Blissful Experiences of Kerala Tour

Kerala is an amazing land with magnetic tourist attraction features. There are umpteen natural sites in the form of backwater network, sea beaches, hill stations, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc. This is an all time favorite destinations for tourists. This is perfect destination for nature lovers, beach lovers and backwater lovers. The place is frequently visited by honeymooners and loving couples for the charming romantic surrounding. The place is always ready to impart blissful experiences to its guests. The attracting and stunning natural features have potentials to pink up the moods of visitors.

Kerala is called as "God’s Own Country" and has heavenly natural beauty. Kerala tours in India will truly give you lifetime experiences to treasure and delight in. Lets us explore the charming moods of the popular and prominent natural features of the land one by one.



Beaches of Kerala:
Kerala is dotted with many sense captivating serene sea beaches. Some of the prominent beaches are Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Bekal Beach, Marari Beach, Cherai Beach, Alappuzha Beach, etc. These beaches are known for their stunning landscape and blissful ambience. These beaches offer many water game adventures like sun bathing, swimming, water rafting, sky diving, paragliding, scootering, etc. Visit these beaches and spend the leisurely moments joyfully.

Backwaters of Kerala:
Kerala has an expensive network of backwaters. Backwaters are basically interlocking chains of brackish lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Backwater regions of this natural land are famous for its virginal beauty. Exploring the untouched beauty of backwaters is prominent part of Kerala Tours. If you really want to explore the innocent and captivating beauties of nature, go for houseboat tourism. Houseboats provide best way to enjoy the beauty of backwater destinations. Some of the popular and beautiful backwater destinations are Kumarakom, Kollam, Alleppey, Kottayam, Cochin, Alappuzha, etc. These backwater destinations are awesomely beautiful. The mesmerizing beauty will never fail to captivate your imagination and attention.



Hill Stations of Kerala :
Kerala has some awesomely beautiful and picturesque hill stations. Some of the popular hill stations of this heavenly land are Munnar, Wayanad Valley, Idukki, Devikulam, etc. These stations are known for their pristine beauty and enchanting ambience. Visit these destinations holding the virgin beauty of nature and cherish the romantic memories forever.



The natural beauty of Kerala has never failed to clutch the innocent hearts of tourists and make them spell bound to its surprising beauty. You can visit Kerala with one of the perfect Kerala Tour Packages and capture the beautiful and blissful experiences.

Kerala is celebrating Onam Today!! Wish you all a very Happy Onam!!

The Joy of Kerala Tour Packages

Kerala, also fondly known as God’s Own Country, is one of the most charming and captivating states of India. It is situated in south India. It is India’s most popular travel destination and acclaimed as one of the most popular travel destinations of the world. According to National Geographic Traveler, it is one of the ten paradises on the earth and one of the 50 destinations of lifetime. You too must visit this beautiful Indian state during your India travel and tours.

When we think Kerala tours our mind move around exquisite beaches, breathtaking backwaters, line palm coconut trees on the beach & backwater shore, verdant hill stations with tea & rubber plantation, rich flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries and parks, beautiful landscapes, gushing waterfalls, lovely lakes, etc. Isn’t Kerala a nature blessed land? If we call Kerala as a green paradise on the earth it will be not wrong. Kerala is a perfect example of ecosystem. That’s why it is a prime destination of eco tourism or we can say it green tourism. One can enjoy eco-tourism of the region by planning tour package in Kerala.



The prime attraction of Kerala is its pristine beaches. It has some of finest beaches and beach resorts in the world. When you will explore Kerala’s breathtaking beaches you will have wonderful opportunity to get drenched into sun, explore landscape beauty and experience the cool puff of air – really a delightful experience. Breathtaking beautiful sun-kissed beaches are famous in all over India and also abroad. Every year tourists from all over the world visit Kerala’s exquisite beaches in quite a large number. Swaying with line palm coconut trees, golden beaches here create spellbound effect on guests. For honeymoon couples beaches are like paradise. Honeymoon couples in quite large number from all over the world make a visit to Kerala’s beaches for their honeymoon holidays.



