Wild Elephant and Tree - Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary -Wayanad , Kerala

Wild Elephant and Tree  - Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary -Wayanad , Kerala

Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is situated at Mananthavady in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. sanctuary situates along the northern region of Wayanad, which is bordering Coorg district of Karnataka. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is connected to Muthanga and to the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, and is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.  Muthanga and Tholpetty forests in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are the foremost and targeted tourism destinations in Wayanad District.

Tourist attractions in wayanad

Pookode Lake- is a scenic freshwater lake in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed. There is a Sree Narayana Ashram near the lake, surrounded by flowering trees and their shades. There was a gallery of painting and sculptures.Now there is only a building there.There is a handicrafts shop near the lake owned by 'Uravu'.From there you can buy variety of household items made of natural materials.There are lot of curious items made of bamboo and coconut husk.Herbal medicines, Tribal medicines and spices are also available. There are groups of Blue water lilly flowers scattered here and there in the lake. Boats are available for rent but visitors are not allowed to touch lilly flowers while boating. Visitors may walk around the lake. There is a children's park and garden nearby.

Edakkal Caves -  are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats. They lie 1,200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast.

Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga- Established in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. Also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, this wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Banasura sagar project- The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta, in Wayanad District of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains.It is an important tourist attraction.

Kanthanpara waterfalls-  22 kms south east of Kalpetta, a beautiful waterfall about 30 mts in height. 

Meenmutty Falls - is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District . It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District,

Neelimala View Point-  27km from Kalpetta,is one of the major tourist attractions in the scenic Wayanad.  Closer to Vaduvanchal. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.

Chembra Peak  - is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) above sea level. Chembra is located near the town of Meppady and is 8 km south of Kalpetta.

Chethalayam Falls- Chethalayam is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. About 17 kms into the majestic forest drive towards Pulpally.

Boat Race on the Chaliyar River , Kerala

The North Zone  Boat Race  ( Vallamkali or Jalolsavam ) on the Chaliyar River , Kizhuparamba near Areekode - Malappuram Dt., Kerala

Camera Model: NIKON D3100

Exposure Time: 1/1600 sec.

ISO Speed Rating: 400

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 98.0 mm

Kizhuparamba is a village and Panchayath on the northern boundary of Malappuram District In Kerala, India. Kizhuparamba is situated on the banks of the Chaliyar river and in the border of Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. Kizhuparamba Panchayat was formed on 1 August 1977 from the former Urngattiri Panchayat. Kerala State Highway (SH) 34 (Koyilandi-Edavanna) passes through Kizhuparamba. The name Kizhuparamba is derived from Keezhparamba which means "Low land" in Malayalam language. "Keezh" means "low" and "Paramba" means "land". It is believed that Tippu Sultan (1782–1799)'s army has used Kizhuparamba in their route from Feroke to Mysore. There was a very old route from Perunkadavu(Kuniyil)-Thrikkalayur-Kodityathur-Thamarassery-Mysore.

A view from Kakkadampoyil - Kerala

Kakkadampoyil - This rural settlement is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the city of Calicut (Kozhikode). There are many indigenous tribal groups in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. Kakkadampoyil stands on the Western top of the Western Ghats with dense forest, and deep valleys. The Cherupuzha  is one of the important tributaries of Chaliyar River. 

Places of Interest near Kakkadampoyil

Thusharagiri 

Thusharagiri is 48 km from Kozhikode and is one of the recently identified tourist centres. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to the eyes. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. The word Thusharagiri means the snow capped mountain. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. The nearest town Kodencherry is around 11 kilometres  from Thusharagiri. The other main towns situated here are Thiruvambady which is 18 km away and Thamarassery which is 17 km away. One has to purchase all necessary things for trekking from here.

