The rustle of leaves and flutter of wings reverberate in the Blue Mountains…writes Prof. Geetha Upadhyaya
“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, a rapture on the lonely shore, there is society, where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more” ― Lord Byron
The Niligiri Biosphere Nature Park (NBNP) covering 70 acres of land is a holistic environment complex located at Thuvaipathy, Anaikatti, 32 km from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, south India. An initiative of The Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre (CZPCC) NBNP was recreated by the efforts of ardent nature lovers.
The admirable contribution of the Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre in this venture has made it possible for people of all ages and abilities to be introduced to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR)’s rich diverse flora and fauna.
The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow and the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), London recognising NBNP’s collection of threatened plant species have also intitated collaborative projects.
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One can explore, experience and enjoy nature at the NBNP whilst enriching their knowledge about the biodiversity of the region leading to a positive impact on one’s views on life and its interdependence with mother nature.
The park is home to over 450 varities of native trees, flora and fauna that are endemic to the Nilgiris, some of which have become rare. The unstinted effort of dedicated nature lovers has ensured that the future holds the promise of a referral garden for the region.
NBNP also serves as the migratory stop-over for butterflies from Siruvani and Vellingiri Hills en route to the forests of Silent Valley. Scores of them huddle to feed on the wet earth rich in calcium and sodium.
Exhibits at NBNP
Many intriguing exhibts fill the NBNP ranging from a manmade Amphibian pond holding a wide variety of frogs and turtles, an Aquarium of native species of fish and an Arboretum of threatened plant species of immense environmental value.
Apart from this, the Herbal Garden is abundant with plants of intrinsic medicinal value from the Western Ghats while the Pollinator Garden features ornamental flowering plants visited by bees, butterflies, beetles, bugs, spiders and birds all year around.
The Rockery, a naturally formed rock garden with plants growing around them and the Zodiac Garden, a carefully cultivated collection of 27 varities of tree, each representing the aura of the 27 nakshatras (stars) popular to Indian culture.
The Apiary nurtures colonies of endemic honey bees that are natural pollination agents for the flora and fauna in the park.
Facilities at NBNP
The training facility created at the park provides employees of corporate companies an opportunity for a day-out program with facilities for camping overnight taking them away from the rituals of everyday routine.
In addition, the NBNP has a fully equipped 250 seater Amphitheatre, Forest Zone Educational and Recreational Activity Area, nature trails, kid’s play area, greenhouse (Nursery), resting huts, cafeteria, camp site and training facilities.
All these facilities can be programmed to enthuse and increase the involvement of both young and old in understanding, protecting and preserving nature.
Young People and Nature
School children are regular visitors to the park and are able to appreciate the importance of preserving and cohabitating with nature and its many wondrous life forms.
Over 22,000 visitors including students from educational institutions, corporates and members of the general public visit the park annually. The Park entertains educational institutions and corporates by conducting excursions or tours, encouraging them to make use of the available facilities to conduct educational programmes of their own and introduce new members to the bio-diversity of the Park with the aim of combining leisure with learning the intricacies of our ecosystem and the fragility of nature.
Apart from it being a conservation site, the NBNP has been developed to provide visitors the experience of hiking in a nature trail, exploring flora and fauna, observing some of the myriad living organisms, rare medicinal native plants, tiny indigenous life forms, learning about the immense native biodiversity or just relaxing and enjoying fresh air.
Monetary reserves are essential for the sustenance of NBNP and ensuring that the future generations benefit from its existence as a unique reserve reflecting the diversity of the Western Ghats. There is a plan to create a corpus that will generate income for the maintenance of the park and all donations are gratefully acknowledged.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR)
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is located in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hill ranges of Southern India. The reserve encompasses a total of 5,520 km² in the states of Karnataka (1,527 km²), Kerala (1,455 km²) and Tamil Nadu (2,537 km²).
The NBR is rich in biodiversity and has over 100 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 80 species of reptiles, 31 species of amphibians, 39 species of fish, 316 species of butterflies and numerous other invertebrates. It is also home to around 3,300 plant and 175 orchid species of which 132 and 8 are endemic, respectively.
NBR stands as one among the only two designated biodiversity hotspots in India.
The Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre
The Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre (CZPCC) was established in the year 1986 and is located at Anaikatti in Coimbatore, at an altitude of 598 meters above mean sea level. The objectives of CZPCC stem from the scientific & ethical concerns, and interests of its members.
The CZPCC Botanical Garden Project was set up in September 1992, with an ambitious and detailed concept plan for the collection of appropriate plants, preparation of the site and re-creation of different types of vegetation found in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
Support NBNP :
NBNP can also accept contributions under CSR funds from your organization which will also be exempt under Sec 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.
RTGS/NEFT Details:
Account Name: The Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre
Bank: Central Bank of India, Peelamedu Branch
Current A/c No: 3789149486 | IFSC Code: CBIN0280913
For further details and visit co-ordination:
Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park
Thuvaipathy Village, Anaikatti, Coimbatore – 641 108, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Mobile: +91 95855 00146 / 147 / 148
City Information Centre
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Avinashi Road, Peelamedu
Coimbatore – 641 004, Tami Nadu, INDIA
Phone: +91 422 4295959 | Mobile: +91 95855 00147 (Ms. R. Karthiga)
Email: info@nbnaturepark.com | Website: www.nbnaturepark.com
