Ghats Road, Idukki District
From Behind the Wheel: Rickshaw-Wala Moxie
Ghats Road, Idukki District
Kerala
Solanum Laxum
Solanum Laxum is a climbing vine native to central Asia, commonly found in the high ranges of Kerala above 1000 meters. The fragrant, star-shaped flowers are white with tiny yellow centers. Continue reading
Top Station, Munnar
Top Station valley view
Top Station, one of the highest and most popular excursion points in Munnar, is the uphill climb through tea estates to Top Station, a tiny hamlet on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This idyllic spot has superb views over the Tamil Nadu plains and the edge of the Western Ghats. Top Station takes its name from a ropeway that once connected it via middle station to lower station in the valley.
Common Nawab (Polyura athamas)
Nawab Butterflies are frequently found inside the forest, in damp patches as well as open areas such as pathways and fields. The butterflies have yellow and green patches on both side of the wings. Continue reading
Euphorbia
Native to Central Europe, Euphoria are now widely growing in the High ranges of Kerala.Their highly unusual, sculptural structure makes these plants look somehow rather bizarre. In Kerala these plants are grown as ornamentals in home and public gardens.
From Behind the Wheel: Mass Transit for Ordinary People
Vandaperiyar, Idukki District
Bi-Coloured Frog
Bi-Coloured Frogs are endemic to the Western Ghats, especially in Periyar Tiger Reserve. The tropical climate and abundant rain combine to create rich and varied niches that offer safe haven for these amphibians. The leaf litter–the most nutrient and species rich strata–is a favourite hunting ground for these frogs.
Sandalwood Forest
The only natural sandalwood forest in Kerala is near to Munnar at Marayoor. The sandalwood of Marayoor is said to be the best in the world. Continue reading
Wild Periyar: September 22, 2012
Cardamom County guests, Mr. & Mrs. Renjith, visited Periyar Tiger Reserve and shared some of their wildlife experiences with us.
From Behind the Wheel: The Malayalam Word Even Foreigners Can Read
Toddy Shop, Kanjirapally, Kottayam District
Pelargonium Geranium
Geraniums are bushy evergreen perennials grown as ornamental flowers for both indoor and outdoor display. Geraniums are commonly found in the gardens of the High Ranges of Kerala.
Muniyaras Dolmens
Muniyaras
Muniyaras Dolmens are burial chambers belonging to the Megalithic age made of huge rocky slabs. It is believed that this was the ideal place for the ancient sages for meditation and Yoga. There are many dolmens in and around Munnar especially Marayoor, Kovilkadavu and near the cliffs overlooking the Pambar River.
From Behind the Wheel: Rickshaw Stunt Rider Warning
Kadavanthra Junction, Ernakulam
Thoovanam Waterfall
Thoovanam Waterfall
Thoovanam Waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful falls in Munnar found enroute to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The cascade is in the Pambar River, which flows East and joins the Amaravathi reservoir in Tamil Nadu. Continue reading
Mattupetty
Mattupetty Dam
Near Munnar and at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, Mattupetty is a favorite haunt of weekend picnickers due to the temperate climate. The beautiful Mattupetty lake, created by the small hydro electricity dam, is flanked by steep hills and woods. Continue reading
From Behind the Wheel: An “Official” Horn
Kundanoor Junction, Ernakulam
Aster (Alpine aster)
Asters, a charming spring-flowering plants with one flower head per stem, are widely growing in the High Ranges of Kerala. The flowers are mainly used for floral decorations.
Wild Periyar: October 14, 2012
Our guests Mr.& Mrs. Brayan shared some of their wild life experiences from their visit to Periyar National Park.
From Behind the Wheel: Batman Says “Sound Horn”
Vyttila Junction, Ernakulam
Fire Flame Bush (Wood Fordia)
Fire Flame Bush is a many branched deciduous shrub that grows to a height of 4-5 meters. It takes its name from the red coloration of both its bark and its flowers. It grows throughout Kerala up to an altitude of 1500 meters.
Organikos 