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MALAYSIAN BLOOMS. …………A Trail of Malaysia

02. Broad Frames of Life

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur bears a landmark torch that holds the flag of the seventh tallest telecommunication tower- KL Tower. The name KL gave flash memory of Kerala registration vehicles.

KL TOWER

Kuala Lumpur, a pretty gummy word for Indian tongue which means ‘muddy confluence’ in Malay. ‘Lampang’ is the word behind it which means ‘muddy uncleared forest. ‘Kuala’ is the point where two rivers join and ‘lumpar’ means mud.

So yes, the KL Tower touches the skyline with all its exuberance. Located on a small hill,

KL Tower or Menara extends us several entertainments like pony ride, animal zone, a cultural village, etc.

After a glimpse of Petronas tower, we reached the foot of KL Tower and it looked us with great prestige. Here we come to conquer you! Malaysia always speaks to you in colours. The entrance of KL Tower was not different from this. It was well adorned in golden colour which indirectly paints a royal stroke. From a circular area, we are directed to lifts. As you count, you are simply elevated at height of almost 300m. You must have seen the level numbers in a lift of multistoried building. But with a difference here my eyes widened an air of gasp was unknowingly produced with the numbers on the screen 100m…150m…200m..250m…300m.

A VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TOWER

Here we are at the observation deck. Nightshades are about to engulf the cityscape. Through the big glass windows, you capture the panoramic view of the city from heights. The observation deck is exactly at 276m above the ground level. Mind-blowing view of the metropolitan cities was a rare gift as I never saw them in real except in Spiderman movies. There the Petronas twins are waving at you with much more elegance since it is a great feast for eyes during the night. Sure, Petronas.. the night has made you the showstopper!!

VIEW OF PETRONAS FROM KL TOWER

The whole city has got a picturesque quality where lights proclaim their very presence. Almost all poets, storytellers around the globe celebrated the night with its pristine stillness, moonlit rivers, winking stars, or often as the cradle of crime stories. Here I strongly felt, the night is thoroughly at the ebb of a party mode, chilling with illumination and radiant colors.

CITY VIEW FROM OBSERVATION DECK

For it was a late-night, we were not allowed to sky deck or skybox which might have been an awe-inspiring experience. Next time we will come to you.

When I stood underneath Petronas, It gave a revelation of humbleness while I must say

the KL Tower’s heights graced me with novel perspectives of life.

Robots

Shilpa IT ,

Robots Among Us

It is not the mechanical “body” that is unattainable; articulated arms and other moving mechanisms adequate for manual work already exist, as the industrial robots attest. Rather it is the computer-based articial brain that is still well below the level of sophistication needed to build a humanlike robot.

The challenge facing roboticists is to take general-purpose computers and program them to match the largely special-purpose human brain, with its ultraoptimized perceptual inheritance and other peculiar evolutionary traits. Today’s robot-controlling computers are much too feeble to be applied successfully in that role, but it is only a matter of time before they are up to the task.

Molecular biology and neuroscience are steadily uncovering the physical mechanisms underlying life and mind but so far have addressed mainly the simpler mechanisms. Evidence that simple functions can be composed to produce the higher capabilities of nervous systems comes from programs that read, recognize speech, guide robot arms to assemble tight components by feel, classify chemicals by articial smell and taste, reason about abstract matters, and so on. Of course, computers and robots today fall far short of broad human or even animal competence. But that situation is understandable in light of an analysis, summarized in the next section, that concludes that today’s computers are only powerful enough to function like insect nervous systems. And, in my experience, robots do indeed perform like insects on simple tasks.

Though dispiriting to articial-intelligence experts, the huge decit does not mean that the goal of a humanlike articial brain is unreachable.

Commercial mobile robots have found few jobs. The largest class of commercial mobile robots, known as automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), transport materials in factories and warehouses. Most follow buried signal-emitting wires and detect end points and collisions with switch.

It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to install guide wires under concrete oors, and the routes are then xed, making the robots economical only for large, exceptionally stable factories.

The most advanced industrial mobile robots,for instance, laser-sensed bar codes—and by preexisting features such as walls, corners and doorways. The costly labor of laying guide wires is replaced by custom software that is carefully tuned for each route segment. The small companies that developed the robots discovered many industrial customers eager to automate transport, oor cleaning, security patrol and other routine jobs. Alas, mos buyers lost interest as they realized that installation and route changing required time-consuming and expensive work by experienced route programmers of inconsistent availability.