Beaches are prime attractions of Kerala honeymoon tour packages. For honeymoon couples exquisite beaches dotted with palm coconut tress and blessed with exceptional nature beauty create delightful and serene ambiance – truly a romantic experience. Beaches are dotted with several ayurvedic resorts like ayurvedic treatment centers or ayurvedic massage centers, spa centers, etc. Staying few days at ayurvedic treatment centers provides you wonderful opportunity to get rejuvenated and revitalized – a mind & body relaxing experience. Verdant hill stations of the state are also very popular among tourists. They are known for pristine nature beauty having rich flora and fauna, lush green landscapes, gushing waterfalls, lovely lakes and several other places of tourist interests. They are predominantly famous among honeymoon couples and nature lovers. Lush green hills with exceptional nature beauty please your eyes and grab your heart. They provide some of most spectacular options for honeymoon holidays with amazing sightseeing and several fun & sport activities. Honeymoon in Kerala , especially its verdant hill station is simply unforgettable and romantic experience. Beautiful backwaters blessed with superb nature beauty, terrific temples, magnificent forts, traditional villages, Chinese fishing nets, modern cities, etc are also prime attractions of Kerala package tours. There are several Kerala tour packages available in the market that make you enable to explore the Kerala’s fascinating attractions in more and more convenient ways. Kerala tours – really a delightful experience!

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Kerala

Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every yearThe Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races. On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh people, including tourists from abroad, coming to watch the event. For the people of each village in Kuttanad, a victory at this race for their village boat is something to be celebrated for months to come.

The major attraction of the boat race is the competition of snake boats chundanvallams or snake boats.Chundans (snake boats) are an impressive sight, measuring over 100 feet in length, with a raised prow. They were called snake boats by the former colonial rulers, who based the name on a native boat found in Norway,although Kerala's Chundans bear little resemblance to their European namesakes.



History
In Kuttanadu, the land of lakes and rivers, snake boat racing is something of cult, just as bull fighting is in Spain . Sleek and immaculately poised, the snake boats are the pride of every village. These race boats dominate the thoughts and actions of the people of this region during the months of August and September, when newly 20 minor and major regattas are held.

The water festival in Kuttanad is unique. No other country in the world has such festivities. The large number of participants in a racing boat marks still the uniqueness that no other sport in the world has such a large number in a team. The synchronized way of rowing needs long and devoted training and inherent aptitude. Those who steer the vessel need through knowledge of water current, observation power of high order, and they must be well versed in the different aspects of boat racing. The most notable fact in the races of boats is that a single neglected act of a single participant will lead a boat to lose in the race.

Most of the major water festivals of the region are associated with legends connected with famous temples like champakkulam (Ambalapuzha), Payipad (Haripad) and Aranmula. These festivals best retain the flavour of ancient Kerala culture, especially the Uthrithathi boat race on the Pampa , in Aranmula, where devotion, music and the sheer artistry and grandeur of the boats, known as Palliyodams , make it a unique experience for the spectators.



Background

Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every yearKuttanadu is a vast expanse of water at certain seasons. This part consisting of water-logged area of central Travancore is a region extending to 34,443 acres of agricultural land. It is traversed by different rivers, namely Pamba, Achankovil and Manimala . These rivers wash intoVembanadu Lake . Some Years ago, the present Kuttanadu was part of the Vembanadu Lake . The adventurous and illustrious people of this particular part of the country were engaged in the process of reclamation of water immersed land for the last one thousand and four hundred years. The reclamation of land still continues.

The inhabitants of Kuttanadu are by occupation agriculturists. They engage themselves in the cultivation of paddy and coconut trees on reclaimed land. As natural conditions allow raising only one crop of paddy, the rest of the time the people get immersed in festivities.

As country boats are sheer necessities in the life of the people of Kuttanadu and a large area of garden land is prohibitively luxurious to organize other sports, it is no wonder that they found out boats as their means of enjoyments. The origin of the present boat races is very recent. Formerly people used to assemble in boats like Chundan, Oadi, Veppu, etc., to perform a colorful and musical procession. Later only to create enthusiasm and to inculcate the sporting spirits among the people of the area, the race systems were introduced. The snake boats festival in Aranmula is still a religious procession. The present boat races in Kuttanad have their own history connected to the rulers of the time. Chambakulam Moolam Boat Race is considered to be the most ancient.



