Come here and enjoy the sights of the awe inspiring hill station, which forms a major stretch in this part of the Western Ghats. The thick foliage that comes here is the major feature here and the tea plantations in this area only make it a more beautiful place. So come here and enjoy the pleasures of being in the most fascinating zone in this city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

One of the most popular beaches of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi has a salubrious climate and has the best sights of beautiful hills, lovely winding roads, melodious birds, the most natural springs, the absolutely enthralling expanses of tea plantations, the most beautiful cottages. With the avifauna here enchanting the tourists more, this lovely virgin locale in Kerala is a must see for the nature lover.

Ponmudi is in fact called the Ooty of Thiruvananthapuram. Situated around 60 kms from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala capital, the beach is located at a height of around 3000 feet making it more intriguing. The climate obviously due to the height is cool here, and tourists from all over the world visit this region so that they can take a break from the summer heat. The travel to Ponmudi is filled with the best sights of the mountains here and the most fascinating experience of seeing the villages that dot this place. Interact with these villagers and get enchanted even more. The majestic mountains against the backdrop of the grasslands and forests along with the snowy mist make Ponmudi a must see spot.

Ponmudi has a top station. It is said that the Travancore kings got some rest houses constructed in this region and thus the trend of taking a break started. The royal families used to come here during the hot summer months, and only they were permitted to stay here and. the local people were not allowed . Today the place is open to all and is also under the Indian Army. Many private hotels are not allowed here due to the Army being in charge yet there are tourists who come here, enjoy their stay and go back with cherishable memories. A great trekking zone, this is also the place where the tourists love to have the best of adventurous escapades.

Sightseeing in Ponmudi

Orchids

Ponmudi is a natural paradise so the presence of the best kind of flora is no surprise here. But the sight of the heavenly orchid plant is a totally exotic experience. See these lovely flowers and see the rarest varieties of their kind.

Deer Park

There is a deer park in Ponmudi which contributes to the thrill factor here. It is interesting to see the deer here and this is around 3 kms from the Ponmudi resorts.

Plantations

See the best sights of the cardamom, rubber, pepper, and tea plantations here. With the milk of rubber coming out of the rubber trees, the sight of the milk being collected in coconut shells is a unique experience. Then the beautiful sight of rubber mats in each house is something to capture on the camera. See the ladies drying pepper here and enjoy the beautiful greenery around.

Trekking

With its most interesting and favorable landscape, Ponmudi is a great trekking zone. So come here and enjoy the beautiful trekking trails and experiences here. There is a place called the Varyattumotta which is the end destination of all treks from Ponmudi. This three hour trek is one filled with thrill and pleasure.

How to reach

Ponmudi lies around 60 kms from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists come here via Nedumangad. With 22 hairpin bends the journey up to the place is exciting. The nearest railway head is the Thiruvananthapuram station and the nearest airport is the Thiruvanthapuram Airport. Buses ply from Thiruvanthapuram to Ponmudi.

With the best travel pleasures, Ponmudi is a great tourist destination in this part of Kerala.

With the best pleasures of para gliding, trekking, rock climbing and ideal adventure experiences Vagamon with its zig zag roads and beautiful ambience invites the tourist with warmth that is unbeatable. This hill station is actually a chain of three fascinating hills called the Murugan hill, the Thangal hill and the kurismala. A totally enchanting experience, al tourists feel blessed in these surroundings. Experience the best in the Vagamon region and never would you comeback disappointed.

With the most unique and very interesting environment there is something special about the region of Vagamon. It is only experienced to be believed.  As the cool breeze entices you into frolicking with pleasure in this land, there is a certain charm about the whole place which you get besotted with. A perfect meditation locale, there is a great satisfaction in encountering the best natural sights here.

Kurisumala

The Kurisumala in the region of Vagamon is a Christian centre of pilgrimage and so you would find many tourists headed here. A major attraction here, the main day here is Good Friday. At this time, you would find, hundreds of devotees lined up to have a glimpse of Lord Jesus on this day. Tourists and pilgrims and Christians from afar come and meet at this church during the holy week. They climb the hill carrying the wooden crosses on their backs.

