Nilambur

Tales Woven In Teak

God’s Own Country

www.keralatourism.org/ecotourism
keralatourism.org/ecotourism

Content
Introduction................................................... 1
Nedumkayam Rainforest................................ 2
Attractions in Nilambur................................. 3
Malappuram’s Allure...................................... 4
Ecotourism..................................................... 5
Significance of Ecotourism............................ 6
Ecotourism at Nedumkayam......................... 7
Why Kerala..................................................... 8
Trekking Trails of Nedumkayam................... 9
Conolly’s Plot............................................... 10
Teak Museum................................................ 11
Guest House...................................................12
Getting there................................................. 13
Photo gallery................................................. 14
Video gallery................................................. 24
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
1

Introduction
There are paths and trails that can escape the naked eye, yet have been dutifully
preserved and maintained in nature’s very own loving embrace for over a mil-
lennium. We stumble upon them while seeking other destinations, but these
are the sites that define the very essence of our journey. These are pit stops
which draw us in, years after we have left these parts, when in distant lands we
remember that one meadow that granted us peace on an otherwise torrid day.
In the green haven of Nilambur, where tales of the past are woven in teak, we
come across the magnificent Nedumkayam Rainforest, a jewel that we are only
now beginning to truly understand.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
2
Nedumkayam
Rainforest
Nedumkayam Rainforest forms a crucial part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Re-
serve, as it is considered a hotbed for trekking enthusiasts. The trails here are
easily among the most unexplored natural paths in all of God’s Own Country.
Woven across an evergreen terrain, there are still newer paths being found by
visitors on each trip. One is immediately mesmerised by the sheer untamed
vegetation on all sides, with the cheers and echoes of a wide variety of animals
resonating throughout the entire region. There are patches where one runs
into shrubs with medicinal properties, while other vantage points help one
observe animals going about their daily rituals. People regularly encounter a
plethora of species that include elephants, deer, bison, wild dogs, rabbits and
monkeys. Its Elephant Camps and wooden rest houses are much loved by all
tourists, and make for an engaging detour.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
3
Attractions in
Nilambur
N edumkayam lies about 15 km away from Nilambur in Malappuram dis-
trict, whose major claim to fame is being the site of what is considered by many
to be the oldest teak plantation in the world. Over a century and a half ago, Sri
Chandu Menon, as directed by H. V. Conolly (then Governor of Malabar under
the British rule), converted over 14.8 acres of land into the teak plantation. He
was laid to rest in the teak garden in Conolly’s Plot. Today, around 5.7 acres
of the original plantation area has still been preserved. The area is also beloved
to many due to its famous Teak Museum, which chronicles the relationship
between the area and the plant species to perfection, along with many other
interesting anecdotes regarding the tropical hardwood tree.

Nilambur is also the original home of the Cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal
tribe of Kerala. Nearby lies the Kumbham Handicrafts Village, where an entire
community of traditional artisans revived their craft together while staving off
cheap industrial substitutes. To visit its tribal settlements and to get to know
more about their unique way, one requires permission from the Forest De-
partment to enter the forest zone here they dwell. Its kovilakoms are also an
intriguing study, as these were the residences of the local rajas or rulers of yore.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
4
Malappuram’s
Allure
F lanked by the Nilgiri Hills, Eranadu, Palakkad and Kozhikode, Nilambur is
where most travellers to Malappuram district are first asked to visit. It imbibes
the natural and pristine aura of the district perfectly. Malappuram, which itself
means ‘land atop the hills’, is fed by the three great rivers in the area- the Chali-
yar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. The area is famous for the deep in-
termingling of a variety of cultures, drawing both from Islamic Philosophy and
from the Vedas. It has its own ripe history, as it was the military headquarters of
the renowned Zamorins of Kozhikode for a long time. Many of the great Map-
pila revolts against the British took place in this district. Apart from Nilambur
and Nedumkayam Rainforest, some of the other sites of interest in the district
include Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Adyanpara Waterfalls, Kodikuthimala, Kar-
uvarakundu, Keralamkundu and Kozhippara waterfalls. Kadalundi Bird Sanc-
tuary especially is every ornithologist’s paradise, it has more than a hundred
species of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds, spread out over an
area of 3 sq km. The Mappila Cuisine is a great blend of traditional Kerala and
Arab food culture. Pathiri is a very tasty delicacy here, which is basically bread
made of rice. The use of spices here is also legendary, with pepper, cardamom
and clove being extremely prominent. Dum bIryani (mutton, chicken, lamb or
prawn), Kallummakkaya (mussels) curry, erachi puttu (erachi means meat),
parottas (soft flatbread) and ghee rice are some of the other specialities that one
must definitely try in the area.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
5
Ecotourism
This planet we are on nurtures over 7 billion inhabitants on a daily basis.
While its marvels are beyond the realm of any one person’s imagination, it is
easy to notice the damages that are being caused on each and every front, due
to the rise in population and the spread of civilization. Even the uninhabited
corners of Mother Earth are now being turned into urban centres, and this af-
fects the fragile balance that has kept the planet afloat this entire time.

