Back Waters of Kerala, the best tourism of India

 Backwaters - Lakes that are formed when the sea water collects closer to the beach by the to and fro motion of waves from the sea. These not only form lakes - whcih are fresh water lakes, but also form low barrier islands which are natural beauty. The manmade and natural backwaters help in and water flowing back into the land mass. Though these are formed by the motion of waves, these backwaters have either little or no current.  

Pic from Indian Holiday

In Kerala there are lots of backwater lakes and they are called as Kayals. The land in and around these Kayals are rich in flora and fauna. Backwaters in Kerala are a network of 1500km of canals that are both natural and manmade. There are 38 rivers and 5 big lakes in this network.  

The  backwaters of Kerala are either stretch of canals and lagoons and lakes that are located parallel to the coast of Arabian sea. These backwaters are the major tourist attractions of Kerala state and is one of the kind in the entire world. Cruising in these backwater is a wonderful experienceand they are safe even for the solo travellers. The house boats have crews to help the travellers.  Apart from the cruise, these backwaters also attract tourists for the annual Snake Boat race held between the months of June and September. Swimming is prohibited in most backwaters as they are not safe due to the incoming water into these.

Apart from the tourism support these back waters also form an economical means of transport and are helpful in local trades as they are easy to navigate than land. The industry that surrounds the back water are fishing and fish curing. Agriculture also thrive and survive around these backwaters. 

Different back water destinations in Kerala, India. 

Alleppey Backwaters.

Kozhikode Backwaters.

Kuttanad Backwaters.

Ashtamudi Backwaters.

Thrissur Backwaters.

Kavvayi Backwater.

Padanna Backwaters.

Sasthamkotta Backwaters.

Veegaland Amusement Park, Kochi

Article by Dr.  Apurva Tamhane

The Veegaland Park is a Theme park at Pallikkara and is only 14 kilometers away from the city of Kochi also known as Cochin. The Veegaland is a huge park and nearly 24 acres huge and also sports a 7 storey high Vintage Castle and the Caterpillar village which gives a serene atmosphere to the Park as like of the Fairy tales.

The atmosphere of the Veegaland Park is very beautiful and makes you forget your daily life and world. Experience the Musical fountains, flower gardens, water pools, water slides and the other attractions at Veegaland Amusement Park.

Facts of Veegaland Amusement Park at Pallikkara

It is located at Pallikkara in Kakanad, Kochi (Cochin).

The Pallikkara Amusement park is accessible by Bus services and Cabs and trains.

The best time to visit Veegaland park is not specific. One can visit the Veegaland Park all around the year.

The daily timings of the park are 10:30 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. The timings can change mainly because of the weather conditions or any of the other reasons.

The fees for entry into the park will be Indian Rupees of 500 for each adult. The fees for children are on concessional rates which may be subject to change because of the increasing costs of living and maintenance.

About Veegaland Amusement Park

Veegaland Amusement park is a beautiful park and is filled with Architecture of amazing quality and beauty and ethnicity of Kerala can be seen all over the park and the peace and calmness are the gifts for you from the park. The park is situated nearly 300 feet above the mean sea level and the park also shows the old traditional culture of the architecture of the villages. Enjoy yourself from the assortment of rides, water pools with the sparkle of blue purity. Watch the thrilling shows and the restaurants in the park to sway you off.

Do not feel lost in the 25 acres of land. Check up with the round the clock assistance at the park to make your feel at ease in Veegaland.

Inside the 7 storey castle, enjoy the 40 feet high and 1150 feet long roller coaster with a 35 feet fall in a revolving cave in a water splash boat and the 14,000 square feet of wave fool which produces huge waves from the 10 lakh liters of water.

Also check out the 500 seater theatre with modern musical fountains dancing to the rhythms of music from popular film songs. Enjoy Veegaland park with 400 people at a time.

Enjoy the other fun places and rides like the Balarama cave which is a computer controlled ride which goes through a dark and erring cave. Get a view of the witches and wizards and ghosts in the Balarama Caves which Balarama came across.

Next is the Wonder Splash ride in a long boat and check out the mysteries in the water. Next is the Vintage Tornado which is a 40 feet high magical castle through which your roller coaster swirls and sends you myriads like anything in the Park.