The Rajas of Yore

The story of these battling boats goes back 400 years in history when the rajas of the erstwhile principalities of Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam ,Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) and Vadakkumkoor (Kottayam) in the old Travancore area, which are part of the present Alappuzha district and Kottayam district, frequently crossed swords on the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Chempakasserry troops suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the superior navy their rivals commanded. It soon dawned on the Chempakasserry Raja that the real defect was with his war boats, which were sluggish and cumber.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the Punnamda Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every yearHe called all the boat architects in the land to his court and told them of his desire to have better, faster boats for the troops. After days of hard labor, a man who was reputed to be the best boat architect in Chempakasserry, Koduppunna Venkitanarayanan Asari, came up with a specimen which satisfied the raja’s requirements. It had speed, maneuverability and capacity to carry 100 able-bodied warriors on board and its eel-like construction was most ideal for launching an ambush since it could be easily kept concealed behind the overhanging bushes on the river banks. The Asari was generously rewarded and in the subsequent battles, the Chempakasseri Raja emerged victorious.

The Deceit

The story goes on to tell how the defeated Kayamkulam Raja sent a spy to Chempakasserri to learn the secret of the new war boat. The spy, a handsome youth, succeeded in seducing Asari’s daughter. The girl’s mother was overjoyed by the prospect of getting him as her daughter’s bridegroom and persuaded her husband to teach him the construction of the boat.

Needless to say, the deceitful youth disappeared the moment the thought he had learnt the secret. Asari was imprisoned by Chempakasserri Raja for treason. But he was released and showered with many honors when the snake boats built by the Kayamkulam Raja proved to be no match for the war boats of Chempakasserry in the next battle. The subtleties of the snake boat’s design are hard to pick and even today it requires years of apprenticeship under a master boat architect before one could independently undertake the construction of this ancient boat.

When a village decides to have a new snake boat, a committee is formed to raise the Rs.6 lakhs it requires now to build the boat. The boat architect is summoned and the search for the “anjili” tree of the required size often takes the villagers to the high ranges of Kerala. As the snake boat takes shape out of the huge trunk, the ‘asari’ relies mainly on his instinctive estimates.

Of late, the boat builders’ prime concern is to make the snake boat as long as possible so as to seat more and more rowers for speed. The Nedumbhagom snake boat recently entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest rowing boat in the world. But its 135 feet length has since been overtaken by Vellankulangara snake boat, which is 140 feet long.




The Boats [Vallangal]

Kuttanandu is a place of boats. Different kinds of boats are seen always roaming over the waters of this part of the Kerala State . The boats of Kuttanadu are of various types, according to their purpose.

· Kochuvallams are Small boats used to cross rivers and lakes. They also range in their sizes.

· Kettuvallams are largely cargo movers.

· Churulans are pleasure boats and they are considered to be the conveyance of rich people in olden days. The Churulan Boats vary in length from 12 ½ to 20 ¼ Koles and their crew ranges from 10 to 36.

· Chundans are supposed to be Navy boats of Chempakasserry rulers. It has got a length of more than a hundred feet and usually more than a hundred people are on board. Both the ends of the boats are raised from water level. The rear end has a height of about twenty feet from the surface of water. Nearly eighty six persons are rowers, ten to fifteen are to give the rhythm, four are to steer the vessel. It is to be specially noted that the Chundans have the maximum maneuverability among all sorts of race boats.

The Chundan (Snake Boat) variety of Race Boats is usually 38 ½ to 48 ½ koles (One koles being equivalent to 24 inches) long and accommodates 100 to 150 persons.

