Friday, February 22, 2008

View South India

Colours Of Kerala
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala enjoys an unique geographical location that has made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations, paddy fields, ayurvedic holidays, magical festivals, historic monuments, exotic cuisine... all combined offer a traveller an unique experience.

Kochi " Queen of the Arabian sea"
Kochi has a fascinating blend of cultures as varied as Dutch, Portuguese and English. Ancient churches, colonial structures, century old synagogues and enchanting backwaters make Kochi a tourist spot offering a host tourist attractions. Kochi is ideal place to watch cultural shows such as 'Kathakali', Mohiniyattam and other art forms of Kerala. Kochi had influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. Kochi is ideal for backwater cruise.Places to visit: Chinese fishing net, Santa Cruz Basilica, Duch palace (closed on Fridays), Synagogue (closed on Saturdays), Jew town, Hill palace Museum (closed on Mondays), Museum of Kerala history (closed on Mondays), Veega land.
Munnar
Altitude : 1600 m above sea level. Temp. 0°C to 26°CMunnar is to Kerala what Switzerland is to Europe. This mist-capped hill station is home to exotic wildlife and plant life. Munnar is the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty. Sprawling tea plantations and winding roads make Munnar a popular hill station. Munnar you can explore the wilderness of the dense forests through trekking, mountain climbing, forest camping and bird watching. You will be accompanied by naturalists and local guide. Places like Pothamedu and Devikulam offer trekking. Mattupetty lake is a calm spot for picnics and boating.Places to visit: Mattupetty dam (13 Km from Munnar), Rajamala (17 Km from Munnar), top station (32 Km from Munnar).

Vagamon
Altitude : 1100 m above sea level. Vagamon for those who loves privacy and nature. Vagamon is surrounded by beautiful meadows, valleys and tea gardens with un-spoilt nature, sparkling streams, lake, country boats, fishing, green tea gardens and cardamom plantations.

Thekkady ( Periyar)
Altitude 1200 m above sea level. Thekkady for the wildlife enthusiast. The periyar wildlife sanctuary amidst the rich jungles .you can have a boat safari on the Periyar lake around which the wild life sanctuary is based. As the area never gets too cold in the winter months and doesn't have too harsh summer, periyar is a great tourist area all year round. This is one of the few Indian reserve forests which allows trekking. You can also have an elephant safari through the forest to see the wild life in their natural habitat.

Kumarakom for the nature lovers
An ideal place for bird watching. A backwater town you can laze in a canoe amidst sylvan surroundings. A voyage takes you to the rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad lake. Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palm seeing a rural Kerala preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is a unique experience to any visitor. Nowhere else in India will you find a place as beautiful and secluded as Kumarakom.
Alleppey (Alappuzha)- For the back water lovers
Alleppey is with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake -boat race "The Nehru Trophy boat race". held on the second Saturday of August, every year. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The House boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey gives one first hand experience of the village life style, toddy tapping, fishing, Coir-making, prawn farming etc.

Kovalam For the sun and sand lovers
A sheltered natural bay created by a high rocky promontory extending into the Arabian sea.Studded with coconut palms and fringed with lagoons and sheltered coves, this internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists. A ravishing tropical beach, Kovalam has been attracting travellers from around the world over with its unspoilt beauty.Places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (15 Km): Padmanabha swamy temple, Sree Chithra art gallery (Monday holiday and Wednesday forenoons), Zoological park (Monday holiday), Planetarium & Science and technology museum (Monday holiday).

Athirapally / Vazhachal
Water falls Witness the most fascinating waterfalls in Kerala and take a dip in the cool and fresh water if you want. No where else in India will you find waterfalls as breathtaking as those in Athirapally and Vazhachal. These picturesque spots stand nestle close to the virgin forests and towering mountains.