Murugan Mala

Murugan Mala lies to the eastern side of Kurisumala. This is again a hill which has a magnificent rock temple. The presiding lord here is Lord Murugan. This is also a popular pilgrim spot and many Hindu pilgrims come to see this.

Thangal Para

Another major sight seeing attraction in Vagamon, this lies around 5 kilometers from Vagamon. It is situated on the Elappara route. This is of great significance to the Muslims. There is a Dargah in the Thangal Para which is where Husrath Sheikh Fariduddin Baba, rested. This Sufi saint is said to have reached the state of Kerala after traveling from as far as Afghanistan. This happened some eight centuries back. Here there is an offering of the Ganjusakkar which is the main offering. Uroos is a festival that is celebrated here in the April month.

Kurisumala Ashram

This is a monastery for the Christian ascetics who follow Christianity. as also the beliefs of the Indians. Located at the centre of the Sahya Mountains, this is a lovely place which runs along the coastal line of India. People love to see the tranquility in this place and the soft breeze here only relaxes you totally.

Vagamon is also home to some of the most magnificent waterfalls. It is a great sight with the hillocks, and the ravines providing ideal pleasures. There are streams and lakes which dot the region. Then there are the surroundings of the fascinating pine forests that one has to see, besides of course the grassy meadows. The steep terrain here is an ideal destination for bungee jumping etc. The tea estates here are breathtakingly enchanting.

Vagamon with all these pleasurable sights provides great travel experiences.

Lying very close to the rich forests of Thekkady, this is one of the most beautiful natural zones in this part of southern India and has the world famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the outskirts. Spanning around 777 square kilometres, this is a beautiful 360 square kilometres with the best sights of evergreen forests. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a recognized tiger reserve in this part of the world and was declared so in the year 1978. With the best kind of geomorphology and the loveliest scenic beauty, Visitors all across the world come and make the place a great place to be in.

Here is where you would get the sight of the Mullaperiyar Dam which lies across the River Periyar which adds to the charming beauty of the place. This is the only Indian sanctuary which has the unique pleasure of seeing wildlife from the safe boats in the lake. Periyar is a great attraction here and it has herds of wildest of elephants. The scenes of the elephants having bath in the lake is a major tourist pleasure.

The park has particular entry timings so you can be here between six in the morning and 6 in the evening.

While here in Thekkady there are other places you could visit. For example, you could visit the Kurisumala which is a great region for trekking and adventure. From here you can see the Kumily town and also the Wildlife Sanctuary at Periyar. Kumily is around 4 km from Thekkady.

Kumily is located very near Thekkady and is located on the suburbs of the Periyar sanctuary. There is a lovely shopping centre here, a great trade centre and there is a bus station which gives you the provision to have the best transport facilities.

Then there is Murikkady which lies around 5 km from Thekkady. This is a place that is scented with spice al over and offers a wide variety of coffee, pepper and cardamom for which this region is famous.

Then there is Pandikuzhi which is around 5 km from Kumily. This is an absolute delight for the tourist with its gurgling streams, the beautiful flora and the most fascinating fauna. This is found nestled between Tamil Nadu and Chellarkovil borders. This is a great spot for all those who want to come here on a picnic. With the best trekking facilities and the most ideal adventure delights, this comes as a great place to be in while on a tour to this part of the world.

Then there is the Mangala Devi temple which is around 15 km from Thekkady. This is a very ancient temple and is ensconced in the surroundings of the dense forests and is situated at a height of around 1337m. Built in typical Kerala kind of architecture, this is a peak that gives the most pleasant panoramic view of the whole region. So get to see the ideal sights of the Ghats and the Tamil Nadu villages which give great travel ecstasies.

With all its mind boggling and enthralling sights, Thekkady surely comes across as a great travel destination for many.

Silent Hills Resort is one such destination in India which offers the best to you and is the best way you can enjoy the most or adventurous expeditions. Located at Manor, a little off the highway, this is a lovely tourist paradise for all those who want to have some thrill and excitement in life.

