Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Trekking at Pakshipathalam-A Bird Watchers Delight


Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a must see tourist spot for anybody
seeking challenge and adventure.Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and Trekking is the only mode of reaching this place which is at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level. Trekking is done through dense forest over 3 hills . The destination is a Grotto of caves created by nature ageing back to several million years. The deep rock caves, Formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri,Pakshipathalam is home for a wide variety of birds. Special permission has to be Obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council Arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments,etc.to the tourist on hire. Pakshipathalam is a collection of gigantic rocks resting on each other.
Pakshipathalam is a cave situated in the nearby forest to the Thirunelli temple. In the
Malayalam language a bird is called "Pakshi" and underground is called "Pathalam". Thus the
Name "Pakshipathalam" formed. On the way we can watch rare species of birds from the
Watchtower of the Bird sanctuary. The view from the watch tower is just mind blowing. On the
Way to Pakshipathalam we can see a lonely tree and the Brahmagiri hills standing tall in
Their full grandeur. On the way we can see variety of flowers. Malabar squirrels and
Ladybirds crossing our path are seen on the way.Pakshipathalam is located at the base of a
Granite hill.Pakshipathalam is inside a deep forest and we will have to pass a stream before
reaching there.We have to crawl inside the cave which is a bit tiring. It Is dark inside with small openings here and there to move in and out of the boulders. Inside We can find variety of birds. During night bats come out in groups from the caves.

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