Tree houses attracts tourists
Published May 21, 2008 | Kochi, May 21
It seems these days tourists are on the look out for something more unique and different during their holidaying in Kerala. The tourists coming to the Wayanad district of Kerala are enjoying a cosy staying experience here in a different style. The tree houses perched well above ground on the tall trees have fascinated large numbers of tourists. This new trend has shown how tourists are switching over their accommodation style and heading towards nature for a change.
It has largely been seen that more and more tourist are looking for tree houses these days to get close to the nature. The majority of the tourists flocking to Wayanad are preferring tree houses and other farm houses and resorts in spite of hotels. These accommodations not only boast a cosy staying experience, but also give them a real feel of the wilderness all around.
The Wayanad district exhibits a wide selection of tree houses and farm houses which provides a serene accommodation amidst lush surroundings to the guests. These treetop houses are usually built 70 to 90 ft above the ground, these tree houses provides all amenities to complement your stay. So you can have an aerial view of the surroundings straight from your bedroom, or can beat the stress out and relax in the lap of nature.
Well you can expect a lot of facilities in these tree houses from water counter weightlift system, to solar powered light, comfy beds, verandah and many such different features. This primitive form of accommodation is attracting lots of tourists with its beauty. So next time you plan your trip to Wayanad do make sure to check out these modern tree huts.
Malabar sanctuary on the anvil
Published May 21, 2008 | 
Thiruvananthapuram: A bevy of eco projects are in the pipeline for Kerala. The Preliminary steps for the declaration of the Malabar sanctuary has been completed and the proposed sanctuary will be declared later this year said the Forest Minister Benoy Viswom. This sanctuary would ensure the protection and growth of forests near Peruvannamozhi.
Another project aimed at protecting turtles and other marine species arriving on Kerala coast as part of their reproductive cycle has also been submitted to the centre. The project is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs.6.65 crore.
Some of the other proposals that are under consideration include a rehabilitation centre for elephants at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram. Plans are afoot for the acquisition of around 131.5 hectares from private parties at Periya in Wayanad to set up an elephant corridor for the free movement of elephants. The green signal from the Central Zoo Authority is awaited for setting up a Lion Safari Park at Thamarassery in Kozhikode district for research purposes.
A bevy of projects including the production of reeds, bamboo and ratton with a plan outlay of Rs.5.90 crore, protection of medicinal trees and native plants of Kerala proposed at Chaliyam are also pending. The forest department has also proposed to reinforce the coasts by developing a shelter belt on 77.50 hectares apart from planting mangrove species on 14.75 hectares.
The afforestation programme to compensate for the forest land taken over to improve pilgrim facilities at sabarimala would also be taken up this year in 305 hectares of land in Idukki district. An array of programmes, taken up during the past couple of years for the enhancement of green cover and protection of forests has already started bearing fruits. By the declaration of a buffer zone for the silent valley the forest cover has increased, much to the jubilation of the department as well as the green loving populace of this State.