Tramway photo from Mathrubhoomi Yathra copy
This is the story of an amazing little tramway that was functional
during the 1st half of the 20 century. This tramway was laid from the
plains of Chalakudy around 40 Kms of North of Cochin to Parambikulam.
The lines cuts across the Western Ghats, went through lush green
forests, crossed streams and rivers and was considered to be a scenic
and enjoyable journey. The Tramway had a total length of around 49.5
miles. Truly this Tramway called - the Cochin State Forest Tramway was
nested and webbed through the Western Ghats.
(http://www.parambikulam.org/tramway.htm)
The 49.5-mile Cochin State Forest Tramway laid in 1901 across a
portion of the Western Ghats from Parambikulam in Palakkad district to
Chalakudy ensured a place for present day Cochin in the world map of
trade and commerce.
The tramway, laid between Parambikulam and the plains of Chalakudy, 40 km north of Cochin, now forms a part of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (PTR). The wildlife sanctuary now plans to conduct an eco-friendly trekking programme for those who wish to explore nature, history and heritage through the lush green forests.
The tramway was built during the reign of Rama Varma ‘Rajarshi’ who ruled the State of Cochin from 1895 to 1914. Teak and rosewood that were brought to Chalakudy were shipped across continents from the Cochin port and was used for ship-building in the U.K and sleepers in many railways across the world. There was even a ‘brand’ called ‘Cochin Teak.’
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