Mankayam Ecotourism/waterfalls

This trip was connected with palode botanical gardens. Mankayam, situated near Palode , Nedumangad Taluk in Thiruvananthapuram district .  Waterfalls here   can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River. The Mankayam River in its course further down, produces two spectacular waterfalls. One is at Kalakayam, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area and the other at Kurissadi. The spectacular falls at Kalakayam and Kurisadi can be seen and enjoyed from view points provided by authorities. The Kurisadi Ghat offers an excellent spot for bathing.With rich forest setting, the area in and around the waterfalls are overwhelmingly green. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here.

This is a spectacular place to spent a day with your family and friends. 

The Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic          

     Garden and Research Institute 

Palode botanical gardens, covered by us (greens team) as a part of our one day family trip on 8/2/2014.Team reached there by 9 am and covered all most all part of the garden by 4 hrs of walk.The Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) formerly known as Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute is an autonomous institute established by the Government of Kerala at Palode in Thiruvananthapuram district. The institute is a unique and phenomenal venture to conserve, preserve and sustainably utilize the plant wealth of the State..JNTBGRI is now a recognized centre for research on orchids by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.

Dwarf pine apple ,Aanamayakki (aanaviratty),different types of ferns,cactus house,variety of orchids,Bamboos of every type,different medicinal plants, bonsai,Giant waterlily,insectivorous plants like nepenthes Pitcher plant,   large variety of flowering plants forms the major attractions of the garden. 

 

Aanaviratty also known as aanamayakki in local language looks similar to mosanda flowers, size also same; but even elephant keeps distance from it. ‘Aana’ means elephant and ‘mayakki’ means giving sedation. ‘Viratty’ means to drive away. Our guide said  that if you touch this plant, fever and itching are sure to come. So keep distance from ‘aanaviratty.

Millions of people worldwide depend upon medicinal plants for their healthcare needs. 

However, environmental damage is increasing the threat of plant extinction and jeopardising access to natural resources. Palode BG is doing a tremendous job to protect these pants.