Kerala Backwater offers you a complete experience of Kerala tourism. Enjoy tours of the backwaters, beaches, hill stations, cities, wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.
Our Kerala tourism section highlights the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, hill stations and eco tourism of Kerala. It showcases the best aspects of Kerala tourism so you can know more about the tourist attractions of Kerala and enjoy Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Learn about the history of Kerala and how traders from ancient Phoenicia to tourists from all over the world today, travel to Kerala. Discover the classical dance forms of Kathakali and Mohiniattam and the martial art of Kalaripayattu in the culture of Kerala. Travel to the rubber, tea and spice plantations of Kerala on eco tourism adventures. Learn about the legendary spices of Kerala including pepper, Pepper, cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla and Nutmeg. Read about the delicious cuisine of Kerala and learn about the essential nature of coconuts and bananas in Kerala cuisine. Travel to the wildlife sanctuaries of Periyar, Silent Valley and Erivakulam, on wildlife tourism in Kerala and visit Munnar and other beautiful hill stations in Kerala with Kerala tourism.
Kerala Backwater showcases the best of Kerala tourism. Experience the tourist delights of Kerala on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Hear the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as you drift on a Kerala backwaters. Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. See the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, India, as you sail on traditional Ketuvalloms or houseboats, on a Kerala backwater.
Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of elements. As you float on a Kerala backwater, the beauty of the serene waterways and quaint inlets and creeks along the coast of Kerala will enchant you. Experience an unforgettable journey, along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, India, with Kerala Backwaters.
Showing posts with label wild life in kerala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wild life in kerala. Show all posts
Kerala Tour - The Best Way to Visit God’s Own Country
Every place and corner of the state bespeak of a magical charm and peacefulness that can be only be experienced and not described in words. You can take long stroll on the sun-kissed beaches or enjoy the waves lapping at your feet along the long stretches. The magic of Kerala never seems to end even as thousands of tourists flock down to this wonderland to enjoy its natural beauty, which is also termed as “Venice of East.” Experience the sunny beaches and tranquility of backwaters during your next vacation in India and enjoy different places in Kerala that hot tourist destinations.
One of the most remarkable features of Kerala is its beautiful and scenic landscape that makes it an ideal tourist destination. Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha and Thekkady are hot tourist spots, which are full of popular tourist spots. Next time you plan a vacation, ask your tour operator to book you for the tours and travel around various cities of Kerala laden with natural scenic beauty.
Kerala is not only abode to tourist attractions but also holds religious importance. You can visit various tourist spots of religious importance that are loaded with religious and cultural sites like of Calicut, Mahe, Wayanad, Cheruthuruthy and Kumarakom. Kerala also hosts various classical dance and cultural shows that are extremely popular amongst international tourists especially those who are interested in art, culture and drama. You can gather some memorable moments during your visit to Kerala by enjoying some of the major dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kolkkali, Valakkali, and Tholppavakoothu.
The impressive structures of Kerala in the form of houses, shops and temples make Kerala tour an impressive one. The beauty of temples depict rich cultural heritage and make them important tourist spots. Hundreds of tour operators readily offer customized Kerala Tours that suit all types of budgets and schedules. Some of the popular temple tours are Guruvayoor Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Thrissur Pooram Temple and Parthasarathi Temple tour.
Kerala is known primarily for its backwaters and its ayurvedic spas. Backwaters are a must see during your trip to Kerala. Tourists are enchanted by the serenity and tranquility of the backwaters that lies in abundance amidst scenic natural beauty. Tall and beautiful coconut trees and palm trees enhance the beauty of Kerala backwaters and you can float on lovely houseboats enjoying the charm of the calm waters.
Kerala backwaters are known for its lush greenery that soothes your body and mind. Choose from different Kerala Tour Packages such as Alappuzha Backwaters tours, Kozhikode Backwaters tours, Kollam Backwaters tours, Kottayam Backwaters tours, Kochi Backwaters tours, Kumarakom Backwaters tours and Thiruvallam Backwaters tours.
Who can forget the long sandy beaches of Kerala that are major tourist attractions? Long stretches of sand are the best places to visit during your Kerala tour that remain unspoiled with human habitation and pollution. Kerala definitely has an alluring coastline existing in its purest form. Rocky cliffs and dancing palm trees along the coastline mark these beaches. You can enjoy the lovely beaches such as Kappad Beach, Kappil Beach, Kovalam Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Beypore Beach, Cherai Beach and Chithari Beach.
Kerala offers more than simple rocky cliffs on the sandy beaches. The land is laden with various hills that offer tourist to enjoy their vacations at most favored hill stations like Munnar, Rajamala, Ponmudi and Ramakalmedu. All those in love with wildlife can enjoy the wildlife tours such as Eravikulam wildlife Tours, Chinnar wildlife Tours and Periyar wildlife tours.
One of the most remarkable features of Kerala is its beautiful and scenic landscape that makes it an ideal tourist destination. Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha and Thekkady are hot tourist spots, which are full of popular tourist spots. Next time you plan a vacation, ask your tour operator to book you for the tours and travel around various cities of Kerala laden with natural scenic beauty.
