Kerala Tourism Informations

Thenmala

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Thenmala is the meeting point of kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists centre is situated at Thenmala.

Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur town, Kollam district in Kerala. Thenmala is the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.

Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain. Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. The waterfall called Palaruvi is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals. Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Sengottai in Tirunelveli district (Tamil Nadu). Themala is 72 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi Falls.

Nedumpara

Nedumpara is a scenic place located 7 Km from Thenmala. Harrisons Malayalam Limited has a rubber estate in this place named as Isfield Estate. One of the highest peak of the village is located in Nedumpara, which is locally known as Nedumpara Motta. Village first school TC Nariyarath Memorial Higher Secondary School (TCNMHSS) located in the valley of 27th Hills. Nedumpara is home for Multiple sports clubs Like Players Cricket Team and NSAC Football Academy.Incredible Nedumpara is the official Facebook page which holds local updates from the place in social media. Ambanad hills is just 8kms from Nedumpara.

Main Tourist Attractions

Thenmala Eco Tourism Centre:

Thenmala Eco Tourism is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats.

Thenmala Reservoir

Deer Rehabilitation Centre:

This deer park of Thenmala is a distant part of Thenmala eco tourism and is built within the Kallada river side forest. Apart from various varieties of deers what you can see interesting here is a Tree House and a small Childrens park with some ecologically blended resting places.

Wayanad

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Wayanad is the 12th District in Kerala was formed on 1 November 1980 by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.

Attractions in Wayanad
•    Kalpetta: It is the district headquarters of Wayanad, is the only municipality in this hilly region. The town has hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base to visit this place while at the same time enjoying these facilities.
•    Pookot Lake
•    Edakkal Caves
•    Pakshipathalam
•    Lakkidi: The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat Pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. (5 km south of Vythiri)
•    Sulthan Bathery: This Place is situated at about 930 meters above mean sea level. One can find beautiful folded hills across the horizon. This town was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got its name because the presence of the Kidangans the tribes. Later, it came to be known as Sultan Bathery, the Malayalam version of its name.
•    Banasura Sagar Dam: This project is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees.
•    Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary It is spread over 344 km² & It is Situated on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery in Wayanad, Kerala.Wild animals such as Indian Bison, Elephant, Deer and Tiger can be spotted here.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. This is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
•    Neelimala view point : Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.
•    Meenmutty falls: An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.

Kovalam

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Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea located around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach.

Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.

History

Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore. The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

Geography

Beaches

Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach

Lighthouse Beach

The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a 35 meter high on top of the Kurumkal hillock. The lighthouse is built using stones is colored in red and white bands and enjoys a height of 118 feet. It's intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm.

Hawah Beach

Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

Samudra Beach

A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

Detour past Kovalam junction to land on Samudra Beach which is to the north of Ashoka Beach. One has the option to walk along the sea-wall too.The sight of the waves lashing on the rocks below is awesome. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.

The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India.[citation needed] However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach.

Tourist facilities

There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

Politics

Kovalam assembly constituency is part of Trivandrum (Lok Sabha constituency). The assembly constituency of Kovalam is represented by Jameela Prakasham of Janatha Dal. She defeated the sitting MLA Adv. George Mercier.

Vagamon

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Vagamon is a hill station situated 1,100 meters above sea level. located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. Vagamon also known as the ‘Scotland of Asia’, was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon.

Vagamon (Malayalam: വാഗമണ്‍) is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district of Kerala, India. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level. Vagamon was discovered by the British who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India’.

Still untouched by commercialisation, the sleepy town with its scenic valleys, beautiful green meadows, enchanting pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. Cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the chief religions in Kerala, i.e. Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. Vagamon has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. However business interests are trying their best to exploit and sell and market vagamon for tourists. How much benefits the local people are receiving from tourism boom is to be seen. The efforts made by the Kurishumala Ashram have helped the farmers of vagamon to improve their earnings by ensuring better price for milk and marketing opportunities.

Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. This narrow strip of descending land gives a vital connectivity to the plains as both sides of vagamon up to kuttikkanam on the south west and moolamattom on the north east, are marked by steep and inaccessible hill slopes. Travelling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch. Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you. The road to vagamon from Erattupetta opened an easily accessible and direct route to vagamon from the plains. This road which was constructed in the 1950s was an engineering marvel and is rated a state highway. The road was made in treacherous and dizzying terrain under the initiative and leadership of Acharya Francis who established the Kurisumala Ashramam. About a dozen workers died during the construction at the hanging cliffs and a 20 foot tall memorial tower stands in honour of those who gave their life for this road project at the beginning of the road in Teekoy town junction. One more speciality is there IBM software company is getting developed in VAGAMAN near Management College.

Vagamon is located 15 km from kottamala 39 km from Thodupuzha, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport while the closest railway station is Kottayam. There are many fine resorts available in the surrounding areas with affordable cost for trekkers. Key tourist centers such as Thekkady, Peermade and Kulamavu are straightforwardly reachable from Vagamon.

Alappuzha Backwaters

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Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist center, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The intricate networks of canals that snake their way through the vast expanse of paddy fields, through the lanes give Alappuzha the sobriquet of Venice of the East. The district is famous for its boat races houseboat holidays, beaches , marine products and coir industry.

Main Attractions in Allappey

Statue Of Karumadikuttan:

The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite statue of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The statue dates back to 10th century. Karumadikuttan is located in Karumadi, a small village near Ambalapuzha. Karumadikuttan statue is located 3 kms. East of Ambalappuzha, in Alapuzha district. When you travel 15 Km from Alappuzha enroute NH 47 between Kollam and Alappuzha, you can reach the Karumadikuttan statue. Buddhism came to Kerala in the 3rd century B.C. Renaissance in the 8th century B.C. saw the decline of Buddhism.

Mannarasala Shri Nagaraja Temple:

Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. The temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets.

Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum:

The Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum is an architectural marvel. There is a lush lawn with a large kidney shaped pond with full of exotic varieties of water lilies. And the other side a beautiful gazebo with 6 statues made by Italian marbles.entrance of the museum has a curved shiny tined glass. area of museum is 28000 sqft including 10000 sqft for exhibition purpose.

Thekkady

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Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and hence its a dream destination for any tourist visiting Kerala.From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian Tiger ,this place has it all.Elephants, Deers,boars,bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area.

Main Activities Near By:

Nature Walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve:

Nature Walk is an interpretive sandal protection trekking programme offering excellent opportunity of watching birds, butterflies and other wildlife through a range of habitats during the 4-5 km 3-hours walk.

Munnar

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Munnar is Known as Kashmir of South India & its situated in Kerala. Munnar is located at an altitude of 1600 feet above sea level. It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign traveler's snuggled in the lap of such an alluring terrain, Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala.

Main Attractions in And Around Munnar

Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

Indo Swiss Dairy Farm:

Mattupetti Indo Swiss farm is open from morning to evening for the tourists to visit it. This farm is well looked after, as it is abundantly rich in nature. In fact, it is believed to be the nature’s paradise with Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of Kerala. Cochin international airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 130 km, the Kottayam railway station is 142 km from Munnar and Mattuppetti is 13 km from Munnar by road.

Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary:

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, India., and represents a large number of plants and animals unique to the thorny vegetation. Apart from the dry thorn forests, due to the significant variation in altitude and rainfall, it has a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorny forest,riparian types, sholas and grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide micro habitats for varied forms of life.

Anamudi:

The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary inmajestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna.The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

Tata Tea Museum:

The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.Not only this, but much more about what all you desire for you perfect vacations or honeymoon, can be availed here. The best nature speckled beauty, long natural walks, drives, romance and grandeur will make your trip an ideal one.

Idukki Arch Dam:

Idukki Arch Dam is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by. This prestigeous project of our nation is situated in Idukki District and its underground Power House is located at Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha.

Paradesi Synagogue

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The Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, located in Kochi, Kerala, in South India. Constructed in 1567, it is one of seven synagogues of the Malabar Yehudan people or Cochin Jewish community in the Kingdom of Cochin. Paradesi is a word used in several Indian languages, and the literal meaning of the term is "foreigners", applied to the synagogue because it was built by Sephardic or Spanish-speaking Jews, some of them from families exiled in Aleppo, Safed and other West Asian localities. It is also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue.

