Silent valley

In an area of approximately 89 Kms sprawls the immensely captivating Silent valley. Enjoying the blessed location of the mesmerizing Kundali hills, the beautiful Silent Valley is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. As one moves along the Western Ghats in Kerala one will come this mesmeric location. People believe that silent valley is probably the last unsoiled tropical evergreen forest region of India which is immensely rich in Biodiversity. The lush green backdrops, rolling slopes, steep mountain ranges, award the silent valley as one of the most scenic locations in India. But mind it, this is not all, an attraction of the place worth noting is the Silent Valley National Park. This is an interesting tourist place preserving which preserves some of the rare wildlife species within. The plantation of unique herbs and rare variety of plants that are seen here are absolutely awe inspiring. Let us have a look at what all does the Silent Valley holds in store to keep the tourists busy. The wildlife sanctuary of silent valley is a popular tourist attraction of the place If you are an absolute freak of nature and wildlife then a place you must visit is the wildlife sanctuary of silent valley. This colossal sanctuary is popular by the name of 'Sairandhrivanam', meaning the valley forest. The region is called a biodiversity area and is blessed with four different types of vegetations namely, the tropical evergreen rain boon to the wildlife here. One can find species like wild boar, elephant, gaur, tiger, sambhar, Leopard, etc. in the valley forests. Some of the really rare and endangered species like lion tailed macaque are also found here. Amphibian species like lizards, snakes, etc too are easily found here. Some of the places close to the Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Just a few miles away from the Silent Valley National Park lays the Coonoor Hill Resort. It is a town where rapid growth has been observed in almost all the sectors. Again one can spot rich wildlife in this area. Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries such as The Choolanur Peacock Sanctuary, JP Smriti Vanam, The Attapadi, The Parambikulam, etc. are here to keep the tourists busy. In all, if you are a complete nature freak then you cannot find a place better than the Silent Valley. Here you can get great accommodations ranging from the very affordable rest houses, guest houses and luxury hotels. The best part is the climate of the place which is warm in the summer months and cool in the winter months, so there are no specific time intervals between which you should plan a trip to the destination. Last but not the least the place is easily accessible by all means of transport that is air, road and railways. So, plan a trip to this exciting destination and bag for yourself some memories to cherish for lifetime. One of the places of immense tourist interest in Silent Valley is the Tropical Rainforests. This is the place which is holds the highest degree of risk when it comes to habitats of mankind but just contrary to the situation, it is a place known to be the richest habitat for the wildlife of the region. This is particularly the area which sees the highest level of rainfall. Basically this is place which in true manner can be called a destination left untouched by mankind. It can be called one of the most unique tropical rainforest reserves. The pristine glory that the place bears is an evidence of its unsoiled ecological history. The area flaunts its flora and fauna in an area of about 90 Sq. Kms having an altitude of nothing less than 2000. It can also be called one of the rare shola forests of India. The tropical rainforests, dense plantations, heavy rainfall, remoteness of the area and sparse population make it ideal place for a relaxing and soothing holiday. Most of the people living around here are tribal and Kerala Govt has given them separate place of work and also provided small hut for there living and even now if you visit there, you can see them typically dressed up in their style. Silent Valley is an ideal destination for nature lovers, researchers and gutsy trekkers. Undulating mountains and lush greenery greet the eye at SilentValley.View from the watch tower at Sairandhiri is panoramic and the entire valley below appears to be a wavy green enormous carpet. A silver line that runs through is the Kunthipuzha. The interpretation centre at Sairandhiri imparts information on various rare species of orchids, plants and animals.Kunthipuzha is a 2 km down hill trek over a suspension bridge. With FRESH ELEPHANT DUNG strewn around on the path leading to Kunthipuzha, it is the nearest one can get to wild elephants. Lone male tuskers are a dangerous proposition as can be judged from the frenzied paths they pave through thick plants.

                   