Wayanad
Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Sanctuary has the typical moist and dry deciduous forest types, which covers most of the area. Kalpetta is the district headquarters of Wayanad. Pookot lake-3 km south of Vythiri. The perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is a only one of its kind in Kerala. Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookot is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws.

Kanyakumari
Where three seas mingle. The tip of Indian peninsula was known as 'Cape Comorin' and today rechristened Kanyakumari, after the temple of vergin Goddess that stands on the shore washed by the waters of Indian occean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea. You can also visit Suchindram temple and Padmanabhapuram palace on the way to Thiruvananthapuram.
Places to Visit: Vivekananda Rock Memorial ( Ferry service-8.00 am to 4.00 pm), Thiruvalluvar statue, Gandhi memorial, Government Museum, Suchindram Temple(13 Km), Padmanabhapuram palace (37 Km).

Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep means a hundred thousand islands. Each island is fringed by snow white coral sands.The islands offer precious heritage of ecology and culture. The unique feature of the island is its coral reef. 4200 sq km of Lagoons are rich in marine wealth spread over 36 islands.The under water view at Lakshadweep is kaleidoscopic and breath taking. The lagoon offers excellent potential for water sports like swimming, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling and kayaking.Lakshadweep islands are well connected both by air and sea from Kochi. While islands like Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by Air, the other islands can be reached by ship from Kochi. You can also plan Kerala tour with Lakshadweep

Kodaikanal
In Tamil, Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forest’. Altitude – 2133 m. Kodai is a gem of a hill station tucked away in the Palani hills. It has a salubrious climate around the year and an air that is refreshingly scented by Eucalyptus and Pine. Kodai is renowned for its glittering star shaped lake, wooded hills and valleys offering breathtaking views, massive rock formations, cascading waterfalls and abundant variety of fruits.

Nelliyampathy
Altitude : 1500 m above sea level. This is a fascinating hill station for adventure lovers. At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethukundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of above one third of Palakkad which is 75 Km away. This hill country is the delight of trekkers.
Goa. Variously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient". Four centuries of Portuguese rule and that of other rulers before them has given Goa an unique life-style that consists of a blend of Indian and Western influences as can be seen in its varied culture and architecture of its towns and villages. Today Goa also boasts of glorious traditions. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.

Ooty
Ooty is known as ‘Queen of blue mountains’. Altitude-2268 m The great ooty lake, the kaleidoscopic beauty of the botanical gardens, the awesome view from Doddabetta, the bursting colours and heady scents of Sim’s park, nature’s mischievous handiworks at Dolphin’s nose and Lamb’s rock. In short, Ooty is one continuous stream of pure fun and pleasure.Mahabalipuram. The tiny seaside village of Mahabalipuram, is situated 58 Kms south of Chennai on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Many are drawn solely by the miles of unspoilt beach. It was once a major port of the Pallavas (5th - 9th Century A.D). It boasts of some of India's most sublime rock cut art comprising of open - air bass - reliefs structured temples, man made caves and chariots.

Tanjore (Thanjavur)
Tanjore is known as the granary of South India. The most important tourist attraction of this town is the magnificent Brihadeeswara temple. Carnatic classical music and Bharatanatyam dance thrived here. The Royal Palace complex houses in important library and museums, including a superb collection of Chola bronzes.

Madurai
One of the oldest cities in South India on the banks of the river Vaigai and situated about 142 kms South of Trichy, Madurai is famous for it's mighty Meenakshi Temple. Madurai is the subject of an extraordinary number of myths. The other attractions include the 17th Century Thirumalai Nayak Palace. It is also a great place to pick up South Indian crafts.

Tiruchirappalli
During the rule of the British this town was called Trichnopoly. Today it is Tiruchirappalli and is also called Tiruchirappalli for short. This city is situated on the banks of the Kaveri river. Tiruchirappalli is the fourth largest city in the state and it was a citadel of the early Chola rulers which later fell to the Pallavas kings. The Pallavas never really managed to retain control of this strategic city and lost it to the Pandyas several times. The struggle for power between the Pallavas and Pandyas continued till 10th century as the Cholas asserted and assumed rule for a long time .

