Showing posts with label Backwaters in Kerala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Backwaters in Kerala. Show all posts

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.

Kerala in PIctures


Kerala Backwaters...Calm, Serene, Majestic...Tranquil !!


A rubber Plantation


Periyar River


Munnar



On the banks of Mattupetty Dam, Munnar.


Echo Point, Munnar, just before sunset.


The monsoon in Kerala


Mohiniyattam Performance


Kummatty is vitual folk form that can be seen in Thrissur during Onam season....kizhakkumpattukara village is the most famous place of kummatty....



A Kettuvallom slides through the backwaters of Kerala, S-W India.
The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 400 kettuvallams ply the backwaters,120 of them in Alappuzha.


The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from the sea, estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the backwaters in Kerala. Over 900 Km of the Kerala backwaters are navigable and have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation.
The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the backwaters in Kerala.


Kathakali performer, just before the public representation.
See this humble and reserved man - a master of Kathakali, venerated by aficionados and other performers of this art form - completely metamorphosing himself once in full gear, becoming bold and exultant, deeply possessed by its character.


A fishing boat on Asthamudi Lake Kollam Kerala .
Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture. It has supported the efforts of the local people to earn a livelihood.


Fisherman at Work


The name Waynad is derived from the expression 'Wayanadu' which means land of paddy fields. Wayanad offers a climate of the hill station similar to that of Oottacamand, offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales. The hills which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom. There is luxuriant greenery all around.
Nature has blessed this part of the state with mist clad mountains and verdant valleys. The district has enormous tourist potential due to its idyllic nature and nearness to major tourist destinations. like ooty. This place is renowned for ayurvedic massage resorts!

Kerala – Paradise for Honeymooners

Curving alongside the azure Arabian Sea in southern tip of India, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states of India. It is popularly described as the “God’s Own Country”. Endowed with superb nature beauty and peaceful climate, the State has been emerged as a paradise for honeymooners or newly wedded couples. Couples find their true delights in beautiful beaches, lovely lakes, breathtaking backwaters, cheerful hill stations, ayurvedic resorts, spa centres, and wonderful houseboats. The landscapes of Kerala offer couples a world of choices for romantic honeymoon vacation in India.

There are several deserving honeymoon destinations in the state offering couples truly romantic honeymoon experience. Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala, Munnar, Ponmudi, Periyar, Trivandrum (the capital city of the state), Kumarakom, etc are some of very favored destinations in Kerala for honeymooners or newly wedded couples. Couples from all over the world prefer to celebrate their romantic honeymoon vacation in Kerala, God’s Own Country due to its agreeable climate and catchy attractions.

Alleppey and Kumarakom are two very popular backwater destinations in the state. Both are very popular among honeymoon couples. Gifted with superb scenic beauty and breathtaking nature creates Alleppey and Kumarakom gives couples truly romantic and peaceful ambiance. There are several ayurvedic resorts and spa centres in Alleppey and Kumarakom offering couples mesmerizing honeymoon vacation experience. Both are also popular for backwater tourism. Alleppey is an ideal destination for starting a houseboat cruise over scenic and serene backwaters of the state. A well organized houseboat cruise or a stay at luxurious houseboat can be experience of lifetime for couples. Couples find totally different but cheerful ambiance for their honeymoon vacation.

Kumarakom is also famous for houseboat cruise. A sunset cruise over the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom adds romance to couples. Kumarakom is also known for its rich flora and fauna. There is a world famous bird sanctuary in Kumarakom – Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. Birding in the bird sanctuary can be delightful activity for honeymoon couples.

Fort Kochi is also very popular among honeymoon couples. A visit to Fort Kochi (Cochin) gives couples wonderful opportunity to explore backwater tourism and beach tourism as well. Fort Kochi is also famous for some of monument attractions like forts & palaces, colonial homes, churches, etc. A sunset watching from world famous Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi is truly a mesmerizing experience for romantic couples. Periyar is also very popular tourism destination in Kerala. It is basically known for wildlife sanctuary and superb nature.

