Sustaining on the natural bounties
Published May 23, 2008 | 
Veluchami is one of the many Malampandarom tribals who eke out a living by selling medicinal herbs and roots, collected from the deep forests of Marakkootom in Sabarimala and sells them to the pilgrims. Veluchami who claims to be 110 years of age has been engaged in this activity for many years now. Even the policemen on duty on the trekking path, trust his herbal medicines when they fall ill. His tribal cure for snakebite is highly popular among the traders and workers on duty at Sabarimala.
Veluchami says that rare medicinal herbs and plants grow in abundance in the interiors of the shola forests at Ponnambalamedu ‘Kalluvazha’, which produces plantains filled with black seeds and ‘mruthasanjeevani’ (Eupatorium ayyapana) are seen in some pockets of the Ponnambalamedu.
While scouting for the herbs in jungle, he keeps hunger at bay by eating a wild leaf, which keeps him going for the whole day. Many of his regular customers are seasoned devotees who make a visit to him without fail to get their stocks of medicinal herbs. The family of Veluchami shifted to the Adichippuzha tribal settlement in Ranni taluk following a fire outbreak at Sabarimala. Though the tribal is now settled in Chidambarom he still serves the Ayyappa devotes by supplying some of the rare herbs and natural medicines all through the principal Mandalam-Makaravilaku season and during the Vishu and Onam festival when million of pilgrims throng this hill shrine.
Some of the herbs are well known remedies for many serious disease conditions. For instance the seeds of ‘karkolari’ seeds (Psoralia corylifolia), the time tested method in the treatment of leukoderma and Helicteres isora, used in the treatment of body pain, are some of the products lined up for sale at this nondescript seasonal outlet of Veluchami.
All roads of adrenalin freaks lead to Chembra Peak
Published April 30, 2008 | 
Kalpetta: Chembra Peak, one of the highest peaks in Wayanad district is teeming with enthusiastic trekkers from all over Kerala and neighboring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is estimated that more than 150 travelers reach here daily to savour the brilliant natural spectacles and exciting outdoor activities.
Located at 2100 meters above the sea level, it falls within the Meppadi Forest Range and the visitors need to obtain a prior permission from the Forest Range Office at Meppadi for the trek, which does not involve any fees.
A 20-minutes drive along the lush green tea estates would take the visitors to the three-storied forest watch tower, where the motorable road ends. From this spot a long and arduous trek would take you to the peak. At the top there is a heart shaped, crystal clear lake enriched by its natural springs, which is believed to have never gone dry even in peak summer season.. During the past, British planters had set up a golf course, a small rest house and a stable for their horses. Even today, the remains of the road that led to the rest house could be seen.
The peak offers breathtaking views of the snow clad Nilgiri ranges and the verdant teak forests of Nilambur, which in itself is an enchanting experience. The tourism department has ear marked Rs.30 lakh for promoting eco tourism projects in the district. As part of this, new trekking paths and other basic amenities such as nature friendly huts are planned, to cater to the growing number of tourists.