Harvest Festival of Kerala

Let the harvest festival of Kerala bring along happiness and good cheer. Celebrate the grand occasion of Onam with special recipes.

Kanyakumari-India

The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess – Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage.

The tourists who visit this southern most tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multicolored.

Lakhs of tourist, round the year are lured by the serene beauty of this place and the spectacles of sunrise and sunset. Though sunrise can be viewed throughout the ar, sunset is visible only from October 15 to March 15 from this southernmost tip. But one can view both sunrise and sunset throughout the year from atop a hill called Murugan Kundram which offers a panoramic view of Kanyakumari.

The sunset and moonrise can be seen almost simultaneously on full moon days from the same spot. It is a unique spectacle.

Amidst the sea there are two rocks known as ‘twin rocks’ both contributing to the rich Indian heritage with the monuments of swamy Vivekananda and Saint Thiruvalluvar.

Kanyakumari and its surroundings are believed to be part of the land which was created by Parasurama, incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Folktales and mythological stories speak volumes about Kanyamymari.

Enjoy holiday trip in kerala

Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country.
The enigmatic strip of land is replete with endless miles of placid backwater that adds to its marine beauty. The slopes of the Western Ghats are a perfect rundown of rare flora and fauna and the fragrance of its coffee blossoms waft in the air round the year.
If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.
The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages

Kerala Beach Holidays

Kerala Beach Holidays
30 years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today it is one of the world famous tourist destinations for Beach lovers. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore .On arrival Kovalam transferred to beach resort rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach shore and you can make use of resort facilities, Swimming pool, Health club, out door and indoor games and you can also take a Ayurveda Massage at resort and over night stay at resort . . tour of Kovalam and Trivanduram visit covering Museum complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science & Technology museum, Veli tourist village, Aakulam boat club, Shangmugham Beach. And over night stay at Kovalam beach resort. Varkala (70kms – 1hrs) of Varkala Varkala is a sacred pilgrimage center in Kerala is called the 'Kashi of the South'. The Janardhana Temple is 800-year-old historic temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan and Lord Hanuman. There is a mineral water spring near the beach, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The waters at Varkala Beach are considered to be holy and a dip in the water is said to wash off all the sins of the body and soul of a human. Therefore the beach is also known as the Papanashini Beach. rest of the day is at leisure and over night stay at Varkala . Varkala – Alleppey the 2 hours of backwater cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom .

Kerala tour Kerala honeymoon spot

The most predominant attractions of Kerala honeymoon tours will be Kerala’s beautiful beaches dotted with palm coconut trees. Beaches of Kerala are very popular among honeymooners and newly wedded couples from all over the world. Exploring the sun-kissed lovely beaches of Kerala add a special charm in you Kerala honeymoon holidays.

You can either have a leisurely walk on the beaches or simply relax under the shade of palm trees to spend your memorable moment. Some of famous beaches of Kerala are Kovalam beach, Chowara beach, Bekal beach, Alleppey beach, Cherai beach, Quilon beach, Shanghumugham beach, Varkala Papanasam beach, etc which you should not forget to explore during your honeymoon tour Kerala.

If you too are interested in Kerala beaches as your honeymoon destination you can select your Honeymoon package in kerala which covers lovely beaches. Kerala honeymoon package also help you to escape from being perplexed what to see and what to not.
forget to explore during your honeymoon tour Kerala. If you too are interested in Kerala beaches as your honeymoon destination you can select your Honeymoon package in kerala which covers lovely beaches. Kerala honeymoon package also help you to escape from being perplexed what to see and what to not.

Kerala travel package

Every city of Kerala has its own charm and provide a favorable ambiance for celebrating holidays in a pleasant ways – be it a honeymoon holiday or a family vacation. Some major cities of India which you should not forget to explore during your Kerala honeymoon tours are Trivandrum, Cochin (Kochi), Kannur, Periyar (Thekkady), Kovalam, Idukki, Munnar, Kannur, Malappuram, Alleppey, Calicut, Eravikulam, etc.
One of the most predominant cities of Kerala as a perfect honeymoon destination is Munnar. Munnar is a beautiful hill town of Kerala, India. It plays a major role in boosting Kerala tourism. It is a very popular honeymoon destination of south India as honeymooners or newly wedded couples from all over the world visit it to enjoy its sheer natural beauty.
Honeymooners don’t forget to explore this beautiful hill town during their Kerala honeymoon tour to India.

Travel kerala for Ayurveda

Ayurveda and Spa
About Ayurveda and Spa
Ayurveda is a term usually associated with the ancient times. Now a day in this modern day living no one really gives these priceless tips any importance but the benefits of these can never be challenged. Balance your health in a natural way according to a 5,000 year old perfected health care system. India's Vedic Naturopath System called "Ayurveda".

