Author: Salim.E.I

Periyar Sightings: March 12, 2012

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Mr. Remack & his family (from France but originally from the US) were guests at Cardamom County and shared their moments in the Periyar Tiger Reserve with us.

During our stay at Cardamom County my family and I visited the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Because the sun seemed quite hot we didn’t expect that we would spot many animals. But we were very lucky to spot the wild dogs ready to hunt sambar deer, an elephant and some of the wild boars. We spotted some birds too. We were really pleased to have such wonderful sighting. – Mr. Remack

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Sightings at Periyar Tiger Reserve

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Ms. Rita & her colleagues (our current guests at Cardamom County) from Malaysia have shared some of their photos taken during the Nature Walk at Periyar Tiger Reserve.

I have visited Kerala every year for the past few years with my colleagues. This time we stayed at Cardamom County, where we scheduled a Nature Walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. We had some good sightings of  birds and animals. It was an excellent journey being in the forest with just the four of us and our forest guide. The guide seemed to be very experienced, giving information all along the path which we followed in Periyar Tiger Reserve. We also spotted little tadpoles. The guide informed us that it is the current breeding season for them. We enjoyed it a lot and hope for the same in future. – Ms. Rita

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Cashew-nut tree (Anacardium occidentale)

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The Cashew-nut tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a fast growing tropical evergreen tree which grows up to the 12 meters in height. The nut is attached to the lower portion of the cashew apple which is conically shaped. The cashew nut (seed) hangs at the bottom of the apple, covered by a shell that hardens as it ripens.  Continue reading →

Nature Walk: March 09, 2012

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Mr. Roshan & family from the U.S.A were staying with us at Cardamom County and shared their Sightings at Periyar yesterday from their Nature Walk.

As they avid hikers, today they trekked on another route in our Periyar Tiger Reserve.

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Periyar Sightings: March 8, 2012

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Mr. Roshan & family from the U.S.A were staying with us and shared their experiences of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Coming from the Rocky Mountains our family loved the 3 hour Nature walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. We were so impressed by the large Indian Wildlife such as the Sambar deer & Indian gaur (Bison). We also saw the world’s smallest deer (the mouse deer) and many birds and monkeys. The forest felt very safe with our knowledgeable forest guide. – Mr. Roshan Continue reading →

The Largest Team Sport – Snake Boat Race

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Snake Boat races are the largest team sport in the world. These races integrate team spirit, adventure and a great sense of rhythm. A number of small boats also participate in these events. Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers, and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison according to the fast rhythm of the racing songs. The songs sung by the helmsman is known as ‘Vanchipaatu’. Boat races take place seasonally. The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race in Jun-Jul at Alappuzha, the Aranmula Boat Race in Aug-Sep at Aranmula, the Payippad Jalotsvam during the Onam festival in Aug-Sep at Alappuzha, and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in the second Saturday of August at Punnamada Lake-Alappuzha. The following photographs were taken at the Payippad Jalotsvam Boat Race  by Mr. Joshi Manjummel during the last Onam festival in August-2011.

Photo by Mr. Joshi Manjummel at Payippad, Alapuzza

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Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – Queen of Herbs

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Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) is an erect multi-branched shrub that grows up to 30-60cms in height which in Kerala is commonly known as Tulsi. The holy basil is highly valued for Hindu religious traditions and also for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda.

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Periyar Sightings: March 03, 2012

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Mr.Gill, a guest at Cardamom County, shared some photos from his visit at the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

I had the pleasure of seeing the giant elephants at a very close distance. We feel very fortunate to have had these experiences. – Mr.Gill

A herd of Elephants grazing at the Periyar Tiger Reserve

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Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia)

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The Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) is an ornamental tree which grows up to 30 to 40ft in height. In India, it is widely known as the Gulmohar tree which means “peacock flower” due to its abundant color. Continue reading →

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

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Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub which is a fruit bearing plant. The flowers may be solitary or grouped in twos and threes at the ends of the branches. The pomegranate juice can range from very sweet and sour, but most fruits are moderate in taste.

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Periyar Experiences: February 27, 2012

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We met Mr.Steve from England who stayed at Cardamom County from 26th Feb to 28th Feb. He kindly shared his experiences with us. He sighted herds of elephants, a niligiri langur, and also went to see the Kathakali program.

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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

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Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is an ornamental shrub which grows up to heights of 10 to 16 ft. The plant’s attractive red colouring is actually the leaf shaped bracts. The flowers themselves are the tiny yellow bunches at the base of leaf structures. Continue reading →

Gavi Sightings: February 25, 2012

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I happened to meet Mr.Madhu Menon who is a Director of ANALA (Ahmedabad Nature Lover’s Association) when he came to Cardamom County for a property visit on the 25th of Feb. He happily shared his nature loving photos with us.

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Golden Dewdrop (Duranta erecta)

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Golden Dew Drop is an ornamental plant which is a fast growing shrub that can easily reach 5-10ft tall. The clustered flowers are light blue or lavender in color grows and bloom almost all year long. The fruit are like golden balls that hang off the branches. Continue reading →

Gavi Sightings: February 23, 2012

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Here we are sharing the photos of Mr. Jonathan, who recently stayed at Cardamom County. He visited the Gavi Ecotourism destination and experienced the wilderness through trekking, bamboo rafting, and a nature walk.

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Blood Flower (Asclepias curassavica)

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The Blood Flower (Asclepias curassavica) is one of the food plants for the many butterflies which can be seen in and around the Western Ghats. In our butterfly garden it attracts the Plain Tiger butterfly and bees, among other nectar feeding insects. Continue reading →

Periyar Sightings: February 21, 2012

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This afternoon I went to the main entrance of the Periyar Tiger Reserve to assist one of  our groups staying at Cardamom County. We had the good fortune to see a herd of elephants along with baby at a very close distance to the main entrance.  Our group members got very excited and took many photographs. Continue reading →