Thekkady

The first to promote environmental tourism in the State, Thekkady straddles both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With its crisp, clean air, spice-scented plantations and undulating hills, the region continues to beckon the adventurous traveller.







Thekkady lie at the foothills of the Western Ghats.. As compared to the languorous Thekkady, Kumily buzzes with activity. Some of the plantation bungalows have opened up to tourists and the spice plantation tours have become a popular attraction. Thekkady is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bekal Fort,

Bekal Fort is the largest fort in the state of Kerala, India, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2). An important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.







The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves continually stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby bear testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy inherent in the fort.









Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of any palace, mansion or such buildings are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy was very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of technology in defense strategy.

Make Your Honeymoon a Lifetime Experience in Kerala

The God’s Own Country, Kerala is a destination of lifetime. The land of Kerala is astonishingly beautiful and is a favorite honeymoon destination. Emerald green land, virgin backwater, pristine beaches and tranquil and ever-arresting beauty of hill stations make it one of the most preferred and perfect destinations for honeymooners and vacationers.



The nature has endowed many blessings to Kerala. It is naturally rich and esthetically beautiful. Honeymoon in Kerala is preferred because newly wedded couples love to be nurtured in the lap of nature. They want to explore all things about each other as they are going to begin a new life. They find kraal to be best place where they can sacredly know about each other. They learn loving and caring for each other from singing birds and make a promise to remain as pure as nature for ever from the serenity and purity of nature.

Kerala has many palm sized beaches which are among best beaches in the world. Kovalam Beach and Varkala Beach are quite popular. These beaches allow the couples to know the innocentcy of each other. Adventure and fun loving couple can enjoy many lively activities of beach like sun bathing, water sootering, paragliding, foot balling, etc.



Kerala Honeymoon Travel gets more exciting and enjoying due the presence of many hill stations there. The hills of Munnar, Kumarakom and Wayanad are very beautiful and picturesque. These hills remain cool and calm. Couples spend hours sitting arm in arm at these romantic places. These hills are also home to much wildlife. You cam see many wild animals enjoying time in their natural habitat. Backwaters of Kerala are famous worldwide. Kerala is situated at the coastal plain surrounded by water from three sides have many backwater regions. The pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad are must visit spots during Tour to Kerala Honeymoon. These backwaters are very pure and are isolated from rest of the city. Coupes can make their honeymoon sweet and trendy by staying a night or two in houseboat. The houseboats are provided with all kind of facilities. The boats are very comfortable and beautiful. You will surely enjoy your stay in houseboat.



After taking romantic tours to beaches, hills, and backwaters, you move to explore the city life and heritage of Kerala. Kerala is land marked with various monuments, forts, palaces, churches, etc. Embark in city to get a glimpse of beautiful monuments of Kerala. You can also enjoy nightlife there.
Visit Kerala and make your honeymoon dashing and enchanting.

Kerala Tours – Explore Beach and Backwater Tourism

Have you ever visited Kerala in India? If you haven’t, you must visit this beautiful and wonderland.



Kerala is a charmingly beautiful Indian states situated alongside the azure Arabian Sea in southern India. Also known as the God’s Own Country, this beautiful Indian state has been today one of the most preferred holiday destinations in the country. Tourists and vacationers from all over the world come here to spend their vacations and explore its unmatched beauty powered by beaches, backwaters, lakes, houseboats, spice plantations, hill stations, lush greenery, etc. You will certainly love extremely to explore Kerala and its attractions. Beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, Ayurveda, plantations, monuments, temples, traditional villages and local sociable people are featured attractions of Kerala tours and travels.



Beautiful Beaches – Beaches are among top attractions of Kerala tourism. There are a number of beautiful beaches in this state which are known for their truly loveable and amiable ambiance. Palm-fringed sun-kissed beaches here create truly romantic ambiance for honeymooners. Also beaches here provide wonderful opportunities for indulge in some adventure and water sport activities. Kovalam, Varkala, Beypore, Alleppey, Bekal Fort, Fort Kochi, Cherai, Mararikulam, Poovar, etc are some of globally famous beaches in this state. Kovalam is one of the finest beach resorts in the world. Kovalam is very near to Trivandrum (the state capital of Kerala). Varkala is one another famous beach destination in Kerala which can be conveniently accessed from Trivandrum. Varkala is famous as beach resort, pilgrimage centre and also for medicinal springs. Many of beaches of this state are dotted with some of finest Ayurvedic resorts, spa centres, Ayurvedic parlors, etc of India. Explore Kerala beaches is a great experience of tours in Kerala, God’s Own Country.