Enjoy Cine Magic like traveling in a old train in a dark spooky world and there is another world waiting for you over there. Check out the wave pool and the Wavy and vertical fall through the fast falling down gushing water.

In all the activity, enjoy the food at the Food Courts and the Bars at the Veegeland Amusement Park at the six courts like: -

1. Valley view Restaurant – Enjoy nature at the best while filing up your tummies.
2. The Vintage Kitchen Restaurant – Where mystery looms everywhere.
3. Vintage Chimney Restaurant – Enjoy the Chinese dishes served out inside the vintage castle.
4. The Spice Garden Restaurant – Around the Musical Fountain in the night, enjoy your food with candles with special biryanis and traditional Kerala Snacks.
5. The Wood House Restaurant – Enjoy the Ambiance of the wood craft and the tree house with the amalgamation of the South Indian food with North Indian delicacies.
6. The Waves Restaurant – Enjoy Biryanis again with yummy continental fod and fresh juices at the side of the wave pool and get the feel of the Sea Side.

Also check the official website of the Veegaland Amusement Park at www.wonderla.com

Thiruvananthapuram – The city of Lord Padmanabha

Article by Ms. Uma Sridharan

Thiruvananthapuram, a tradition dating back to 1000BC, means "City of Lord Anantha" (the serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines) in Sanskrit and Malayalam.  Thiruvananthapuram is the Largest City in Kerala. The city is the state capital.

This city is full of famous educational institutions  including the University of Kerala,  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Technopark, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER).

Places of interest in Thiruvananthapuram
Sri Anandhapadmanabha Swamy Temple: Located near East Fort, is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India. The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars.

Museum: Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. The museum displays priceless collections of royal family.

Napier Museum:  built in 19th century houses a collection of historic artifacts, bronze idols and ivory carvings.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery: in this art gallery, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, artworks of Rajput, Mughal, Tanjore and paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali

Shagumugam Beach: 8 kms away from the city. Famous for its sunset watch. This beach is near Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Veli Tourist village: This is the place where Veli Lake enters Arabian Sea. This is a picnic spot that offers boating facility.

Kovalam Beach: 16 kms from the city, this beach is internationally known holiday destination.

Ponmudi: 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, a hill resort with winding pathways, cool and green.  Located at 915 meters above sea level, this hill station is famous for trekking.

How to reach: Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has connections to Colombo, Maldives and the Middle East. Domestic flights  connect all over the country from here.
Rail: Direct trains from all the major cities to Thiruvananthapuram

Vallamkali - The Snake Boat Race of Kerala

Vallamkali - the Snake Boat Race is the most fascinating event of the 10 days Onam festival. To promote tourism in Kerala, during the 10 days of Onam festival such events are conducted. This particular event is becoming more and more popular every day. India's first prime minister - Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, was the main person behind the popularity of the race and he was the person, who initiated the trophy for the race too.

The Vallamkali boats are not ordinary boats. They are about 100ft long which can seat about 150 people. Out of the 150, 125 people are oars men and 25 people are singers.  The boats are made mainly of the tree of Anjili or teak or Kadama. The ends of the boats are made to resemble the cobra hoods which gave the name to these boats. The boats belong to individual villages and not to any individual person. The men folk of the village alone are allowed to touch the boat and can get into it with bare feet. The boat is regarded high and is worshipped as a deity.

The Vallamkalis are decorated with colourful umbrellas. The boats are repaired annually and a carpenter is allocated specially for doing so. The boats are lubricated regularly with a mixture of different items to keep the woods of the boat strong and to move swiftly in water. The boats are kept ready to swim any time.

Just before the race, a priest offers pujas to Lord Mahavishnu and Mahabali and the boats are launched in the water ready to race. The boat race is held in the rive Pamba at Aranmulla. About 30 boats participate in the event. The race is conducted for a stretch of 40 kms from the hills to the low lying plains. The boat race is conducted on the 5th day of the 10 days of Onam celebrations. All the oars men are dressed in dhotis and turbans singing the traditional Vanchipattu. The rythm of the song along with the splashing of oars in the water gives great enthusiasm to the oarsmen.