Nilambur

Nilambur is a municipality and a taluk in the Malappuram district of Kerala, South India. It is famous for its forests, especially its wildlife habitats, rivers, waterfalls and teak plantations. It is situated close to the Nilgiris range of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Chaliyar River. It is about 40 kilometres from Malappuram city and 24 kilometres from Manjeri on the Kozhikode–Ooty road. Nilambur is also an Assembly Constituency.

Nilambur is also home to the oldest teak plantation in the world, called Conolly's Plot. It is claimed that the world's tallest or biggest teak tree is in the Nilambur Teak Preserve. Nilambur is also famous for its bamboos. The name "Nilambur" means 'Place of Nilimba' . This region is suitable for planting teak and grows well here. Teak grown here is having good quality and hence Nilambur Teak has good demand all over the world. 

Peperomia pellucida - Kerala, India

Camera Model: NIKON D3100

Exposure Time: 1/200 sec.

ISO Speed Rating: 800

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 200.0 mm

Peperomia pellucida is an annual, shallow-rooted herb, usually growing to a height of about 15 to 45 cm.  it is characterized by succulent stems, shiny, heart-shaped, fleshy leaves and tiny, dot-like seeds attached to several fruiting spikes. It has a mustard-like odor when crushed. Flowering year-round, the plant is found in various shaded, damp habitats all over Asia and the Americas. It grows in clumps, thriving in loose, humid soils and a tropical to subtropical climate. 

Boat Race on the Chaliyar River , Kerala

The North Zone  Boat Race on the Chaliyar River , Kizhuparamba near Areekode - Malappuram Dt., Kerala

Kizhuparamba is a village and Panchayath on the northern boundary of Malappuram District In Kerala, India. Kizhuparamba is situated on the banks of the Chaliyar river and in the border of Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. Kizhuparamba Panchayat was formed on 1 August 1977 from the former Urngattiri Panchayat. Kerala State Highway (SH) 34 (Koyilandi-Edavanna) passes through Kizhuparamba. The name Kizhuparamba is derived from Keezhparamba which means "Low land" in Malayalam language. "Keezh" means "low" and "Paramba" means "land". It is believed that Tippu Sultan (1782–1799)'s army has used Kizhuparamba in their route from Feroke to Mysore. There was a very old route from Perunkadavu(Kuniyil)-Thrikkalayur-Kodityathur-Thamarassery-Mysore.

Bird eating papaya - Kerala

                               Location: Valillapuzha , Areekode , Malappuram , Kerala , India

Birds of Kerala : The Forest Department of Kerala has just completed the first-ever ornithological survey for the Malabar region recording 341 species of birds.

The survey is one of a kind notable for its sheer depth and span, more comprehensive than all such surveys undertaken so far in India. Hopefully, the five-member team including four eminent ornithologists commissioned by the Forest Department of Kerala, having completed such a through status report on the birds of Kerala, has established a new national benchmark for all such wildlife surveys in future.

The survey spans locations in North Kerala, which covers Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargode districts. The area extends from the Ghats, through the midlands, to the seacoast, which lies north of Palakkad Gap.

The forest areas studied are the Silent Valley National Park, Mannarkad forest division, Nilambur North and South divisions, the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and their neighbouring areas as well as the Reserve Forests of Kasargode district and the wetlands of North Malabar.

2 of the 341 species surveyed belong to globally-threatened category as notified by IUCN. Alarmingly, of the 22 threatened species 17 are residents and, of which 9 are specifically endemic to Western Ghat. 15 species of birds are found to be abundant in the region, of which two are migrants, and one endemic. They include Yellow-browed Bulbul, Small Sunbird; Green Leaf-Warbler, Large–billed Leaf-Warbler and the three species of Bulbuls including the Black Bulbul.

The surveyors spent a year (from November 1 2010 to the middle of October 2011) during, which they had covered over 4000 km, trekking through treacherous forest areas enduring extreme weather conditions and threats from wild animals.

