India Backwaters- Kerala Backwater Holiday & Tour

Are You Looking For Best Spa Resorts In Kerala?

2011-06-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

For relaxation and perfect holiday the first destination that comes to your mind is Kerala. The Ayurvedic spa and message is an age old concept practiced in India and Kerala is considered the birth place. The land of backwaters offers various spa resorts that provide excellent facilities to the guest. Some of the popular spa resorts of Kerala are listed below:

Spice Village resort, Periyar- It is located in Kumily, 3 km from Thekkady, which is the gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. The resort is situated in the midst of Hills of Kerala, offering a great opportunity to enjoy wildlife. It is the perfect place for nature lover as the resort offer an environment that would rejuvenate your senses. The resort provides various facilities like Ayurvedic spa treatment, swimming pool, games facilities and an excellent restaurant.

Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom- It is renowned as one of the world best resorts. Its picturesque location makes the resort popular among tourists. Located in the eastern shores of Lake Vembanad in Kerala it is rated among 15 beautiful places in the entire world by the National Geographic. The resort can be approached by a Boat- a ferry. The resort has various individual cottages called tharawads that is built in the style of traditional wooden houses of Kerala.

Marari Beach Resort- The resort is positioned in the middle of 25 acres of coconut palm grove that gives a way to vast area of beach. The resort design is inspired from traditional fishing village of Kerala that has thatched villas. The in-house restaurants at Marari Beach Resort offer various varieties of cuisines like Indian, Continental and sea food. The resort also has an Ayurveda Centre where treatment is provided by Ayurveda Doctor, messieurs and therapists.

Kairali Health Resorts- Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is an ideal place for those who are looking for rejuvenating themselves. The resort covers the area of 50 acres and it has 30 cottages, which is built in the style of Kerala traditional house. The resort offers ayurvedic treatments and medicinal massages.

Kumarakom Lake Resort- It is a heritage luxury retreat located at the backwaters of Kumarkarom. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad and has an Ayurveda centre where guest can take massage and spa treatment. Resort is constructed in the style of 16th century home of Kerala.

Somatheeram Beach Resort-It is an ayurvedic beach resort where doctors and yoga experts offer various treatment programs to the guests. For accommodation facilities resorts provide traditional houses and simple cottages.

Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom- The retreat is also referred as Baker's Bungalow as it has colonial styled bungalows for accommodation. Situated on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake the resort gives and awesome view to the guest.

Taj Garden Retreat, Varkala-The retreat is located on a cliff and overlooks Arabian Sea. The whole view is mesmerizing. It has 30 rooms and suites and facility provided to the guest is top notch. Ayurvedic sap facility is also available at the retreat.
Grand Canyon Rafting- Grand Canyon Rafting, Grand Canyon River Trips and Tours, Full Canyon and Partial Trips to Phantom Ranch, Whitmore Wash, or Lake Mead

Tourist Information for Karnataka, India

2011-03-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

About Karnataka Tourism

Karnataka is one of the four southern states of India. Bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west, it is surrounded by Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The state has three main regions: the coastal plains abutting the sea; the Western Ghats running parallel to the coastline; and the inland plains of the Deccan Plateau. One of the most industrialised states in India, Karnataka also produces 90% of India's gold, almost 60% of its coffee and a significant amount of raw silk and sandalwood products. Bangalore (now called Bengaluru) in southeast Karnataka is the capital as well as the biggest city. Bangalore has more than 50% of software companies in the country based in it and is called the Silicon Valley of India.