History of the existence of Ayurveda
Ayurveda as discussed earlier was a practice in the ancient times evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practiced ever since. and now even in the modern day living there has been a realization regarding its boon

Ayurvedic Treatments and Spa
As we all know Kerala is very famous for its Ayurvedic rejuvenation and therapeutic treatments that it offers to the people who wish to take it.Today, it is such a success that there are spas run and approved by the government. Ayurvedic health resorts, Ayurvedic centers and hotels that offer these programmes, across the state and also impart this education to enrich themselves with this highly meaningful study.

Prime Ayurvedic Treatments
Ayurvedic treatments differ from the majority of conventional cures in its unique approach towards healing. This is done differently through the different medicated substances that are used keeping in mind the person’s requirements and bodily needs and also the response that one would generate after the treatment is over with.

Spa and Spa Resorts In Kerala
Keeping in mind the fine atmosphere that a person would require Ayurvedic resorts are always located in places where there is a calm and composed atmosphere. A place where the treatment can take place successfully and the person at the end of the day gets the most out of it. There is perfect between the body and the mind when the treatment is done in such places.


Ayurvedic Holiday Packages
Keeping in mind the fine atmosphere that a person would require Ayurvedic resorts are always located in places where there is a calm and composed atmosphere. A place where the treatment can take place successfully and the person at the end of the day gets the most out of it. There is perfect between the body and the mind when the treatment is done in such places.

Travel package-Kerala india-Kovalam Backwater

Kovalam Backwater

Kovalam - enchanting strip of golden sands is laced with the rich greenery of coconut palms. A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map.

It is warm and clean by the coconut trees and the white sand bed as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. Swimming and bathing are very refreshing and exhilarating in the waves. One can walk into the sea about 100 meters without loosing ground. This cove is also the safest place for swimming. Most of the visitors like to have a sunbath and get a good suntan on beach . At many coastal places there are beautiful patches of coral reefs. The underwater views, which are visible during snorkeling, are really marvelous.

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari which are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

The Kashmiri, Kerala Batik items, Kannada handicrafts are very attractive to the tourists. Tourists can avail all information and check e-mail free of cost at Tourist Information and Communication centre on beach.

Many people from different countries and cultures, intermingling their languages get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully. It makes moments heavenly.

SHORT TOURS FROM KOVALAM
Varkala Beach » A quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam beach in Varkala is town (or its mineral springs and rocky difis. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are two main attractions here.
Thiruvallam Backwaters » This place, enroute to Thiruvananthapuram, is famous for backwater rides.
Kollam Backwaters » The boarding point for many a mindblowing houseboat cruise, Kollam has an intricate network of backwaters, canals and lagoons. The most famous of these is the Ashtamudi lake, a vast expanse of emerald green waters fringed bycoconut groves.
Ponmudi Hill Station » An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Well known (or its beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, smallrivulets and springs, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails.
Kanyakumari(CapeComorin) » Situated south of Thiruvananthapuram, in the state of TamilNadu,this is the land's end of India where the three oceans- the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal - meet. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Devi Temple.

Best place in kerala

Wildlife : The forests of Kerala are home to rare and magnificent wild life like the wild Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Indian Bison and Nilgiri tahr. The Silent Valley National Park is home to the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaques.Apart from this the wildlife population of Kerala includes Gaur,
PeriyarSpotted Deer, Sambar, the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, jungle cat, wild boar, a variety of monkey species, Leopards, Wolves, Wild Dogs, Civet Cats etc.. Kerala's forests are also home to a variety of reptiles like King Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Cobras, different varieties of lizards, Turtles and crocodiles etc.. Kerala is also home to a wide population of birds of various species like the great and grey hornbill, darters, cormorants, mynahs, Peacock, oriels, racket-tailed and other drongoes, bulbuls, kingfishers, woodpeckers, Ceylon frogmouth, jungle fowl, parakeets, ducks etc.. Also, Kerala is visited each year by a variety of migratory birds. Vegetation : Though the state is small in size with comparatively small area under forest cover, Kerala is the medley of a variety of vegetations and forest types. The forest types of Kerala include Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Tropical Dry Deciduous
RainforestForests, Mountain Sub Tropical, Rolling Grasslands, Shola Forest, Thorny Scrub Forest, high Sholas etc.. This wide range of forest types enables the growth of a rich variety of flora. The trees of the Tropical Dense Evergreen Forests are - White Pine, Kuntherekka Pine, Punnappa, Bhadraksham, Palai, Vediplavu, Maravuri, Vayana etc.. The Moist Deciduous Forest include trees such as Teak, Maruthi, Karimaruthi, Rosewood, Venteak, Vengal, Chadachi, Mazhukanjiram, Bamboo etc.. The only south Indian conifer podocarpus wallichianus grows in the region around the Periyar Reserve. Apart from the trees the states forests are also home to thousands species of flowering and non-flowering plants, orchids and medicinal plants.