Bewitching Backwaters – Backwater in Kerala is a wide network of many scenic water bodies. Backwater here consists of lakes, canals, lagoons, rivers, inlets, etc. The vast stretch of backwaters with unique beauty and serenity is a great treat for visitors’ eyes. There are a number of backwater destinations in this state where tourists can go for backwater tourism and spend their vacations in the lap of nature. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kuttanad, Thiruvallam, etc are some famous destinations for backwater tourism in this state.



The best way to explore the unique charm of breathtakingly beautiful backwaters is houseboat cruise. Alleppey and Kumarakom famous destinations from where tourists can hire houseboats to explore serene & scenic backwaters.

KERALA MURAL ART

The colors selected by the artists had a direct bearing on the characters portrayed. According to ancient texts there are three broad qualities assigned to superhuman, human and sub human beings, viz Satwa (the noblest), Rajas (the active and middle principle) and Tamas (the dark and destructive principle) respectively.To represent Satwik quality green and shades of green were used. Characters of a Rajasik quality were portrayed in red or golden and the Tamasik nature of the gods were represented not by black but in white, white demons and demonesses were represented by black.

Among the subjects, Vishnu and his Satwik incarnations, Parvati, Sridevi, Arjuna, pious beings like Prahlada and Markandeya were always painted in green. Bhoodevi (goddess earth) Ganga, Ganesa and the four-headed Brahma were also painted in red. Vishnu was painted in different colors according to his attributes.It is true that the figures of the murals have the external like-ness of men and women, the divine or rather the supra-human aspect is also obvious in every detail. The creators of these pictures no doubt had undergone rigorous mental disciplines or sadhana.They had the creative skill to fill every available space with as many details as possible and also the skill to pinpoint on one or two essential details and leave the rest to our imagination.

The painting in the Mattancheri palace of Krishna holding aloft Govardhan for example is a typical example in which minute details of wooded mountain are elaborately depicted. This tendency for detailed elaboration is also a characteristic feature of Koodiyattom, the ancient temple theatre of Kerala. Another later but frequent characteristic of the murals of Kerala are the beaded of decorative outlines not only around each panel but also around individual figures.During the 15 th and 16 th centuries when the second Bhakti movement swept through Kerala, many were the excellent murals that were painted then. It is also highly probable that the leading names of the movement like the eighteen and half poets of the Zamorin’s court, Ezhuthachan, Melpathoor, Poonthanam and the venerable sage Vilwamangalam must have ben instrumental in reviving this popular tradition of religious arts.The decadence of this tradition that started on the late 18 th century gained momentum with the Mysore invasion (1766-1782) of Malabar and the take over of the Travancore temple trusts by the then British Resident (1811). A final blow was inflicted when Raja Ravi Varma’s (1848-1906) portrait style of painting gained fame and popularity.

KALAMEZHUTHU

The art of creating very large pictures on floor, with coloured powders have been in vogue for ages as a ritual art form. It is typically Indian as it is a harmonic blend of Arian, Dravidian and Tribal traditions. As an art form it has found a significant place among our rich spectrum of fine arts. In most other parts of India this art exists as a domestic routine of Hindus, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns at the door step and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. It is called by names like Rangoli, Kolam etc.

Kalamezhuthu is unique form of this art found only in Kerala. Here it is essentially a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to. Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi, Naga and Sastha. Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not arbitrary.



The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down. The drawing is done directly with the hand, that is, without using any tools whatsoever. The powders used are all natural (Vegetable or Mineral or combined). The usual items used are: Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.

The drawing of the large picture develops gradually about a central line, drawn with the black powder. Sketching, if done, is also with powder only. The coloured picture is developed patch by patch, growing outward. Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional drummers.

Offerings like rice and other grains are heaped in appointed places in and around the drawing and the room is decorated with flowers, leaves and garlands. Lighting is of utmost importance in these rituals. Only oil lamps are used. Singing hymns in praise of the deity is the most important part of the ritual. The type of songs vary considerably (from folk to classical) depending on the deity being worshipped. The drawing starts at appointed time and shall be erased immediately after the rituals related to the Kalam are over.

