Brooks full and joyous, nature clad in rich colours, life verberating in every blade of grass, fragrance of the fresh earth… each signifies the arrival of monsoon in the wilderness. Rain brings life and forests sustain it. Monsoon in the forests are the best time to watch life in its full flow and vibrance.
There are several pristine destinations in Kerala offering a wide range of monsoon experiences to visitors. It’s a treat for storm chasers who want to enjoy the heavy downpours of the wild or for trekkers wishing for a misty hike or bikers looking for a scenic ride.
When it comes to rain and wildlife, few places can match what Wayanad and Idukki have to offer. Shola forests (high altitude forest ecosystem), tropical evergreen forests, and deciduous and wet grasslands make these places a treasure trove for adventurers.
There are numerous eco-tourism spots in Idukki, Wayanad and other parts of Kerala that are perfect for families looking for an escapade. A foggy drive in Wayanad or a boat ride at Thekkady unfolds different shades of monsoon in the wild. All the places have several options for adventurous hikers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to venture into the exotic flora and fauna of the Western Ghats.
Watching wildlife
The rainy season is not the right time to watch animals in the wild. Still, there is much to look forward to. From majestic pachyderms to blood sucking leeches, the diversity in the offing is spectacular.
It is that time of the year when the peahens go courting. So it’s an ideal time to witness a male peacock showing off its iridescent tail feathers in its natural environment.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary in Idukki is probably one of the best places for elephant and deer sightings.
If your are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Parambikulam tiger reserve is another interesting place for wildlife safaris and certainly the best place to spot the burly Gaurs.
Jungle treks
Monsoon takes the trekking experience to another level. Rain-drenched misty heights refresh mind and body. Thirunelli-Pakshipathalam trek, an arduous 7 km walk through deep forests and sprawling grasslands of Brahmagiri hills, takes visitors to a unique rock formation that is home to several species of birds making it a bird watchers’ paradise. The Mannavan Shola trek, a serene hike through the largest Shola forest in South India, is arguably one of the best treks.
This Shola forest is home to ancient giant ferns and rhododendrons, making it a truly unique ecosystem. Pampadum Shola-Bendaravu trek is another top-notch hiking route.
Scenic drive
There are several routes in the ghats that are perfect for adventurous rides on bikes and in four-wheelers. The road from Vazhachal to Valparai is one such scenic route. The 100-km topsy-turvy route winding through the lush jungle showcases the true diversity of tropical evergreen forests. Tholpetty-Thirunelli offers a different deal with its deciduous patches and bamboo forests. During the monsoon, the dry deciduous forests turn green, inviting herds of elephants and spotted deer.
Risk factor
* Rain brings adventure in plenty. But it also poses several risks.
* Hikers need to take extra care as the rains make the rocks slippery. Rocky routes needs to be treated with utmost care and respect.
* Bathing in waterfalls and big streams should be avoided because heavy rains can cause flash floods.
* Also during the monsoon, noises in the wild are heightened, which, in turn, masks sounds like that of twigs being crunched under tonnes of flesh and muscle. There is a greater chance of man-animal conflict.
* Always take an experienced guide during treks in areas where herds of elephant tend to move. Avoid trekking in the night.
* It’s raining and that means leeches. Protective measures involve leech socks to avoid bites and tobacco powder or salt to get rid of the leech.
Road trips
* Vazhachal-Valparai
* Moozhiyar-Gavi- Vallakadavu
* Tholpetty-Thirunelli
* Vazhikadavu-Nadukani (Nadukani Churam)
* Mananthavady-Kottiyoor (Pal churam)
Spotting wildlife
* Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
* Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
* Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
* Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
* Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
Trekking routes
* Thirunelli-Pakshipaathalam (Wayanad)
* Agasthyamala trek (Thiruvananthapuram)
* Pampadum Shola-Bendaravu trek (Idukki)
* Mannavan Shola trek (Idukki)
* Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Trek (Kannur)
(Almost all treks require permission from the Forest Department)
