Travel

Kamakshi Tours

Posted by kundal roy on March 10, 2013

 
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Kamakshi Tours providing comprehensive and professionally effective service at minimum cost to the customer, using and utilizing the best available resources and technology. Also to nurture a work culture and environment internally and externally that promotes total commitment and growth, thus becoming the largest and the most reliable Travel Organization in the region setting standards in the industry for professionalism and reliability to the customer.

Kamakshi Tours offering reliable & highly professional services which make your journey a pleasant & memorable experience. Our services include complete travel arrangements e.g. Hotel booking, tour planning, air ticketing, train reservations, cultural activities, wildlife safari and a lot. Being a leading tour operator of Northeast India, providing all kind of travel and tourism information, guide, services for every Indian tourist destination.

Finding the right travel agent to help you plan your vacation can make the difference between a "just OK" vacation and one that you'll remember for years. We have a passion for travel and enjoy working with our clients to make their vacation planning go as smoothly as possible.

Our team is a group of qualified and enthusiastic tour operators and guides who will be alongside with you in your travel to India. We make every effort to provide the guests a real and rich holiday experience. We offer a complete travel management, in other words everything from planning to execution of tours.

Our travel consultants are friendly, professional, and experienced in accommodating both the seasoned traveler and those new to the world of travel. We pride ourselves in customer satisfaction. A large percentage of our bookings are from repeat clientele while much of our new business is from word of mouth recommendations.

Travel

Hemis festivals 2013

Posted by Discovery Journeys on February 25, 2013

 
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Hemis festivals remember the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who was the creator of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Huge contest drops on the 10 day of the Tibetan lunar 1 month. The vibrant two days of production is famous with excellent gaiety and passion. Individuals in joyful passion keep behind all their problems and stress and interact with themselves in festivities.

A grand party of Hemis event occurs after every 12 decades according to the Tibetan season of the Goof. In the Festivals, a two-storey excellent "Thanka", illustrating Padmasambhava is on show. It is highly stitched and very eye-catching and amazing, ornamented with pearl jewelry and semi-precious rocks. The oldest or the go lama presides over the wedding festivities. Another fascination of the Hemis Festivals is the vibrant reasonable, which shows some beautiful handcraft. Shopaholics can look for conventional handcraft for their visitors.

The Hemis Festival is an event here we are at the natives have fun with the vibrant procession. They decorate themselves in a shiny shaded conventional garb on this event. Cure your sight with an interesting hidden dancing conducted by the Lamas, on the beat of percussion, lengthy horns and cymbals. The wonderful dancing performance entertains the brain of every guest and persuade them to join in it.

The grand Hemis event is famous in the Hemis Monastery. It is one of the greatest Festival of Ladakh built in 1630, during the program of Sengge Namgyal. The Monastery homes the greatest Thangkha in Ladakh area, which is shown once in 12 years. There are two sections in the monastery - the set up area on the right and the Tshogkhang forehead on the remaining. The fantastic structure of varandah is outstanding. The surfaces are ornamented with surfeit of frescoes, the Buddhist 'Wheel of life' and the lords of four areas.

Hemis Festival 2013 - 18th-19th June 2013

Travel

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2013 by Helicopter

Posted by Mount Kailash Yatra 2013 on February 18, 2013

 
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Kailash is ruminated the blessed mountain on earth by a number of believes, faiths and religions and Mt. Kailash is also Known as Gang Tise or Gang Rinproche in Tibet.It is reputed asdifficult yatrasin the process, found that some places radiate and elemental energy not felt elsewhere. Mt. Kailash is the mother of all Teertha Sthala. KailashYatra is considered to be one of the most ambitious expeditions in Asia.Mt. Kailash stands south-west corner of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains and raising at an ridge of 6638 m (21778 ft) it is one of the highest parts of the Himalayas and serves as a source of some of the longest rivers in Asia.The narrative in the Puranas, Mount Kailash's four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli.

It is the conclusive destination of inspiration and the holy center of the world. It is a pretentious and outstanding commensurate peak which is made up of black rock. Mt Kailash is aawesome and amazing diamond like shaped mountain that is surrounded by beautiful landscape which is bumpy or rugged and dry.With great divine pleasure we invite and welcome all the Shiv Bhakts to one of the most sacred pilgrimage of Mount Kailash Tour. The time for yatra is from June to September as during the winter months all mountains and river lakes are frozen.

According to Hindu legends, Shiva, the god of desolation and rebirth, resides at the pinnacle of this famous mountain named Kailasa. Mount Kailasa is considered in many sects of Hinduism as heaven. Kailash Yatra by Helicopter has its own exotic experience.Lake Mansarovar situated about 2000 kms from Lhasa is world’s highest freshwater lake. This huge lake with the mirror like image of snow capped mountains in its crystal clear waters is just fabulous. The lake is located at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, stretching up to 55miles (88kms) in perimeter it goes 330 feet deep and about 120 sq mi of total area.

The best to visit the lake is during springs as it is during this time the lake melts and allows people to bathe in its holy water this holy lake is one of the considerable pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists which attracts thousands of tourists towards itself every year from not only India but also various parts of the world. Mount Kailash Mansarovar is the perfect destination of all the pilgrimage. Kailashparikrama is a dream of everyone who has faith in Hindu culture. Kailashparvat is a place where the soul merges in the purist Mansarovar Lake and gives peace and holy experience for whole life. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not easy path to travel.

Some special attraction at Mount Kailash Yatra

  • KailashParikrama
  • Lake Mansarovar
  • GauriKund
  • Rakshas Tal
  • OM Parvat

The world-famous and Kailash Mansarovar Tours have been, the source of inspiration for many religions and beliefs. Despite many difficulties and long distances, people are keen to go there at least once in their lives.

Travel

WILDLIFE JOURNEYS – Kanha National Park – CENTRAL INDIA

Posted by Discovery Journeys on February 18, 2013

 
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Monsoon season has thundered to aclose, meaning India’s national parks are once again open for business. KanhaNational Park, one of the country’s finest safari spots, is a world pluckedstraight from Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” Giant Indian elephantsrumble through bamboo thickets “in a military. The mainly two types of forestsof this national park: Sal and mixed deciduous.   

 

Style”, peacocks fluff their brightlyadorned feathers, and while visitor swon’t catch Mowgli swinging about, theymayspot India’s fierce Royal Bengal tiger prowling in the brush. The 1,945 sqkm wildlife preserve also shelters many other exotic and endangered nativeanimals. Rescued from near extinction, herds of swamp deer feast upon the tall,dry grassland, now threatened more by tigers than poachers. Kanha’s alsopopular and lightning fast black bucks sometimes zip by at an incredible 100kph, enthralling spectators and exhausting predators. Of course, the area’smain draw is its elephant-back tiger safaris, which put open-air jeeps in theirparking place. In fact, with its vast stretches of open meadows and closelyguarded borders, the preservation is the perfect site for tiger tracking. Manycan see tigers behind bars at a zoo, but few can come within meters of thebeasts’ uncaged brilliance while sitting atop one of the globe’s largestmammals. Mowgli would be proud.

 

ShergarhTenting

 

 Threekilometers from Kanha’s quiet, less touristy Mukki Gate, eco-conscious Jehanand Katie Bhujwala have taken “luxury” outdoors with six top-end tents. Thesespacious canvas quarters offer a relaxing retreat from the day’sgame drive andconnect to private, permanent bathrooms delivering hot water, heated by astoked fire. After a superbly guided safari, guests can pedal through the locallandscape on one of Shergarh’s exciting new cycling treks. Personal toucheslike tasty, packed safari lunches or preheated beds on chilly nights ensureeach stay feels special.

 

Flameof the forest

 

Cloaked in the forest and fauna ofKanha National Park lies the sought-after Flame of the Forest Safari Lodge.Owners and caregivers Isa and Karan warmly welcome adventurous visitors, makingtheir jungle abode feel like home. This luxurious lodge offers foureco-friendly cottages, thoughtfully designed with nature and relaxation inmind. Each cottage exudes an aura of authenticity and has a patio that peeksdown at the banks of the bubbling Banjar River. Venture out early for a trekthrough the nearby tribal villages or accompany seasoned naturalist Karan on aheart-pumping tiger safari. Twilight dinner on the Banjar sands will have youseriously considering

Making the switch from the “concretejungle”.

 

Floraand Fauna of Kanha National Park with Wildlife Tours

 

Kanha National Park is mixture of greatfloras and faunas. The main fauna in the park are tiger, gaur, wild dogs,chousingha, nilgai, sloth bear, sambhar, chital, hard ground Barasinga-(12-horneddeer), barking deer, hyena, jungle cat and leopard. It is also the ecstasy ofbirds like Racket-tailed drongo, Magpie Robin, two species of hornbill seen inlarge numbers.

 

Other attractions around this nationalpark are: Kanha Museum, Elephant Safari, Bamni Dadar, TigerSafari India National Parks, (bird’s eye view of the National Park), Bird WatchingTours India and many more.               

Travel

An entreaty for the Kollengode Thrissur railway, a Green Corridor.

Posted by Madan Menon Thottasseri on July 11, 2012

 
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An entreaty for the Kollengode Thrissur railway, a Green Corridor.

This is ananalysis on the decades’ pending proposal for “Kollengode – Thrissur railwayline”, a green rail-corridor through the valley of Nelliyampathy Hills that enhancesthe value- addition of Tourism in two states!

(Madan MenonThottasseri    email:tmadan.menon@gmail.com)

__________________________________________________________

This is the chronicle of a once shelved proposal for  a railway line, which could have beenincluded into the ‘wish list’ of both Kerala andTamil Nadu all these years.This railway line through the valley of Neliyampathy Hills can beyond doubt facilitate for a fresh green rail-corridor from South Tamil Nadu to Thrissur,the cultural capital of Kerala, bypassing the busy Palakkad junction and it will be increasingly pertinent now for the tourism development in both states. Unfortunately the said project never enjoyed much popular demand in Kerala and had been ignored by political bastions of all fronts.

I have been advocatingfor the Kollengode – Thrissur line during the past few years and expected theKerala government to include it in the ‘wish list’ this time too, for getting itincorporated into the Railway Budget/2012-13 as the shelved project has thepotential to get it refurbished. The said project which was resurveyed justfour years’ back is once again selected for a survey under the Railway Budget2012-13. Though the project had been getting shelved, it is a blessing indisguise that the announcement of a fresh survey for the rail link could prove that the proposal had not gone astray forever!

The proposed Kollengode– Thrissur line will practically enable a Chord line between Pollachi andThrissur. The existing Pollachi –Kollengode - Palakkad section (58 k.m) iscurrently under B.G conversion,wherein the Pollachi – Kollengode is with adistance of 35 k.m. Though the proposed line connects two towns within theState of Kerala, it will pave the way for establishing a direct green corridorfrom Tiruchchi - Dindigul -Pollachi region in Central Tamil Nadu toThrissur, the Pooram city in Central Kerala. Both States will be equally benefited from this proposed railway line.

 

Kollengode– Thrissur Railway line:

The on-going gauge conversion in Palakkad – Kollengode-Pollachi – Udumalaipet - Palani - Dindigul;and Podanur – Pollachi routes will be completed in a phased manner as per theproposal to the Railway Ministry by Southern Railways. The rail traffic in the entire stretches was closed forgauge conversions for the past two years.

There is a long pending proposal for a new line between Kollengode, the erstwhile tiny realm and Thrissur, thecity of pooram festivals, which is actually very much significant for the B.G conversionproject in the Palakkad- Pollachi- Dindigul route aimed to facilitate shortest route to temple towns of south Tamil Nadu from Malabar andCochin regions ofKerala. A traffic survey for connecting Kollengode and Thrissur (B.G) was done during 1964-65 by the distinguished Padmashree P.N.Baskaran Nair (late) who simultaneously surveyed the Salem- Bangalore and Hassan – Mangalore lines. Infact this was the second survey, as the initial survey conducted during thepre-independence period in mid-forties already went unnoticed. The line was resurveyed in the year 2007.

Being a short distance of approx. 54 k.m, the Ministry of Railways can still incorporate the proposed Kollengode-Thrissur B.G line in the coming Railway Budget/February 2011 and simultaneouslyrelease adequate funds for the early implementation of the newline as well as for augmenting the completion of the gauge conversion projects in Dindigul –Udumalaipet – Palani - Pollachi - Kollengode- Palakkad/Pollachi-Podanursections. The proposal to link Kollengode lying in the Pollachi- Palakkadsection under B.G conversion, with Thrissur, the city ofpooram festivals via.Nenmmara, Ayalur Road, Chittillamcherry, Mudappallur( For Mangalam Dam),Vadakkumcherry , Kuthiran, Pattikkad ( for Peechi Reservoir) and Mannuthy was neglected and kept in the cold storage for the past four decades.

It is very noteworthy that the proposed Kollengode – Thrissur line passes through Nenmara, thegate-way of Nelliyampathy Hill- Station the upcoming tourist destination and an ideal out-door shooting location for movie makers.

The present Nenmara townis constituted bythe erstwhile twin villages which are better known from the name of popular‘vela’ festival- the Nenmara- Vallenghy Vela , held in the firstweek of Aprilevery year. This festival attracts not only people of Cochin-Malabar regions and Coimbatore - Pollachi – Tiruppur- Palani regions ofneighboring Tamil Nadu,but also tourists from bigger cities likeChennai,Bangalore,Mumbai etc. Of late foreign tourists visiting Kerala duringthe months of March- April are enticed by travel industry based in cities inthe region like Coimbatore, Kochi and Calicut  to witness the spectacular festival which is rated at par with Thrissur Pooram. The said rail link between Kollengodeand Thrissur will give a face-lift to the paddy-cultivation and trading centers covered under Chulliyar, Pothundy, Mangalam and Peechi irrigation projects.Cruise rides in Peechi and Pothundy reservoirs are popular.It will be anenchanting journey by a train that chugs through the beautiful countryside surrounded by thick lush of paddy fields, coconut – areca nut farms, rubberplantations and picturesque hills!

The Nelliyampathy hills with amazing varieties of flora and fauna, around 65 km from Palakkad and 45k.m from Nenmara is situated at a height of 467 meters to 1572 meters at the highest peak.The Hill station is comprised of a chain of ridges separated by valleys ofdense, evergreen virgin forests and orange plantations. There are more than adozen hair-pin bends on the ghat road from Pothundy Dam passing through junglesof Sahyadri ranges. Nelliyampathi’s forest regions are sanctified with wild animals like elephants, leopards, hill squirrels, bisons and a wide spectrum ofbird life.

Nelliyampathy is also the perfect location for eco tourism and farm tourism. The sprawling teagardens,coffee, cardamom and orange plantation add beauty to this destination of all seasons. Studies had revealed that a rich civilization existed in Nelliyampathy during Tamil Sangam era. Certain view-points en-route to the hill station offer a splendid sight of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenonin the Western Ghats formation, showing the  extensive paddy fields of the Palakkad district and adjoining Coimbatore-Pollachi regions forming a verdantcarpet.

Seethakundu waterfall with a height of 100 meters is an added attraction from where tourists can have a nice valley sight. Padagiri, the highest peak situated on Nellikotta mountain ranges is the trekkers’ paradise. Trekking is possible to reach Mampara as well for beautiful valley-sight. Even Pollachi and Valparai can be seen from there.Nenmara town and Pothundy reservoir can be seen from yet another view point –Kesavanpara. There are private operators offering Night-Safari to see wildanimals, especially elephants; but must be beware of fuming elephants roaming around to charge anything on its sight!

GreenRail Corridor for Value Addition of Tourism in Nelliyampathy:

 

Probably it may be aprudent decision of Kerala State to give a thrust for Ayurveda andBack-water oriented tourism to woo maximum number of class tourists to thestate. Ofcourse Kerala, boasting with the tag of “God’s Own Country” could register asuccess story while offering resorts by the side of back-waters withfacilitiesfor cruise  boating, sail and stay in house-boats,  in-house Ayurveda health-centers in resorts etc. which are very much acclaimed by tourists from all continents.

It is desirable that thegovernment of Kerala consider launch of special campaigns at big cities within India as well as in Europe and U.S, for bringing guests to state; It can be “TeaGarden Tourism” for locations like Munnar and Nelliyampathy.  “Festival Tourism” may be feasible for attracting tourists to exclusive colorfulfestivals wherein there will be elephants’ parade, traditional drum recitals and display of fire-works at Thrissur Pooram, Nenmmara-Vallanghy Vela etc.

Tourism campaign for Nenmmara- Vallanghy Vela festival can be clubbed with that of Nelliyampathy,the hill-station with tea gardens, orange farms, cardamom estates. Nenmmara is connectedby road with Palakkad, the district headquarters through two or three routeswith distances around 20k.m. The town in the valley of the hill station is actually lying in the middle of Pollachi- Vadakkumcherry-Nenmmara-Thrissur Inter-State route merged with NH-47 at Vadakkumcherry. The distances by road from Nenmara to Pollachi towards east and to Thrissur towards west are 49 k.meach.

Pothundy Dam, just 6 k.m away from Nenmmara, which is constructed at the start off ‘Ayalur(Ayiloor)River’, a sub-tributary of Bharathapuzha is an ideal recreation location with gardens. Boat rides are offered in the vast reservoir to attract tourists. This dam is having a unique status as ‘second largest in Asia without using cement-mixture’. The Kerala government may have to plan for constructionof adequate tourist resorts and budget motels at Nelliyampathy, Pothundy, Nenmara and Kollengode. There will be a good potential to install cable carservice between the gardens in the Pothundy Dam to Nelliyampathy Hill station to boost tourism. The Kerala Tourism can avail the technology transfer from oneof the best global companies for the same.

Though the Kollengode Railway station is the nearest rail-head for Nenmmara and Nelliyampathy, due to the proximity, it had not served the purpose much by the rail connectivitythrough  Kollengode, the Palakkad – Kollengode – Pollachi M.G Line, part ofthe M.G. network in  Palakkad – Kollengode - Pollachi– Palani –Dindigul and Polachi – Podanur sections in the region. This branch line under B.G conversion has potential for linking with trunk routes at three junctions,viz. Palakkad, Podanur and Dindigul. The pending project, Kollengode– ThrissurRail link enabling linkage between major trunk routes  of  Southern Railway at Dindigul and Thrissur, will enhance the potential for traffic earnings and optimum utilisation of rolling-stocks.

Tourists campingatNelliyampathy can be brought down to the valley to see the spectacular show of elephants’ parade and colourful fire works displayed in the Nenmmara-Vallenghy Vela festival. Together with Nenmmara and Vallengy, many villages like Ayalur(Ayiloor), Chittillamcherry, Cheramangalam, Mudapallur,Vadakkumcherry, Pallavoor constitute an enclave of Vela- Kanyarkali festivalsin the months of April-May every year. Kanyarkali festivals are performed intemple premises from desk to dawn and it provides all ingredients offolk-dance-dramas that can attract intellectuals to laymen amongsttourists. 

It is not an exaggerationto say that during the festival season, in this enclave of festivals in thePalakkad district, not even a single day passes without acelebration involvingprocessions by adorned elephants accompanied by drum recitals likeChendamelams, Panchavadyams etc. and colourful fire-works at least in a coupleof temples.

People of the Thrissur-Nenmara- Kollengode and Pollachi- Udumalaipet- Palani regions have lot ofexpectations on the B.G connectivity between Palakkad and Dindigul(180 k.m) aswell as between Podanur to Pollachi (40 k.m). Further if the new line between Kollengode and Thrissur is made possible, it will establish the shortest route from Madurai/Tiruchcchi regions in Central Tamil Nadu to the Cochin regions ofKerala state. Trains between Madurai/Tiruchchi and Thrissur, Guruvayur,Ernakulam, Alleppy etc. can be operated through Pollachi –Kollengode – Thrissurroute, by-passing the traffic saturated Palakkad– Ottappalam – Shoranur/Thrissur sections. Trains towards Malabar region,Mangalore and beyond, through Konakan railways to Uduppi , Goa, Mumbai etc. canmove through Pollachi-Kollengode- Thrissur- Shoranur Jn. as well as through Pollachi-Kolengode –Palakkad - Shoranur sections. In reality the gauge conversion in the Dindigul –Palakkad sector and also the new line between Kollengode and Thrissur will facilitate Tamil Nadu to become one of the major beneficiary states of theKonkan Railways.

The distance fromMaduraito Ernakulam  via. Sengottai –Punalur - Kollam and Alappuza, (after thegauge conversion in Sengottai –Punalur sections) is 411 k.m. Once the gaugeconversion between Dindigul –Palakkad sections is over and also provide the newB.G. link between Kollengodeand Thrissur, the Madurai- Dindigul- Palani -Pollachi- Kollengode – Thrissur sections will offer a shortest route toErnakulam with only 351 k.m. Thus therewill be a reduction of 60 k.m in thedistance between the temple city of Madurai and Ernakulam (Kochi) the “Queen ofArabian Sea”.

After the B.G conversion in Palakkad- Pollachi- Palani - Dindigul sections while Southern Railways can makeit feasible to operate express trains between Alappuza(Alleppy)/Ernakulam/Guruvayur/Mangalore/Kozikkode(Calicut)/Palakkad and temple towns like Palani, Madurai, Rameswaram, Thiruchchi, Nagore, and Velankkanni inTamil Nadu, it should simultaneously operate Passenger Trains aswell. The Kollengode – Thrissur line, by-passing the traffic saturated Palakkad,if implemented will further reduce the distances between Ernakulam and all thesetemple towns by 46 k.m which is included the distance saved of 60 k.m cited above.

The distance from Tiruchchi to Thrissur,Guruvayur or Ernakulam/Cochin (via.Manappara - Dindigul – Palani – Pollachi – Kollengode - Nenmara- Vadakkumcherry-Mannuthy- Thrissur/304 k.m) will be less by69 k.m**whencompared with the present round-about Tiruchchi- Karur - Erode – Podanur-Palakkad – Ottapalam –Wadakkancherry – Thrissur (373 k.m) route.

Further in future,theThrissur- Nenmara – Kollengode - Pollachi- Podanur B.G.sections (129 k.m),willserve as an alternative route to the busy Thrissur- Palakkad Jn. – PodanurJn. (125k.m) double-lined trunk section. Thus Southern Railways can treat this route through the valley of Nelliyampathy hills, lengther by just 4 k.m  asa ‘third line’ between Podanur andThrissur, while it enables to skip the traffic saturated Palakkad Junction.

Kollengode– Thrissur railway that facilitates a chord line from Pollachi, the industrialtown inCoimbatore district of Tamil Nadu well-known for the biggest marketforvegetables, agro products, hill produce etc., to Thrissur the city incentralKerala, known for the Pooram festival, should never carry the tag ofabranch-line within the boundary of Kerala. As the line establishes Pollachi–Kollengode – Thrissur inter-state ‘chord-line’ (89 k.m). It will neverbe extraneous if Tamil Nadu comes forward initiating for this ‘Chord Line’ knowing the potential for augmenting tourism and trade, even if Kerala is notkeen on advocating for the same!

The Pollachi –Kollengode-Thrissur ‘chord’ rail-link will be advantageous for the tourismdevelopment of Nelliyampathy (Kerala), Valparai (TN), Top Slip(TN)hill-stations and many water reservoirs in the region- Pothundy, Mangalam, Peechi, Malampuzha, Chulliar,Meenkara, Aliar, Sholaiyar, Kadamparai, Nirayar and Parambikkulam. Ultimatelythis line will add value to the tourism potential of these hill-stations and nearby dams with gardens, amusement parks,boating lakes, resorts etc. that canbe easily accessible by foreign tourists landing at Kochi, Kozhikkode or Coimbatore airports.

It is a different issue that Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi who had presented the current year’s railwaybudget underwent a unique situation wherein the whole of the party to which hewas associated turned against him and threatened to sack him if the hike inpassenger fares are not rolled back. The hapless minister DineshTrivedi hadresigned even prior to the completion of debates in respect of his budget inthe Parliament. The incumbent Minister Mukul Roy (who was nominated to RajyaSabha solely as a replacement for Dinesh Trivedi) must look into the facts in respect of the decades’ long pending Kollengode – Thrissur railway line.

Railway ministry must gracefully take note of the potential of the Kollengode – Thrissur railway lineand vacatethe project out of repeated and callous resurveys. It is fine if the ministry instantaneously takes forward the project that can augment traffic earnings andoptimal operation of rolling stocks of Southern Railway for implementation in the current Railway Budget itself and undo the injustice done all these years.

The Keralagovernmentmust take all preparations to get the sanction for the Kollengode-Thrissur railway line and it is desirable to seek the support from Tamil Nadu while demanding for the branch line, as Tamil Nadu will be an equal beneficiary from this line which facilitates a chord rail link from Pollachi to Thrissur instead of a round-about link through Palakkad.

Ultimately the Kollengode-Thrissur rail link will add value to the tourism potential of Nelliyampathy Hill station. If implemented, Nelliyampathy will be easily accessible to foreigntourists landing at Kochi, Kozikkode and Coimbatore airports as they can reach the entryway of the hill station - Nenmara town by a train.

On implementation of the Kollengode- Thrissur railway, pilgrims and tourists will get a  circular route – Palakkad – Podanur –Pollachi – Kollengode – Nenmmara- Thrissur- Shoranur – Ottapalam - Palakkad(255 k.m) comprising two smaller circularsections. The first one will bethe  KOLLENGODE – Nenmmara -Vadakkumcherry– Mannuthy – THRISSUR - Wadakkancherry - Shoranur – Ottapalam – PALAKKADJn.- KOLLENGODE circularsection (154 k.m) covering the erstwhile Vengunadu andValluvanadu realms touchingtwo district head quarters- Palakkad and Thrissur.The other one will be the Kollengode – Palakkad – Podanur – Kinattukkadavu– Pollachi – Kollengode (147 k.m) covering the erstwhile Kongunadu, Palakkadand Vengunadu realms.

These circularsectionswill be advantageous for the tourism development of Nelliyampathy (Kerala) andValparai ( T.N) Hill stations and many water reservoirs-Pothundy,  Mangalam, Peechi,Vazhani, Malampuzha,Chulliar, Meenkara, Aliar,Sholaiyar, Kadamparai, Nirayar and Parambikkulam.

                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

**Details of 'Thrissur- Tiruchchi' distance Saved (69 K.m):THRISSUR-TIRUCHCHI Jn., via. ERODE : Thrissur-Erode 232 K.m+Erode- TiruchciJn.141 k.m=373 k.m; THRISSUR-TIRUCHCHI via. KOLLENGODE, POLLACHI & DINDIGUL:Thrissur-Kollengode 54 k.m + Kollengode-Pollachi-Dindigul 157 k.m+Dindigul-Tiruchchi Jn. 93 k.m = 304 k.m. Distance saved: 373-304=69 k.m   

Notes:-

This ARTICLE is the amended version of my earlier Articles –

Will theRailway Ministry look into the prospects for a ‘chord’ rail link from Pollachito Thrissur? (http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8265495-will-the-railway-ministry-look-into-the-prospects-for-a-chord-rail-link-from-pollachi-to-thrissur) posted in ‘Allvoices’ on on 22nd February,2011 and Kollengode – Thrissurrailway line: Tale of a neglected fresh green rail corridor from Central TamilNadu to Central Kerala

 

(http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6429030-kollengode-thrissur-railway-line-tale-of-a-neglected-fresh-green-rail-corridor-from-central-tamil-nadu-to-central-kerala) posted in ‘Allvoices’/31st July,2010 which was based on my  own original Article already published in ‘indianexpress’; see in blogs of indianexpress.com/ expressindia.com on 16th June,2009.

(http://blogs.expressindia.com/showblogdetails.php?contentid=477356).

Can read in ‘Blogspot’ which was posted on 17th June,2009(http://kollengode-thrissur-railway.blogspot.com/2009/06/kollengode-thrissur-railway-line.html);with Malayalam Captions posted on 29th June,2009 in blogspot itself, prior to theRAILWAY BUDGET ON 3rd July,2009 by Railway Minister Ms.Mamata Banerjee. Alsoread my latest Article in Blogspot once again to endure a callous resurvey? (http://kollengode-tcr.blogspot.in/) posted on 28th March,2012

Many people have fully copied my Articles from “expressindia” without mentioning about their copying, and posted in various sites as if they havewritten the Article and few people have quoted in their blogs/ forums.

Sometimes readers may wonder why I have been writing again for theKollengode – Thrissur Railway line as the previous Articles will serve thepurpose. It is to be noted that in this latest Article I have given a thrustfor the tourism development of Nelliyampathy hill station and the need for theKerala Tourismto launch special campaigns - ‘Tea Garden Tourism” and “Festival  Tourism”. FurtherI have a reason to dream on the saidKollengode-Thrissur railway line as I have felt the need for the same rightfrom my school days at my native ‘Ayalur’ Village, just 4 k.m away from Nenmmara. There will be thousandsof people in the Pollachi – kollengode – Nenmmara – Thrissur stretch who are nursing similar dreams.

I would request readers not to copy this Article and post in any other Blogs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


Travel

Rhododendron trek - The season has begun ( Neora Valley National Park)

Posted by BABIT GURUNG on February 04, 2012

 
Forum Post

Every year we organize a seasonal trekking which begins from the month of December- April, the trek covers the versatile desires of all the types of nature enthusiasts. It can be an educational trek, adventure trek, amateurs trek, cultural trek, wild trek, snow trek etc, Rhododendron trek.


The places we cover are the Neora valley national and Buxa tiger reserve Depending upon the trekkers desire,


Below are the details of the dates and tariff for the participants:


Neora valley national park:


Best for Botanists, bird watchers, animal census, butterfly trek , geographical excursion, wild trek, snow trek, rhododendron trek, jungle tour.


Brief description:

Neora valley national park is rich in its heritage flora and fauna. The place is an abode to different types of medicinal hers, shrubs and extinct species. It is also a habitat for several extinct species  like the Red panda, Tiger. The trek can be an ample source for the information required for the educational thesis and theories for students. We provide professional guides for such treks. The highest point of the park is called Rachela, a virgin paradise of north bengal (9500 ft -10,000 ft), The place is beautifully decorated with the forest of rhododendron trees which are more than 300 years old. During the month of December one can enjoy the experience of snow trek. While trekking Neora valley national park the botanists can gain different experiences on different types of vegetation from , evergreen, deciduous, coniferous, bamboo and rhododendron forest. The point happens to be the meeting point of three borders, Sikkim, Bhutan and India adjacent to the legendary "Silk route".There is more to come which cannot be described in words and can only be experiences live.

Below are the dates for the participants: ( join the group)


**NOTE- ALL THE NAMES OF THE PLACES MENTIONED BELOW ARE THE LOCAL NAMES OF THE AREAS OF NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK**



Category - moderate

Attraction - Snow covered green mountains, Rhododendron Blossoming


TREK ROUTES:





DAY

OPTION-1

OPTION-2

OPTION-3

1ST DAY

SAMSING FARI ( HALT)

SAMSING FARI ( HALT)

TODEY TANGTA (HALT)

2ND DAY

TONGTONGAY (HALT)

TONGTONGAY (HALT)

RUKA (HALT)

3RD DAY

TIGER CAMP (HALT)

TIGER CAMP (HALT)

RACHELA ( HALT)

4TH DAY

RACHELA (HALT)

RACHELA (HALT)

ALUBARI (HALT)/


5TH DAY

TANGTA ( HALT)

ALUBARI (HALT)

CHAUDAPHERI (HALT)

6TH DAY 


CHECK OUT (THROUGH TODEY)

CHECK OUT( THROUGH CHAUDAPHERI)

CHECK OUT (THROUGH LAVA)

     



TREKKING COST: (5NIGHTS 6 DAYS)


1.      Rs 5000 per/person (Total cost for seasoned trekkers)

2.      Rs 6000 /per person ( total cost for amateurs)

3.   Rs 9000 per/person ( for foreigners) 


The total cost includes:


1.      Food and lodging

2.      Potter charges ( two potter/per person for amateurs)

3.      Permit charges

4.      Guide charges

5.      Tents and trekking equipments ( hiring charges)

6.      Lodging at base camp and check out camp

7.      Transportation till and from base camp ( To and from nearest railway station)


*** Trekkers are requested to get a medical fitness checkup 5 days before the trek***





For Participation inquiry please contact through email or phone at :


SAMSING CHAUTHARY

A SOCIAL WELFARE GROUP OF NATURE CONSERVATIONIST

SAMSING FARI, NEAR SUNTALEY KHOLA, DISTT. DARJEELING

Phone: 9475332231, 7384083137

     Regn.No S/1L/79108


Buxa Tiger Reserve : (cultural heritage trek)


 ( 4nights 5 days Aadma trek )


Details: 

1ST - Arrival at Santalbarie (RAJABHATKHAWA)

2ND - Start trek , Santal barie > Aadma

3RD - Return to Santalbarie > Gangotia tea garden to attend the inaugaration programe of Duars cultural heritage museum and Bagpa dance. > Santalbarie (halt)

4TH  - check out


Tariff:

Rs. 3000 per person for Indians/ Rs.5000 for foreigners. 


Tariff includes:

  1.Transportation (pick and drop from the desired nearest railway station) 

2. Two night's food and lodging at Santalbarie forest village

3. Trekking expenses including porter, guide and food 

4. Home stay at Aadma along with food.

5. Local tea garden sight seeing through vehicle, 


For registration please contact  through email or phone at :





SAMSING CHAUTHARY

A SOCIAL WELFARE GROUP OF NATURE CONSERVATIONIST

SAMSING FARI, NEAR SUNTALEY KHOLA, DISTT. DARJEELING

Phone: 9475332231, 7384083137

Landline: 03562200395

     Regn.No S/1L/79108













Travel

uttaranchalforyou.com

Posted by Rahul Rawat on December 25, 2011

 
Forum Post
to make your tour smooth and comfortable, and want to know each and everything about corbett national park (Wild Life) book through the Uttranchal for you, the only best tour and travel manger in Ramnagar the Corbett city. we promise you to the best ever tour in you life. 

Travel

JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY-Where mother nature unfolds

Posted by DEEPJYOTI on November 25, 2011

 
Forum Post
welcome!!
ENTRANCE TO JALDAPRA W.S

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Where it all begun

My trip to jaldapara wildlife sanctuary was debut in forest and wildlife tours. And it was certainly the one I would remember for years to come. We took the best way possible to reach JWS through train. We went to NEW JALPAIGURU from where we took the train to MADARIHAT, a small village that serves as the gateway to JWS. One can even opt for other routes as their are various via roads and rails.


By noon we reached MADARIHAT and a car picked us up and went to HOLLONG FOREST LODGE inside the JWS core forest area. The tourist lodge is rarely available and it is to be booked atleast a 120 days before to reserve it. But people can opt for other hotels also that is present in MADARIHAT.
After a delicios lunch we got ready for our evening forest safari in a jeep.

Our first destination was HARINDANGA WATCH TOWER. From the watch tower there is a beautiful view of the spanning forest. But to our luck we couldn't spot any animals from there. Disappointed we left and continued out ride to JALDAPARA WATCH TOWER.

En route to their quiet a lot peacocks and peahens can be sighted moving around along the road. Keeping our eyes open we moved on and got our rewards when we spotted a herd of GAUR. Indian wild buffaloes , bigger in size to their african counter part. The gaurs are mainly black in color with milky white coverings from their knees to hoof and their big horns. Looked like they were wearing caps and sock. Moving in herd it was quiet a bit far from our jeep still we managed a good glimpse.
Finally we arrived at jaldapara watch tower from which a good view of barking deer nibbling in the field could be seen. Timid and shy creature it is and any movement made by us alerted it as a result always kept a safe distance from the watch tower.
Finally it was dark a bit at dusk and we started off for HOLLONG. Our final resting place for the night. A stay at hollong for the night is as good as the safari as the natives of the forest come together in the front view of the lodge deep at night. Salt pits are put to feed the animals which are in requirement for animals to in take minerals. These attract the animals at the night and they are visible from the windows of the room. A great night to be experienced.
 At dawn try to avail the first of the elephant trips to get more chances of viewing the animals. We did so and got lucky. KUNKI meaning female tamed elephants take four at once to visit inside the green. It is a ride to remember cause it gets you up-close and personal with the forest. The tension and excitement is captured best on the ride.

The ride takes you to true core forest area where sometimes the light does not enter. The leafs of the plants and its other parts often touch you and feels like serpent crawling on you. After a while we reached the grassland where mother nature revealed its secret and we were blessed to see the ONE HORNED RHINOCEROS native to INDIA. Elephants get you as close as 10 yards to them as rhinos are generally well behaved animals provided you don't agitate them.
An average of 2 - 3 rhinos are visible to every tourist, far less than KAZIRANGA in ASSAM though. It is due to the total size of JWS is one-eighth of the kaziranga. Moving ahead with our trip we caught a glance of SAMBAR, big and strong hervivores. Presence of those animal proved that bengal tiger is also available but rarest to be spotted.

We were content to find the diverse variety of flora and fauna and my jungle experience was really great. I promised I shall return in the green soon. And most luckily mother nature rewarded us with the icing on the cake. From a 50 yards out we could spot a animal which is so popular to us, the most successful of  all killer cats. THE INDIAN LEOPARD. Resting and tanning its skin in the morning sun it rested on the ground.
And after sometimes it started having its breakfast from a kill it had last night. That was the probability, as said by our mahut. But we continued to click pictures of it from a good distance as time came to halt. It was a lifetime view.

After the wonderful , once in a light year jungle ride we were back at our HOLLONG and at noon we bid adieu to the JWS catching train back to NJP via madarihat.

 
I enjoyed being in mother nature's lap and now i frequently visit. You should too. It wont dishearten you if you keep faith in her. Run to her as soon as possible. :)



Travel

Our role towards nature as a "Traveler"

Posted by BABIT GURUNG on August 21, 2011

 
Forum Post

Our role as a "TRAVELER" towards nature.

Everyone is known to the destructive change the world is acquiring, "Global warming" a hot topic, so hot that hardly someone cares about it. Different protocols, associations, organisations are formed on daily basis to stop the environmental hazardous change, But if taken as a true perspective, it seldom works or is working, cause the world requires individual responsibility with their own respective roles, be it directly or indirectly. The question now arises that " How responsible  I am in saving the true existence of nature? ". Well the motivation mercury may rise and pump to burst the narrow glassy walls around you. But in today's world of globalization and high technology you may not enjoy the liberty beneath you to leave the revolving chair, the artificial cool air you breathe, the maple wood flooring, new luxurious car and profitable projects and ventures to lie down on the soft grass under the open blue sky and inhaling the cascaded breeze of wild blossoms. 

Now you run along with the pages of calender on your table and schedule the dates for a leave. The leaves are approved and you plan for the nearest hill station, sea beach or an exotic place to refresh your life. When you reach the same spot, you had visited during your honeymoon period, you and your spouse are shocked!. The beautiful road has lost its memorable glimpse through the window pane of your car. Shops and malls with their praiseworthy architecture has replaced the lusciousness of flowery sprinkle on the green carpet of grass. The friendly bows and greetings of natives have changed to commercial hypocritical salute from an urbanized face. Perished are the sun- tanned and wrinkled faces of the people who accompanied the place and its beauty. You complain, reveal your disappointment, spend your budget and return unsatisfied and again join your world sweeping the beautiful memories of the place. Now you make a decision to visit a new spot or place on your next vacation as if the world will never end.

As I said world needs individual responsibility towards it as it has provided us with individual space to live.
So what is our responsibility as a traveler or how our impalpable effort can bring a slight change for the betterment of ecological balance. How to become a Eco-Traveler or Eco-Tourist? Unknowingly a little change on the travelling tips may become a huge contribution to save the nature. If not for the full year, lets volunteer just for few days during the vacation as a traveler in saving the environment of a foreign place. The place which heals the wounds and stress of whole years tiresome routine work and pressure. So enjoy the beauty of nature along with letting the beauty exist....forever for you.


Here are the simple voluntarily actions or decisions which certainly will count your role in the aid for saving nature.
1. Make your tour plans concentrating on a single destination for as many days you have planned for exploring.

"Rolling stone seldom gather moss", Don't be a rolling stone or a window watcher, enjoying the beauty of   a place from the window of your car, Changing destination spots frequently. Many people  travel like watching a  movie completing the whole life story in two hours, they want to visit as many spots as possible in their short leave period, its like sitting in a jet plane and completing the tour of whole world in less time. A place always has more to learn and enjoy than just reaching there. Enjoy the culture, tradition, superstitious beliefs, regional food, local unexplored spots, domestic and wild animals, agricultural products, regional religious places, the history and many more. You can always take the help of the local people regarding this, every person in this world likes to show the best part of his or her own place because every one loves his or her own birthplace.


2. Select a hotel, resort, camp or any place for lodging mostly owned or serviced by the local inhabitant of the place. 

A true traveler or a nature lover doesn't seek for luxury as these are the things which the traveler leaves behind for a break, for a change, physically and mentally. Where is the change if the kind of food, hospitality, language, faces, roofs and floors, walls and gardens, furniture and accessories are all the same you have left behind. Experience the difference in every thing in your surroundings which can only be felt in a local inhabitant's shelter.

3. Respect the natural beauty, religion, cleanliness and even the superstitious belief of the place.
Every traveler has a thirst for new experience of a new world. Its like amalgamation of different colors of nature. Your contribution towards the ecological balance requires a feeling of relation with that particular place. In order to create this feeling you need to feel like it's your own birthplace, you follow the same religion, drink the same water, and believe what the region believes, I remember a place where landslides were frequent and it was a reign of terror for the locals, so they decided to construct a temple right on the spot where landslide took place. As a matter of fact the landslides stopped, well, precisely not due to the temple but the surrounding trees, herbs and shrubs which were now saved and planted more as people considered that place a chastened place and stopped cutting trees for firewood which now was an unforgivable sin for them. So don't be an alien trying to conquer the place in stead of enjoying the place and build a bond of love with the place, then you'll realize it's not just a tourist-spot but a whole world for you.

4. Be a Guest not a buyer.
Imagine a customer at your business outlet who wants to buy everything you have displayed including your furnitures and show pieces as well, as those are also placed at the outlet. It's the same being a traveler, you don't buy the services and expect it to be worthed exactly what you paid. You cant buy true hospitality and respect. Don't be materialistic,instead be emotional, remember you're not a patient who has come to be cured physically, you have come to refresh every junk in your mind and memory to feel lively again.

5. Avoid buying the products which is polluting the environment of that place from the local shop.
It may sound crazy but let me describe in details. People have built some eating and drinking habits which are urbanized, like plastic packed edibles and drinks. Ever thought deeply! why a place gets exploited if it turns into a hub for tourists? Well, because people carry their habits with them. They search for the same item which is found in their own place. As a result of this addiction local people of rural areas realize it and start selling these goods in their own shops and outlets only because tourists demand it. Whereas the local people hardly consume or buy these goods. So most of the pollution is caused by these empty cans and packets, and  because of lack of proper sub-ordination system, which may be strict in urban areas, the garbage starts growing making the place dirty and polluted. But if no tourists buy these products from local shop then they won't import it because of lack of demand and thus the place remains clean as it is forever.










"Fluffy tit"
BUTTERFLY


"Things don't change, we change our way of looking things, that's all"

About Me

My Photo
Social worker( nature conservation, environment and sustainable livelihood under social welfare)
Blog- samsingchauthary.blogspot.com
contact: 9475332231, 7384083137
email: chauthary@gmail.com


Travel

Birding Trip at Kanha

Posted by Uday on March 05, 2011

 
Forum Post
The French Birder was very sure when he remarked "Sal forest are not good for birding!". They (Pure Sal Forests) are not good for tigers and wildlife safaris as well. But then Kanha Tiger reserve is an amazing diversity. Varied ecosystems abound and the habitats are well preserved. 

In birding tours to new places a proper guide is always required. For one should know where to go bird watching. If you know the tiger reserves well then you know the bird habitats as well. So instead spending time in pure Sal belts one can explore other habitats.

The tiger reserves in Central India are finest birding destinations that have been over shadowed by tiger safaris. MY recent trip with a British client was highly succesful. We could sight much more tan hundred bird species in three days with lot of time spent on tiger chase as well.

Visit my birding blog for birds of Kanha....

Pallas Fish Eagle, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Grey Bushchat and Ultramarine Flycatcher found in North India visit Kanha National Park in winters. Along with Osprey they are a rare sight. There may be more in store.

Making a bird trip in Madhya Pradesh tiger reserve is a good decision. The tiger reserve are excellent for forest birds. Wetlands in MP are scattered and none equal Bharatpur. Nevertheless wetland species here can surprise many keen bird watchers.  

Birding in Central India if properly organized has a larger scope than imagined. Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Bori, Noradehi, Pachmarhi abound in forest birds and their wintering cousins. Have a go....
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