Things to do in Kerala

Drink some tender coconut water.
Refresh yourself with a drink of tender coconut, nature’s energizing and rejuvenating nectar, and a few scoops of its soft white flesh, nutrition at its natural best. Good for you, Good for the environment and Good for the locals who sell them on road sides all over Kerala.



Tip toe across a coconut trunk bridge
In the interiors of Kerala, you’ll come across plenty of small water bodies with extremely narrow bridges. Watch the locals cross them with ease, but think twice before you do. If this isn't your cup of tea, don’t worry. Further down, you’ll typically find a more friendly bridge.

Take a Swig of Coconut Toddy
Ask your tour guide to arrange for fresh Maddura Kallu (sweet toddy extracted from the coconut palm) and have it the Kerala way with Karimeen Pollichathu (Baked fresh water Pearl fish) or spicy tender mango pickle.



Ride a traditional canoe
Drift along serene waterways in a country canoe, Enjoy the breeze, answer a cuckoo’s call, wave back at the cheerful village folk on the banks, invite some of their chirpy children to hop in for a ride and maybe even catch and release some small fish.

Kerala Backwater Tour – Memorable Experience to Relish Forever

Located in the south western part of India, Kerala is a beautiful holiday destination. It is globally known for its amazing natural beauty and wonderful tourist’s destinations. It is also known as God’s Own Country and the Paradise on Earth due to is exceptional beauty that is unmatched to other places of the world. By National Geographic Travel it is one of the ten paradises of the world and 50 must see tourist destination of Lifetime. It is not just a statement but an honor that is given for its exceptional beauty. The state is one of the sought after tourists destination of India and grab the attention of tourists from across India and abroad quite in a large number.

In this beautiful state of Kerala there are many wonderful tourist attractions which are amazingly beautiful and worth to visit on your vacation. But the most preferred ones by tourists are its breathtakingly beautiful backwaters, whose charm lures tourists and honeymooners from all the nook and corner of the world. It is rightly said that there is backwater and there is Kerala. The picturesque backwaters dotted with swaying coconut and palm trees never fail to grab the heart of tourists. Staying overnight in a luxurious houseboat floating over the scenic backwater is a lifetime experience.

In Kerala there are many scenic backwaters which are the major attraction of the state tourism. Among all the breathtaking backwaters, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kollam, Cochin, etc are very popular among tourists. Kumarakom houseboat cruise gives you wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty at the same time the rich flora and fauna of Kerala, which is also the major attraction of tourists.

Houseboats are available in all the backwater destinations and are the best way to explore the beauty of the backwater. Backwater Kerala offers you to enjoy some memorable time with your beloved, families, friends and dear ones in a delightful and memorable way. Once the houseboats starts floating over the palm dotted backwaters, it takes you to the world of wonderment, where the scenic beauty, exotic churches, temples and the rustic charm of the village will grab your heart.

Basically the view of the houseboat in backwater itself is so mesmerizing that you will be attracted to enjoy the cruise in it. Basically houseboats are the country made boats which are also the major attraction of tourists. But beside that houseboats in earlier days were used to transport goods through water medium from the ports to the villages. But slowly with the advent of modern bridges and good knit transportation system houseboat started to disappeared. But now they are again back in the scenic backwaters as the major attraction of Kerala tourism.

Well if you want to experience the charm and beauty of the backwater Kerala, houseboat stay is must. Several tour packages are made available by the tour operators for a tour in Kerala. Book one of your choices and explore the charm and beauty of the nature and the scenic backwater to relish the sweet memories for lifetime.

Top Five Reasons to Make a Tour to Kerala

Kerala, meliorate famous as the God’s Own Country, is one of the most favourite tourist destinations of India. It is one of the most magical and enthralling states of Bharat and tourists from all over the world visit here quite in super number. Why Kerala is so favourite among tourists? What’s the conceive behindhand the popularity of travel and tourism in this bonny Amerindic state? Here are crowning five some reasons to attain a tour to Kerala.

1. Natural Beauty- Kerala is famous for its surpassing uncolored beauty. It is revel for nature lover tourists. Nature has favored this land uniquely. It is perhaps the most riotous & naif land of India. It is the destination where tourists encounter wonderful possibles to wager the nature at its best. Verdant construction stations, riotous naif meadows, bonny beaches speckled with region palm trees, scenic backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, etc are staleness explore attractions of the state.

