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Tourist Attractions in Pathanamthitta

vcode — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:56:09 +0000

Pathanamthitta is a district in the state of Kerala that is famous for its natural beauty, fairs and festivals. A Tour to Pathanamthitta gives you the wonderful chance to view nature at its very best. Pathanamthitta.The vast stretches of forests, the meandering rivers and the rural topography combine to create an irresistible charm. Pathanamthitta is a small city which is a thickly forested region dotted with mountains and rivers and temples.

Places of Tourist interest in Pathanamthitta

Aranmula

The Parthasarathi Temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna, on the banks of the holy River Pamba, attractions large crowds of devotees. The famous Aranmula snake boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The ‘Vijinana 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 also has fine murals from the 18th century. Aranmula is also very famous for its hand made mirrors of polished metal called ‘ Aranmula Kannadi’, which is a unique craft and not found anywhere else in the world.

Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre)
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 (4kms). The hold shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India, from different castes, creed, especially from other parts of South India. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season, which is from Nov to mid Jan. The Temple remains closed during the rest of the year, except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during ‘Vishu’ in April. Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Men of all ages are allowed inside the temple but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age are permitted inside.

Perumthenaruvi
Perumthenaruvi is a famous waterfall on the banks of the River Pamba. Here, the water flows down a rocky bed into a ravine 60 to 100 feet deep. The place is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.

River Pamba
This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala, the famous pilgrim centre. It is also known as ‘Thriveni Sangamam’, the meeting point of three rivers.

Attractions in Idukki

vcode — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:36:27 +0000

Ilaveezha Poonchira

Located atop one of the four hills, Kudayathoor Mala, at a distance of 20 km from Thodupuzzha, Ilaveezha Poonchira literally translates into ‘pond of flowers atop a hill where no leaves fall’. This is a hamlet from where views of the surrounding area is bewitching. Idukki Attractions.Legends have it that Bhima put his crown as a barrier to prevent people from viewing Draupadi while she was bathing. The crown later turned into rocks thereby isolating the area from the rest of the nearby places. You can undertake a trekking expedition to reach to the top of the Kudayathoor Mala.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is close to the Idukki Arch Dam and covers a part of the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district. The total area covered by the park is 77 sq km out of which 33 sq km is occupied by the lake formed due to the construction of three artificial dams – Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Idukki. The animals that can be sighted here include Elephants, Deers, Bears, Wild Pigs, Tigers and Leopards. Also to be seen are snakes like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, Iguana and birds like Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers.

Waterfalls

Two waterfalls – Thomankuttu and Rainbow Waterfalls – are located at a distance of 20 and 25 km from Thodupuzha. The waterfalls are an ideal destinations for all those who love to picnic in a natural surroundings. The first mentioned waterfall is characterized by seven step and a number of surrounding caves. The second one is surrounded by lush green forests

Karikodu Bhagwathy

Located opposite the Annamalai Temple, this temple has goddess Bhagvathy as its presiding deity. The temple is 460 years old and is, unlike the Annamalai Temple, a rebuilt structure. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the temple between 5 to 11 am and then from 5 to 8 pm.

Ernakulam Tourist Places

vcode — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:48:37 +0000

Tourist Attractions in Ernakulam

The main tourist attractions in Ernakulam are Hill Palace Museum, Madhavan Nayar Foundation, Kaladi, Kodanad, Chendamangalam, Malayatoor, Bhoothathankettu and Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary.

Hill Palace Museum

The Hill Palace was the official residence of the royal family of Kochi and built in 1865. This palace is located on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route, about 10 km from Ernakulam. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture and surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding. A full-fledged Ethno-archaeological Museum and the Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum are the main attraction of the palace. The Hill Palace museum is the largest museum of archaeological remain in Kerala. Rare coins, manuscripts, sculptures of stone and Plaster of Paris, oil paintings, 19th century paintings, murals and inscriptions of the royal Kochi family can be seen in this museum.

Kodanad

Kodanad is situated in the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar, and one of the largest elephant training centres in south India. There is also a mini zoo for wild animals here.

Kaladi

Kaladi is the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century. The temples dedicated to Sri Shankaracharya, Sharada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramkrishna are also located here. A place called Crocodile Ghat is also situated here where Sri Shankaracharya took his vows of renunciation. According to the legend, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Shri Shankaracharya’s mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).

Bhoothathankettu

Bhoothathankettu is a picturesque place situated in a vast virgin forest. This mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district – the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project are also located nearby. Trekking to the old Bhoothathankettu provides excitement to adventure lovers.

Attractive Places in Kerala

vcode — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:45:02 +0000

Kerala has been termed by National Geographic as “one of the ten paradises” on planet Earth. Kerala tourism stands synonymous for its eco-tourism initiatives. It demography and its diversified cultural background stands up to a perfect combination of a tourist destinations. Kerala tours of India mostly include visit to Hindu temples depicting Hindu architecture, sunny beaches of South India, backwaters and some also include visit to Ayurvedic Spa and herbal treatment centers.

Kerala is a land of luster and beauty spread across its vast area. It is rightly names as “God’s Own Country” or “Venice of East”. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation takes care of aggressive marketing campaigns to lure tourists to its wonderful backwaters, sunny beaches and heritage monuments. Years of successful campaigning’s have led to Kerala becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations each year.