About Kerala Tourism

On the southwestern coast of India, almost touching the tip of the peninsula, Kerala occupies the region known as the Malabar Coast. It is surrounded by the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala is like a narrow strip of land lying between the Arabian Sea to the west and the hill ranges called Western Ghats. This geography defines Kerala's main identity as a green, rain-rich state filled with inland water bodies. The rain-laden southwest monsoon comes across the Arabian Sea to hit Kerala around 1st June, and expends much of its waters here. More than 40 rivers flow down the Western Ghats to meet the Arabian Sea forming, with the backwash of the sea, a complex of canals and lakes called the Kerala Backwaters. This combined package of beaches, backwaters and greenery is what the tourism department promotes as 'Gods Own Country', making tourism one

Just Finished Celebrating Onam

2010-09-09T02:46:00.000-07:00

Kerala, the land of God, has just finished celebrating Onam. This harvest festival is the closest thing Kerala have to carnival. Every year, it is celebrated for a whole week. People consider they are welcoming back King Mahabali, the legendary ruler of ancient Kerala. The legend behind this festival is really interesting. Mahabali was an exemplary ruler who made it sure that people of his land were happy and content. Soon he was popular among the people. This made the Gods upset and they banished the King from the earth allowing him to return once a year just for a day which is celebrated as Onam.

Onam is celebrated by people from all religion, be it Hindus, Christians and Muslims alike. On this day, people cook lavish feast and make carpets of flowers. They all are welcoming Mahabali back. Ceremonial dances and snake boat races are the highlights of the festival.

Kovalam Travel Guide –Let’s Rejuvenate Your Heart, Mind and the Body

2010-04-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

One night I dreamt of some spectacular boundless beaches with an endless sight of coconut trees and unruffled zephyr. I never knew that the dream would come true till the time I landed Kovalam. I must admit to it if people call it the ‘Paradise of the South’.

The exquisiteness of Kovalam-the former fishing village appeals tourists from all corners of the world for a myriad of reasons, whether, it is quixotic effects of the moonlit walk in the calm and gentle wind along the sea or the feeling of adventure while viewing the incredible multihued corals or soothing and getting pampered by the yoga rejuvenation therapies. Literally, Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees, which is true to a great extent.

Kovalam, which used to be a sleepy fishing hamlet once, today is indubitably one of the most well, liked beaches of Kerala. Its immeasurable coastline, blue waters and influential coconut trees is perhaps the explanation why the beaches become crammed full on the weekends. Though Kovalam is lovely throughout the year the best time to stopover here is from September to May. The crescent-shapehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd Kovalam Beach is divided into three parts; the southern-most beach, Lighthouse Beach, the middle beach is called the Hawa Beach, and northern-most beach which is called Samudra. The lighthouse at the light housiehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif beach dominates the rock-strewn cape and is enchanting spectacle during moonlit nights.

Hence, if you are exhausted of the hustle and bustle of your daily life and want to get rid of all its stresses by getting drenched in the spirit of tranquility and composure of this beautiful land, can indubitably kindle their longing by exploring Kovalam.
Lake District Hotels- Elegant Lake District Hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere.
Alderney- Without doubt the most luxurious of Channel Islands hotels, the stunning Braye Beach Hotel has one of the most spectacular views in the Channel Islands.
Guernsey Hotel- This stunning 4 star Guernsey hotel is nestled in Guernsey’s prettiest valley, perched high above Fermain Bay.

2010-04-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Kerala Hill stations- A retreat to nirvana

2010-04-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

Kerala Hill stations, the words remind me of an enchanting undulating expanse filled with refreshing aromas of spices, coffee and tea. This amazing part of the state of Kerala, ‘The God’s Own country’, drifts every traveler to an abode untouched by the hustle of life, where one can relax amidst beautiful green mountains and walk in an entrancing tea plantation, leaving behind all the webs and worries. One can never get enough of this place, as it is so filled of the tranquility that one longs for in his busy and rushing life. People from all over the world visit the hills stations of Munnar and Wayanad in Kerala that proffer a retreat that cannot be comprehended in words.

Kerala Hill station tours bring this magical experience to life for many travelers who want to slow down in the lap of Mother Nature and enjoy the beauty sketched out by the higher power. There are also some places in and around these hill stations that give an opportunity to know the culture of this part of the country. A hill station tour of Kerala would take you to tourist attractions like Tata Tea Museum, a view of Annamudi, the highest peak in South India, Eravikulam National Park, famous for its Nilgiri Tahr, Mattupeti Dam, and much more. So those who want to indulge in the spirit of serenity and calmness, and those who are curious to unfold the culture of this place can surely whet their desire by taking a tour to Kerala Hill stations.

