Kollam–Sengottai railway line

The Kollam–Sengottai branch line (Quilon–Shencottah or Quilon–Chenkotta line) is a railway line in South India which connects Kollam Junction in Kerala state and Sengottai ( Chenkottai, Senkottai) in Tamil Nadu.

The Quilon–Shencottah railway line was the first railway line in the Travancore state and is more than a century old (112-year-old)

The Kollam–Sengottai section is part of the Kollam–Chennai meter gauge rail route commissioned by the British in 1904.

The line has been completely converted to broad gauge. Currently, the railway line is operational from Kollam Junction to Shengottai.

One of the most scenic railway routes in the country, the stretch was the sole gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu through Tirunelveli.

The route goes through hills, caves and also passes through an iconic century-old 13-arch bridge in Thenmala

History
The Kollam-Sengottai metre gauge line was conceived and implemented by Maharajah Uthram Thirunal of Travancore.
The railway line was built jointly by South Indian Railway Company, Travancore State and the Madras Presidency
After a survey in 1888, work started in 1900 and was completed by 1902.
The first goods train travelled on this route in 1902 while the first passenger train began its run in 1904.
Meter gauge services were inaugurated on 1 July 1904 with the first passenger train flagged off from Kollam by Maharajah Moolam Thirunal of Travancore with a 21-gun salute.

The railway line was constructed by the British in the foothills of the Western Ghats to transport forest products, spices and cashews from Kollam to Chennai, their southern headquarters.

Notable landmarks on the route

13 Kannara Bridge
The Pathimoonu kannara palam or 13 Arch Bridge  is a 108–year–old bridge at Kazhathuruthi.
The bridge consists of 13 arches and is a major landmark on the Kollam-Sengottai railway line and the architectural abilities of the British.

The bridge connects two hillocks and stands on thirteen granite pillars each almost a hundred feet tall. Kazhuthurutti on the other, the bridge is 102.72 metres  long and 5.18 metres  tall.

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Azhimala beach and Shiva temple.....

Azhimala is a beach near to Kovalam.
 It is a very calm and quiet beach with bluishgreen colour sea water.

 It is around 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram city( around 45 minutes drive from Trivandrum city.)

There is a temple in the name of Azhimala, the deity is Lord Siva. The temple is very near to the beach.
Since the beach can be viwed from the hill top, the name came to be Azhimala, Azhi means 'the sea' and Mala 'the hill'.
Fantastic view of setting sun can be seen from this calm shore


AZHIMALA TEMPLE

Among the shores of Kerala shiva temple an ancient center named Aazhimala Shiva Temple is blessed with its natural beauty.
 As the name suggests it is situated between the huge rocks and stands in the edge of the ocean.
The scenario of Aazhimala temple is a fine example for its incomparable beauty.
It is comprised of fantastic reminiscence’s and story through the blessings of lord shiva.
 As a whole it reminds us of the mythological aspects of Mount Kailas for its abundant flow of devotees.

Aazhimala is located  Take the National Highway 47 towards Kanyakumari and need to take a right turn from the highway.
You can see an arch  on the right side of the road which belongs to the temple.
That road which will lead us to the siva temple which is very close to the beach.

Nearest railway station : Trivandrum Central Railway station
Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport.

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The Kochi metro ....കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ

The Kochi metro project is the first metro in the country which connects rail, road and water transport facilities.

The first phase is being set up at an estimated cost of ₹51.81 billion .

The Kochi metro will feature a single line route.






It will start from Aluva and pass through stations such as Kalamassery, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Pathadippalam, Edappally Junction, Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom, Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Town Hall, Madhava Pharmacy, Maharajas College and Ernakulam Junction.
The Metro line will be linked to Cochin International Airport via Aluva and Tripunithura via Pettah in the future.

Kochi Metro will use Alstom’s Metropolis trains having three coaches a train. 

