KOVALAM TOURS

KOVALAM TOURS

Best time to visit         : October -April

Temperature range      : 35c-22.5c

Area                           : 1414 sq km

A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 km away from Thiruvanantapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map.

How to reach :

Nearest Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms). Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities. Road Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.

Prime attraction of Kovalam :

Kovalam Beach
The Kovalam beach situated 16 km, south of Trivandrum City, is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see destination of India. On account of it's natural location, if affords facilities for safe sea bath.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Sthalas of Lord Vishnu. Lord Padmanabha is in a reclining position here, and the temple is maintained by the Rajah's of the city.

East Fort Ganapathy Temple
Ganapathy Kovil is situated at Pazhavangady, near East Fort. Sree Ganapathy is the diety of the temple that is owned by the military. You can buy coconuts from the forecourts of the temple to be offered to Ganapathy.

The other popular temples are-----

• Pazhavangadi Bhagavathy Temple
• Attukal Hanuman Temple

Besides, there are churches like--

• St.Joseph Church, Palayam
• Christ Church, Paslayam LMS Church
• Palayam Lourdes Church, Near PMG
• Jn. Pentacostal Church

and Mosques like---

• Charachira Jama Masjid, Palayam
• Jama Masjid, Beemapally Mosque
• Thampanoor Hidayuthul Islam Madrasa
• Moyuddin Mosque, Vizhinjam

       

Thrissur Pooram Festivals

Thrissur Pooram

The most spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur Pooram. Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state, introduced this festival. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) this festival of Kerala parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators to Kerala.

Of the groups displaying their artistic prowess in the Pooram, the prominent are Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. When Paremekkavu and Thiruvambadi vie each other for their best performance, the connoisseurs of festivals are blessed with the rare chance to enjoy Kerala's art and culture.

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MUNNAR TOURS

MUNNAR TOURS

Best time to visit            :August - March 

Area                             :26.2 sq.km

Temperature range        :25c-0c

The Munnar, located about 5200 ft. above sea level is originally a comfort station among the hills built by the British planters. Munnar is only a three hour journey from the most happening city of Kerala, Kochi. It is a land with rolling hills, carpeted with green tea, tropical forest and has a treasure of plants and wildlife that do not exist anywhere else on the planet.

How to reach :

LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN KERALA

The pristine beauty of Kerala derives from the local customs and traditions that date back to historical times. Kerala is famous for its folk art and the traditional dance forms like the Kathakali and Mohiniyattom. The customs in the temples in Kerala differ from traditions practiced in other South Indian states. The priests or poojaris are silent during the pooja. The deity is kept out of sight during the pooja from the devotees by closing the altar during a part of the pooja. The priest recites mantras in silence while the devotees keep silent. After the prasanna pooja the door opens and the crowd of devotees can catch a glimpse of the decorated deity with the traditional lights lit up.

TOURIST ATTRACTION IN KERALA

Once you are in Kerala, you will never run out of tourist attractions. A state that is as diverse as the shade of the spectrum, tourist attractions in Kerala provide you with more than you can want
With a coastline that stretches over 600 kms, Kerala has some of the most beautiful beaches of the subcontinent. With more than 44 rivers twining within the forest landscape, Kerala is the sole state offering travelers the pleasure of charting its tranquil backwaters. Moreover, the several lush green plantations in the hill stations are complements to the historic garrisons, wildlife sanctuaries, temples and museums. All along the coast of Kerala lies an intricate network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and deltas of the streams that rush into the Arabian Sea.
While you can find hill stations in every part of the country, the thriving backwaters unite Kerala with its shimmering beaches. The backwaters have carved a niche for standing as a metaphor for a distinctive lifestyle and breathtaking vistas. The boats cross the shallow, palm-fringed lakes to meander into the shady haunts of the narrow canals to glimpse the loading of coconut coir, copra and cashew nuts into the dinghy of the farmers. Each district of Kerala has something to offer the tourists with attractions that comprise the panorama of this vibrant state.

INTRODUCTION TO COCHIN

Cochin – Introduction

In Cochin or Kochi dawn is not often a thing of breathtaking beauty, but just a careless smear of tinted light where sea and sky unite. Daybreak is full of indeterminate promise. A slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbor mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move, ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala’s largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun.

 

Cochin – Location

Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is located on the west cost of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. The city can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city extends from latitude 9°58' in the North to longitude 76°17' in the East. 

