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.