Physical properties include shape, weight, strength, texture and appearance of things, and ways to handle them. Psychological factors, applied to humans and robots alike, include goals, beliefs, feelings and preferences. Developing the simulators will be a huge undertaking involving thousands of programmers and experience-gathering robots.

NORTON & TVS MOTOR

KIHRD Online Learning Automobile , kihrd online

Norton is one of the most iconic British brands, besides Triumph, Royal Enfield and BSA. Incidentally now all of the remaining famed British brands either have Indian owners or strong engineering relationships with local entities.

Norton is a brand that always stood for bespoke production, craftsmanship and unparallel motoring luxury along with unique design and innovation, something TVS has been looking for and really seeks to build out.New Delhi: Another Indian company bags a storied European brand.

This time it’s TVS Motor, the third largest two wheeler maker from the world’s biggest bikes and scooter market, and getting ‘Norton’ under its belt would not just fill the technology deficit, but would also make it a serious contender in the super-bike category, something its rivals are always vying for.

Industry veterans cite it as a major catch for any aspiring Indian company aiming to hit the global circuit in style. “Norton is a major brand in the developed markets of Europe and the US and at Rs 150 crore, it’s a steal. The brand has a major pull and would fill the void for TVS Motors in technology and take it many years ahead of its rivals,” says a two wheeler specialist.

TVS Motor Company has announced the Norton acquisition . Norton is one of the most iconic British brands, besides Triumph, Royal Enfield and BSA. Incidentally now all of the remaining famed British brands either have Indian owners or strong engineering relationships with local entities.

Typical of the cash-starved British brands, Norton was started in Birmingham in 1898 by James Lansdowne Norton. It has a fantastic global appeal, a strong unique design and British heritage carried for decades. It has always been closely associated with “Motor Racing” and also makes superbikes in various categories across markets.

It is a brand which has a huge opportunity for TVS to scale up and create value. TVS Motors can now focus on these developed markets with a known brand and the hugely expanding recreation biking segment. This classic and unique British design and heritage will be the core for the company looking at building out a future in premium, luxury and classic bikes as well.

TVS has spent about 16-million British Pounds on the acquisition. The cash savvy Indian companies have been on the prowl with Bajaj Auto acquiring KTM and Husqvarna marquee brands in the past.

Meanwhile, the SUV major, Mahindra&Mahindra through its two wheeler company had also acquired another iconic British motorcycle brand, BSA a few years back. Mahindra also owns 60 percent of Classic Legends Private Limited (CLPL), who had re-introduced the Yezdi brand back into India.

Norton is an iconic British brand celebrated across the world, and presents us with an immense opportunity to scale globally.

The two wheeler market leader Hero MotoCorp had acquired American superbike maker Erik Buell Racing or EBR, - the East Troy, Wisconsin-based firm, to harvest cutting-edge technology and design to develop future models. However, the deal turned sour and the Indian entity lost a good amount of money.

EBR, a fairly new enterprise, turned bankrupt a few years after the acquisition and the technology it was developing almost got wasted for Hero MotoCorp and failed to harvest any of its investments. Subsequently, it has developed new technology centres at Kukas in Rajasthan and Germany to fill the tech-deficit.

The cash-rich Indian companies have been looking at the global spectrum of motorbiking and Norton gets TVS to that niche level.

Virtually on a bankruptcy mode, Norton had undergone a rough patch in the past two-years, though TVS has not taken any of its past liabilities or the responsibilities. While the Chennai-based entity has committed to meet all customer commitments and will carry on with all the existing employees too. There are about 55-60 of the permanent employees serving Norton at the time of acquisition as per the company website.

Industry insiders say what is the need for TVS to acquire Norton of UK at approximately Rs 150 crore at such an unpleasant hour, amid the coronavirus scare and massive uncertainties, especially when they already have a tie up with BMW Motorrad.

An industry veteran quipped, “BMW tie-up restricts them to 500cc (in terms of engine capacity), whereas with Norton acquisition they can wheel out 650-1800cc of biking. Moreover this opens up the entire Europe and the US markets for them ... Norton may not be too popular in the West, but mind you it is strong in technology and engines, which will determine the future of performance biking and motor racing...”