Cochin Travel Guide

2010-02-27T01:36:00.000-08:00

Cochin for others and Kochi for natives, that’s how this popular town of Kerala is to be denoted. Sandy beaches and waving palm trees makes Kochi a paradise to be in. Kerala is a beautiful strip in the costal territory of South India.

Cochin is much more peaceful and cleaner than other tourist destinations of India. You might even feel like being in a little old European city. This is probably due to the early influence of the British, Dutch and Portuguese. Social attitudes, architectural styles and city infrastructure have enough influences of the past centuries.

A deeply religious place with ethnic minded people, this is what Cochin is all about. Be it Hindus, Muslims or Christians, Cochin sees all these people celebrating major festivals together with pomp and joy. Cochin has many colors that tell different stories about interesting past.

Visit the old part of this amazing city to find the spectacular row of ancient Chinese fishing nets at harbor. Cochin surely has some of the best beaches of Kerala. Tourists just love coming around here to join in the fun.

Beautiful attractions of Cochin are calling you to the God’s own country. Top attractions of Cochin that you can visit includes Backwaters, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Bolghatty Palace, Cherai Beach, Museums, Willingdon Island, Jewish Synagogue and Vypeen Island.

Chinese Fishing Nets and Fort Kochi beach are the reasons why tourists’ love this place. What to do when in Kochi:

Take an enchanting ride of backwaters: Here, backwaters separate Ernakulum from Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. Many mid-sized and small islands are present on the backwaters of Kochi. Make this visit unforgettable through the backwater boat ride in Cochin.
Watch Kathakali performance: You can watch Kathakali performance in one of the art centers across Cochin. India Foundation, The Cochin Cultural Centre and Art Kerala organize cultural performance of Kerala for tourists. Impressive facial expressions, hand gestures and dance moves are surely capable of capturing your interest.

Alleppey Travel Guide

2010-02-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Alleppey Travel Guide is prepared by experts who know everything about Alleppey in Kerala. Alleppey is a town located in the beautiful state of Kerala. The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, the Divan of Travancore during the year 1762. This picturesque town is surrounded by Arabian Sea on the west. A vast number of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers slash the town area and thus make it even more interesting. This backwater town is also popular for housing different animals and birds’ species.

Alleppey is often referred to as the Venice of East. This name became popular when foreigners coming here started using the name more than often. Its proximity to the sea has made the town all more popular.

Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is popular for being a backwater tourist centre, organizing boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches and marine products.

Alleppey Attractions:
There are interesting places to see in Alleppey. These places also serve as tourists attractions. Tourists’ attractions in Alleppey:

Kuttanad: This place in Alleppey, Kerala is known as the ‘the rice bowl of Kerala’. This is because the place is abundant in paddy crops.
Champakulam Church: This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Also known as the ‘St. Mary’s Church’, it is believed that the church is among the seven churches in world to be was established by St. Thomas.
Arthunkal: It is celebrate as a Christian pilgrim centre visited annually by millions of devotees.
Karumadikuttan: The place is popular for housing the 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
Alappuzha beach: This popular beach is known for being a picnic spot.
Sea View Park: The Park offers boating facilities and a lavish swimming pool.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: This temple serves as a serpent shrine that is a renowned pilgrim center.

Wildlife in Kerala

2010-02-13T04:42:00.000-08:00

Wildlife in Kerala is defined by the evergreen rain forests that offer a natural habitat for the wild side of this God’s own country. Kerala offers a comfortable natural surrounding for the wildlife present here. Experience this wildlife thrill with the exotic Kerala Wildlife Tour. This tour will take you to all parts of Kerala that exhibits some interesting wild side of the nature. Do not be surprised to find some rare animals, bird and marine life in the otherwise calm and composed land of Kerala.