The synagogue is located in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town, and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. The complex has four buildings. It was built adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple on the land given to the Malabari Yehuden community by the Raja of Kochi, Rama Varma. The Mattancherry Palace temple and the Mattancherry synagogue share a common wall.

History

The Malabari Jews (also known as Cochin Jews) formed a prosperous trading community of Kerala, and they controlled a major portion of world wide spice trade. In 1568, the Jews of Kerala constructed the Paradesi Synagogue adjacent to Mattancherry Palace, Cochin, now part of the Indian city of Ernakulam, on land given to them by the Raja of Kochi. The original synagogue was built in the 4th century in Kodungallur (Cranganore) when the Jews had a mercantile role in the South Indian region (now called Kerala) along the Malabar coast. When the community moved to Kochi in the 14th century, it built a new synagogue there.

The Malabari Jews' first synagogue in Cochin was destroyed in the 16th century by the Portuguese persecution of the Jews and Nasrani people. The second, built under the protection of the Raja, in Mattancherry, in 1558, during the Portuguese rule of Cochin, is the present synagogue, which is still in use for worship and can attract a minyan. It is called Paradesi synagogue because it was built by Spanish speaking Jews; this contributed to the informal name: paradesi synagogue or "foreign" synagogue." In addition, a new Jewish group had immigrated to Kochi, Sephardim from the Iberian Peninsula. They and the Malabari Jews shared many aspects of their religion, and the newcomers learned the Judeo-Malayalam dialect, but the Sephardim also retained their own culture and Spanish language at least for three centuries. By 1660 the Dutch ruled the Kochi area, calling it Dutch Malabar. In later years, the Paradesi Synagogue was used primarily by the Sephardim (who were also referred to as Paradesi) and their descendants, and later European exiled Jews.

The Paradesi Synagogue had three classes of members:

    White Jews were full members. The White Jews, or Paradesi Jews, were the recent descendants of Sephardim from Spain and the Netherlands.
    Black Jews, or Malabari Jews, were allowed to worship but were not admitted to full membership. These Cochin Jews were the original Jewish settlers of Cochin.
    Meshuchrarim, a group of freed slaves and their descendants brought by the Sepahardim, they had no communal rights and no synagogue of their own. They sat on the floor or on the steps outside. In the first half of the 20th century, Abraham Barak Salem, a meshuchrar, successfully campaigned against this discrimination.

In 1968, the 400th anniversary of the synagogue was celebrated in a ceremony attended by Indira Gandhi, the Indian Prime Minister.

Present

As is customary for Orthodox Jewish synagogues, the Paradesi Synagogue has separate seating sections for men and women.

Today the Paradesi Synagogue is the only functioning synagogue in Kochi with a minyan (though this minyan must be formed with Jews from outside Kochi, as the number who still reside there is not sufficient). In conformity with the Hindu, Nasrani and Islamic traditions of Kerala, the worshippers are required to enter the Paradesi Synagogue barefoot.[3] Other facets which are unique to the Cochin Jewish community, and which are results of Hindu influence, include special colors of clothing for each festival, circumcision ceremonies performed at public worship, and distribution of grape-soaked myrtle leaves on certain festivals. In addition, the Cochin Jews have no rabbis, and the community is led by elders.

The synagogue is open for a fee to visitors as a historic attraction. The ticket-seller, Yaheh Hallegua, is the last female Paradesi Jew of child-bearing age.

Objects of antiquity

The Paradesi Synagogue has the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts, many Belgian glass chandeliers, and a brass-railed pulpit. It houses the 10th-century copper plates of privileges given to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known Cochin Jew. These two plates were inscribed in Tamil by the ruler of the Malabar Coast. The floor of the synagogue is composed of hundreds of Chinese, 18th-century, hand-painted porcelain tiles, each of which is unique. A hand-knotted oriental rug was a gift from Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian emperor. The synagogue has an 18th-century clock tower, which, along with other parts of the complex, was restored between 1998 and 1999 under the direction of the World Monuments Fund.

A tablet from the 1344 synagogue in Kochangadi in Kochi was installed on the outer wall of the Paradesi synagogue. The inscription states that the structure was built in 5105 (in the Hebrew Calendar) as "an abode for the spirit of God."

Thekkumbhagom synagogue

The Thekkumbhagom synagogue, located on Jews Street in the Ernakulam area of Cochin, was built in 1580 and renovated in 1939.

Vembanad

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Vembanad (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also counted as one of the largest lakes in India. Spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known as Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi. Several groups of small islands including Vypin, Mulavukad, Vallarpadam, Willingdon Island are located in the Kochi Lake portion. Kochi Port is built around the Willingdon Island, and the Vallarpadam island.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in a portion of the lake. High levels of pollution have been noticed at certain hotspots of the Vembanad backwaters. Government of India has identified the Vembanad wetland under National Wetlands Conservation Programme.

Geography and hydrography
Location in Kerala
The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 2033.02 km² thereby making it the largest wetland system in India. Of this, an area of 398.12 km² is located below the MSL and a total of 763.23 km² area is located below 1 m MSL. The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. It is situated at the sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes in the north and south. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram. The Vembanad Lake is approximately 14 kilometres wide at its widest point. The lake is a part of Vembanad-Kol wetland system which extends from Alappuzha in the south to Azheekkode in the north, making it by far, India's longest lake at just over 96.5 km in length. The lake is fed by 10 rivers flowing into it including the six major rivers of central Kerala namely the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The total area drained by the lake is 15,770 km², which accounts for 40% of the area of Kerala. Its annual surface runoff of 21,900 Mm accounts for almost 30% of the total surface water resource of the state.

The lake has become a major tourist location in the past few years[when?] thanks to its scenic beauty. The most popular location on the shores of the lake is the Kumarakom Tourist Village situated on the east coast of the lake. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the northern fringes of Kumarakom village. The Vembanad Wetland system was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands in 2002. It is the largest of the three Ramsar Sites in the state of Kerala. Vembanad lake has been heavily reclaimed over the course of the past century with the water spread area reducing from 290.85 km² in 1917 to 227 km² in 1971 and 213.28 km² in 1990. In the same period almost 63.62 km of erstwhile water spread were reclaimed primarily for formation of polders and to enlarge the extent of the Wellington island of Cochin port. The lake faces a major ecological crisis and has reduced to 37 per cent of its original area, as a result of land reclamation.

A unique characteristic of the lake is the 1,252 metres (4,108 ft)-long Thanneermukkom salt water barrier constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low-lands. It is the largest mud regulator in India and essentially divides the lake into two parts - one with perennial brackish water and the other with fresh water from rivers draining into the lake. This barrier has helped farmers in Kuttanad by freeing the area of salinity and allowing them an additional crop in the dry season. The Thanneermukkom barrier is located at one of the narrower parts of the Vembanad Lake. Only two-thirds of the original number of gates are opened in July to release flood flow. These gates remain closed until mid-November. The main drawback of the structure has been the loss of opportunity for fish and prawns to migrate upstream, and also an increase in weed growth in the upstream, severely restricting the natural flushing of pollutants. The Thanneermukkom bund has also created ecological problems, primarily, the rampant propagation of the Water Hyacinth in fresh water.

Cities

Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad lake and are directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihoods.

The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. The town of Alappuzha (also known as Allepey), sometimes called the "Venice of the East" for its large network of canals that meander through the town - is sandwiched between the lake and the Arabian sea.

Tourism

Vembanad Lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism with hundreds of kettuvallams plied on it and numerous resorts on its banks. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake. The lake has become a major tourist attraction. A generally safe destination, this place was maligned with one incident of tourist harassment in 2004 was reported in The Times of India.

