camping

Camps in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department is conducting nature camps in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary for the students of government recognized educational institutions and NGO’s. Free accommodation and vegetarian food will be provided.
The objectives of the nature camp includes:
To educate the awareness about nature and wildlife awareness needs among various strata of people especially students
To educate the issues of environment degradation and the need for efforts /steps to be taken regarding the preservation of our environment.
To give a natural and practical experience of nature and its nature’s magic.
To educate young generation about the conservation history of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary including the struggle for conservation.
II. General guidelines and instruction
Application and self declaration form is sent in prescribed format to concern office through the head of the institution concerned.
Only one camp will be allowed throughout the sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year.
A self declaration should be produced along with the application stating that “ No camps is availed in any sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during the financial year
If the school/institutions/organisation found guilty of applying or availing more than one camp in another sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year they may be black listed and no camps will be allowed in sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area in kerala in future
Preference will be given to the institutions from the adjoining areas /Panchayath jurisdiction/ District.
The locations for the camps within the division are to be decided by the Wildlife Warden.
The ideal number of participants in a camp is 35 including accompanying staff.
Duration of camps will be 2 days.
Simple, hygienic vegetarian foods is served for nature camp participants
Instructions
Nature camp is for awareness nature and education not to any amusement.
Participants are requested to wear sub-dued colour clothes and not to carry plastic wrapped food items, Poly bags, musical instruments and valuable items
Match boxes and other inflammables are not allowed in the Wildlife Sanctuary
Instructions by the park authority should be strictly followed. Failing to which the person/institution/organisation is be expelled from the camp and not to eligible for availing camps in future in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Who can apply?
TARGET GROUP
TO WHOM THE APPLICATION BE SENT
GOVERNMENT RECOGINZED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS,(government /aided/self financing /un aided)
THE WILDLIFE WARDEN,Shendurney Wild life division,Thenmala dam.P.O,Thenmala,Kollam(Dt)
LOCAL CLUBS AND OTHER ORGANAISATIONS
THE CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS (WL),FOREST HEAD QUARTERS,VANALAKSHMI, VAZHUTHACUAD,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-14(Application is sent well in advance, preferably one month before the proposed date)
NATURE CAMPS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES (OTHER THAN LOCAL)
THE CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDENVANNALAKSHMI,VAZHUTHACADU,THIRUVANTHAPURAM.(Application is sent well in advance, preferably two month before the proposed date)
How to apply: The application form should reach to the concern offices in prescribed

form(Annexure I) along with the self declaration form.
Download Application and self decleration form (PDF)
Note: The application received not in the prescribed form will not be considered for the camp.V. AvailabilityDetails regarding the availability of nature camps other logistics may be enquired from:THE WILDLIFE WARDEN,Shendurney Wild life division, Thenmala dam.P.O,Thenmala, Kollam(Dt)Phone No. 91 475-2344600 (O), 91 9447979081 (Mob) Email: wildlifewarden@shendurney.com

