Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Vanaparvam Biodiversity Park

Attention plant lovers! How would it be, if we tell you that you can walk through a natural forest area, enjoying the beauty of a butterfly garden, orchidariums and grab your favourite saplings from a nursery; all under a single roof? If it sounds like an interesting proposition, then head for Vanaparvam Biodiversity Park. With almost 2300 species of plants awaiting, the park is spread over a sprawling 111.4 hectares of land. This biodiversity park is home to around 150 species of herbal plants, 23 species of bamboo saplings and 20 orchid varieties.

Situated in the Thamarassery forest range in Kakkavayal, Kozhikode District, the park was started as part of an eco-tourism project. A natural forest area, nursery, orchidarium, bambusetum, butterfly garden, medicinal plants and rock-strewn area coming under the same roof, offer a rare sight. A visit to the natural forest area is a chance to see and feel some of the wild varieties of plants.

Orchidariums here are going to be the orchid lover’s paradise. A visual treat of a variety of orchid species is hard to resist. A variety of ferns can also be spotted here. The interpretation centre here is a big hit among the students. One can also enjoy the dancing fishes from the wooden suspension bridge across the Pathipara River.

How can you not mention the butterfly park, when the talk is all about Vanaparvam? Described as one of the most soothing visual treats, butterfly garden houses a number of butterfly and dragonfly species.

The star attraction awaits you in the form of Nakshatra Vanam (Star Tree Forest). As per Indian Astrology, each birth star has been assigned a tree. In the Nakshatra Vanam, you will get a chance to identify your tree as per your birth star. Bambusetum is another major attraction here at the Vanaparvam Biodiversity Park with its 23 varieties of bamboo species.

The nursery also nurtures seedlings of tree species and medicinal plants. At Vanaparvam you can buy your favourite species of plants, even the rare ones at a nominal rate. So, let your journey through the park end with a sapling in your hands.

Contact details:
Prajish, Section Officer, Mob: +91 85476 02792
Range Officer, Mob: +91 85476 02791

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 41 km away
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 54 km away