The Experience

Mankayam Eco- Tourism Centre is situated at Peringammala Section in Palode 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 tourism. The second highest mountain in this region is known as Varauattumottai. This hill top is one of the biological and ecological hot spot of the South India. Trekking of this site is available from Mankayam Eco Tourism Spot. 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. Rising from the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the River Chittar, flowing down through the forests of Braimore creates a tributary in the form of Mankayam River.