camping

I. Camps in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department is conducting nature camps in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary for the students of government recognized educational institutions and NGO’s. Free accommodation and vegetarian food will be provided.
The objectives of the nature camp includes:
To educate the awareness about nature and wildlife awareness needs among various strata of people especially students
To educate the issues of environment degradation and the need for efforts /steps to be taken regarding the preservation of our environment.
To give a natural and practical experience of nature and its nature’s magic.
To educate young generation about the conservation history of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary including the struggle for conservation.
II. General guidelines and instruction
Application and self declaration form is sent in prescribed format to concern office through the head of the institution concerned.
Only one camp will be allowed throughout the sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year.
A self declaration should be produced along with the application stating that “ No camps is availed in any sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during the financial year
If the school/institutions/organisation found guilty of applying or availing more than one camp in another sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area during a financial year they may be black listed and no camps will be allowed in sanctuary /National Park’s/ Other Protected area in kerala in future
Preference will be given to the institutions from the adjoining areas /Panchayath jurisdiction/ District.
The locations for the camps within the division are to be decided by the Wildlife Warden.
The ideal number of participants in a camp is 35 including accompanying staff.
Duration of camps will be 2 days.
Simple, hygienic vegetarian foods is served for nature camp participants
Instructions
Nature camp is for awareness nature and education not to any amusement.
Participants are requested to wear sub-dued colour clothes and not to carry plastic wrapped food items, Poly bags, musical instruments and valuable items
Match boxes and other inflammables are not allowed in the Wildlife Sanctuary
Instructions by the park authority should be strictly followed. Failing to which the person/institution/organisation is be expelled from the camp and not to eligible for availing camps in future in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
III. Who can apply?
TARGET GROUP
TO WHOM THE APPLICATION BE SENT
GOVERNMENT RECOGINZED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS,(government /aided/self financing /un aided)
THE WILDLIFE WARDEN,Shendurney Wild life division,Thenmala dam.P.O,Thenmala,Kollam(Dt)
LOCAL CLUBS AND OTHER ORGANAISATIONS
THE CHIEF CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS (WL),FOREST HEAD QUARTERS,VANALAKSHMI, VAZHUTHACUAD,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-14(Application is sent well in advance, preferably one month before the proposed date)
NATURE CAMPS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES (OTHER THAN LOCAL)
THE CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDENVANNALAKSHMI,VAZHUTHACADU,THIRUVANTHAPURAM.(Application is sent well in advance, preferably two month before the proposed date)
VI. How to apply: The application form should reach to the concern offices in prescribed form(Annexure I) along with the self declaration form.
Download Application and self decleration form (PDF)
Note: The application received not in the prescribed form will not be considered for the camp.V. AvailabilityDetails regarding the availability of nature camps other logistics may be enquired from:THE WILDLIFE WARDEN,Shendurney Wild life division, Thenmala dam.P.O,Thenmala, Kollam(Dt)Phone No. 91 475-2344600 (O), 91 9447979081 (Mob) Email: wildlifewarden@shendurney.com
Expand All Collapse All
+ About Shendurney
Significance
History
Zonation
Geology
Climate
Boundaries
Park Resource Usages
+ Flora & Fauna
Mammals
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fishes
Birds
Butterflies
Plants
+ Forest Cover
West coast tropical evergreen forest
West coast tropical semi-evergreen
Southern hilltop tropical evergreen forest
Southern subtropical hill forest
Southern secondary moist mixed deciduous forest
Reed brakes
Myristica swamps
Grasslands
+ Eco-tourism
Treks and Trails
Thenmala Ecotourism
- Nature Camps
Paid Nature Camp
Free Nature Camp
+ Visitor Info
General Info
Accomodation
Location
How to reach
Photogallery
Contact

KULATHUPUZHA

Kulathupuzha is located 64 km from Kollam and 74 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Kulathupuzha forms a part of the southern most reserve forests of Kerala. It is situated on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road. Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here. Kulathupuzha is an important forest range, which is well known for its elephants.The famous 'Sree Dharma Sastha' Temple is located here at Kulathupuzha. The main festival of this temple is 'Vishumahotsavam'.

KULATHOOPUZHA

KULATHUPUZHA , ARYANKAVU, ACHENCOIL – PALARUVI WATER FALLS.
Area is known for marvelous evergreen forests. kulathupuzha is also famous for the temple of Lord Ayyappa. In kulathupuzha the fresh water swamps, harbouring fishes, are ideal bathing ghats. The temple at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, and Achencoil, attracts many Ayyappa devotees. The perennial waterfall at Palaruvi, near Aryankavu attracts a lot of visitors.
How to reach:From Trivandrum by road via palode. Kulathupuzha-60 kmAryankavu - 75 Km.Palaravi - 73 km.Achencoil - 104 km.
AccommodationForest Rest House – Achencoil, KTDC hotel at Aryankavu, private lodges at Kulathupuzha, Achencoil
Map/ Photograph Contact Address : Divisional Forest Officer, Thenmala: Ph: 0475 2344521