Inland transport

The Vembanad Wetland system has formed an intricate network of estuaries, lagoons and canals which spans over 196 km in the north-south and 29 km in the east-west directions. Almost all villages in these areas can be accessed via water transport. The major rivers of Muvattupuzha, Meenachil, Pamba and Achencovil rivers, are all navigable up to distances of about 30 km upstream in the tidal reach. The Kottappuram-Kollam segment of the west coast canal system has a major chunk passing through the Vembanad Lake and spans a total of 209 km. It has been declared as a National Waterway.

Ecological importance

Vembanad Kol Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.[7] It is home to more than 20,000 waterfowls - the third largest such population in India. It is also an ideal habitat for shrimps.[8] Major livelihood activities of the people living on the shores of the lake include agriculture, fishing, tourism, inland navigation, coir retting, lime shell collection. The uncontrolled mining of shells from the lake bed is also posing a threat to the eco-system. The sewage effluents and the heavy load of organic material released from the neighboring areas including a medical college at Alappuzha is let into the water and are responsible for the decrease in dissolved oxygen content in the water in the water body.

Boat capsize

On July 27, 2002, twenty-nine people were killed when an overcrowded boat capsized in the Vembanad lake. The boat was carrying more people than twice its slated capacity. The boat was a daily ferry service which connects Muhamma village on the west coast to Kumarakom on the east. The crowd were going in for writing a Public Service Commission test which is conducted by government of kerala

Chembra Peak

2015-07-02T02:13:00.001-07:00

Chembra Peak (Malayalam: ചെമ്പ്ര കൊടുമുടി) is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2,100 m (6,900 ft) above sea level. Chembra is located near the town of Meppady and is 8 km (5 mi) south of Kalpetta. It is part of the Wayanad hill ranges in Western Ghats, adjoining the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and Vellarimala in Kozhikode district in Kerala. Chembra Peak is accessible by foot from Meppady. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipment on hire charges to tourists.

Permission from the forest office in Meppady is required for trekking up to Chembra Peak. A heart shaped lake on the way to the top of the peak is a major tourist attraction. The lake is believed to have never dried up. You can find the lake halfway to the peak, after getting to the lake need to trek through about a km or two of dense trees. A 5 km (3 mi) journey from Meppadi town through tea estates to Erumakkolli.

Transportation

One can reach the forest office, from where a pass has to be acquired to trek the mountain. Also services of a guide can be availed, which might be very useful. The trek to the top takes 3 hours, and one can see almost the whole of Wayanad and parts of Malappuram, Kozhikkode and Nilgiri districts.

Chembra is located in Meppadi (Meppady) Panchayath, 11 km (7 mi) off NH212 (Kollegal - Mysore - Kozhikode). For people who prefer public transport, KSRTC (both Kerala & Karnataka) and a lot of private companies operate overnight deluxe buses between Kozhikode (aka Calicut) and Bengaluru. People taking buses can get down at Kalpetta and catch another bus to Meppadi. Meppadi is 11 km from Chundale, in the SH29, connecting Chundale to Ooty.

Mattancherry Palace

2015-07-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala features Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

History

The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the Raja of Cochin around 1555. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. The rajas also made more improvements to it. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, which are in the best traditions of Hindu temple art. The palace was built to appease the king after they plundered a temple nearby.

The landing of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer at Kappad in 1498 was welcomed by the Kochi rulers. They were given exclusive right to construct factories. The Portuguese repulsed the repeated attacks of the Zamorins and the Cochin Rajas practically became vassals of the Portuguese. The influence of the Portuguese were supplanted by the Dutch and they took over Mattancherry in 1663. Subsequently, the area was taken over by Hyder Ali and still later by the British East India Company.

The Palace

The palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nālukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard there stands a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family. There are two more temples on either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord Krishna and the other to Lord Siva. Certain elements of architecture, as for example the nature of its arches and the proportion of its chambers are indicative of European influence in basic Nāluketttu style.

The Dining Hall has carved wooden ornate ceiling decorated with a series of brass cups. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.

Murals
Several murals depicting Hindu religious art adorn the walls of the Palace.

The glory of the palace rests on the large number of murals, executed in the best traditions of Hindu temple art, which are religious, decorative and stylised. The murals have been painted in rich warm colours in tempera technique.

The king's bedchamber or Palliyara, to the left of the entrance and occupying the southwest corner of the Palace, is noteworthy with its low wooden ceiling and 300 sq ft (28 m2) of wall surface covered with about 48 paintings. These illustrate the Ramayana, from the beginning of the sacrifice of Dasaratha to Sita's return from captivity in Lanka. The paintings in this section are the earliest in the palace, dating back to the 16th century. The last five scenes are from the 'Krishna Lila' where in a cheerful God Krishna using his six hands and two feet to engage in foreplay with eight happy milkmaids. The paintings are attributed to the artistic bent of mind of Veera Kerala Verma.

The upper staircase rooms, notably that of the coronation hall that was extended under Dutch patronage, contain some murals. The notable compositions in this section are - Lakshmi seated on the lotus, sleeping Vishnu (Ananthasayanamurti), Shiva and Parvati seated with Ardhanariswara and other goddesses, the coronation of Rama, and Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana.

On the opposite side of the coronation hall is the staircase room or Kovinithalam (Room No II), with a descent to the lower storey, there are four paintings of Shiva, Vishnu and Devi, and one incomplete. Room No. IV depict scenes from Kumarasambhava and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kālidāsa. The latter set of paintings belong to the eighteenth century.

Other exhibits

Portraits of the Rajas of Cochin, from 1864 onwards, are displayed in what was once the Coronation Hall. These were painted by local artists in western style. The ceiling of the hall is decorated with floral designs in wood craft.

Amongst the other exhibits in the palace are an ivory palanquin, a howdah, royal umbrellas, ceremonial dress used by the royalty, coins, stamps and drawings. .

Restoration

In 1951, Mattancherry Palace was restored and declared a centrally protected monument. The palace is already undergoing a second restoration by the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration will raise the historical structure to a building and a museum of an international standard, preserving its originality, yet highlighting the important facets, The palace is an architectural masterpiece showcasing the blend between colonial and Kerala architecture. The restoration aims at showcasing its true grandeur. The work which started in 2007 is scheduled to be completed by 2009.

Nearby

Nearby is the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568. Alongside are the antique shops in the meandering alleys of Jew Town, most of whose inhabitants have since migrated to Israel. The Mattancherry jetty and bus stand are behind the Palace. The area is full of shops attracting tourists hunting for mementoes to carry back home.

Situated in between the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue is the Pazhayannur Bhagavathy Temple, the ancestral deity or Paradevata of the Cochin Royal Family. The temple with royal patronage which shares its wall with the Jewish synagogue tells volumes about the religious tolerance and inter cultural amity that existed during the time of the Kingdom of Cochin.

References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattancherry_Palace

Thekkady (Idukki district) Tourst Place Kerala

2015-07-02T01:07:00.001-07:00

Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist destination in the Kerala state of India

Overview
Thekkady is located about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai City and Madurai Airport, 145 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. Thekkady is located near to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deers, bisons that come down to drink in the lake. Sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.

Thekkady is considered as a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.

Nearby Places of interest
Murikkady
This place consists of spices and coffee plantations. It is about 5 km from Thekkady.

Chellar Kovil
This is located about 15 km from Kumily en route to the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. This place has a lot of picturesque waterfalls and cascades.

Anakkara
Located at about 13 km from Kumily on the Kumily-Munnar road. A new airport is proposed at Anakkara and is under review by the Airports Authority of India.

Mangala Devi Temple
It is situated about 15 km from Thekkady at an altitude of 1337 m above sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is closed throughout the year except during the Chitra Pournami festival. At other times tourists can still visit it by getting a special letter from the forest ranger. The view from the temple premises is spectacular and one can see part of eastern ghats and some villages from adjacent state of Tamil Nadu.

Sabarimala (Swami Ayyappan)

2015-01-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most ancient and prominent Sastha temples in the country. Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India that is open to all faiths. The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.

The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandala pooja (December12,2011) and Makaravilakku(Jan.15th,2012) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty. The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.