Indian gooseberry ( aamla )

Indian gooseberry, or aamla from Sanskrit amalika, is a deciduous tree of the Phyllanthaceae family.  The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10–20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves are simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit are nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows. In traditional Indian medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani medicine (Jawarish amla) herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.AAMLA is full of medicinal properties and the richest possible natural source of vitamin 'C' and contains essential elements for keeping our body healthy and resistant to germs and infections. 

Spiders of Kerala ( tiger spider )

Spiders are ancient animals with a history going back many millions of years.  Spiders  are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all other groups of organisms. Spiders are found worldwide on every continent except for Antarctica. 

Argiope anasuja is a species of Orb spider found in Asia ranging from Pakistan to the Maldives. 

India has some of the world's most biodiverse regions. The political boundaries of India encompass a wide range of ecozones—desert, high mountains, highlands, tropical and temperate forests, swamplands, plains, grasslands, areas surrounding rivers, as well as island archipelago. It hosts three biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, and the hilly ranges that straddle the India-Myanmar border. These hotspots have numerous endemic species.

Hogenakkal waterfalls ( Tamilnadu , India )

Hogenakkal Falls ( Hogenakal Falls )  is a waterfall in Tamilnadu ,at the borders of Karnataka, about 46 kms from Dharmapuri, the headquarters of the district of the same name. The river Kaveri which enters in Tamil Nadu as a big river flows here as natural falls. Dharmapuri district of the state of Tamil Nadu, about 180 km  from Bangalore .It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". It is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world.  The River Kaveri is considered to form at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu district in Karnataka and gathers momentum as the land drops in elevation. It becomes larger as various tributaries feed into it on the way down. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri, now a large river, drops and creates numerous waterfalls as the water cuts through the rocky terrain. In places the water falls as much as 20 m and Soon after the falls the river takes a southerly course and enters the Mettur Reservoir. Hogenakkal Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall and is a good picnic spot.  Hogenakkal is located about 750 feet above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills. Tourists can take a coracle trip from one corner of the river to the other. Boating in Hogenakkal is allowed during the dry-season as the water falls are not strong enough to disrupt the passage of the boats. Local coracles operate from both the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka banks of the gorge.

Tourist Places around Hogenakkal is,

*Yercaud
*Shivanasamudram
*Bangalore
*Ooty
*Palanihills

New leaf and sun ray - Kerala

EXIF DATA

Camera Model: NIKON D3100

Exposure Time: 1/250 sec

ISO Speed Rating: 1600

Metering Mode: Pattern

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 200.0 mm

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956.The state has an area of 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital. The city of Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities.

Kerala (Keralam) the land of kera (coconut) is also known as God's own country. Beautiful beaches, kettuvallams over enchanting backwaters… monsoon showers, misty mountains of the Western Ghats, fairs and festivals.....

Kerala lies along the coastline, to the extreme south west of the Indian peninsula, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap.

There are 44 rivers in the state, of which 41 originate from the Western Ghats and flow towards west into the Arabian sea. Only three tributaries of the river Cauvery ( Kabani, Bhavani, Paampar ) originate in Kerala and flow east into the neighbouring States.

In the Midland Plains of central region, the hills are not very steep and the valleys are wide. The valleys have been developed as paddy fields and the elevated lands are converted into estates of rubber, fruit trees and other cash crops . Tea and coffee estates have cropped up in the high ranges.

The Coastal Belt strip is comparatively plain. Extensive paddy fields, thick groves of coconut trees and beautiful backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. Alappuzha an old sea port town of this region is known as the 'Venice of the East'. 

Moon As Seen Through Coconut Leaves - Kerala

Exif data

Camera Model: NIKON D3100

Exposure Time: 1/125 sec

ISO Speed Rating: 800

Metering Mode: Pattern

Exposure Program: Manual

Focal Length: 250.0 mm

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956.The state has an area of 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital. The city of Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities.

