This is one of the four central forest nurseries in Kerala and was established during the year 1997,at Valluvassery by the Kerala Forest Department. With a view to meet the requirements of good quality planting stock of important plantation species like teak, eucalypts, acacias, etc., the nursery is fully equipped to produce root trainer seedlings and rooted cuttings of these species in required quantities. The average annual production of the nursery during the past three years was: 1.5 lakh teak root-trainer seedlings, 1.2 lakh of eucalypt seedlings, 0.5 lakh seedlings of acacias, and 0.9 lakh seedlings of miscellaneous species.
Inside the oldest teak forest
This hanging bridge lies across the Chaliyar river. It dangles when someone steps on it or when there is a slight breeze. Just strain your ears, you can hear the lullaby of nature with the rustling sound of teak leaves. The hanging bridge with 140 feet length, is part of the eco tourism project of Nilambur. Just walk through the bridge you will reach Conolly's plot. A 153 year old teak plot which stands eternal while flipping the pages of history.
Forest Department deputy conservator M Sreedharan Nair became effusive while remembering the memories surrounded the Nilambur Kovilamakam, and the priceless contribution by the Englishmen and nature lovers who lived in Nilambur. Rasak, a native, is the security guard of the plot. Earlier he was a robber smuggling woods and other forest utilities . Teak wood was his favorite item for looting. But in 2002 Rasak and his companions surrendered before the then forest minister and became a active member of the Forest Protection Force. Looking at him Sreedharan Nair said Rasak is the sole guard who looks after this plot worth crores of rupees, standing firm in the forefront of forest protection'.
The highest teak tree here is 46.5 meter tall, almost touching the sky. The girth of the tree is 420 cm and five people can lock their hands in a chain surrounding the tree. By showing this teak, which is the oldest in the world, the Eco Tourism Project aims to propagate nature protection message to the tourists and travelers. And also to provide a glance to the history.
The Nilambur teaks are renowned worldwide. From here 15 km away situated Karulayi teak plantations. The Nedumkayam rest house of forest department is situated here in the upper part of the hill. In its lower part flows a river. Many times, herds of elephants visit the place to take a bath in the river. A bath here indeed will bestow you a refreshing feeling. A jeep journey from here for 45 minutes will take you to Manjeri, a colony of tribes, Chola Naykar. Assistant conservator Unnikrishnan gave special attention to inquire about the wellness of each one by calling their names
Travel some more distance, then you will reach Meenmutti. Earlier there was a tent high enough to stay. To reach Meenmutti you have to cross Karimpuizha. You can have bath in the water gushing from the rocks. If you are acute adventurer, you can reach Ooty from Meenmutti within two days by climbing up and down the hills through trekking. But only with the company of a guide.
Information and interpretation centers are fast developing here. The teak museum stood 3 km away from Nilambur town run by Kerala Forest research institute. A visit here will bestow you a complete picture of teak tree. Vey close to it stood the green garden.Conolly , Chathu Nair and Brian David
