Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is that hidden offbeat beauty of nature in the extreme south of India. It’s pristine ecosystem gives birth to many rivers, waterfalls, dams and canals. It is the catchment area for the Thamirabharani, Manimuthar and Kodayar rivers that are the lifeline of most of the southern districts of Tamil Nadu. It’s tropical evergreen and deciduous forests are a treat for the senses and are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that include elephants, tigers, sloth bears, gaurs, leopards, king cobra and so much more. This tiger reserve is also home to a British er ..read more

It is one of the five major temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. It is set amidst lush greenery and beautiful mountains of the Western Ghats. The pristine Achankovil river flows right in front of the temple. I am talking about the Aryankavu Saastha temple that is located in the village of Aryankavu on the Shenkottai – Kollam highway. Lord Parasurama set up five temples committed to goddess Kali on the beach front area and five Saastha temples on the mountain slopes for the well being of Kerala. Aryankavu Saastha temple is one of those temples. The name of the place comes from a mix ..read more

This water body flows through medicinal herbs and plants in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala before plunging down from a height of 300 feet deep in the forests of Kerala. It offers a beautiful mix of adventure, rich forest experience, a herbal bath under a waterfall, a short uphill trek and lots of nature. I am talking about the gorgeous Palaruvi falls that is located inside the Thenmala forest of Kerala.            Located near the village of Aryankavu in the Kollam district of Kerala, Palaruvi Falls is formed deep inside the Thenmala ..read more

This temple is considered to be one of the best examples of Chola architecture. This temple was constructed in the early part of the 10th century by Raja Raja Chola I. Even though, it was built by the Cholas, it stands in the land of the Pandyas. It is a centrally protected monument under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1919. It is home to one of the three Swayambhu lingams along the Gadananathi river. The other two being the Kailasanathar temple at Brahmadesam and the Sivasailanathar Paramakalyani temple at Sivasailam. I am talking about the Valiswara temple lo ..read more

This place is as untouched, hidden and pristine as it can be. It is because of such water bodies across our Western Ghats that peninsular India quenches its thirst. This beautiful forest waterfall is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river. The water flows through medicinal herbs and plants and it was deliciously sweet and cold when I took a sip of it. Just sitting here in this environment and listening to the gurgle of the waterfall will melt your stress away. Such places allow our bodies to rejuvenate and recharge in rapid time. Located between the rustic hill station of Oo ..read more

It is home to a colonial era golf course. It is part of the catchment area of the Thamirabharani river and its tributaries. It is a gorgeous mix of grasslands, tropical forests and tropical evergreen forests. It is one of the wettest places in Tamil Nadu and definitely part of the wettest region during the North East Monsoon in India. This remote hill station, located at an altitude of close to 5000 feet above MSL is the highest point in the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. I am talking about Kakkachi that is located above the hill station of Manjolai in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil ..read more

The festival of Thiruvathirai celebrates the birthday of Lord Natarajar (the dancing form of Lord Shiva). The festival is celebrated in the Margazhi Tamil month (December 15 to January 14) every year. It is a 10 day celebration that culminates on the full moon day (pournamasya) in the Margazhi month and that also happens to be the day when the moon is transiting through the Ardra nakshatra, the favourite nakshatra of Lord Shiva. During the first 9 days, rudra homam and other yagnam are done at the temple and each day the god and his consorts are decorated and taken to the streets on differen ..read more

Imagine this! Mist plays hide and seek in this dense jungle. The sun shines bright at times basking all of nature’s beauty in its glory. The constant gurgle of water bodies and the calls of the wild give it a sense of tranquillity. There are many signs of it being a thriving ecosystem. The water is crystal clear. The air is as pure as it can get. The flora that grows here is found only in the most pristine of environments. And everything about it seems to calm your senses. Overall, it is a biodiversity hotspot. The Irumbu palam or the Iron bridge between Kakkachi and Nalumukku in the Kalaka ..read more

This gorgeous waterfall starts in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and flows through medicinal plants and herbs. It is located inside a tiger reserve and it empties itself into a massive dam. It’s herbal waters are considered therapeutic and those who bathe under it find immense relaxation. I am talking about the Manimuthar waterfall that is located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The Manimuthar falls is not a tall waterfall, but it is more like a wide forest waterfall. It is surrounded by dense tropical forests on its three ..read more

It is a colonial era bridge that was the first of its kind in South India and connected the then Travancore kingdom with the Pandya land of Tamil Nadu. This 13 arch stone and concrete bridge is a 120 year old architectural marvel. It was made out of stone, wood and limestone mortar when this bridge used to support a meter gauge. Today, it has been strengthened with stone and concrete to support a broad gauge line. This bridge that is a part of the lesser known mountain railways of Kerala is a treat for nature lovers. Many movies have been shot here. Katradhu Tamil, Jayam, Vettam and Megham t ..read more