DHARMADAM ISLAND

DHARMADAM ISLAND

               Dharmadam Island, located near Kannur, is an tiny island in the Arabian Sea. It is also called "Dharmadam Thuruth" or "Pacha Thuruth" meaning "Green Island". Clad with coconut palm and lush bushes, natural beauty of Dharmadam Island makes it as an important tourist attraction.

               

Access : 

              Thalassery, Kannur and Mahe are the nearest towns located at a distance of 4 km, 17 km, and 15 km respectively. The nearest bust stand and railway station are in Thalassery. Kozhikode Karipur International Airport is the nearest airport, about 100 km away.

              The Dharmadam mainland is located between Thalassery and Kannur. It is on national Highway 17 to the north of Thalassery. Short route busses passing Kannur or Thalassery stop at Dharmadam.

              You can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws from Thalassery or Kannur to Dharmadam. As the Island became a popular picnic spot and weekend gateway, the local passenger trains stops at Dharmadam. From the Dharmadam mainland, you can walk to the Island.  

              The Moidu bridge which connects Kannur and Thalassery is an important landmark en route to Dharmadam Island. You can a boat from the southern end of the bridge to reach the Island. Visiting the Dharmadam Island requires prior permission from the owners as it is a private-owned property. 

                   

Dharmadam Beach :

              The Dharmadam Island beach is surrounded by the Arabian sea on the north and Anjarakandy river on the south and east. The western side of Dharmadam Island is surrounded by the river and the sea. The island is a 2-hectare land and that is 100 m away from Dharmadam mainland. From the Dharmadam Island beach you can get the view of Thalassery town.
              The best time to visit Dharmadam beach is between october and may when the weather is fentastic. 

Dharmadam Island Carnival :

              The Dharmadam Island Carnival is held once a year, usually in December. With decorative light settings, food stalls and fun rides, it is great time for amusement. Famous artists enliven thy fest with orchestra and other shows.

GAVI

GAVI

                Spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is quite, beautiful and pristine forest haven. It is at the eastern extreme of Pathanamthitta district at 3400 ft above MSL. These evergreen forest are abundant with magnificent wildlife including tiger, elephants, leopards, bears,Indian gaur, sambar, barking & mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri marten and a lot more. For nature explorers Gavi offers the complete acquaintance with the flora around including Nageia Wallichinia, a highly endemic species of gymnosperm family seen only around Gavi in the whole Western Ghat's; the forest over Gavi are home to over 320 species of birds- the great Indian hornbills, sunbird, woodpeckers, kingfishers and myriads of mynas, dongos, cuckoos and bulbuls. The shear beauty of this place is indeed worth a closer look! hear is nature at its unadulterated best. Gavi often serves as a base camp for deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers research students and like that.      

               Gavi is a heaven for bird watchers. Active involvement of tribal's in Gavi makes it unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge about the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.

                highlight of Gavi Eco project is the involvement of local populace in its activities as guides, gardeners and cooks. This will provide livelihood for the locals and also will help to create awareness on conservation of nature. Gavi offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tends, and night safaris.

               The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blackened by tea plantation, which itself is a refreshing experience. En route to Gavi are places of interest like Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu, and Vandiperiyar from where the rood deviates to Gavi.

               

Climate : 

Summer   : February - April, day time temperature up to 28 degree Celsius, but can drop to 20 degree                          Celsius at night.

Monsoon : June - August, day time temperature up to 25 degree Celsius, but can drop to 10 degree Celsius                  at night.

Access : Airways : Kochi International Airport - 200 kms

                             Thiruvanandapuram International Airport - 250 kms 

              Railways: Kottym Railway Statin - 120 kms

              Road     : Rgular bus available from Kochi and Thiruvanandapuram.

                             

KOCHI

KOCHI

               Fort Kochi is a region in he city of Kochi in the state of Kerala. Walking through the old street of Kochi is the ideal way of discovering historic town brimming with tales of myriad seafaring visitors who came here to trade and then stayed on to cease their work on this wonderful land. ' Walking through Fort Cochin ' is a tour organised as apart of the conservation and development initiatives taken up by the Corporation of Kochi.

               The eventful history of the city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary of Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbor in the world. Kochi thus become a heaven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
      

                The Dutch Wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in Ad 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, The British took over, the town in 1795. During the 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial center and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade center, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building center, a center for Christianity and so on. Today centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.

               A few interesting sites included in the tour the Chinese fishing net along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, VOC gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from this architectural splendors, an array of  restaurants serving fresh sea food are also popular among the tourists.

               The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on a principle of balancing. Records say they were first set here between AD 1350 and AD 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square the narrow promenade the parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of sea.

               The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church build originally by Portuguese and elevated to cathedral bu Pope Paul IV in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure an Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed as Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.

               Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - The St. Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican Church from 1804 to  1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Another important fact about the Church is Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later. 

                

   

Access : About 13 km from Ernakulam Town through road and 20 min by boat. 

                                          

PAITHALMALA

PAITHALMALA

               Paithalmala (Vaithalmala) is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala. It is located near Pottenplave village, at an height of 1371.6 m above sea level, this is the highest geographic peak in Kannur. It is nested in Kerala - Karnataka border near to Kodagu forest, it lies in the Western Ghat's. It has become a favorite spot for the trekkers and photographers.


Trekking In Paithalmala :
               There are two trekking seasons in Paithalmala, falling in monsoon and summer. Monsoon (June to October) trekking to Paithalmala is a photographers delight as the mist blankets the hills and forests. One can include to the lush greenery amids, the showers throughout the day, especially in July. Particularly trekking is is not easy as in the summer because of the extreme climate.

                Monsoon is followed by the cool climate in Paithalmala and grass surrounding the hill grow to their fullest size, making it difficult to walk through. As they grow above seven feet, finding the regular way becomes a difficult task. By December the forest caretakers set fire to grass, taking care of the rest of the forest, to ease out the trekking experience, soon after this, the hill becomes unsuitable because of black sooth formed but clears away after a couple of weeks. The best time for trek is from January to March though the sun might be harsh.  

Access :  Airways : Mangalalore - 166 km
                              Calicut - 150 km

               Railway : Kannur Railway Station - 60 km
                              Payyanur Railway Station - 62 km

               Road     : from Kannur - 65 km
                              from Thaliparamba - 44 km 

                  

KOVALAM

KOVALAM

               Kovalam is a internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favorite haunt of tourist, especially Europeans, since the 1930's. A massive rocky promontory on the beach have created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

               The leisure options at the beach are plenty and diverse. Sun bathing, swimming, herbal body toning massage, special cultural programs  and catamaran cruising are some of them.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries well into the night. The beach complex include a string of budget cottages, ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zone, swimming pools, Yoga and ayurvedic massage centers.

A view of sea from LEELA hotel, Kovalam

               

Access : 

               Airway   : Thiruvanandapuram International Airport - 10 km

               Railway : Thiruvanantapuram Central Railway Station - 16 km

               Road     : Thiruvanathapuram city - 16 km

              

THENMALA

THENMALA

               Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. Thenmala: "Then + Mala" , ie in local parlance "Then" means "honey" and "mala" means hillhock, ie it means Honey Hills. It is about 160 m above sea leval and is  first planned Eco-tourism destination in India. Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourist with a host of attraction, boating on the lake, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain.

               Thenmala is a small village at foothills of Western Ghat's and predominantly a forest area. the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary is most important eco-tourism resource in Thenmala Eco tourism.The wildlife sanctuary is about 100 sq. km. and harbors large varieties of flora and fauna. The honey collected from Thenmala is of good quality and of high medicinal value because of the unique floristic composition of the forest.  

Culture Zone :
               These zone accommodates various activities, which favors Ecofriendly General Tourism. Restaurant, Shop court, Amphitheater etc helps the tourist understand the Kerala cuisines, Crafts,natural wealth, art, culture etc. An open air musical dancing fountain which is considered as "Natural dancing" is another major attraction here.

Nakshtravanam :
               A garden comprising of 27 trees associated with 27 birth stars. You will be blessed to see all the 27 trees planed in the garden.

Butterfly Safari :
               An abode of Butterflies in an open ambiance. A garden of host plants for butterfly has been created enabling the large number of butterfly species of the region to thrive. A guided walk along the nature trail of the garden will provide the visitors an opportunity to site the butterfly and to learn about butterfly.

Musical Dancing Fountain :
               The synchronized rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light located in the natural surroundings. Such a natural ambiance is very rare and hence provide unique and authentic experience.
                     

Access:
                Airway  : Thiruvanantapuram - 72 km

                Railway : Punalur - 22 km
                               Shenkottah - 29 km
                               Kollam - 66 km
                Road    : Kollam - 66 km (Kollam-Shencotta Road)
                     

MUNNAR

MUNNAR

             Munnar is known as Kashmir of south India and its situated in Kerala.Munnar is  It is olocated at an altiude of 1600 feet above sea level. It is one of the attraction that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travelers. snuggled in the lap of such a alluring terrain, Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Munnar derives its name from the Tamil word "munnu" meaning "three" and "aar" means "river" - spelled as Munnar in combining. The place is situated between confluence of three rivers namely Madurapuzha, Nallanthanni, and Kundala.

Location:
               Munnar is situated in the district of Idukki.