There are a plenty of things that you can do here in the land of enthralling ventures and the verdant stretches here lend beauty to the eye. The concrete jungle around is a deterrent here but the tourist gets engrossed in the other beautiful sights that surround the place. So amidst the clutter of traffic and noise and the incessant stress that is so much a part of a city life, the visit to the Silent Hills Resort is a great change for all those who want to unwind and relax. This resort is located in the confluence of the two rivers Dehraja and Vaitarna which is heaven for all tourists.

Just an hour’s drive from Mumbai, it is a great relaxation spot and every resident of Mumbai loves to enjoy the beauty of this small paradise which is located a little away from the Mumbai Ahmedabad highway.

The beauty of this heavenly region totally takes over you and you would surely enjoy the ambience of the lush green trees and the magnificently landscaped green zones that is so much a part of this place. The lawns are extremely well maintained and the beautifully manicured grass and the well maintained pathways are a great source of delight to all.

The resort has the best rooms and the most ideal restaurants along with a permit room and a swimming pool. Then there is the Big Splash which is a greatly entertaining and rejuvenating zone for all the children. With the best boating facilities, the whole area becomes a perfect relaxation spot for all. Enjoy the sight of the children’s park and the facilities of the mini train and the convenient walkways. All this and more make this place a greatly comfortable zone and an extremely enchanting place for all those who come here just to enjoy and relax. . .

The rooms in this resort have the best views and the simple design and the lovely aesthetics make this a great place to be in. The rooms are all air conditioned and there are balconies which give a completely unrestricted view of the beautiful flow of the river. So enjoy the flow of the River Vaitarna and see how the watery paradise adds to the beauty of the surroundings. With the best amenities the rooms are convenient, and extremely relaxing.

So if you are having plans to enjoy your weekends with pleasure and excitement then the Silent Valley Resorts is the place to be in. With the kind of calmness and tranquility that dominates the place, the rest of the things that come along are only an added comfort.

The Silent Valley Resort also has the facilities of laundry, Jacuzzi, steam bath and water parks. Indoor games like table tennis, chess, and carom are all sports that can be pursued here. Get the best massages and also the ideal boating pleasures here. You would  love the elegant bar that is called Vaitarna after the river that flows here.

This was an ideal bike destination for us so we decided to hit it this time when we had the time to go to this part of South India. So while we finished our project in Coimbatore, we also were planning to go to Attapady in Kerala from here. As we surfed the internet we realized that we could go Attappady in the region of Kerala.

We found out that Attapady is around 100 kilometers from Coimbatore. We set off on our bikes and enjoyed the whiff of air that grazed our cheeks and hair. The lovely winding roads that took us up looked really beautiful and the scenic beauty of the entire place was mesmerizing and lovely. With the sights of the Rocky Mountains and grazing sheep, the area had elevations and was bounded by forests. We saw some wild elephants on the road and it was an enchanting experience. We reached Anaketty which is the border zone between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. From here we had to reach the Silent Valley Base. Cars and bikes go only till the region below, and then we had to take a rented jeep.

When we got down from the pass the lush green surroundings had lot of cultivation zones and the whole ambience was very exotic and unique. The paddy plantations and the coconut trees contributed to the beauty of the surroundings which lent ideal tourist delights. The Silent Valley hills loomed in the background and we quite thanked ourselves for having made this decision for coming here.

We saw many forest check posts here and then moved further and then reached Anaketty. Here we had our breakfast and we were totally enchanted by the lovely clouds that dotted the sky. We reached a place called Wayalar which is a popular check post in Tamil Nadu.

From here to a placed called Manarkad constitutes the region of Attappady. Earlier this was a Kerala township and was quite backward in development with many tribals inhabiting this place. The landscape here was very rugged and step and we had a great view of the cultivations. We saw many sign boards in Malayalam and tried our hand at reading what was written. The Vellingiri Hills were seen from a distance and finally we reached the base of this beautiful region of the Silent Valley. Here again there was a small town and a check post. This place was called the Manarkayam and was around 20 kilometres away. From here no cars were allowed and we could reach only by the jeep and explore the jungle.