Kerala Wildlife Tour is aptly designed to not only offer you wildlife delights, but also take you to Kerala Backwaters, beaches, hill stations and other top attractions of the place. Wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala are popular tourist attraction spots. Watch out for the unique wildlife in Kerala with some great looking wild animal species. Tourists coming here would love watching wild animals like leopards, deer, lion-tailed macaque, monkeys, elephants, tigers, civet cats, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. You will also be able to find some spectacular bird species like Malabar cormorants, darters, hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers and plovers. Backwaters of Kerala are full of spectacular species of butterflies and moths.

Kerala exhibits a rich wildlife. Found here are many rare animals, bird and interesting marine life. Kerala, the God’s very own country, has so much to offer in the form of wild life sanctuaries and national parks. These sanctuaries offer shelter to various wild animals and birds. So, it is not just the beautiful beaches, hill stations and backwaters, there is a wild side for Kerala. The wildlife of Kerala is also one of the top reasons for tourist attractions.

Reptiles also add to the wilderness of Kerala. King cobra, viper, python, various turtles and crocodiles are found in some parts of Kerala. Places in Kerala like Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Palaghat, Trichur, Idukki, Kollam and Wayanad offer some of the best wildlife sanctuaries and trek trails of Kerala.

Important wildlife sanctuaries and parks of Kerala:
· Peppara Wildlife sanctuary
· Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary
· Shenduruni Wildlife sanctuary
· Periyar Wildlife sanctuary
· Idduki Wildlife sanctuary
· Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary
· Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary
· Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
· Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary
· Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
· Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
· Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
· Silent Valley National Park
· Eravikulam National Park

Varakala, The Best Beach of Kerala

2010-02-11T22:47:00.001-08:00

If there is an award for the best beach, then it should be presented to Varkala beach of Kerala. Varkala is one among the virgin beaches of Kerala. It is advisable that you spend at least 3-4 days in the beach area. At this juncture, you will find a cliff that separates the shops and restaurants from the beach. The best time to visit Varkala beach is from the month of January to March. The water here is warm, nice and calm. You can actually backstroke in the ocean out here. This is just so interesting! International tourists need not worry about being stared at as people here are accustomed to foreigners. Being used to tourists, they will not stare at you even if you are in beach wear. But make sure you follow some decency over public display of affection. Try out some sea food being offered at restaurants located near the beach area. Many budget hotels and bed & breakfast accommodations are available near the beach area.

Kerala Ayurveda Tour with Best Curative Programs of Kerala

2010-02-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

Know all about Ayurveda in Kerala, Kerala Rejuvenation Treatments, Ayurveda Kerala, Kerala Ayurveda Tour and Ayurveda Rejuvenation Theraphy.

Kerala, the magical land offers some or the other gift to the visitors who come to her land. Among the gifts, the best gift is the one that has the key to happy life, rejuvenation, and mind body well being. What is this gift? It’s Ayurveda! The age old secret formula to vanish all health related issues. Kerala is often referred to as the land of Ayurveda as it originated here.

Locals and tourists alike prefer taking in the experience of Kerala Ayurveda tour. There are many curative and restorative programs in Kerala ayurveda that helps in curing different health issues. Kerala Ayurveda Tour is recommended all those people who wish to remove their health problems for ever. With all the goodness of essential ayurvedic oils, massages, and treatments, your body and soul get to relax.

Some common Kerala Ayurveda treatments and therapies aimed at body & Soul rejuvenation:
Dhara: This treatment involves the use of a continuous stream of Herbal oils, Medicated Milk or Buttermilk and decoctions on the forehead of the patient. This stream is known as Dhara. It treats Chronic Headaches, Insomnia, Mental Tension, Hysteria, Hallucination and insanity.

Oordhwanga Dhara: This ayurvedic treatment is good for the skin, and especially ears and eyes.

Takra Dhara: For a patient suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity.

Sarvanga Dhara: it is aimed at the health of head and body.

Snehapanam: This treatment helps in treating Osteoarthritis and Leukaemia.

