Thrissur Pooram Fireworks 2008 -(Thiruvambadi Side)

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Thekkady

Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants. There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife.

Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be seen.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 192 kms [5 hrs drive] away. Nearest Rail head is Kottayam which is approx. 120 kms away. Periyar is well connected by road.

Places to see

Periyar National Park

National Park is open from morning 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boating is the only way to view the wildlife in Periyar National Park.

Boating

Timing: From 07:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs
From 14:00 hrs. to 16:00hrs.

Trekking

Trekking is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. It will be good if you can carry your trekking boots and gear. 4 days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight tent camping can also be arranged.

Plantation Tours

Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady.

A trip to the wonderful Wayanad

In a world of sound and fury signifying nothing, an escape to some lively, green, soothing experiences will be quite refreshing as well as rejuvenating. As your vehicle enters Wayanad, the evergreen, idyllic, charming hill district of Kerala, you will be convinced that you have chosen the right place. Located at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2,100 metres above sea level, Wayanad has subtropical savannas, evergreen verdant spice plantations and rolling paddy fields.

This time, let us have a trip to some of the aqua tourism destinations of Wayanad. Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad is the most convenient and comfortable place to stay back and explore these destinations. If you come via Kozhikode, passing Thamarassery churam, the mountain path, drive 12 more kilometers to reach Kalpetta. This is one of the major towns in Wayanad, the others being Mananthavady and Sultan Bathery. Abundant in tea and coffee plantations, Kalpetta offers good accommodation facilities as well.

Travelling 15 kilometers from Kalpetta, you will reach Pookkot Lake, a perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills. You can explore this vast, blue lake better in motor boats, with feasting eyes on the lush green vegetation on the shores. There are also an aquarium and a spice emporium to drop by.

Another attraction is located 23 kilometers away from Kalpetta. It is Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, locally known as Soochippara. Set at the backdrop of the dense forest, this beautiful waterfall forms a pool at the foot, where you can have a quick dip. If you don’t feel like, it is all right, relax a little, feeling the small droplets of water caressing your body and cooling your mind.

If you feel the sound of the cascades is haunting you, have a trip to Kanthanpara waterfalls, just 22 kilometers from Kalpetta. The 30 meter high waterfalls can ideally be called ‘picturesque’. You seldom expect such a visual wonder in the heart of the thick forest.

When you return, feeling the caressing wind of Wayanad inviting you back to its lap, keep with you the solacing, intimate experience with nature. Cherish the pleasant poised moments... ask, how long? Of course, until you come back, to explore the remaining wonders of this land.

Munnar

Munnar - one of the best hill stations of South India - is situated at a height of 1600 m from Sea Level. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, this hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantations, small towns and beautiful houses make this a popular hill station. Munnar is also famous for exotic flora - like Neelakurunji, which blooms once in 12 years. Anamudi, the highest peak of south India is situated in this area and is an ideal place for Trekking.

Places to see

Mattupetty

Is famous for its highly specialized Diary Farm - the Indo-Swiss live stock project.

Devikulam

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offer a unique experience to visitors. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.

Rajamala

2695 mt. above sea level this place is a natural habitat of the rare species - Niligiri Thar.

Top Station

This is the highest Point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal route and one gets good view of the nearby towns from this peak.

How to reach

Nearest airport is Cochin, which is 140 Kms from Munnar. No rail head to Munnar. Roads are well connected.