Kerala is not only abode to tourist attractions but also holds religious importance. You can visit various tourist spots of religious importance that are loaded with religious and cultural sites like of Calicut, Mahe, Wayanad, Cheruthuruthy and Kumarakom. Kerala also hosts various classical dance and cultural shows that are extremely popular amongst international tourists especially those who are interested in art, culture and drama. You can gather some memorable moments during your visit to Kerala by enjoying some of the major dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kolkkali, Valakkali, and Tholppavakoothu.
The impressive structures of Kerala in the form of houses, shops and temples make Kerala tour an impressive one. The beauty of temples depict rich cultural heritage and make them important tourist spots. Hundreds of tour operators readily offer customized Kerala Tours that suit all types of budgets and schedules. Some of the popular temple tours are Guruvayoor Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Thrissur Pooram Temple and Parthasarathi Temple tour.
Kerala is known primarily for its backwaters and its ayurvedic spas. Backwaters are a must see during your trip to Kerala. Tourists are enchanted by the serenity and tranquility of the backwaters that lies in abundance amidst scenic natural beauty. Tall and beautiful coconut trees and palm trees enhance the beauty of Kerala backwaters and you can float on lovely houseboats enjoying the charm of the calm waters.
Kerala backwaters are known for its lush greenery that soothes your body and mind. Choose from different Kerala Tour Packages such as Alappuzha Backwaters tours, Kozhikode Backwaters tours, Kollam Backwaters tours, Kottayam Backwaters tours, Kochi Backwaters tours, Kumarakom Backwaters tours and Thiruvallam Backwaters tours.
Who can forget the long sandy beaches of Kerala that are major tourist attractions? Long stretches of sand are the best places to visit during your Kerala tour that remain unspoiled with human habitation and pollution. Kerala definitely has an alluring coastline existing in its purest form. Rocky cliffs and dancing palm trees along the coastline mark these beaches. You can enjoy the lovely beaches such as Kappad Beach, Kappil Beach, Kovalam Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Beypore Beach, Cherai Beach and Chithari Beach.
Kerala offers more than simple rocky cliffs on the sandy beaches. The land is laden with various hills that offer tourist to enjoy their vacations at most favored hill stations like Munnar, Rajamala, Ponmudi and Ramakalmedu. All those in love with wildlife can enjoy the wildlife tours such as Eravikulam wildlife Tours, Chinnar wildlife Tours and Periyar wildlife tours.
Kerala Tours – Enjoy God’s Own Country
The land of lush greenery, pristine backwaters and captivating beaches, Kerala truly matches with its name as “God’s Own Country”. Globally recognized as one of the best paradises of the world, Kerala’s magnetism attract millions of tourists from every corner of the world.
Kerala tours provide memorable moments both for leisure tourists and business travelers. The calm beaches of Kerala, such as Kovalam, Alleppey, Mararikulam, Varkala, offer the best time of holidays especially for honeymooners. The shining rays of magnificent sunset cuddling the crystal water add beauty to the beach. The sunset can be said as an outstanding art of God which gives an inexpressible peace to visitors.
The state has a cluster of stunning spots to visit and explore. Every nook and corner of Kerala is attractive. The best scenic place that lifts state’s beauty is Munnar. Locating at a distance of 120 kilometer from Cochin, this striking reserve is famous for its incredible spots and marvelous tea and coffee plantations. This stunning spot also provides some panoramic views of slanting plantations.
While planning holidaying in Kerala, you can avail various attractive tour packages as offered by travel agents, such as such as honeymoon tour, Ayurveda tour, backwater tour, best of Kerala Tourism, beach tour and wildlife tour. These mind blowing tour packages are organized to gift a memorable cruise to the visitors. Apart from these packages, visitors can plan self guided tours with the support of tour organizations.
Kerala backwater tours are inevitable part of holiday celebrations. It takes people to a world of unique peace and tranquility. Kerala is rich with number of placid beaches where sun kisses the splashing waves and sleeping sands. A visit to these serene beaches with spouse makes the event an unforgettable one.
Major activities in Kerala to rock the holidays include penetrating natural beauty, participating in the cultural festivals, tasting the yummy dishes, and savoring the natural treatments. The state invites people to experience the most exotic spas and to receive the goodness of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is considered as the most ancient medical science of the country that cures mental and physical problems in a natural way with out any side effects. Presently, Kerala is the center for alternative medicines and is the major reason for augmented tourism in the State.
Coming to Kerala, the sure not to miss experience is the wildlife tour. There are many famous wildlife sanctuaries that take you to real world of animals, birds and vegetation. Counting on most visited sanctuaries and national parks of Kerala include Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Different boat cruises arranged by travel companies give you the chance to see the animals from nearby drinking water. Other wildlife that can be seen live include leopards, tiger, sloth bear, porcupine and flying squirrel.
