Pandipathu is located in the district of Thiruvananthapuram on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This place comes under the Peppara Wildlife sanctuary and is famed for its solitary atmosphere. This sanctuary can be accessed from Bonacaud which was once famed for its vast tea plantations. Pandipathu is also the access point for the famed Agasthya peak. The Forest Department of Kerala has launched a eco-tourism programme here called “Visit to Bison Abode” due to the high number of Indian bison commonly called gaur that can be found here. These animals can be seen grazing along the hillsides and plains that have widespread grasslands. It is these bison that people flock to see in this part of the sanctuary more than anything else.
Flora and Fauna
The flora in this part of the Peppara sanctuary that makes up Pandipathu consists mostly of rolling grasslands. The greater part of the sanctuary however consists of eucalyptus plantations and thick forest areas of evergreen deciduous trees. There are also semi-evergreen trees that grow in abundance.
The forests can be said to be tropical in nature due to the climatic conditions and the species of trees found here. The grasslands and the hillside of Pandipathu has a wide variety of shrubs and herbs that the bovine’s feed on. In terms of fauna animals such as gaur, mouse deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, Malabar squirrel, lion tailed macaque, elephants and wild cats. The sanctuary is also home to tigers and panthers but they aren’t easily spotted. Birds of many species can also be found here along with reptiles such as snakes and lizards.
Activities
Visit to Bison Abode- this particular initiative has been taken by the forest department of Kerala. The forest department has tailored a special package of two days for visitors to see the majestic gaurs or the Indian Wild Buffaloes. The package is meant for a group of eight people and should be booked in advance. The wildlife officials accompany the visitors to guide and assist over the two day period of safari.
Trekking- Since Pandipathu is made mostly of grassland and hillsides, trekking is one of the best activities to indulge in. The scenic views and the solitary atmosphere which envelopes the area is something that will definitely rejuvenate you. The forest officials have to be informed earlier and permission should be taken so that they can accompany you as guides.
Camping- this is a very interesting experience. Camping in the wild with the cries animals in the air, starlit skies for ceilings and a warm campfire to keep you secure is the ultimate experience that you can have.
Accommodation and Restaurants
There are many places to stay nearby the sanctuary. Some of the best known hotels nearby the sanctuary are Tamarind KTDC hotel (Neyyar Dam), Hycinth Hotel (29.7 kms away), Indraprastha (19.1 Kms away), Jas Hotel (29.6 kms away), Teekay palace (29 kms away) and Indrapuri Rajdhani (29.1 kms away) etc. To eat and dine you can try out restaurants such as Cafe Mojo (0.4 kms away), Oasis Pick and Pack (1.7 kms away), Taj Hotel (1.7 kms away), Ambrosia (2.5 kms away), Wishbone (2.6 kms away), Dakhani Degh (2.7 kms away) and Palm Top (2.9 kms away).
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit would be the months of October to March when the temperatures are cool and the weather dry.
Getting There
The nearest railway station is of Thiruvananthapuram which is 68 kilometres away and the nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International airport which is 75 kms away.