We trekked from here and then came upon a lot of settlements. Then we saw the River Bhavai which is a very popular in South India. Originating from the hills nearby, the beautiful river diverted into waterfalls, rock cuts and many other beautiful natural scenes.

The entire experience of Anaketty was an enriching experience and we had a great bike trip coupled with good travel pleasures and great memories.

Attappady is a place which surely comes in the line of greatest travel pleasures.

So get reedy for the wildest experiences like the safaris in the sanctuaries and the trekking amidst mountains here. Experience the thrills of rafting and give yourself this wonderful treat in travel delights in Kerala.

With Kozhikode as the nearest airport and railhead, Vythiri is easily accessed from all parts of Kerala which is well connected with the rest of India. Jeeps and taxis form the local traffic here and it is wonderful to be in this land of Eden in the state of Kerala in India.

Visit the Pookot Lake here which is a fresh water lake with the best kind of evergreen surroundings. The entire lake looks resplendent as it reflects the surrounding ambience and speaks volumes about the passion and love which Mother Nature has spread here. Any person would love to unwind here and enjoy the boat rides and the aquarium which form the sight seeing attractions here. Also there is a park for the children and a small emporium to fill your travel kitty requirements.

Then you have the Chembra Peak which is a majestic landscape situated at a height of around 2100 metres above the mean sea level. This is a place from where you can get the best panoramic sights of the region. A part of the mighty Western Ghats of India, this lies very near the Vellarimala and the Nilgiri hills. A great trekking destination, this is also a place that has been promoted by the District Tourism Promotion Council.

Then of course there is the Chain tree which is a legendary land of the tribals. Tribal legend has it that the entire area which surrounded the tree was once haunted by a tribal youth. This youth showed a British engineer of a trail that was very difficult to find out. This trail took one to the neighbouring region of Wayanad and crossed the mountainous tracts. This trail was a major discovery and the British wanted to take credit for this. So they killed the youth. It is said that the spirit of this youth haunted this region. This spirit was chained to a tree which is the Chain tree of today.

Go to the Soojipara Falls which falls down the rugged sloped in an enchanting manner. As the water tumbles down the rocky landscape, the entire region gets filled with a kind of enthralling beauty which is enviable. The waterfall is located in a secluded spot inside the forest and is reached after a 2 km trek to this place. So enjoy this trek and the waterfall also along with the pool that is created by this cascade. Tourists like to come here and frolick in the spray. Many water sport lovers come here to enjoy the water sports like water rafting here.

Then you have the Meenmutty Falls, the Edakkal Caves, the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Ambalavayal heritage Museum to visit.

Enjoy all this and come back with cherished memories.

It is said the Goddess Sita had her bath here so it is known as the Devikulam or the lake of Devi. Many pilgrims and devotees come here and throng the entire area to pay their reverence to Goddess Sita here. With luscious surroundings and great scenic beauty this is a much favoured spot by all who come here just to enjoy the lovely ambience of this paradise in Kerala.

Devikulam is ideally visited between May to September and November to February. Come here and enjoy the eco activities like walking, angling, trekking and viewing waterfalls.

See the Sita Devi Lake here and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic region. The lovely waters of the lake give perfect opportunities for the tourists to pursue angling. A nature walk here is the ideal way to spend time.

Then you have Munnar the most popular hill station in this part of South India. For all honeymooners and adventure enthusiasts, Devikulam a great getaway spot. With a lot of outdoor activities, like Para gliding, boating, hiking, trekking and also enjoying the lovely smell of tea and coffee in the nearby plantations, Devikulam gives it all and more. You can also enjoy the surroundings of the cardamom and spice plantations which make the place a great eco zone.

Go to Marayur which is famous for its expanse of sand forests. This fascinating zone is a great thrill for a nature lover who goes berserk seeing the simply wonderful green stretch here. You would fall in love with this place and wouldn’t hesitate to come here again. Visit the Sanyasi Caves which are popular amongst tourists who visit this place.

