Thursday, 1 December 2016

Atypical Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala



Kerala is a land of abundance in terms of natural resources, flora and fauna. It’s truly God’s Own Country. Bound by the Western Ghats on one side, it’s been graced with the south western monsoon during the months of June to September. Kerala is a land of coconuts which is found in every nook and corner and the vast coastline along the Western Ghats form a base of Kerala’s rich culture, life style and tradition. A home to 6 national parks and 14 wild life sanctuaries, Kerala has a rich biodiversity of various fauna. A few of them include Asian elephant, leopard, lion tailed macaque, Indian porcupine and gray wolf. Exotic species of birds are also seen here. The best months in the year to visit Kerala would be from August to March. But if you don’t want to miss the beautiful monsoons, plan a little early as it rains from June to August in Kerala. Kerala also has a rich heritage of religious traditions and places of worship. Kerala is a place where people belonging to different religions live in harmony and celebrate the festivities together.



Kerala is also famous for Ayurveda a traditional Hindu system of medicine incorporated in the Atharva Veda which involves the balance of bodily systems, diet, herbal treatment and meditation. A Westernized version of Ayurveda is available in the form of spas and will help to rejuvenate your inner core. But if you want to experience the best of natural Ayurveda during your famous and Best Kerala honeymoon packages, you need to consult reputed Ayurvedic doctors first and schedule your stay here according to their suggestions.




The cuisine of Kerala is a must have one at least once in your lifetime. From the famous Karimeen (pearl spot) curry, to the Malabar Biryani, Kozhikode district in Kerala is a food destination. A few sort after dishes are tapioca and fish curry, prawn roast and breakfast varieties like appams (made from fermented rice batter) and puttu (steamed rice powder) is very famous. Rice being the staple diet of a typical Malayalee,  another unique feature in Kerala is bananas available in all sizes and colors like green yellow and red which are made into chips , this is a much sorted after dish. Trying out a traditional Onam sadya will definitely tingle your taste buds. The traditional attire of the people in Kerala is white loin cloth used to drape the upper and lower parts of the body. Buying this traditional attire is one great option to take a part of Kerala back with you when you return. Aranmula valkannadi is a traditional handmade metal alloy mirror which is unique to Kerala alone.

Planning for a honeymoon in Kerala, the foremost thought coming to your mind will be the lush greenery offered by this beautiful state. Beaches and backwaters, tea estates and spice gardens, boat houses and waterfalls and there is plenty more to explore. Customarily, the top two destinations would be Munnar and Alappuzha. But today, I am going to share with you some insights on unconventional destinations which honeymooners must definitely try.




Vazhachal Falls is situated in Athirappally Panchayath of Thrissur district. Just about 5kms from Athirapilly waterfalls, the drive from Athirapilly to Vazhachal itself is very breathtaking. During the months of Jan-Feb when all the leaves wither away from the trees, gives the forest of Sholayar ranges a husky brown feel which is just awesome. The falls have a spectacular view watching the water dancing over the rocks. And the humming sound of water reassures you of its constant flow.




Wayanad is a greenery paradise which offers many places for sight-seeing. Housing two of the best wild life sanctuaries in India, the Muthanga and the Tholpetty wild life sanctuary, it has been declared to be UNESCO’s world heritage site. The lush greenery and the cool climate will help you to relax in the tranquility of the serene location.



Fort Kochi is one place which will take you back in time, to the age when Portuguese first came to India, and how the Chinese shared their fishing technique with us and to the British rule. A walk through this time frame will help you to imbibe the true essence of Indian diversity. This area is covered with foreign tourists and hence will not be a major nuisance to honeymooners. Mattanchery is close to Fort Kochi and is a tourist destination too. The IT hub of Kerala being Kochi, is located 20-25 kms from Fort Kochi, and is a shopping paradise, with major Gold showrooms and Malls sprung up in every corner.