THE HISTORY

AYYAPPAN know as AYYAN who belonged to the Vellalar Kulam, was the army chief of the Pandalam royal family. He lived with his uncle Perisseri Pillai of Erumeli, Kottayam dist, Kerala. This was about ten generations ago. Ayyan was instrumental in the defeat of Udayanan, who attacked Sabarimala and tried to demolish the ancient Sastha temple in the thick forest of present Pathanamthitta district. Meanwhile the Royal family of King Pandya had migrated from Tamilnadu about 800 years back. The King reconstructed the destroyed Sastha temple at Sabarimala with the help of Ayyan, Vavar, a Muslim youth from Kanjirappally, Kadutha, a Nair youth from Muzhukeer, Chenganoor, Alapuzha dist.

During a clash, Ayyappan got killed. His uncle,Perissery Pillai, constructed the KOCHAMPALAM - an old small Sastha temple - at Erumeli, opposite the VAVAR PALLY (MOSQUE), constructed by Muslims in memory of Vavar swamy.

After the demise of Ayyappan people thought that he was the avathar of Lord Sasthaand began to worship him. Later Ayyappan and Sastha became synonymous.
Some say that Ayyappan was the son of a Brahmin but Nalankal Krishna Pillai in his book "Mahashekthrangalkkumunpil" states that Brahmins never had the name AYYAPPAN or AYYAN.
In the age old "Elavarsevampattu" it was clearly mentioned that Ayyan belonged to "Vellalar kulam, Near Erumeli, Kottayam, Kerala.There still exists a vellala house called Puthenveedu in Erumely. In the same compound there is a 300 year old, thatched, depleted, mud house, the house of Perissery Pillai, Ayyappan's uncle and the Vellal Chieftain of Erumeli. There even today one can see the ancient sword used by Ayyappan to kill the monstrous ERUMA- mahisham. The place where the "eruma" was killed became Erumakolly and later Erumeli.

Sabarimala pilgrimers ,Ayyappans, conduct the Erumeli PETTAITHULLAL (Pettatullal is painting the face with colours and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd. The essence of this practice is to give up ones ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. )This is to commemmorate the killing of mahisham by Ayyan and is celelebrated during the month of December-January every year. "Ayyan / Ayyappan" Pillai is very common name among vellalas of Kottayam, Alapuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. A number of Ayyappan kovils were constructed by Vellalas who migrated from Tamilnadu to Kerala e.g. Erumeli, Kanam etc.

Lakhs and lakhs of Tamilian Ayyappan devotees called the "Ayyappans" - come to Sabarimala every year to worship Tamil origin "VELLALAR KULA JHATHAN AYYAN AYYAPPAN".

OPENING AND CLOSING DAYS OF SABARIMALA TEMPLE 2011-2012

Pooja	Opening date	Closing Date
Mandalapooja	16.11.2014	27.12.2014
Mandalapooja	27.12.2014
Makaravikaku Festival	30.12.2014	20.01.2015
Makaravilaku	14.01.2015
Monthly Pooja (Kumbham)	12-02-2015	17-02-2015
Monthly Pooja (Meenam)	14-03-2015	19-03-2015
Utsavam Kodiyettam	04-04-2015
Vishu Mahotsavam	10-04-2015	18-04-2015
Utsavam Arattu-Painkuni Uthram	13-04-2015
Vishu Darsanam	15-04-2015
Monthly Pooja (Edavam)	14-05-2015	19-05-2015
Prathishtha Dinam/ Idol installation Day	7-06-2015	08-06-2015
Monthly Pooja(Midhunam)	14-06-2015	19-06-2015
Monthly Pooja(Karkitakam)	16-07-2015	21-07-2015
Monthly Pooja(Chingam)	16-08-2015	21-08-2015
Onam	05-09-2015	09-09-2015
Monthly Pooja (Kanni)	17-09-2015	22-09-2015

DAILY POOJA

Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple
During Makaravilakku season, the temple opening is at 3:00 AM and closing at 11:45PM. So some of the pooja timings will shift accordingly. Essentially, this is the trend of events

Opening and Closing Time
16.08.2014 - 5.30 pm	Nada Opening
21.08.2014 - 10.00pm	Nada Closing
27.08.2014 - 5.30pm	Nada Opening
31.08.2014 - 10.00 pm	Nada Closing
16.09.2014 - 5.30 pm	Nada Opening
21.09.2014 - 10.00 pm	Nada Closing
16.10.2014 - 5.30 pm	Nada Opening
21.09.2014 - 10.00 pm	Nada Closing
15.11.2014 - 5.30 pm	Nada Opening
26.12.2014 - 10.00 pm	Nada Closing

For Makara Vilakku Festival
31.12.2014 - 5.30 pm	Nada Opening
20.01.2015 - 10.00 pm	Nada Closing

HOW TO REACH

How to reach Pampa

By Rail:
The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa.

Nearest Railway Stations
Kottayam 0481- 2563535
Chengannur - 0479- 2452340
Pamba Railway Enquiry Counter - 04735- 203605

By Air:
The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.

By Road:
KSRTC has started operating buses to Coimbatore, Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Government of Tamil Nadu & Karnataka has been given the permission to operate buses to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp.

Distance
From	To	Distance
Erumeli	Pampa	56 Kms.
Kottayam	Erumeli	72 Kms
Kottayam	Pampa	128 Kms.
Chengannoor	Pampa	93 Kms.
Thiruvalla	Pampa	99 kms
Ernakulam	Pampa (via) Kottayam	200 Kms.
Alleppy	Pampa (via) A.C. Road	137 Kms.
Punalur	Pampa	105 Kms.
Pathanamthitta	Pampa	69 Kms.
Pandalam	Pampa	84 kms.
Thiruvananthapuram	Pampa	175 Kms.
Ernakulam	Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam	175 Kms.

Bus services from Chengannoor, Kottayam and Ernakulam railway stations have started to help pilgrimage to Pamba. Advance seat reservation facility is also available including group reservation prior to 10 days. The KSRTC will provide bus to Pampa from any place within 10 kms from special service centre for a group of 40 pilgrims.

The timing of bus from KSRTC is not specifically scheduled since bus will always available as and when required. That is, one bus will always be there at the bus station and will starts the trip just after filling the seating capacity. Contact: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
Transport Bhavan, East Fort, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Phone: +91 471- 2471011

General Info
Vehicles operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Travancore Devaswom Board and Private parties are available to Pamba. Dolly service is available from Pamba to Sannidhanam for those who are unable to walk the heights.

There are Cardiology centres at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-202050) and Neelimala (Phone No. 04735-203384). Stretcher service is available at Appachimedu (Phone No. 04735-203350)

As Sabarimala Ayyappa is 'Nithya Brahmachari' (celibate)women between the 10-50 age group are not allowed to enter Sabarimala. Such women who try to enter Sabarimala will be prevented by authorities.

Only pilgrims who have observed Vrutham alone are allowed entry through the holly Pathinettampadi. They have to carry Irumudikettu (Pallikettu) also.

Hospital facilities
The Health Department of the Government of Kerala runs allopathy, homoeopathy and ayurvedic hospitals at Sannidhanam and Pamba during the pilgrimage season. A cardiology unit functions at the Neelimala ascent the Devaswom Board also runs a cardiology hospital at Pamba near the Pamba Maramath Complex, in cooperation with the Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
In addition to the above facilities, some organizations from and outside Kerala also conduct free medical camps for pilgrims during the Mandala pooja and Makaravilakku festivals. They are at Sannidhanam and Pamba, and also along the sides of the path leading to the Sannidhanam.
Sufficient ambulance services are also available at Pamba.

PADI POOJA

GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE

2015-01-05T05:20:00.000-08:00

Guruvayoor, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', 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. Guruvayoorappan is the chief diety here - The God which hears the prayers of its pilgrims. Guruvayoorappan is adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland, and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance to bless the devotees.

HISTORY

The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. By then it had become the most famous center of pilgrimage in Kerala mainly due to the five devotees who propagated the glory - Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Kururamma and the Prince Manadevan (Zamorin).

