Malleeshwaram Jungle Lodges Attapady, Kerala

Birdwatchers loft,attapady,silent valley n.p

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The loft is placed at canopy height for better observation of birds,this loft also serves as a dormatory for students of the hardtrekker

Communities

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Kurumbas- The Kurumbas are the earliest tribal inhabitants.When the Badugas started colonizing the Nilgiris,these people move down to Attappady valley.They are the smallest tribal group.They occupy only 4.6% of the total tribal population.Until recently they had hardly any contact with the outside world,noteven with the Irulas and Mudugas,

Mudugas.-Mudugas are the second largest tribal community in the region.It is believed that the Mudugas were the original inhabitants of Coimbatore and later moved in the Attappady.They occupy about 9.6% of the total tribal population.The history of their immigration dates back to 15^th Centuary.They are shivites,worshipping Lord Shiva.Mudugas consider themselves superior to Kurumbas and Irulas. though they have marriage relationship with the Kurumbas.The Irulas are considered lower caste and are not allowed to enter their huts.The caste sytem is still prevalent among the tribes.

Irulas – Irulas are numerically dominant with 82.3%of the total tribal population and are relatively advanced (?) among the trial groups.They have probably occupied this area after the Kurumbas and Mudugas.Formerly shifting cultivators but now due to land alienation they practiced settled agriculture,growing mainly cotton,indigenous grains.

Non – Tribal Community.

The early settlers from Tamil Nadu and Kerala migrated to Attappady attracted by the cheap fertile land and easy encroachment possibilities.Forest were largely cut and thus the unique ecosystem of Attappady began to disintegrate.Unfortunately, This sudden influx of people cause the major impact in the life of the tribal people in every possible way.

http://picasaweb.google.com/malleeshwaram/TribalHabitats

ATTAPPADY -The Ancient Tribal Kingdom

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Situated in northeast Palakkad bordering Silent Valley National Park.The name Attappady was ascribed to this region because till recently the area was grossly inherited with leeches ,the Malayalam name for which is ‘atta’.Paddy is the Malayalam for settlement.The 765 sqkm of area is bounded in the East by Coimbatore,North by Nilgiris,South by Palghat,West by Mannarkkad.The highest peak is Malleshwaram Peak,1664 m,being worshipped by the Adivasis as a giant ‘shiva-ling’ since generations.The area being largely inhabited by the tribes of the Irula, Muduga and Kurumba community,is of great interest to anthropologist.There are about 116 tribal hamlets.Attappady is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.The mountains in this range are some of the oldest geological formations in south western India.There are two main rivers viz., Bhavani and Kunthipuzha.

http://picasaweb.google.com/malleeshwaram/Attapady

The Lodge

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Set amidst 10 acres of protected wilderness, adjoining large tracts of forest.Constructed in an eco-style,Contemporaray design with minimal modern amenities,hurricane lamps for lighting,eatery serving wholesome vegetarian food.

http://picasaweb.google.com/malleeshwaram/MalleeshwaramJungleLodges

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Activities.

Trekking-Unlimited,Tribal hamlet visits,Birding,Waterfall visits,Plantation tours.

How to Reach

Attapady is easily accessible from Coimbatore and Kochi. From Coimbatore it is just under 60 kms, regular bus service is available. Pick up can be arranged from Coimbatore. From Kochi it is under 200 kms, one can commute via Palakkad, Mannarkkad and final stop Goolikadavu.

Contact us
Email: malleeshwaram@gmail.com
Mob: +91 94465 72540/+91 9961544663 (Dominic)
skype: malleeshwaram
Mob: +91 9747451345 / +91 492 4209323 (Baby)
Mob: +91 93490 41400 (Giri)