To submerge in the exciting culture of Kerala, the best way is to witness the snake boat racing which occurs once in a year as a part of Onam (national festival) celebrations. This green state is preferred by most of the tourists round the globe to enjoy the holidays in its best manner and to view the most enthralling locations at one place.
Kerala tours provide memorable moments both for leisure tourists and business travelers. The calm beaches of Kerala, such as Kovalam, Alleppey, Mararikulam, Varkala, offer the best time of holidays especially for honeymooners. The shining rays of magnificent sunset cuddling the crystal water add beauty to the beach. The sunset can be said as an outstanding art of God which gives an inexpressible peace to visitors.
The state has a cluster of stunning spots to visit and explore. Every nook and corner of Kerala is attractive. The best scenic place that lifts state’s beauty is Munnar. Locating at a distance of 120 kilometer from Cochin, this striking reserve is famous for its incredible spots and marvelous tea and coffee plantations. This stunning spot also provides some panoramic views of slanting plantations.
While planning holidaying in Kerala, you can avail various attractive tour packages as offered by travel agents, such as such as honeymoon tour, Ayurveda tour, backwater tour, best of Kerala Tourism, beach tour and wildlife tour. These mind blowing tour packages are organized to gift a memorable cruise to the visitors. Apart from these packages, visitors can plan self guided tours with the support of tour organizations.
Kerala backwater tours are inevitable part of holiday celebrations. It takes people to a world of unique peace and tranquility. Kerala is rich with number of placid beaches where sun kisses the splashing waves and sleeping sands. A visit to these serene beaches with spouse makes the event an unforgettable one.
Major activities in Kerala to rock the holidays include penetrating natural beauty, participating in the cultural festivals, tasting the yummy dishes, and savoring the natural treatments. The state invites people to experience the most exotic spas and to receive the goodness of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is considered as the most ancient medical science of the country that cures mental and physical problems in a natural way with out any side effects. Presently, Kerala is the center for alternative medicines and is the major reason for augmented tourism in the State.
Coming to Kerala, the sure not to miss experience is the wildlife tour. There are many famous wildlife sanctuaries that take you to real world of animals, birds and vegetation. Counting on most visited sanctuaries and national parks of Kerala include Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Different boat cruises arranged by travel companies give you the chance to see the animals from nearby drinking water. Other wildlife that can be seen live include leopards, tiger, sloth bear, porcupine and flying squirrel.
To submerge in the exciting culture of Kerala, the best way is to witness the snake boat racing which occurs once in a year as a part of Onam (national festival) celebrations. This green state is preferred by most of the tourists round the globe to enjoy the holidays in its best manner and to view the most enthralling locations at one place.
Nellyampathy Hill Station
Nellyampathy Hill Station, Kerala has the recognition of being one of the prominent tourist destinations. In the south Indian region it stretches through a distance of 52 kilometers from Palakkad in Kerala, India. Padagiri is the highest peak of this hill station and it is also a place for adventurous people as it provides opportunity for sports like:
- Mountain climbing
- Trekking
The landscapes of Nelliyampathy hill station are enthralling as greenery of the place is an eye candy. The vibrant colors of the hill station are sure to hypnotize the visitors. Orange, coffee and tea are the plantations provide glamorous touch to the valleys spread far wide.
Nelliyampathy hill station lies in the Palakkad District and is 52 kilometers south of Nemmara. The hill station is above sea level and has a height of 467 to 1572 m
Among all the hill stations in Kerala, Nelliyampathy hill station has evergreen forests and the Sahya ranges. Seethakundu at Nellyampathy is a beautiful site to visit.
The magnificent view of clear blue sky widened overhead and the verdant green carpets spread all throughout makes Nelliyampathy hill station a must visit place in Kerala.
Once in Nelliyampathy hill station a tourist can visit the Parambikjlam Wildlife Sanctuary, Thunakadavu and Malampuzha.
Nelliyampathy hill station of Kerala thus emerges out of the western ghat ranges and offers a beautiful site for the onlooker as they can get hold of the misty mountain ranges.
- Mountain climbing
- Trekking
The landscapes of Nelliyampathy hill station are enthralling as greenery of the place is an eye candy. The vibrant colors of the hill station are sure to hypnotize the visitors. Orange, coffee and tea are the plantations provide glamorous touch to the valleys spread far wide.
Nelliyampathy hill station lies in the Palakkad District and is 52 kilometers south of Nemmara. The hill station is above sea level and has a height of 467 to 1572 m
Among all the hill stations in Kerala, Nelliyampathy hill station has evergreen forests and the Sahya ranges. Seethakundu at Nellyampathy is a beautiful site to visit.
The magnificent view of clear blue sky widened overhead and the verdant green carpets spread all throughout makes Nelliyampathy hill station a must visit place in Kerala.
Once in Nelliyampathy hill station a tourist can visit the Parambikjlam Wildlife Sanctuary, Thunakadavu and Malampuzha.
Nelliyampathy hill station of Kerala thus emerges out of the western ghat ranges and offers a beautiful site for the onlooker as they can get hold of the misty mountain ranges.