Kerala Beaches

.
.Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever.
Kovalam beach : This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets. Poovar Beach : Poovar is an unspoilt and unexplored island, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. Shanghumugham Beach : This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) airport and Veli Tourist Village.
	The Varkala Beach : Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there Alappuzha Beach : This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old. Cherai Beach - This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occassionally seen here. Fort Kochi Beach - The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British..
Kappad - This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old

House Boat Cruise

Kerala is well known for the houseboat cruise and is one of the main attractions here. The houseboats are also called as Ketuvallam which literally means ‘bundle’ or ‘package boat’. The words ‘Kettu’ which means ‘tied with ropes’, and ‘vallam’ which means ‘boat’. They are giant country boats, which measure up to 70 feet in length. These boats are made out of tying together the pieces of Anjili wood without using even a single nail. The planks of jackwood are joined together with coir rope and the outside of the boat is coated with black resin which is made out of boiling cashew nut shells. The roof covering is made of bamboo poles and palm leaves. These boats were earlier used as a mode of transport. These boats had good facilities for cooking and sleeping. However these boats are now-a-days used as houseboats for Kerala tourism industry. Kerala backwaters form an economical means of transit. The backwater network includes five large lakes including 1500 kms of canals both - manmade and natural, extending to the entire length of Kerala. The houseboats are manufacture in Alleppey with an entire clan of artisans. The houseboat consists of an open lounge, with one or sometimes even two bedrooms, a kitchen and a balcony. The houseboat crew is comprised of a cook, a captain and an oarsman. There is a/c and non-a/c houseboats, the facilities in the houseboat are spacious living area, bedroom with beautiful wood carvings and attached bathrooms, well furnished kitchen and a balcony. At night times traditional lanterns are used as a means of light in the houseboat. The view of the houseboat is mind-blowing during the night time. The houseboat cruises slowly from Alleppey to Kumarakom or vice versa. It is a 24 hours cruise along the Vembanad Lake an ideal way to explore the beauty of Kerala backwaters. The houseboat cruise is a memorable one which lasts in the minds of the travelers for ages.

Alappuzha Backwaters

General Information

Alappuzha Backwaters is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year.

Prime Attractions

The Prime attractions of Alappuzha Backwaters are-----

Punnamada Kayal
The must-visit place of Alappuzha in kerala, where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September .The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each.


Krishnapuram Temple
The two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.

Ambalapuzha Temple
Lord Krishna is worshipped here.Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam.

St. Andrew's Church
Established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.

Mullackal Temple
dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.
The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
This temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.

How to reach there

Alappuzha Backwaters is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha. Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India.

Climatic Conditions

The climate of Alappuzha Backwaters is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters.

Best Time To Visit : August to March

Aranmula

(Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 10 km): The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century.


Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Chengannur, which is about 1O km away

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 115 km away.

Aranmula Kannadi: Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.

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A Backwater Symphony

Are you a bit tired of walking to explore God’s Own Country? It is okay, this month let us have a backwater trip, staying comfortably in a luxurious houseboat. So hire one from Alappuzha, feel free and relaxed as your eyes, first lazily and then passionately enjoy the bewitching Vembanad lake, the largest backwater stretch in Kerala.
Let us steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. En route, Vembanad lake offers you sights of village life and a lot of backwater activities. The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to relieve you during all your busiest hours.

Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad area, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.

On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply captivate you.

After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, let us proceed to Vaikom, another place of interest. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region.

On resuming your journey, the next halt point for you is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thenneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a simply marvelous experience.

The next stop, Vaikom offers you many interesting sights and lifestyles. You may find here the specimens of Kerala’s grand tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another add-on for you.

From Vaikom, after recharging with a delicious Kerala meal, let us proceed to Kumbalangi. We travel via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting constituents of backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali fields, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of taking a paddy crop is followed by prawn filtration, is another interesting sight you can have at Kumbalangi.

Once through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, it is time for us to proceed to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and many historic sites. The place is worth a walk, if you would like to. However, the sights from on board are also fascinating.

Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island, our final destination. En route to the Bolghatty Island, you would pass by the panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side. Once in Bolghatty, it is time for us to wind up. Loosen yourself to the soothing cool breeze and the reassuring touch of serene sunlight.

Sweet is the memory of the last few hours, that is sure to haunt you fondly for all the years to come. Disagree? Try the trip and you certainly won’t.

Athirappalli Whater Falls

Location: Athirappalli 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur.

Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.

Getting there :A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.

Nearest railway station : Chalakudy,about 30 km away

Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

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