Mattupetty Dam And Lake - An Ideal Picnic Spots

Mattupetty, The beautiful hill station is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. The main attractions at Mattupetty is the dairy farm, run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with several varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.  The Mattupetty lake and dam, Just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Best Season: September...

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Experience With Ashtamudi Lake

The most popular tourist attraction of Kerala is backwaters cruise. Its really a wonderful and unforgettable experience!. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were once the state's trade highways. With 41 west-flowing rivers, the backwaters stretch to almost 1,900 kilometers. The backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transportation needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, rice and spices. The Ashtamudi lake, surrounded by red cliffs and swaying coconut palms, still bears traces of its former links with China. On a backwater cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha all along the waterline you can see the...

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Kerala Fish Pickle

INGREDIENTS Fish fillet - 1, any white fish, I used tilapia,Sliced Shallots - 5-6 nos, sliced thin Ginger - 1 1/2 tbsp , julienned Garlic - 4-5 cloves, slliced thin Kashmiri red chilli pdr - 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp Curry leaves - 2-3 sprigs Asafoetida - a big pinch Salt  and pepper to taste Oil - 1 1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp USAGE First Marinate the sliced fish with 2 tbsp of chilli pdr,sat and pepper.Keep aside for 15-20 mins. Heat some oil in a wide pan.Shallow fry the fish pieces. Sprinkle some asafoetida on top and transfer it to a bowl.In the same pan pour the rest of the oil and when its hot add mustard seeds.When it starts...

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Punnathur Kotta - The Largest Elephant Park In The World

The very sight of pachyderms wallowing at Punnathurkotta is a splendid visual treat. The dweller elephants, all donated by the pious devotees of Lord Guruvayoorappan, are highly pampered at this   natural habitation near the Guruvayoor temple. Punnathurkotta, considered as one of the largest elephant parks in the world, houses more than 60 majestic elephants. 'Guruvayoor Padmanabhan', honored with the title of Gajaratnam (meaning the gem among elephants), is the tallest tusker of the lot. With the arrival of monsoon, elephants that have been taken to different temples for festival processions, are brought back to the sanctuary....

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Chembai Sangeetholsavam 2011 (21 NOV - 6 DEC )

Chembai Sangeetholsavam is an annual Carnatic music festival held in Guruvayur by the Guruvayur Devaswom as a kind of homage to Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, one of the legend of Carnatic Classical Music. About 2000-2500 musicians participate in this festival every year, and it is held for about 12-15 days culminating on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day, when all the musicians sing 5 favourite songs of Chembai and also the Pancharatna Kritis of Thyagaraja. The entire audience join the chorus when the last mentioned song is sung with devotion and fervor, the music reverberating the hall sending everyone to ecsta...

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Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, in the town of Guruvayoor in Kerala is one of the five famous Krishna\Vishnu temples in India Guruvayoor Temple is one of the largest and most famed temple in Kerala at national level, attracting more than 5 millions devotees annually, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country' - Thrissur - Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. Guruvayoor is a thriving township in Trichur district of Kerala state in the South of India, its scenic beauty and serenity are breath taking. Guruvayoor,...

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Grand Kerala Shopping Festival 2011

Its now time for shopping. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) strats on December 1, 2011 and concludes by January 15, 2012. GKSF the signature shopping festival of Kerala managed by Government of Kerala, is on its fifth edition. GKSF is a unique shopping fiesta that redefines the very essence and enjoyment of shopping. Fresh enterprises, mind blowing offers and exciting prizes - both for shops and shoppers - make GKSF the biggest shopping extravaganza in the country and while visting Kerala the southernmost State in India, popularly known as 'Gods Own Country', never leave you empty handed once you traverse them. Guaranteed prize...

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Kumarakom

Kumarakom, 16 km away from Kottayam town, Central Kerala is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. Waterscapes,...

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Fort Kochi

To explore the historic town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot. Relax, breathe deep and come out in cotton dresses, soft shoes and yes - a straw hat. At each and every nook of this island steeped in history, there is something amusing awaiting you. It is a world of its own, retaining the specimens of a bygone era and still proud of those days. If you can smell the past, nothing can stop you from walking through these streets. Walking straight through the K. J. Herschel Road and turning left, you can have a glimpse of Fort Immanuel. This bastion once belonged to the Portuguese and is a symbol of the strategic...

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Bekal

Bekal, the top tourist destination of north Kerala, located at 16 km South of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, North Kerala. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). A beautiful walkway has been laid for the visiting tourists to explore the beauty of the fine coastline and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort. The beach gets illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists...

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Palaruvi Waterfall

Palaruvi Waterfall Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel here offer comfortable accommodation.The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through...

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Athirappalli and Vazhachal Watterfalls

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.The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture...

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Kerala Beach - Kappil Beach and Backwaters

Kappil Beach and Backwaters (53 km from the city and 8 km north of Varkala) A confluence of the sea, river and the backwater, this secluded, picturesque spot is worth visiting. The Priyadarshini Boat Club here offers boating facilities. source:keralatourism....

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Kerala Beach - Shankhumugham Beach

Shankhumugham Beach Just 7 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Shankhumugham beach is a favourite haunt for people coming to watch sunsets. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Veli Tourist Village.  An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions at the Shankhumugham beach. Getting there Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 7 km. Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram airport, a short drive away. source:keralatourism.o...

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Kerala Beach - Alappuzha

Alappuzha beach Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors. Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in...

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Kerala Backwater Cruise

Cruise through Kerala in a houseboat! Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If you haven't, make sure you do. This one is really a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Present day houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams were used to carry tons of rice and spices. A standard kettuvallam can hold up to 30 tons from Kuttanad to the Kochi port. The kettuvallam is held together with coir knots. Not even a single nail is used during the construction of the boat.. The boat is made of planks...

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Kerala Festivals

Festivals Festivals are true celebrations in God's Own Country; occasions when grandeur prevails over the characteristic simplicity of the Kerala lifestyle. Be it the state festival of Onam or the one at a local place of worship, new attire and sumptuous feasts are a must for the celebrations. Besides being occasions for merry-making, festivals of Kerala have traditionally been preservers of the art and culture of this land. Whether religious or social, traditional or modern, a festival here is never complete without an art event which would range from the 2000-year-old Kutiyattam to contemporary stage shows.&nb...

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kerala Food

Cuisine Cuisine in Kerala has roots in the history, geography and culture of the land. These can be classified under the two standard headings - vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While the non-vegetarian dishes are all heavily spiced, the vegetarian repertoire is mildly spiced and feels especially easier on the non-native tongue. For over 2000 years, Kerala has been visited by ocean-goers, including traders from Greece, Rome, the eastern Mediterranean, Arab countries, and Europe (see History of Kerala). Thus, Kerala cuisine is a blend of indigenous dishes and foreign dishes adapted to Kerala tastes. Coconuts grow in abundance in Kerala,...

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Ayurveda

Kerala, the land of Ayurveda Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June to July and October to November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Monsoon, the ideal time for rejuvenation Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils...

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Kerala Seasons

Bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year, Kerala is a tropical land with the coast running down its entire length and the Western Ghats forming a protective barrier against the dry winds from up north. The monsoons (June-September & October-November) and summer (February-May) are the seasons markedly experienced here, while winter is only a slight drop in temperature from the normal range of 28-320C. source:keralatourism....

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Kerala at a glance

Kerala, a State in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. There are three airports in the state which provide international and domestic connections. 14 districts Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapu...

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