Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
About:
Kalakad -Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Agasthyamalai hills of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known for abundance of rare plants and several endangered animals. KMTR being a tiger reserve enjoys total protection where no collection of any sort is allowed. It comprises the wet forests on higher elevations and dry forests in the foothills.Kalakad-Mundanthurai-Tiger Reserve was started during the year 1988, area of 800 sq. kms in the southern most western ghat ranges of Tirunelveli Kottabomman district. The great diversity of edaphic and climatic features Of this conservation unit has led to rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. 32 species of flora and 17 of faunal species are already recorded as highly endangered.From these dry forests along the eastern boundary of KMTR, fuelwood and fodder are extracted by people of around 145 villages . While the women of all age and classes collect fuel wood, its the men who herd the cattle here. These villages have varying levels of dependence on the forests based on their Socio-economic structure, farming practices and water availability.ATREE developed a conservation intervention program to decrease this dependency on the forests as well as simultaneously build awareness in the people about the biodiversity they have in their neighborhood.The rich forests of the Reserve form the catchment area for 14 rivers and streams. Among them the Tambraparani, Ramanadi, Karayar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Pachayar, Kodaiyar, Kadnar, Kallar form the back-bone of the irrigation network and drinking water for people of Tirunelveli, Turicorin and part of Kanyakumari district. Sever major dams – Karaiyar, Lower Dam, Servalar, Manimuthar, Ramanadi, Kadnanadi and Kodaiyar – owe their existence to these rivers.Being a newly created tiger Reserve steps have already been taken up to provide adequate infrastructure and protection to the reserve. The relocation of the village settlements from the core area has already been taken on a priority basis. Various management activities similar to other project tiger areas and site specific requirements of the project have already been planned and initiated since 1990-1991. The legal status as a National Park is still pending.The Population of the tiger was reported as 81, during 1989. Similar to other project tiger areas, the census of tigers and herbivores has also been planned on a regular basis at an interval of 2 years.The Agasthyamalai peak at 1,681 m falls within this reserve and is the third highest peak in South India. As many as 14 rivers and streams run through the forests including rivers like Tambraparani, Ramanadi, Karayar, Servalar, Manimuthar, Pachayar, Kodaiyar, Kadnar and Kallar.Some of the forest types seen in this protected area include southern hill top tropical evergreen forests, west coast tropical evergreen forests, Tirunelveli semi-evergreen forests, southern dry mixed deciduous
Location info:
Address:Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve,Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu,India
District:Tirunelveli
Nearest City:Kalakkad
Best time to visit: September to March
Climate/Weather:
 
History:
Surrounded by the Agasthyamalai hills, the Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 covering an area of 223.58 sq km. The Mundanthurai Sanctuary was established in 1977 covering an area of 567.38. Both these sanctuaries, situated in the Kalakad and Mudanthurai districts of Tamil Nadu.
Interesting things to do:
 
Interesting things to Visit:
Flora and Fauna in Kalakkadu Sanctuary:
A wide range of animals can be easily spotted here like Tiger, leopard, rusty spotted cat, wild dog, sloth bear, elephant, spotted deer, mouse deer, nilgiri langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, lion tailed macaque, brown mongoose, malabar giant squirrel, nilgiri martin, Indian pangolin, king cobra, python, monitor lizard, flying lizard, and many more. Kalakkadu Sanctuary and its adjoining areas on Western Ghats have a are very rich in plant varieties. The Tirunelveli forest alone has more than 2000 recorded plant species. The flora in the region ranges from forests of tropical wet evergreen to Tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest in the lower ranges.Avian Population in Kalakkadu Sanctuary:
Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary harbors a large population of birds, including several rare species. These include egrets, herons, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridge, emerald dove, minivets, bee caters, quails, sparrows, owls, night jars, kites, paradise flay catchers, and several other varieties.
Birds : Ceylon mouth frog, Grey headed bulbul, Great Pied hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey hornbill, Oriental bay owl, Broad tailed Grass warblerKanthimathi Nellaiyappar Temple:
Located just two km away from the railway station, these magnificent twin temples are located right in the heart of the city. The temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvaty are one of the oldest temples in the south and Tirunelveli, earlier called as Pandyanagaram, is said to have evolved around these temples.Srivaikuntam:
This is an Important temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Thiruvengada Mudaliyar Mandapam is probably the most craftily architectured portion of the temple with beautiful carvings of elephant and warriors showing off the architectural skills that people of that era possessed. Try to visit the temple on Vaikuntha Ekadashi days when the Ekadasi Mandapam is open. You will see few of the most exceptional sculpture works that one ever witnesses. This also played an important part in the Indian freedom struggle. The temple served as a fort to the people and the local troops.The Sangam:
Beach in Tamil Nadu, South India Beaches Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of water, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks.Kanyakumari Temple:
The Kumari Amman Temple also known as Kanyakumari Temple is located on the shores and is dedicated to a Goddess the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the virgin goddess who did penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. The main attraction for tourists from around the world is the scintillating view of the temple and the adjoining ghats, which are sitting pretty on the shoreline. The diamond nose-ring on the statue of the deity adds an enchanting glow to the already shining statue. Famous for its sparkling gleam, it is said to be visible even from the mid of sea.Gandhi Mandapam:
This is the place where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept before a portion of which was immersed in the three seas. The exemplary temple is located near to the Kumari Amman Temple and is one of the most picturesque spots in Kanyakumari. The temple is build in such a way that on October 2nd, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the rays of sun fall exactly on the spot where the urn containing the ashes is kept. So if possible choose this day to visit this splendid monument and witness the magical moment right in front of your eyes.Vivekananda Memorial Rock:
Situated some 500m away from the mainland Vivekananda Memorial Rock attracts a large number of tourists and was built in the year 1970 in memory the great Swami Vivekananda. It is built on the same spot where Swami Vivekananda spent some of his time meditating. Keeping this in mind, the temple also has a meditation hall. So if you want to get rid of all the worldly tensions, take some time out and sit in the hall meditating all your problems away. From ancient times, even before the temple was built, the rock was considered a sacred place and was known as ‘Sripada Parai’ meaning that the rock is blessed by the touch of feet of ‘Devi Kumari’. Feel the spirituality of the place by sighting the divine footprints of the Goddess, which is visible on the rock.Pottalpudur Dargha:
Built in the year 1674, this is one of the oldest Dargahs around. The most unique feature of this dargah is that it is built according to a Hindu temple pattern. The dargah witnesses foot fall of pilgrims and visitors from all regions and religions through out the year and it doubles during the Kanthuri Festival. Even the customs are very similar to those in a Hindu temple. Here holy ashes obtained from tamarind bark, ghee, and flowers called nerchai are distributed to the devotees as ‘PRASAD’ meaning God’ s blessings.
Mobile range info:
 