Chidambaram
Chidambaram is also known as Thillai, since the place was originally a forest of the thillai, botanically known as excecaria agallecha shrubs. It is an important pilgrim centre and a holy place for Saivites as the famous Nataraja Temple is located here.

Rameswaram
Rameswaram is a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected to the mainland by road and railway bridges. Rameswaram is a holy place because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sin in killing the Demon King, Ravana. Rameswaram is known for its 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple.

Vailankanni- Pilgrim centre
This is a sacred land that attracts pilgrims of every religion from every corner of India because of the presence of the lofty Vailankanny church-Our lady of health. It is believed that Mary, the virgin mother, appeared here with infant Jesus in the late 16th century. Budget and luxury hotel accommodations are available near to the church. Options are there to visit Kodaikanal-the hill station on the way back from Vailankanni.

Mart Mariyam Big Church (Church of the East)
In 1796 A D., the Sakthan Thampuran, King of erstwhile Kochi State (now part of Kerala) brought 52 Christian families to Trichur from the neighbourhood with a view to develop Trichur as a center of trade and commerce. The Mart Mariam Church was constructed in 1814 for the worship of those Christian families. Abraham Cathanar of Palai dedicated the Church in 1815 by the command of King of Kochi state, Ramavarma, successor of the famous Sakthan Thampuran, who had settled down this community in Trichur.The chapel adjacent to Mart Mariyam big church is a center of pilgrims. The main tomb in this chapel is of Mar Abimalek Timotheus Metropolitan who died on 30th April 1945. He is considered as a saint by people of all religions. They come and pray at his tomb. On May 1st every year more than 15000 devotees come and pray homage at the tomb. They are given a sumptuous vegetarian lunch (agape). Jawaharlal Nehru who visited church in may 1931 has mentioned about the pious Metropolitan in his autobiography.

Parumala Church
Parumala is a sacred land that attracts pilgrims of every religion from every corner of India because of the presence of the Parumala Church.
Parumala is an island about 10 sq km long between Eramallikkara and Pannayi bridge. When Mar Gregorios assumed charge as Metropolitan of Niranam, he stayed at Parumala and taught deacons and began running the affairs of his diocese. A thatched shed owned by Arikupuram family was being used as a chapel. Mar Gregorios constructed a church and a seminary at Parumala. In 1895, Mar Gregorios consecrated the new church. It is dedicated in the name of St.Peter and St.Paul.

Guruvayur- pilgrim centre
Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. The temple is described as 'Bhooloka Vaikuntam' and 'Dwaraka of the south'. It is a heaven on earth for many. The temple opens to the melody of 'Nadaswaram' at 3 am every day for the 'Nirmalya Darshan'. Devotees make many offerings to propitiate the deity for health, wealth and prosperity.

Sabarimala
It is, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi: One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during vishu (April). Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla (102 km) People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.Kaladi. Kaladi near to Angamali is pilgrim center on the banks of Periyar. It is also the birth place of the great Indian Philosopher Sri Adi Sankara Acharya. There are two shrines of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. One dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sarada, maintained by the Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is a spot, Vrindavan where Adi Sankaracharya's mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is a an ancient Srikrishna Temple close by which was the family temple of Sankaracharya. Another temple known as International temple dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Deva has been built with a hope that it would become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.Sri Sankara took to Sanyasa, (renunciation) at the spot of Crocodile Ghat. According to legend it was here that the crocodile caught hold of Sri Sankara, mother Aryamba permited him to accept Sanyasa and the crocodile disappeared.

Hills Of Southern India
Colorfully decorated temples, vast coffee and tea plantations, verdant luxuriant tropical forests and lagoons canopied by coconut trees, characterize Southern India. Venture in to the unexplored Western Ghats in Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Carved against a mountainous canvas this beautiful district is full of surprises, lofty peaks, racing rivers and sparkling streams. Unwind and explore the unspoiled beauty of South India.