Gavi located in the Pathanamthitta district is a beckoning to nature lovers. An Eco- tourism project under Kerala forest Development Corporation offers packages with local populace like availability of guides and homemade food. This place offers many tourism packages including trekking, night safari, canoeing on the placid lake etcetera, are a few of them.




Poovar floating cottages offers a spectacular view of the sea ahead. Rave reviews about this location will help you to plan your fascinating and Best honeymoon packages in Kerala in Poovar. The unique experience offered by these cottages will leave back memories for a life time.



Thekkady located in Idukki district is covered with ever green and semi ever green deciduous forests and houses the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. There are a lot of picnicking spots with picturesque flora and fauna which will leave you mesmerized.




Kovalam beaches are simply irresistible. This destination got a place on the world map for the hippies that flowed in during the early 1970’s. There are many locations within Kovalam that are ideal tourist centers.




Nelliampathy is yet another destination midst the lush greenery located in Palakkad district. Famous for its orange cultivation, also accommodates bio-farms of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. Glimpse of wild life can also be seen here.




Kannur is one place blessed with abundant natural beauty, beaches, hill stations and religious centers. It’s one place where everything is available within it. Famous for its handlooms, it has received international acclaim.




Kumarakom located in Kottayam district is famous for its backwater tourism on the Vembanad Lake. Boat houses offering different packages like yachting, fishing and panoramic view of the lake is available here.


Monday, 26 September 2016

11 Best Places to Visit in Kochi

Kochi is considered as the glamorous city in Kerala. It is the largest IT hub and much awaiting global village. It is also known as Cochin and is one of the most favourite tourist destinations. The city is growing with top modern facilities and at the same time you can experience some natural wonders there. From the sky larking human hard works to the emerald backwaters, you can experience much exotic features here. Here are top 18 destinations in Kochi that you can try out for your Kerala trip without hesitation.

1.      Backwaters of Kochi


You can see many backwaters in Kochi and inter linking is done by means of various methods. Backwater cruise will be a cool experience for all. Houseboat cruises are available along with the Keralahoneymoon packages. This houseboat will be including almost all facilities and hence the journey will be cool. The trip through the Mattanchery and Fort Kochi region will take you to another area of varied culture. Fishing is possible there and try it out. Several packages are available and use the best method.

2.      Willington Island



It is a manmade island which was built in the year of 1933 by Robert Bristow. The Cochin Airport and Harbour port was functioning in this region and later it was moved. Now the Southern Naval Command functions here. The old airport is now functioning as the naval aviation wing. The walk way sand the jetties are very beautiful in this island. You can have a good evening walk there. Try out the best Kerala honeymoon packages to make the trip worth enough.

3.      Marine Drive


It is one of the famous hanging out destination in Kochi for the natives. It is a scenic pathway which is built in face to the Vembanad Kayal. You can see it in many films. Recently built bridges are there and you can take good photographs from there. The bridges have got the name as Rainbow Bridge and Chinese fishing net bridge. During the evening time there will be huge rush. The sunset time in Marine Drive will amaze you for sure.

4.      Jew Synagogue and Jew Town


It was built in the year of 1568 and is considered as the only active Synagogue in Kerala. The interiors are amazing and are built according to their architecture. Many lanterns are there and the lamps having different colours will amaze you. It is located in the old part of Mattanchery called as Jew town. Jews from various nations visit Kochi to know the life style of their ancestors. The best Kerala honeymoon tour packages will help you with every possible step to get the best Kerala trip.   


5.      Cherai Beach


It is about 25 kms away from Kochi and is located in the Vypin Island. It is very famous among the tourists and the best time visit the beach is in the evening. A honeymoon without exploring a beach will be vain, and almost all Kerala honeymoon tour packages will include this destination. Enjoy with your better half the most romantic land in Kerala. Make a walk with your love and make the evening a wonderful experience.


6.      Kodanad Elephant Training Center


Kodanad is noted for its elephant training center which was established in the year 1950. It was made to give the training for the elephants, but when it becomes illegal, this spot was changed to the rehabilitation center for the elephants. You can visit the place and have much time with the elephants. Use Kerala trip packages to get the oppurtunity to watch the baby elephants lively.


7.      The Dutch Palace



It is also known as the Mattanchery palace and is near the Jew Town. It was built in the year of 1555 AD by the Portuguese and later it was gifted to Kerala Varma. Now you take a chance to get into and have some worth time. Take your kids along with you to teach them what the Kerala history is. What they see lively won’t be changed from their mind easily.

8.      Fort Kochi



Fort Kochi is noted for its Chinese fishing nets and it one of the most popular tourist destination in Kerala. The beach is also very beautiful. Along with that the buildings have got wonderful look and the architectural style will amaze you. You can see many foreigners there and they all will be residing here and there. Make your Kerala trip awesome experience with the remnants of old Kerala.

 9.      Hill Palace Museum


It is the first heritage museum in Kerala. It has got a large collection of archaeological remnants and you need to spend a whole day inside it to know more about the ancient history of Kerala. It was built in the year of 1865 near Thripunithara. It is built on the top of a hill and hence it got that name. Many steps are there to reach the palace. Try the Kerala trip packages from the reputed tour operators and have extra fun and safety.


10.  Santa Cruz Cathedral Basalica


It is one of the most famous cathedrals in Kerala. It has got magnificent style and beauty. It is one of the important tourist destinations in Kerala. One of the most noted features about the church is that it has got two long spires that will welcome the visitors. The interior of the church is so beautiful and the paintings are just stunning. Take the best pictures and keep it in your records. Start your Kerala honeymoon packages from the pilgrim site and make the journey worth enough.


11.  Bolgatty Palace 

This palace was built by the Dutch in the year of 1744 and it is only biggest Dutch palace that exists apart from Holland. Now it is converted into a Heritage museum. You need to book for prior to get a room in this luxury hotel. The interiors are well decorated and look exactly like a palace.  

                         


Thursday, 4 August 2016

Thodupuzha - A Refreshing Retreat



Thodupuzha is a beautiful town located in Idukki district. It has most of the facilities of the urban area and at the same time the beautiful vegetation of the villages of Kerala. That’s what makes Thodupuzha a unique destination for the Best Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages. Once you leave the town area, you will find the place very picturesque and evergreen. There are plantations, tea estates, organic farms and other estates in the area which make the place extremely green and beautiful. The rolling hills and the water streams that pass through the estates make them amazing places to spend some time anytime of the day. Even though Thodupuzha is not considered a tourist destination, all the tourists pass by this place on their way to Munnar, Idukki, and Thekkadi from Kochi. There are some tranquil homestays in the area where you can spend a quiet weekend amidst the beautiful nature and greenery. There are definitely some great places to visit too in the vicinity that qualifies Thodupuzha to be a much-desired tourist destination. Visit this place during the monsoons to explore it in the most beautiful times. 

Thommankuthu Waterfalls
This 7-step waterfall has always been a popular picnic spot for tourists on Kerala Honeymoon Packages in Kochi and Munnar. The cascading waterfalls are a must-visit when you are in Thodupuzha as it is located near the place, around 25 kms from the town. At every step of the waterfall, a pool of cool water is formed which allures the tourists to take a dip during the peak summer seasons. During the monsoons, the waterfalls are very strong and hence can be quite dangerous to approach. Off monsoons, the place is a wonderful destination for tourists on family tours as well as on honeymoon trips.


Moolamattom Power House
The Moolamattom power house is a part of the Idukki Hydro-Electric power project. This is the longest underground powerhouse in India and has the largest pressure shaft in the country. Tourists need special permission to visit this powerhouse because of security reasons. The water from this powerhouse is redirected for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha valley. The place will be worth visiting during your stay in Thodupuzha if you get permission.


