Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is a state-owned road transport corporation in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the country’s oldest state-run public bus transport services.
KSRTC Bus Services through Forest Routes
Muthanga : Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north east and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site.
Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted occasionally as well. Various species of deer, monkeys and birds also live here. The Reserve is also home to a profusion of birds, butterflies and insects. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming animals. Elephant rides can be arranged by the Forest Department.
Tholpetty & Kutta : Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary or Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful destination located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road. The jeep ride here offers brilliant opportunities to view various animal and bird species in their natural habitat. One gets to see herds of elephants, guars, deer, monkeys, tigers, leopards, bears and many species of reptiles, fishes, butterflies and birds including vultures. Visitors are restricted to the outer tourist zone. It gives one an excellent perspective on how we must strive to conserve these natural wonders. Kutta is a small village near Gonikoppal in the Karnataka state of India.Kutta is located on the Madikeri – Mananthavady road close to the Kerala border. Kutta is the entrance point to Nagarhole National Park. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is also nearby.
Malakkappara : Malakkappara or Malakhappara is a small hill station and tourist destination, being a border place in the Thrissur district, state of Kerala, India. This is a lesser developed area in Kerala. The area consists of the tea estate owned by Tata Tea, forest area of Kerala Forest Department belonging to both Vazhachal Forest Division and Malayattur Forest Division. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of Malakkappara area. There is 86 km distance from Chalakudy along the State Highway 21 via Thumboormuzhi, Athirappilly, Vazhachal, Sholayar etc. Malakkappara is 89 km distant from Pollachi via Attakatti, Valparai, Solaiyar Dam etc. Tamil Nadu is the border state of Malakkappara. The famous Sholayar Dam is situated just 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Malakkappara, on the way to Valparai.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary : Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located 18 km north of Marayoor on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor panchayats of Devikulam taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala state in South India. It is one of twelve wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. The altitude ranges from 400 meters (1,300 ft) at east end of the Chinnar River to 2,522 meters (8,274 ft) at Kumarikkal Mala peak. Other major peaks in the sanctuary are Nandala Malai 2,372 meters (7,782 ft), Kottakombu malai (2,144 meters (7,034 ft)), Vellaikal malai (1,863 meters (6,112 ft)) and Viriyoottu malai 1,845 meters (6,053 ft). In contrast, Anamudi peak 2,695 metres (8,842 ft), located 23 kilometers (14 mi) away in the adjacent Eravikulam National Park, is the highest peak in South India. The Chinnar and Pambar rivers are the major perennial water resources in the sanctuary. The Chinnar originates near Kumarikal Malai, follows the interstate boundary along the northwest edge of the sanctuary for 18 km and becomes the Amaravati River in Tamil Nadu.
Cover Image – Salam Arakkal.