Kerala (Keralam) the land of kera (coconut) is also known as God's own country. Beautiful beaches, kettuvallams over enchanting backwaters… monsoon showers, misty mountains of the Western Ghats, fairs and festivals.....

Kerala lies along the coastline, to the extreme south west of the Indian peninsula, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap.

There are 44 rivers in the state, of which 41 originate from the Western Ghats and flow towards west into the Arabian sea. Only three tributaries of the river Cauvery ( Kabani, Bhavani, Paampar ) originate in Kerala and flow east into the neighbouring States.

In the Midland Plains of central region, the hills are not very steep and the valleys are wide. The valleys have been developed as paddy fields and the elevated lands are converted into estates of rubber, fruit trees and other cash crops . Tea and coffee estates have cropped up in the high ranges.

The Coastal Belt strip is comparatively plain. Extensive paddy fields, thick groves of coconut trees and beautiful backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. Alappuzha an old sea port town of this region is known as the 'Venice of the East'. 

Chaliyam-Beypore Jengar Service ( Kozhikode , Kerala )

Chaliyam-Beypore Jengar Service ( Kozhikode , Kerala )

Beypore 

Beypore town is about 10 km from Kozhikode, at the mouth of the Beypore river. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. It is one of the important ports of Kerala and an important trading centre.

Beypore is famous for its boat building yard where mammoth crafts known as Uru are being built. It is a major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats.

Places of Interest near Kozhikode,

Chaliyam

Chaliyam is on the banks of the Chaliyar river near Beypore and is famous for Uru construction, lighthouse and the fish market. Located 12 km from Kozhikode in Kerala. This is A Beautiful island in Kozhikode Dist. sarrounded by the Beypore and kadalundi rivers. This is the last point of Chalyar river. 

Kappad 

On 27 May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad with three vessels and 170 men. Located 16 km north of Kozhikode by Kannur road. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.

Kozhikode Beach 

The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet exploited to develop it into a tourist centre. Still people from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular retreat for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a speciality. Lion’s club, children’s park make evening pleasant for visiting families.

Kadalundi 

Kadalundi is one of the oldest towns in Kerala and is an example of the old ports called "thundies". The tidal/mangrove forest on the banks of the Kadalundi river make it a picturesque area. The deltas formed by the Kadalundi river add to the beauty of the place. The town is divided into two by the river—Kadalundi in the Kozhikode district and Kadalundi Nagaram in Malappuram district. Thousands of migratory birds from all over the world gather here starting in November.

Kadalundi bird sanctuary

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary lies in the Malappuram District of the state of Kerala in India. It spreads over a cluster of islands where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea. The Sanctuary hill is around 200 m above sea level. It is 19 km from Kozhikode . Over a hundred species of native birds have been recorded in the sanctuary, including about 60 species of migratory birds which visit seasonally.

Mananchira Square 

A new attraction in the heart of the city, Mananchira Maithan, is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all, a musical fountain. 

Science Centre and Planetarium 

Regional Science Centre and Planetarium are at the city’s Jaffarkhan Colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies.

S.M. Street 

Sweet Meat street, popularly known as S.M. Street with its cross roads, is the busiest shopping spot of Kozhikode. 

Pazhassi Raja Museum

Pazhassi Raja Museum is located at East Hill, 5 km from Kozhikode. Copies of ancient mural paintings, antiques, bronzes, old coins, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. are displayed here.

Thusharagiri 

Thusharagiri is 48 km from Kozhikode and is one of the recently identified tourist centres. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to the eyes. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. The word Thusharagiri means the snow capped mountain. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. The nearest town Kodencherry is around 11 kilometres  from Thusharagiri. The other main towns situated here are Thiruvambady which is 18 km away and Thamarassery which is 17 km away. One has to purchase all necessary things for trekking from here.