According to Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, “Norton is an iconic British brand celebrated across the world, and presents us with an immense opportunity to scale globally. We will continue to retain its distinctive identity with dedicated and specific business plans.”

Due to the challenges it (Norton) faced in the last few years, TVS insiders believe in the flipside there’s potential to scale up the company to create massive value in the long-term from the new acquisition to the Indian two wheeler company.

Norton is a brand that always stood for bespoke production, craftsmanship and unparallel motoring luxury along with unique design and innovation, something TVS has been looking for and really seeks to build out. In fact, each bike costs upwards of 25,000 British Pounds and is custom-built for the customer in those markets.

As for the industry gains, TVS would be eyeing huge synergies across supply chain and distribution. These gains would be beyond the product and the company would be looking forward to the new products in the pipeline. TVS has got all the intellectual proprietary and brand rights and is looking forward to resurrecting and scaling it in the future.

TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the world, has operations across a dozen international markets like Indonesia, Philippines, Yeman, Columbia, Kuwait, Yeman, Honduras etc. The new string; Britain’s iconic sporting motorcycle, Norton will carve out TVS into a storied motorcycle maker of modern times and will reflect its rising prominence in the highly competitive international two-wheeler market.

PLANER MACHINE

ANANTHU GOPINATH Mechanical ,

The planer is a machine tool designed to produce plane and flat surface on a workpiece which is too large or too heavy. The workpiece is securely fixed on a table called platen, and it reciprocates horizontally against a single edged cutting tool. The surface machined may be horizontal, vertical or at an angle.

Operations of planer machine: The planer is used for:

Planing flat horizontal, vertical and curved surfaces.
Planing at an angle and machining dovetails.
Planing slots and grooves.

The planer are available in different types for doing different types and sizes of job; the most common being the standard and double housing planer.

Construction

The main parts of the double Housing Planer machine is Bed and table, Housings, Cross rail, Tool heads, Driving and feed mechanism.

Bed and table: The bed is a long heavy base and table made of cast iron. Its top surface is flat and machine accurately. The flat top surface has slots in which the workpiece can be securely clamped. The workpiece needs rigid fixing so that it does not shift out of its position. The standard clamping devices used on planer machine are: Heavy duty vice, T-holders and clamps, angle plate, planer jack, step blocks and stop. The table movement may be actuated by a variable speed drive through a rack and pinion arrangement, or a hydraulic system.

Housings: The housings are the rigid and upright column like castings. These are located near the centre on each side of the base.

Cross rail: The cross rail is a horizontal member supported on the machined ways of the upright columns. Guide ways are provided on vertical face of each column and that enables up and vertical movement of the cross rail. The vertical movement of the cross rail allows to accommodate workpiece of different heights. Since the cross rail is supported at both the ends, this type of planer machine is rigid in construction.

Tool heads: Generally two tool heads are mounted in the horizontal cross rail and one on each of the vertical housing. Tool heads may be swiveled so that angular cuts can be made. Driving and feed mechanism: The tool heads may be fed either by hand or by power in crosswise or vertical direction. The motor drive is usually at one side of the planer near the centre and drive mechanism is located under the table. The size of the planer is specified by the maximum length of the stroke, and also by the size of the largest rectangular solid that can be machined on it.

SHAPER MACHINE

ANANTHU GOPINATH Mechanical ,

The shaper is a machine tool used primarily for:

Producing a flat or plane surface which may be in a horizontal, a vertical or an angular plane.
Making slots, grooves and keyways
Producing contour of concave/convex or a combination of these.

Working Principle

The job is rigidly fixed on the machine table. The single point cutting tool held properly in the tool post is mounted on a reciprocating ram. The reciprocating motion of the ram is obtained by a quick return motion mechanism. As the ram reciprocates, the tool cuts the material during its forward stroke. During return, there is no cutting action and this stroke is called the idle stroke. The forward and return strokes constitute one operating cycle of the shaper.

Construction

The main parts of the Shaper machine is Base, Body (Pillar, Frame, Column), Cross rail, Ram and tool head (Tool Post, Tool Slide, Clamper Box Block)

Base: The base is a heavy cast iron casting which is fixed to the shop floor. It supports the body frame and the entire load of the machine. The base absorbs and withstands vibrations and other forces which are likely to be induced during the shaping operations. Body (Pillar, Frame, Column): It is mounted on the base and houses the drive mechanism compressing the main drives, the gear box and the quick return mechanism for the ram movement. The top of the body provides guide ways for the ram and its front provides the guide ways for the cross rail.