Pizhichil: This is an ayurvedic method to treat those suffering from Spondilosis, Rheumatic Diseases, Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia and Nervous Disorders.

Udvarthanam: Hemiploegia, Paralysis, Obesity and Certain Rheumatic Ailments. If you are suffering from any of these, then go for this Ayurvedic treatment.

Nasyam: Nasal Ailments can be treated with this therapy. It is also aimed at treating Sinusitis, Migraine and Chronic Cold.

Karnapooranam: Ear Ailments can be turned away with the help of this therapy.

Njavarakizhi: If you are suffering from Rheumatism, Sports Injuries and Joint pain, then go for this ayurveda treatment.

Sirovasti: Recommended for dryness of Nostrils, Mouth and Throat, Severe Headaches, Facial Paralysis and Burning Sensation in the Head.

Elakizhi: An eternal massage to improve skin tone.

Kerala Museums keep history alive!

2010-02-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

“History is figurative, while time is conceptual; both of these artifices are found in Kerala museums!”

Kerala Museums are important clues towards the history of Kerala. There are several important museums located in Kerala. These Museums are popular tourist attractions in Kerala. Museums of Kerala have so much to offer to people who enjoy history. The most visited and interesting museums in Kerala include Arakkal Museum, Hill Palace in Tripunithura, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Napier Museum, and Teak Museum. If you are on your Kerala Backwaters Tour, then don’t forget to check out these museums as well.

Here’s what you get to see in these museums:

The Arrakkal Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family that existed in Kerala. The museum is in fact the Arakkal Palace itself. The palace was opened as a museum in the year 2005. The museum conserves the heritage of the Arakkal Family that played a major role in history of Malabar, Kerala. The entry fee to this museum is very nominal.

Hill Palace, Tripunithura: This is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. The museum once served as the administrative office of Kochi Rajas. At present, the palace has been converted into a museum. It is open to public all days except Mondays. The much celebrated Malayalam film, "Manichithrathazhu" was shot in the palace. Hill palace museum houses murals, paintings, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and carvings.

The Indo-Portuguese Museum: The museum is situated in Fort Kochi of Kerala, India.

This museum was suggested by late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, the Bishop of Kochi. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and Portuguese. Indo-Portuguese Museum has five main sections: Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.

The Napier Museum: This is an art and natural history museum located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India. Napier museum houses a exceptional collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also encloses the Sri Chitra Art Gallery.

Teak Museum: This is a two story building that exhibits the most comprehensive information on aspects of the use of teak forests. Teal museum is operated by the Kerala Forest Research Institute.

Kerala- Explore the wilderness in the wildlife sanctuaries of Western Ghats

2010-02-04T03:29:00.000-08:00

Kerala, the land of ‘beauty and wild’ presents amazing features with splendid natural beauty and landscapes. Anybody willing to uncover the wilderness inside one’s heart can visit the wonderful wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, dotted on its landscapes, giving way to some of the most enthralling views that one could behold. Kerala wildlife sanctuaries are abode to amazing flora and fauna of the place, and are bountiful with the elements that make these retreats ideal for nature lovers. Not just wildlife sanctuaries, but there are also many bird sanctuaries or parks in the state that see a huge influx of migratory birds in the months from November to February.

A revered wildlife escape in Kerala is Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve that surrounds the lake of Periyar. One can savor the enchanting surroundings of the place and witness some of the endangered species of animals while taking a boat ride on the Periyar Lake running through the sanctuary. The deciduous evergreen forests and cardamom plantation in the national park grant it the green cover and abode to the wildlife of the park. Other than elephants, one can also spot tigers, flying squirrel, leopards, sambar, gaur, etc.

Another abode to the splendid fauna and flora of the place is Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, located beside the Wembanad Lake. This lake houses wonderful aquatic animals that supplement the amazing migratory birds in this Kerala wildlife sanctuary. Many birds fly from all over to this wonderful natural setup of god that is splashed with different colors and is filled with varied cacophonies on arrival of myriad species of birds like Kingfisher, Siberian crane, egret, woodpecker, darter, etc. Eravikulam National Park near the hills of Munnar is another place where one can be in the lap of Mother Nature and savor the beautiful sights of animals hovering around. This tropical evergreen rain forest houses animals like endangered Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Leopards, Wild boars and butterflies and moths including the Atlas Moth, the largest specie of moth in the world.