Gateway to the Deccan Highlands
Andhra Pradesh exists in its fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau and the lofty hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious remnants of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with an charming features of the people, and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu leave behind indelible impressions.

Southern Odyssey
Tamilnadu, boasts of some of the most remarkable temple architecture in India. It is a land where traditions and culture live in harmony and is truly a living tradition of music and dance! The Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. The sea washes ashore pebbles and shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea. The breathtaking sights as you travel within Tamilnadu will hold you spellbound.

Spectacular Vizag
Andhra Pradesh exists in its fertile coastal plains, semi arid Deccan plateau and the lofty hillscapes of the Eastern Ghats. Exquisite crafts, glorious remnants of the past, vibrant festivities, irresistible delicacies coupled with an charming features of the people, and the sonorant mother tongue Telugu leave behind indelible impressions.

View West India

Maharashtrian Delight
The Great Land, as the name itself suggests, offers an abundant diversity of riches. Long standing bastion of the Maratha Empire and home to legendary Raja Shivaji, it s history is testimony to its glorious past. The diversity and colourful cultures, festivals and miles of silver white beaches gives you a glimpse of this vibrant and beautiful land.

Temple Tour Of Gujarat
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.

The Colours Of Gujarat
Gujarat offers breathtaking locations and scenic landscapes. It is also a melting pot of several civilizations resulting in a vibrant culture and a rich heritage. Gujarat is home to several architectural marvels, witnesses of its glorious history and pilgrim centres for many faiths. Finally, it is also the land of several mythological & historical figures like the legendary Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence.

View East India

Eastern Himalayan Delight
The magical lure of the Eastern Himalaya has always attracted people from all over the world. Its legendary mountains and landscape that defy imagination culminate into a masterpiece of the Creator. Cradled within the majestic mountains of the Great Himalayas, experience the splendour of the popular Eastern Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the fabled Eastern Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim.

Splendours of Orissa
Orissa is a land blessed with the virgin beauty of endless emerald green fields, meandering rivers dotted with picturesque villages, exquisite temples, monuments and long beaches. The state was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom that is best known in ancient history for its brave resistance against the invasion of the Mauryan King Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.

Splendours of the East
Cradled within the majestic mountains of the Great Himalayas, experience the splendour of the popular Eastern Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and the fabled Kingdom of Sikkim.

Veiw Central India

Heartland Of India
Few regions in India can match Madhya Pradesh for its sheer diversity, its rich heritage, legendary pilgrim centres, scenic beauty and wild life. Having three World Heritage sites Bhimbetka, Khajuraho and Sanchi makes it an unique destination. Welcome to this manysplendoured land!

Heritage Of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh the Heart of India has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the State is richly endowed with spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.

Magical Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh the Heart of India has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State. The natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh is equally varied. Consisting largely of a plateau, the State is richly endowed with spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.

INDIAN TOURIST PLACES: Veiw North India

INDIAN TOURIST PLACES: Veiw North India

Veiw North India

Bhutan - Land of the Dragon
The green walls of hills known as dooars or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetian border. Silvery river thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky.

Enchanting Nepal
Draped along the great heights of the majestic Himalayas, the mountain kingdom of Nepal is a land of awe inspiring scenery, ancient temples and picturesque walking trails rich in scenic splendour and cultural heritage. Apart from the city of Kathmandu and the ancient capital towns of Patan and Bhaktapur, Pokhara captures one s interest with it s perfect natural setting of lakes and mountains making it an ideal destination for adventure.

Exciting Himachal
Nestled in the Himalayas and truly a travelers paradise, Himachal is blessed with spectacular landscapes, mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, flower filled meadows, misty woods, fast fl owing icy rivers, glaciers and enchanting lakes. While the picturesque valleys of Kulu, Kinnaur and Kangra are a riot of colours, in marked contrast the barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have a stunning lunar landscape like beauty. The state offers superb locations for relaxing and sight seeing and tremendous opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, paragliding, and ice-skating.