Kerala - Forest

Wet Evergreen forests

The tropical evergreen forest (west coast tropical evergreen forest) occurring within a narrow strip along the equator is perhaps the most endangered natural habitat. Extremely fragile, it has suffered most from human interaction. In species diversity it is the richest habitat and has developed in areas of the heaviest rainfall. There is very little soil erosion and that the streams and rivers originating from the rain forests are perennial. This may be attributed to the thick canopy and closely packed trees. In fact, scarcity of water is rarely felt. The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than that from any other surface. This cools the atmosphere helping easy condensation of water vapor. This is the origin of the local summer rains. Tropical evergreen forests constitute the climax vegetation of Kerala characterized by at least three tiers, the highest often attaining a height of 40-45m. Many species develop plank buttresses. The middle stratum is more or less candle shaped and the lower characteristically conical.

The trees are heavily infested with epiphytic orchids, aroids, mosses, and ferns. Buttressing and fluting are common. This type is the most important vegetation seen between 600 m and 1100 m. Under favorable conditions like availability of proper shelter and moisture, it extends to an elevation of 1200 m above MSL. Evergreen formations occur at locations where annual rainfall of more than 2000 mm, temperature between 15°-30°C and humidity between 70 -100% The upper storey consists of chiefly Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bischofia javanica, Calophyllum elatum, Canarium strictum, Cullenia exarillata, Drypetes elata, Dysoxylum malabaricum, Elaeocarpus tuberculatus, Holigarna arnottiana, H. grahamii, Mesua ferrea, Palaquium ellipticum, Persea macrantha; Poeciloneuron indicum, Polyalthia coffeoides and Vateria Indica. The second storey is characterized by species such as Aglaia elaeagnoidea, Actinodaphne hookeri, Baccaurea courtallensis, Cinnamomum malabaricum, Dimocarpus longan, Elaeocarpus serratus, Garcinia morella, Gomphandra polymorpha, Litsea wightiana, Meliosma pinnata, Myristica dactyloides and Oreocnide integrifolia. They attain a height of 15 to 30 m.

The third storey which is less than 15 m in height consists of small trees like Agrostistachys meeboldii, Euonymus angulatus, Syzygium munroii, Syzygium laetum, Memecylon sisparense, Turpinia malabarica, Xanthophyllum flavescens and also profuse growth of shrubs like Dendrocnide sinuata, Lasianthus sp., Flemingia sp., Psychotria sp., Sarcococca brevifolia, Solanum surattense, Strobilanthes sp., Thottea siliquosa and many others. Monocot species are only a few having localised presence. Important among them are Arenga wightii, Calamus gamblei, C. thwaitesii, Pandanus furcatus, Pinanga dicksonii, Ochlandra travancorica, 0. rheedii, Oxytenanthera sp. Ground flora is composed of herbs like Elettaria cardamomum, Amorphophallus sp., Hackeria sp., some ferns and so on. Climbers like Pothos scandens, Piper (many species), Caesalpinia bonduc, Smilax sp. etc. are common. Wet evergreen forests are storehouse of medicinal plants (about 180 species) and many wild relatives of cultivated plants. About 25% of the forests of Kerala belong to this category. Forests of Silent Valley national park and Periyar tiger reserve represents some of the richest blocks of rain forests in Kerala.More than 50% of this forest has been subjected to timber working of varying intensity under selection felling system.

Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the vedic system of health care that developed in India over 5000 years ago.This ancient science is health specific, not disease specific and takes into account the patients entire personality - body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is based on the ancient wisdom of good living. Thus, Ayurveda is defined as the Science of life. It uses herbs and oils to heal and rejuvenate,and thus restore balance and good health.

Keralas equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurvedas curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine focussed on holistic treatment and stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them.

Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since. Today, its a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your bodys humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. This makes it the natural way to rejuvenation, eliminating all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regaining resistance and good health.