The history of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is associated with the visit of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India to Alappuzha.Visit Official website of Alappuzha. He chanced a trip from Kottayam to Alappuzha Visit Official website of Alappuzha.by boat, through water logged Kuttanad. A pageantry of boats accompanied him on the trip.The first race was an impromptu once conducted in 1952 in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha.In that race of snake boats, Nadubhagam Chundan stood first. Panditji, who was thrilled and excited in the performance of the oarsmen, jumped into the Nadubhagam Chundan, forgetting all security arrangements.The boat proceeded to the boat jetty carrying the Prime Minister.On his return to Delhi in December 1952, Nehru donated a Silver Trophy, which is a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus.The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature.

“To the winners of the boat race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore Cochin."

This trophy later came to be known as Nehru Trophy, and in fond memory of great Panditiji, the people of Alappuzha celebrate the Nehru Trophy Boat Race every year.

Reminiscences

A beautiful golden ‘Mandapom’ under the Manro lamp at Aryad. It is exquistely decorated. Artistically laid up seating arrangements and a temporary platform and pavilion are set up.

The Vembanad Lake in front of the Mandapom. Eight tracks, each of 30 meters width marked in the lake. Bamboo poles laid in the one mile long distance for this. Special boats, motor launches and big county crafts in line. The sons of Kuttanad are in ecstasy.

Minutes give way to hours. Patient waiting by everyone. 01:40 Pm

“Here comes...., here comes..”
Everyone glanced and every finger pointed to a distance.” Dorothy”, the special boat approaches majestically causing flutters in the lake. The atmosphere gets filled with loud cheers. The boat moves on and on aiming the 'Mandapom'. The esteemed Chief Guest, clad in Churidar Pyjama-Kurtha, Gandhi cap and wearing pathan Shoes down near the Mandapom.

“Panditji Ki Jai”! Deafening cheers from thousands. The architect of modern India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister raised his hands to receive salutations. The guns boomed 63 times to mark Nehru's age. The office-bearers garlanded the Prime Minister, who got seated in the Mandapom with his characteristic, charismatic smile. Panditji liked specially the garland made of Paddy grains. Indira Priyadarsini who was with her father was given a casket made of paddy grains. Her children were presented with bouquets in the shape of paddy bunches.

It is time for the race. A great boom is heard. Eight snake boats (Chundan Valloms) darted forward in lighting speed, marking the beginning of the race. Pandit Nehru watches the spectacular sight through the binoculars. Like a child who cannot control its ecstasy, he jumped up and down. He was greatly thrilled. As the race boats neared the pavilion, the esteemed guest got on his chair. “There .. Comes ..” , said he, holding his grand-children Rajeev and Sanjay. As the waves of joy dashed in the little minds, Nehru asked his daughter “Indu, can u see well”? She nodded.

The boats were nearing the finishing point. The sight of equal forces vying for supremacy was a sight to be watched. The mind boggling affairs made Nehru forget himself. He began dancing to the rhythm of the paddlers. The banks of the lake were immersed in loud clapping. The rhyme and rhythm of Vanchipattu (Boat songs) filled the entire atmosphere.

'Nadubhagom Chundan’ in unbelievable speed crossed the finishing point and hoisted the winner, flag on the boat. The then District Collector Kerala Varma announced the results of the race over the microphone. The captain of “Nadubhagom”, Mathu Chacko received the special prize from Panditji – the rolling trophy made in pure silver, in the shape of a snake boat. The trophy costing Rs.1000/- , then raised the prestige of 'Nadubhagom Chundan'. The Captain of all the boats received some prize or other from Jawaharlal Nehru.

After the race, all the Snake boats were going towards the Alappuzha boat jetty. While nearing the VIP pavilion, the oarsmen displayed their talents besides there immense joy. The sight of the long row of snake boats with the routers inside it enchanted Nehru. He tried to jump into the Nadubhagom Chundan as the boat reached very near to the pavilion. The then home Minister of Thiru-Kochi, T.M.Varghese tried to dissuade him saying, “It will be convenient to go in a mechanized special boat”. “No, Mr.Varghese let me be in the snake boat for five minutes. You don't have to be afraid”, said Panditji. Not wasting time, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru jumped into the Nadubhagom Snake boat. His grand children who wanted to follow suit, were dissuaded. “You may come with your mother in the special boat, he said. In spite of Nehru's protestations, the security officer jumped into the Snake boat.

