ENVIS Centre: Kerala
Status of Environment and Related Issues

Tourism and Heritage

Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. Its unique feature, culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This Tropical paradise with its spectacular and diverse natural attractions has greatly attracted holiday makers from across the world. Kerala is one among the longest- lived, healthiest, most gender equitable and most literate regions makes it distinct from other developed countries. Realising the importance of tourism in stimulating the economic development of the state, the Government of Kerala declared tourism as an industry in 1986. Today, tourism is Kerala's booming industry and one of the fastest growing, high income and employment generating sector. Constant efforts are on to promote Kerala abroad and marketing strategies are being evolved along with new and exciting tourism products. The state department of tourism along with private entrepreneurs is taking steps to improve the facilities and infrastructure at places with tourism potential.
Kerala, promoted as “God’s Own Country” is blessed by nature with varied geographical features like beaches, hill stations, backwaters, national parks & wild life sanctuaries. The centuries- old holistic medicine of Ayurveda, the unique boat races that is the largest team sport in the world, the ride through the winding waterways in a cosy houseboat or the colourful and exotic festivals, Kerala offers a multitude of experience to the tourist. Popular attractions in the state include the beaches such as  Kovalam,  Varkala, Marari, Bekal and Kannur. Kerala’s most popular backwater destinations are Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kochi  and Kozhikode, and its best known hill stations are  Ponmudi, Munnar, Wayanad and Wagamon. Kerala has a number of  well- known wildlife reserves, including the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park,  Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tourist Statistics during 2009-10
Foreign Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2009 is 5,57,258. It shows a decrease of 6.96% over the previous year.
Domestic Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2009 is 79,13,537.  It shows an increase of 4.25% over the previous year
Foreign exchange earnings for the year 2009 is `2853.16 crores which recorded a decrease of 6.96% over the previous year
Total Revenue (including direct & indirect) from Tourism during 2009 is Rs.13,231 crores, showing an increase of 0.77% over the last year.
Foreign Tourist arrivals: Kerala Tourism Sector is concerned, the year 2009-10 has been recorded as an year of challenges compared to the previous years. The number of foreign tourist arrived in Kerala in the year 2009-10 is 557258 against 598929 in 2008-09.  It shows a decrease of 6.96 per cent over the previous year.  During the last year Kerala has contributed 10.91% of the total foreign tourist arrivals to India. A comparison of growth of foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala and India is shown below:

Domestic Tourist Arrivals: The number of domestic tourists to Kerala in the year 2009-10 is 7913537 against 7591250 in 2008-09.  It shows an increase of 4.25 per cent over the previous year.    The growth in foreign and domestic tourist arrivals to Kerala from 2005 to 2009 is given below:

District wise arrival of foreign and domestic tourists in Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam are the two leading districts recording the foreign tourists arrivals to Kerala for the last few years. For the domestic tourist’s arrival to Kerala, Ernakulam and Thrissur are the leading districts. Ernakulam is leading district in domestic and foreign tourist’s arrival where as Pathanamthitta is the least. Acomparison of District wise arrival of foreign and domestic tourists in Kerala is given below:
 

Tourist statistics 2008
Foreign Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2008 is 5,98,929. It shows an increase of 16.11 % over the previous year.
Domestic Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2008 is 75,91,250. It shows an increase of 14.28 % over the previous year.
Foreign exchange earnings for the year 2008 is Rs.3,066.52 Crores which recorded a growth of 16.11 % over the previous year.
Total Revenue (including direct & indirect ) from Tourism during 2008 is Rs.13,130.00 Crores, showing an increase of 14.84% over the last years figure.
Considering the district wise Foreign Tourist arrival, Wayanad district shows the highest variation of 37.75% over 2007.
Considering the district wise Domestic Tourist arrival, Alappuzha district shows the highest variation of 37.47 % over 2007.
Month wise Foreign and Domestic Tourist arrivals

District wise Foreign and Domestic Tourist arrivals

SCHEMES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

• Approval of Hotels (by Govt. of India)
• Approval of restaurants (by Govt. of India)
• Approval of Ayurveda Centres
• ‘Grihastali' for approval of heritage buildings
• Approval of motels
• Approval of Amusement Parks, recreation centres, handicrafts emporia
   

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR APPROVED PROJECTS

• Investment subsidy limited to 10% subject to a ceiling of Rs10 lakhs
• Support to avail loans from state financial institutions
• Concession in electricity charges
• Guidance and publicity support from the state Govt.
   