Ilaveezhapoonjira
Though located in the Kottayam district, Ilaveezhapoonjira is just 20 kms from Thodupuzha which makes it a great one-day picnic spot for tourists on the Best Kerala Honeymoon Packages in Thodupuzha. The valley is beautiful and green even though it does not even have a single tree from which a leaf will fall. True to its name, it is a valley where no leaves fall! It is a great spot for trekking as the place is located at the foot of some amazing mountains of the Western Ghats. From on top of these mountains, one can see Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Allepey, Pathanamthitta and even Trissur districts. It is an amazing sight to get a bird’s eye view of 6 districts of the state from one point!


Malankara Dam
Malankara dam is located hardly 5 kms from Thodupuzha. It is a beautiful place to visit during your holidays. The artificial lake formed by the dam is perfect for fishing and boating. The dam, the lake, and the surroundings are a great way to enjoy a soulful day amidst the refreshing greenery far away from pollutions. The local authorities are planning to set up a garden in the area to attract more tourists to this place. 

Chalachitra Nagari
Of late, many popular movies are being shot in Thodupuzha because of the rare blend of nature and modern facilities. The tea estates and the plantations on the hills and valleys make the area look very beautiful and picturesque. If Munnar is crowded during the seasons, you can book your Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages in Thodupuzha’s plantations to enjoy similar sceneries and climate. Popular movies such as Drishyam, Memories, Om Shanthi Osana, Evidam Swargamanu, and Elsamma Enna Aankutty were shot majorly in Thodupuzha. This has made the place literally the Filmistan of Kerala where naturally beautiful locations are available at every corner. The hills, valleys, plantations, winding roads, streams, waterfalls, rivers and every landscape here looks totally different from one another and hence, the single place can be a convincing location for different characters and scenes in the movie.


Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the essence of nature. In Kerala, you will find many reputed Ayurvedic clinics that offer classic treatments for wellness, beauty, and many other body ailments. Ayurveda adopts nature and natural elements for the treatment of lifestyle diseases and age-related diseases. The treatments include internal medicines made of herbs, external application of herbs and medicated oils, massage with medicated oil, and a special diet. Many tourists love these amazing natural cures and are coming towards these destinations. Most of the herbs are cultivate in the vicinity.

Other interesting places nearby
Elappally Waterfalls that’s on your way to Vagamon from Thodupuzha is a great picnic spot, especially among the honeymoon tourists. Tourists can also visit Vagamon which is a couple of hours’ drive from Thodupuzha town. The Thumpichi Calvery Samuchayam is a popular Christian Pilgrimage center. Uravappara is a temple located on top of a hill is a popular pilgrimage as well as a scenic location for family holidays and honeymoons. On every nook and corner, you will find a beautiful organic garden or estate that is also a preferred shooting location as well as tourist destination.


Even though Thodupuzha hardly offers the extravagant modern facilities and amenities of cities like Kochi, it offers a tranquil destination where the tourists can unwind from the chaotic city life. Nature’s beautiful retreats at Thodupuzha are the perfect way to experience the true blessings of God’s Own Country. Indeed, this is one of those places in Kerala that truly matches the name God’s Own Country. Thodupuzha is a much resourceful and one of the most beautiful places in Kerala you can experience visiting during your Kerala holiday packages.

Friday, 29 July 2016

Memories of My Beautiful Honeymoon in Kerala




Memories of My Beautiful Honeymoon in Kerala


 It’s been 5 years now, but I can still smell the fresh air of Thekkady, the tea leaves of Munnar and the Sandalwoods of Wayanad! We went to many places for the honeymoon, but I will always cherish my Best Kerala HoneymoonPackages more than anything else. We reached Kerala a month after our wedding which made sure we were here during the Onam time. We had heard so much about Onam and its colourful rituals the entire state used to celebrate with from my friends who were from Kerala. In fact, one of them had gifted us a Kerala style sari and dhoti with a beautiful Mural painting of Kathakali as our wedding gift. We had packed it to wear it during our honeymoon in Kerala. We had not planned much as we hardly had a week’s time and wanted to visit Munnar, Thekkadi, and Wayanad which we had heard so much about from our cousins and friends. Since one of our friends worked in the travel industry, she had helped us with the tour arrangements and all we had to do was to land at Kochi airport and the rest would be taken care of. The entire tour was so meticulously planned that we felt like a prince and a princess who were on the honeymoon. Thanks to our dear friend Shreya, she made our days all the more beautiful. It was definitely about romance, but we fell in love with the lush landscapes from the moment we saw the land we were yet to step foot on from the flight. It was green everywhere! There were rivers flowing lustrously cutting across the greenery. 