Devikulam Hill Station
A dainty little town sixteen kilometers south west of Munnar, a perfect picture of fairytale enchantment - irresistible green slopes moving up to the sky at a thousand meters, a lovely little hidden lake within the rolling hills, this is what Devikulam is like. Devikulam hill station is one of the most enchanting hill resorts of Kerala, God's own country. Its lush green vegetation, the chirping birds, the wild wild flowers, is what Devikulam has to offer to its visitors.
Hidden within the rolling hills is a clear water lake, with which a Hindu Mythological legend is associated. The legend goes something like this: The Hindu deity lord Rama's wife Sita once came to this place and bathed in the lake. Since then, this hill resort is known as Devikulam (the lake of Goddess). The most significant thing about the lake is that it has a fountain spring that gives healthy mineral water.
The Devikulam Hill Station gives its visitors varied adventure options like hiking, nature trekking, and mountaineering. Devikulam hill station is an ideal hill station for the peace seekers to idle away their time in the lap of green.
To the north of Devikulam at about one hour drive sprawls the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. With the rare sandalwood forest, it makes a thorny rain-shadowed scrub jungle found nowhere else in Kerala. It is in this sanctuary that you would find the highly engendered species of both, the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise along with a large population of gaur.
Other major highlights of the sanctuary are the Thoovanam falls on the Chinnar River and the tall watchtower producing the incredible view of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Pallivasal waterfall, at a very short distance from Devikulam, is a popular picnic spot. Another specialty of Devikulam Hill Station is that it can be visited at any time of the year simply for its pretty mild climate.
Hidden within the rolling hills is a clear water lake, with which a Hindu Mythological legend is associated. The legend goes something like this: The Hindu deity lord Rama's wife Sita once came to this place and bathed in the lake. Since then, this hill resort is known as Devikulam (the lake of Goddess). The most significant thing about the lake is that it has a fountain spring that gives healthy mineral water.
The Devikulam Hill Station gives its visitors varied adventure options like hiking, nature trekking, and mountaineering. Devikulam hill station is an ideal hill station for the peace seekers to idle away their time in the lap of green.
To the north of Devikulam at about one hour drive sprawls the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. With the rare sandalwood forest, it makes a thorny rain-shadowed scrub jungle found nowhere else in Kerala. It is in this sanctuary that you would find the highly engendered species of both, the grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise along with a large population of gaur.
Other major highlights of the sanctuary are the Thoovanam falls on the Chinnar River and the tall watchtower producing the incredible view of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Pallivasal waterfall, at a very short distance from Devikulam, is a popular picnic spot. Another specialty of Devikulam Hill Station is that it can be visited at any time of the year simply for its pretty mild climate.
Kerala Flora and Fauna
The evergreen forests are distributed all over the State, and they grow even up to 1372 m elevation on the Western Ghats. At lower elevation, however, this type merges imperceptibly into the tropical semi-evergreen forests, which is an intermediate type between the wet Evergreen and the Moist Deciduous forests. At higher elevation the wet Evergreen merge into Shola forests and they in turn pass on to mountain grassy lands (lyppan. 1960). Dry type forest are limited to the portions -in the leeward side of the Ghats, and the two main dry localities in the State are the Walayar and Anjanad Valleys in north Kerala.
Five types of forests which are the products of variation in topography, soil and rainfall, have been identified in Kerala (Innes, 1951). They constitute the Deciduous forests of the plains, Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes, Evergreen Shola forests, Bamboo forests of the Wynad, and the Deciduous forests of the Wynad and Attappadi valley. The Deciduous forests occur along the plains and lower Ghat slope extending upto the hill sides up to 457 m above M.S.L. They are also found along the river banks. The Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes are seen on the western and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats right from foot hills upto 1220 m a.s.l. The forest growth is magnificent where the rainfall is very heavy, and in some places the rainfall exceeds 7500 mm. The trees are evergreen with abundance of epiphytic orchides, mosses, ferns, rattans, tree ferns, climbing ferns and creepers.
Evergreen Shola forests are noted on all the higher slopes of the Ghats including the Brahmagiri range and also in the highest parts of the Attappadi valley between the altitude of 1067 and 1829 m.a.s.l. Fern and mosses are abundant in these forests but the orchids are poorly represented. Families such as Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, and Styracaceae are dominant. Luxuriant growth of Arundinaria Wightiana Ness, Reed bamboo in this forest is significant. Bamboo forests are found in the marroco belt lying east of the Ghat where the rainfall ranges from 1500 to 2500 mm. The forest stretches from the foot of the Nilgiris on the south to the Brahmagiri on the north. The most dominant species is Bambusa arundinacea wild which is the common bamboo still widely used by tribes for various pur¬poses in their day to day life. The uncultivated swampy lands are dominated by Pandanus Odoratissimus Roxb, Melastoma malabaricum, Linn, and Ligodium. Deciduous forests are found in the Wynad plateau and in the lower portion of Attappadi valley.
