Keeriparai Forest
Introduction
Keeriparai is one of the most beautiful natural attractions that you can come and see when you visit India. Keeriparai is actually a natural habitat that has been transformed into a natural trek for those international visitors who wish to see the lush jungles of India. Keeriparai has a wide variety of Fauna and Flora that is unparallel by many natural treks and habitats in the world. It is very easy to see big roaring wide elephants in the plains of Keeriparai. In addition, there are many herbal and medicinal plants that can be found there for many purposes.
Keeriparai haven’t been publicized much by the Forest Department for various reasons. There are also a few small waterfalls in this area – the popular one being Vattaparai Falls. Maramalai, which is further up in the hills of Keeriparai is famous for Wild elephants.
Vattaparai Falls are located at the Keeriparai reserve forest near Bhoothapandi village on the Pazhayar River in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu state, South India. This 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) area is proposed to be a Wildlife Sanctuary.
There are a few small waterfalls in this area – the nicer ones being Vattaparai Falls and Kalikesam falls. There is a small Kali temple, next to the falls. This is a very serene and undeveloped place with only one small tea stall. One can enjoy water rushing through small mountain streams, ferns and pebbles in the rainforests. The falls are surrounded by forest on all sides and forms part of an active animal corridor. The long stream is pollution-free. People are allowed to take a natural bath here and it is believed that the water from the stream has some medicinal effects.
There are different varieties of medicinal plants that are found in the forest of Keeriparai. The forest is also a haven for nature walkers and trekkers alike. Many small streams and rivers can be seen running along the forest tracks. In addition, this is a perfect place for nature lovers which rejuvenate its visitors through its untouched beauty. Overall, Keeriparai is one among the few well preserved forest in South of India.
The forests contain species such as Mesua ferrea, Bischofia Javanica, Vitex altissima to smaller trees of Dillini a species festooning climber, shrubs, valuable herbs, variety of orchids, two types of canes, many indigenous palms and cycas. The important timbers are teak, rosewood, vengai and aini. This place is rich in wildlife with at least 25 types of mammals, about 60 species of birds including 14 species of migratory birds and many species of fishes, reptiles and amphibians listed.
Flora and fauna
Fauna
Animals on the hills of the district include Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Sambar Deer, Porcupines, Hedgehogs and wild boar, while pied kingfisher, Painted Stork and cranes are commonly found in the water bodies and wetlands. Reptiles include Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Blood Viper and other snakes.
The Keeriparai and Maramalai hills are habitats for wild Elephants and Indian Bison. The Kodayar hills are the breeding centers for the Indian rock pythons and Indian Bison.
Flora
Kanyakumari district is noted for its medicinal plants and herbs.
Commercial varieties include various kinds of Plantain (like Nenthiram, Palayamkotan, Thuluvam, and Matti), jackfruit (like Varikila and Koolan), mango (varieties like Alphonsa, Bangalora, Neelam and Ottu) and coconut. In addition to fruits, a variety of flowers like rosesand jasmine are also produced. Common garden varieties include crotons, Lillies, and dahlias.
Keeriparai are home to varieties of ferns, bamboos and other tropical plants. Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma), a tree with reddish and orange leaves and flowers, is also found.
Vattaparai Falls
Vattaparai Falls are located at: 8°15.919′N 77°27.062′E, elevation 40 m (130 ft), in the Keeriparai reserve forest near Bhoothapandi village (Pin:629852) on the Pazhayar River in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu state, South India.
It is 25 km (16 mi) North of Nagercoil) and 32 km (20 mi) NW of Kanyakumari. This 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) area is proposed to be a Wildlife Sanctuary.
There are a few small waterfalls in this area - the nicer ones being Vattaparai Falls and Kalikesam falls. There is a small Kali temple, next to the falls. This is a very serene and undeveloped place with only one small tea stall. One can enjoy water rushing through small mountain streams, ferns and pebbles in the rainforests.
The falls are surrounded by forest on all sides and forms part of an active animal corridor. The long stream is pollution-free. People are allowed to take a natural bath here and it is believed that the water from the stream has some medicinal effects.
This is a serene and peaceful place. It is unlike the most popular falls in this district, the Tirparappu Water Falls on the Kodayar River, which has become a typical crowded tourist