SUBSIDIES TO TOURISM RELATED PROJECTS

As per G.O. (P) No. 224 / 86 /GAD, the Government of Kerala has laid down the guidelines for sanctioning and disbursing subsidies to tourism related projects approved by the Department of Tourism. The State Investment Subsidy at present is 10% of the investment with a maximum limit of Rs.10 lakhs

Data Source: Economic Review 2010
Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala - http://www.keralatourism.org/
 

Eco Tourism

Eco tourism means management of tourism and conservation of nature in a way so as to maintain a fine balance between the requirements of tourism and ecology on one hand and the needs of the local communities for jobs, new skills, income generation and a better status for women on the other. The world Tourism Organisation has defined Eco tourism as 'Tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specified objects of studying, admiring, and enjoying nature and its wild plants and animals, as well as existing cultural aspects found in these areas'. In total, the definitions focus on three significant aspects - nature, tourism and local communities. It differs in the meaningful ways from mass tourism that aims at consuming nature and leaving it depleted on more than one front. Eco tourism aims at promoting environmental values and ethics and preserving nature in its uninterrupted forms. It thus benefits wildlife and nature by contributing towards ecological integrity. The tourist have a first hand encounter with nature and learn to admire it than to ravage it. Since the essence of eco tourism lies in admiration of nature and out door recreation, it encompasses a wide range of activities such as trekking, hiking, mountaineering, bird watching, boating, rafting, biological explorations and visiting wildlife sanctuaries.
The key elements of eco tourism are

1. A well preserved eco tourism site to attract tourists
2. Cultural and adventure activities
3. Active involvement of local people who are able to provide authentic information about nature, culture and their ethnic traditions to the visitors.
4. Empowering the local communities to manage eco tourism so that they ensure conservation through alternate livelihood opportunities.

India has a wide potential for eco tourism that needs to be tapped for economic benefits and for the conservation and preservation of nature. With the launching of the year 2002 as the International Year of eco tourism by the United Nations General Assembly, the global importance of eco tourism, its benefits as well as the impacts have received a lot of recognition
 

Thenmala in Kerala
Thenmala in Kerala is India's first planned ecotourism destination.Thenmala is situated in Kollam district of Kerala and is about 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala. The Thenmala eco-tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats. The word Thenmala in the local language Malayalam means 'Honey Hill'. It is believed that the honey collected from this region is of very good quality owing to its unique biological settings. Divided into different zones with a particular theme, the project area currently has three major zones viz. Culture Zone, Leisure Zone and Adventure Zone.
At the Culture Zone one can indulge in a variety of activities like trying few traditional Kerala dishes at the restaurant there, a bit of shopping for memento sake, a peep on Kerala's art and culture, an amphitheatre etc. But the highlight of the Culture Zone is the open air Musical Dancing Fountain, which is a big attraction among the visitors. There is also a Tourism Facilitation Center in the Culture Zone to provide information on a wide range of tourism products available at Thenmala.
Step into the Leisure Zone here we can try the boardwalk leading to the dam. The sway bridge here could be an exciting proposition, especially for children. Adding more variety and elegance to the landscape here is the Sculpture Garden, which has Man & Nature as its theme.
For those willing to test their adventure spirit would find the Adventure Zone in Thenmala quite a thrilling experience. Take the elevated walkway for a journey that winds through the canopy of trees and going over rocky terrains bringing one close to life at different heights. And still those who don't mind to give their body muscles a real work out can go for mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing.
Besides the zone-based activities for a visitor, Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offer other attractions, like an invigorating boat ride in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary; a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre, where one can have a look at a group of spotted deer, the sambar deer and the barking deer, which have been given protection after straying out from the forests. The project area also has tree top huts and children's ecopark, riverside treks, and battery powered vehicle rides through the forest, enabling one to sight wildlife from a close distance.
The State Govt. of Kerala has declared sixteen eco tourism hotspots in Kerala. They are Thenmala, Periyar, Parambikulam, Eravikulam, Aralam, Neyyar, Peppara, Arippa, Shenduruney, Gavi, Rhodovalley, Chimmini, Mankayam, Palaruvy, Konny and Thommankuthu.
Tips for Visitors
Total silence and discipline is required to spot wild animals.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the ideal time to visit forests.
Travelling alone is prohibited, especially in the Elephant Reserves.
Do not wear colourful clothes or perfumes. Khakis, browns and greens are best suited.
Always carry drinking water, tea/coffee, snacks etc.
Seek the assistance of a forest guard while going into the forests.
Do not disturb or tease animals.
Trekkers are advised to use jungle boots to ensure safety.
Carry a first aid kit with medicines for common ailments.
Do not litter the surroundings.
Do not remove anything from the Sanctuary.
Carry a notepad, flashlight, road maps, bus/train/airline timetables.
Do not try to explore unfamiliar things.