TREKKING IN KERLA

Trekking often refers to multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. Many people who are trekkers engage in longer trips through entire regions of the world, using trekking as a way of getting from place to place. It can be incorporated with a number of other outdoor sports, such as rock climbing or backpacking.As travellers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives travellers an up-close view of incredible scenery. Many trekkers travel through isolated areas, giving them an experience much different than those who travel in organized groups to more-popular destinations. It often allows them to interact with nature, doing anything from climbing a rock wall to navigating across a mountain or entire mountain range.Trekking is best attempted initially with someone who has experience or in a professionally-led group. This can help introduce those new to trekking to the special skills required to successfully make an overland journey of significant length. A number of outdoor stores and organizations offer classes and plan trips that can help give an idea of the gear and physical ability required in trekking.Trekking in KeralaWalking on good trails with gentle slopes- trekking in Kerala is with days designed to allow you time for wildlife watching, sight-seeing and appreciating the beauty of the mountains and valleys. Trekking in India is popular at Kerala and adventurous trekking training is also available.Trekking in Kerala is on of the famous adventure sport awaiting the trekking enthusiasts. There is the limitless possibility of the trekking traveller for special points of interest at different destinations of Kerala. The travellers can also explore the rugged beauty of the lofty mountains romancing the shimmering waterfalls.The trekking tours through Kerala amidst the world’s most beautiful places as Agasthyarkoodam, Chembra Peak, Pythal mala and Thenmala and a lot of other places in Kerala is popular for trekking training and adventurous trekking. Periyar trekking program is mind blowing. Munnar and periyar offers excellent trekking experience.The periyar tiger reserve and will leave you to an absolutely in awe of the majesty of thetropical jungle and an experience of a lifetime. At munnar you will be at altitudes of over 7000 feet and experience the uniqueness of the shoal-grassland eco systems.At Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad District of Kerala, experience the awe of being in the most pristine stretch of primordial rainforest of Western Ghats. Different eco systems and tribal populations and a great trek through the deepest rain forests and expedition of spectacular places unreachable by wheels are really stunning in Kerala.While you trek through Kerala you can experience the authentic culture and essence of the land you visited. Bamboo rafts will take you across the lake for a memorable moment for the life time. At Kerala the trekking not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also brings the visitor directly in touch with the country and its people and help you to enjoy every moment.Thanks to Dev Sri for contributing this article to our Adventure Travel blog:
Dev Sri invites you to try adventure tours of Kerala. With Adventure Kerala, you will enjoy adventure sports like mountaineering, rapelling, rock climbing, river crossing, and a whole lot of adventure activities.

AN EXPEDITION

CALL ME 9447705941
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Raleigh expedition, one phase of which involved a 17 day trek and rafting experience across Kerala, organized and run by Kalypso. This was no easy feat especially for someone like me with no previous experience in trekking or any strenuous physical activity for that matter. So having to one day start trekking with a heavy rucksack, for an average of 10 hours a day came as a bit of a shock to my unprepared body. But as a group we stuck with the challenge, overcoming exhaustion and pain, while focusing on reaching the campsite for the day.The first 2 days were definitely some of the hardest, not only because of the tough terrain but also because we had to keep it up for up to 12 hours each day. Despite this, some my clearest memories come from these days as we trekked up and down mountains in what seemed to be a constant drizzle, sat on top of mountains eating lunch while taking in spectacular views and sceneries, walked as fast as possible through forests crawling with leeches that attached themselves to us anywhere they possibly could, crossed streams as soon as we began to dry out, slipped and slid down rocky mountains spending more time on our rear that we did on our feet and took turns to sit around a fire during the night to keep a look out for elephants while trying our best not to fall asleep.

Our Kalypso guide- Jerry

Reaching campsites at the end of each day filled me with such a sense of achievement that I had managed to finish yet another day of trekking, but our work did not end there as we had to set up tents, cook dinner and complete all the other tasks that needed doing before settling down for the night.

Cooking on a campfire
Getting a special meal ready
One of our many campsites
As the trek progressed, we got into the routine of getting up at the unearthly hour of 4.30 each morning, packing rucksacks and taking down tents in the dark, stuffing as much porridge as we could down our throats and setting out for yet another day. As we headed out each day I would anxiously wonder if this was the day I would finally be unable to reach the campsite. But thankfully with a little help from my supportive group, most of whom spent quite a bit of time holding my hand and pulling me up hills, we managed to reach campsites everyday in good time. Girls will be girls

Honing our navigation skills
Along the way, we would stop at tiny chai shops where a nice hot cup of chai and a banana did a lot to rejuvenate tired bodies and spirits. If we were lucky we would also manage to spot tiny restaurants and gorge ourselves on parotas and egg, fish, chicken and beef curry, pretty much buying the entire place out and thus avoiding the much dreaded “rice bags” which we carried as lunch. As we stopped for breaks in these small towns, intrigued locals would stop and ask us why we were walking with all our heavy gear when we could just as easily take a bus.We also developed an affliction we termed “the trekker’s waddle” which was the result of all the aches and pains and which replaced our normal gait with a mix between a limp and a waddle.
Lending a helping hand Sitting outside a tiny chai shop
As the days wore on, we trekked through forests so thick we could barely see the person ahead, got a few more leech bites, climbed to some of the highest points in South India, jumped into rivers whenever we could for a welcome swim and wash, washed clothes as we sat on rocks in the middle of a river, nearly had our tents blown off in the middle of the night as we camped on top of a very windy hill and I personally discovered that I have a very poor sense of balance.