Eagle flying over the landscape - Kerala

Eagle flying over the landscape near Kakkadampoyil - Kozhikode - Malappuram

Kakkadampoyil - This rural settlement is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the city of Calicut (Kozhikode). There are many indigenous tribal groups in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats, with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m. Kakkadampoyil stands on the Western top of the Western Ghats with dense forest, and deep valleys. The Cherupuzha  is one of the important tributaries of Chaliyar River. 

Places of Interest near Kakkadampoyil

Thusharagiri 

Thusharagiri is 48 km from Kozhikode and is one of the recently identified tourist centres. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to the eyes. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. The word Thusharagiri means the snow capped mountain. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. The nearest town Kodencherry is around 11 kilometres  from Thusharagiri. The other main towns situated here are Thiruvambady which is 18 km away and Thamarassery which is 17 km away. One has to purchase all necessary things for trekking from here.

Nilambur

Nilambur is a municipality and a taluk in the Malappuram district of Kerala, South India. It is famous for its forests, especially its wildlife habitats, rivers, waterfalls and teak plantations. It is situated close to the Nilgiris range of the Western Ghats on the banks of the Chaliyar River. It is about 40 kilometres from Malappuram city and 24 kilometres from Manjeri on the Kozhikode–Ooty road. Nilambur is also an Assembly Constituency.

Nilambur is also home to the oldest teak plantation in the world, called Conolly's Plot. It is claimed that the world's tallest or biggest teak tree is in the Nilambur Teak Preserve. Nilambur is also famous for its bamboos. The name "Nilambur" means 'Place of Nilimba' . This region is suitable for planting teak and grows well here. Teak grown here is having good quality and hence Nilambur Teak has good demand all over the world. 

Kids playing in the rice field - Kerala

Location: Kizhuparamba - Areekode - Malappuram- Kerala - india

Kizhuparamba is a village and Panchayath on the northern boundary of Malappuram District In Kerala, India. Kizhuparamba is situated on the banks of the Chaliyar river and in the border of Malappuram and Kozhikode districts. Kizhuparamba Panchayat was formed on 1 August 1977 from the former Urngattiri Panchayat. Kerala State Highway (SH) 34 (Koyilandi-Edavanna) passes through Kizhuparamba. The name Kizhuparamba is derived from Keezhparamba which means "Low land" in Malayalam language. "Keezh" means "low" and "Paramba" means "land". It is believed that Tippu Sultan (1782–1799)'s army has used Kizhuparamba in their route from Feroke to Mysore. There was a very old route from Perunkadavu(Kuniyil)-Thrikkalayur-Kodityathur-Thamarassery-Mysore.

Evening view - Kerala

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956.The state has an area of 38,863 km² (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital. The city of Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities.

Kerala (Keralam) the land of kera (coconut) is also known as God's own country. Beautiful beaches, kettuvallams over enchanting backwaters… monsoon showers, misty mountains of the Western Ghats, fairs and festivals.....

Kerala lies along the coastline, to the extreme south west of the Indian peninsula, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap.

There are 44 rivers in the state, of which 41 originate from the Western Ghats and flow towards west into the Arabian sea. Only three tributaries of the river Cauvery ( Kabani, Bhavani, Paampar ) originate in Kerala and flow east into the neighbouring States.

In the Midland Plains of central region, the hills are not very steep and the valleys are wide. The valleys have been developed as paddy fields and the elevated lands are converted into estates of rubber, fruit trees and other cash crops . Tea and coffee estates have cropped up in the high ranges.

The Coastal Belt strip is comparatively plain. Extensive paddy fields, thick groves of coconut trees and beautiful backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. Alappuzha an old sea port town of this region is known as the 'Venice of the East'. 

Monsoon Season picture -2012 (Kerala)

Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December.The rainforest areas of the state have humid tropical wet climate while the extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate .Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm.   Southwest monsoon is the main rainy season in Kerala begins by the end of May or early June with the outset of the southwest monsoon winds  North East Monsoon in Kerala Also known as Thulaavarsham  hits Kerala during the return of the southwest monsoon winds. These rains are in the months of October and November.       