Some of the important cultivated crops in Kerala come under certain types of cereals, pulses, oil seed crops, miscellane¬ous crops, ugars, condiments and species, fibre crops and narcotics. Oryza sative Lmn, Rice is the most important cereal crop which is being cultivated in almost all parts of Kerala.
Cocos nucifere Linn, Coconut grows luxuriously in all districts except Palghat where Borassus-fiabellifer Linn, Palmera grows most. Coconut growth is profuse in the coastal region and in the Midlands, and it is the most important among all the oil seed crops and fibre crops in the State.
Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f., lack, plavu, Mangifera indica Linn, Mango tree, Mavu; Anacardium occidentala Linn, Cashew tree, Parankimavu; Musa sapizntum Linn, Banana, Vazha; Monihot Utllissima Pohl, Tapioca, Ivlarakizhangu; Ipomoea batatas Linn, sweet potato, Mathura Kizhangu and Yams, kachil are some of the important miscellaneous food crops cultivated in the state. Saecharum sp. sugarcane, karimbu is being cultivated in ceitain parts Kerala has been very famous for her condimens and spices since earlier times. Piparnigrum Linn, Pepper, kurumulaku; Zingiber officianalis Rose, Ginger, Inchi; Curcuma longa Linn, Turmeric; puli; and Allium cepa Linn, Onion, Ulli are some of the very important amongst them. Areca catechu Linn, Aracanut, Adakkamarum is one of the important narcotics extensively cultivated all over Kerala.
The forest and hilly regions of Kerala still abound with a large variety of fauna even though the advance of cultivation and deforestation driving them much interior to the forests. Some of the important animals still thrive in the interior forests include Panthera tigris Linnaeus, Tiger, Kaduva; Melursus ussinus shaw, sloth Bear, karadi; Pauthera pardus Linnacus, Leopardi, pu1i; and Elephas nzaximus Linnaeus, Indian Ele¬phant, Ana Boss ganrus H. Smith, Gur, Kattu Pottu is common in north Wynad and Nilambur. Sus cristalus Wagner, will Boar, Kattupanni; Hemitragus hylocrius Oglilby, Nilgiri Tahr, Kattadu; Felis chaus Guldenstaedt, Jungle cat, Kattu poocha; and Cuon alpinns Pallas, Indian wild dog, chennai are seen in interior and foot hilts of the Western ghats in north Kerala. Kattadu is commonly found on the slapes of the Kundaha, the hills surrounding the Attappadi valley and in the sides of the Palghat gap.
Among the Squirrels Ratufu indica Erxluben, Indian Giant squirrels or Malabar squirrels, Annan are generally found in north Kerala. Other types in Kerala include Ratufa macronra Penuant, Grizzlad, Indian squirrel and Funambulus suflineatus Waterhouse, Dusky stripped squirrel. Cervus nuicolor Keer, sambar, Kalaman is the largest of the deer tribe. Axis axis Erxleben, chital, Pulliman is abundant especially in the Nilambur forests. Tragulus meminna Erxleben, Mouse-deer, Kezhaman is widely distributed.
Among the lesser denizens of the jungles monkeys and lemurs are well represented in the Ghat forests. Presbytis johni Fischer, Nilgiri langur, Karin Kurangu: Macaca radiata Geoffroy, Macaque, Vella kurangu, and Loris malabaricus Wroughton, slender Loris, Kuthitevangu are common in the forests. Canis anrens Linnaens, Jackal, Kurukan is a familiar animal rearing over hilly scrubs and low country. Herpestes edwardsi Geoffrey, Indian Grey Mangoose, Kiri is the commonest mangoose found all over the forests and foot hills.
A number of varieties of birds are seen throughout Kerala, and some of them commonly found include Pavo cristatus Linnacus, common Peafowl, Myle; Psittacula cyanocephala Linuacus, Parakeet, Thatta; Gracula religiosa Linnacus, Hill¬Myna, Kattu Myna; Acidotheres tristis Linnaeus, common Myna, Myna; Motacilla maderaspalensis Linnaceus, wood packer, Maramkotthi; Athena brama Temminck, Spotted owlet, Munga; Milvus migraus Boddaert, Pariahkite, Parunthu; Corvus splendeus vieillot, Hougecrow, kakka: Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, Jungle-crow, Bali-kakka; hrcruius mrrcrocercus Vieillot, king crow, kakka keel, Eudyr,cn,is scolopaceus Linnaeus, Keel; Centropus sineusis Stepheus, Coucal, Uppan; and Motacilla maderaspalensis Gamelin, Waglail, Kokku.
Kerala is rich in fresh water and marine-water fishes. The rivers and back-waters are full of various types of fresh-water fishes. The long coast line of Kerala is a source of different kinds of marine fishes. The people in Kerala generally use varieties of marine and fresh-water fishes. Some of the commonly used fresh water fishes include Etroplus suratensis Bloch, Chromides, karimeen; Ophicephalus marulius Ham, Murrels, Bral; Etropliis maculatus cuv & val, chromides, Pallathi; Alacrone seenghala sykes, cat-fis i, Karatta; Arius dussun2ieri cuv and Val, cat-fish Thedu;--Wallago attu Bleeker. Cat-fish, Attu-vala; D7ugil carinatus cuv & val, Mugil Junna: Mugil belarzak Bleeker, Mugil, Mala; and Mugil cephalus Linn, Mugil, Tirutha.