There are also several breathtaking hill stations in Kerala offering cheerful and romantic ambiance for honeymoon vacations. Munnar, Ponmudi, Wayanad, etc are some of popular hill stations in the state. These all hill towns are blessed with superb nature beauty and provides couples truly romantic and peaceful climate. There are several other destinations in the state which can be attractions of honeymoon tours to Kerala, God’s Own Country. With the emergence of internet, honeymooners can book their romantic honeymoon package for Kerala online. They can find information and detail of attractive honeymoon packages by searching keywords like
Honeymoon Tour Kerala, Kerala Honeymoon Package, Honeymoon to Kerala, Romantic Tour to Kerala, Kerala Romantic Vacation , etc.

Kerala Flora and Fauna

Vegetation and animal life of a region form part of the present environment, and they depend on the equilibrium existing amongst the soils, climate, landforms and morphological processes operating in nature today. Physiography is one of the factors which controls the distribution of plant and animal life. The geographical situation, the position of the mountain ranges, the innumerable streams, rivulets, and rivers ensuring a perfect drainage etc., have made Kerala one of the richest types of moist tropical evergreen forest which hold an impressive array of plant and animal life. Kerala with 28.8 per cent of her area under forests comes next to Assam which has the largest area under forests.

The evergreen forests are distributed all over the State, and they grow even up to 1372 m elevation on the Western Ghats. At lower elevation, however, this type merges imperceptibly into the tropical semi-evergreen forests, which is an intermediate type between the wet Evergreen and the Moist Deciduous forests. At higher elevation the wet Evergreen merge into Shola forests and they in turn pass on to mountain grassy lands (lyppan. 1960). Dry type forest are limited to the portions -in the leeward side of the Ghats, and the two main dry localities in the State are the Walayar and Anjanad Valleys in north Kerala.

Five types of forests which are the products of variation in topography, soil and rainfall, have been identified in Kerala (Innes, 1951). They constitute the Deciduous forests of the plains, Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes, Evergreen Shola forests, Bamboo forests of the Wynad, and the Deciduous forests of the Wynad and Attappadi valley. The Deciduous forests occur along the plains and lower Ghat slope extending upto the hill sides up to 457 m above M.S.L. They are also found along the river banks. The Evergreen forests of the Ghat slopes are seen on the western and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats right from foot hills upto 1220 m a.s.l. The forest growth is magnificent where the rainfall is very heavy, and in some places the rainfall exceeds 7500 mm. The trees are evergreen with abundance of epiphytic orchides, mosses, ferns, rattans, tree ferns, climbing ferns and creepers.

Evergreen Shola forests are noted on all the higher slopes of the Ghats including the Brahmagiri range and also in the highest parts of the Attappadi valley between the altitude of 1067 and 1829 m.a.s.l. Fern and mosses are abundant in these forests but the orchids are poorly represented. Families such as Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, and Styracaceae are dominant. Luxuriant growth of Arundinaria Wightiana Ness, Reed bamboo in this forest is significant. Bamboo forests are found in the marroco belt lying east of the Ghat where the rainfall ranges from 1500 to 2500 mm. The forest stretches from the foot of the Nilgiris on the south to the Brahmagiri on the north. The most dominant species is Bambusa arundinacea wild which is the common bamboo still widely used by tribes for various pur¬poses in their day to day life. The uncultivated swampy lands are dominated by Pandanus Odoratissimus Roxb, Melastoma malabaricum, Linn, and Ligodium. Deciduous forests are found in the Wynad plateau and in the lower portion of Attappadi valley.

Some of the important cultivated crops in Kerala come under certain types of cereals, pulses, oil seed crops, miscellane¬ous crops, ugars, condiments and species, fibre crops and narcotics. Oryza sative Lmn, Rice is the most important cereal crop which is being cultivated in almost all parts of Kerala.