The oarsmen display great team spirit which tells all the viewers how important it is to be united and work in harmony to reach the goal. Mistake made by one single person out of the 125 people will overturn the boat. (Though for a long time only men participate in the boat race, now a days even women too participate with great enthusiasm).

All through the 10 days, a boat laden with food - Palliodam sails from Katoormana. The boat that wins the race gets the previlage to accompany the Palliodam. It is a great site to watch the well lit boats in the night which can be easily spotted even from a very long distance.
Every year Nehru Trophy is awarded to the winners of the race that is held in the Punnamada Backwaters. 

Pathimanal Islands , Kumarakom, Sands of Midnight

A small island located in the border of Kottayam-Alapuzha, Pathiramanal is named as "Sands of Night". The island is about 1.5km from the Muhamma boaty jet inside Vembanad Lake. The island is also known as Anatha Padmanabhan Thoppu and was a private island till the late seventies. It was then transferred to the Tourism Department. Though the island is uninhabited now, untill it was under private hands, worker families were residing in the land.

An eco friendly tourist centre, this island can be re3ached by Alappuzha by boat. Pathiramanal island is a bird watchers paradise. The 10 acre island is on the back waters and birds from different parts of the world migrate here. There are about 91 different local birds and 50 migratory birds.

Not just bird watchers but all those who visit this island need to carry camera to capture the different bird species and the scenic beauty of the island.

How to reach Pathiramanal Island:   The nearest airport is Cochin. Nearest Railway station is Alapuzha. One can reach from all the parts of Kerala by road enjoying the scenic beauty all along. One can reach Thanneermukkom or Kumarakom and then reach the island by boat.

Tourism Information Centres of Kerala

Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
1 Tourist Facilitation Centre, Department of Tourism, Park View + 91 471 2321132

2 Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station, Thampanoor  + 91 471 2334470

3 Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Central Bus Station, Thampanoor   + 91 471 2327224

4 Tourist Information Centre, Domestic Airport   + 91 471 2501085

5 Tourist Information Centre, International Airport  + 91 471 2502298

6 Tourist Facilitation Centre, Guest House Compound, Kovalam  + 91 471 2480085

7 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Vellayambalam 
+ 91 471 2315397
Fax:+ 91 471 2313606
Email : info@keralacapital.org

8 Tourist Amenity Centre , Varkala + 91 470 2602227

Kollam
1 DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand  + 91 474 2745625

2 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Guest House Complex, Asramam  + 91 474 2750170
Email : info@dtpckollam.com , contact@dtpckollam.com

3 Department of Tourism - District Office, Govt. Guest House  + 91 474 2743620

Pathanamthitta
1 Tourist Information Office + 91 468 2326409

2 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) + 91 468 2229952
Email : info@dtpcpathanamthitta.com

Alappuzha
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) + 91 477 2251796 / 2253308
Email: info@dtpcalappuzha.com

2 Tourist Information Office, Dept. of Tourism  + 91 477 2260722

Kottayam
1 District Information Officer  + 91 481 2562558

2 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)  + 91 481 2560479
Email : info@dtpckottayam.com

Idukki
1 District Tourist Information Office, Department of Tourism, Near SBT, Kumily, Thekkady + 91 4869 222620

2 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Pynav.po,Idukki + 91 4862 232248 (HO)
Munnar: + 91 4865 231516
Email : info@dtpcidukki.com

Ernakulam
1 Tourist Information Officer, Dept. of Tourism + 91 484 2360502

2 Govt. of India Tourist Office, Willingdon Island + 91 484 2668352 / 1913

3 Airport Information Counter, International Airport,Nedumbassery + 91 484 2611308
Domestic Terminal  + 91 484 2611309

4 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),
Old Collectorate Bldg., Park Avenue  + 91 484 2367334 / 2383988
Email : info@dtpcernakulam.com

Thrissur
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)  Palace Road  Chembukkavu  + 91 487 2320800
Email : info@dtpcthrissur.com

2 Guruvayur  + 91 487 2550400

Palakkad
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Near Children's Park, Palakkad  + 91 491 2538996
Fax: + 91 491 2530566
Email : info@dtpcpalakkad.com

Malappuram
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) + 91 483 2731504
Email : info@dtpcmalappuram.com