A pleasure trip was made by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru standing inside the Nadubhagom Chundan, in accompaniment of other snake boats. The waves of Punnamada rolled on her beams. Emotional deluge filled the atmosphere as India's Prime Minister, oblivious of everything else, enjoyed the trip. This marked the beginning of the greatest water sport in the world. The colourful Boat Race was first for the “Prime Minister’s Trophy”. Later, it came to be known as ”Nehru Trophy Boat Race”. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race can rightly be called “Kuttanad's Olympics on water”, the national festival of the people of Kuttanad. This is held every year on the second Saturday of August, at the palm-fringed, picturesque Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala, 'God's own Country'.



Looking Back

The 8 Snake boats participated in the procession were, Nadubhagom, Chambakkulam (Amichakari), ParthaSarathy, Kavalam, Valiya Diwanji, Neppolean, Nethaji, GearGoss (I.C.Vallam).

The boat race was conducted at the west corner of Vembanadu lake from west of Mantro Light at North towards south. Starter was Sh.E.J. Luckose, Physical Director, CMS High School . Chief Judge was Sh.Kurien John, Thazhathangady.

1954, Boat race was conducted as Prime Minister’s Trophy at Meenappally Vattakkayal, Kainakary.

Since 1955, the Boat Race is conducted at Punnamada Kayal.

In 1952, The Boat race was conducted by the District Collector, Kollam, since Alappuzha district was not there then.

The island pavilion was built in 1970.

The pageantry and excitement

The race courser having a length of about 1370 meters is divided into various tracks for the conduct of the competition. When they are advancing through various tracks, it appears like the fast moving snakes. The oarsmen splash the oars in unison with the rhythmic chants and beats of drums. The movements of competing boats are so thrilling that the spectators get a tune with the excited mood of the surrounding uproars.

The festival begins with a procession of the snake boats. The snake boats and the smaller varieties of Kerala race boats like the ‘Churulan’, ‘Veppu’ and oadi’ move in a formation down the 1.4 KM stretch of the lake as the sturdy villagers, their biceps rippling in the sun, row with an elaborate flourish of the oars to the singing of couplets from “Kuchelavritham Vanchipattu” the classic Malayalam poem written by Ramapurathu Warrier to regale King Marthanda Varma of Travancore in early 19th century during a boat journey from Vaikom to Thiruvananthapuram. The numerous beaded umbrellas held aloft in each boat, the gilded sterns of the ebony black snake boats and the changing patterns that the rowers weave with their oars transform the lake into a kaleidoscope. Floats giving glimpses of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage follow the race boats, with artists performing “kathakali” “theyyam” “panchavadyam” and “padayani”.

And then a quiet falls on the lake front, broken only by the sound of ripples lapping the embankment and the rustle of palm leaves in the wind. The snake boats line up at the starting point for the great race. As the starter’s flag goes up, the scence freezes into a tableau the rowers tense with their paddles poised, the pace keepers alert and the steersmen straining against their long oars.

The flag falls in a blur and suddenly the thumping begins. The crowd erupts into a roar, birds flutter up from their perch on the trees and the snake boats hiss their way down the lake in a haze of spray, fighting a pitched battle in the dappled waters. “Ayyo-poyye… ayyo-poyye” – the cadence grows to a crescendo as the oars dip and flash 100 to 120 times a minute and the steersmen hurl their gigantic oars in a high arc.

Communal amity

Preparations for the big event begin several weeks in advance. The snake boat is smeared with sardine oil for smooth passage through water, the best oarsmen are selected and, under the supervision of the senior most oarsmen, the practice sessions begin. Around 150 oarsmen, who would represent the village, take the vow to observe strict abstinence and celibacy till the oars to each of them. Each ward in the village and at time rich individuals takes their turn in feeding the athletes on the days of the practice at mass feasts on the river banks.

Even in the days of untouchables, this was a feature of the regattas with caste Hindus, Scheduled Castes, Christians and Muslims sitting in the same row for the feast symbolising the communal amity in Kuttanad. In fact, the Church has a traditional role in the celebrations at Champakkulam though the water festival there is associated with a temple legend.