Then of course you have the Idukki district to visit. Idukki incidentally is a great eco destination which gives you great travel pleasures. Half the part of the forest is completely protected. Take a boat ride here in the Lake Periyar and enjoy this adventurous escapade with Mother Nature. Then enjoy the wildlife excursions in the Periyar National Park and the Tiger Reserve and just experience a blissful feeling of being in a paradise beyond imagination.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is another lovely tourist zone here where you would find the ideal kind of wildlife which includes the leopard, wild buffalo, the elephant and the tiger.

Then you have the region of Kumily which lies in the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Kumily region gives you great adventurous excitement and thrilling moments as it takes you on a boat ride which helps you to understand the area better. See the forest land here and just get lost in a green paradise.

Devikulam is reached by air, rail and road. Cochin is the nearest international airport and railhead. Then the place is connected well with the nearby cities.

So come to this land and enjoy trout fishing and trekking here and see the Tata Tea company plantations, here along with the Pallivasal Waterfalls and the Edamalayar Hydro Electric Project.

The name Munnar means the confluence of three rivers where “Munnu”means ‘three’ and “aar” means ‘river’. The three rivers are Kundala, Nallathanni and Madurapuzha. This hill station situated in the Idukki district in Kerala is a must see spot and is a great feast for the eyes with the tea plantations, the magnificent lakes and the most eye catching verdant stretches.

Some of the places to see in Munnar include Devikulam which is an angelic region with its luxurious green surroundings. The virgin ambience here is the major tourist attraction so this land situated around 16 km from Munnar and at a height of around 1700 metres is unbeatable in its beauty. The Lake Sita Devi with its crystal clear waters relates to the legend of Devikulam where it is believed that Sita, Lord Rama’s wife used to have a bath. So the lake is considered very sacred and healing so devotees come here and take a dip and feel blessed.

Then go to Mattupetty and experience the beauty of this geographical zone of natural surroundings. Each and every corner of Munnar and Mattupetty especially is stuffed with verdant touches so you just cannot escape the green beauty anywhere. Popular for the dairy farm where the Indo Swiss livestock project is on, the cattle reared here is of pure and good quality. The Mattupetty dam and the Lake Mattupetty are the main areas of attraction here. A favourite of all picnickers and a perfect feast for the eyes, the Mattupetty dam certainly is a lovely place to visit in Munnar.

Then you have Pothamedu which is another great travel spot in Munnar. There is something unbelievable about this place and the beautiful viewpoint which is located around 6 km from Munnar is a lovely spot to have a total panoramic view of the entire place. With ravines and hills covered with mist crisscrossing the terrain, the whiff of nature’s blessings is felt here. A photographer’s delight and a nature lover’s haven, the region of Pothamedu has a lot to offer in travel.

The next place you could go to while in Munnar is Pallivasal which is a great hydel power station in Kerala. In fact, it is the first hydroelectric project in India. Situated at a distance of around 8 km from the city of Munnar, Pallivasal is also well known for its irresistible natural ambience. The reservoir water looks really beautiful with its green hue and tourists love the tranquility and serenity which are so much a part of this place.

Attukal, Nyayamkad , Chithirapuram, Lock Heart Gap, Rajamala, Echo Point, ERavikulam National park, Power House Waterfalls, Kundala, Anayirankal, Top Station, Marayoor, The Chinnar Wild life Sanctuary,are sure additions to your list. You could also enjoy activities like boating, fishing, take bicycle rides, take a trek or climb up the mountain, do some paragliding and rafting, and also experience the thrill of bamboo rafting.  Also you could go around the tea plantations and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Munnar truely stands upto its reputation of being a scenic place of Kerela.

One of the oldest Indian cities, Pushkar lies on the banks of the Lake Pushkar. It is not actually known when the city took birth but there is a legend which connects Pushkar to the Indian God Lord Brahma. It is said that Lord Brahma penanced here for around 60,000 years to have a glimpse of Lord Vishnu.

A land of temples, Pushkar is visited by all to see these temples which have begun existing since the past few centuries. The temple of Lord Brahma here is very popular as this is the one of the few Brahma temples that are found in the country. Today Pushkar is mainly visited by all those pilgrims who want to take a holy dip in the bathing ghats here. There are around 52 such ghats in Pushkar.