Cross rail: The cross rail is mounted on the front of the body frame and can be moved up and down. The vertical movement of the cross rail permits jobs of different heights to be accommodated below the tool. Sliding along the cross rail is a saddle which carries the work table.

Ram and tool head: The ram is driven back and forth in its slides by the slotted link mechanism. The back and forth movement of ram is called stroke and it can be adjusted according to the length of the workpiece to be-machined.

PANTOGRAPH MECHANISM

Sandeep Mechanical ,

Pantograph is a linkage constituting of five link connected with pin joints to form revolute pairs. It is connected in a manner based on parallelograms so that the movement of one point, in tracing an image, produces identical movements by second point. In order to understand pantograph and its application we need to go through some basic terms associated with mechanisms.

A link is defined as a rigid body having two or more pairing elements which connect it to other link is the frame of the machine and is called the fixed link.

Types of Links:

Rigid : It undergoes no deformation; Example: crank, connecting rod.
Flexible : Partial deformation; Example: springs, belts, ropes
Fluid : Motion is transmitted by this link by deformation.

kinematic pair:The two links or elements of a machine, when in contact with each other, are said to form a pair. If the relative motion between them is completely or successfully constrained (i.e. in a definite direction), the pair is known as kinematic pair.

(a) Lower pair: When the two elements of a pair have a surface contact when relative motion takes place and the surface of one element slides over the surface of the other, the

pair formed is known as lower pair.

(b) Higher pair: When the two elements of a pair have a line or point contact when relative motion takes place and the motion between the two elements is partly turning and partly

sliding, then the pair is known as higher pair. A pair of friction discs, toothed gearing, belt and rope drives, ball and roller etc

kinematic chain :When the kinematic pairs are coupled in such a way that the last link is joined to the first link to transmit definite motion, it is called as kinematic chain

Mechanism is a combination of various links which are capable of having relative motion with respect to one another.
Machine is the combination of number of such mechanisms used to carry out a particular tasks.

Pantograph is used to reproduce to an enlarged or a reduced scale and as exactly as possible the path described by a given point.

It consists of a jointed parallelogram ABCD .It is made up of bars connected by turning pairs.The bars BA and BC are extended to O and E respectively, such that OA/OB =AD/BE

Thus,for all relative positions of the bars, the triangles OAD and OBE are similar and the points O, D and E are in one straight line. It may be proved that point E traces out the same path as described by point D. If a line drawing is traced by the first point D , an identical, enlarged, or miniaturized copy will be drawn by a pen fixed to the point E. Other than that pantograph and its modifications can be used in the following areas.

Transmission of electricity in trains
Shaping and cutting the contour of a work piece of the desired profile.
Magnification or dwindling of displacement for signal conditioning
. Variable length testing gauges.
Force multiplier.
Elongation or compression of a work piece.
Act as a lever-Isolator
Precise positioning.

Eco-Tourism in Kerala

STALIN R VAGAMON

Ecotourism can be summed up as a “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”.

More and more people have become conscious about the fact that environment needs to be protected. That’s why the concept of ecotourism has been received well by many. Ecotourism basically focuses on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Through eco tours one tries to save forests and bring a “win-win development strategy for undeveloped rural areas” to life.

The basics of eco tourism are same everywhere. The foremost of the rules are that the tourism advises to minimize impact, spread awareness about the environment and the harm caused to the it due to lack of cultural. The eco tourism spreads a sense of respect amongst all the people who undertake tours for environment. The basic idea behind conducting and promoting such tours is that it empowers each individual to take steps towards conserving the Mother Nature. For locals too, such steps are important to provide them with financial stability and provide them with livelihood.

In terms of eco tourism destinations in India, Kerala has gained a lot of momentum. It happens to be the greenest part of India, which until the recent times was unexplored by people and has now suddenly gained a lot of fame and popularity amongst travellers from all across the globe. Geographical topography of this place is so varied that the people all around the world come here just to be close to the nature. Kerala boasts of beautiful beaches, backwaters, beaches and the life giving sunshine.

Find out more

The best thing is that the tourism department of Kerala is aware of Kerala’s potential as a tourist destination and its natural wealth as well. It has taken important steps towards maintaining ecological balance amongst people. The coconuts trees growing here and the paddy fields spread in acres and acres of land and the banana plantations fill up the mountain ranges with their green blanket.

To promote more eco tourism Kerala tourism has taken steps to organise tours and travels which broaden the horizons of people. There are several attractive packages designed to lure the visitors.

Kerala’s western zone is being projected as the eco tourism zone. It specially caters to the foreing tourist who are looking for an experience where they can enjoy wildlife, some nature, have the thrills of adventures like trekking all combined into one.

Kerala has a forest area of approximately 11,125 sq km, which makes up 28.90 % of the total land area. The western ghats is where all the forest area is located. Western Ghat is also one of the world’s 18 hotspots of bio diversity. Besides luxuriant and flimsy bionetwork of sultry rainforests, Kerala as well has some extraordinary eco-tourism destinations in the form of its thriving emerald backwaters, palm-fringed sea-shores, rambling tea and spice plantations on mount gradients and many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries heaving with remarkable assortment of wildlife.

Kerala is one of the most famous eco-destinations. Tourism industry in Kerala should be eco friendly and sustainable. Kerala ecotourism aims to let people have an insight of the local culture. Most of the foreign tourists choose eco friendly areas for visit. Ecotourism in Kerala has taken off in a big way because Kerala has many destinations known for their natural beauty and exquisite landscape. As Kerala is one of the greenest destinations in India, the state is perfect hub for promoting ecotourism in a big way. The verdant beauty of Kerala is richly highlighted through the different ecotourism destinations. Ecotourism along with pilgrim, backwater and village tourism are propelling this field into new levels of progression with each passing day. Undoubtedly our wealth is our nature. It is a way to save forests and provide positive experiences to visitors. The Western Ghats region of Kerala contains a protected area of 2,324 sq.km which house two National Parks and 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical forest eco-system, provides a natural advantage for development of ecotourism. Major Eco-Tourism Centers in Kerala Forest department has listed 56 destinations as ecotourism centers. Some important destinations among these are:

1 1. Kumarakom:-

This place is situated in Kottayam district, on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise. One can find a wide range of migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise in the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The best months to bird watch are between June and August. Boats are available on hire for backwater cruises around the lake. The breathtaking beauty of the mangrove forests the green sea of the paddy field and the vast, fantastic coconut groves benevolently accommodating eye-pleasing and thirst quenching rivalets, canals, channeled between wild flora and mild lies extend a warm welcome to every nature –loving tourist.

2. Munnar: -

This is a hill station in Idukki district situated at the confluence of 3 small rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallanthani and Kundala, 1600m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in south India. The highest peak in south India-Anamudi (2695 meters high) is in Munnar.The most variety flora; the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) is seen in this part. The major sightseeing attractions are sprawling tea plantations, boating and tea factory visits, visits to top stations (highest point in Munnar-1700m), Mattupetty (has highly specialised dairy farm), Devikulam, Rajamala (natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr), Marayoor (natural growth of sandal wood trees),Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park

3. Bhoothathankettu: -

This place is situated in the northeastern part of Ernakulam district. The water body formed by the construction of a barrage across Periyar River, land embraced by evergreen forests and bamboo are the major attractions. There is also a legend about this place. A boat cruise from here to Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is an exhilarating experience.

4. Athirappally-Vazhachal Falls: -

It is a popular picnic spot, 63 kms from Thrissur in the Sholayar ranges. In another 5 km drive, we can reach the Vazhachal cascades close to the evergreen forests and is a part of Chalakkudi River.

5. Nelliampathy: -

This place is situated in Palakkad district and is a fascinating hill station at a height of 467 to 1572 km above the sea level. Travelling through the hairpin bend on the ghat road that passes through the breath taking evergreen forests of the Sahya ranges, one can view Seethankadu, a place of pristine beauty.

6. Nilambur: -

This place is situated in Malappuram district and famous for tea plantations. The oldest teak plantation of the world, Connolly’s plot is situated here. About 40 kms from Nilambur situates the Nedungayam, the original home of the Cholanyakans, the oldest original tribe of Kerala.