Time for a wash
Learning the art of lungi tying
As the final day of trekking drew to a close, we finished on a high, having had to push ourselves on the final stretch which was all uphill, finally arriving at our campsite with whoops of joy and hugs all round. We ended the day with a candlelit dinner around a table (a rare occurrence) which was kindly cooked for us by our host.
Celebrating the end of the trek The final sunset in the mountains of KeralaThe next day we set out for Neriamangalam to begin the rafting and it was a relief to be able to sit in a moving vehicle rather than be on our feet. On reaching we were instructed on how to build raft with bamboo poles, rope and inflated tubes. Splitting ourselves into teams: ‘The Pirates’ and ‘The Titanic’, we completed the task in about 3 hours and set out on our journey down the Periyar River. But due to the dam being shut, the river was as still as a pond and no current meant that it took us about an hour to do 1 km. Rowing was hard work but us Pirates (Arrr) and the Titanic persevered, despite one of our tubes developing a hole which I held closed with my thumb for the last half hour thus earning me the name ‘Captain Gluefinger’, and accidentally losing one of our paddles leaving us with only seven rowers. The rafting proved to be tougher than imagined but was an equally memorable experience. To bring this adventure of ours to a close, we decided to spend our last day at Fort Kochi and had a relaxed time wandering around seeing the sights before heading back to Mysore to say our last goodbyes to everyone.This trip has definitely been an experience of a lifetime and it still amazes me that we actually accomplished all that we did. Some of my most memorable moments were taking a small detour down a slippery and rocky mountain path to see the most beautiful, pristine waterfall in the middle of nowhere which I’m positive only a few people have ever had the opportunity to witness, sitting and having a wash in the middle of a stream while watching tiny fish swim past, deciding to slide down rocks instead of navigating it on foot, pretending to be pirates, a whole lot of hand holding and the sense of achievement and pure joy on reaching the final campsite.This is an experience I would recommend to anyone!
Posted by Kalypso Adventures at 10:19 AM

During night trekking you can enjoy the nocturnal beauty of the wildlife.Trekking has remained men's passion from the day he took his first step on the earth. He always ventured out of home and his natural surroundings to explore something new, a world that was unknown to him. It is astonishing to learn that the human race migrated from one continent to another when there were no means of communication, no helping hands, and most of them who left their home could never return back.Night Trekking in KeralaAre you interested in experiencing a fun, exciting, and memorable Kerala night trekking adventure? If you are, you are definitely not alone. The landscape and wild life of Kerala is often referred as one the best in the world for trekking excursions.During night trekking at the forests of Kerala you will be provided with guards for your safety and all you need is an open mind and sharp ear to face the upcoming unknown phenomena from inside the jungle.Tiger reserve portions of Kerala is famous for night trekking. Periyar night trekking is mind blowing. Ardent nature lovers have always been wooed by the magnificent beauty of nature. Trekking is just not an adventure sport; it is an act of getting close to nature with emphasis on forest exploration and experiencing the wilderness by night. Periyar, Munnar, Chinnar forest and a lot of other places in Kerala is well fit for night trekking.While on night trekking at Kerala the night time, near the river side enjoying the melody of the streaming water and bathing in the moon light is a life time experience.The persons involving in the night trekking develop and sharpen their power of observation to sense the unseen animals and birds during dark nights. The night trek around Periyar takes you through thick tropical rain forests and grasslands and offers opportunities to see elephant, gaur bison, deer, Nilgiri Tahrs and many species of birds and rare butterflies, as well as the rare and endangered Lion Tailed Macaques. A qualified naturalist or specialist guide may accompany you if needed. The trek also gives you an aerial view of the famed Sabari Mala temple, one of the holiest shrines of Hinduism which is visited by millions of devotees in December each year.For night trekkers of Kerala wildlife sanctuaries, the forest department also provides armed guards. Camping is done when tourists are on a Tiger Trail programme. In this, usually, five guides and two forest officials accompany tourists in order to guide them and also to prevent them from getting lost in the forest area.
Dev Sri invites you to try adventure tours of Kerala. With Adventure Kerala, you will enjoy adventure sports like mountaineering, rapelling, rock climbing, river crossing, and a whole lot of adventure activities.


google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);
Ads by Google