Cocos nucifere Linn, Coconut grows luxuriously in all districts except Palghat where Borassus-fiabellifer Linn, Palmera grows most. Coconut growth is profuse in the coastal region and in the Midlands, and it is the most important among all the oil seed crops and fibre crops in the State.
Artocarpus integrifolia Linn. f., lack, plavu, Mangifera indica Linn, Mango tree, Mavu; Anacardium occidentala Linn, Cashew tree, Parankimavu; Musa sapizntum Linn, Banana, Vazha; Monihot Utllissima Pohl, Tapioca, Ivlarakizhangu; Ipomoea batatas Linn, sweet potato, Mathura Kizhangu and Yams, kachil are some of the important miscellaneous food crops cultivated in the state. Saecharum sp. sugarcane, karimbu is being cultivated in ceitain parts Kerala has been very famous for her condimens and spices since earlier times. Piparnigrum Linn, Pepper, kurumulaku; Zingiber officianalis Rose, Ginger, Inchi; Curcuma longa Linn, Turmeric; puli; and Allium cepa Linn, Onion, Ulli are some of the very important amongst them. Areca catechu Linn, Aracanut, Adakkamarum is one of the important narcotics extensively cultivated all over Kerala.

The forest and hilly regions of Kerala still abound with a large variety of fauna even though the advance of cultivation and deforestation driving them much interior to the forests. Some of the important animals still thrive in the interior forests include Panthera tigris Linnaeus, Tiger, Kaduva; Melursus ussinus shaw, sloth Bear, karadi; Pauthera pardus Linnacus, Leopardi, pu1i; and Elephas nzaximus Linnaeus, Indian Ele¬phant, Ana Boss ganrus H. Smith, Gur, Kattu Pottu is common in north Wynad and Nilambur. Sus cristalus Wagner, will Boar, Kattupanni; Hemitragus hylocrius Oglilby, Nilgiri Tahr, Kattadu; Felis chaus Guldenstaedt, Jungle cat, Kattu poocha; and Cuon alpinns Pallas, Indian wild dog, chennai are seen in interior and foot hilts of the Western ghats in north Kerala. Kattadu is commonly found on the slapes of the Kundaha, the hills surrounding the Attappadi valley and in the sides of the Palghat gap.

Among the Squirrels Ratufu indica Erxluben, Indian Giant squirrels or Malabar squirrels, Annan are generally found in north Kerala. Other types in Kerala include Ratufa macronra Penuant, Grizzlad, Indian squirrel and Funambulus suflineatus Waterhouse, Dusky stripped squirrel. Cervus nuicolor Keer, sambar, Kalaman is the largest of the deer tribe. Axis axis Erxleben, chital, Pulliman is abundant especially in the Nilambur forests. Tragulus meminna Erxleben, Mouse-deer, Kezhaman is widely distributed.

Among the lesser denizens of the jungles monkeys and lemurs are well represented in the Ghat forests. Presbytis johni Fischer, Nilgiri langur, Karin Kurangu: Macaca radiata Geoffroy, Macaque, Vella kurangu, and Loris malabaricus Wroughton, slender Loris, Kuthitevangu are common in the forests. Canis anrens Linnaens, Jackal, Kurukan is a familiar animal rearing over hilly scrubs and low country. Herpestes edwardsi Geoffrey, Indian Grey Mangoose, Kiri is the commonest mangoose found all over the forests and foot hills.

A number of varieties of birds are seen throughout Kerala, and some of them commonly found include Pavo cristatus Linnacus, common Peafowl, Myle; Psittacula cyanocephala Linuacus, Parakeet, Thatta; Gracula religiosa Linnacus, Hill¬Myna, Kattu Myna; Acidotheres tristis Linnaeus, common Myna, Myna; Motacilla maderaspalensis Linnaceus, wood packer, Maramkotthi; Athena brama Temminck, Spotted owlet, Munga; Milvus migraus Boddaert, Pariahkite, Parunthu; Corvus splendeus vieillot, Hougecrow, kakka: Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, Jungle-crow, Bali-kakka; hrcruius mrrcrocercus Vieillot, king crow, kakka keel, Eudyr,cn,is scolopaceus Linnaeus, Keel; Centropus sineusis Stepheus, Coucal, Uppan; and Motacilla maderaspalensis Gamelin, Waglail, Kokku.

Kerala is rich in fresh water and marine-water fishes. The rivers and back-waters are full of various types of fresh-water fishes. The long coast line of Kerala is a source of different kinds of marine fishes. The people in Kerala generally use varieties of marine and fresh-water fishes. Some of the commonly used fresh water fishes include Etroplus suratensis Bloch, Chromides, karimeen; Ophicephalus marulius Ham, Murrels, Bral; Etropliis maculatus cuv & val, chromides, Pallathi; Alacrone seenghala sykes, cat-fis i, Karatta; Arius dussun2ieri cuv and Val, cat-fish Thedu;--Wallago attu Bleeker. Cat-fish, Attu-vala; D7ugil carinatus cuv & val, Mugil Junna: Mugil belarzak Bleeker, Mugil, Mala; and Mugil cephalus Linn, Mugil, Tirutha.