Technical Specifications

Track length – 1400 M.

Chundan -
Amaram - 5 Persons
Nilakkar - 5 Persons

Total no. of team members- 111

Tracks –
4 tracks of 10 M. wide from East.

Content from: www.nehrutrophy.nic.in

Onam Festival - The legend of Mahabali

Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala and falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug – Sep). Celebrations of Onam marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali.

Onam brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition and lasts for ten days. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam – the harvest festival in Kerala.


Here is the legend of Mahabali the demon emperor who is remembered every year with Onam

Emperor Mahabali & Onam

The legend of Emperor Mahabali is the most popular and the most fascinating of all legends behind Onam and Onam is celebrated to welcome the visit of Emperor Mahabali to the state of Kerala every year. The festival is celebrated with fervour as Emperor Mahabali is greatly respected by his subjects. Emperor Mahabali is also popularly called Maveli and Onathappan.

Reign of Emperor Mahabali

The story goes that the beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (Dravidian) emperor, Mahabali. The Emperor was greatly respected in his empire and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of Emperor Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the empire, there was no discrimination on the basis of caste or class. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves in that empire. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease in the reign of Emperor Mahabali and everybody was happy and content.

Brief Sketch of Emperor Mahabali

It may be noted Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, who became a legendary king in his own right and became popular as Banraj in central Assam. Mahabali belonged to the Asura (Demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. His bravery and strength of character earned him the title of “Mahabali Chakravathy” or Mahabali – the King of Kings.

Challenge for Gods

Looking at the growing popularity and fame of Emperor Mahabali Gods became extremely concerned and jealous. They felt threatened about their own supremacy and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma.To curb the growing reign of Mahabali and maintain their own supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods sought the help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.

It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or requested for anything he always granted. To test the Emperor, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the capital of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

Lord Vishnu takes Vamana Avatar

Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous Emperor said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear but agreed.

A learned adviser of the Emperor, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous Emperor replied that it would be a sin for a him to back on his words and asked the Brahmin to take the land. The Emperor could not imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself.

Just as Emperor Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked Emperor Mahabali where is the space for him to put his third foot.

The Emperor realized that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step will destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the Emperor, which pushed him to patala, the nether world. There the Emperor requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the Emperor that he came to test him and the Emperor won the test. Emperor Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the Emperor.

Emperor Mahabali Requests for a Visit to Kerala

The Emperor was so much attached with his empire and people that he requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Emperor’s nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the emperor and said even after losing all his worldly possessions, the emperor would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people.



Genesis of Onam

It is the day of the visit of Emperor Mahabali to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of Emperor Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their emperor whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their emperor by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that Emperor Mahabali visits his people on the second day.
Onam celebrations are marked in Thrikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road. Trikkara is said to be the capital of the mighty Emperor Mahabali. A temple with a deity of ‘Thrikkakara Appan’ or ‘Vamanamurthy’ who is Lord Vishnu himself in disguise is also located at this place. Nowhere else in Kerala can one find a deity of ‘Vamanamurthy’. This fascinating legend is artistically depicted at the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.

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Kerala backwater tour- Choosing a Houseboat

Kerala Houseboat Packages are among the main attractions in backwater Kerala tourism. These houseboats help tourists in discovering the enchanting backwaters and lively villages of Kerala on a houseboat cruise. Apart from excellent outlook, these houseboats are extremely eco-friendly, as it is made of bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. Here are some tips to choose a houseboat for your Kerala houseboat Tour.



Types of Kerala Houseboats
Kerala Government gives official rating to houseboats which are Platinum or green, Gold and Silver rating. However these ratings are not mandatory and very few boat companies would have rated their houseboats with government ratings.

There are four main types Kerala houseboats that may be available with most houseboat providers- Standard, Deluxe, Premium and Luxury.

Standard – This will a basic boat and sometimes may turn too basic for your liking. We would not suggest you to go for this as many of them will be boats with out an air conditioner.

