Mankayam

Mankayam Eco- Tourism Centre is situated at Peringammala Section inPalode Forest Range under Thiruvananthapuram Forest Division. The Mankayam River, a tributary of Chittar River, flows through this scenic tourist spot. Situated at an elevation of around 500 m above sea level, the fertile soil here has yielded lush foliage that houses interesting species of flora. The entire area from Mankayam to Kalakkayam covers a long stretch of forest vegetation on the banks of the Mankayam River. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam Waterfall, one of the biggest falls in this area. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect fordifferent cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. The second highest mountain in this region is known as Varauattumottai. This area located large number of Nilgiri tahr. Nilgiri tahr is visible only at Eravikuilam National park and Varayattumottai only. This hill top is one of the biological and ecological hot spot of the South India. Trekking of this site is available from Mankayam Eoc- Tourism Spot. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam waterfalls at 600m above MSL. In the lower reaches there are two smaller falls at Kurisadi area this water spectacle ca nbe enjoyed at any time of the year. Mankayam was recently launched as a zone for ecotourism, managed by the State Forest Department; visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi (Forest Protection Group), working under the forest department of the State. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Brymore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River