The climate when we landed was pretty cool. It was almost evening when we landed and just as we were walking out of the lounge we were greeted by the tour manager’s staff who had arranged a great vehicle and a pleasant driver in his 40s to help us around the tour. We were booked in a beautiful resort a little away from the city which looked extremely beautiful. In fact, we were really tempted to stay back there through our Best Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages enjoying the tranquil backwaters and the beautiful backdrop. By the time we reached the resort, the sun had just set even though the ambiance was still beautiful with a deep hue of orange and a great climate. We enjoyed the dinner there and the next day early morning we were picked up after the breakfast to Munnar by car. The route was extremely beautiful with forests, waterfalls and the uphill drive that gives a panoramic view of the valleys below. We stopped by a couple of places to take pictures. We were already overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscapes when the driver told us that Munnar was even more beautiful. With just 6 days in our hands, we were wondering if that’ll be enough to enjoy this God’s Own Country which indeed looked heavenly. We reached Munnar in another few hours and our resort was on top of a stunningly beautiful tea estate. We could never have imagined such a place on earth! Not yet, that is!!! The next 2 days were totally magical. We enjoyed the tour of the estate, visited a coffee plantation and a tea museum. We visited a couple of viewpoints and waterfalls which looked heavenly. The mist covered mountains were too exotic and we woke up every day to savour the mist and the fresh air as long as we could in this beautiful hill station. We felt bad to move out of Munnar to our next destination till our driver told us that the best part of Kerala Honeymoon Packages was yet to come. 


 We reached Thekkady within a couple of hours and this was another extreme of Kerala now. If we relished the mountain tops in Munnar, it was the dense rain forests that stole our heart in Thekkady. And the food here was really exotic to express the least. We went on a jungle safari here and also visited a spice plantation. We bought some amazing flavours to gift our friends and relatives back home as the assorted spices were beautifully packed in attractive boxes at Thekkady. We enjoyed the boat safari as well as the elephant safari at Thekkady during our Kerala Honeymoon Packages. Though it was very beautiful, we finished Thekkady’s tour in a day and a half and were soon on our way to Wayanad. This one was a little longer journey. It took us more than 6 hours to reach Wayanad and we reached just before dinner. We were disappointed that we could not enjoy the scenes during our uphill journey. But the driver was nice and he promised that he will make sure we enjoy those scenes on our downhill journey. 

 
Early morning at Wayanad was a beautiful sight. The birds woke us up with their chatter and the typical Kerala breakfast with Puttu and Black Chana in coconut gravy was quite filling. We had a busy day ahead and the breakfast kept us strong till we finished our cave exploration and visit to the Meenmutty waterfalls. We spent another day exploring the sandalwood forest near Marayoor and also bought some jaggery from there as the driver told that it was very special and medicinal. Those 2 days of our enchanting Kerala Honeymoon TourPackages at Wayanad were serene in the tree house. We made friends with a couple of sweet birds and a few squirrels who visited us in the morning for their bread breakfast! As promised, our driver took us through the downhill journey early in the morning after the breakfast when the crowd was less and also stopped at the viewpoints from where we took enough pictures of the panoramic valley. He dropped us back at the airport on time for our return flight and wished us a happy married life. We had never had a better experience so far in our lives. Serene Ambiance, beautiful landscapes, fresh air and inspirational people – that’s Kerala for us, truly a paradise on the earth!