In 1716 AD The Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.In 1766 AD Haider Ali captured Calicut and Guruvayoor, but spared the temple for a reason of 10000 Ferams which was paid by Vatakkepat Variyar.The general insecurity prevailing; the flow of pilgrims and the annual payment of tenants ceased. Haider Ali however gave a 'Devadaya' (free gift) to the temple in 1780 AD., on the recommendation of the Governer of Malabar, Srinivasa Rao and thus saved the temple from total extinction.

In 1789, Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali's son and successor descended on the scene to defeat the Zamorin and to convert Hindus to Islam. Fearing destruction of the image, the Mulavigraha (Main deity) was hidden underground and the Utsavavigraha (processional deity) was taken to Ambalapuzha. Tipu set fire to and plundered the temple. But a timely rain and an incorporeal voice averted a major catastrophe. After the English drove out Tipu, both the vigrahas (deities) were reinstalled. From 1875 to 1900, the Ullanad Panikars came in and offered their free secures to the lord apart from contributing from their family estates. [Like the earlier devotees Chempakasseri Nambudiri & Desavarma Nambudiri who had donated everything they had, to the lord.

In 1841, the Govt. of Madras restored the Devadaya appropriated by Tipu Sultan. Slowly & steadily the temple became prosperous. All the portions were rebuilt renovated and ornamented. At the turn of the 20th century various reforms have seen in the temple under the administration of its manager Sri Konti Menon. In 1928, the Zamorin once again became responsible for the administration of the temple.

In 1931-32, a Sathyagraha was launched under the leadership of Kerala Gandhi, i.e., Kelappan, a prominent group leader of Kerala, to secure the entry of untouchables in to the temple. All this resulted in the Travancore Temple Entry proclamation in 1936, and similar measures in British Malabar in 1946 & Cochin in 1947.

Since then every Hindu is permitted to have a darshan of the Lord outside the sanctum sanctorum (Sree kovil). Yet the offering of Namaskara sadhya (feast) exclusively to Brahmins in the Uttupura (dining hall) continued. Finally this custom was also sapped. From 1st Jan 1982, the Devaswam itself feeds 500 – 1000 pilgrims, with Prasadam (Prasada Oottu). Devotees too can make an offering of any amount for free feeding.

On 30th November 1970, after the 6th day of the annual Ekadasi festival, a disastrous fire broke out in the temple Hindus, Muslims & Christians fought the fire shoulder to shoulder. Despite 5 hours of the raging fire, the Srikovil, the vigraha of Guruvayoorappan, and the subshrines of Ganesha, Ayyappa and Devi, and the flag staff remained intact.

FESTIVALS

Ulsavam (Festival):

This is conducted in the month of Kumbha (Feb-March) and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high heralds the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. On the next 6 days, there are elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (Offering of oblation at various altar). There are various cultural programs like dance, music, religious discusses are held at Melpathur Auditorium (outside the temple) on all these days. On the 8th day, ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) or oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants.

A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. After that the Lord's Thidambu is takan to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting the Lord’s name to purge them of their sins. Then ucha Pooja (i.e, noon worship –this takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, the Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.

Vishu:

The Malayali New Year day, Vishu, falls on the 1st of Medam month (mid-April). As the belief goes, one’s fortunes for the year depends on the auspiciousness of the objects that one sees first at dawn on this day. Accordingly a kani (omen) consisting of konna flowers , raw rice, gold, betel leaves and nuts, yellow cucumber and coins, are so arranged in front of the family deity in the previous night itself, so that one sees them at first glimpse on waking up in the morning.

Seeing the kani at Guruvayoor is considered very auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight, blindfold themselves and set their eyes on the Kani and the glorious deity as the doors are as usual opened for the dharshan at 3 a.m.

Vaishka:

The lunar month from the day following the new moon of Metam (April-May) to the following new moon. The observance of austerities or ‘Vratha’ during this month is considered especially sacred to Vishnu.

Ashtami Rohini:

In the month of Chingam (July-Aug), under the Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Lord Krishna’s birth i.e. Janmashtami.

A very special day in all Sree Krishna temples, Guruvayoor Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and vilakku), devotees flock in with appam (Cakes of rice paste and jaggery) considered the most favourite food of the Lord on that day.

Kuchela’s Day:

This is observed on the first Wednesday of Dhanu (December-January). Kuchela was a poverty-stricken Brahmin and a childhood friend of Lord Krishna. One day, he went to seek Krishna’s help, at the instance of his life. He carried with him a small gift of beaten rice to offer his friend. On reaching Dwaraka, he was not only welcomed warmly by Krishna, and made to feel at home, but was also asked what he had brought for him.

POOJA TIME

THE DAILY POOJAS IN THE TEMPLE

THE TEMPLE OPENS AT 3.00 AM

3.00am to 3.30am Nirmalyam

3.20am to 3.30am Oilabhishekam, Vakacharthu, Sankhabhishekam

3.30am to 4.15am Malar Nivedyam, Alankaram

4.15am to 4.30am Usha Nivedyam

4.30am to 6.15am Ethirettu pooja followed by Usha pooja

7.15am to 9.00am Seeveli,Palabhishekam,Navakabhishekam, Pantheeradi Nivedyam, and Pooja

11.30am to 12.30pm Ucha pooja (the noon pooja)

TEMPLE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30PM AND 4.30PM AND REOPENS AT 4.30 PM

4.30pm to 5.00pm Seeveli

6.00pm to 6.45pm Deeparadhana

7.30pm to 7.45pm Athazha pooja Nivedyam

7.45pm to 8.15pm Athazha pooja

8.45pm to 9.00pm Athazha seeveli

9.00pm to 9.15pm Thrippuka, Olavayana

9.15pm The Sreekovil will be closed. On the day of Special Illuminations called "Vilakku" the Thripuka is performed after that. The Sreekovil will be closed after Thripuka. Then the Krishnanattam, a colourful traditional dance-drama on Lord Krishna's life is enacted inside the Temple on specified days.

*The timings given are approximate. It may vary if there is Udayasthamana pooja or on certain special occasions.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Udayasthamana Pooja: This is the most popular offering, the booking for which are said to have been done for the next ten years. Udayasthamaya literally means from sunrise to sunset. Hence it implies worship from sunrise to sunset. It consists of 15 special Poojas in addition to all the routine poojas and begins after the morning Siveli. There is a special feast for the devotees. There is the Vilakku (illumination) in the evening. The Siveli in the evening takes 5 rounds instead of the usual 3. The tripuka marks the end of the udayastamana pooja.

Prasadaootu: These are arrangements for free feeding as Prasadams at the dining hall for thousands of pilgrims at 10.00 AM everyday. One can make an offering of any amount (min Rs 1) for this free feeding.

Elephants: Devotees offer elephants to Guruvayoorappan and today there are about 40 elephants kept with Punnathur Kotta maintained by the Devaswam. The feeding of these elephants- Anayoottu is another popular offering that attracts many on-lookers. All the elephants are taken to the temple at around 10 A.M, and fed a sumptuous feast of fruits, molasses and boiled rice.

Tulabharam: A devotee is weighed against a commodity of his choice-banana, sugar, water, gold, in fact anything permitted inside the temple. If you want to be weighed against articles not permitted inside, do not worry. Arrangements are made for conducting the tulabharam outside the temple. Also, non-Hindus can perform the ritual outside.

Annaprasanam: This is the first rice-giving ceremony of a child conducted before the Lord Guruvayoorappa . All the itemsincluding cooked rice, payasam (sweet preparation of rice and jaggery; rice, sugar & milk) plantain etc. are placed on a banana leaf and the children are fed each of these.

Alroopams: You can offer miniature images in gold or silver, or replicas of different parts of the human body, eyes, nose, limbs etc. It is believed to cure whichever part is affected and therefore offered. You can place it after depositing in the hundi, an amount devised by you.

Picking up Kunnikkuru: You can offer this to develop your children’s intelligence and smartness. A handful of these seeds (Abrus precatorious) are picked up and dropped thrice in the vessel kept for the purpose and an amount desired by the devotee is deposited in the hundi. Bhagavati Azhal: 10 or 20 wicks soaked in oil are kept in a sheath of plantain tree and lighted before the goddess Bhagavati. It is done after deeparadhana and athazha pooja.

Sayanapradakshina: Also called angapradakshina, the devotee circumambulates the temple, rolling along the pradakshina path with his eyes closed and chanting the Lord’s name.

Bhajan: This offering is the most fruitful and spiritually elevating- it is the complete dedication of oneself to God. It is austere worship, the devotees forgetting their worldly worries and associating them maximum with whatever goes on within the temple-heavy bath in the temple pond, drinking water from its well and having the Prasadam as food. Married people are expected to observe strict brahmacharya (celibacy) during the bhajan. Apart from these main offerings, there are a variety of archanas, alankarams, and naivedyams that can be offered. A list of all these offerings and their rates is displayed at the counters on the northern side of the temple.

Bhagavati Azhal: 10 or 20 wicks soaked in oil are kept in a sheath of plantain tree and lighted before the goddess Bhagavati. It is done after deeparadhana and athazha Pooja.

Krishnanattam: Krishnanaattam, which is the most important art form of the temple, is performed in the temple as an offering. Devotees can offer this as a vazhipadu or offering on a payment of the prescribed amount. Each days performance believably yields a particular benefit to those making the offering.

HOW TO REACH

By Road

Guruvayoor is well connected with the other parts of the country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayoor. The private bus stand is towards the east of the temple, near Manjulal (the banyan tree). It is half an hour drive by car from Thrissur and busses ply every 5 minutes from Thrissur toGuruvayoor.

Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs bus services from all major locations of the state and few inter-state services. The bus stand is 500 meters to the west of the temple. Both KSRTC and private busses offer interstate services to all major South Indian cities like Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchandoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Uduppi, Mookambika etc.

By rail

Guruvayoor has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. It has got computerised ticket booking facility and tickets can be booked to any locations from here. One from the Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular buss services are available from there to Guruvayoor. Those from the Madras/Trivandrum side can get down at Thrissur.

By Air

Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayoor and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. All major international flight services are operated from these airports.

Guruvayoor Anayottam

What is Yoga ?

2015-01-04T23:36:00.002-08:00

Ans. Yoga originated thousand of years ago in India as a technique to help people achieve spiritual enlightenment. Today, people practice yoga to improve their physical, mental and spiritual well - being. Most forms of yoga involve physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

How safe it is ?

Ans. Practicing yoga is generally safe, but take it easy in your first few classes, there's no reason to push beyond your limits. Also, if you have back, knee, or other physical problems, get the go-ahead from your doctor first, since some poses can aggravate injuries. And tell your teacher beforehand about any limitation or concerns you have, so he or she can help you with alternate or modified poses.

What are the benefits of yoga ?

Ans. Yoga strengthens and tones muscle, improves balance and flexibility and increases blood flow and vitality. It's also a great way to reduce stress. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found yoga lowers chemicals in the blood stream associated with anxiety and triggers other physiological relaxation responses, such as reducing muscle tension and lowering heart rate.

Does it matter that I'm not very flexible ?

Ans. Not at all, a good instructor can adapt the poses to fit any level of student. Over time, your flexibility will improve.

How often do I need to practice yoga ?

Ans. Practicing two to three times a week for 45 minutes to an hour is good goal to work towards. Another alternative is to practice 15 minutes every day. The more you practice, then you feel more benefit.

Better sex life with yoga practice

2015-01-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

From East to West, people have turned to yoga for better bodies. Yoga doesn't up your fitness quotient alone, it can help you to increase your sex power also.

Indeed, all you need to do some simple yoga asanas (postures). You'll get a body that's so flexible that you'll perform positions that you thought were meant only for the pages of Kamasutra. What's more, with some practice, your guy will be able to control his climax too.

The postures that promise pleasure:

Today yoga lovers are finding that more time on the mat means more, and steamier, time spent revelling in their newly toned bodies. While asanas like Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha Halasana, Matsyasana and Viprita Karani Sarvangasana Sirhasana are some of the postures that help in better sexual performance, lets dug out a few easy-to-do yoga movements that will help you gain a great sex life.

The most common sexual yoga exercise that is used to enhance libido and sexual gratification is a posture that one can do even while sitting in the office. Contract and release the muscles of your pubic area as if you want to stop the flow of urine. Experts say that they have seen many people reviving their sex lives with the help of this one simple exercise. It indeed helps to get more powerful orgasms.

Alternately, while you are seated or are standing, contract and then release the pubococcygeus muscle located between the pubic bone and the tailbone, as if you wanted to stop the flow of urine. You can even do this at your desk, say, 10 times at three workday intervals. This is called the Mula Bandha in Sanskrit and is one of the most important postures to practice for a great orgasm. This one's for both your partner and you.

Have some more time on your hand? Try this: you can lie on the floor and put your legs against the wall. Focus on breathing properly. Do the deep breathing yoga technique where you inhale the air through your nose and exhale it out of your mouth. This exercise will help you feel re-energised and you will be able to enjoy sex without feeling tired. In addition, it will help to heighten the sensations. The simplest yogic breathing that will enhance your sex life is called balancing Pranayam. In this you will have to alternately breath through each of your nostrils. This helps to harness sexual power.

Practice of yoga awakens the body senses to the extent that each body cell can experience the bliss of the partners' touch during the act. Yoga makes the core muscles flexible, as a result the body becomes more open and you can perform various postures while you make love, with complete ease. This naturally increases the pleasure. Practicing certain asanas will calm your mind, thus helping you focus and concentrate better. Multiple orgasms can then be a regular phenomenon. Yoga also helps partners to bond and the combined aura of the two of you will allow long-lasting sex.

The following are some specific yoga postures which may help improve your sex life.

Lotus Position:

In this posture, the person sits cross-legged and feet are placed on opposite thighs. The appearance of the position resembles the lotus flower and hence the name.

Halasana:

The practitioner lies straight on the floor. Keeping legs together and straight, he raises the legs and takes them behind the head. Hands are kept firmly to the floor and parallel to the upper body. The name is derived from the word ` hala`, which means plow.

Uddiyana Bandhas:

It is done by pulling the abdomen inwards after exhaling all the air. While doing so, take a false inhale, hold your breath, pause and release the abdomen. This cycle of doing false inhale and complete exhale is repeated several times.

Bandhas means internal lock. While doing this asana, the air is blocked to enter the lungs. Once the cycles are over, the lung receives fresh air.

Sirhasana:

It is one of the very famous asana in which the practitioner stands on the head, supported just by forearms. This asana is also known as the king of all yoga asanas.

Viprita Karani:

To perform this asana, lie straight on the floor and raise legs perpendicular to the body.

Sarvangasana:

This is an interesting asana in which the entire weight of the body is put on the neck, the head, upper back and upper arms. The hands are held behind the back and slowly, the legs and the lower body is raised upward.

Natural Sexual Healing Through Ayurvedic Medicine For Sex

2015-01-04T22:39:00.002-08:00

It is usually understood that men can be excited very easily and that they are always ready for sexual intercourse. However, a lot of men also experience many different sexual conditions which can inhibit their libido, or cause them to perform unsatisfactorily. Low sex drives, infertility, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and semen infection are some of the common sex problems that men may experience. Ayurvedic medicine for sex can be used to treat all these problems, improve libido and allow for more pleasurable intercourse. Such medicines are made from natural ingredients and can be safely used without any side effects.

Ayurveda is an age old traditional medicine system that finds its origin in the Vedic knowledge from ancient India. Ayurvedic treatment of sexual disorders aims to strike a balance in the body’s energies. Stress, anxiety, fear and an imbalance of physical energies in the body can prevent sexual function. These problems can be effectively dealt with Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, yoga and meditation.

Ayurveda and Sex

Sexual intimacy is an important part of the relationship between a man and a woman. Maharishi Vatsayan wrote the texts of Kamasutra on the practice of sex and how to make it more pleasurable as well as spiritual for the man and woman. In fact, his book is among the most comprehensive commentaries and documentations on the practice of sex. Ayurveda too talks about the sexual act in its text of Charaka Samhita. Even 3000 years ago, the saints and ascetics of India had devised complete solutions to all conceivable sexual problems.

According to Ayurveda, sex is an integral part of our dincharya and is an important part of our daily habits. Men and women should ideally have intercourse two hours after having their dinner because that is the time when the kapha dosha is at work. A satisfying union of the bodies can be developed over time and once that happens, the sexual union offers both the partners good health and vitality. Apart from Ayurvedic products and Ayurvedic herbs, there are some other things that can play a vital role in sexual performance. These include touch, smells, food, ambiance and music. For increasing and prolonging intimacy, a combination of these factors should ideally be utilized.

Ayurveda describes sexual problems and disabilities as a fallout of an aggravated vata. When this vital energy is aggravated, it reduces immunity and makes you more vulnerable emotionally. This could also eventually make you more fear prone. If you have increased pitta, it could cause increased anger and frustration. An aggravated kapha, on the other hand, makes you more jealous and possessive of your partner. Each of these doshas has some effect on the intimacy and sexual performance.

Modern Understanding, Pathology and Causes of Sexual Problems

In our fast paced, hectic lives, sexual disabilities have become rampant. Over work, stress, too much exercise and trauma are some of the common causes of sexual under-performance. Malnourishment or overweight can also have an adverse affect on libido and sexual abilities. Obesity can dull one’s reflexes and slows down the body which can then have an effect on sexual performance. There are many emotional triggers to sexual problems as well. These include difficulties in relationships, feeling of rejection from the partner, poor body image and confidence issues. A feeling of failure, or lack of success in life can also cause emotional triggers that lower sexual performance and libido.

Modern Allopathy Treatment for Sexual Disorders and Why It Fails?

The modern treatment for sexual disorders depends greatly on its cause. In most cases, the cause is said to be psychological (according to Modern Medicine, this is not so in Ayurveda) and therefore you may have to go to a psychiatrist or a psychologist, who would help you understand the cause of the problem and work with you towards its solution. Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually used for treatment of sexual disorders in Allopathy. Pharmacological help is also available for those who have diminished libido. Sometimes, in more serious cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.

The modern methods of treatment for sexual disorders are usually not curative but they provide just the symptomatic relief. The medicines work immediately but you have to keep using the drugs in order to get the results. This is very time consuming and it may take forever for the disorder to be completely cured. Despite a prolonged treatment time, there is no guarantee that the disorder will be cured. Often, the condition persists despite long term treatment.

Ayurvedic medicine, on the other hand, attack the root cause of the condition and help you recover from it completely within no time.

Some Useful Home Tips and Ayurvedic Treatments for Sexual Problems

You can use Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of your sexual problems. However, before a treatment can be recommended to you, it is important to understand the exact nature of your sexual problems and their triggers. Here are some of the herbs which are usually used in Ayurvedic medicine for sex.

Ashvagandha: This is an herb, most commonly used for sexual problems. Ashwagandha improves the nervous system, lowering stress levels and improving overall functioning of the autonomic nervous system for better sexual performance.
Shatavar: This her is used for the treatment of infertility. Shatavar can naturally enhance sperm production, improving both the quality and quantity of sperm in the semen.
Kaunch: This herb is an excellent remedy for premature ejaculation. It improves the viscosity of semen, so that the sperm continue to be alive in them for longer durations. This herb is ideal for those who have thin, watery semen or those who ejaculate prematurely, leaving their partners dissatisfied.
Talmakhana: This is another herb used for the treatment of semen anomalies. It improves sperm quality, prevents early ejaculation and improves blood circulation to the genitals.
Shilajit: This is an herb used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is a natural agent that improves blood circulation to the groin, helping men who have problems with erection. This herb can also help a man last longer in bed, enabling him to provide pleasure to his partner.

Gavi echo tourism

2014-12-26T01:05:00.002-08:00

Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority who visited was nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India.
A highlight of the Gavi eco project is the involvement of the 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, located in Pathanamthitta district offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and night safaris.
The road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by tea plantations, which itself is a refreshing experience. En route to Gavi are places of interest like Mundakayyam, Kuttikanam, Peermedu and Vandiperiyar from where the road deviates to Gavi.

Once you reach Gavi the serene eco-lodge 'Green Mansion' awaits you like a fairy to embrace you in its protective fold. From the 'Green Mansion', one can savour the spectacular view of the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests. Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion' visitors can also try out the tree houses here and can even pitch tents amidst the wilderness. Here one can have outstanding trekking experiences, which are overseen by trained local people. Those who would love to be left alone can do so in the tranquil environs of Gavi or may even go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and snacks, which further adds to the eco-friendly ambiance of the place.
The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.
Some of the breathtaking viewpoints at Gavi like the Valley View offer spectacular view of a deep ravine and the forest below. From Kochu Pampa, a point near Green Mansion eco-lodge one can track the grazing Nilgiri Tahrs.
The famous pilgrim destination, Sabarimala is a short trek from Gavi. For those interested in observing the nocturnal wildlife, night safaris to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Another unique feature of Gavi is camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest.
Active involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.
Gavi is bound to cast its magical spell on every visitor and is surely a place that should not be missed in one's lifetime. Gavi is pristine, and it belongs to the wild, which is a reminder that visitors are responsible for their intentions and actions, which will have a bearing on the upkeep of Gavi for a long time to come.

Munnar

2014-12-26T00:22:00.001-08:00

Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time.

MUNNAR - Fact FileAltitude : 1600 Mts to 1800 Mts above sea level
Tourist Season : August to May
Clothing : Warm Clothes and Rain Gear
Temperature : Min. 0 c - Max. 25 c

Muzhappilangad Beach (Drive-in-beach)

2014-12-18T00:15:00.002-08:00

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach (4 km length) is a beach in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It is located parallel to National Highway 66(formerly National Highway 17) between Kannur and Thalassery.

The beach festival is celebrated in the month of April and it is one of the important tourist attraction in the district of Kannur in Kerala. The youth also try many driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes as this is a paradise for driving along the shore. Just 100m from this beach you would find a private island, which can be reached by walk at times of low tide.This beach is the largest Drive-In Beach in Asia . Even though Goa has many beautiful beaches, it does not have a Drive-in beach.

Approximately 100–200 m south of the beach there is a private island called Dharmadam Island (Pacha Thuruthu in Malayalam, which translates to Green Island in English). It is possible to walk to the island during low tide.There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves leading to the beach. To get to this road, if you are driving from Tellicherry towards Kannur, take the left turn just before the first railway crossing you encounter after crossing the Moidu bridge. The beach is about 5 km long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur on the north. Local laws allow beachgoers to drive for a full 4 km directly on the sands of the beach. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which also protect it from the stronger currents of the ocean.

Since the late 90's, the beach has seen a steady influx of European tourists during winter. even though the beach has attracted many lucky visitors into her,a major share of foreign and domestic tourists are not aware of the potential of this elusive destination.it is a must see destination for Indians as well as foreign tourists.after the face lift of the beach there has been a huge improvement in the facilities available to the beach visitors including resorts roads etc.

The beach is very wide and the sand is firm so driving is very smooth unlike other beaches.

Take a visit to the Muzhapilangad beach in Thalassery, which is considered the only Drive-in Beaches in Asia

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 16 km
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 102 km

Location

Lattitude:11.792584, Longitude: 75.454416

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzhappilangad_Beach

Kovalam Beach

2014-12-17T07:20:00.002-08:00

Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.

Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southern most part of lighthouse beach.It is also lined with a host of shops and shacks offering all kinds of services; creating an unmistakable resort atmosphere. Curio shops, hawkers of Kashmiri and Tibetan products, moneychangers and beachwear shops, between the surplus of restaurants and hotels, do brisk business during peak tourist season.

