KOCHI: If you are a nature lover or an adventure freak. If you love hiking through dense forest filled with wild animals like elephants and also migratory birds, then you will love Paniyeli Poru.
Paniyeli Poru which is 22 Km from Perumbavoor falls under Vengara panchayat and falls under the jurisdiction of the Malayattoor division of the state forest department. One of the breath taking features of the place is the Poru waterfall. Poru in Malayalam means fight and the waterfall was thus named because here the three tributaries of Periyar come together and seem to be engaged in a fight.The eco-tourism project covers an area of 70 hectares. Natural forest covers a major portion of the area. However, there are teak plantations in the adjoining areas.
Ticketing facility
In order to make good the forest’s tourism potential, the Forest Department in association with Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS), has introduced a ticketing system. They have developed the spot into an eco-friendly one.
“Earlier, illicit brewing of liqour and other anti-social activities were rampant here. But, with VSS’ help we have enforced a corrective mechanism here. Now Paniyeli Poru is fast developing into a tourism destination. There has been an increase in tourist flow every year. To be specific, on weekends, more than 1,000 visitors come here,” said K P Ramesh, beat forest officer, Paniyeli.
However, the forest officials have put in place certain safety restrictions. Visitors are not allowed to enter the river during the rainy season as it swells to twice its volume and the undercurrents are strong.
Tourism potential
Paniyeli-Poru can be developed into a major tourism destination. But the onus lies on the tourism department.
“Malayattoor Bridge is likely to be completed this year. Kodanad Elephant sanctuary is only 5 Km away from Panielli. A visitor needs to travel only about 35 to 45 km from the nearest railway station or the airport to reach here. Malayattoor Church, Kodanad elephant sanctuary, Paniyeli Poru, Thattekkadu bird sanctuary and Bhoothathankettu make a perfect tour package for a tourist,” said Paniyeli ward member M M Binu, who is also the president of VSS. Tourists going to Munnar via Perumbavoor can make a short stopover here.Maintaining the wilderness without any artificial touch poses a huge challenge before Vana Samrakshana Samithy. “We have banned plastic. We are planning to collect an amount from people who insist on taking plastic water bottles into the forest. This amount will be reimbursed once they hand back the empty bottle at the ticket counter,” Binu added.
At present, the Forest Department is charging Rs 10 as entrance fees for cars and mini buses and Rs 5 for two-wheelers and auto rickshaws. In order to take a video camera inside, tourists will have to pay Rs 100.“We are planning to introduce trekking facilities soon. A guide will be recruited to assist trekkers,” added Binu. At present, the ticket counter is situated uphill and is nearly 750 metres away from the entrance to Paniyeli-Poru. The road from the ticket counter to the parking area is not in a good condition.
“The tourism season begins by October and the most apt time to visit Paniyeli-Poru is from November to March,” he added. Visitors can get more details from Malayattoor Forest Office at 0484 2649052.