INDIA KERALA -THE KERALA NATVENTURE BECKONS ( PART 1)

Get off the tourist trail and pack your bags for Kerala Natventure. Where adventure is all about taking on nature in its raw. Taming its twists and turns. Its rocky paths. It’s high and lows. Its rapids. Its slow currents. Its fury. It’s calm. Come, the trip of your life beckons.

A different game altogether

A unique topography, diverse terrain and equable climate are what make Kerala an exclusive adventure destination. From high mountains, gorges and deep cut valleys to rolling hills and shallow valleys, Kerala’s 38,863 sq km holds within itself a variety of landscapes that differ in settings and flavor. Each one of them will offer you an intense encounter with nature; each other of them will set you off on some of life’s most interesting journeys.

1. TREK AND CAMP

Tropical rainforests, scenic country sides, majestic hills, spice plantations, grasslands. Kerala has some of nature’s most exotic playgrounds for the trekker in you. From the myth shrouded Agasthyakoodam, a haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, to Parambikulam that shelters the world’s first ever scientifically managed teak plantation, every trekking experience here will be as captivating as the destination them. Trek under a starlit sky. Spot the majestic tiger. Breathe in the fragrant air of the spices. Watch exotic birds…….

AGASTHYAKOODAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Located 70 km from Thiru vananthapuram, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Southern India at 1868m. The trek through the forest interspersed with grasslands, waterfalls and steep climbs is truly magical.

PARAMBIKULAM, PALAKKAD

Parambikulam offers 2 fascinating trekking options. The Cochin State trekking options. The Cochin State Forest Tramway route, giving you a unique opportunity to spot rare wildlife. A naturalist’s delight is the Kariyanshola Trail that takes you through evergreen forests that shelter endangered medicinal plants and orchids.

MUNNAR, IDUKKI

An undulating lush terrain makes Munnar a trekker’s delight. The 6 hour trek, through butterfly forest to Meespulimala at 2624 m, followed by a descend through tea and eucalyptus plantations to the scenic campsite at Rhodo Valley, is one of the highlights.

2..ROCK CLIMBING

If you are ready to pit yourself against gravity and push your physical and mental limits, Kerala’s hills, mountains and cliffs with their rigid climbs and steep slopes present immense opportunities for rock climbing. While Eruthavoor in Thiruvananthapur and the adventure zone at Thenmala in Kollam are the most popular, there are others like Munnar in Idukki and Kolagappara near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad that offer an equally thrilling experience.

ERUTHAVOOR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, Eruthavoor is fast developing as a rock climbing site. The craggy rock here is 160 ft in height. The Kerala chapter of the National Adventure Foundation regularly organize rock climbing camps here.

THENMALA, KOLLAM

Situated 72 km from Thiruvaanthapuram, Thenmala is home to India’s first planned ecotourism project. The rugged terrain of this land that lies 500 m above sea level packs plenty of adventure activities. The adventure zone at Thenmala offers options for recreational rock climbing and rappelling with rocks of different heights and sizes, equipped with pegs and ropes.

3.WILDLIFE SAFARIS

With 16 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national nestled in the Western Ghats, Kerala offers countless options for wildlife safaris. The rich flora and fauna as well as the unique topography of the sanctuaries make every safari truly special. Enjoy majestic views of the forest perched comfortably on the back of an elephant. Follow a tiger trail. Come face to face with wild boars, otters , exotic birds and more. A boat safari through the Periyar Lake will enable you to spot herds of eplehants , sambar deer etc by the water’s edge.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY , IDUKKI

Sprawled across 777 sq km, Periyar Sanctuary’s unique geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape make it a hots ot for wildlife safaris. Declared as a Tiger Reserve, the Sanctuary’s 26 sq km artificial lake, which serves as a watering hole for the animals during summer, adds to the experience.

GAVI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, PATHANAMTHITTA

Developed as an exclusive ecotorism project, Gavi’s evergreen forests shelter exotic wildlife including the Lion Tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Marten as well as rare flora including Podocarpus Wallchinia. The forests are also home to over 320 species of birds- the Great Indian Hornbill, Sunbord , Woodpecker and more.

WAYAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Declared as a project Elephant site and rich in bio diversity, Wayanad Sanctuary is where you can see elephants roaming freely. Tigers, deer and wild boars can also be sighted occasionally at this Sanctuary that shelters flora typical of the South Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests.