Bottle Brush is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family of Myrtaceae that grows widely in the high ranges of Kerala. This is an decorative plant famous for its cylindrical flowers and the lovely fragrance of its leaves. Continue reading
Author: Salim.E.I
Flavours Of Kerala: Mussels
Mussels are abundantly found on the sea shores of Kerala especially the Malabar coast. The hard shell is removed and the mussels are cleaned well before cooking. Continue reading
Wild Periyar – Mud Puddling (Butterflies)
Common Blue Bottle; Graphium sarpedon
Mud puddling is a social insect activity usually involving newly hatched males where several butterflies of one or more species gather on moist banks of sand or mud. Mud puddling butterflies often spend a long time on these damp patches, where they suck salts along with water to obtain nutrients. Continue reading
Folk Dance
Kerala offers a wide variety of performing arts, most of them springing from folk tradition. The finesse, rhythm and elegance of the classical dances of Kerala are a result of the various cultural influences that took place in the state. These dance forms are a delicate fusion of ancient classical texts and folk traditions, making them distinctive and unique.
Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigi)
Curry Leaf is a small deciduous tree that grows profusely all over the India. It has been part of Kerala cuisine from the dawn of civilization. It is impossible to describe the aroma and flavour of curry leaves, but it helps define the sensory experience of an India market. Continue reading
Wild Periyar – Giant Wood Spider (Nephila pilipes)
Photo Credits: Khullood Daryanani
Giant Wood Spiders are commonly seen in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. These spiders are the largest orb weavers of India with a web diameter ranging between 3 to 4 meters. Females are larger than males and these spiders are the biggest spiders in the world.
Alpinia (Chittaratha)
Alpinia is a perennial shrub in the ginger family that grows to a height of 2 meters found widely in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The rhizome of this herb is a major ingredient of many local remedies for relieving inflammation, stimulating digestion and purifying the blood.
Okra
Okra is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the mallow family with green edible pods that are widely used as a healthy vegetable throughout the world. These plants are cultivated in tropical, sub-tropical and warm regions.
Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe)
The Common Grass Yellow butterfly is one of the most common and abundant butterflies in India recognizable by its bright lemon yellow wings with black bordering on the upper side and brown markings on the lower side. The females are larger than males. These butterflies are found flying close to the ground along grassy patches.Cassia fistula, Cassia lora, Albizzia, Cassia alata, Cassia sothera and Cassia mimosoides are the favorite food plants for this species.
Wild Periyar – Elephant Paradise
Although the Periyar dam reservoir had cut off the traditional migratory paths of elephants way back in 1899, four years after construction of the dam had started the world’s largest land animals had learned how to overcome the watery impediment. Entire herds, calves in tow, now routinely swim across the reservoir, presenting lucky visitors with one of Periyar’s more unforgettable and thrilling spectacles.
Sambar Deer- Cervus unicolor
Sambar Deer is one of the dominant deer species in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and an important food source for the three sympatric large carnivores – Tigris, Leopard and Dhole (wild dogs).
Terminalia paniculata – Kindal
These trees are very common in the moist deciduous forest of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, widely growing up to 850 meters in South Indian forests. These trees bloom from August to December with flowers that are white in colour and turn to red as they fruit.
Rose
Roses are elegant and also nostalgically shaped blooms that have an almost magical attraction. The rose is one of the oldest cultivated plants, and also richest in mythology. The fact that they bloom throughout the year makes these flowers a common sight in the gardens of the High Ranges.
Wild Periyar: November 10, 2012
Mr. Richard George from England stayed at Cardamom County and shared some of his wild life experiences from his visit to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Urban Markets
Urban Markets play an important role in the Indian economy. A large number of people depend upon these ideal places to get fresh local vegetables and fruits. Continue reading
Bachelor Button (Gomphrena globosa)
Gomphrena globosa, also known as Globe Amaranth or commonly called Bachelor Button, is an annual plant widely growing in and around the gardens of Kerala’s high ranges. The compact and colourful flowers brighten the landscape and are used for fresh-cut and dried floral arrangements.
Mysore Palace
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Located in the heart of Mysore City, Mysore Palace is one of the biggest and most spectacular palaces in the country. The original palace was built by the Wodeyar Kings during 14th century. The wooden structure was demolished and reconstructed many times over the centuries. The current palace, commissioned in 1897, is built in the Indo-Saracenic style, blended with Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and Gothic styles of architecture with stained glass, chandeliers and elaborate grill work imported from all around Europe.
Indian Green Chili
Chilies are an important food ingredient for all Indian recipes, especially in South Indian curries. They are commonly cultivating throughout India, although the fruit itself originated in the Americas and only spread eastward in the Columbian Exchange. They are now an important part of cuisines across the globe.
Wild Periyar – Peninsular Rock Agama
Periyar is a reptile haven. One of its residents is the Peninsular Rock Agama, a medium-sized, predominantly rock dwelling lizard commonly seen at low elevations. Its colouration is cryptic, matching that of the rocks among which they live. In the breeding season the males turn black with brilliant crimson head and foreparts.
Rose – Sympathie
Rosa Sympathie has double, dark red elegant flowers with a velvet appearance with strong, glossy green leaves. These roses are common in the gardens of the High-Ranges and bloom throughout the year.
Organikos 