Kerala wildlife sanctuaries are not only home to the most enthralling animal species, but also have the splendid surroundings and environment that make this place an escape for people who love to be amidst natural expanses and who love to be close to nature. Other than the given wildlife sanctuaries, some other national parks in Kerala are silent Valley National park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and many more.

One can savor the virgin beauty and outstanding aerial, territorial and aquatic wildlife of Kerala through these wild expanses marked with the hues of lush green forests, vivid animals, colorful birds and splendid lakes. So on a visit to Kerala everyone must try to visit these parks to take in the endowment that this state is bestowed with.

Travel Tips- Enjoy Your Kerala Trip with Full Confidence

2010-02-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

Travel Tips –KERALA
The best way to describe Kerala in one sentence would be to call it “the canvas of many colors”. The experience of Kerala backwaters tour will make you come back to this beautiful land. People of Kerala are friendly and jovial. They are happy to welcome their guests coming from remote areas of the world. However, it is advisable that you follow some basic guidelines to match the etiquettes being followed here. We have put together some Kerala Travel Tips to enable a happy vacation for you in Kerala.

For International Tourists:
Tourists coming from other countries are advised to carry their original Passport and Visa on their vacation to Kerala. Also carry some copies of these documents to be used wherever required. You may also be required to fill up a Currency Declaration Form for the amount of foreign currency you bring in.

Credit cards:
Most of the hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards such as AmEx, Masters, Diners and Visa.

Kerala Weather:
Kerala has a tropical climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. The state experiences different climate in different regions. High ranges of Kerala remain cool throughout the year whereas plains of Kerala are hot and humid. The annual rainfall rate is higher in Kerala. Coastal areas record a maximum temperature of 32 degree Celsius and a minimum of 22 degree Celsius. We advise you to carry cottons clothes, straw hats, sunglasses and sun block lotions. If you also plan to visit hill stations in Kerala, then please carry a light sweater with you.

Cuisine:
There are a variety of cuisines available in Kerala like the Mughlai, Chinese and continental food. You can also opt for vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes here. Most of the dishes are prepared by adding spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. You will also be able to find bars, pubs and coffee joints in most of the cities of Kerala. You need not worry about hygiene as most of the food outlets prepare food in clean and hygienic surroundings. We suggest you to use packaged drinking water or mineral water for drinking.

Temple etiquettes:
Many temples of Kerala do not allow non-Hindus or foreign tourists to enter the temple premises. All devotees are required to remove their shoes and other footwear before entering the temple premises. When inside the temple, it is typical to keep both hands folded together as a symbol of respect. Male devotees entering the sanctum sanctorum are required to be bare-bodied and wear dhotis. Trousers are not allowed. They can fling their shirt on the shoulder or hand. Wearing caps is prohibited. Women are also required to wear either sari or long skirts.

Footwear:
While entering temples or households, do remember to remove your footwear.

Photography: Photography is NOT permitted in most of the temples and museums. Do acquire prior permission to use cameras wherever you think is important.

Hotel and Ticket reservation: Kerala is one of the top favored locations for tourists. We advise you to book your hotel and travel tickets well in advance to avoid last minute rush.

Travel Agents: Take care to book your travel with authorized travel agents. For more information about certified travel agents, contact Capital City Travels & Tours.

Ayurvedic treatments: Make sure you visit only authorized resorts and holistic treatment centers for ayurvedic treatment.

Kerala Forts – Historical Forts and Palaces of Kerala

2010-01-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Kerala, ‘the god’s own country’ has withstood many invasions and seizures by foreign powers. This is evident in the long-standing forts and palaces spread across the state. These splendid structures have wonderful architecture exuding the styles and designs pertaining to different empires, whose chieftains resided these bastions during their reign. Most of the forts and palaces in Kerala are situated on the seashore, to keep a check on any unwanted intrusion through the water route in Arabian Sea.