Kozhikode
1 Kozhikode Railway Station  + 91 495 2702606
2 Karipur Airport   + 91 495 2712762
3 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) + 91 495 2720012
Fax: + 91 495 2370582
Email : info@dtpckozhikode.com

Wayanad
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kalpetta  + 91 4936 202134
Email : info@dtpcwayanad.com

2 Pookot + 91 4936 255207
3 Tourist Information Centre, Collectorate   + 91 4936 204441

Kannur
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Near Civil Station, Kannur   + 91 497 2706336
Email : info@dtpckannur.com

2 DTPC, Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station  + 91 497 2703121

Kasaragod
1 District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Email : info@dtpckasaragod.com
Website : www.dtpckasaragod.com

2 Bekal Resorts Development Corporation, Project Office Thanal Vishrama Kendram  Bekal Fort + 91 4997 272007 / 273625
Email: brdc@stayam.net.in

Outside Kerala
Chennai
Tourist Information Office, Government of Kerala, TTDC Complex, Walajha Road, Chennai 600 002 + 91 44 25382639
Email: keralatourismchennai@yahoo.com

New Delhi
Travancore Palace
Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi – 110001 + 91 11 23382067
Email: keralatourism.del@bol.net.in

Goa
Kerala Tourism
Ground Floor
Kadamba Bus Station Building
Panaji, Goa + 91 832 2437797

Mumbai
Kerala Tourism
74 World Trade Centre
Cuffee Parade
Mumbai-400005 Tele - Fax :- + 91 22 22153393
Email: ticktmumbai@hotmail.com

Kolkata
Tourist Information Office
Kolkata
Kolkata Malayali Samajam
22 Chinmoy Chatterjee Sarani
Kolkata – 33  + 91 33 6536 7190

Wayanad - The land of Spicy Hills

Wayanad is in the north east of Kerala. Waya - Vayal - Paddy, Naad-Land is located in an altitude of 700 to 2100 kms from the sea level. It is also called as the land of spicy hills. Its a green paradise nestled among the Western Ghats. Wayanad is bordered by the Bandhipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu, thus giving the wild life a vast area of moving land.

Wayanad is one of the important tourist places of Kerala. The important locations that one can visit in Wayanad are:

Chembra Peak
Edakkal Cave
Kuruva Island
Lakkidi
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Pookot Lake
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Soochippara Waterfalls
Banasura sagar Dam

Kuruva Island - Eco Tourist Paradise, Kerala

Kuruva Island or Kuruva Dweep is a group of seven islands on the banks of river Kabini and is one of the famous place in Wayanad Kerala. Kuruva Island is a vast island of green forest and is a peace and calm locality away from the busy city life. Kuruva Island is the largest island in India which is the best place for forest tour. Kuruva Island is also famous for eco-tourism and the visitors to this island can go for a nature walk. It is located at a distance of 45kms from Kalpetta and the entry fee into this island is Rs. 10 per person.

The total 950 acres of land mass definitely relaxes and rejenuvates the tourist. The local population in this island is very minimal and they become the local guide to take the visitors through the entire land mass. Rare species of plants and animals are preserved in their natural inhabitation in this island. River Rafting in Kuruva Island:

Though picnicing is banned in this island, one can enjoy the river rafting sport in Kuruva Island. Special bamboo made boats are available for the tourists to raft through the river kabini and the tourist authority of Kuruva island have to be contacted for this activity. Rs. 300 per head is charged for 3 hours and about 10 people can go in one rafting boat. Forest Trekking in Kuruva Island:     Those who are interested in trekking especially in forests can opt for forest trekking which costs about Rs. 800 for 5 people and Rs. 100 is charged additional for every additional person. The forest department arranges for a guide who takes the group along and they charge Rs. 100 for the guides.

The forest department also rents tree top hut within the island for the tourists and a maximum of 3 people can stay in those for a cost of Rs. 750 per night.

Chowara Beach Kerala

A long wide beach with a powdery white sand, the Chowara Beach close to Kovalam Beach, Kerala, is a best place for nature lovers. It is a virgin beach. Gives a picturesque view of gorgeous greens and one can listen to the whispering breeze and the murmuring sea. Those who wish to take up a long holiday in the beach side of Kerala combined with Ayurveda and Yoga therapy can choose this beach.

