TOS assignment - Malambuzha, Pallakad-Kerala

One of the most beautiful places I have visited in my childhood is Malampuzha, a lush green town, located near Palakkad, Kerala, 55 kms from Coimbatore. Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala and is a combination of Masonry and an Earthen Dam. The dam is 6,066 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha, Kerala's second longest river. The easiest way of approach to this place is via car or bus.
The Malampuzha Garden and reservoir have a scenic setting with the forested hills of Western Ghats forming the backdrop. The place also experiences wonderful climate throughout the year. The thick green forest area surrounding the dam gives one a refreshing feel. The forest houses a vast variety of flora and fauna.

There is a totally different world on the other side of the dam which one wouldn’t expect to see when he walks on the dam. Climbing up the dam, you could get panoramic views. On one side you see the reservoir and mountains. On the other are the garden and the green hills in the background. A walk along the long walkway atop the dam is worth an experience. Nearly two kilometers long, the walkway turns almost 90 degree about the middle. There is also a boat ride along the reservoir, where one gets to see many islets during the trip. In the garden itself, there is an artificial canal on which one could take pedal-boat rides.

The place also houses a Snake Park, a Rock Garden; a Fish shaped Aquarium, a Cable car that goes across the river and a Fantasy park. The snake rescue and rehabilitation center is in the garden complex. Managed by the Forests Department, the snake park accommodates several varieties of snake, poisonous and non-poisonous.

Below the dam there is a large garden. The garden has numerous green lawns, impressive flower beds, gorgeous pools, and relaxing fountains which simply eases one’s mind. One can spend several relaxed hours in the garden. There are several rest spots, under built-up structures or in the open, scattered across the garden. A Cable car passes above and a trip on it is another way to see the garden. The Cable car ride over the river thrills everyone and provides sufficient picturesque views.
The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. Within the Malampuzha Gardens is a large cement sculpture named Yakshi, created by the famous sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman. This dominant sculpture is a representation of mythical beings of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology. There is a Hanging bridge across the garden parallel the dam's spillway. The hanging bridge is for pedestrians and is having a capacity around 50 people. The amusement park with many rides, the first amusement park of Kerala the Fantasy Park is just a walk away from the Dam and has enough fun for people of all walks of life.

Images Source: Google images, Flickr