It is an attractive tourist place that makes tourist keeping coming back for more. One of the main tourist attractions is the Kerala Ayurvedic Spas and their treatments. People from distant lands come each year for ayurvedic treatments and massages that help them in healing or relaxation of their body. There are wide ranges of Ayurvedic treatment centers in the Kerala all across the state. They offer wide range of massages that help in rejuvenation and detoxification of the body with the help of herbal oils, different types of herbs and medicated oils. They also recommend healthy normal lifestyle with special diets, yoga and massages.

Kerala offers life in houseboats, which is quite similar to the gondolas in the Venice . Most travelers love staying in them, which is quite a unique experience for the first time travelers. Stay in Alleppey resorts They love to stay in the houseboats floating amidst cool, quite and serene.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/kerala-tourism-a-memorable-journey-1086069.html#ixzz0wjjmNdPv
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Kochi: Country’s first Marina opened

vcode — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:15:20 +0000

KOCHI: Opening up a new gateway for adventure tourists, Defence Minister A K Antony opened the Kochi International Marina here on Saturday.

The marina, the first of its kind in the country – and, in the public sector at that – is set up at Bolghatty Island by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Delivering the inaugural address, Antony said Kerala should provide the best infrastructure to retain its supremacy in the tourism sector.

“Good roads and effective waste management can play a key role in attracting tourists to the state. The Kochi Marina is a commendable step towards providing better amenities to adventure tourists,” Antony said. He said the situation prevailing in the national capital was favourable for Kerala. “Apart form ministers, there are many efficient people holding key posts in almost all ministries. The state should make use of this situation, and I assure everything possible to help the state,” Antony said. Antony said he kept away from the State Government functions not because of any political stand-off.

“I have been keeping away from all functions. At present, I attend functions which the protocol demands,” Antony said.

Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who presided over the function, said the KTDC had initiated a number of new projects, including resorts at Muzhappilangad and Bekal, and a Kerala House in Chennai. He said the KTDC had become a profit-making organisation.

A three-storey Marina House and berths for 34 yachts are the major features of the marina. The berthing facility will be enhanced to 50 later. The marina was constructed by Sharjah-based Gulf Marinas on a project prepared by the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO).

The marina will be managed by the private company, Ocean Blue, on a three-year contract. However, the Marina House will be under the direct control of the KTDC.

The marina was set up at a cost of Rs 8.21 crore with a central assistance of Rs 4 crore.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas, P Rajeev MP, MLAs V K Ibrahim Kunju, M K Purushothaman and Dominic Presentation, Kerala Tourism Secretary V Venu, Cochin Port Trust chairman N Ramachandran, Tourism Ministrym Principal Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan and KTDC MD K G Mohanlal were present.

Vacation holidays in Kerala

vcode — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:04:02 +0000

Kerala is one of the most popular tourism destination of India. Described as the God’s Own Country, is situated on the southwestern tip of India. It is globally famous for the sun kissed beaches, emerald backwaters, paddy fields, expansive plantations, boat races and exotic wildlife. Besides these, Kerala is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches. Spending a vacation Tour in Kerala will make you experience high degree of charm and delight.

A trip to the Kerala beaches will take you away from the mundane activities of life into the lap of nature. Sheltered coves, natural harbors, lagoons and coconut trees with the azure sea on the background. All of it as passive as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as perfect as ever. Travelers can bask under the sun on the beaches or take a short stroll on the beaches. Watching sunrise and sunset from the beaches is also a charming and memorable experience. You have brilliant opportunity to explore awesome tourism options in Kerala, God’s Own Country.

Kerala also offers unique chance to experience breathtakingly beautiful backwaters which consist of a complex network of brackish lagoons, lovely lakes and canals. This is the most predominant way to experience Kerala. Take a leisurely journey along Kerala backwater on luxurious Kerala houseboats. Have opportunity to reside at Kerala houseboat floating over beautiful backwaters. Travelers can also enjoy an array of water sports like parasailing, diving, swimming boating and so on.

Kerala has also wonderful variety of wild forests, national parks and Sanctuaries. These sanctuaries and national parks are crowded by elephants, tigers, leopards, jaguars, deer, monkeys, Malabar squirrels, lion-tailed, cats and many more which make them excellent wildlife vacation sites. Feel the excitement of seeing a majestic tiger prowling in a jungle, or elephants and rhinos trampling their way through the tall grass of a National Park in India. See amazing animals on wildlife safari tours in India. Spot wild creatures and explore nature tracts inhabited by rare birds on Kerala Wildlife Tours.

Kerala is also well-known for its Ayurveda centers and the treatments they offer to get you back on your feet. The science of Ayurveda is an ancient one, which is being revived again in the contemporary world due to its highly effective qualities. There are many resorts and health centers that provide services of Ayurveda in Kerala to locals as well as just about anyone who are interested in living, instead of merely surviving. So get ready to surround yourself to the relaxing world of glistening Kerala.

Kerala is also well-known for its performing arts, which is an exciting combination of music, dance, mythology and theater. Music is an essential part of the daily life in Kerala. The traditional folk songs are sung on the social occasions such as childbirth and marriages. There are also some devotional songs such as Maripattu and Ayyappanpattu, which are rendered along with playing of the string and wind instruments. The classical dances in Kerala are Mohiniattam and Kathakali. The traditional ritual arts in Kerala include Mudiyettu, Theyyam and Kummattikkali. All of these colors the culture of Kerala with rich and vibrant hues.