The marine fishes which are generally used by the people are Thynnus thunnina cuv & val, Tunny-fish, Ayila; Pseudo¬sciaena Coitor Ham, Jewfishes, kora; Engraulis indicus V. Hassett, Clupea, Netholi, Chirocentrus dorab Forsk, Clupea, Muliuva!a; Clupea ilish Ham, Clupea, Paluva; Dussumieria acuta Cuv & val, clupea, chala; Sardinella longiceps cuv & cal, clupca, Nallamathi; Carcharias gangetious Blyth, Shask, Sravu; Late,; Calcarifer Gunther, Sea perches, chempalli; Lactarius deticatulus cuv & val, white fish, Parava; stromateoides cine¬reus Bleeker, Silver promfret Avoli; Sillago sihama Ripp. Sandwhitmg, Mural; Dorosoma nasus Bleeker. Clupea Noonah; and Trygon zugei Mull & Heule, whip Rays, Threndi etc.
Five types of forests which are the products of variation in topography, soil and rainfall, have been identified in Kerala (Innes, 1951). They constitute the Deciduous forests of the plains, Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes, Evergreen Shola forests, Bamboo forests of the Wynad, and the Deciduous forests of the Wynad and Attappadi valley. The Deciduous forests occur along the plains and lower Ghat slope extending upto the hill sides up to 457 m above M.S.L. They are also found along the river banks. The Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes are seen on the western and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats right from foot hills upto 1220 m a.s.l. The forest growth is magnificent where the rainfall is very heavy, and in some places the rainfall exceeds 7500 mm. The trees are evergreen with abundance of epiphytic orchides, mosses, ferns, rattans, tree ferns, climbing ferns and creepers.
Evergreen Shola forests are noted on all the higher slopes of the Ghats including the Brahmagiri range and also in the highest parts of the Attappadi valley between the altitude of 1067 and 1829 m.a.s.l. Fern and mosses are abundant in these forests but the orchids are poorly represented. Families such as Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, and Styracaceae are dominant. Luxuriant growth of Arundinaria Wightiana Ness, Reed bamboo in this forest is significant. Bamboo forests are found in the marroco belt lying east of the Ghat where the rainfall ranges from 1500 to 2500 mm. The forest stretches from the foot of the Nilgiris on the south to the Brahmagiri on the north. The most dominant species is Bambusa arundinacea wild which is the common bamboo still widely used by tribes for various pur¬poses in their day to day life. The uncultivated swampy lands are dominated by Pandanus Odoratissimus Roxb, Melastoma malabaricum, Linn, and Ligodium. Deciduous forests are found in the Wynad plateau and in the lower portion of Attappadi valley.
Some of the important cultivated crops in Kerala come under certain types of cereals, pulses, oil seed crops, miscellane¬ous crops, ugars, condiments and species, fibre crops and narcotics. Oryza sative Lmn, Rice is the most important cereal crop which is being cultivated in almost all parts of Kerala.
Cocos nucifere Linn, Coconut grows luxuriously in all districts except Palghat where Borassus-fiabellifer Linn, Palmera grows most. Coconut growth is profuse in the coastal region and in the Midlands, and it is the most important among all the oil seed crops and fibre crops in the State.
Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f., lack, plavu, Mangifera indica Linn, Mango tree, Mavu; Anacardium occidentala Linn, Cashew tree, Parankimavu; Musa sapizntum Linn, Banana, Vazha; Monihot Utllissima Pohl, Tapioca, Ivlarakizhangu; Ipomoea batatas Linn, sweet potato, Mathura Kizhangu and Yams, kachil are some of the important miscellaneous food crops cultivated in the state. Saecharum sp. sugarcane, karimbu is being cultivated in ceitain parts Kerala has been very famous for her condimens and spices since earlier times. Piparnigrum Linn, Pepper, kurumulaku; Zingiber officianalis Rose, Ginger, Inchi; Curcuma longa Linn, Turmeric; puli; and Allium cepa Linn, Onion, Ulli are some of the very important amongst them. Areca catechu Linn, Aracanut, Adakkamarum is one of the important narcotics extensively cultivated all over Kerala.
The forest and hilly regions of Kerala still abound with a large variety of fauna even though the advance of cultivation and deforestation driving them much interior to the forests. Some of the important animals still thrive in the interior forests include Panthera tigris Linnaeus, Tiger, Kaduva; Melursus ussinus shaw, sloth Bear, karadi; Pauthera pardus Linnacus, Leopardi, pu1i; and Elephas nzaximus Linnaeus, Indian Ele¬phant, Ana Boss ganrus H. Smith, Gur, Kattu Pottu is common in north Wynad and Nilambur. Sus cristalus Wagner, will Boar, Kattupanni; Hemitragus hylocrius Oglilby, Nilgiri Tahr, Kattadu; Felis chaus Guldenstaedt, Jungle cat, Kattu poocha; and Cuon alpinns Pallas, Indian wild dog, chennai are seen in interior and foot hilts of the Western ghats in north Kerala. Kattadu is commonly found on the slapes of the Kundaha, the hills surrounding the Attappadi valley and in the sides of the Palghat gap.
Among the Squirrels Ratufu indica Erxluben, Indian Giant squirrels or Malabar squirrels, Annan are generally found in north Kerala. Other types in Kerala include Ratufa macronra Penuant, Grizzlad, Indian squirrel and Funambulus suflineatus Waterhouse, Dusky stripped squirrel. Cervus nuicolor Keer, sambar, Kalaman is the largest of the deer tribe. Axis axis Erxleben, chital, Pulliman is abundant especially in the Nilambur forests. Tragulus meminna Erxleben, Mouse-deer, Kezhaman is widely distributed.
Among the lesser denizens of the jungles monkeys and lemurs are well represented in the Ghat forests. Presbytis johni Fischer, Nilgiri langur, Karin Kurangu: Macaca radiata Geoffroy, Macaque, Vella kurangu, and Loris malabaricus Wroughton, slender Loris, Kuthitevangu are common in the forests. Canis anrens Linnaens, Jackal, Kurukan is a familiar animal rearing over hilly scrubs and low country. Herpestes edwardsi Geoffrey, Indian Grey Mangoose, Kiri is the commonest mangoose found all over the forests and foot hills.
A number of varieties of birds are seen throughout Kerala, and some of them commonly found include Pavo cristatus Linnacus, common Peafowl, Myle; Psittacula cyanocephala Linuacus, Parakeet, Thatta; Gracula religiosa Linnacus, Hill¬Myna, Kattu Myna; Acidotheres tristis Linnaeus, common Myna, Myna; Motacilla maderaspalensis Linnaceus, wood packer, Maramkotthi; Athena brama Temminck, Spotted owlet, Munga; Milvus migraus Boddaert, Pariahkite, Parunthu; Corvus splendeus vieillot, Hougecrow, kakka: Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, Jungle-crow, Bali-kakka; hrcruius mrrcrocercus Vieillot, king crow, kakka keel, Eudyr,cn,is scolopaceus Linnaeus, Keel; Centropus sineusis Stepheus, Coucal, Uppan; and Motacilla maderaspalensis Gamelin, Waglail, Kokku.
Kerala is rich in fresh water and marine-water fishes. The rivers and back-waters are full of various types of fresh-water fishes. The long coast line of Kerala is a source of different kinds of marine fishes. The people in Kerala generally use varieties of marine and fresh-water fishes. Some of the commonly used fresh water fishes include Etroplus suratensis Bloch, Chromides, karimeen; Ophicephalus marulius Ham, Murrels, Bral; Etropliis maculatus cuv & val, chromides, Pallathi; Alacrone seenghala sykes, cat-fis i, Karatta; Arius dussun2ieri cuv and Val, cat-fish Thedu;--Wallago attu Bleeker. Cat-fish, Attu-vala; D7ugil carinatus cuv & val, Mugil Junna: Mugil belarzak Bleeker, Mugil, Mala; and Mugil cephalus Linn, Mugil, Tirutha.
The marine fishes which are generally used by the people are Thynnus thunnina cuv & val, Tunny-fish, Ayila; Pseudo¬sciaena Coitor Ham, Jewfishes, kora; Engraulis indicus V. Hassett, Clupea, Netholi, Chirocentrus dorab Forsk, Clupea, Muliuva!a; Clupea ilish Ham, Clupea, Paluva; Dussumieria acuta Cuv & val, clupea, chala; Sardinella longiceps cuv & cal, clupca, Nallamathi; Carcharias gangetious Blyth, Shask, Sravu; Late,; Calcarifer Gunther, Sea perches, chempalli; Lactarius deticatulus cuv & val, white fish, Parava; stromateoides cine¬reus Bleeker, Silver promfret Avoli; Sillago sihama Ripp. Sandwhitmg, Mural; Dorosoma nasus Bleeker. Clupea Noonah; and Trygon zugei Mull & Heule, whip Rays, Threndi etc.
Flora and Fauna of Kerala
Most of Kerala, whose native habitat consists of wet evergreen rain forests at lower elevations and highland deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the east, is subject to a humid tropical climate. However, significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a land whose biodiversity registers as among the world’s most significant.
Most of Kerala's significantly bio-diverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts; coastal Kerala (along with portions of the east) mostly lies under cultivation and is home to comparatively little wildlife. Despite this, Kerala contains 9,400 km² of natural forests. Out of the approximately 7,500 km² of non-plantation forest cover, there are wild regions of tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests (lower and middle elevations — 3,470 km²), tropical moist and dry deciduous forests (mid-elevations — 4,100 km² and 100 km², respectively), and montane subtropical and temperate forests (highest elevations — 100 km²). Such forests together cover 24% of Kerala's landmass.
