Thursday, April 1, 2010

locations






nelliampathi is one of the land blessed with beauty of nature..here are some..glands...



From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.

On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.

Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the period of the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.

Not far away from Palagapandy is Seethakundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

Monday, March 29, 2010

palakkad news and photo feature

palakkad news and photo feature

Nallu kettu


Top view of varikkassery mana.




"NALLU KETTU" & ETTU KETTU..are old forms of constructions in KERALA. which was once upon a time a tradition..Nālukettu is the traditional homestead of old Tharavadu where many generations of a matrilineal family lived. .....The traditional architecture is typically a rectangular structure where four halls are joined together with a central court yard open to the sky. The four halls on the sides are named Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block). The architecture was especially catered to large families of the traditional tharavadu, to live under one roof and enjoy the commonly owned facilities of the marumakkathayam homestead......T

hatchu Shasthra, or the Science of Carpentry and Traditional Vasthu, was the governing science in this architectural form. This branch of knowledge was well developed in the traditional architecture of Kerala and has created its own branch of literature known under the names of Tantrasamuchaya, Vastuvidya,Manushyalaya-Chandrika, and Silparatna.

The lay out of these homes were simple, and catered to the dwelling of the large number of people usually part of a tharavaadu. Ettukettu (eight halled with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halled with four central courtyards) are the more elaborate forms of the same architecture. Every structure faces the sunlight, and in some well designed naalukettu, there is excellent ventilation. Temperatures, even in the heat of summer, are markedly lower within the naalukettu....we can see this type of constructions in northern kerala and middle..here are some photographs from ottapallam varikkasheri mana..one of the famous tharavadu in middle kerala..known for its constructive beauty.

Friday, March 12, 2010

festival season of palakkad


As palakkad is a district of agriculture .. all the local festivals (ustavam) , are based on agriculture..

The season starts with kalpatti theru utsavam(kalpatti chariot festival)...in tulam..
(november 14) immediately after the rainy season..and then comes the season of vella...and vedi...the land will be dry..after harvesting...the heat of the kumba masam(feb to march) ..is at its top...we can hear the sound of vediketu(fire works)..and chenda mellam every where..