Vast forests, unique wildlife, royal residences and colonial heritage draw tourist to Nilambur.If you are game for a journey through the jungle in the rain, pack your gear and head to Nilambur.June – to August is the right time to visit the world’s oldest teak forest protected by the nourishing waters of Kurinji Puzha and Chaliyar river.
The forest in the Western Ghats is less than 200 km from Kochi and can be reached within five hours by road. Do not forget to get permission from the forest department to arrange for a trek or a more adventurous jeep ride into the jungle.
The highlight of the town is a Teak Museum, inside the Bio Resources Nature Park Campus, one of its kinds in the country. At Vadapuram in Conolly plot, just two km from the town, you will find the oldest teak in the world.
Also visist the Chaliyar Forest Guest House, opposite to private bus stands at Chandakunnu for a panoramic view of the Nilambur town and the vastness of the forest stretching beyond. It’s world a halt.
Kurinji Puzha, Cherupuzha, Karimpuzha and Chaliyar are the rivers that enrich the habitat. On the banks of Chaliyar, the fragments of Nilambur Kovilakam that once flourished in the region can be seen, in the form of steps and bathing areas for eh royalty, cut into the rocks.
A 25 km ride into the forest from Nilambur will get you to Nedumgayam and five km further is Maancheri,where once can find the Chola Naikkar,an ethnic group, one of the last remaining hunter gatherer tribes in India, who live in caves.
Elephants are the major attraction, but do not get too close.Deer,gaur,wild boar and porcupines and a wide variety of birds, including Kerala’s own, the Great Hornbill, can be sighted. Watch out for leeches.
Ooty is just 90 km away. So if you are taking a detour, so stop at Adiyan Para, a natural theme park.
The two hour train journey on the 66 km stretch between Nilambur and Shoranur during monsoon is the best opportunity enjoys the nature in all its pristine beauty. Monsoon provides a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat and this is certainly not a time to be spent at home.Generally, September to March is considered the major tourist season in Kerala. But the monsoon tourism launched in 2004 – 05, has transformed Kerala into a tourist destination round the year. To go on a train journey during monsoon is an awesome experience and the Nilambur – Shoranur route in Particular has amazing views for the travelers.
Nilambut – Shoranur raiway line under the control of the Palakkad division of Southern Railway, is one of the shortest broad gauge railway lines in Kerala with a single track of 66 kms.Several passenger trains and one express train are currently operated on this picturesque and eco friendly route. The terrain comprising hills, valleys and paddy fields receives torrential rains during the South West monsoon. A train journey on this route is one of the best options to enjoy and experience monsoon tourism in Kerala.
The teak trees are the prime attraction of this scenic route. The rail line passes through the eastern region of the Malappuram district and one can experience the natural beauty and greenery of the teak forests on both sides of the track. The journey offers soothing experience foe travelers.
There are four rivers, several streams and cascades on this evergreen route.The line cross Kunthipuzha between Kulukkalloor and Cherukara.Velliyar River, a principal tributary of Kadalundi, crosses between Pattikkad and Melattur.Olippuzha, another tributary f Kadalundi, crosses between Melattur and Tuvvur stations and Kuthirappuzha,a tributary of Chaliyar,lies between Vaniyambalam and Nilambur road stations.
Apart from these four major rivers, several streams also flow parallel to the rail line especially during the monsoon season. The view of the rivers and cascades from the rain window during rains is a charming sight. The route provides opportunities to see vast green paddy fields ,water birds,peacocks,plantain and agriculture fields.Beside,it also offers to view the village life in its true colors and allure. If lucky, cone can see peacocks, running through the pathways of the paddy fields near the tracks during mild rains.
10 tiny eco friendly railway stations on this route are truly charming and each of them is covered by shady trees. Waiting for trains at stations when it rains is an opportunity to romance with the nature.Angadippuram is the major station on this route. Giant trees extend their branches to cover the platform and the track.When the trains halts at a station it s best to come out and experience the intensity of the rains.
The months from June to August are the best times to on this route. The tow hour journey in a passenger train during monsoon will be etched in your memory with all the greenery, fresh air and rain drops. Aiming to attract more visitors to local tourist destinations in Malappuram especially during monsoon, the district tourism promotion council (DTPC) is planning to organize a tour exploring the rural landscapes of the district. The highlight of the package includes a train journey from shoranur to Angadippuram through an extremely picturesque landscape. Make a train journey during monsoon season and soak in the charms it offers.
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