Along the coast of the Chowara beach one can see a line of coconut tree which conceals a fishing village and a old church. The beach is very ideal for water sports and one can see foreign tourists taking sunbath all through the year.

One can also visit Vizhinjam harbour which is another tourist attraction. One can vist Aazhimala Shiva Temple too. The beach is 20kms from Trivandram town and is 9 kms away from Kovalam Beach.

                                           View of Chowara Beach Kerala.

Wayanad - Rain Forest Reserve

Home for two major wildlife reserves Mathunga and Tholpetty, this Wayanad Rain Forest Reserve is in the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. This reserve forest connects Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary ihe n Tamilnadu. These two wild life sanctuaries of Wayanad are best locations for wild life lovers.

Muthanga Sanctuary:
     A wild life sanctuary that is famous for its tigers, elephants and green deciduous forests is this Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad. Muthanga sanctuary is a part of Nilgiri biosphere region and is located in the north Kerala at a distance of 18 kms in the east of Sultan Bathery.

Tholpetty Sanctuary:
          A part of Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary this is connected with Mathunga and Nagarhole. The reserve is covered by mountain ranges on all the four sides. and they are rich in flora and fauna. The most exciting thing to do in this forest reserve is the night camping. It is a great thrilling experience to watch the animals drink water from the watch tower, situated just near the lake.

Munnar located in the high ranges of Western Ghats in the Idukki District of Kerala is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala. It is surrounded by Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala mountain streams. As the three rivers circle through this region, it got the name Moonu - 3 aar - river.

Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government of South India. Famous for its tea estates and hairpin bends, Munnar have become a holiday place and trekking locality. Almost all the tea plantations have been taken by Tata Tea Company. The Neelakurinji flower which blossoms once in every 12 years is another attraction of Munnar. The highest peak of South India Anamudi is located in Munnar and this place is ideal for camping for the trekkers.

Munnar can be regarded as the premium hill station of Kerala and can go there for picnic, holidaying, trekking. It have also become one of the best honey moon places too. It is easy to Munnar through the Kochi-Munnar route. The nearest airport is Nedumbassery Airport and the nearest railway station is Aluva Railway station.

Important places to visit in Munnar are:
Eravikulam National Park
Anamudi Peak
Thekkadi Bird Sanctuary.

Jaggu's Island Resort - Wayanad

A theme resort with architechtural and vintage style, this Jaggu's Island Resort in Wayanad is built with traditions and Vaastu in mind.

The main idea of this island is to promote plantation tourism and provide a pleasant and pleasurable home stay experience.

There are suite type rooms and wooden cottages available for staying and all are spacious and provides all the necessary needs for the guests. The rooms gives a fantastic view outside. 

Facilities:
Swimming
Trekking
Boat Riding
Sight seeing in Dam
Children's park
Indoor and outdoor games
Bon-fire
Botanical Gardens
Nursery,
Convention Hall
Dining Hall
Car Park

Food is provided for the drivers of guests too. 

Accomodation:

There are 3 types of cottages, single room and double room cottages and a typical house which is named as Nalukettu house (with four corners - as per Vaastu) with attached bathroom and sit outs.

Address and Contact Person:
Mr. Anoop Palakunnu
Varembetta P.O.,
Kappikalam, Kuttiyamvayal,
Padinjarathara,Wayanad
Kerala 

Ph: 04936-277120
Cell: +919447234644
Email: juggusisland@yahoo.com

Ambady Kannan Resorts - Guruvayur

Ambady Kannan Resorts is a family style budget hotel with stylish facilities. It is located at the western side of the Guruvayoor temple and is in 2 mins walk from the temple.

Facilities at Ambady Kannan Resort:
24 hours room service
Car parking
24 hours hot and cold water for both drinking and bathing
CCTV with multi channels in all rooms
Telephone in all rooms
Laundry service
EPABX and STD facility
NewsPaper
Online Reservation
24 hours generator backup

Accomodation at Ambady Kannan Resorts:
There are Deluxe Suite Rooms, Ac Double Rooms, and Non-AC rooms available for the customers.

AMBADY KANNAN RESORTS
West Nada, Guruvayur
Kerala, India- 680101
Mob: +91 9744311699, +91 9744211699
Email: ambadykannanresorts@gmail.com