Tourism is a great bonding element, mixing and mashing cultural experiences

from across the world. People gain empathy for those they may have nothing
in common with, with places their ancestors may never have heard of or tradi-
tions they could never have even dreamt of. Hence, the combination of en-
vironmentally driven ecological sites being used as prime tourist destinations
leads to the wonderful concept of ecotourism.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
6
Significance of
Ecotourism

E cotourism lets people appreciate the many boons that Mother Earth
has bestowed us with. It is the epitome of making people realize the true
value of the treasures that we are endangering with our reckless actions.
It is the clarion call that resonates within one’s soul in a seamless but
provocative manner, evoking the basic empathy that is the first step in bat-
tling the environmental dangers we are facing in this day and age.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
Ecotourism at 7
Nedumkayam

The mission in these parts has always been to ensure that the rainforest
and its original inhabitants are always given the highest priority. Their
well being is of utmost importance, with the trails and paths that visitors
are led through being great examples of how one can educate the future
generations on the simple fact that we can coexist with nature, even in
these changing times. The structures and tours given here are all non-
deterrent to innate sanctity of the place, and the authorities and locals
have combined to make it among the most beautifully managed ecotour-
ism spots in the country
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
8
Why Kerala
The majestic pines and peeking wildlife that greet you as you enter Silent
Valley during your initial trek are hallmarks of Kerala and its endless bounty
of natural beauty. Much of our lore and tradition emanates from these parts,
and they are treasure troves of our past and heritage. They are priceless cul-
tural landmarks, behemoths of history and proud jewels that adorn our vast
landscape. Kerala and its people have known for a long time the immense
responsibility they have inherited from their ancestors; true crusaders who
ensured the well-being of this land for centuries. It is now our moment, our
time in history, to repay the gifts that the land has blessed us with.

Hence, the people and governments at all levels have come together to for-
mulate ways to conserve and protect the myriad floral and faunal species that
grace our unique landscape. Concerted efforts have been made in the last few
decades, alongside budgetary allotments and specific policy changes, that has
made Kerala one among the pioneers in the Ecotourism movement around
the world. Being a region with such an abundance of natural resources, it
seems only fitting that we set an example and lead the way in the global re-
sistance against any threats to our environment.
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
9

Trekking
Trails of Nedumkayam

The dense and evergreen forests of Nedumkayam are teeming with rare flora and
fauna, and have some of the best trails in the region. A 3 hours trek will take to
you Mundakadav Waterfalls, one of the most mesmerising sights in all of Malap-
puram district. So many of these paths are yet to be traversed by outsiders, and
the entire track takes you on a wonderful roller coaster, physically and emotion-
ally.
The entire journey is ripe with many animal sightings, including numerous
elephants that freely roam around the area. They are regularly seen splashing
around merrily in the waters of the beautiful Chaliyar. Let nature dictate your
steps, taking you to crevices that it has hidden for over a millennium.
Entry is restricted during February to April, due to the possibility of forest fires
in the area.

Visiting Time: Cost of the Package

10.00 A.M. to 04.30 P.M. Rs. 20/ for Adult
Rs. 10/- for children
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
10
Conolly’s Plot
The history of Nilambur has an intimate relationship with teak, and Conolly’s
Plot could be considered among the best sites to understand the depth of the
bond. H. V. Conolly, then Collector of Malabar, in 1842, began the original
operations that led to the formation of the teak plantations in the area. This
plot is today an exclusive teak plantation spot, and is among the oldest on the
entire planet. There are many beautiful and ancient teak trees that adorn the
landscape.
One passes through an area governed by the Kerala Forest Department and
we encounter the longest hanging bridge in all of Kerala, constructed master-
fully over the river Chaliyar. Beyond this lies Conolly’s Plot, where our trip
reaches its culmination. We have many unique sights, including a tree with a
girth of 420 cm. This is easily one of the oldest man-made teak plantations in
the whole world, and it lives up to its billing at every point.

Visiting Hours: 09.00 A.M. Cost of the Package

to 05.00 A.M. Rs. 25/- for Adults (Indian National)
Rs. 10/- for children (Indian National)
Rs. 40/- for Adults (Foreign national)
Rs. 20/- for children (Foreign National)
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
11
Teak Museum
Nilambur teak is Malappuram’s joy and pride, and the Teak Museum here is a living testa-
ment to the proud relation between the two. Entire archives dedicated to a specific plant
species are rare, and this spacious exhibit brings every single detail related to teak to life in an
extraordinary way.
It is located on the campus of the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and contains many
artefacts that pertain to the historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of teak. It is situated
about four kilometres from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur Road. The best of the ex-
hibits here are deeply entrenched in the living history of the very area it is built on. One sees
an expansive root system of a 55- year- old teak the moment one gets past the gate, right at
the portico. Depictions of the oldest naturally growing teak tree, the legendary ‘Kannimara
Teak’, a spectacular life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in
Malayattoor forest , traditional granaries, miniature models of Urus ( famous ships that were
extremely important in the spread of trade in Kerala) ; these and many other unique attrac-
tions can be explored here.
There are other informative concepts and displays that visitors can observe here. These in-
clude the varied methods of seed-grading, pre-sowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps,
vegetative propagation of teak and stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak. Then there
is the attached Butterfly Park with over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak
plantations. One can also observe a wide range of paintings, photographs, exhibits on tradi-
tional harvesting tools, wood samples of different ages from all across the planet. The library
and mini-auditorium have a lot of content regarding teak and separate plantations that gives
people access to a large amount of knowledge on the subject. It is a quaint locale, having the
unique distinction of focussing its entire research on a tropical hardwood tree that has deeply
impacted the area.
Visiting time
10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Cost of the package
Rs. 40/- for Adults
Rs.15/- for children
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
12
Guest House

Ph: 0483-2734311
DTPC - Uphill, Malappuram-5 Ph: 0483-2731504
Email: [email protected]

Location
Latitude: 11.272988
Longitude: 76.222837
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
13
Getting There

Nearest Railway Station:

Nilambur Railway Station
lies about 5 km from the site.

Nearest Airport:
Karipur International Airport

Bus Stations:
KSRTC, Malappuram Ph: 2734950
KSRTC, Perinthalmannna Ph: 04933-227342
KSRTC, Ponnani Ph: 0494-2666396
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
14

Photo Gallery

Misty woods of

Nedumkayam
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
15

Photo Gallery

River through

Nedumkayam
Rainforests
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
16

Photo Gallery

The tranquil waters of the

rivers flowing through the

forests of Nedumkayam
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
17

Photo Gallery

Sun
shines here for a reason
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
18

Photo Gallery

Conolly’s Plot
the oldest teak plantations in the world
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
19

Photo Gallery

The boulders of
Nedumkayam river
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
20

Photo Gallery

Leave the road and lead the

trail at
Nedumakayam
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
21

Photo Gallery

Karimpuzha river
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
22

Photo Gallery

The hanging bridge at

Nilambur
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
23

Photo Gallery

Teak

Museum
at Nilambur
keralatourism.org/ecotourism
24

Video
Gallery
 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
25

Video
Gallery

Hanging Bridge at Nilambur

 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
26

Video
Gallery

Nilambur Forests
 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
27

Video
Gallery

Bioreserve Nature Park at Nilambur

 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
28

Video
Gallery

Conolly’s Plot in Nilambur

 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
29

Video
Gallery

Teak Museum at Nilambur

 keralatourism.org/ecotourism
30

Video
Gallery

Nedumkayam Rainforests