A view of chaliyar river from Pavanna

A view of chaliyar river from Pavanna ( Areekode , Malappuram , Kerala , India )

Chaliyar River:  

Chaliyar is the fourth longest river in Kerala (169 km).  Nilambur,Edavanna, Areekode, Kizhuparamba, Cheruvadi, Mavoor, Peruvayal, Feroke and Beypore are some of the towns / Panchayaths  situated along the banks of Chaliyar. The river has two names -  Chaliyar and Beypore River. The river meets the Arabian Sea at the southern part of which is known as Chaliyam and northern part as Beypore. Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beypore River.  The Chaliyar originates in the Western Ghats range at Elambalari Hills located near Cherambadi town in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and flows through Malappuram District for most of its length and then for around 17 km it forms the boundary between Malappuram District and Kozhikode District before entering the city of Kozhikode for its final 10 km journey and finally empties into the Arabian Sea. Some of the Chaliyar's tributaries originate from Wayanad District .Near the origin of river are the Meenmutty Falls at coordinates. Chaliyar is one of the rivers which doesn't get dried up in the drought season.Many other rivers in Kerala get dried up during march and April.  

Areekode:   

Areekode is a small town ( Panchayath) located on the banks of Chaliyar River in Eranad Taluk of Malappuram district,Kerala .  it is encircled by hills and hillocks capped in green.  Near places are Mukkam, Nilambur, Manjeri, Kondotty and Near Panchayaths are Keezhupramba, Urangattiry, Kavanoor.  Areekode boasts to have a vibrant history, refined culture and a highly educated population. It is a village of football players and football lovers.

Freshwater fishes of kerala

Freshwater fishes of kerala ( This fishes from Chaliyar River )

Freshwater fish are fish that spend some or all of their lives in fresh water, such as rivers and lakes, with a salinity of less than 0.05%. Around 175 primary freshwater fishes are found in Kerala. The indiscriminate collection of ornamental fish from water bodies and the steady decline of paddy fields and wetlands that provide breeding grounds for several species have raised the diversity of threats faced by freshwater fishes in Kerala.

Ten major rivers of Kerala

• Chandragiri

  • Kabini

    • Chaliyar

      • Bharatapuzha

        • Chalakudy

          • Periyar

            • Pambar

              • Pampa

                • Achenkovil

                  • Neyyar

Link-

Freshwater fishes under siege

Several fresh water fish species under threat

Pookode Lake - Wayanad - Kerala

Pookode Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed. There is a Sree Narayana Ashram near the lake, surrounded by flowering trees and their shades. There was a gallery of painting and sculptures.Now there is only a building there.There is a handicrafts shop near the lake owned by 'Uravu'.From there you can buy variety of household items made of natural materials.There are lot of curious items made of bamboo and coconut husk.Herbal medicines, Tribal medicines and spices are also available. There are groups of Blue water lilly flowers scattered here and there in the lake. Boats are available for rent but visitors are not allowed to touch lilly flowers while boating. Visitors may walk around the lake. There is a children's park and garden nearby.

Tourist attractions in wayanad

Edakkal Caves - are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats. They lie 1,200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast.

Wayanad wild life sanctuary, Muthanga- Established in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. Also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, this wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Banasura sagar project-The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta, in Wayanad District of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains.It is an important tourist attraction.

Kanthanpara waterfalls-22 kms south east of Kalpetta, a beautiful waterfall about 30 mts in height. 

Meenmutty Falls - is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District . It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District,

Neelimala View Point-27km from Kalpetta,is one of the major tourist attractions in the scenic Wayanad.  Closer to Vaduvanchal. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.

Chembra Peak  - is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) above sea level. Chembra is located near the town of Meppady and is 8 km south of Kalpetta.

Chethalayam Falls- Chethalayam is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. About 17 kms into the majestic forest drive towards Pulpally.