Cochin State Forest Tramway Trek

Cochin State Forest Tramway Trek

Organised by - Forest development Agency Parambikulam

Cochin state tramway was a small tramway cutting across the western ghat from the plains of Chalakkudi to Parambikulam
forest station. This tramway was functional during the first half of 20th century leading through the ever green forests,
streams and rivers. The path of the tramway was through one of the rich biodiversity hostspot of western ghats covering amazing scenic spots, and mountains. The total length of the track is 49.5 miles which was used for transporting timber from
parambikulam to chalakudy. The valuable timber like teak and rosewood then shipped to many countries around the world. The

major customers of the timber from Parambikulam was the ship building industry in Clyde, UK and many other Railways used this timber for making sleepers for the tracks.

Cochin Forest tramway trek is an eco-friendly adventure tour. It has all levels of treks, camping, wildlife, Nature
Trails, Bird watching, History and heritage, all in one in a two days trek package.

History Of Tramway

The tram was the great vision of Sri. Rama Varma, who ruled the state of cochin from 1895 to 1914. Rama Varma was successful in taking the present day Cochin in to the world map in terms of trade and commerce. It was during His period the historical Cochin State Forest Tramway was laid in 1901. Originally conceived by Mr. J.C. Kolhoff, The first conservator of forests, Cochin, the project was implemented by Alwar Chetty, a forest officer on special duty. The initial survay and route alignment was done by British Officers, Mr Haldwell and Mr Floukes. The first Tramway engineer who cleared the forest and laid the lines was Mr R.E. Haffield. Orenstein and Koppel of Germany provided all locomotives, rolling stock and machinery for the tramway.

Trek Program
Day 1 : Parambikulam Dam to Muthuvarachal (Stay at Muthuvarachal)
Day 2: Muthuvarachal to Parambikulam Dam
An armed staff and 3 trained tribal naturalists will accompany a group of maximum 5 persons. Starts at 10 am; tea, snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on route.