Flavour of Kashmir
Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. The Mughals aptly called Kashmir Paradise on Earth where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valleys cool environs in summer. Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised - Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water skiing in the lakes or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats.

Golden Triangle
As India s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with the modern. Some of the monuments worth a visit are Raj Ghat, a simple memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi; Red Fort built during 1638 48 and overlooking the river Jamuna. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind.

Heritage of Uttaranchal
The Kumaon and the Garhwal offers the traveller an array of well presreved flora & fauna, wildlife and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and green valleys. The Kumaon region boasts of some of the best National Parks and Wildlife Sancturies like the famous Corbett National Park. Complementing the Kumaon region is the twin temple city of Haridwar and Rishikesh, the abode of worship for the devout Hindu.

Heartland of Rajasthan
Rajasthan The Land of Kings, is an enduring legacy to India s history. Its diversified landscape of desert, lush plains and wooded Aravalli hills, since time immemorial has inspired poets, painters and writers. From the grim, impregnable forts of the kingdoms of Marwar and Amber to the delicate frescoes and screen work of Shekhavati and the desert city of Jaisalmer, the jewels of India are here in this diverse and dramatic region.



Sunday, February 17, 2008

Travel To Kerala

Kerala India – God’s Own Country
Located on the tropical Malabar Coast of south-western India, the God’s own country – Kerala is one of the smallest states in India which has the area of about 1 % of the total area of land in India. This great land of scenic beauty, Kerala takes an area of around 40,000 sq km of land. Kerala is predominantly famous for its stunning beaches, lovely lakes, scenic beauty and picturesque places of interest. It has some of finest and beautiful beaches and beach resorts in India. It is believed that Kerala is the fastest growing tourist spot in Asia and one of the most demanding tourist destinations in the world. During your Kerala tours, you will enjoy the fascination of Kerala with its unique and rich geographical features. You will observe that why this land of superb natural beauty is called as the God’s own country. It is sure that blessed with superb view this small but beautiful land of Kerala never fails to allure you. Kerala is best known for its stunning beaches and beach resorts – perhaps one of the best beach destinations in the world. During your Kerala beach tours, you will be allured with palm-lined beaches of Kerala which are famous for the placid surf and azure blue water. The view of sun kissed sand seems as a paradise on the earth. Kerala is also known for its stunning backwaters. During your Kerala backwater tours you will be allured with these backwaters. The backwaters in Kerala are a chain of lagoons and lakes. Lying parallel to the Arabian Sea, backwaters in Kerala are network of five large lakes. Kerala Houseboats are one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the state of Kerala. During your Kerala Houseboat Tours you will enjoy the backwaters of Kerala and other landscaped places & beautiful small villages of Kerala through houseboats. Living in the houseboat is a unique experience. Every year a large gathering of tourists come to Kerala especially for Kerala backwater tours and Kerala houseboat tours, go back with sweet memories of Kerala backwater tours and Kerala houseboat tours. But Kerala is not only famous for stunning beaches, backwaters, houseboats but also for Aurveda - an ancient and Vedic system of health care. Health tourism or Medical tourism is very popular in the state. Medical tourism in the state is promoted by the Ayurveda. The state is a major centre of Ayurveda treatment. The state has many Ayurveda treatment centres which attract the tourists for Kerala Ayurveda Tours. Kerala has also wildlife sanctuaries and national parks as tourist attraction. Fair and festival of Kerala also draw the tourists’ attention. The state has also some magnificient monuments and temples. Bekal Fort – the largest and best preserved fort in the state of Kerala and the Guruvayoor temple – one of the most pilgrim centres in Kerala which is dedicated to Lord Krishna also attract the tourist attentions. Come and explore the great land of natural beauty that is Kerala – God’s own country.