Talakona is bountifully endowed with nature in the form of hills and valleys of Eastern Ghats.
Talakona is located on Nerabailu – Talakona B.T. Road and 23 Km away from Bhakarapet of Yerravaripalem Mandal of Chittoor District, AP. It is located 59 Km from Tirupati.
Talakona was declared as Bio-Sphere Reserve during 1989-90 because of wide variety of plant species with high site quality. Lord Siddeswara Swamy Temple lies in this area. Talakona means "the head of the Seshachalam hills" and as such named as "TALAKONA", it is known as “Sacred Hood” of Serpant God.
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Temp |
Min 20c / Max 40c. |
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Season: |
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Throughout the year, best season is Nov to June. Climate and Rainfall an average of 800m from North East monsoon and occasionally from South West monsoon. |
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Flora: |
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The area is a heaven for botanists with lot of Bio-diversity. The area is having as many as 1500 Species belonging to 176 families of vascular plants. Perhaps the most famous is the Red Sanders which is endemic to this region. Sandal wood is also an important species of this area. |
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Fauna: |
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The Talakona forests harbour certain threatened and endangered animals like Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko, Yellow browed Bulbul and varieties of Butterflies. Golden Gecko is discovered after 100 years. Leapoard, wolf, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Pangolin, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Four-horned Antelope, Chital and Sambar are some of the more common animals found in this area. |
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Canopy Rope Way: |
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Special Features |
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There is one Climber which is 300 years old and measures 5 Km long. It is likely to take place in the Guniess Book of World Records. Its local name is “Gilla Thiga” and scientifically it is known as “Enteda scandens” which belongs to the family “Mimosace”. Because it is a Gaint Climber the woodie climber is otherwise called “Lianas”. The seeds very in rich protein content are used by the local tribals as food. The fruits (Lomentun) are very long and measure 100 cms in length and are the largest fruits produced in the plant kingdom. |
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Suggested Itinerary |
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Day 1: |
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- Afternoon – Departure from Chennai
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- Arrival & check in at Talakona Forest Guest House
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Day 2: |
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- Morning tea (Subject to availability)
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- Trek to Sidhalagandi lake with packed breakfast (5 to 6 hrs)
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- Lunch at Forest Guest House
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- Post-lunch – Canopy Ropeway walk at the Forest Guest House
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- Afternoon – Trek to Talakona waterfalls (3 to 4 hrs)
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- Return to Forest Guest House followed by tea
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- 1900 hrs – Campfire followed by dinner
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Day 3: |
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- Morning tea (Subject to availability)
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- Bird-watching trek into the forest area with packed breakfast or Field cooking
(Optional) (3 to 4 hrs)
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- Return to Forest Guest House followed by tea
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- Lunch at Forest Guest House
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- Post Lunch – Departure from Talakona
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- Evening – Arrival at Chennai
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The Package Cost |
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(The Package cost depends on the Group Size / Mode of Transport / Food Preference / Other Connected Services) |
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Food |
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- Simple vegetarian food will be served during the complete trip
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(Non-Veg menu can be organized at additional cost on prior information & subject to feasibility) |
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Package cost includes: |
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- Overnight stay accommodation at the Forest Guest House / Resort / Hotel / In open (subject to the location of the visit)
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- Food as mentioned in the itinerary
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- Basic Survival Ration, in case if trekking is involved
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| - Two bottles of drinking water (Additional requirement to be procured at own cost)
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- Entry fee into the Reserve Forest
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- Bonfire (Subject to feasibility & permission from concerned authorities)
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Package cost does not include: |
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- Transportation from own location to destination and back (can be organized at additional cost)
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- Food other than mentioned in the itinerary
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- Entry fee into any other places of visit
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- Camera charges / Safari charges / Dharshan charges, etc
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- Snacks during bonfire (can be organized at additional cost on prior information & subject to feasibility)
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- Personal expenses, if any
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Note: |
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- The trip can be customized as per the group’s exact interest.
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- No guarantee will be given on sighting any wildlife / Birds / Plants, etc during the trek.
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- Since the area of visit may have only the basic amenities for stay, it’s advisable to carry own bed sheet / blanket along with personal toiletries for overnight stay.
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- All participants are requested to carry their personal medicines, if any.
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- All participants are requested to carry a bed sheet (this can be a standby in case of any shortage of the same in the Forest Guest House).
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- It’s the responsibility of the coordinating person / team leader of the participating group to collect and maintain the emergency contact details of each participant.
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- Outdoor activities are not mandatory and will be subject to weather as well as feasibility conditions.
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- All participants are requested to follow the law of nature to ensure that the ecology of the mother earth is preserved at its best.
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- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the forest area.
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- Basic Survival Ration will be provided by the organizer, subject to the exact need / feasibility.
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- The area of visit is under the control of Forest Department and there may be any last minute restriction to enter into the assigned area without prior notice
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- The organizer is not responsible for any untoward incident if happens during the course of the trip. However, basic precautions will be taken by the organizer to ensure that the trip ends in a good note.
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Mongoose Nature Trails Activities |
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(Subject to feasibility / time availability / permission from concerned authorities) |
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Nature Activities: |
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- Trekking (Mild / Medium / Hard Treks)
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Wild Crafts: |
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- Fun & Learn with Rope Knots
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- Improvised Chopsticks, etc.
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Hobbies: |
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- Solving the Rubik’s Cube (Basic), etc.
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General: |
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- Self Defence Basics (Body Techniques / Nunchaku / Silambam)
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- Life Saving / First Aid (Basics), etc.
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"Knowing is not doing; Doing is doing" |
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I hear, I forget! I see, I remember!! I do, I understand!!!
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Explore a Memorable Experience!!! |