LIST OF ECO-TOURISM LOCATIONS IN FOREST DEPARTMENT

HILL STATIONS

SOUTH KERALA HILLS

ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA

(55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha) This is a picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district. Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks - Mankunnu, Kodayathoormala and Thonippara - makes this place ideal for trekking.

PONMUDY
Location: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, South Kerala.

Altitude: 915m above sea level.
Located within a short driving distance of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is an enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool green environs. Along with a beautiful array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets, Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and mist covered valleys Ponmudi is a fast developing hill resort with cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities.


AGASTHYAKOODAM

Location: 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Attractions: Rare herbs and medicinal plants.

The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here. Agasthyakoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

MANIYAMKUNNU
The majestic mountains here that slope down to meet the beautiful valleys below are truly spellbinding.

CHARALKUNNU
This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.

CENTRAL KERALA HILLS

NELLIYAMPAHY

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.

The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. Not far away from Palagapandy is Seethakundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

MUNNAR

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.

This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking. The phenomenon of once in twelve years occurring on the fabled hills of Munnar is attributed to the blooming of Neelakurinji or passionately called by botanists as 'Strobilanthes kunthianum'. The flower with 40 odd varieties bloom mostly in shades of blue, and thus in its name Neela in the local language stands for the colour blue and Kurinji the local name for the flower.

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.

One of the main attractions in and around Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.

Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Lying at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.

Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.

Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal is 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station
Top Station, which is about 3 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurunji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when to comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantation in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

PULLUMEDU
The winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here.

DHONI
15 km from Palakkad, It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

RAMAKKALMEDU

Located in Idukki district of Kerala, Ramakalmedu is about 40 km from Thekkady, which is one of the popular wildlife destinations in Kerala. Traveling on the Thekkady-Munnar road, one can reach the captivating hills of Ramakalmedu in the Western Ghats, which is about 16 km from Nedumkandam.

The place gets its name from the impressions of the feet found on the rock surface here, which is believed to be of Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, as told in the Indian epic Ramayana.
Ramakalmedu is noted for its verdant, cool hills and also for the panoramic and picturesque views of villages in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu, which is towards the eastern side of the Western Ghats. A noticeably tall, pillar-like rocky structure, about 300 m high and facing east is another attraction here.

PEERMEDU

Location: About 40 km from Kumily, Idukki district, Central Kerala.

Peermede is a lovely hill station at 915 m above sea level. It is an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important monument here. Peermede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peermede.

Another attraction here is Thrissanku Hills, about 4 km away. The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this a choice spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

RAJAMALA

About 15 km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world Tahr population estimated at around 1300. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!

MATTUPETTI

Cradled by the undulating plantation hills of Munnar, and not far away from the Anamudi peak is Mattupetty. Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers.

Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.

One of the main attractions in Mattupetty is the beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, which are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake.

Of all the main attractions at Mattupetty is the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with several varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.

VILANGANKUNNU
(7 km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which is a good picnic spot.

PATTUMALA

This silken hill, in Peermede in exhilarating Idukki, has charms like no other. The lofty peaks, the little streams and the green expanse of the tea plantations give the hills an ethereal beauty. An early morning walk through all this breathtaking loveliness might make you want to repeat the immortal lines, Bliss was it that dawn to be alive! At the top of a hill is the Velankanni Matha Church, a famous pilgrim center, which is built entirely of granite. Pattumala is also home to two of the biggest names in the tea production sector.

VAGAMON

Vagamon Hill,is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala is engulfed by three hills. It is from here one can see the green grass covering the hills and the smooth lawns like silk carpets with the fresh mountain air - make Vagamon Hill the most sort after tourist destination. Beautiful flowers, bluish brown hills, cotton mist, meadows, breathtaking view all of it can be enjoyed in the enchanting land of Vagamon Hill. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking on the mountains, para gliding and rock climbing. Have fun on the boat ride on the lakes or one can sit on the banks or hours and watch the sun go down. If lucky the tourists may spot wild animals like the elephants, wild buffalos and deer.

VATTAVADA

Located about 45 km east of Munnar is the serene village of Vattavada. At Vattavada, in comparison to other regions in Munnar, instead of tea plantations, it is the predominance of vegetables that occupy the terraced slopes and valleys of Vattavada.

The scenic hilly tract of Vattavada is at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level, and is a refreshing experience, which is yet to come under the constant gaze and the footprints of visitors. The place receives plenty of sunshine and the winter temperatures never dip below unbearable levels. Besides the slopes of vegetable fields, one could also find forest patches, interspersed with eucalyptus and conifers. The area also teems with bird life and also other winged beauties like butterflies in various colour, size and shape.

Vattavada could be taken for a place significant for trekking. Here, an avid trekker would get options to explore many adjoining locations. Some of the trekking routes starting from Vattavada include the ones going to Kodaikanal, Top Station, Mattupetty, Kanthaloor and Meesapulimala. Most of these treks offer enough excitement in terms of negotiating the terrain as well as enjoying the floral and faunal wealth on its course. Visitors could also engage in activities like mountain jeep safari, mountain biking, jungle camping etc. offered by private operators in the region.

The local populace of Vattavada has a significant number of tribals. Their way of life, art forms, language, natural remedies are some of the other interesting aspects that could be of interest to visitors coming to Vattavada.
 

KUNDLA

THRISANKU HILLS
(4 km from Peerumede, 1/2 km from Kuttikanam)The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

NORTH KERALA HILLS
NILAMBUR
 

The Teak Plantation in Malappuram

Location: 40 km from Malappuram town, Malappuram district, north Kerala.
Nilambur is renowned for the oldest teak plantation in the world, the Conolly's Plot, just 2 km from town. The place is also noted for its tribal settlements, the world's first Teak Museum, vast rain forests, waterfalls and ancient kovilakoms - residences of maharajas. The teak plantation is named after H.V. Conolly, the Malabar District Collector during the British rule, who was instrumental in planting teak in the entire Nilambur area. Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, organised the hectic task of planting the saplings. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly's Plot.The oldest teak tree, Kannimari, is a rare attraction at the Conolly Plot. The plot extends across 2.31 hectares beside the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferries visitors across. Four kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur road, stands the world's first Teak Museum. The museum is a sub-centre of the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Arranged in the two storeyed building are exhibits, articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value, which give information on all aspects of the teak to visitors. Nedumkayam, just 18 km from Nilambur town, is noted for its rich rain forests. From the wooden rest house built here by the British, elephants and deer can be seen. One has to get permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed in a measure to save the existing forest land. A half hour journey from here, through the dense forests, by jeep takes one to Mancheri, the home of the Cholai Naikars, a primitive tribe.
 

RANIPURAM

The Teak Plantation in Malappuram
Location: (85 km from Kasaragod town) Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation - evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests of Madathumala merge with the forests of Karnataka. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the top of the mountains.
 

WAYANADU

Area: 2132 sq. km


Population: 671, 195 (2001 census)

Altitude: 700 - 2100 m above sea level
A bio-diverse region spread across 2,132 square kilometers on the lofty Western Ghats, Wayanad is one of the view districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. And the very first prehistoric engravings in Kerala discovered in the foothills of Edakkal and around Ambukuthimala bear testimony to a prehistoric culture dating back to the Mesolithic Age. Strikingly scenic, it is known for its sub-tropical savannahs, picturesque hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich Cultural traditions. A holistic confluence of wilderness, history and culture, Wayanad is located on the southern tip of the magnificent Deccan plateau.

VELLARI MALA AND IRINGAL
Vellari Mala

Verdant, rolling landscape, with numerous brooks, cascades and breathtaking waterfalls, Vellari Mala offers is a true abode for you to unwind and to immerse in the whiff of its limitless fresh air. River Kanjirapuzha, a tributary of the River Chaliyar, meanders through the rocky terrain, creating cascades and breathtaking waterfalls at many points. The land's beauty and topography is truly a trekker's paradise and is also an ideal picnic spot for people of all age group to have a good time.

Iringal
The famous son of Iringal, Kunjali Marakkar went on to become the trusted admiral and commanded the Zamorin's fleet and thwarted the efforts of Portuguese vessels trying their best to make a landing on the Kerala coast. The birthplace of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin is situated on the southern bank of the Mooradi River. Today, Keralites remember his valour and selfless service rendered for his motherland with lot of reverence.

The Department of Archaeology took over his birthplace for preserving and also to give an opportunity for generations to come and pay respect to one of Kerala's valiant sons.
Reference
http://www.keralatourism.org/destination/hills