The marine fishes which are generally used by the people are Thynnus thunnina cuv & val, Tunny-fish, Ayila; Pseudo¬sciaena Coitor Ham, Jewfishes, kora; Engraulis indicus V. Hassett, Clupea, Netholi, Chirocentrus dorab Forsk, Clupea, Muliuva!a; Clupea ilish Ham, Clupea, Paluva; Dussumieria acuta Cuv & val, clupea, chala; Sardinella longiceps cuv & cal, clupca, Nallamathi; Carcharias gangetious Blyth, Shask, Sravu; Late,; Calcarifer Gunther, Sea perches, chempalli; Lactarius deticatulus cuv & val, white fish, Parava; stromateoides cine¬reus Bleeker, Silver promfret Avoli; Sillago sihama Ripp. Sandwhitmg, Mural; Dorosoma nasus Bleeker. Clupea Noonah; and Trygon zugei Mull & Heule, whip Rays, Threndi etc.

Kerala Houseboats - Kettuvallam

Have you ever gone houseboat cruising on the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. If you haven't, make sure you do this time on the tour to Kerala. It offers you the most exciting, wonderful and unforgettable experience.

The traditional House boats of Kerala called 'Kettuvallam' needs on introduction. They have their own charm. The people who have visited the Kerala before had a lovely time on these traditional house boats. They take you to the fascinating world where you just float in the luxurious setting over miles and miles.

The Kettuvallam are totally eco friendly boats made of bamboo poles, ropes, coconut fiber, bamboo mats etc. The main wood used in the construction of Kettuvallam is 'Anjali'. They are approximately 67 feet in length and has a width of around 13 feet in the middle. They are mainly furnished with single room, double room or triple rooms. Kettuvallam are mostly yellowish brown in color, which is furnished with cane and wood interiors. Its floors are carpeted with coir mats.

They were earlier used as grain barges to transport the rice grown in the fields alongside the Kerala backwaters. Due to their sheer shape and size, they can carry load which is thrice that of a goods truck. For centuries Kettuvallam has served as a mode of transport because of its accessibility to the remote areas. They are now turned into the luxury boats to promote tourism in the state.

These traditional houseboats are designed and decorated keeping in mind the comfortability of the tourists. They boosts of all the necessary facilities and are described as the mini mobile resorts.
Kettuvallam provides all kind of comfort and relaxation to the tourists. They boosts of a kitchen, western toilets and an upper deck. The cuisine served on these boats includes the local specialties such as fish, pawns and traditional Keralan cuisine. The latest innovation are the small conference rooms on these houseboats.

Kettuvallam are one of the Kerala's main attractions. People attracted by the simplicity and originality of Kerala have brought back the Kettuvallam back to the backwaters. You can book a traditional Kerala houseboat fitted with appurtenance such as thatched roofs along with the dining and living arrangements. The finest way to enjoy the tour to Kerala is hire one these traditional boats and sail among the dancing waves of backwaters amidst the luxurious surrounding.

Spices of Kerala

Kerala Backwater takes you on tours of the Spice Plantations of Kerala. Kerala is known for its fabulous spices. Traders from ancient Phoenicia made tours to Kerala to carry back its aromatic spices to Mediterranean lands. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and more… the spices of Kerala were used in the West to all flavors to food and wine and to preserve meat during the cold European winter.

Spices can be defined as “aromatic substances of vegetable origin, used for flavoring food or as a preservative." Many spices are also known to have medicinal value, for instance turmeric is a known anti-oxidant and curry leaf can control prevent diabetes.

The East India Companies of various European powers - the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English fought over possession of the trade routes and the precious spice plantations of Kerala. Today you can simply take a tour with Kerala Backwater and find yourself enjoying the hospitality of the spice plantations of Kerala on Kerala tours.