The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.
Kovalam was among the most famous traveler spots in India during the hippy epoch. It still has a high rank among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new implication in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and healing and renaissance resorts which supply a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

Kovalam tourism is not just confined to sightseeing, swimming and lip-smacking cuisines, but there are more adventurous sports at Kovalam beach which are really pleasurable. This includes water diving, parasailing, wind surfing and many more. In Kovalam, you can see lots of Ayurveda resorts and there are numerous packages from which you can select the apt one fitting your need and budget. This ancient practice in Kerala has been proved of having immense medical benefits and hence Ayurvedic massages are popular among both the local as well as foreign tourists. Kovalam is also suited for honeymooners and it one of the best honeymoon destinations in Kerala

How to reach Kovalam

Kovalam is situated at a distance of 16 KM from the city of Trivandrum which is considered as a major city of South India, and thus well connected with the rest of the country. From Trivandrum, one can hire taxis or cabs or cars to reach Kovalam. From shared taxis to car hire – everything is available from Trivandrum. All beaches of Kovalam are accessible through road and private cars or cabs can make it possible to reach there.

For budget solutions, one can hire auto-rickshaw too, which is a great medium for local transport and the cheapest option to reach Kovalam from Trivandrum. You can choose prepaid autos or auto-rickshaws with meters, whatever you like. Auto-rickshaws are cheap, lesser comfortable, but highly effective to reach the Kovalam in a quick span of time from the city of Trivandrum.

Buses are also available from Trivandrum to reach Kovalam, and vice-versa. Bus fares are also pretty low and suitable for those who have tight budget. However, travelling through buses is time consuming and a bit tiring.

Beaches of Kovalam are connected with each other and one can choose to walk to reach from one to another. Walking, alongside the beach, during dawn would be an amazing experience.

Lighthouse Beach Kovalam Kerala South India. Holiday hotel accommodation near Kovalum beaches south west Indian Ocean paradise

Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms)

Indian Air Lines , Air India, Air Lanka, East West Airlines and Gulf Air operate direct service from Trivandrum to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, in addition to international services to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Gulf countries and Singapore.

AYURVEDA REJUVENATION PACKAGE

2014-12-17T06:46:00.002-08:00

KIZHI:

During this treatment the body or any specific part is made to perspire by the external application of medicated packs in the form of boluses tied in cloth bags. This is performed in three different forms called Njavarakizhi, Podikizhi and Elakizhi. In the first form the packs are made of certain medicinal puddings made of special rice called Njavara rice prepared in milk and herbal decoction. In the second form the packs are made of various herbal powders and the third form is made of herbal leaves. This treatment is very effective for musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative and neurological problems.

PIZHICHIL:

This is a very effective treatment for Rheumatic and Neurological disorders. It helps rejuvenate the whole body and mind by systematic application of herbal oils. During this treatment the patient is made to lie down in a wooden tub specially made for the treatment. Warm medicated oil is applied all over the body and Ayurvedic traditional massage is done.

DHARA:

Dhara is used as an effective Nervine energizer and as a therapy for psychosomatic disorders. This process is pouring a steady stream of medicated oil over the forehead maintained at a specific temperature. It helps improve memory, ensures sound sleep and stops hair fall. Dhara is also performed by pouring medicated milk or buttermilk.

SIROVASTHI:

This system is more useful for severe head ache, facial paralysis, burning sensation of the head, dryness of nostril, mouth and throat. This is performed by pouring specially prepared herbal oil into a cap fitted on the head. Generally the oil is retained in the cap for a maximum of 40-45 minutes or as per the condition of the patient.

ABHYANGAM:

Abhyangam is a traditional massage performed all over the body and head with gentle warm Ayurvedic oils. This helps improve blood circulation, relives skin tenderness, prevents aging, rejuvenates the whole body, gives good sleep, promotes vitality and reduces stress and pain.

REJUVENATION PACKAGES (7, 14, 21 DAYS)
Rejuvenation therapy helps detoxification of our system. Specially made herbal oils and medicines are used for the treatment. This will nourish and strengthen our body and mind, improve youthfulness, physical stamina, memory and health.

STRESS RELIEF PROGRAM (5, 7, 14 DAYS)

This is a very effective treatment for strain relief due to our daily routines, stress at work place, etc. This will help relax the mind and body immensely.

Reference:

http://soukhyam.co.in/rejuvenation-programs

Homeopathy is a safe

2014-12-17T06:35:00.002-08:00

Homeopathy is a safe, gentle and natural system of healing that works your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself and improve your overall health. This system of alternative medicine is used to treat acute and chronic illnesses for all age groups. Homeopathic system of medicine is considered as the safest method of treatment especially for new born and children.

Homeopathic medicines are made exclusively from natural sources like plants, minerals, etc. We have a well managed homeopathic department under the leadership of our qualified doctors. Our homeopathic department adds value to the overall holistic therapeutic plans and systems in “Soukhyam”.
We holistically welcome you all to experience and enjoy the facilities and therapies at “Soukhyam”…

Reference:
http://soukhyam.co.in/homeopathy

PANCHAKARMA THERAPY

2014-12-17T06:30:00.004-08:00

Panchakarma therapy is a five-fold procedure which is the most effective remedy for purifying the body from toxic waste settled in the body due to our life style in this modern era. It rejuvenates the body and gives confidence in our daily life.The five-fold Panchakarma Therapy

A preparatory procedure is conducted before the Panchakarma therapy is performed. The first one is Snehanam and the second is Swedam. Snehanam is performed internally as well as externally. The internal treatment is done by consuming medicated oils and other prescribed medicines which are helpful for Peptic duodenal ulcers, skin problems and degenerative diseases. The external treatment is done by using medicated oils depending on the condition of the patient. Swedam is practiced externally over the body by hot bundle which is a very effective remedy for Rheumatism, Paralysis, etc.

Vamanam:

This treatment is for removal of phlegm through vomit which is useful for cleaning the chest and stomach. Vamanam is an effective remedy for Chronic Bronchial problems and Allergic disorders.

Virechanam:

This is a purgation process to clean the Gastro intestinal tracts. It helps Detoxification of the body and to get rid of various skin related problems.

Vasthi:

This stage is to solve any rheumatic and neurological problems in the body by subjecting the patients through Ayurvedic medicated enema. Vasthi is a very effective remedy for Obesity.

Nasyam:

Nasal cleaning is practiced by pouring medicated Ayurvedic oils and other medicines into the nasal cavity. This process helps clean the accumulated wastes in throat, nose and head. Nasyam is a useful remedy for ailments like Head ache, Migraine, Sinusitis, Facial palsy, etc.

Rakthamoksham:

This treatment is the best remedy for the problems like Skin eruptions, Psoriasis, etc caused by impure blood. Rakthamoksham therapy is being conducted in different localised blood purification methods like Jelooga, Sringa, Alabu, Prachanna etc. Jelooga is a special blood purification method for removal of impure blood by using an organism called Jelooga (leech). In the process, the leeches are being used to suck blood from the body of the affected person and leave the person’s body once they are full. Generalised blood purification method called ‘Siravedham’ is being used to treat impure blood.

PANCHKARMA............ THE EXCELLENT AYURVEDA WAY TO TREAT DISEASES

Reference:
http://soukhyam.co.in/specialties-for-healthy-and-holistic-living

Acupuncture

2014-12-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture is a form of therapy originated from China which has been practiced for thousands of years. This is being widely used in Europe, United States of America, Canada and other Continents as well. Acupuncture has therapeutic benefits including pain relief and alleviation of nausea caused by chemotherapy, and helps correct imbalances in the function of internal organs in the body.

This is a set of procedure involving the stimulation of points on the body by using a variety of techniques. According to its classical form the Acupuncture technique involves penetration of skin with very thin, solid metallic needles at specific points on the body that are controlled by hands or by electrical stimulation. The traditional Chinese explanation of Acupuncture is that the flow of energy must flow freely through the meridians for the body to function properly. Acupuncture needles can unblock the obstructions in the movement of energy and establish the regular flow through the meridians.

Well trained and experienced doctors are handling Acupuncture treatments at our therapy centers. visit: http://soukhyam.co.in/acupuncture

This video shows the treatment methods used for someone with back pain. Ingri Boe-Wiegaard of CT Acupuncture has over 30 years experience.