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Cheranmadevi at a distance of 20 km from here. Ambasamudram railway station is at a distance of 15 km from Tirunelveli.
Nearest Airport:Madurai Airport is located at a distance of 200 km, while Thiruvananthapuram’s international airport is at a distance of 140 km.
Road Transport: Tirunelveli is well connected to Ambasamudaram and Kalakad and frequent buses are plying on this route.
Nearest Visiting places:
Ottapidaram:
This is the birth place of V.O Chidambaram, freedom fighter. His maiden venture in navigation against the East India Company caused his imprisonment. That is why he is popularly called as “Kappalottiya Thamizhan”. His home has now become a memorial.Tenkasi:
The name itself implies that this town is Kasi (Varanasi) of the South. The flagstaff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and 400 years old.Papanasam:
This holy place is on the western ghat of Pothigai Hills. Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the “Agasthiya falls”. To commemorate the visit of the divine couple. The Agasthya temple was built there.Sankarankovil:
Sankarankovil is a unique temple dedicated to Sankaranarayana who is combined manifestation of Siva and Vishnu. There are two other shrines dedicated to Siva and Parvathi. Twice in a year sun rays fall on the pedestal.Padmanabhapuram Palace:
Padmanabhapuram Palace: It’s a large mansion of the Travancore Kings, located around 40kms from Kanyakumari on the road to Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its natural splendor, the main attraction of the palace is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace dates back to 17th or 18th century. Unlike north Indian palaces, it’s made of granite and teakwood displaying a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles, sloping tiled roofs of various interconnecting buildings. And the Palace has a dining hall, which seated 2000 Brahmins at one time! The palace is excellently maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, which offers a guided tour through the labyrinth of 108 rooms that is expressive of sheer opulence.Suchindram Temple:
A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods.Baywatch Water Amusement Park:
Baywatch Water Amusement Park The interesting water park has many different types of rides available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash. It’s open every day of the year and it has many different attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart of Wax Museum at London.Portuguese Church:
Portuguese Church The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch.Vattakottai Fort:
Vattakottai Fort It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway.Muttom Beach:
The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari as well. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is very famous and one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old lighthouse built by the British. People come and see all these with full interest.Sanguthurai Beach:
Sanguthurai is a beautiful beach resort and is very convenient for the local population of Nagarcoil. It is only about 10 kms from the city. Unfortunately no infrastructure facilities were available in this beach. The district administration has now sanctioned a project for putting up of a children`s park, seating facility, open huts or Kudils with Terracotta roofs and lighting facility at the beach. These facilities are expected to increase the tourism in the beach site. The entire work has been completed. It is also proposed to put up a few shops for Women Self Help Groups at the site. These will provide eatables for the tourists at the beach side. All these give a colourful impression to the tourists.Chothavilai Beach:
This beach is located at the distance of about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari. This is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has shallow water and High sand dunes on the background. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road, which is a very beautiful drive along the sea-coast. People enjoy the place very much as they visit this with of joy.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump:Ambasamudram, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduHP Petrol Pump:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Parvathy Residency: 400, P.W.D Road, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu India,Ph:04652 227799
Things to carry:
 
Tips & Suggestions:
 
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Kalakkad Police Station:Kalakkad, Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduKadayam Police Station:Kadayam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Nearest Hospital:Karthick Clinin:43-1, Jawaharlal Road Street,, Shencottah, Tamil Nadu,Ph:04633 233784PRDental speciality centre:Opp:Rajan Textiles, Thirumala, Trivandrum, Kerala,India,Ph:09249434490
Society/Community Phone Number

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