The spice plantations of Kerala are fascinating farms to wander in, for different sections of each plantation are dedicated to different spices. Apart from spices traditionally grown in India such as pepper, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom farmers in Kerala have taken to growing spices that are used worldwide. Some of the spices cultivated in spice plantations are vanilla, oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, bay leaf and sage.

Take a trip to the spice plantations of Kerala with Kerala Backwater and feel transported into a green paradise. Walk through the aromatic spice gardens where the air is laden with the fragrance of nature's bounty. Some spice plantations in Kerala offer tourists accommodation in the lodges and mansions on the plantation.

Guest can stay with the plantations owner's family and enjoy home cooked traditional Kerala cuisine and witness the activities of the spice plantation. Go for nature walks and bird watching treks, wander through the plantations, taste the various spices and breathe in the fragrant air on Kerala tours of the spice plantations of Kerala with Kerala Backwater. The tranquil spice plantations of Kerala are a refreshingly different eco tourism option among Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Monsoon in Kerala is a great bliss.

You can feel the magical strings of rain falling on the roof tops rice fields, rivers, mountains, …………..

Monsoon the word itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry Earth getting drenched, the splashing waters ...

One of the few Reasons, why I love to be in Kerala in Monsoon.


Not to miss the monsoon.


Children Play Along the Sides of Road.


Oh GOD’s not spared even!


Alleppy Inner Canals (weeds from Sea Come in)


Few More drops can put me down


What more a Pond can fill in with


How to get out of home in a heavy Rain?


All these Lotus are for me


Lose of Banana Crop (Nature's Havoc)


Part of a thatched Roof (Taken for a stoppage Tea)


Few Drops can make a Stream








A day to spend on House Boat



Fisherman Going back home.




What a travel it will be!




Gods Can't stop this Monsoon.


How much water around for a bath....


Let me be one of the drops falling down


Can catch the few Drops of Rain


Football can't be stopped by Rain


In No Mood to come down.


Boy Going to School in the Outskirts of Palakkad.


Windy Days of Monsoon.


At last the Blue Horizon

Kerala -A perfect Destination for Tourism

Kerala is decorated by its eye-soothing green jungles, rolling hills, mind-blowing beaches, tea gardens and of course its magical backwaters.The amazing backwaters of Kerala have become an integral part of its people. It has given the visitors the opportunity to see the rural and real life in the heart of Kerala.

The backwaters of kerala stretch over 1900 kms, providing, drinking water and irrigating paddy fields. The most interesting area in the backwaters of kerala is the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of Kerala. The area is probably the only place in the continent where farming is done below sea level, using a system of dykes and bunds.

Tourism in Kerala: An Opportunity to Explore Gods Own Country

Your desire of seeing a heaven on the earth can only be fulfilled by exploring tour to Kerala. Situated on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is popularly known as "Gods Own Country". The state offers the splash of backwaters, the splendid art forms, the ancient science of healing, Ayurveda treatment blended with scenic beauty to surprise its visitors. So, tourism industry in Kerala has been increased at a fast pace.



Why is Tourism in Kerala Popular?


One of the small states in India, Kerala houses a number of world class beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations at Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam. Apart from these, the state is also home to some globally recognized backwaters. Asides these, there are a number of traditional Ayurveda centers available at cost effective rate to lure trippers globally.



Know About Ayurveda in Kerala


The word "Ayurveda" derived from Sanskrit which comprises two words such as Ayus means life and Veda means science. Ayurveda, the science of life, is a system of traditional medicine inherited in India and practiced throughout the globe as a form of alternative medicine. Today, the westerners also consider Ayurveda as an alternative form of medicine. Ayurveda treatment in Kerala has got its place; the treatment not only deals with the principles for maintenance of health, but also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat various illnesses.

Located between emerald Western Ghats and azure Arabian Sea, Malabar Region of Kerala is home to dense jungles, running rivers, verdant hills, magnificent monuments, terrific temples, beautiful mosques, and magnificent churches. Because of these, Malabar region is considered as a tourist hot spot among travelers from all over the world.



Tourist Spots in Kerala


An extensive search through the internet can help you to find a number of cities in Kerala, which are globally appreciated for their scenic beauty. Some of the cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Thekkady and Alappuzha do justice to your desire of spending quality time amid scenic beauty. Apart from scenic beauty, these places are also known for their rich culture and historical significance as well as eternal beauty.