Kerala Forts are revered for their strategic locations and structures. One of these popular properties is Bekal Fort that was built for defense purpose beside the sea. This strategically designed place has many aiming holes to target enemies at a distance and near the fort. One of the main features of this places are its observation towers, giving ample view of the surrounding places, appropriate to get knowledge of every action of enemies near the fort. Now, one can enjoy beautiful views of the vicinity from these towers that are reached through a wide fleet of steps. Another famous architectural wonderful in the state is located in the town of Palakkad, known as Palakkad Fort that bore the brunt of many wars between its builder Haider Ali and foreign powers. Later too, it was resided by many powerful rulers like Tipu sultan. The huge garden in the middle of the fort has a huge town hall, and this nicely preserved heritage site is now used to feature important meetings, fairs and events.

The first Portuguese viceroy in India built the St. Angelo Fort in the laterite stone. This wonderful and beautifully located fort has many amazing features like tunnels, stable, stairways leading to the top, lighthouses, surrounding trenches and much more. One gets mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea from the fort that would take your breath away. Another such property built by Portuguese in 1503 is the Pallipuram Fort that is the oldest European fort in the country. The Dutch later captured it and then it was sold to the Travancore state. The amazing views from the fort are unmatched and make this place worth a visit.

Kerala Forts other than these are Thalassery Fort in Kannur, East Fort in Trivandrum, and Hosdurg Fort and Chandragiri Fort in Kasargod. All these forts had their own importance in the political scenario of the state at the medieval era. Now, one can visit these fantabulous places and bastions singing of the valor and bravery of their builders and masters, and be drifted to the state of admiration of these amazing structures and surrounding beauty.

Kerala- A land amidst the wild

2010-01-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

Kerala is an enchanting land housing some of the most beautiful and astounding wildlife sanctuaries in the country. These wild expanses give way to the most enthralling sights that you would ever behold in your life. It is definitely, a nature lover’s paradise featuring flora and fauna granting the much-revered essence to these places. Set amidst the natural landscapes of the state, most of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala give beautiful views that are enough to mesmerize every traveler. One of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries here is the Periyar wildlife sanctuary that has the delightful Periyar Lake running through it, giving rare sights of the wildlife in the sanctuary to the ardent travelers taking a boat ride on it. It also features the famous Periyar Tiger reserve that is home to the endangered animal in the state.

Other famous sanctuary in the ‘God’s own country’ is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, that is home to many uncommon birds and myriad migratory birds that fly from all over to reach this part of the globe and fill vivid colors to lush green background of the forest. Eravikulam National park near the hill town of Munnar is also a popular destination for those who seek to be in the lap of Mother Nature. This national park was started to preserve the Nilgiri Tahr, which can now be seen in abundance over here. Other places marking flags in the Kerala wildlife map are Chinnar wildlife sanctuary situated near Cochin and housing amazing sandalwood forest and refreshing waterfalls and Silent Valley National Park having the virgin tropical evergreen forest filled with the amazing fauna of the place. Idukki wildlife sanctuary above the Arch Dam is located between three rivers gives beautiful views of the surroundings and providing abode to elephants, wild boars, Sambars and many more animals of this part of the country. All these places have made Kerala a favorite amongst lots of nature and bird lovers, and photographers, who try to capture the beauty of these enchanting wild abodes in their memories and films. One can never get enough even if they spend their whole life admiring the splendor of the place, as these astounding sanctuaries have endless treasures for all the travelers.

