Thekkady

Thekkady is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife atOrientation The sprawling Periyar Tiger Reserve, which falls in the southern segment of the Western Ghats in the Cardamom Hills at an altitude of 2900-6,000ft, is the largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala. Declare a protected area way back in 1933 by the Maharaja of Travancore, the sanctuary covers an area of 777sq km. The Kottayam-Thekkady Road ends at Kumily on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. There is only one entry point to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and that is through the small village of Thekkady, 4km from Kumily. close range. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear semblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the special ecological pattern of Thekkady.

Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. In the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Thekkady is on the border with state of Tamil Nadu, in fact just 5 kilometers from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Notable among the denizens of Periyar are the tigers, the majestic Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur. Other animals include the wild boar, wild dog, bison, bear and leopards. Amongst the avifauna, the most profuse are herons, egrets, darters, kingfishers and the great Malabar grey hornbill. A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience.

The reason for this being that this small village is the only gateway to the most famous wildlife sanctuary of the south - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctaury. To some this might sound strange since not long back, this was a place known for its elephant poaching. However, today, things have changed and the poachers have turned into protectors of animals. What more you also get to interact with the tribals who still stay within the park premises. With such an awesome combination of nature and culture, it is hardly surprising that Periyar boasts of a distinctive place in the hearts of people. For someone visiting Kerala on a holiday, it is quiet unlikely that a trip to this sanctuary is missed.


Fast Facts When to do: September to Marchis the best time, when you can enjoy greenery without the accompanying rains. If you are a birdwatcher, this is also the time to spot migrant birds. Summer, thought hot, is also good for wildlife-spotting.
STD Code 04869Thekkady is all about Periyar. And visiting Periyar is like looking at the vast green patches of Kerala wildlife through a pair of binoculars! Aptly located in the most dramatic of settings - amidst soul-soothing mountain ranges, lush valleys, picture book lakes and shimmering rivers - the tropical rainforests affords one of the world's most ancient and complex enviornments. The definition is transparent. Say Thekkady and the whole of Kerala will cheer up to playful herds of elephants wandering in the unending chains of hills. However, if you visit Thekkady (named after 'thekku', or teak trees), you will find that it is not as simple as it seems. For time immeorial, Kerala is known for its spices and traders crowd here for commercial gains. So how these slanting hills of Western Ghats cannot encourage, but sit idle to the ambrosial aroma of the Indian spices? It is a country that exudes the spirit and ethos of nature. Plan a holiday tour to the place where you can feel nature at every twists and turns. Stay in one of those raw cottages modelled after the jungle dwellings of the local tribal inhabitants. And a trip to Thekkady will make you articulate enough to describe your experiences in God's own country so vividly, that many people will soon be eager to follow your itinerary in India.

Getting There
Air: The nearest Airport is Madurai, which is 140 km and Kochi (185 km), and Thiruvananthapuram (265 km).
Rail: The nearest railway station is Kumarakom, 114 km and Madurai station is about 136 km.
Road: An excellent road network from Kumily (4 km) links the town to all major towns and cities in Kerala and India.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Alappuzha 2010

Nehru Trophy Boat race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat race. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). Hence the race is also known as snake Boat Race Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan vallam, Odi vallam, (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam. The race conducted on the second Saturday of August every year is a major tourist attraction.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1952. He was given a roaring reception by the people of alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed.

To the winner of the boat-race witch is a unique feature of community life in Travancore- Cochin.

House Boats of Kerala

Kerala is about the people who want to discover exceptional landscapes away from polluted lands. This is one of the most prosperous states in Southern India, famous for its culture, beaches and unique backwaters. Kerala is famous all over the world for its backwater boat cruises. The backwaters of Kerala have a fleet of over 250 houseboats providing an excellent opportunity for experience the beauty of Kerala. Every year a large gathering of tourists come here to explore its breathtakingly beautiful backwaters.