Kerala back water information

There is a different Kerala along these backwaters, throbbing with its own unique culture. For you as a visitor to Kerala, it can be an incredibly different experience just floating on these waters in a country craft and absorbing this unusual representation of Kerala's life. You might begin at Alappuzha, which is hailed as the Venice of the East, because of its intricate maze of backwaters, canals and bridges. When the visitor leaves Alappuzha on a boat voyage through Kuttanad, he will find himself travelling along canals where the level of water is often higher than that of the green fields on either side. You could journey right up to Cochin via the backwaters. Many beautiful sights greet you along the way, such as the Chinese fishing nets, said to have been introduced into Kerala by the traders from Kublai Khan's court. A beautiful backwater spot accessible from Alappuzha is Kumarakom. Breathtaking green, the village slumbers by the Vembanad Lake. On-cruise scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues. As the boat glides along the gorgeous green of the fringed palms the ripples in the blue water blend into little wavelets.

The place is so beautiful that Henry Baker, an Englishman, built his bungalow here in the last century. Now this elegant English bungalow is a Tourist complex. A 14-acre bird sanctury adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds such as Water Ducks, Cuckoos, Siberian strokes spend happy summers here. By the Vembanad lake nestles a golden yellow island, Pathiramanal which is a heaven of peace for the tourists. The short boat ride Cochin will transport you to a world of quiet and peace of warmth and friendliness. Again from Alappuzha, you could go upto Kollam. The route winds up the Pampa river to Champpakkulam, an island hamlet, then into the Karumadi Canal. The statue of karumadikuttan is believed to be of Buddha. Some see it as a remnant of bygone era when Buddhist monks came to Kerala with the message of love and non-violence. The past Trikunna-puzha across Kayamkulam Lake and Ashtamudi lake finally drawing in the ancient port of Kollam. Throughout the scenery continues to be ravishing. It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to practise for the race months before the grate day. they live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team. On boat race day, the chundan Valloms as the greatest racing boats are called are slicked down with a special oil to make them glide effortlessly through water. The crews then visit a shrine carrying the stroke and largest steering oar with them. And having offered prayers to the Almightly, they are now ready to war with their fellow men. the air crackles with excitement as the best of the 130 feet Chundan Valloms, each manned by over a hundred rowers, fly through the waters at break neck speed, egged on by the fierce competitive spirit that makes the event and the spectators lusty roars. the most famous of these are the NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE on the second Saturday of every august and the ARANMULA RACE which is connected with a temple festival. There are a dozen other Snake Boat races. The latest addition is the one in connection with the GREAT ELEPHANT MARCH held on 19th of January every year.

BACKWATERS IN KERALA

There is a different Kerala along these backwaters, throbbing with its own unique culture. For you as a visitor to Kerala, it can be an incredibly different experience just floating on these waters in a country craft and absorbing this unusual representation of Kerala's life. You might begin at Alappuzha, which is hailed as the Venice of the East, because of its intricate maze of backwaters, canals and bridges. When the visitor leaves Alappuzha on a boat voyage through Kuttanad, he will find himself travelling along canals where the level of water is often higher than that of the green fields on either side. You could journey right up to Cochin via the backwaters. Many beautiful sights greet you along the way, such as the Chinese fishing nets, said to have been introduced into Kerala by the traders from Kublai Khan's court. A beautiful backwater spot accessible from Alappuzha is Kumarakom. Breathtaking green, the village slumbers by the Vembanad Lake. On-cruise scenery flashes up vivid contrasts of lush greens and deep blues. As the boat glides along the gorgeous green of the fringed palms the ripples in the blue water blend into little wavelets.

Kerala tour

Later transfer to the backwaters of Cochin, which run from the sea inland through lush tropical countryside. It could be compared to a cruise down the eAmazon with jungle foliage hanging from the banks. This relaxing boat trip is fascinating, as our guide discussed the history of the early explorers and traders who used this as a main artery to the sea. Even the locals board and disembark, coming and going from village. Return to Cochin and afternoon spent exploring the unexpected and isolated Jewish community.
It was a main area for spice trading. Scores of small companies huddle together in old buildings, with the air filled of ginger, cardamom, cumin and clove scent. Local potters load carts of spices running up and down narrow lanes for transport.
One street - long area is the Mattacncherry section, used to occupy virtually all Jewish homes, the oldest synagogue in the former British Empire. Cochin is one of the most fascinating cities of coastal south India. It is a city with indelible marks of Christian, Islamic, Hindu and Jewish traditions. The true character of the city us to be found in the older part of the Fort Cochin area which remains as it used to be a 1000 years ago.
This part of the City reflects an unusual bled of medival Portuguese, Dutch and English life grafted on to the tropical Malabar coast. A unique feature here is isolated Jewish community, whose origins date back to AD 52. Evening we go to watch the famous Kathakali Dance Performance.