Each train will be 65m long and will have the capacity to accommodate up to 975 passengers.
The metro trains will run at a top operational speed of 80km/h.

Computer Based Interlocking (CBI) system will be used on the Kochi Metro for better signalling and communication.
 The automatic signalling will be provided with protection and warning system.
The telecommunication systems will be integrated with fibre-optic cables, SCADA, train radio and public address (PA) systems.

Kochi Metro Stations

1. Aluva
2. Pulinchodu
3. Companypady
4. Ambattukavu
5. Muttom
6. Kalamassery
7. Cochin University
8. Pathadipalam
9. Edapally
10. Changampuzha Park
11. Palarivattom
12. JLN Stadium
13. Kaloor
14. Lissie
15. M.G Road
16. Maharaja’s College
17. Ernakulam South
18. Kadavanthra
19. Elamkulam
20. Vytila
21. Thaikoodam
22. Petta
23. Alliance Junction
24. SN Junction
25. Thripunithura

(one who visit kochi should take a metro journey to enjoy upper view of beautiful kochi)
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Nutmeg Tree ( Jathikka ), ജാതിമരം

Nutmeg is the seed or ground spice of several species of the genus Myristica.

it is cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter.

 Mace is the spice made from the reddish seed covering (aril) of the nutmeg seed. Its flavour is similar to nutmeg but more delicate; it is used to flavour baked goods, meat, fish, vegetables and in preserving and pickling.

In the processing of mace, the crimson-colored aril is removed from the nutmeg seed that it envelops and is flattened out and dried for 10 to 14 days. Its color changes to pale yellow, orange, or tan. 









The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.

The spice nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste; it is used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog.

The fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace
The nutmegs sold whole were dipped in lime to prevent their sprouting.

Nutmeg trees may reach a height of about 20 metres (65 feet).
They yield fruit eight years after sowing, reach their prime in 25 years, and bear fruit for 60 years or longer.

The fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to  an apricot.

When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson-coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny brown seed, the nutmeg.
The pulp of the fruit is eaten locally.

After collection the aril-enveloped nutmegs are conveyed to curing areas where the mace is removed, flattened out, and dried.

The nutmegs are dried gradually in the sun and turned twice daily over a period of six to eight weeks. During this time the nutmeg shrinks away from its hard seed coat until the kernels rattle in their shells when shaken.

The shell is then broken with a wooden truncheon and the nutmegs are picked out.
Dried nutmegs are grayish brown ovals with furrowed surfaces

Nutmeg and mace contain 7 to 14 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are pinene, camphene, and dipentene.
Nutmeg on expression yields about 24 to 30 percent fixed oil called nutmeg butter, or oil of mace, the principal component of which is trimyristin.
The oils are used as condiments and carminatives and to scent soaps and perfumes.

An ointment of nutmeg butter has been used as a counterirritant and in treatment of rheumatism.

When consumed in large amounts, nutmeg has psychoactive effects and is reported to be a deliriant and hallucinogen

 Nutmeg poisoning is rarely fatal but can cause convulsions, palpitations, and pain.

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Neendakara Fishing Harbour...KOLLAM

Neendakara Port is a major sea port and fishing harbor located at a distance of about 8 km from the town of Kollam.

Neendakara is a village in Karunagappally taluk, Kollam district 9 km north of Kollam city in Kerala, India.

This major sea port is one of the biggest in the region, with the capacity to contain over 500 fishing boats at a time

The place is so beautiful

 From Neendakara Bridge, one gets a beautiful vantage point to view the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the sea.

As the sun sets, let the cool breeze and the Chinese Fishing Nets help you cool off and welcome in the darkening sky. 

The Neendakara Port offers an excellent view of the surroundings, from where the visitors can even watch the delightful sight of Ashtamudi Lake, converging into the vast sea.

The place has many reasons to attract visitors and one such reason is the existence of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, the headquarter of which is located at the Neendakara Port.