Access:  
               Air: Cochin - 110 km
                      Madurai - 140 km

               Train: Aluva - 110 km
                          Ernakulam - 130 km
                          Madurai - 135 km

               Road:Cochin- 130 km
                         Maduri- 135 km
                         Aluva- 110 km

                         Alleppey - 180 km     

                         Kumarakom - 140 km    
                         Thekkedy - 106 km
                         Pollachi - 120 km 
                         Coimbatore - 160 km 
                         Terunelveli - 255 km   
Climate:
               Munnar dwells  a mild and pleasing climate throughout the year even during the monsoon it partakes a tantalizing ambiance with mist layering over the lush greenscape. Sparkling ripples of the meandering streams down their course and sploshing waterfalls pouring its own range.Still if you inquire the best time to visit Munnar, it have  seasons of autumn when it is azure, winter when it is quixotic, spring when it is blossoming  and have he summer when it is cuddling.

walking through clouds

               The temperature in Munnar in October just after monsoon is mild and pleasing. It bears in the range of 15 degree to 20 degree where as it drops to 12 degree in the month of November. The temperature in December and January nestles at the range of 10 degree and 15 degree. Munnar weather during the spring hops up to be breaching when the temperature roves at around 17 degree to 22 degree.  
               The weather in Munnar from April to June cuddles to be cordial. The temperature in April in Munnar braces at a maximum of 25 degree and in May it slightly rises to a maximum of 35 degree and minimum being at 22 degree.
               During the monsoon, Munnar receives moderate to heavy rainfall, and the temperature drops to a minimum of 20 degree and bears at a maximum of 25 degree. 
         

SILENT VALLEY

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

          The core of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, the silent valley national park is probably one of the magnificent gift of nature to mankind, a unique preserve of tropical rain forest in all its pristine glory with almost unbroken ecological history. Silent valley is closed on all sides with high and continuous ridges and steep escarpments, as a result the valley is shielded from extremes of climate as well as anthropogenic interventions so it remained an ecological island with a special micro climate. The river Kunthi descents from the Nilgiri Hills above an altitude of 2000 m and travels an entire length of the valley rushing down to the planes through a deep gorge.
      

OVERVIEW

Extend    : Core area of 89.52 KMsq and buffer zone of 148 KMsq.

Location : Silent Valley falls within the revenue district of Palakkad Malappuram.

Access    : Air     :  Kozhikode-140km, Coimbatore- 100km.

                  Rail   : Palakkad- 58km, Coimbatore- 90km.

                  Road : Coimbatore- Anakkatti- Mukkali- 90km

                              Coimbatore- Palakkad- 120km 

                              Mannatkad- Mukkali- 120km

Climate:
               The climate is tropical with summer rains constituting the bulk of precipitation. Average minimum temperature varies from 23 degree to 29 degree. The hottest months are April and may when the mean temperature is 23 degree and coolest moths are January and February when the mean temperature is 18 degree. Annual average rainfall is 2717 to 4543 mm.

Topography:
              The terrain is generally undulating with steep escarpments and many hillocks. The elevation ranges 900 M to 2,300 M above MSL with the highest peak at 2,383 M (Anginda Peak)  

Vegetation:
               The Silent Valley is virtually a botanist's treasure-trove. The flora of the valley include about 1000 species of flowering plants, 107 species of Orchids, 100 ferns of fern allies, 200 liverworts, 75 lichens and about 200 algae. Of these plants good majority is endemic to the Western Ghat's. Silent Valley Reserve Forest can be classified under four forest types via., 1. West-Coast tropical evergreen forest (600 - 1100 m ), 2. Southern subtropical broad leveled hill forest (1300 - 1800 m), 3. Southern montane wet temperature forest (above 1900 m) and 4. Grassland.    
          
Wildlife:
               National park is rich in faunal diversity and harbours 34 species of mammals, 293 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 13 species of fish's, 500 species of butterflies and moths, besides a multitude of lower forms of animals life most of which are yet to be documented. The valley has a fair representation of all peninsular mammals. They are Lion-Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Tiger, Leopard (Panther), Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Common Palm Civet, Brown Palm Civet,Ruddy Mongoose, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Otter, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Pangolin (Scaly Anteater), Porcupine, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Gaur and Elephant.

Best time to visit : December- April

                                                                                     







                                                                                                                       

KERALA

DREAM LAND 

KERALA

          Kerala, located in South India in an extra ordinary landscape with almost all elements of nature is 100% literate state in India is also famous for Tour and Tourism. Nested between pristine waters of Arabian Sea on the west and lush Western Ghat mountains on the east, its intense network of  rivers, lakes and lagoons, back waters, exotic wild life species. Kerala has many exotic beaches among them one is a drive in beach and the has a cost line of around 590 km. The major beaches are at Kovalam, Varkala. Fort Kochi, Cherai, Kappad, Muzhappilangad (drive in beach) and Bekal. 

