FOREST

 1. The Forests in Kanyakumari District is verdant and virgin Forests and said to be of 75 million years old. Of the total district area of 167130 ha. Government Forests occupy an area of 50486 Hectares which comes to about 30.2 % the total District geographic area.

 2. The Forests of Kanyakumari District was transferred from Kerala to Tamil Nadu on 1^st November 1956 as a result of the State re organization. The Forests of this Divisions (Part) ie. Boothapandy  Mahendragiri R.F. etc. were previously managed by the District Forest Officer, Tirunelveli South Division with Head quarters at Tirunelveli. Consequent on the formation of Kalakad and Mundathurari sanctuary, Kanyakumari Division was formed exclusively to manage the forests of Kanyakumari District with Head quarters at Nagercoil from 01.04.1977 as per G.O.Ms.No. 261 dated 26.03.1977.

 3. Forest in Kanyakumari Division :   14 types of forests from luxuriant tropical wet evergreen to tropical thorn forests occur in this District because of diverse locality factors, (according to Champion and Seths classification) Rainfall varies from 103 cm to 310 cm elevation from sea level to 1829 m. The forest area is 30.2 % of total district geographical area which is next to Nilgiris district with 59 % and Dharmapuri District  with 38 % in the State. The District is having 52% of its forests as dense forests coming only second to Dharmapuri District with 58 %.

 4. The forests consist of soaring and lofty trees of Mesua ferrea, Bischofia Javanica, Vitex altissima to smaller trees of Dillini a species festooning climber, shrubs valuable herbs, variety of orchids, 2 types canes many indigenous palms and cycas. The important timbers are Teak, Rosewood, Vengai and Aini and this District is worth mentioning here for the easy availability and quality of the above timbers. Various types of forest produces like bamboos, reeds, canes  soft wood, tamarind, lemon grass, rubber, coconut, Arecanut, Kadukai, Cinna momum bark, Nelli, Cardamom, Mango and many medicinal plants of High value are harvested in this District. The Maruthuvalmalai located among green paddy fields and fluttering coconut palms is famous for valuable medicinal plants. This is the only District in Tamil Nadu, where rubber and clove plantations have been raised in Reserve Forests in an area of 4785.70 ha and 110 ha respectively. The District is rich in wildlife with at least 25 types of mammals, about 60 species of birds including 14 species of migratory birds and many species of fishes, reptiles and amphibians listed. In short, these forests are a veritable trove of biological diversion.

5. From Tourism angle, the Forests are highly enhancing with pleasant sholas hill top forests, beautiful grass lands, panoramic valleys, top hillocks, singing streams, vast stretches of rubber plantations valuable teak plantations and excellent climate. No body should miss seeing Mahendragiri, Maramalai, Sea field and Balamore estate area, Ecology farm, Kalikesam, Pechiparai Dam, Perunchani Dam, Upper Kodayar, Maruthamparai and Mukkudal areas for their scenic beauty. All areas in forests are worth seeing in Kanyakumari District only.

6. Reserve Forests and the Area  

            The following are the Reserve Forests in this Division :

                                    7. Areas Leased for other Activities           

8. Medicinal Plants 

Medicinal Plants Conservation Area Scheme is being implemented in this Division with the assistance of Foundation for Revitalisation of local Health Traditions, Bangalore (FRLHT) form the year 1993 - 94 onwards.

9.  Kani Settlement 

Kanis are the Tribals, basically agriculturists whose above in forest of Kanyakumari and adjoining Kerala Forests.  There are 47 Kani Settlements in Kanyakumari Division with an extent of 1257.38 ha. of forest land been allotted to 927 families under Tribal development scheme as detailed below :  

     For further information kindly contact:           District Forest Officer
                                                                            Municipality Compound

                                                                            Nagercoil - 629 001

                                                                            Phone: 04652-232205 
                                                                            Email : dfokkm@tn.nic.in