My visit to Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park Near Manipal

Today evening, we visited Salumarada Thimmakka Park at Manipal. Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a unique park located near Manipal, a town in Karnataka, India. This park is named after an extraordinary woman named Salumarada Timmakka, who is known for her remarkable efforts to protect the environment and promote greenery. This park is a testament to her legacy and a symbol of the importance of preserving nature.

Salumarada Timmakka was born in a small village near Hulikal, in the state of Karnataka, in the year 1910. She was married at the young age of 10 and became a widow when she was just 30 years old. She had no children and lived a very difficult life. Despite these hardships, she never gave up on her passion for planting and nurturing trees.

Timmakka started planting trees at a time when there were no environmental laws in place to protect trees. She used to carry saplings on her back and plant them along the roadside, which later became a dense green corridor. She was determined to make a difference and worked tirelessly to transform the barren landscape around her village into a lush green area.

Over the years, Timmakka became an inspiration to many people. The government recognized her work, and she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in the year 2019. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 107, but her legacy lives on through the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park.

The Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park was established by the Manipal Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Udupi district administration, in honor of Timmakka's contributions to the environment. The park covers an area of approximately 5 acres and is home to over 2000 trees of various species.

The park has a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the various sections of the park. The trail is lined with trees on both sides, providing shade and a refreshing atmosphere. There are several benches along the trail, where visitors can rest and enjoy the serene surroundings.

One of the highlights of the park is the avenue of trees that are shaped like arches. These trees were planted by Timmakka herself and were carefully nurtured by her. Today, they stand tall and proud, forming a beautiful archway that is truly mesmerizing.

The park also has a nursery, where saplings of various species are grown and nurtured. These saplings are later planted in different areas to promote greenery and protect the environment. The park also hosts various events and programs, such as tree planting drives, environmental awareness programs, and workshops on sustainable living.

The Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is not just a park; it is a symbol of hope and inspiration. It is a tribute to a woman who dedicated her entire life to protect the environment and promote greenery. The park is a reminder of the importance of preserving nature and the impact that one person can make on the world.

In conclusion, the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a beautiful and inspiring place that should be visited by anyone who loves nature and cares about the environment. It is a testimony to the power of determination and passion, and a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. The park is a fitting tribute to Salumarada Timmakka and a reminder of her extraordinary legacy.