmudi, drink in the scenery first, rest, and then take the plunge.
Thenmala: India"s maiden eco-tourism
Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of Western Ghats, just 72 km from Trivandrum, and it"s predominantly a forest area. The famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is the most important ecotourism resource of Thenmala Ecotourism. This Wildlife Sanctuary is of about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of minor flora and fauna.
Incidentally, Thenmala, in vernacular means "Honey Hills." The honey collected from Thenmala forest region is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forests.
Nestled 160 m above sea level, Thenmala, is the first eco tourism project in India. Woven around a dam built across Kallada River, Thenmala is famous a favored spot for cine-shooting though they do not disturb the visitors, rather guests get entertained by them.
Everything available here-- from food to stay--are made in eco-friendly way. You get healthy cuisine, shops and products, all made from the stuff provided by Mother Earth. A potpourri of gifts made of natural fibre is available. Shop court, amphitheatre, cultural showcase, open air musical dancing fountain, which is a synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound, and light located in the natural surroundings are added attractions here.
A garden comprising of 27 trees associated with the 27 birth stars could enchant you. It is believed that your sighting them bring you good luck. Walk along and get more information on the trees.
Butterfly Safari
An abode of the butterflies in an open ambience? Yes, a garden of host plants for the butterfly has been created enabling the large number of butterfly species of the region to thrive. A guided walk (Safari) along the nature trail of the garden will provide the visitor an opportunity to sight the butterflies and to learn about the butterflies.
by: Sanjay Gopinath
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