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lek ladakh

The mountainous region of Ladakh in the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, is like NO other place in the World. Because of it's unusual terrain and barren landscape it's sometimes referred to as 'Moonland'. Set high up in the Himalaya's at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) Ladakh is a plateau in the Indus Valley between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. Strongly influenced by Tibet and largely inhabited by people of Tibetan descent, Ladakh is also known as 'Little Tibet'. It is not only home to some of the most beautiful and serene monasteries you'll ever see, but it also a land of rich natural beauty - and it's this natural beauty that hits you so hard, because it's a barren beauty. The enormous mass of the Himalayas creates a rain shadow, denying entry to the moisture-laden clouds of the Indian monsoon. Ladakh is thus, a high altitude desert. Many travelers find themselves at loss to understand how something so barren can yet be so beautiful. Its landscape, sky, shooting stars, silence, wizened faces, rosy cheeks, dragons and Zen - everything makes Ladakh a quite place to visit. This ethereal cold desert that goes by names such as 'The Last Shangrila', Moonscape, Little Tibet and so many others - all of which ring true, is a land that seldom fails to baffle or surprise. Ladakh, the land of jagged peaks and barren landscape is alluring and awe-inspiring. Hidden behind this harsh and forbidding façade is an ancient civilization and captivating people. Beyond the old frontiers lies the land of wilderness with its unaltered character and overwhelming natural beauty beckoning the more intense and adventurous of travelers. we talk of adventure in Ladakh, jeep safari happens to be one of the finest options to explore the landscape wonders and the remote areas of Ladakh. The trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh offers both moderate and tough terrain. Depending on your capability, you can go for a jeep safari option you want or that suits you best. The driving experience on the rough roads of Ladakh adds the tinge of adventure in the jeep safari in Ladakh. One of the most exciting jeep safaris in the Himalayas is through Ladakh. In Ladakh Tsmori-Ri, Nubra and Dah Hanu offer the toughest and most terrific Jeep safari in the Himalayas. Crossing the Khardungla pass, considered to be one of the highest motor able roads in the world is an experience in itself. Each day of the Ladakh itinerary offers an opportunity to explore this land of barren wilderness. The culturally diverse people add to the charm of the jeep safari in Ladakh. The desolate mountains of this high altitude desert and deep ravines reveal the natural beauty of Ladakh. Also known as the " Ship of desert" , Camel has been the major mode of transportation in deserts. They are known as the lifeline for the desert people. Camel Safari has been a experience that is happening since the ancient times, when no other modern means of communications were developed by man and animals were the sole transport used for communication. To the surprise of many people who are aware of camel Safari in the hot deserts of Rajasthan only, will be surprised to know that camel safari is carried out in the cold deserts of Ladakh also. Tourists can enjoy the soft adventure of camel safari in Ladakh in the months of July, August and September. As one explores the rugged mountain terrain on a camel back, one feels far removed from the earth. A real memorable experience. An experience that one won't be able to forget whole of life. Reason being that beside the savage and extreme image of this cold desert lies the adventure of exploring the beahtiful . . landscape and passage through remote villages. How about camping in tents, experience spending the night under the stars. However,one needs to learn the balancing act and get used to the movements of camel, while one is on a camel ride. Real travellers are always in search of real life experiences. While in Ladakh, enjoying a safari on a yak brings you closer to local culture and lifestyle that locals lead in Ladakh. Yak, or dong as Ladakhis call it, happens to be the largest animal in the cold deserts of trans-Himalayan Ladakh. First described only a century ago by the famous Russian naturalist-cum-explorer, N. M. Przewalski, the wild yak is definitely more impressive in appearance than its domestic counterpart.Immensely shaggy and weighing about a ton it has curved horns whose tips can be as wide apart as 90 cm. and measure 76 cm. over the curves. It can easily be distinguished by its long black hair, which is tinged with gray at the muzzle. Spending its summers at a height above 6,000 meters, in winter it moves in herds to the lakes, marshes and lower valleys. It is this highly insulated shaggy coat which helps Yak to survive in such extreme cold. The animal species of Ladakh have shown an excellent ecological adaptation and flourished at an altitude where men can hardly breathe. Travellers find the wildlife of Ladakh interesting both in terms of ecological specialisation and their occurrence in the remote regions of rugged Ladakh. Ladakh possesses virtually no natural forests, though along riverbanks and valleys some greenery does exist. The lower mountain slopes are sparse but higher up, near the snow line, wild rose, willow and herbaceous plants have successfully colonized the slopes. This is the alpine zone. While soil, wind, precipitation and exposure are important determinants in the arrangement of specific life, the temperature differential due to altitude is by far the most important factor. Because of the decrease in the temperature, vegetation becomes more sparse and stunted as one ascends the slopes. Ladakh has three major rivers, where you can undertake this adventurous Sport. Indus in Leh region, Shayok in Nubra and Zanskar river in Zanskar. A range of rafting options are available on these rivers. A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The scene is still in its infancy,Ladakh and adventure go hand in hand. And when  but floating downstream in a rugged and beautiful landscape is a real thrill. Two different stretches of the river are used: from Spitok to the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimmu, and from Nimmu to the ancient temple complex at Alchi. Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. The best stretch for professionally guided is between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organization. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Tourist Office at Leh. Provides details of rafting options and also some rafts on hire. 

                                                                 

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