The Kerala houseboats (“kettuvallams”) are made in the traditional Indian style and a houseboat journey is going to remain in your memory for the rest of your life. Kettuvallam literally means “bundle” or “package” boat. Houseboats boasts are fully furnished – all of them have sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, bedrooms with traditional swinging beds, and bathrooms with echo friendly sewage facilities.

Some destinations from where you can start your backwater houseboat cruise are: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, Kasargod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Trivandrum, Thiruvallm, etc.

Monsoon in Kerala

The state of kerala has got two rainy seasons. The Southwest Monsoon which arrives in the month of June is named in malayalam as Edavappathy. Why the name Edavapathy? It is because the monsoon rains starts on the half of malayalam calender Edavam.
During the second half of October one can witness the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. North East Monsson reaches kerala during the Malayalam month of Thulam and it has got the name Thulavarsham. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold.

During the time of south west monsoon people in kerala undergo Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies. Monsoon time is considered as the best time for Ayurvedic treatment and this concept is widely accepted globally. Special herbal oils and medications are applied on the body of the person who is undergoing Ayurvedic treatment during the Monsoon time to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

For the last several years kerala tourism and other travel operators are marketing monsoon tourism in kerala. As a result of this many people are visiting kerala to enjoy the special kerala monsoons. As a tour operator in from kerala who has been offering kerala tours, www.indiantourplanners.com has introduced kerala monsoon tours to cater to the specific needs of the travelers those who are interested to be in kerala during monsoon season.

Kalady

According to historians, Sri Sankaracharya, the great exponent of Advaita Vedanta, was born at Kalady in A.D.788 and attained mahasamadhi at the age of thirty-two at Kedar in the Himalayas. He left Kalady at the age of eight, met his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada on the banks of the river Narmada, and took sanyasa from him. It is believed that Sankara completed his bhashyas (commentaries) on theprasthana-traya (the Gita, the Brahmasutras, and the Upanishads) before he was sixteen years of age. Tradition has it that the omniscient sage Vyasa granted him a lease of sixteen years of extended life. He traveled the country extensively, propagating Advaita Vedanta, silencing his opponents in the debate. To perpetuate his teachings, he established four maths (centres) at the four cardinal points of his motherland, installing each of his four disciples as head of each centre. He returned to Kalady only once in response to the last wish of his mother. His masterly commentaries establishing and defending Advaita Vedanta remain unchallenged even in this post-modern age.

The Nature lover's dreamland

For tourists who are nature lovers Kerala is an ideal destination. Kerala, better known as God’s Own Country, is an Indian state situated on the southern tip of the country alongside the cerulean Arabian Sea. It is the globally famous destinations where tourists get wonderful opportunity to talk with nature. In whatever part of the state tourists move, they get copious beauty of nature appealing you. When I visited Kerala – the land of coconuts first time I became grabbed with the mind-blowing beauty of nature. I was totally surprised at the nature beauty of the state because I had never seen such amazing beauty of nature in my life before. Each and every part of Kerala was dotted with lush green landscapes. And yes cuisine of the state was also delicious and lip-smacking.

In Kerala, there are several destinations which are very popular among tourists from all over the world. Each destination is known for their unique nature charm and exceptional beauty. Palm coconut trees dotted silvery beaches, scenic backwaters, lush green countryside, lush green meadows, exotic plantations and verdant hill stations are truly delights for nature lover tourists. There are several fascinating destinations in the state from where Kerala tour can be started. Thiruvanthpuram (also known as Trivandrum) is one of the most popular destinations in the state. It is the capital city of the state and ideal destination for enjoying travel and tourism in the state. The city is considered as one of the loveliest cities of India. Built on several coastal hills the city appeals tourists from all over world.