Kerala – A Land of Festivities

2010-01-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

Kerala, ‘the God’s own country’ has a splash of colors spread on it by its festivals. There is a festival for every season here. People of Kerala love to celebrate their living and they thank god often for his generosity over them. Many festivals and races add to the lively culture of this state for which every day is a celebration and every minute is a blessing. Some festivals that are celebrated with high enthusiasm in Kerala are Vishu, Onam and Nehru Trophy Race.
These Kerala festivals put the entire state in the mood of gaiety and fervor. Vishu, celebrated in the month of April has intriguing rituals and is celebrated to bless and wish the young ones of the family. It is celebrated across the state with complete dedication and excitement. Onam a famous Kerala festival is for celebrating the homecoming of Mahabali after lord Vishnu sent him to Patala, he was the ruler of the state at the time of prosperity. It brings joy and festivities in every part of the state, with kids indulged in decorating their houses with flowers.

Another important fest is the Swati Festival organized by the state government at the Kuthiramalika Palace, to commemorate a famous poet, Swati Thirmal, as this is where he composed most of his revered poems. The celebrations are marked with gathering of poets from across the country. The most zestful of all is the Nehru Trophy Race that is held on the Punnamada Backwaters and attracts myriad people from every nook and corner of the state. You would be overwhelmed by the excitement with which people participate in the game or savor the sight of the energetic race. There are many other festivals like Eid, Christmas, Easter, etc that are celebrated here by people of different religions, adding diverse hues to the canvas of the culture of Kerala. Any traveler travelling to this part of India must experience and witness at least one Kerala festival that would show him/her the true essence of the state.

Kerala- A land of mysteries and conjectures

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Kerala has a very intriguing yet bizarre history, which has much mystical lore imbibed in it that fascinate the mind of each listener and reader. As according to the sagas, the state of Kerala emerged from an axe thrown by a warrior- sage Parasurama who went to sit in penance and after getting boons from the gods, he threw his axe in the water, where emerged the state of Kerala, ‘the god’s own country’. Kerala’s history dates back to 4000 B.C, but not much has been written about it ever. Hence, most of it is much of guesswork. Until date many Megalithic monuments, burial stones and urns are found in different places that assert the pieces of its history. In 700 B.C, Dravidians traversed this land from the Mediterranean region and in 300 B.C, Aryan migrated here from the Northern Parts of India. This land, walked over by people from the most ancient civilizations still speaks of their valor and inventions that set the base of the entire being.

In Kerala, the provincial rule began with the decline of the Chera Empire, and after that, it witnessed many battles and upheavals that led to the rise and decline of many empires in this state. It was always famous for its cotton, sandalwood, teak and spices throughout the world, and had strong trade connections with the western countries. The influx of Brahmins from North changed structure of Power in Kerala for long time and they dominated much of the history of Kerala after that, when caste system and untouchability was widespread in the state. In 1498, Vasco Da Gama came to this land from Portugal, and marked the beginning of colonial era. Portuguese intrusion was followed by arrival of Dutch and then British. Finally after the independence of India in 1947 the state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956 with the merger of Malabar District and Travancore-Cochin state.

Kerala Houseboat Tours

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Kerala is an enchanting land that gives you an opportunity to unwind in the most panoramic places of India. The Kerala houseboat tours take you through some of the most enthralling surroundings and give you wonderful experiences of living amidst the lap of nature. These houseboat tours in Kerala sail you through the palm-fringed backwaters showing you wonderful views of the thatched hamlets of Kerala, where you can spot the local people going about their daily lives. You also get wonderful views of the lush green paddy fields spread across the state.

While on a houseboat, you get to relax beside the smoothly flowing water making the slightest of sounds and hence providing you a soothing and calming experience. You can sink in a cane chair while savoring the splendid environment of the place and enjoying a hot cup of coffee, while the fresh wind brush past you face giving you a refreshing experience. These wonderful experiences can only be taken through a houseboat tour in Kerala. One of the best features of these tours is the exuberant view of the sunset that seems like a huge ball of fire getting dim in the emerald backwaters. These sights and revitalizing environment make a person’s mind and soul feel the peace ‘around’, and these tours let the travelers have an experience of the lifetime. So, if you are one of those people who love to savor and admire the beauty created by the ultimate power then Kerala houseboat tours are the tours that you must avail.