Thread by @HemaShares

Journey2 #Pothigai is a great opportunity2see the vegetational variation in #KMTR,as the altitude varies, as crucial part of the trek is vertical climb& while nearing the peak, it's almost 90degree slope.This is view of Karaiyar&the surrounding vegetation from Thulukkan mottai

From Karaiyar to almost mid way to kannikatti, Tropical evergreen forest with many layers and dominated by taller and bigger trees like Ficus. The ground is not too wet and the springs in the higher altitude have already become big streams. #Pothigai #Tirunelveli #KMTR #forests

Midway2kannikatti,the size of the tree trunks reduces.Still trees are taller and ground becomes moist&the moisture level increases as we go up. In this season,this belt is invaded by giant spiders.This is near Injikuzhi. #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli Follow this thread 2 know more

Ochlandra reeds,favourite of elephants,after crossing villuparai owing to the marshy conditions created by the stream and mist. One can find many types of #forest classified under Champion and Seth here and many are unique to #KMTR #Tirunelveli #Pothigai #TNForest #IndiAves

Again Rocky structures. There is scope for only grasses. Slope is gentle, so some vegetation can survive. Wherever soil is present, sparsely trees are found.#Pothigai #Tirunelveli #KMTR #IndiAves

As the altitude increases,V r in Southern Montane wet temperate forests,popularly called shola.Size of trunk and height r reduced.Wet but cool.Thanks2the mist.After reaching certain altitude,no spiders,as they r not able2sustain their webs in the wind.#Pothigai #Tirunelveli #KMTR

From a patch of shola, approaching Paniparai. As the name says, vast expanse of rock. Misty and Windy. See the difference of weather in landscapes lying adjacent to each other.That's the power of vegetation in moderating the climate.#Pothigai #Tirunelveli #KMTR #IndiAves #forest

In Paniparai, due to the mist,the soil is swampy and rocks wet, leaving scope for only grasses.The mist has given way to many small streams. The rocks have a coarse texture unlike the ones in higher altitude which r smooth & slippery #Pothigai #Tirunelveli #KMTR #forest #IndiAves

After Paniparai,it becomes more Rocky,typical characteristic of WesternGhats,Old fold mountains unlike Himalayas which r more fragile. No leeches after this.That's the only solace.Sholas surround the rocks which holds the mountains together #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli #IndiAves

Then the thick shola forests with the characteristic stunted trees. Owing to the density of the vegetation, it's not possible to pass through them and streams filled with boulders are the walking path which makes the trek a difficult one. #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli #IndiAves

Untouched by man except4Forest Protection personnel,no pathways for trekking made.The steep rocks r cut by streams for thousands of years and they r the walking path4animals as well. There was an urge2reach the peak soon &return back at the earliest #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli

Tension2reach the top early is bcoz of the afternoon rains,a typical characteristic of tropical mountains,✅ly called 4'oclock rains which will make the streams flow with excess runoff&rocks slippery.Returning back2Paniparai before rains is the target #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli

The rocks attain almost 90degree slope leaving no scope for any vegetation except for grasses in certain crevices. It was a gravity defying trek. Generally covered with mists.Since the day was Sunny,the visibility was crystal clear #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli #IndiAves #Forests

The mist would have provided a psychological boost, as it reduces visibility and we will not be able to assess the gradient of the slope. I was told not to look down repeatedly. Despite that I did. I got a feel of Earth's rotation and revolution.🤣🤣 #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli

After a series of rope climbs,a patch of shola. As d altitude rises, height of d trees further reduces.Being Climax vegetation,Sholas can withstand the extremes of the vagaries of nature&the characteristics of the forest won't change further #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli #IndiAves

Again a series of rope climbs, due to the steep Rocky terrain. Not much vegetation. Only grasses. #Pothigai #KMTR #Tirunelveli

Reached d peak finally. It's d wisdom of our ancestors2relate precious natural resources2Super power,so dat no one dares 2destroy it. As a forester,not only Agasthiarkoodam, whole Western Ghats is precious&sacred&should be preserved4eternity #Pothigai #Tirunelveli #forests #KMTR