A tourist can’t think of complete travel and tourism in the state without exploring attractions Trivandrum City. In fact it is one of the must have destinations for every tourist planning a tour to Kerala, God’s Own Country. The city offers wonderful opportunity to enjoy the charm of city, beaches, backwaters, hills, temples, and historic monuments. It is the base for visiting Kovalam – one of the finest beach resorts in the world. It is situated at the very short distance from the city of Trivandrum and just takes only half an hour ride from the city. Kovalam is very popular among tourists; especially European tourists.

Another important beach destination in the state is Varkala which is also easily accessible from the city of Trivandrum. Varkala is also a famous pilgrimage centre in the state as well as a beach destination. There are several Ayurvedic resorts at the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala which have important place in every Kerala tour package.

Trivandrum is also known for a base destination for visiting Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). Kanyakumari is one of the most famous beach and pilgrimage destinations of India. It is only two hour ride from the city of Trivandrum. It is the only place in India where one can enjoy mesmerizing views of setting sun and rising moon simultaneously. One can also see colorful and rice-shaped sands on the beaches of Kanyakumari.

Trivandrum is also known for a base destination to visit Ponmudi – one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Ponmudi is an important hill station of the state which is known for lush green and beautiful sights. It is situated at the very short distance of 61 km from Trivandrum. Ponmudi is delight for nature lover tourists and paradise for honeymoon couples.

Alleppey, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Vagamon, Kollam, etc other important destinations of the state which are very popular among tourists who want to enjoy the unique charm of nature. Well if you too want to enjoy the unique charm of nature, make a tours to Kerala God’s Own Country and treasure exotic beach experience, delightful houseboat experience on scenic backwaters, delightful experience of stay at nature blessed hill stations, etc.

Munnar Hill Station

Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave. Mark it as your favourite Kerala Tourist Spot.

Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town.

Chinese Fishing Nets of Kochi

The Chinese Fishing Nets of Kochi, if you did not know yet are a very popular tourist attraction of our city. I have been lucky a few times to see one of these in action quite a lot of times. This youtube video shows the net in action if you have not seen the fishing nets of Kochi in action.

Onasadhya

'Onasadhya' is the grand feast served during the celebration of Onam in Kerala. It is served in Banana leafs. There is a way of placing the leaf and an order of serving the dishes. The picture given below shows the serving order beginning from the left with 'Upperies'.

• PARIPPU CURRY
• SAMBAR
• AVIAL
• KALAN
• OLAN
• THORAN
• PULIINJI
• INJITHAIR
• PINEAPPLE PACHHADY
• ERISSERY
• KOOTUCURRY
• NARANGA PICKLE
• MANGA CURRY
• BANANA CHIPS
• SARKARAPURATTY
• PAYASAM
• PRATHAMAN
• LADY'S FINGER KICHADI

Rice is the main course. With rice, various kinds of dishes are served... curries, 'upperies' (things fried in oil), 'pappadams' (round crisp flour paste cakes of peculiar make), 'achchars' (pickles of various kinds), 'payasams' and 'prathamans' (Desserts). Fruits are also served, mainly plantain.

Onam

Onam - the festival of harvest - is celebrated with high spirits and enthusiasm in Kerala and the Malayalees all over the world. The air is filled with festivity, which starts from Attam (the first day of the festival) and lasts until the culmination of the festival. Many days prior to the festival, the people indulge themselves in preparations for welcoming their Maharaja Mahabali, who, according to a legend, visits them every year on the occasion of Onam, to enquire about their wellbeing. Apart from the legend of Mahabali, a number of stories are connected to the harvest festival. In this article, we have given information on Onam legends.

Beaches

Kovalam beach

Beaches

This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.

Beaches

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach of Kerela, with three adjacent crescent beaches. Kovalam has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.

The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.

Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ), the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery , the Padmanabhaswamy Temple , Puthenmalike Palace, Zoo, Planetarium, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute,a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km.

Backwaters

Alappuzha or Alleppey is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.

A host of boat races are held here during the harvest season ( between July and September ).

Alleppey or Alappuzha is also known as the "Venice of the East" its was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs.

Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.