Cochin – Climate

Being situated very close to the sea, Cochin has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June–August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall is 310 cm.

VARKALA TOURS

VARKALA

Varkala is must for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, Varkala is a favourite with tourists who travel to Kerala. What makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional is its landscape. Towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding the sparkling waters, back the beach. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply astound the visitors.This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK,PALAKKAD

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Silent Valley - Attractions : Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.

The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.

The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park. Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger.

CHIMMINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

CHIMMINI,THRISSUR

The dense tropical forests of Chimmini shelter diverse flora and fauna. The dam across the Chimmini river offers a breathtaking view. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of the people of Kerala.

BACKWATERS

THE BACKWATERS

 The backwaters are a combination of lakes, lagoons, canals & estuaries; you can have the unique experience of catching fish, prawns, lobsters, crabs etc. using the traditional fishing methods.

Get into a country boat and barge your way through the gentle river, which has crystal clear cold water, along the palm fringed backwaters and paddy fields, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. Visiting fishermen village, fishing boatyard, fishing harbor and chatting with fishermen are some of the things you will never forget in your lifetime.

RESERVOIR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

NEYYAR RESERVOIR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of which the dam is a part is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.

AYURVEDA HEALTH CENTERS

AYURVEDA HEALTH TREATMENT

Different Types of Ayurveda Massages
Massages in general improve the circulations and thus energize the body and mind. This is beneficial for the diseased as well as healthy person. Massage using time tested Ayurvedic preparations are done at our center by well-trained therapists under the guidance of expert doctors in the field of Ayurveda.
Uzhichil Total Time: 1 hour Rate: Rs. 800/-      The term “Uzhichil”refers to a type of Ayurvedic massage where body is massaged in a special pattern, which improves blood circulation, vitalizes various organs and thus provides a new energy to the body. It tones up the muscle and strengthens the body. Body massage: 40 mins, Steam Bath: 10 mins, Shower: 10 mins
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Massage Total Time: 1.5 hour Rate: Rs. 1250/-      This is a type of massage in which every part of the body individually is massaged in a special manner. This relieves pain and swelling in the joints and strengthens the muscle thus providing a strong healthy body. It vitalizes the internal organs and thus helps to maintain the immunity of the body. The medicines used for this massage brings special glow to the skin making it look softer and younger. Body massage: 60 mins, Steam Bath: 15 mins, Shower: 15 mins
Relaxation Massage

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IDUKKI

CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IDUKKI

 A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The last world count of these squirrels was less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.

An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal place to watch herds of Bisons march past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.

Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary - Location : About 60 km from Munnar,Idukki district.

PATHIRAMANAL ALAPPUZHA DT

PATHIRAMANAL ALAPPUZHA

Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.

Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.

ISMA ,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 ISMA,Trivandrum

The Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA) was established in 1983 and is recognised by the Government of India and Sports Council as an ideal training centre for the 5000 year old martial art, Kalarippayattu. ISMA is also a place for healing and rejuvenation, since Mr.Balachandran Nair who set up the organisation hails from a family of warrior healers.

AMBALAVAYAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

AMBALAVAYAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum - Attractions : Rare 2nd century artefacts.

For any body with some interst in histoy or archaeology This is must see spot; Where the greatest collection of articles are displayed rememebering the way how the inhabitantsof the hills lived two millaniums back. The articles exibited are capable of throwing light in to a civilzation and culture pertaining to the tribals who inhabited around two thousand years back;The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipment like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.

ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS ,KERALA

ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS

A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.

Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ,KERALA

Parambikkulam is an oasis of tranquil greenery nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamilnadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala. The Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 285 sq km on the Western Ghats.

The sanctuary offers an exotic experience of the rare fauna of Kerala. Quite a few hill tribes, like the Malayars, the Kadas and the Muthuvans also live in the jungles of Parambikkulam. The fauna here include bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, lion tailed macaques, tigers, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles.

NAPIER MUSEUM ,KERALA

NAPIER MUSEUM &ART GALLERY 

A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. An exceptional piece of architecture, the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General John Napier. The Napier Museum is also called the Government Art Museum.

The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by the 19th century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A veritable treasure house for connoisseurs of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of this place.

PALARUVI WATER FALL,KOLLAM KERALA

 PALARUVI WATER FALL

Palaruvi - Location : About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.

The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.