 Some of the activities running under this project are setting up of a Fishermen Training Institute and establishment of a boat building yard at Sakthikulangara along with a refrigerator plant.

( WE CAN BUY FRESH FISH FROM NEENDAKARA FISHING HARBOUR IN LOW PRICE)

The harbour opens from morning 4am to 8pm

There is enternce fee of Rs 35/- for car into harbour

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 9 km away
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport is around 66 km away

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The Bandipur tiger national park, my favourite wild life destination

Bandipur tiger national park is  my favourite wild life destination

Bandipur National Park, an 874-sq.-km forested reserve in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is known for its small population of tigers.

Once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, the park also harbors Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), antelopes and numerous other native species.

Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the towering Western Ghat Mountains on the Mysore-Ooty highway in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km.

Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates the India's biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'.

The Bandipur National Park occupies a special place in India's efforts towards Eco-conservation.Bandipur also has a sizable number of Tigers.

wild bison

Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare.

wild boar

 pea fowl

Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.






Description of the Tiger Conservation Landscape

Bandipur,Nagarahole,Wayanad, Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam Tiger Landscape is spread across the states of Karnataka (Bandipur-Nagarahole),TamilNadu (Mudumalai-Sathyamangalam) and Kerala (Wayanad).

It is a fine example of managing inter-state TigerReserves for the long term Conservation of Tiger Source Population.




The Bandipur Tiger Reserve along with Nagarahole, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam & Wayanad Landscape is the source population in the Western Ghats landscape complex with an estimated Tiger population of about 382 , constitutes the single largest Wild population of Tigers in the world .

This Landscape of Bandipur, Nagarahole,Mudumalai&Wayanad complex is home to single largest Asian Elephant population in the world  and is part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve .

elephant

The Tiger and the Elephants are the flagship and umbrella species for the conservation of all the Biota that this ecosystem represents.
The viable population of these two species is indicative of a healthy Ecosystem.




Biogeographically, Bandipur Tiger Reserve lies in one of the richest biodiversity areas of our country representing “5 B Western Ghats Mountains Biogeography Zone” (Rodgers & Panwar, 1988), surrounded by Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the South, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the South West & on the North West Side the Kabini Reservoir separates the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

Protection

spotted deer

Anti-Poaching & Human Wildlife Conflict

Border Patrolling

Monsoon Patrolling

Night Patrolling

Boat Patrolling

Eco-Tourism - Bandipur being one of the first Nine Tiger Reserves in the country is in the forefront of Eco-tourism for the last more than three decades.  

sambar deer

The Reserve has an advantage in having practically round the year Eco-tourism activities catering to every class of visitors, seeking recreation and a change to an authentically wild environment.



One has excellent opportunity of viewing the diverse Wildlife and the flora.

One of my favourite wildlife destination is bandipur tiger reserve
we have to book ticket for accommodation through online
Online Reservation is available in "Bandipur tiger reserve in" site
I visited here around seven times
staff are very cooperative they will give you guidence


{The drawback i felt is many staff dont know english..they are communicating in kannada and tamil}
In clam environment we can enjoy cool breeze natural sounds of forest wild life
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Non veg foods are not allowed

Reception Centre

The Eco-Tourism Activities presently at Bandipur Reception Centre is managed by an Assistant Conservator of Forests, who is assisted by Eco-tourism team which comprises One RFO,  One Dy. RFO, Three Forest Guards & Drivers etc.,

bandipur reception

Accommodation

Dont expect lexurious facilities like TV AC etc those who love nature can choose the  accommodation