2. Historic & Heritage Monuments -Kerala is also famous for past monuments. Tourists from all over the world become to Kerala to visit its flush arts monuments and temples. There are individual magnificent forts, palaces, temples, and churches etc in the state. Bekal Fort, Fort Kochi, Boghatty Palace, land Mattancherry Palace, Kochi Bastion Bungalow, person Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Palakkad Fort, etc are whatever worth visiting acquisition monuments of the state.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Thiruvananthapuram, Triruchambaram Vishnu Temple – Thaliparambu, Sri Mutthapan Temple – Parassinikadavu, Glass Temple – Kottamunda, Mahavishnu Temple – Thirunelli, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple – Thiruvangoor, Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple – Kanhangad, Lake Temple – Ananthapura, Mahaganapathy Temple – Madhur, etc are whatever of renowned temples of the state.

St. Saint Church – Malayattoor, St. Mary’s Church – Cheriapalli, St. George’s Church – Puthupalli, St. Joseph’s Monastery, St. saint Church – Pala, St. Saint Church-Cherpungal, etc are whatever of famous churches of the state. Heritage monuments of the land are an whole conception of every Kerala tour package.

3. Palm Fringed Breathtaking Beaches & Backwaters Beaches and Backwaters are maturity attractions of Kerala tourism. How can one conceive of Kerala without visiting riotous naif beaches? Beaches are speckled with whatever of magnificent hotels and resorts substance world collection accommodation and pleasing pass options in Kerala. Beaches are also speckled with individual Ayurvedic communication centers & resorts which are the maturity attractions of beaches of the state. Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, etc are maturity beachdestinations of the state. Alleppey and Kumarakom are famous destinations for enjoying backwater tourism in the state. A houseboat meet on scenic backwaters is a punctuation undergo of Kerala tour.

4. Enchanting Verdant Hill devotion - There are individual bonny construction stations in Kerala which merit the tending of tourists same nature lovers, families, backpackers, adventure lovers, and honeymoon couples from all around the world. Munnar, Ponmudi and Wayanad are maturity construction destinations of the state. These destinations are rattling favourite among humanities honeymoon couples. Couples encounter genuinely a pleasing and humanities condition in these bonny construction stations of the state. Due to surpassing uncolored example Munnar is also termed as the “Kashimir of South”.

5. Colorful Fairs & Festivals- Kerala is also famous for flaming fairs and festivals. Fairs and festivals in this land are famous with enthusiastic zeal and exposit flush society and traditions of the state. A tours to Kerala during the punctuation of fairs and festivals is one of the best art-e-fact to savor the un-equalled command of the land with flush social heritage. Aaranmula Boat Race, Temple Festivals, Onam, Easter, Kumarakom Boat Races, solon Trophy Boat Race, Elephant March, etc are maturity fairs and festivals of the state.

These reasons are sufficiency to existence Kerala a globally famous tourism destination. So, it is country that art-e-fact Kerala tour is so popular among tourists from all over the world. I conceive these reasons surly would obligate you to attain a visit this bonny land of India.

A New Height of Kerala Tourism - Munnar Hill Station Voted As Asias Second Best Tourist Destination

Lagging behind only to Japan’s Tokyo, the serene hill station of Munnar has been voted as the second-best travel destination in the world, for the year 2010, by the Massachusetts-based research website & travel guide, TripAdvisor. This picturesque hill station of Kerala is followed by Siem Reap of Cambodia and Kyoto & Naha of Japan rounding off the top five spot in the Traveler’s Choice Destination awards.

Surrounding by sprawling tea plantations Munnar is situated between three mountains; Nallathanni, Kundala and Muthipuzza. Its mountains, tea gardens, pristine valleys and cold climate have together made it a favorite Indian and foreign tourist destination.



Speaking on this occasion the Kerala Tourism secretary Dr Venu said, “Millions of travelers rely on the TripAdvisor for travel guidance. We are thrilled and at the same time quiet humbled that Munnar has been voted by travelers this year. This award is particularly meaningful to us since as they are decided by the travelers themselves.”

While Munnar has been a favorite amongst both Indian and international tourists, the hill station has recently started attracting adventure travelers as well. The region’s geographical topography makes it an ideal destination for trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. Apart from this, the Eravikulam National Park located in ‘God’s Own Country’ is home to an variety of rare & endangered wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), the ruddy mongoose and over 120 species of bird.