The Pushkar Camel Fair is another reason why tourists come here.  A tourist coming here would be spellbound to see the enthralling ambience and the unsurpassable energy of the fair. Rajasthan has a certain rustic charm which is unbeatable and this is the tourist magnet that attracts most of the tourists to Pushkar.

Pushkar also has the Mahadev temple, the three sacred lakes, the Varah temple , the Ramavaikunth temple and the Savitri temple. The Jagat Pita Shri Brahma temple is one of the most important sightseeing spots in Pushkar. It is said that Lord Brahma was once flying over this region when he dropped three petals of the lotus flower . These when they fell to the ground gave rise to three lakes. Lord Brahma thus wanted to perform a rite. It is customary in India that the rites are performed by the husband and wife. As Lord Brahma had come here without his wife, he married another girl to be able to perform the yagna or the rite. When Lord Brahma’s wife came to know about this, she came down and cursed that the lord would never have a temple on earth and  would never be worshipped. Thus this is perhaps the very few rare Brahma temples in India.

Then there is the Mahadev temple to visit in Pushkar with  magnificent 5 faced idol of the Indian God, Lord Shiva. The temple is known greatly for its marvelous architectural elegance and pristine white marble stones. Also visit the Savitri temple which is another attraction here.

If you are in Pushkar, then the Pushkar Camel fair visit is a must. This annual fair is the largest camel fair in the entire world. Suddenly the city is filled with a cornucopia of camel and cattle traders who come here to take part in the festival. Bright colours, exuberance, energy filled trading and sports for camels form some of the mind boggling features of the Pushkar fair.

With beautiful folk dance forms and musical performances, the Pushkar Camel fair is not something to be missed.

Ancient temples, intriguing legends, religious fairs and unsurpassable monuments make up the desert region of Pushkar. With such sights to experience and the most cherished moments to remember, a visit to Pushkar certainly befits a true traveller.

This is where Rajasthan culture is at its zenith and this is the region where you could have a live demonstration of what Indian life is. See it wearing the glasses of Indian art and architecture and witness the best exhibition of Indian lifestyle and the ideal exponent of Indian glory and grandeur.

Tourists come here and get completely enthralled by the beautiful mansions and the exquisite workings here. The paintings here show the kind of artistic hub that India is. This art is today slowly getting extinct, so this all the more becomes a great store house of Indian talent. Patronizing the local Marwari community the place is a great centre for art, culture and commercial activity.

India has its own share of trade and commerce activities. Shekhawati houses some of the best brains which have led to the development of the country. With the area being not really good for industrial activity or agriculture, the enterprising people went out of Shekhawati and tried their luck in the cities outside. Otherwise the Shekhawati people have led a life of wealth and prosperity.

While the place exulted in its glory, the 19th century saw new designs and motifs appearing on the walls. Canvasses started coming up depicting cars, portraits of Haveli owners, planes and English Sahibs informal attire. Wall paintings thus began to become a norm here in Shekhawati. Gradually, villages, towns and bigger cities in the region of Shekhawati began to get such canvasses done and the place soon became a wall painting hub.

When a tourist walks through the Shekhawati region, the feeling is like being in an art museum. Such is the amount of artistic work displayed here.

Existing since the 18th century, the caravan trade route was present here since then. It linked Pali in the state of Jodhpur to Bhiwani near the city of Delhi. The trade link between the Gulf and the rulers of Gujarat was established so this trade route was a reply to this progress. As the 18th century progressed into the 19th century, there was a great shortage of funds thus leading the rulers to exhort as much income as possible out of trade activities. Duties were increased and people were unable to pay and commerce suffered a setback here.

Down the ages, Shekhawati has forgotten all this and is today a place where the Shekhawati festival is celebrated. There are many events held here and eco tourism makes up part of this.

This kind of eco tourism encourages the world to see life in a Rajasthan village. Tourists enjoy the fresh organic food here, and inhale the Rajasthan culture in full bloom. Dance shows, puppet performances, camel safaris and music form a part of these ecotourism tours.

Shekhawati gives you all the reasons to make this your next travel destination.