4. BIRD WATCHING
The abundance of greenery makes Kerala an avian paradise. Over 500 species of birds- both residents and migratory- can be found in the lush green tropical forests, numerous freshwater and brackish lakes and waterlogged paddy fields of the state. From the Kol lands ( marshalands and open paddy fields) surrounding the town of Thrissur to the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary in Ernakulam,Kerala abounds in birding sites. November to February is the best time to spot migratory birds.
THATTEKKAD BIRD SANCTUARY, ERNAKULAM
Also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, after the internationally renowned ornithologist, Thattekkad is one of the richest bird habitats on peninsular India. Spread across 25 sq km, it is home to over 300 species of birds like the Srilankan Frogmouth, Rackettailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Whitebellied Treepie, Shama , Yellow browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, White bellied Blue Flycatcher and Malabar Grey Hornbill.
KUMARAKOM BIRD SANCTUARY, KOTTAYAM
Spread across 14 acres, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has an interesting variety of birdlife like the Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, White Ibis as well as several species of Kingfishers, Egrets, and Herons etc. Between the months of November and May, it plays host to rare migratory birds. The Vembanad lake around attracts waterfowl like Pin tailed Duck and birds of prey like Osprey , Marsh Harrier, Steppe Eagle etc.
5. THE HILL TRAIL
Cycle from the lowland forests of Thattekkad in Ernakulam, along the banks of Periyar and spice scented mountain roads to reach the foothills of the Western Ghats at Adimadi. Make your way to the hills of Munnar and from there to the Wildlife Sanctuar at Chinnar.Later, ride to lower elevations to reach the waterfalls at Vazhachal and Athirapally.
6. BEACH BACKWATER
Pedal through fishing villages and coconut plantations towards the Marari Beach in Alappuzha. Go past small villages, markets, temples and paddy fields to discover rustic Kerala at its best in Alappuzha. Cycle through the villages of Kuttanadu, the rice bowl of Kerala and the only place where farming is done below sea level.
7. WILD TRACKS
Ride along tea and spice plantations, quaint villages and tropical rainforests in Wayanad. Lush Vythiri located 2600 ft above sea level, the quaint town of Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady - the forests of which are noted for its scenic beauty are some of the spots where possibilities for cycling abound, thanks to beauty and diversity of the landscape.
8. CYCLING
There is nothing like cycling to discover Kerala up close and personal – be it the land’s culture, history or natural beauty. Kerala has it all for the cycling enthusiast – rustic country lanes, winding paths across lush paddy fields, dusty tracks that lead to remote hamlets, exotic trails that run along tea gardens, spice plantations and rubber estates…..a friendly people make the experience even more delightful. Strike a conversation with the locals. Stop by a local tea shack. Explore destinations not found on the tourist map. Cycle your way to the heart of Kerala.
WAYANAD
Spread across 2132 sq km on the lofty Western Ghats, Wayanad’s interesting mix of hills , forests and savannahs and plantations makes it perfect for off road events. With an altitude that varies from 700 to 2100 meters above sea level, Wayanad has some exciting routes with wide variations in terrain including some of the steepest hills and virgin forests.
MUNNAR
With its varied scenery, mountain climbs and bends, Munnar is a favourite with racing enthusiasts. Thanks to the demanding routes across its rugged landscapes.
9. OFF ROAD JAUNTS
A much sought after venue for India’s premier off road events, Kerala has the right terrain to put your driving skills to the tests. Rugged land, slushy trails, gentle canals, shallow river bed, dense forests, green valleys and mist –capped mountains……take them all on 2 wheeler or 4 x 44 s of your choice. The boulder –filled terrain of Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram , the steep rocky cliffs and stream crossings of Peerumedu in Idukki district, the raw and rustic landscape of Wayanad…… Kerala presents immense possibilities for the adventurous.
No comments:
Post a Comment