Deluxe/ Premium- These are houseboats which are much more comfortable and where air conditioner will be available for 10 hours at night. These are the houseboats that are provided by us to most of our guests booking backwater tour packages.

Luxury / Super deluxe- Super deluxe houeboats will have uniformed butlers and 24 hour air conditioners and you should choose this option if you enjoy staying in the upper ecleon hotels.

Rooms, Facilities & Staff
Kerala house boats have fully furnished single double triple and five bedrooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet. In addition there is also separate rest room with television and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook . It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct and navigate these giant Houseboats by tying huge planks of Anjili tree and the staff has been trained properly. All Houseboats have adequate safety measures and Kerala government and tourism department conducts periodic audits and inspections to ensure safety of tourists.

Food & Dining
When you book a Kerala houseboat cruise for one night all meals will be served on board. The cuisine is continental, south Indian, North Indian or traditional Kerala flavored with the local specialties; delicious local fish.

Other Details
Houseboats pick you up at Alleppey at 12 PM and lunch is served on board when the cruise starts. the cruise will go on and guests can request to stop at places of interest . At around 5 – 5: 30 PM the houseboats will be anchored close to shore as Government of Kerala doesn’t allow tourist activity as fishermen put nets in the sea. Go for village sightseeing and dinner is served at night. Spend Night in Houseboat and wake up to a beautiful morning in the middle of backwaters. Check out at 9 AM.

10 things a tourist can do only in Kerala !!

1. Wake upto the world’s best breakfast
Kerala’s spread of morning dishes – vellayappam, Uppuma, iddli, puttu, masala dosa,appams etc. have been rated the best breakfast in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine.


A must-try is the crisp lacy appam served with meat/vegetable stew.


Masala Dosa is served with Sambar and Chutney.


Puttu & Cherupayar/ Banana is the most common breakfast/lunch/dinner menu of Keralites.

The magazine says in its article

"In the lush, green tropical state of Kerala, at the southern tip of India, there are a great many dishes offered early each morning in vegetarian restaurants, all of them extraordinary. Each is simple in its ingredients (rice, coconut, palm sugar, and such), yet ingenious. And with tantalizing names like wellayapum, uppuma, iddli, and puttu, ordering breakfast is a pleasure for the tongue. The best is masala dosa, a huge paper-thin crêpe made from a fermented batter of rice and black lentils, wrapped around potato curry and accompanied by hot tamarind lentil stew and fresh coconut chutney. Served on a banana leaf and gobbled up using your right hand exclusively, it is almost as much fun to eat as it is delectable. "

2. Walk-through verdant paddy fields

Here’s different walking experience that you can experience anywhere in the world. Venture in to the very heart of the verdant paddy fields, on narrow dykes in Alleppey, Vaikom, Kuttanad or Palakkad. Don’t lose yourself completely in the dazzling green around you, as you’ll have to watch out for the slushy water passages that run through your mud path. Try this out in Kuttanad, Alleppey or in Palakkad.

3. Sip tender coconut plucked from a coconut tree

In Kerala everybody loves coconut trees. It gives cool coconut drink, coconut kernels, oil, toddy (alcoholic), fibres for rope, fronds for firewood, etc. Climbing coconut trees is no longer difficult but still Govt is trying to use machines. The fun is also in seeing the coconut tree climber going up the coconut tree wearing the coir trap to pluck the coconut and how he carried things to pluck coconut in the hip holster which is similar to the ones used for carrying arrow. Refresh yourself with a sip of cool tender coconut- nature’s rejuvenating nectar – and a scoop of its soft white flesh, Nutrition at its natural best while visiting Kerala plucked straight from a cocount tree by a cocnut tree climber.

4. Enjoy an authentic Kerala Ayurveda Massage

Kerala Ayurveda is famous all over the world and a visit to Kerala is the best time to experience an Ayurvedic Massage to rejuvenate yourself. Gift yourself new life through an authentic Kerala Ayurveda Massage from a trained Ayurvedic Physician in Kerala. Surrender to the magical fingers of specially trained masseurs and to medicated baths that will refresh you as well as the herbal diets that will replenish you. Also do try out yoga and meditation that will revitalize and recharge you.

