Kannavam: A destination of the future?

Kolayad: The Peruva, Chembukkavu, Thetummal and Kolappa regions inside Kannavam reserve forest are finding a way on the tourism map. The rare flora and fauna in the forest on the Thalaserry – Bavali road will serve as a study tour for students since the area is abundant with rarely seen trees and medicinal herbs. Kannavam is home to several rare medicinal plants fast disappearing from the face of the earth. Rare medicinal plants used in treating venom, kidney and urinary tract diseases grow abundantly here. A short walk inside the forest on the Thetummal – Kolappa route takes you to a waterfall. Those who arrive here leave only after taking a bath in the waterfall. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the area. Peruvakkavu which stages the Perunkaliyattam of Muchilott Bhagavathy, Kadoth Mahasiva temple and Peruva St. George Orthodox church can also be found in this forest. If tourists are permitted entry into the watching tower built at a great height by the forestry department for forest observation, people will get a bird-eye view of the area without actually walking through the jungle. The government’s Tourism Promotion Council has given hardly any importance to this region. It is high time the authorities came forward to give the Peruva sector a place in the district’s tourism map like it has done Paithalmala, Kanjirakkolli and Aralam wildlife sanctuary. Despite the neglect, there are many who come to explore this area which has tremendous tourism potential.