Kerala also hosts two of the world’s Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands: Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands are noted as being wetlands of international importance. There are also numerous protected conservation areas, including 1455.4 km² of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Eastern Kerala’s windward mountains shelter tropical moist forests and tropical dry forests which are generally characteristic of the wider Western Ghats: crowns of giant sonokeling -Indian rosewood, Aanjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), mullumurikku (Erythrina), Cassia, and other trees dominate the canopies of large tracts of virgin forest. Overall, Kerala's forests are home to more than 1,000 species or trees. Smaller flora includes bamboo, wild black pepper, wild cardamom, the calamus rattan palm, and aromatic Vetiver grass.
In turn, the forests play host to such major fauna as Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger Leopard and Nilgiri Tahr, and Grizzled Giant Squirrel. More remote preserves, including Silent Valley National Park in the Kundali Hills, harbor endangered species such as Lion-tailed , Indian Sloth Bear and Gaur. More common species include Indian Porcupine, Chital, Sambar, Gray Langur, Flying Squirrel, Swamp Lynx, Boar, a variety of catarrhine Old World monkey species, Gray Wolf, Common Palm Cive.
Many reptiles, such as king cobra, viper, python, various turtles and crocodiles are to be found in Kerala — again, disproportionately in the east. Kerala's avifauna include endemics like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Oriental Bay Owl, large frugivores like the Great Hornbill and Indian Grey Hornbill, as well as the more widespread birds such as Peafowl, Indian Cormorant, Jungle and Hill Myna, Oriental Darter, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed and Black Drongoes, Bulbul, species of Kingfisher and Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and assorted ducks and migratory birds. Additionally, freshwater fish such as kadu (stinging catfish) and brackishwater species such as Choottachi (orange chromide - valued as an aquarium specimen) also are native to Kerala's lakes and waterways.
Most of Kerala's significantly bio-diverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts; coastal Kerala (along with portions of the east) mostly lies under cultivation and is home to comparatively little wildlife. Despite this, Kerala contains 9,400 km² of natural forests. Out of the approximately 7,500 km² of non-plantation forest cover, there are wild regions of tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests (lower and middle elevations — 3,470 km²), tropical moist and dry deciduous forests (mid-elevations — 4,100 km² and 100 km², respectively), and montane subtropical and temperate forests (highest elevations — 100 km²). Such forests together cover 24% of Kerala's landmass.
Kerala also hosts two of the world’s Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands: Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands are noted as being wetlands of international importance. There are also numerous protected conservation areas, including 1455.4 km² of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Eastern Kerala’s windward mountains shelter tropical moist forests and tropical dry forests which are generally characteristic of the wider Western Ghats: crowns of giant sonokeling -Indian rosewood, Aanjili (Artocarpus hirsuta), mullumurikku (Erythrina), Cassia, and other trees dominate the canopies of large tracts of virgin forest. Overall, Kerala's forests are home to more than 1,000 species or trees. Smaller flora includes bamboo, wild black pepper, wild cardamom, the calamus rattan palm, and aromatic Vetiver grass.
In turn, the forests play host to such major fauna as Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger Leopard and Nilgiri Tahr, and Grizzled Giant Squirrel. More remote preserves, including Silent Valley National Park in the Kundali Hills, harbor endangered species such as Lion-tailed , Indian Sloth Bear and Gaur. More common species include Indian Porcupine, Chital, Sambar, Gray Langur, Flying Squirrel, Swamp Lynx, Boar, a variety of catarrhine Old World monkey species, Gray Wolf, Common Palm Cive.
Many reptiles, such as king cobra, viper, python, various turtles and crocodiles are to be found in Kerala — again, disproportionately in the east. Kerala's avifauna include endemics like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Oriental Bay Owl, large frugivores like the Great Hornbill and Indian Grey Hornbill, as well as the more widespread birds such as Peafowl, Indian Cormorant, Jungle and Hill Myna, Oriental Darter, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Racket-tailed and Black Drongoes, Bulbul, species of Kingfisher and Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and assorted ducks and migratory birds. Additionally, freshwater fish such as kadu (stinging catfish) and brackishwater species such as Choottachi (orange chromide - valued as an aquarium specimen) also are native to Kerala's lakes and waterways.
Birds in Kerala
Main birds seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela are :
Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..
Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, mulluvenka. elavu,manjakadambu pala, vembu, aval etc... and over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids etc...
Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..
Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, mulluvenka. elavu,manjakadambu pala, vembu, aval etc... and over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids etc...
Birds in Kerala
Main birds seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela are :
Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..
Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, mulluvenka. elavu,manjakadambu pala, vembu, aval etc... and over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids etc...
Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..
Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, mulluvenka. elavu,manjakadambu pala, vembu, aval etc... and over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species, 143 species of orchids etc...
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