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Kauthuka Project – A Nature conservation center for Research and Education

CONTENTS 1. History 2. Heritage and Research Centre 3. Biology and Ecosystem 4. Reacreational Activities 5. Awards

History Founded by an ordinary farmer, Mr. Varkey Veliyath, Kauthuka Park is a place of wonders and marvels at Chalakuddy on the way to Athirappally waterfalls in Thrissur district. The name “Kauthuka” means an object to wonder and the project ressembles the same. This calm and peaceful place sprawls over an area of 1.25 acres of land is made in such a way that visitors can relax and enjoy the power of nature. Kauthuka Project is a Nature Conservation Center for Research and Education is recognized by Tourism Department, Government of Kerala. It is located about 5kms from chalakudy and 18 km from Cochin international airport. The initial activities was commenced at 2002, later at 2006 the Project was opened for the public.

Heritage and Research Centre The fascinating abundance of the wonder trees attract people to the Kauthuka Park. Detailed guidance will be provided by Mr. Varkey Veliyath as the visitors explores through the park. For nature lovers, the Kauthuka park has always been an astonishment. Explorers are fascinated by the presence of cave, different type of trees and very rare medicinal plants.  Biology and Ecology Kauthuka project focus upon the improtance of ecological balance. The project shows how the whole world could be moulded into a practical and peaceful environment. All the animals and birds live in harmony. All catogories of animals like herbivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous all live together. They teach us a moral of how human beings should live in a balanced way in peace. All the living beings in Kauthuka project is an inspiration to all human being teaching them to live in reconciliation. The project venture helps in discovering the inner peace and also helps us realizing the simple gifts of nature.

Erumaadam Tree houses in older times are called Erumaadam. It makes people remember of the olden times when they stay safe from animals. Botanical miracles are found in plenty as we walk through the Kauthuka Project. The living tree hut has a strong foundation. A ladder with the stem bottom is made to walk downwards. The place has living bridges made out of live trees, by joining the various stems. These bridges help to climb up and down the tree hut.

Walking Trees Walking trees are one of the salient features of the Kauthuka Project. lnitialy one end of the old root of the tree is inserted in to the soil-filled pipe or pot inorder to root and shoot. Later a new root may emerge as another stem bottom. The same process is done inorder to make it walk further. Living Arch's, Bridges can be constructed with the help of naturalized walking tree. Reforestation, water conservation and water level can be maintained by this method. Soil erotion can also be avoided.

Walking bamboo is one of the most important of all the miracles. The bamboo in the project has been started since 5 years. The main feature encountered is that it walks on its legs. There are two visible stem bottoms at the left and right. The various types of bamboo found is the Bhudda bamboo, creeper bamboo.

Flora and Fauna All the animals and birds live freely. Birds like peacock, emu, turkey, dove, very rare species of chicken and squirrels, guinea pigs, rats are some among them.Variety of fishes lay in the ponds and fresh water bodies within the Project. Coexistance of all the species is one of the most highlighted feature of the project. Animals and birds all have the complete freedom to live within the park. Cages are provided, but it just ressembles a shelter place through which they can get in and out at any time through the passage. Small huts made out of simple mud and tree houses made out of bamboo have come out as some of the most adorable features of this project.

Fisheries Both the Exotic as well as Indigenous fishes live together. For the efficient development of the fishes, facilities like water plants, shades, pebbles are all arranged in a proper manner. The ground level of the ponds ia managed in such a way that the fishes breathe sufficient oxygen. In the project biodiversity is brought all together. Staying at this place we can feel that there is a super natural power. This is due to the coexistance of all the animals within the place. Aerial plants are also found in this place. They are arranged in such a way that it would not be a disturbance to any of the other creatures.

Recreational Activities Reacreational activties are also included within the project. The astonishing feature of the project is that the area provided for recreation makes us remember all the cultures of our country. Antique culture, umbrella stones, agriculture, epic culture are all combined together in this project. Integrating culture is another moral we can learn from this place. No wastage of any of the objects are made. All the used objects are reused by arranging it in the antique collection. Artistic works are done by using the old project. The concept of nature poetry also includes in this project. It is one of the backlacking concept which most people are not aware of. The project twines both nature and poetry resulting in a wonderful blend. Some of the ancient objects include, kudakkallu, nannankadi etc. Nannangadi is the old culture of burying dead and half dead human bodies in jars and covering it with stones or rocks. Religious concepts are all brought within the project. A single religion is not what is focused, but all the religions are reflected in the same way within the park.

Awards and Recognitions The founder and architect of this single handed and unique project is Mr. Varkey Veliyath. He is talented in linguistic poetry, art and is interested in environment, architecture, research, biodiversity, botany, gardening, zoology, fisheries, agriculture, science and technology. He has recieved many awards and recognitions as stated: Limca Book of Records (National Record 2011) The Kerala State Biodiversity Board Department of Tourism (Kerala) Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Kerala Lalithakala Academy Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) Appreciation Certificate from Fisheries Department Gvt. of Kerala Appreciation certificate from Agriculture department Govt.of Kerala