Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park near Manipal: Photos and complete info
Tree Park is Manipal’s latest attraction. This tree park is named after Salumarada Thimmaka and is a large natural forest area enhanced with some displays, attractions and information. I visited the tree park recently and found it totally worth it. This post gives you detailed insight as to what to expect at Tree Park Manipal. (ಮಣಿಪಾಲದ ಸಾಲುಮರದ ತಿಮ್ಮಕ್ಕ ವೃಕ್ಷ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನದ ಪರಿಚಯ ಲೇಖನ )
Attractions at Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park Manipal
1. Tree Houses (two in number): Small elevated platform accessible via ladder
2. Adventure Zone (only for kids below 14 years)- kids can try ropewalking, slides etc). Even a mini ziplining is being setup. When I visited there was no operator/staff- guessing these facilities will be at its best post covid crisis once tourist inflow increases.
3. Elevated walk way
4. Exhibits showcasing regional specialties- Kambala, Huli Vesha, birds, insects, animals etc. Yakshagana was missing
Above: Kambala, Below: Hulivesha
Above: Caterpillar, Below: My Forest Officer friend!
Above: Grasshopper statue, below: Tigers
5. Lots of trees, rest areas and swings to sit on- perfect for relaxation and chitchat with friends/family.
6. Mini nursery from where you can buy saplings
7. Information displays pertaining to wildlife
On some species an information display board like below are provided. For others it is a 3D model with an information display board.
8. Mini waterfall- not yet operational- made with pumped water, not natural. It costs money to keep the waterfall alive, so I guess it will be turned on only during VIP visits or special occasion when crowd is large.
9. Few social awareness messages related to wildlife, forests etc
10. An amphitheater
11. Water feeding spots for birds, but unfortunately didn't see many birds
12. Herbal Garden, with medicinal plants
13. A café- for food requirements of visitors (Cafe Verde)
Who is Salumarada Thimmakka?
Salumarada Thimmakka is a lady credited with planting 385 banyan trees along a small stretch of road between Hulikal (in Shivamogga district) and Kadur. You can read more about Salumarada Thimmakka here on Wikipedia . This tree park in Manipal has been named after her, which is a great decision.
What I found missing at Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park
- No exhibit on Yakshagana. Since Kambala, Hulivesha etc were represented, one exhibit on Yakshagana will also be nice.
- No birds. Didn't see any birds in the entire forest. Authorities should lure birds with some food and water, or bring some captured birds from zoos and let them live the the tree park campus freely. Bit of real birds and animals will make tree park more lively.
- No information on trees- like species etc. The park doesn't have too many varieties of trees. An existing forest with normal trees is converted into tree park, hence diversity of trees is minimum. Forest department can plant some bamboos and other trees- over time it will be added attraction.
Additional information: Ticket prices at Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park
Timing: Open from 10 AM till 6 PM, no lunch break. On some days they may close early if there're no visitors.
How to reach Tree Park? You can drive following Google Maps. Autos/taxis can be hired from Manipal city to reach Salumarada Thimmakka Tree Park. Exact area is known as Badagubettu, off Manipal-Alevuru road. Sign boards are put up at few turns guiding visitors to Tree Park. Approx distance from city centre is about 5-7 kms.
Nice.Did not know such parks exist in Manipal
ReplyDeleteThanks. Now you know.
DeleteLooks great, Beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteThis place is not clean , no response any problems that place don't go this place and don't waste ur many
ReplyDeleteoh. It was fine when I visited in June. May be due to Corona they aren't maintaining much.
Deletewhat !!!....due to covid-19, they would a maintain some more extra clean and hygiene but what you mean???
DeleteDeepa.kamath
ReplyDelete