Night view of House Boat at Alappuzha

Geography:

          Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct region: the eastern highlands; rugged and cool mountainous mountainous terrain, the central mid-lands; rolling hills and the western low lands; coastal planes. The state is located at the extreme southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. With around 120-140 rainy days per year Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of then southwest southern monsoon and northwest winter monsoon.

Culture:  

          Kerala's culture and traditions coupled with its varied demographics have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destination in India. National Geographic's traveler magazine names Kerala as one of the ten "Ten Paradise of the World" and "50 Must see destinations of the a lifetime". Travel and Leisure names Kerala as "One of 100 great trips of 21st century".Kerala's beaches. backwaters, mountain ranges and Wild life sanctuaries are the major attractions for both domestic and international tourists. The popular hill stations are at Munnar, Waynad, Wagamon, Peermade, Nelliampathi and Ponmudi. Kerala's Eco-Tourism destination includes 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Bird Sanctuary, Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Earvikulam National Park are the most popular among them. 

     Performing Arts:

          Kerala is home to number of performing arts. These includes five classical dance forms : Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, koodiyattom, Thullal and Krishnanattam, originated and developed in temple theaters during the classical period under the patronage of royal houses.Kerala natanam, Kaliyattam, Theyyam, Koothu and Padayani are other dance forms associated with the temple culture of the region. Some traditional dance forms such as Margamkali, Parichamuttu and Chavittu nadakom are popular among Christians, while Oppana ane Duffmuttu are popular among the Muslims of the state.   

Kathakali

     Martial Arts:
          Kalaripayattu the oldest martial art form was originated in Kerala. I is believed to be one of the oldest Asian martial arts, and many in fact be the basis of many martial arts. Records of people practicing kalaripayattu date back at least 1000 BCE. The term "kalaripayyatu" transilates as "Practice in the art of Battlefield".
         There are different styles of these martial art, with some focusing on grace and beauty of the movement, while others concentrate on creating powerful, efficient movements which are designed to quickly incapacitate the enemy. People who practice kalaripayattu learn a number of physical techniques including steps, grappling, rolls, and blocks, and they also work with weapons such as staffs. The blend of physical techniques and weapon ensure that practitioners can perform well in variety of settings, using their bodies along with any tool which is available.
          The martial arts also includes the healing component. These in fact common to many martial arts, with student learning how to take care of their bodies in addition to developing physical skills. The medicines of kalaripayattu has a basis of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical practice, and practitioners are said to be especially skilled at bone setting. Massage is also an important component, reflecting the role of massage plays in Ayurveda.\

    
     Ayurveda:
         Ayurveda is simple, practical science of life, the principles and practice which evolved through many centuries. Ayurvedic science is based on eternal wisdom of people who accrued the knowledge from experience and meditation. Ayurvedic system is applicable universally to all those seeking harmony and peace. The classical Ayurvedic text discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology and subjects like philosophy and theology.
         Kerala has number of Ayurveda treatment centers which offer various packages, from treatment like uzhichil, and pizhichil  to curing illnesses like arthritis to beauty massages to skin and hair; there is no place better than Kerala to seek the benefits of Ayurveda. Kerala has number of Natural herbs such as Aswagandha, Amalki, Katphal, Bhrami, Bharagi, Yashtimadhu,Shankupushpam to name a few. Turmeric, Cinnamom, Keezharnelli (Phylantus Amarus), Kilukillapa (Crotalaria Retusa linn), Koduvelli (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn) and many more herbs with medicinal values are found in Kerala.
          The rainy season, from June to September is ideal for Ayurvedic treatment because the atmosphere is cool moist and dust free.  

                    

     Cuisine:

          Kerala cuisine has a multitude of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Culinary spices have been cultivated in Kerala for millennia and they are characteristics of its cuisine. Rice is dominant staple that is eaten at all times of day. Breakfast dishes are frequently based on rice preparation idili, puttu, idiappam, or pulse-based vada or tapioca. These may be accompanied by chutney, kadala, payasam, payar pappadam, appam, chicken curry beef curry, egg masala and fish curry. Lunch dishes includes Rice and currry with rasam, pulisherry and sambar. Sadhya is a vegetarian meal, often served on a banana leaf and followed with a cup of payasam. Popular snacks include banana chips, yam chips, tapioca chips, unniyappam and kuzhalappam. Sea-food specialties include karimeen, prawn, shrimp and other crustacean dishes. Kerala is one of the only place in India where there is no communal distinction between the different food types. People of all religion share the same vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.    

 

Infrastructure:
               Kerala occupies the number two position in Investment Climax Index and is on a march to be the number one.
               Besides acclaimed for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural fabric, Kerala these days is also getting noted for its range of top-class infrastructure; some of which are nonparallel.
              With well trained Human resource pool to meet the demand for global business deal; Kerala hogs the limelight among the states of India.