Visit Kerala- The Place with Refreshing Tourism Spot

Hovering between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats God’s own country, Kerala is the major tourist attraction of India. It is a gateway of Indian Tourism that displays the most unmatched beauty in this world. For Holiday makers, travelers and nature lovers it is the beat place and off course for Honeymoon couples it is the heaven on Earth. Visit any corner, or enjoy boat cruise on the fabled backwater or trek through the emerald Western Ghats, its time for you to rejoice and cherish every moment being in this beautiful place. It’s beauty make visitors wonder about the creation of the almighty and beautifully placed nature to add more colour to this heavenly place.

The natural beautification with refreshing perfumed air gives bouncy feeling to the tourists. Its unique tranquility and exhilarating beauty attract tourist from the Far East, south, west and northern part of the world. Visit the place once in your lifetime and it will worth your life living in this wonderful world.

If you are in Kerala it is sure that you will not miss a chance to enroll yourself in the traditionally attired backwater destination. Backwaters are the unique product of Kerala and are found no where else in this world. Enroll yourself and feel the charm and beauty of the place meeting from the nearest point. Its alluring beauty and charismatic natural beauty lures tourist visiting from far end of the world. Kerala’s backwater enchants every one and, infact it is one of the most haunted destination by Honeymoon Couples. They spent romantic moments and time of there life hovering over the pristine backwaters of God’s own country. The sun kissed glistering water and the panoramic view of the hills with milky waterfall gives a feast to the eyes.

Apart from the scintillating natural beauty this spicy state of India also witness Munnar one of the most unique and charming hill station. Its alluring beauty and tranquility attracts tourist from every part of the world. It is one of the most visited places by the tourists on there tour. Whatever be the condition in this world Munnar is always at its best and offers very best and soothing environment for Honeymoon couples. It is the place where couples spend one of the most memorable and romantic time of there life with Honeymoon Tour Kerala. Munnar is decorated with beautiful hills, sprawling tea gardens and lovely mountain waterfall. Visit any of this memorable and unique hill station and it’s for sure you will get allured with its tranquility and exhilarating beauty.

Undoubtedly this spicy state is always at its best, whether talked about the beauty of the place, wildlife sanctuary or the fabled backwater destination. Its magical flavored cuisines have spell bound every tourists and visitors. Taste for once the most unique and mouthwatering cuisines then rest of the tourist’s spots in India. Its mind refreshing cuisines and most of all uniquely prepared in the coconut oil gives a real taste being in Kerala. After all entire Tour package in Kerala gives you a golden opportunity to rejuvenate your mind body and soul. The magical therapy and the ayurvedic body massage rejuvenate your exhausted soul with new life.

If you have never been to this beautiful place of India, don’t miss this chance in this holiday. Kerala name echoes in every part of the world and its beauty is highly appreciated by the tourist who has witness the fascinating beauty. Book your kerala Tour and meet with the exhilarating beauty of this God’s own country. Plains words, beautiful adjectives will hardly be able to outline the external and internal beauty of Kerala. The best is experienced by visiting the alluring and mesmerizing beauty of this Green paradise, Kerala.

Kerala House Boat

The beautiful backwaters of Kerala make a wonderful home to its traditional houseboats that take visitors on a dreamland journey meandering into the numerous lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of a number of rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Tranquility and bliss rules these parts of Kerala as one gets lost into the beauty of swaying coconut groves bordering the shores and the rural lifestyle of the people. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. It is houseboats that attract a considerable number of tourists to the backwaters. Huge, slow moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips of today are actually the reworked Kettuvalloms of olden times, which were once used to carry tonnes of rice and spices.



The word Kettuvallam means 'boat with knots' and it is surprising to note that the entire boat holds together with coir knots only. Not even a single nail is used during its construction! Made of planks of jack-wood joined together with coir, it is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. However, one does not need to worry because times have proved that with careful maintenance, a Kettuvallom can last for generations. Though, they are out of use now as carriers of load, clever humans have put them to a new use by modifying them and promoting them successfully as a tourist attraction. More than 100 years old, special rooms have been made in these boats to accommodate travelers who love to cruise in these houseboats, though, care has been taken to use only natural products such as bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the Aracanut tree are used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds in the process. Solar panels are used for lighting. Alleppey alone has as many as 120 houseboats today.

