Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Ayiramthengu – A Mangrove Haven

If you are a Nature lover, Ayiramthengu is the perfect place for you. This place near Oachira in Kollam district features a wide variety of mangroves. It is a testimony to the mangrove conservation initiative. There are around nine types of mangroves here. A walk along a narrow bridge leads to this place. Thick shrubs line the walkway. It is an exemplary model of mangrove conservation spread over 25 acres of land. The government took over the place in 1998, and it is currently under the Department of Fisheries. The place also acts as the breeding centre for different types of fish and is an ecosystem with many aquatic species. Around 30 different types of crabs can be found here.

Look out for crabs of different colours like red, blue and black. The mangroves go by curious names here; valli kandal, uchi kandal, manja kandal to cite a few examples. Chakkara kandal has leaves in a special shape. A small stream of water runs through the place. During low tide, this stream will disappear. Wade through the water and you can see crabs disappearing quickly into their holes.

The bridge here is around 40 years old and around 40 families reside on three islands in this region. The lighthouse can be seen from the bridge. The place, presenting an exotic aura, can be accessed from NH - Oachira road and the Alappad - Azheekal road. A five km drive will take you to a point from where you have to take a right turn.

Contact:
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Kollam - 691001
Phone : +91 474 274 5625, +91 474 275 0170, +91 94959 00625
Email : contact@dtpckollam.com, info@dtpckollam.com

Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Oachira, about 7 km
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, distance 101 km