5.Take a swig of toddy

Try to taste for fresh madhura kallu (sweet toddy extracted from the coconut palm) and have it the Kerala way with exotic karimeen pollichathu (baked fresh water fish) or spicy pickles.If you have opted for a houseboat cruise you can ask the crew to stop pver at a Toddy shop near backwaters. Toddy is the desi cousin of the wine or any mild alchoholic drink in west.

6. Do fishing with Chinese fishing nets
Watch and participate when fishermen tug at the huge Chinese fishing nets with their rich haul. These nets that billow from massive bamboo poles were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongolian King in ancient perios. Their silhouettes against the evening sky make for terrific pictures in Fort Kochi. The system of counterweights in Chinese fishing nets is most ingenious. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans — at the end of the mammoth effort. But this is something that you can see only in Kerala.

7.Cheer a snake boat race

Watch the backwaters of Kerala come alive in snake boat races. Feel the excitement bubble in you as teams of 100 oarsmen row their snake boats, their bodies swaying in unison to the fast rhythm of full throated singing, in one of the most exhilarating water sports anywhere in the world. The most famous of these races in Nehru Trophy Boat race that is conducted in the second Saturday of August every year and is named after the first prime minister of India – Jawaharlal Nehru who donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race every year.

8. Marvel at elephant pageants
The spectacle of 30-60 caparisoned elephants will enthrall you as they move in a majestic procession, while trumpets and drum beats work up to a frenzy in a traditional Pooram festival in any Kerala temple- the most well known being the one in Kochi. One of the best exhibitions of cultural heritage anywhere in the world the view of caparisoned elephants with music ensembles like Melam, Pandimelam, Panchvadyam or Thayambaka can be seen only in Kerala.

9. Spin coir
Coir and Copra are two words that were contributed by Kerala to the english language and watch nimble fingers at work as they spin water treated coconut fibre into long ropes with a traditional hand spindle in the suburbs of Kollam and Alleppey. Shop at a number of roadside stalls for brightly coloured coir door mats, wall hangings and carpets made of coir.

10. Order a metre of tea from a Thattukada
Stop by a thattukada, a roadside kiosk which opens at most tourist joints in Kerala at dusk, for a steaming cup of strong tea. Watch the expert stretch it to a metre while pouring it from glass to glass, blending it well and building up a tempting froth in the process. Thattukadas also offer “thattu dosa”—a light rice-flour crepe fried in coconut oil and served with coconut chutney. The menu at a thattukada includes omelettes, spicy pork fry and parottas (like naan, but beaten and mixed with oil). Enjoy while you can when you visit Kerala.

There are other things like Kathakali performance, Theyyam, Mohiniyattam etc which we wanted to add to this list. But thought it should be short and sweet.

How to reach Munnar?

Munnar offers a wonderful atmosphere to relax with a cup of tea or coffee from a valley view balcony room in the midst of verdant tea gardens but only once you reach there only if you get the right Munnar Tour Package.



Here is the distance chart from major towns near Munnar

Munnar - Ernakulam Distance – 135 km

Munnar - Thekkady Distance – 110 km

Munnar - Thiruvananthapuram Distance – 300 km

Munnar Palani Distance – 120 km

Munnar - Coimbatore Distance – 150 km

Munnar - Madurai Distance – 160 km

If you are coming in flight you can hire tourist taxis from airports in Cochin (Ernakulam), Coimbatore or Madurai.

If you are a budget traveler with a show string budget you can depend on the buses of State Transport Corporations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

If you are coming in train then you can alight in any Aluva, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town stations in Kerala and then proceed to Munnar.

What we would suggest you is to make your arrangements much before you arrive with a tour operator and combine it with few of the best tourist attractions that can be enjoyed along with Munnar like a backwaters experience in Alleppey which is included in our Best of Kerala Package.


This is a picture of Munnar no one forgets to take. This has become almost the signature shot of Munnar. The location is between Munnar town and Devikulam.

Enjoy your trip to Munnar!!