Following accommodation facilities are available to visitors at Bandipur Campus.
a) VIP Guest Houses
There is 01 VIP guest houses having 4 suits

b) Cottages
There are 09 cottages having 19 suits

c) Dormitories
There are 04 dormitories having 45 beds

d) Accommodation        Tariff

	Cottage Name
1.	Gajendra I	2500
2.	Gajendra II	2000
3.	Gajendra III	1600
4.	Gajendra IV	1600
5.	Kuteera	1600
6.	Vanashree I	1600
7.	Vanashree II	1600
8.	Vanashree III	1600
9.	Vanashree IV	1600
10.	Vanashree V	3200
11.	Chital I	1600
12.	Chital II	1600
13.	Harini I	1600
14.	Harini II	1600
15.	Kokila I	1600
16.	Kokila II	1600
17.	Papeeha I	1600
18.	Papeeha II	1600
19.	Mayura I	1600
20.	Mayura II	1600
21.	Dormitory (20 bed)	4000
22.	Dormitory (10 bed)	2000
23.	Dormitory (9 bed)	1800
24.	Dormitory (6 bed)	1200
25.	Vanaranjini I	1600
26.	Vanaranjini II	1600
27.	Vanasuma	1600

check in Time 12.00 to 7.30 pm – if you arrive between 7.30 pm and 11:00 am you will not be entertained to check in.

Wildlife Safari

safari bus

Presently the safari activates are taking place in the entire designated tourism area by treating it as on unit.

There are 08 department safari buses & 05 Gypsys (are being charged Rs. 3000.00/ Trip with Park Entry Fee) to carry the visitors in to the Eco-tourism area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

a. Safari_Tariff

	Park Entry Fee	Jungle Safari	Walk-in Safari in Bus
Adult	Rs. 250/-	Rs.   100/-	Rs. 350/-
Children	Rs. 250/-	Rs. 50/-	Rs. 300/-

b. Safari Timings#

For Buses

Session	1st Trip Start Time	1st Trip Ends Time	2nd Trip Start Time	2nd Trip  Time	3rd Trip Start Time	3rd Trip End Time
Morning	06:30 AM	07:30 AM	07:30 AM	08:30 AM	08:30 AM	09:30 AM
Evening	03:30 PM	04:30 PM	04:30 PM	05:30 PM	05:30 PM	06:30 PM

For Gypsy

Session	1st Trip Start Time	1st Trip Ends Time	2nd Trip Start Time	2nd Trip End Time
Morning	06:30 AM	08:00 AM	08:00 AM	09:30 AM
Evening	03:30 PM	05:00 PM	05:00 PM	06:30 PM

Visitors are requested to be at ticket counter before 20-30 Mins to get their tickets.

Cancellation and Refund policies#

1. Cancellation before 48 hours before check in time 20% will be deducted.

2. Cancellation before 24 hours before check in time 60% will be deducted.

3. Any other cancellations no refunds.

4. No cancellation for safari tickets.

7. For Cancellation please drop a mail to bandipurreception@gmail.com

Canteen timings

Breakfast 8.30 am to 09.30 am, Lunch 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm , Dinner 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

bandipur canteen

only vegetarian food

Souvenir shop

There is a souvenir shop having with the equipments & tourism articles and handicraft articles will be sold to the tourists.

 How to Reach

From kerala through wayanad to gundalpet to bandipur or from nilambor to mudumalai to bandipur
From tamilnadu through ooty to mudumalai to bandipur

From karnataka through gundalpet to bandipur

 Night Traffic 
Two National Highways 181 and 766 are passing through Bandipur Tiger Reserve, movement of vehicles in these National Highways are being closed from 21.00 Hrs to 06.00 Hrs.

EnquiriesReception Center, Ph:  08229-236051Mr. Suresh. P. C, Forest Guard , +91 948-299-2012Mr. Appanna ,Forest Guard  ,+91 944-960-3127

CONTACTS
Address: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126

Area: 874 km²

Established: 1974

Conservator of Forests & Director,
Bandipur Tiger Reserve,
Bandipur, Gundlupet Taluk,
Chamarajanagar District,
Karnataka – 571126

Ph: 08229-236043/60;089707 68530

Conservator of Forests and Director

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