7. Perumvannamuzhy: -

This place is situated in Kozhikode district. A lake surrounded by natural forests is the major attraction here. This forms nearest forest area suitable for recreation and environmental education for people in and around Kozhikode and Kannur cities. There is a mini zoo and a crocodile park here at presents.

8. Kuruva Islands: -

This place is situated in Wayanad district. Kuruva Islands are located in the river Kabani along the northeast border of Wayanad district. This place is located at about 44 kms from Kalpatta, here mainly there are three Islands and a few Submersible Satellite Islands. The main island contains two small fresh water lakes. Several migratory birds are also seen here. These Islands present a unique eco system that may be of great interest of nature lovers.

9. Tirunelli: -

This place is also situated in Wayanad district. This is considered to be a serene locality with religious significance. Papanashini River and Temple at Tirunelli attract large number of tourists. The sylvan surrounding fascinates many. The Tirunelli Temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 grant columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granites.

10. Pythalmala: -

This place is situated in Kannur district. This is the highest peak in the Kannur district. A large number of tourists are attracted to this place. Meadows at the top of the hills with small patches of shoal forest present a panoramic view. This place is about 65 kms from Kannur town and about 4500 ft above sea level. This region, near Kerala-Karnataka border abounds in flora and fauna.

11. Ravipuram: -

This place is situated in Kasargod district. This is the highest peak in Kasargod district. It is a good place for trekking activities. The meadow at the top presents a panoramic view. Large crowds are attracted to this place, especially on holidays. It is situated about 750m above sea level.

12. Thenmala Eco-Tourism Development Project: -

Thenmala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. The Thenmala Project envisages three components: Eco-friendly general tourism, Ecotourism and Pilgrimage tourism. The major activities undertaken for the promotion of ecotourism in Thenmala are cultural zone, leisure zone, adventure zone, boating, palaruvi falls, trekking, battery-operated vehicles, musical dancing fountain.

13. Gavi: -

Visitors to Gavi can indulge in trekking, bird and animal watching and boating or canoeing in the placid waters of the reservoir. Trekking trails to Pullumedu peak offers a panoramic view of the famed Sabrimala shrine. The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations. Visitors can also take along a local guide and an experienced ‘elephant chaser’ and then hike to Meenar, Chenthamara kokka and valley view that gives a spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. Outdoor camping and night safaris are organised to Kullar, Gavi, Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam or Anathodu.A unique feature of Gavi is night-camping in the forest. Some wildlife sanctuaries are also come under the purview of ecotourism.

14. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a picnic spot about 29 km from the Thiruvananthapuram. There is a watchtower. Just as crocodiles are attracted to the water, the visitors are attracted to the crocodile farm; here the majestic ‘King of the Forest’-Lions can be sighted on Safari in the ‘Lion Safari park’. There is also a deer park and there is also boating facilities at the reservoir.

15. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary occupies over a 53 sq.km of the Western Ghat and is about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is rich in flora and fauna. It also has a widespread hillock, forests and eucalyptus plus plantations. It is a never-to miss spot for every wildlife enthusiast.

16. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, is one of the biodiversity richest areas in the Western Ghats.Richness and distinct biographic features of this forest area make it an ideal gene pool reserve. The sanctuary is home to identity species of 951 flowering plants.

17. Periyar Tiger Reserves

In 1899, the core area of what today is the Periyar Sanctuary was declared as reserved forests in order to protect the catchment areas of the Periyar River. In 1934 this area was declared as a sanctuary. The total area of the present sanctuary is 777sq.km and it is located in the southern most part of Western Ghats. 70% of it includes tropical evergreen forests.

18. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

A game reserve comparable, though smaller to Periyar is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, just above the Idukki Arch dam. This comprises 70 sq.km of forestland between the Periyar and Cheruthoni situated 40 km from Thodupuzha.There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary.

19. Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam is another wildlife sanctuary proclaimed as a national park. It supports the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr existing in the world now. Anamudi peak, the highest point south of the Himalayas falls in the southern part of this park. The Nilgiri Tahr is seen in the highlands and rocky regions of this national park.

20. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

A thorny scrub jungle present nowhere else makes this sanctuary unique. There is a wide range of animals and a good number of birds in this sanctuary. It is about 60 km from Munnar, on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, and spreads over 90.44sq.km.

21. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

This bird sanctuary in Devikulam Taluk lies on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The area of the sanctuary is 25 sq.km formed between the branches of the River Periyar. The presence of more than 200 varieties of birds in this area attracted the world-renowned ornithologist Dr.Salim Ali whose efforts are also believed to be used in the formation of this sanctuary. Important birds found here include large falcon, gray jungle foul, Rorubill etc. The vegetation in this area consists of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest plantations of teak, rosewood, 155 mahagony etc. Further, more than 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles have accepted this area as their natural habitat.

22. Silent Valley National park

Spread over 90 sq.km, Silent Valley National Park is perhaps the closest to a virgin forest in the entire Western Ghat.It contains India’s last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests and large number of wild animals.

23. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the neighboring Anamalai Sanctuary in Tamilnadu is one of the best Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Sprawling over 28589 km; it has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It has a large population of gauar, spotted deer, nilgirilangur, jungle cot, lion tailed macaque, sloth bear along with some tigers and Leo padres. The cannimare teak tree, said to be Asia’s largest, stands about 5km from Thunakadavu headquarters of Parambikulam.Boating can be done at the lake at Parambikulam. Trekking in the sanctuary is possible with the permission of forest officials.

24. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Abundant in flora and fauna, the sanctuary with a variety of wildlife forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Bio-Sphere Reserve and in making in roads in the conservation of the regional biological heritage, the purpose it is intended for. It is adjacent to the protected area network of Nayar Hale Bandhipur on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu on the southwest. The life styles of the tribals and others of the region have appropriately been taken into account by management.

25. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is an easily accessible haunt for nature enthusiasts. It is 35km from Thalassery. In its 55sq.km area; we can found elephants, sloth bears, mouse deers as well as fauna and reptiles. There are so many other destinations, which also comes under the ecotourism sector in Kerala. There are many places in Kerala, which are suitable for ecotourism.

26. Chembra Peak

Trekking to the Chembra Peak is one of the risky tourist endeavors; Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad at 2100m, above mean sea level. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvass huts and trekking implements on hire charges to the tourists. The scenic beauty of Wayanad that is visible from the top of Chembra is very challenging and thrilling. The blue-eyed water in the lake at the top of the hill never drives up even in the peak of summer.

27.Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam in Brahma Giri hills at Tirunnelly is a challenging tourist spot. It is 7 km, northeast of Tirunelly Temple and is situated 1740 m, above mean sea level. To reach Pakshipathalam, 17kms have to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves formed among the thick blocks of rock at the northern top end of Brahma Giri is the abode of various birds and wild beasts. To go to Pakshipathalam, special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping, apparatus etc to the tourists on hire charges.

28 Meenmutty Waterfalls

Meenmutty waterfalls lies in 12km, east of Meppadi, waterfalls to a depth of more than 500m.Trekking equipments are available at Tourist Information Centre, Kalpetta.

29.Pookote Lake

The natural fresh water lake, very wide and deep is one of the rare reservoirs of water in Wayanad surrounded on all sides with meadows and trees.

30.Agasthyakoodam

This place is situated in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is apart of the Sahyadari range of mountains and is the second highest peak in Kerala at a height of about 1890mts above sea level, the highest one being Anamalai. These mountains are covered with thick forests, which provide home to a large number of wildlife species.Agasthyakoodam is abundant in rare medicinal herbs with amazing curative properties. A variety of plants and birds are found here.

31. Vagamon

Vagamon is situated on the border of Kottayam and Idukki district. This is 1100 meters above sea level. This is a typical hill station with beautiful tea gardens and stimulating meadows. The natural beauty and climate of this place make it suitable for ecotourism. This place is a confluence of a religious mysticism and European legacies.

32. Konni Eco-Tourism project

The Konni Eco-Tourism project is one of the most innovative initiatives in ecotourism development. The project is expected to make Konni a model for other similar forest based ecotourism development initiatives. This project is envisaged in four phases. The ecotourism programs are conceived in such a way that there will be a familiarisation and soft ecotourism zones/activities in and around Konni. The ecotourism products are to be managed by ‘Vana Samrakshna Samithi’. Elephant rides, soft treks, visit to near by water falls on rock tops and a bath in the Achankovil River are the programs chalked out for eco tourists.