Arippa

	Arippa Arippa is located 52 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city along the Thiruvananthapuram-Shencottai State Highway. Wooded highlands of the Western Ghats surrounding this place, offering a calm and peaceful destination for tourists amidst the forest environment. Arippa is known for its diverse species of birds and wildlife and is a renowned haunt for bird watchers. Ecotourism Projects The ecotourism packages here include short treks, bird/wildlife watching, visit to the nearby tribal settlement, outdoor camping in jungle camps etc. The programmes are operated through the tribal settlement, with tribals as guides. The Ammayambalam Pacha, Myristica Swamp, the tribal settlements, Kulathupuzha Temple etc. are some interesting attractions of the area. For enquiries and bookings, contact: Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2320604 Kottayam, Ph: 0481-2581204. mail@keralafdc.org District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 0471-2315397 Emergency Help: Principal, Kerala Forest School , Arippa Office ph :0474 242001 ACF Forest Training Center, Arippa 0474 2442354 >

Neyyar Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is tropical evergreens forests spread over 128 sq km area in the Western Ghats, it forms the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The Agasthyamalai,1,890 metres high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland. Ecotourism Activities A medicinal garden near the Crocodile Protection Centre has 178 varieties of plants. The Boat Club organizes boat rides that take visitors around at least two of the six islands, in the easily navigable Neyyar Reservoir extending 9.06 sq km. This boating can be spotted elephants, sambar, quite a few birds as well as the towering Agasthyamalai. The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park. The Sanctuary with its amazing variety of homing and migratory birds is a joy for birdwatchers. Trekking to the Agasthya Peak is possible in summer with prior permission from the Forest Department. all excellent places to stay. Location: -30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. -Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km). -Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station. For enquiries and bookings, contact: Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2360762 District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2315397 Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]Rooms