Today, with the advancement of the tourism industry, luxury houseboats have been introduced that have acquired all the comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views of the panoramic scenery. These boats are either driven by local oarsmen or are powered by a 40 HP engine. In case of large groups, one may also opt for Boat trains that are formed by joining two or more houseboats together.

Now, go yachting on Kerala's backwaters

Kerala backwaters, famous for their scenic beauty, snake boat races and huge house boats, offer you something more these days — a leisure ride on yachts.


Cochin Opening Ceremony for the Volvo Ocean Race

The increasing popularity of leisure boating in the State has opened up new opportunities for tour managers to introduce yachts to attract as many tourists as possible, industry officials say.

"Spending a weekend on a boat, with a little fishing and barbeques on board, is slowly becoming an accepted norm these days," said Mathew Cherian, president of Nautilus Yachts, a Kochi-based yacht-manufacturing company with a boatyard in Thailand.


Ericsson 3 arrive in Cochin, India

He added that in Kerala, "any boat bigger than 30 feet with cabins would qualify as a yacht", while the super-yachts in the U.S. and Europe will be more than 50 feet in length and will cost millions.


Elephants in the Cochin Race Village during Pooram, a traditional Indian festival

Nautilus is building high-powered air-conditioned single cabin boats of 16 feet that cost Rs 10-20 lakh as well as ones costing more than Rs 2 crore with more cabins and electronic fish-finders.

Cherian said the demand for private high-speed boats was going up in Kerala as more and more Keralites were getting attracted to leisure boating. Moreover, the tourism authorities are taking steps to boost backwater tourism in the State.


Elephants travel to the Cochin Race Village for Pooram, a traditional Indian festival

The Kerala Tourism Development Corp has announced it will set up a 'marina' at the Bolghatty Isle in Kochi to solve the problem of parking of yachts and boats. A marina is a sheltered harbour where boats and yachts are kept in the water.


A TV helicopter escorts PUMA Ocean Racing into Cochin, India

This will be the first ever marina in the country. Although Mumbai and Goa are the primary spots for yachts, there are no marinas at both places.

"With land prices riding high in Mumbai, it is not surprising," said Joe Nejedly, an expert in yacht manufacturing and owner of Praga Marine, based in Coimbatore.

A couple of real estate builders have already approached Nautilus Yachts to build marinas exclusively for its waterfront apartments in Kochi, Cherian said.

A new concept called fractional ownership — which means a group of people (normally between 5 and 10) collectively own a boat and share the expenses — is persuading more people to invest in yacht tourism.


Team Russia sails towards the finish of leg 2

A former MP from Kerala now has a 32-foot Bayliner, a seafood exporter cruises on a 42-foot Sea Ray, a tyre tycoon keeps a 32-foot Bayliner and the Taj Malabar at Fort Kochi owns a 55-foot Gulf Craft Ambassador.

According to industry estimates, the increasing popularity of leisure boating here will make India one of the favourite markets for yacht makers.

"Although the West has not set up a boatyard in India yet, they have started investing in publicity agents to boost demand for their products here," said Nejedly, who worked with the European parent company Praga Marine for 30 years before moving to Coimbatore.


Aerial shot of Ericsson 3 coming into Cochin, escorted by supporters

The British-born Nejedly has his boatyard in Aroor, a small village in south Kerala. "Now, I have to step up the quality of my boats to compete with rivals," he said.

He added that the government could help the industry by setting up buoys for inland navigation and clearing the waterways.

Tourism industry officials hope the stopover of crews participating in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 in Kochi this week will increase the popularity of yacht tourism in the state.

Eight competing crews of the Volvo Ocean Race will arrive here Wednesday for a 10-day stopover.


The haul out area in the Cochin Race Village

The Volvo Ocean Race, which is also called the Everest of Sailing, is one of the most demanding and daring team sporting events held every four years.

The 2008 edition has 11 ocean legs, seven inshore races and Cochin Port is the only destination chosen in India.

The race began in Alicante, Spain, on October 4 and will cover a total of 39,325 nautical miles over nine months and end in July 2009 at St. Petersburg, Russia.