Bhoothathankettu to be declared as the first adventure tourism site in Kochi
Published November 11, 2011 | 
Bhoothathankettu dam site will be soon developed into the first adventure tourism spot in Ernakulam district. Plans are afoot to develop it into a perfect outdoor tourist destination with an aim to attract the youth for camping experiences and adventure sports. According to the district tourism promotion council, the project will be targetting techies mostly for conduct training camps. Night camping options and trekking trails will be developed as part of this adventure tourism initiative.
The project will also include a day trip starting at the Marine Drive, which would enable the tourists to experience various popular adventure sporting activities like trekking and kayaking. Located just eight kms north-east of Kothamangalam,Bhoothathankettu is a perfect choice for a quiet and tranquil holiday, however many people prefer to skip this spot due to its poor infrastructure and lack of transportation facilities. There are many leisure activities in Bhoothathankettu including jungle trails , boat rides, rock climbing and fishing . The initiative to make it a base camp for adventure sporting activities would surely give it its well desired place in the tourism map of Kerala. Indulge in the breathtaking beauty of the unexplored destination of Boothathankettu through these well captured snap shots in Sreesobhin’s gallery and we bet, it will become your favorite weekend hang out spot in Cochin 
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Parunthumpara- an unexplored trekking destination
Published May 3, 2011 | 
Welcome to Parunthumpara, a virtually unexplored trekker’s haven, near Peerumade where you can chill out , indulge in a spell of adventure sports or soak up the breath taking views of the endless grass lands and valleys beneath. A perfect choice for family holidays and fun seekers alike, Parunthumpara is a hill station of considerable tourism potential .
Though Parunthumpara is only six km from Peerumade on National Highway 220, it has remained obscure and away from the mass tourism trails for long. Now it has evolved to be a favorite stopover for tourists who are on their way to Thekkady, who stop by to enjoy the spectacular views and to have some fun and adventure. On a clear day, the visitors can see a panoramic view of the Sabarimala forests from Parunthumpara and this makes it quite popular among the Sabarimala pilgrims who congregate here to witness the makarajyothi.
Easily accessible through the narrow ghat road from Kallar Junction, this hill station stands out for its sprawling grasslands where the families can enjoy a few quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. A perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around, Parunthumpara has been attracting a large number of domestic tourists during weekends.
Though the place is yet to leave its imprints in the tourism map of the district, this beautiful hill station of
Parunthumpara holds great promise for adventure sports.The District Tourism Promotion Council has chalked out plans to develop Parunthumpara as a hill station and a handy stopover destination for tourists who come from Kumarakom to Thekkady. If some basic facilities can be provided, Parunthumpara can be developed to be one of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala in the days to come.
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.
Ranipuram- The Trekker’s paradise
Published February 20, 2008 | 
Kasargod: Ranipuram offers a heady slice of the natural spectacles of Kerala at its best. The mighty velvety green mountains of the Western Ghats, the emerald tinged shola woods and the rolling grass lands, this pretty strip pf land is famous for its enticing trekking trails. Its sprawling thick wooded forest lands merge with those in Karnataka and forms an elephant corridor between Kerala and Karnataka. Wild elephants can be seen roaming in the wilderness on mountain tops.
There are many convenient tourist cottages to cater to the accommodation of the tourists. Nestled at an altitude of 750m above sea level, Ranipuram is about 85 km from Kasaragod town. Jeep and bus services are available from Panathady and Kanhangad in Kasaragod town.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 85 km from Ranipuram, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airports: Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasaragod; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod.