Kerala

Vintage cars for sale in Coimbatore Tamilnadu [Digg]

Digg — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 20:43:29 PST

New look 1954 Model Hindustan car with good running condition for sale. contact person:9843794777 (Jayaraj)

Munnar

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:24:53 PDT

Beautiful mountains full of tea estates Warmed by the clouds

Munnar is a town located in Kerala state in the southern Western Ghats in South India.It is a Famous Hill Station In kerala.Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 Ft above sea level,and is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha,Nallathani and Kundala.Munnar also has the highest peak in South India called Anamudi,which towers over 2695 m.Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district.The name is often used to refer to the whole tourist area of Idukki District of which the town forms a part.Munnar panchayat of Devikulam block is the largest in the district with an area of 557 km².The name of Munnar is believed to be derived from the Tamil words Munu(three) and aaru(river),referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Chandavurai and Kundaly rivers.The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and CoffeeThe area is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year.The Mattupetty Dam is nearby.The people of Munnar share the culture and traditions of Kerala and their Tamil neighbours.

vishu

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:09:21 PDT

Kani Konna(Cassia fistula),Kerala's regional flower,is a popular vishukanni

Vishu is a festival held in the state of Kerala in South India(and malayali's and Palakkad tamils in adjoining areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).Similar festivals are celebrated in Punjab and Assam,in India,around the first day in the Malayalam Year of Medam(April – May).Vishu follows the sidereal vernal equinox and generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian year.This occasion signifies the Sun's transit to the zodiac-Mesha Raasi (first zodiac sign) as per Indian astrological calculations.Vishu is also considered as the harvest festival of Kerala and thus the importance of this day to all Malayalees.In Assam this day is called Bihu,in Punjab Baisakhi(originally Vaishakhi)and in Tamil Nadu Tamil Puthandu or Vishu punyakalam.The word "Vishu" in Sanskrit means "equal".Therefore Vishu is more probably denoting one of the equinox days.

Among the various Hindu festivals in Kerala,Vishu occupies a unique position in more than one respect.As symbol of the unostentatious Malayali,Vishu is free from the usual pomp and show and merry-making associated with other festivities. When almost all the festivals are connected in some way or other with religion,Vishu has nothing to do with it,though it is observed with religious solemnity.The first day for Medam is the unchangeable day of Vishu,whereas other festivals are determined according to the lunar asterisms on which they fall.

Vishukkani or Kanikanal:

The Vishukkani,also called Kanikanal,is inseparable from Vishu.According to the age-old belief of Malayalees,an auspicious kani(first sight)at the crack of dawn on the Vishu day would prove lucky for the entire year.As a result,the Vishukkani is prepared with a lot of care to make it the most positive sight so as to bring alive a wonderful,propitious and prosperous new year!Normally,the responsibility to put the Kani in order falls on the experienced shoulders of the eldest lady of the house.A traditional Kani is prepared as described below.There could be minor deviations from place to place.There are also beliefs that if you do not see a proper Vishukkani,then you will lose a year from your life or have bad luck,depending on how much you see.
Vishu Traditions and Customs:
Traditional people of Kerala celebrated Vishu with lot of joy and mirth.One very interesting custom of Vishu is Vishukani or Kani Kanal(first sight).Under this tradition there is a prescribed list of items that people see first thing on a Vishu morning.The custom stems from the strong belief of the people of Kerala that good things seen on the New Year day brings good luck for the entire year.Ladies of the house make preparation for Vishukani on a previous night.They would keep prescribed items including a cadjan leaf book,gold ornaments,fresh white cloth,a measure of rice or paddy,flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula),halved jack fruits,halved coconuts and yellow cucumber in a big pot.Behind this pot is kept the bell metal mirror and a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna.Two standing oil lamps are also placed before the deity.Master of the house is the first person to take a look at auspicious things.Children are brought blind folded from their rooms to watch Vishukani.Many people in Kerala prefer to perform Vishukani in temples.Vishukani is offered to Gods and is later distributed amongst poor and needy.
Children are given gifts or small amount of cash on the Vishu Day in a belief that it ensures prosperity for children.This tradition is called Vishu Kaineetam.

Kalarippayattu Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:47:24 PDT

Punnamada Lake Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:43:08 PDT

Punnamada lake (Punnamada kayal)

Punnamada Lake:
Punnamada Lake is a very beautiful lake in the backwater region of kerala,near Alappuzha.Kerala is one of the beautiful state at the south part of INDIA.Punnamada Lake lake hosts the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race,which is held every August,is a popular Vallam Kali.Thousands of people throng to this place to witness the breathtaking boat race.Punnamada Lake is surrounded by coconut and areca nut trees and lush vegetations.A journey in the country-made boats through the lake will provide awe-inspiring sights of paddy fields and stretches of coconut palm groves.

Punnamada Lake (Punnamada kayal)

Getting There:
Nearest Bus Station : Alleppey Bus Station ( 2 Km)
Nearest Railway Station : Alleppey Railway Station ( 10 Km)
Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport ( Also known as Nedumbassery Airport)( 90 Km)
Region : South India

Cheraman Juma Masjid

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:08:49 PDT

Cheraman Juma Masjid Is The First Mosque In India.

Cheraman Juma Masjid is a mosque in Methala village,Kodungalloor,in the Indian state of Kerala,Believed to be built in 629 AD by Malik Bin Deenar,Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque in india.Cheraman Juma Masjid is considered as the oldest mosque in India,and the second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu'ah prayers.It is Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town and 20 kilometer from the Irinjalakuda railway station.Cheraman Juma Masjid is unique in its appearance as it is based on a mixture of Arab and traditional Kerala art and architecture.
Devotees in large numbers visit the mosque especially during Ramzan,and they include pilgrims from different communities.Perhaps this is the only mosque where 'Vidyarambham' is performed on the Vijaya Dasami day and many non-Muslim devotees initiate their children into the world of literacy at the mosque.Women are not allowed into the mosque at any time.The mosque is managed by a Mahallu Committee elected as per the by laws,consisting of only adult members for a period of two years.There are many historical places in the vicinity of the mosque.The old palace of the Chera kings and a Mahadeva temple is just 250 metres away from the mosque.The famous Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is 2km away and the site where St.Thomas landed in 52AD is around 5km away from the mosque.
Architecture Of The Mosque:

Cheraman Juma Masjid is built in the traditional Hindu architectural style employed in construction of Hindu temples.Similar to Hindu tradition,the mosque uses brass oil lamps.The rosewood pulpit,from where the priest recites the Friday Jumu'ah,is covered with carvings akin to those seen in Hindu architecture.A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca.
Mosque Festivals:

Festival at cheraman juma masjid.
Veliancode jaram nercha festival.
Malappuram nercha.
Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu.
Pattambi Nercha.
Chandanakuda mahotsavam at beemapally.
The Legend:

Cheraman Juma Masjid is locally believed that King Cheraman Perumal went to Mecca,embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin.He married the sister of the King of Jeddah and settled down there.Before his death he handed over to the King of Jeddah several letters addressed to some rulers of Kerala seeking their help to propagate the tenets of Islam in Kerala. After his death the king came to Kerala and met the Rajah of Kodungalloor who helped him to convert the Arathali temple into a Juma Masjid.Women are not allowed into the mosque at any time. Male visitors are allowed in with the prior permission of the priest of the mosque.The festivals of Ramadan and Bakrid are celebrated with a lot of fervour in this mosque.
Significance: First Juma Mosque In India.
Named After: King Cheraman Perumal
Demography:
There are 1300 families registered as members with a total population of about 4500 members in Cheraman Juma Masjid.The management of the affairs of the Mosque is vested in a Committee elected by the general body of the adult members of the Mahallu as per its byelaw for a period of two years.
Mosque Location: Cheraman Juma Masjid is Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town and 20 kilometer from the Irinjalakuda Railway station.

Getting There:
Nearest Bus Station:

The nearest bus stand is at Kodungallur (3km).Several state owned and private buses,as well as taxis and other vehicles regularly paly between Ernakulam/Thrissur and Kodungallur.Bus connections are also available with all important towns of Kerala as well as neighbouring states Karnataka,and Tamil Nadu via Trichur.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station is at Irinjalakuda 20 km from Thrissur.The railway station is about 1km south-west of the town centre and just 350 meters from the temple premises.Thrissur (40km) and Ernakulam (40km) are important railhead of the southern railway and linked to most major towns inside and outside Kerala.

Nearest Airport:
The nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery, Ernakulam nearly 30 kms from Kodungallur.
Address:
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Kodungallur,Thrissur,Kerala,India - 680664
Tele : 0091 - 480 - 2803170.
Website: www.cheramanmosque.com
For more information visit the offical website of CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID.

KOVALAM BEACH

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:28:30 PDT

Kovalam is famous for its beaches,among the most pristine in India.It is about 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,the capital of KERALA,Kerala is one of the southern state in India.Kovalam is a popular region comprising three beaches.The southern most,known as the Lighthouse Beach,is the most popular among the three.Many hotels,restaurants,lodges and shops are located here.It is frequented by tourist and locals,who stay and enjoy Kovalam.

The Northern most crescent is crowded on the weekends,is very popular with the locals,day-travelers,and passing-by tourist buses.Hawa Beach,is among one of the beaches in India where,frequently visited by the tourist and the locals,who come on the weekends to admire this view.The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach.There are strong currents,so it is wise to follow their instructions.Most places will serve a thali meal during the day.

History:
Kovalam was brought to the public eye by 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.That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India-the Kovalam beach.

Getting There:
Kovalam is about 16 km (20 minutes in a taxi) from Trivandrum.Taxis can charge around 400-500 rupees to get to Kovalam.When asked where you want to go, say Hawa Beach,Leela Beach/Main Beach or Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam.In an auto-rickshaw 250-300 rupees is a fair price,avoid going above 300 rupees.If in doubt ask to use the meter,but in reality they really don't work at all.Advice being if they are trying to rip you off go to leave for another rickshaw and they will often back down and offer you a fair price,if not,get in a different rickshaw.Even if India is a cheap country,the prices for gasoline are international standard,so don't expect super cheap private transportation.If you go by public bus from Trivandrum-East Fort to Kovalam Beach you only pay 8 Rps.for the half hour trip.

Best time to visit:

Being near the sea makes Kovalam really a year-round destination weather-wise. The actual season is from September to March. The prices shoot up during the Christmas-New Year week as do the number of tourists,so it might be wise to avoid this period.

Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:40:35 PDT

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Temple Name: Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Kshetram.

Renovated In: 1733 AD.
Alias Name: AnantaPuri.
God Name: Sri Anantha PadmanabhaSwamy.
Goddess Name: Sri Hari Lakshmi Thayaar.
Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu.
Pushkarni: Matsya Theertham alias Padma Theertham.
Vimanam: Hemakoota Vimanam.
Renovated By: Raja Marthanda Varma.
Location: Trivandrum(Kerala).
State: Kerala.
Country:India.

Contact:Tele: 0091- 471 -2450233,2466830

Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.Inside the temple dress regulations are strictly enforced.
The Temple Open:
(04.15-05.15hrs,06.45-07.30hrs,08.30-10.30hrs,11.30-11.45hrs,17.15-19.30hrs).
Dress Code:
Men – Dhoti.
Women – Saree and Blouse.
Temple Location:
It is found 3/4 miles away from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. (inside the East Fort).

Big Idol Of Pandavas Displayed During Painkuni Festival

About The Temple:

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located inside the East Fort,Thiruvananthapuram.It is the state temple of erstwhile Travancore.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu,who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha,the hooded snake from which the city derives its name,“Thiruvananthapuram“.This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram,Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank.The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture.It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India,the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Holi Serpent.The idol inside the sanctum santorum is in the form of the Lord reclining on the Holy Serpent Anantha.It is an 18 feet long imposing figure built with Salagrama stones brought from Nepal and it is covered with gold and precious stones.This holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees.There are innumeraepillars,intricate carvings and Mural paintings.Outside the temple courtyard,there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs,handicrafts,woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal.One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.In the October/November months of every year,there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam,adjacent to the main building of the temple.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple Stone Carving

This holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees.There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and Mural paintings. Outside the temple courtyard,there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs,handicrafts,woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal.One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.In the October/November months of every year,there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam,adjacent to the main building of the temple.The temple has an imposing seven tier gopuram covered with beautiful stone carvings.The temple has a broad corridor with 324 sculptured pillars and a 80 feet high golden flag staff.The walls of the temple are covered with interesting mural paintings depicting mythical stories.The Kulasekharamandapam,the main platform inside the temple is beautiful and regal.The entire architectural style followed in this temple is a mixture of Dravidian and Kerala styles.

Arattu At Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

This temple in its present form is built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1729-1758),one of the most powerful rulers of Travancore.The work on the temple was started in 1731.In 1750,the Maharaja dedicated his kingdom to Lord Padmanabha,the presiding deity of the kingdom and assumed the title Padmanabhadasa or the servant of Lord Padmanabha.From that day onwards the rulers of Travancore carry out all their princely and spiritual duties as the servants of the Lord.Padmanabha swamy temple is considered as one among the seven Parasurama shetras in Kerala and one among the 108 sacred temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The ancient texts of Padma purana and Skanda purana have mentions about this temple.The temple has very special rituals.Two festivals are celebrated every year,one in March-April and the second one in September-October.56 day long Murajapam or uninterrupted recitation of prayers is conducted once in six years and once in twelve years the festival of a million lamps or the Lakshadeepam is conducted.The temple is still given the status of the state templeand for the festivals divisions of the armed and mounted police will accompany the deity for the arattu or the holy bathing.Their band also play the songs written by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.Swathi Thirunal had a very special relationship with Lord Padmanabha and the temple.His life was an offering to the Lord.All his songs carry the stamp of total dedication to Padmanabha.The most beautiful of his songs are on Lord Vishnu."Vande Sada Padmanabham"Always I worship thee Padmanabha,Thine is the hue of the water-laden clouds,Thy feet are the celestial Mandara blossoms to those who bow to them,Always I worship thee,my Lord” - Swathi Thirunal wrote.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Mythology:
Padmanabha Swamy Temple stands at a place considered as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras,texts including the Puranas,particularly the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana,have references for this shrine.Tradition states that in this place,the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Indian sages like Divakarmuni and Vilvamangalam Swami.Another story tells of an pulaya couple seeing Vishnu in the form of a child.The child took morsels of rice from the hands of the couple.Also it is believed that Divakaramuni,when he saw the deity he took the first food item he saw which was an Unripe Mango and a coconut shell as an offering plate and performed primary pooja.In memory of this legend,naivedyam or offering prepared from rice is offered to the deity here in a coconut shell.

Legend:
There are many legends regarding the origin of the temple.One such legend says that the Sage Divakara prayed to Krishna for his darshan.Krishna came in disguise as a small,mischevious boy.The boy swallowed the Saligrama which was kept in Puja.The Sage became enraged at this and chased the boy until the boy hid himself behind a tree.The tree fell down and became Vishnu in Sayana Kolam.when he did so,he was of an extraordinarily large size.The Sage,recognizing that the tree was Vishnu,in despair prayed that he could not pray to Vishnu fully as his form was so large.Immediately,the Vishnu shrunk himself,and told the sage that he should be worshipped through three doors.These doors are now the doors in the temple through which the idol may be viewed.Through the first door,the worship is offered to Shiva,through the second entrance Brahma prays to Vishnu from his lotus navel,and through the third is Vishnu's feet,which are said to lead to salvation.Another legend suggests that the original Murti which was made of the wood of that tree got burned during a fire that engulfed the temple complex,was a sign of the unhappiness of the lord with the king.

Entrance Of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple

History Of Temple:
In olden days Sree Padmanabha Kshetram and its properties were controlled by powerful lords known as Ettuveetil Pillamar under the guidance of Ettara Yogam.Later,Marthanda Varma defeated the Pillamar and his cousins "Kunju thampis" and took over power.The last major renovation of the temple was done by King Marthanda Varma,Maharaja of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore.He dedicated his kingdom to the deity,and pledged that he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa,meaning "servants of the Lord Padmanabha".With this,Sri Padmanabha became the nominal head of the state of Travancore,assuming the title Perumal,the Emperor.The British Government saluted the Lord with a 21-gun salute,a military tradition of colonial days,which was continued by the Indian Army until the abolition of the privy purses by Government of India with Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister.The royal insignia of the Lord,The Valampuri Shankhu or dextral conch-shell,served as the State emblem of Travancore and even continued so for some time after the re-organisation of the States.Sri Padmanabha is still regarded as regional deity of Travancore[citation needed.The two annual festivals of the Temple culminate in a grand procession,in which the three deities (Sree Padmanabha,Narasimha Swamy and Krishna) carried on flower-decked and aesthetically decorated Garuda Vahanas to the Shankhumukhom beach,for 'aaraattu' (sacramental ablution).The 'aarattu' days are declared as local public holidays in Tiruvananthapuram.
Gopuram:
The temple has a 100 foot, seven-tier gopuram.The temple stands by the side of a tank,named Padma Theertham (meaning the lotus spring).The temple has a corridor with 365 and one-quarter sculptured granite-stone pillars with elaborate carvings.This corridor extends from the eastern side into the sanctum sanctorum.An eighty-foot flag-staff stands in front of the main entry from the 'prakaram' (corridor).The ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the famous temple art,Kathakali was staged in the night during the ten-day uthsavam (festival) conducted twice a year,during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

KABANI RIVER

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:22:53 PDT

A view of Kabini River from Kabanigiri,Wayanad, Kerala.

The KABINI is a river of southern India(Kerala).It originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state,south India from the confluence of the Panamaram River and Mananthavady River,and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudal Narasipur in Karnataka,which empties into the Bay of Bengal.Close to the town of H D Kote it forms the huge Kabini Reservoir.The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows.The Kabini dam is 2284 feet in height with a gross storage of 19.52tmcft but has reduced considerably due to silt accumulation.River Kabani originates from Pakramthalam hills at Kuttyadi-Mananthavady road.Makkiyad river and Periya river join it near Korome and Valad respectively.After flowing through Mananthavady town,Panamaram river joins Kabani near Payyampally.One branch of the Panamaram river starts from the Banasura Sagar reservoir near Padinjarethara and the other branch of the river start from Lakkidi hills.After traversing two more kilometers from the confluence of Panamaram river Kabani forms an island called Kuruva Island,spreading over 520 acres with diverse flora and fauna.Within 20 km it reach the Kabani reservoir bordering Kerala and Karnataka for some distance.Between Kabani reservoir and Kuruva island Kalindi river joins Kabani.Kalindi river originates from Brahmagiri hills which on reaching near Tirunelly temple the rivulet Papanasini joins it.

Papanasham Beach Varkala

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:29:02 PDT

Papanasham Beach:

Varkala Beach,one of the famous tourist destinations in Kerala,is situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. This white sandy beach,of about 1 km stretched along the western coastline of India in the Arabian Sea, is around 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city.Visitors can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday without the crowds and bustle of some of the busier beaches in Kerala.Varkala Beach has a number of tourist attractions nearby.The mineral springs near the Varkala Beach are considered to have medicinal and curative properties and many people visit here to drink and bathe in the water from the mineral springs.The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is another major tourist attraction near the beach.

Getting There:

Nearest Bus Station:Varkala Bus Station
Nearest Railway Station:Varkala Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Trivandrum International Airport

Papanasam beach is a perfect place to watch the sunset or relax gazing at the horizon.The area is covered with coconut palms and small restaurants that mushroom during the season. This beach is bordered by high cliffs. Right below this cliff is the 500 -metre stretch beach.It is a quiet,clean and a secluded beach.The beach grew into prominence and caught the attention of tourists only recently.The long sandy beach,towering red laterite cliffs and soothing mineral springs have turned Varkala into a beautiful destination.

The Varkala Beach is otherwise known as the Papanasam Beach.It derives this name from the word 'Papanashini’ which means the destroyer of sins.It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of this beach purifies the body and the soul of all the sins.Thousands of pilgrims come to the Varakala Beach to pray and offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual performed in honour of their ancestors and relatives and to help the departed souls rest in peace. Excellent accommodation facilities are available near the beach.

Papanasom is important for the Hindus.They come to drain the mortal remains of their dead relatives.Consigning the mortal remains of the dead relatives in the waters of a pilgrim centre is a sacred act by the Hindus,a way for redemption from sins.

KABINI River

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:34:34 PDT

The KABINI,also called KABINI and KAPILA is a river of southern India( Kerala).It originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state,south India from the confluence of the Panamaram River and Mananthavady River,and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudal Narasipur in Karnataka,which empties into the Bay of Bengal.

Pictures of Kabani river.

Close to the town of H D Kote it forms the huge Kabini Reservoir.The backwaters of the Kabini reservoir are very rich in wildlife especially in summer when the water level recedes to form rich grassy meadows.The Kabini dam is 2,284 feet (696 m) in height with a gross storage of 19.52tmcft but has reduced considerably due to silt accumulation.Kabini Dam is situated between villages Beechanahalli and Bidarahalli having distance of 14KM from H.D.Kote town,Mysore district.

For more about KABINI river
Click Here

Munnar Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:37:25 PDT

Facts About Kozhikode

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:38:00 PDT

Came into existence on - January 1,1957.
District Capital - Kozhikode.
Area - 2,344 Sq.Km.
Literacy - 92.45%.
Climate - Tropical.
Coastal Area - 71 Km.
Language - Malayalam.
PWD Road - 1,362 Km.
Population - 28,79,131 (2001).
Male - 13,99,359.
Female -14,79,777.
Hindus - 16,69,161.
Muslims -10,78,750.
Christians - 1,27,468.
Sikh - 83.
Buddhist - 56.
Jain - 693.
Assembly Constituencies -12.
Revenue Division - 1.
Corporation - 1.
Thaluk - 3.
Municipalities - 2.
Block Panchayat -12.
Grama Panchayat - 78.
Village -117.
Borders Of Kozhikode:
East – Wayanad mountain ranges.
West – Arabian Sea.
South – Malappuram District.
North – Kannur District.
Main Rivers:
Kuttyadi,Korappuzha,Kallai,Chaliyar,Kadalundi,Mayyazhi.
Backwaters:
Nil.
Atmospheric Temperature:
Between 22.0 – 35.0 Degree Celsius.
Tourist Season:
From September to May.
Assembly Constituencies:
Perambra,Koduvalli,kunnamangalam,Thiruvambadi,Kozhikode-1,Kozhikode-2,Koilandi,Meppayur,Nadapuram,Vadakara,Beyppur,Balusseri.
Corporation:
Kozhikode.
Revenue Division:
Kozhikkode.
Taluks:
Vadakara,Koilandi,Kozhikode.
Municipalities:
Koilandi,Vadakara.

District Tourism Promotion Council Kozhikode:
Tele : ++91-495-2720012
Fax:++91-495-2370582
Email : info@dtpckozhikode.com
www.dtpckozhikode.com

Thekkady

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:45:28 PDT

Thekkady is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India.Thekkady is situated 4km away from Kumily Town,of Idukki district.Kumily Town is close to the Kerala --Tamil Nadu border.Thekkady is located about 257km from Trivandrum,114km from Madurai Airport,185km from Cochin International Airport,115km from Kottayam railwaystation and 20km from Kothamangalam.Thekkady is a real dream destination for any tourist visiting India.Thekkady,is india’s sole Tiger reserve,with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture.Thekkady is considered as a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper,cardamom,cinnamon and clove.Thekkady is a real natural heaven where we can see herds of elephants,green unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations.The Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire idukki district .The picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.Thekkady offers facilities for Trekking,elephant riding and boating.Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters.

Getting there:

Nearest Bus Station:Kumily Bus Station

Nearest Railway Station:No Railyway Line

Nearest Airport:Trivandrum International Airport

Distance From Thekkady to Major Towns:

Kumily-4km(15mts),Sabarimala via Pullumedu-50km(2hrs)
Idukki-65km(2 1/2hrs),Munnar-106km(4hrs)
Kalabham-128km(4hrs),Sabarimala via Erumeli-134km(4hrs)
Kodaikanal-149km(5hrs),Alappuzha-164 km(5hrs)
Kollam-220km(6hrs),Ooty-390km(11hrs),
Peermede-40km(1hrs),Vagamon-70km(2 1/2hrs)
Thiruvananthapuram-265km(7hrs)

Things to do In Thekkady

Plantation Tours:
Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily,Tele:0486-322620,Tours cover cardamom,pepper,coffee and tea plantations,tea factories,tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
Elephant Rides:
The Forest Department,Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle.
Time: 10.00 - 17.00 hrs,Duration: 30 Minutes,Fare: Rs.30 per person.
Tickets:Wildlife Information Counter,Tele:0486-322028
Trekking:

Main trekking areas in Thekkady-Kurisumala near Kumily,Pullumedu,Ottakathalamedu near Kumily,Grampi near Vandiperiyar.The Forest Department conducts daily trels from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala.

Starting Time: 07.00 hrs,Fare: Rs.10 + entrance fee.
Booking:Wildlife Preservation Officer,Thekkady,Tele:0486-322027, 322028

Boat Cruises On The Periyar Lake:

Time: 07.00, 09.30,11.30,14.00, 16.00 hrs,Fare: Lower deck: Rs.50,Upper deck: Rs.90.

The Forest Department,Tele:322028
The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Ltd,Tele: 322023

Entrance fee at check post:[Ticket is valid only for one day]
Foreigners People: Rs.50,Domestic People: Rs.2.

Tourism Hot Spot Around Thekkady

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Lying close to the plantations,in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves-the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Spread across 777 sq.km,of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest,the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology,diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty,the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.Entry Time: 06.00-18.00 hrs.

Kurisumala:
A place for adventure tourism and trekking.This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumily:

This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady,is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady:

Washed in fresh spice-scented air,Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom,coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi:

This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora,fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border.A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.

Mangala Devi Temple:

This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level.The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day.The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill villages of Tamil nadu.Permission to visit the area can be abtained from the Wildlife Wadren,Thekkady,Tele:0486-322027.

Chellarkovil:

This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes.The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandiperiyar:

The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea,coffee and pepper plantations.A major trade centre,Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories.The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses,orchids and anthuria.

Vandanmedu:

This is one of the world's largest auction centres for candamom.A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.

Pullumedu:

The winding journey to this hill town,along the Periyar River,offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery.Velvet lawns,rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep.The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here.Since it is part of the restricted forest zone,special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from
The Wildlife Preservation Officer,Thekkady,Tele:0486-322027
The Range Officer,Vallakkadavu,Tele:0486-352515.

Ramakalmedu:

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat.The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.

Kathakali

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:09:31 PDT

Kathakali dance introduction.

Manalar Waterfalls

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:45:07 PST

Manalar Waterfalls is a beautiful place situated 5 Kms from the Achencoil,on the Achencoil-Schencottah Road of Kollam district,Kerala.Achencovil is almost 95 Kms away from Kollam.Manalar Waterfalls is managed by Manalar-Kumbhavurutty Vana Samrakshana Samithy and,is close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border.Apart from waterfalls,visitors can go trekking to the sprawling grasslands at high elevation,for an unique experience through evergreen thickets,abundant in wild flora and fauna.Kerala Forest Department has started an “Eco-Contact Centre” at this place.Kumbhamurutty,a natural falls is 2 Kms away from Manalar Waterfalls.Achencovil is a main Hindu pilgrim center in Kerala.Achencovil Sastha temple is one of the five Sastha temples in Kerala.Achencovil is also a Eco-Tourist place.Trekking is an important attraction.The place is near from NH 208.Entry is allowed from 10 am.

Address:
Divisional Forest Officer
Divisional Forest Office
Achencoil P.O, Kollam (Dist:),Kerala.
Telephone:
Divisional Forest Office,Achencoil.
0475 - 2342315
Getting there:
Nearest Bus Station: Achencovil Bus Station.
Nearest Railway Station: Kazhuthurutty Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Manalarkadu(Manalar Forest):

Manalar Forest is 2 Kms from Achencovil.Here season starts from,June to August.In Manalar forest,you contact to the nature.Trekking and other travels facility,inside the forest are available.Manalar forest is the center of rare specious birds,orchids and other flowers.

DISTANCE FROM MANALAR TO MAJOR TOWNS:
Thiruvananthapuram -122 Kms
Kollam -102 Kms
Tirunelveli - 82 Kms
Courtallam (Kutrallam) - 25 Kms
Shenkottai - 14 Kms
TOURIST PLACES NEAR BY MANALAR:
Kumbhavurutty Falls,Kerala - 2 Kms
Achencovil - 5 Kms
Thenamal - 52 Kms
Courtallam (Kutrallam),Tamil Nadu - 25 Kms
Panpoli - 10 Kms(Panpoli is a small village situated near Sengottai in Tirunelveli District,Tamil Nadu Distict)

Pathiramanal Island

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:53:03 PST

Pathiramanal is a small island located on the border of Kottayam - Alapuzha Districts in Kerala(south kerala),India.This small island is on the backwaters of Alappuzha near Muhamma.Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'.The island is located in the Vembanad Lake.The island is an easily reachable location in the Kumarakom - Muhamma water route.It is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake.It takes around 40 minutes from Kumarakom to reach Pathiramanal from Kumarakom.The journey through backwaters of Kottayam District,is a marvellous experience.The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing.It is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.The green island forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes,lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Distance:
Muhamma boat jetty to Pathiramanal Island =1.5kms
Alappuzha to Pathiramanal Island =13kms
Kumarakom to Pathiramanal Island =4kms
1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport,about 85 km north of Alappuzha.Thiruvananthapuram,about 150 km towards the south.
History

Pathiramanal island is also known as Anantha Padmanabhan Thoppu.It was purchased by Mr ACA Anthraper from M/s Bheemji Devji Trust of Cochin and was under the private ownership until late 70’s. In 1979 after land reforms acts were enforced in the state,the property came under the ownership of government.The island was returned to the government as a surplus land that crossed the land sealing. It was later transferred to the Tourism Department.The island at present is uninhabited.Till late 70’s of the 20th century 14 worker families resided in the island,which were later rehabilitated on the mainland in the Muhamma panchayath.

Geography:

The Pathiramanal Island is 28.505 ha.The distance from Muhamma boat jetty towards Island is about 1.5 km and 13kms from Alapuzha to pathiramanal.From the jetty close by Baker Bungalow the distance to the island is about 5 km and from Kumarakom 4 km towards northwest.

• Maximum length: 550m (SW to NE)
• Maximum width: 450m (SE to NW)
• Perimeter: 1800 m
• Estimated Area: 19.6 ha
• Distance to the nearest main land: 810m

Willingdon Island

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:01:32 PST

Willingdon Island is the home of the modern port that serves Kochi in Kerala,India.It is a man-made island created from the materials dredged while deepening Kochi Port,it's in Ernakulam district of Kerala in south India. It's named after Lord Willingdon,the erstwhile governor of Madras who had a hand in the project.Robert Bristow,the chief protagonist and engineer for the project owned the first building on the island.The first liner,which belonged to the Bibby Line,arrived at the island on the 9 March 1935.A port hostel had been purposely built to accommodate any passengers who wished to rest for a few nights.The hostel was soon afterwards named the Malabar Hotel.It is connected to Kochi's mainland by road and the railway Venduruthy Bridge.

The Royal Air Force quickly found use for this flat expanse of conveniently located virgin territory,and constructed a large aerodrome.The man-made island thus became a thriving military base.The Malabar Hotel provided quarters for all the wartime staff and the building gained a new administrative block next door to it.A new post office,an open-air swimming-bath between the hotel and offices,and a branch bank adjoining both,completed the amenities.When the British withdrew in 1947 they left behind an indispensable and significant transport hub.During its short colonial tenure the island had handled at most one million tons of freight,by 1960 this had almost doubled.The island aerodrome was extensively developed and became the city’s modern airport.Nowadays Cochin has an international Airport at Nedumbassery,30 kms north-east of the twin-city Cochin/Ernakulam.The remaining space on the island was quickly utilized in the 1950s,and far from being an unnatural appendage of the picturesque and ancient city,the isle,left behind by the British so soon after its completion,became the commercial heart of the ancient metropolis of Cochin

Location: Cochin,Ernakulam

Willingdon Island is a major port in India,and a landmark in the city of Kochi,Kerala.It serves as a link between the other sea ports of the world.Willingdon Island is connected to the mainland by the road and railway Venduruthy Bridge.Navy headquarters are located in this charming island.Cochin shipyard is also located near this island.It is also a major tourist center.Willingdon Island today plays an important role in the city of Kochi and houses some of the district's best hotels,commercial and industrial offices.When the British withdrew from India after independence in 1947,they left behind an indispensable and significant transport hub.During its short colonial tenure,the Willingdon Island in Cochin handled almost one million tons of freight and by the year 1960,the traffic had almost doubled.It is a major artificial port in India and serves as a major landmark in the Kochi city of Kerala.The Willington Island also serves as a link between the city and some other seaports of the world.

Getting There:

Nearest Bus Station: Ernakulam Central Bus Station
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction,Kochin
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport,Ernakulam

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:08:38 PST

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls is a beautiful place situated 7 Kms away from the Achencoil.It is on the Achencoil-Schencottah Road of Kollam district,Kerala.Achencovil is almost 95 kms away from Kollam.Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls is managed by Manalar-Kumbhavurutty Vana Samrakshana Samithy and,is close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border.Kerala Forest Department has started an “Eco-Contact Centre” at this place.Apart from waterfalls,visitors can go trekking to the sprawling grasslands at high elevation,for an unique experience through evergreen thickets,abundant in wild flora and fauna.Manalar is a natural falls,which is 2 Kms away from Kumbhavurutty waterfalls.Achencovil is a main Hindu pilgrim center in Kerala.Achencovil Sastha temple is one of the five Sastha temples in Kerala.Achencovil is also a Eco-Tourist place.The place is near from NH 208.Entry is allowed from 10 a.m.Trekking is an important attraction here.Kumbhavurutty waterfalls is one of the main attractions of Achankovil,a pilgrim center in Kollam District.This natural waterfall gives a breathtaking atmosphere with sounds of the rushing waters and the beauty of the nature.Achankovil is situated 80 kms north-east of Punalur.The waters of the Kumbhavarutty cascading down the hills at once attract your attention.Both sides of the narrow,hill road are dotted with thatched sit-outs.We can see a few beautiful treetop houses too.Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls offers breathtaking sight!.From the top,the water finds its way through big and small rocks to become a bubbling stream.We can see steps,cut into the rock,lead visitors to the top of the waterfalls.

Address:
Divisional Forest Officer
Divisional Forest Office
Achencoil P.O, Kollam (Dist:),Kerala.
Telephone:
Divisional Forest Office,Achencoil.
0475 - 2342315
Getting there:
Nearest Bus Station: Achencovil Bus Station.
Nearest Railway Station: Shenkottai Railway Station.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport.

DISTANCE FROM KUMBHAVURUTTY TO MAJOR TOWNS:
Thiruvananthapuram -123 Kms
Thenamal - 55 Kms
Kollam -104 Kms
Punalur – 83 Kms
Tirunelveli - 85 Kms
Courtallam (Kutrallam) - 28 Kms
Shenkottai - 17 Kms
TOURIST PLACES NEAR BY KUMBHAVURUTTY WATERFALLS:
Manalar Waterfalls,Kerala - 2 Kms
Achencovil - 5 Kms
Thenamal - 55 Kms
Courtallam (Kutrallam),Tamil Nadu - 25 Kms
Panpoli - 10 Kms (Panpoli is a small village situated near Sengottai in Tirunelveli District,Tamil Nadu Distict)

Tolpavakoothu

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:26:59 PDT

Video of Tolpavakoothu or leather puppet play, an ancient art form of Kerala. This form of leather puppetry is popular in and around the district of Palakkad. Traditional performed in temples this art form is part of the culture of Kerala. Tholpavakoothu adopts stories from Kamba Ramayanam, Tamil version of Indian epic Ramayana written by poet Kambar. Copyright of this video vests with Department of Tourism Government of Kerala.

Kerala God's Own Country

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:53:08 PST

This a very beautiful video showing the different parts of kerala.Kerala is commonly know as"God's Own Country",around the world.Kerala, the land of rivers and backwaters is a green strip of land,in the South West corner of Indian peninsula.Kerala is a state with full literacy,Higher Health care and lower mortality ratio.In Kerala you experience freshness and touch of mother earth every where.No wonder keralites call their State "God's Own Country".

Chaliyar River

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:53:08 PST

Chaliyar,one of the major rivers of Kerala,originates from the Ilambalari(Elembalai)Hills in Gudalur of Nilgiris District(in Tamil Nadu).Chaliyar River is the fourth longest river in Kerala With a length of 169 Kms.Chaliyar river has a total drainage area of 2,923sq Kms,of which 2,535sq Kms is in Kerala and the rest in Tamil Nadu.The Chaliyar river flows through Wayanad,Malappuram and Kozhikode districts.Chaliyar River is known in the lower reaches,which form part of the West Coast Inland Navigation system, as the Beypore River.Nilambur, Mampad, Edavanna, Arikkod, Vazhakkad and Feroke are situated along this river.The Chaliyar joins the Arabian Sea near Beypore.The Kavanakallu Regulator cum bridge is constructed over the Chaliyar River,13 Kms away from Kondotty Hill.About 27 Kms from Nilambur, beyond the Chaliyar is Valamthode.The river has two names-Chaliyar and Beyporepuzha,of which the former is more popular.The river meets the Arabian Sea at an 'azhi'(estuary),the southern part of which is known as Chaliyam and northern part as Beypore.Thus the river gets the names Chaliyar and Beyporepuzha.Chaliyar is one of the rivers which doesn't get dried up in the drought season.Many other rivers in Kerala get dried up during march and April.

Facts About Chaliyar River:
Country : INDIA
State : KERALA
Region : ASIA
District : KOZHIKODE
Length :169 Kms
Source : Kakkadampoyil Clif
Tributaries:
Left : Iruvazhinjipuzha, Cherupuzha, Engappuzha Right : Cherupuzha Nilamboor.
Chaliyar River originates in the Western Ghats range at Elambalari Hills located near Cherambadi town in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu and flows through Malappuram District for most of its length and then for around 17 Kms it forms the boundary between Malappuram District and Kozhikode District before entering the city of Kozhikode for its final 10 Kms journey and finally empties into the Arabian Sea.Some of the Chaliyar's tributaries originate from Wayanad District and joins the main river in Malappuram.

During late 19th century and early 20th century,the Chaliyar was extensively used as a waterway for carrying timber from the forest areas in and around Nilambur to the various mills in Kallayi of Calicut city.Rafts made of logs were taken downstream during the monsoon season to Kallayi, where these were sawn to size in the timber mills dotting the banks of the river.Kallayi was during this period one of the most important centers in the world for timber business.The place was famous for wood of superlative strength and durability like teak,rosewood.Towards the second half of the 20th century,the activity came down drastically as tree felling was banned or strictly controlled with a view to stop deforestation.Many mills still operate in Kallayi,though with far less output.Many have closed down.

Jatayu Para

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:53:08 PST

Jatayu Para(Jatayu Rock)is a curiously shaped rock formation along the MC Road in Chadayamangalam village,Kollam,India.Jatayu Para is 30kms away from Kollam district.Chadayamangalam or Jadayu Mangalam is a beautiful village lying between Kilimanoor and Kottarakara.There is a temple dedicated to Lord Ram at the top of the rock.This a huge cluster of rocks called Jatayupara is a single rock,situated 1000 ft above sea level covering an area of around 60 acres.
Jatayu Para is of interest to adventure tourists as this is an ideal location for trekking or hang-gliding.The rock gets its name from a character in the epic Ramayana.Jatayu,a gigantic bird,an ally of Lord Ram,staked his life trying to save Sita (Ram's wife) from her abductor,the demon king Ravana.The rock is beleived to mark the spot where the mortally wounded Jatayu fell.

Location : Chadayamangalam village, Kollam,Kerala

Getting There:
Nearest Bus Station: Chadayamangalam Bus Station
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Junction Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Jatayu Sculpture

The Eco-tourism wing of the State Government’s Tourism Development has adopted the sixty acres atop The “Jatayu Rock” for developing the area as a tourist attraction.The development project will in no way mar the natural beauty of the rock and whatever is going to be built will be in harmony with the surroundings.The facilities would help the visitors to enjoy the caves and creeks of the rocky environment.There would be a winding foot path leading up to the top stretching to several kilometers.The path will be lit and there will be places for rest,kiosk for tea,coffee and snacks etc.A few honey-moon cottages are also being planned.Right on top the rock the building of a huge functional sculpture of the Great Bird Jatayu is under way.It is 60 ft tall,150 ft broad and 200 ft long.This will have three storeys and would among other attractions,house a museum and mini film theatre.The form of the Bird would be lying on its back with a broken wing,raising its head.

The visitors who enter the sculpture can literally have a Bird’s Eye View as the Jatayu’s eyes are planned to be round windows opening to the world.Once finished,Jatayu sculpture would be the biggest functional sculpture in the Asian continent.It can be termed as the tallest sculpture as well.The news that the biggest functional sculpture is being built on The Jatayu Rock is slowly spreading.It would be useful to tourists if this site is included in the National Tourism Map as it is situated close to MC Road which is the route for lots of Ayyappa Pilgrims who travel via Trivandrum and Kanyakumari.For the spiritual tourists from other states of India Jatayu Rock can doubtlessly turn into a great attraction.It would be especially attractive to North Indian Pilgrims who are largely Ram devotees.
Website: www.jatayusculpture.com
For more information visit the offical website of JATAYU SCULPTURE

Clock Of Asian Countries Like India,Sri Lanka,Burma,Thailand,China And Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:53:08 PST

TOURISM AND KERALA

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:53:08 PST

TOURISM is a global happening.It is an expression of man’s natural instincts to move from one place to another.India’s tourist attractions warrant for more tourists than we are presently getting.No other country can match India as a tourist draw.If a tourist wants mountaineering and trekking,which mountains in the world can compete with the Himalayas?If he wants the sea and the sun,where else would he find thousands of miles of virgin beaches against back drops of swaying coconut palms?If he wants to visit ancient sites or ruins,which country can match the monuments of the Hindu,Buddhist,Jain,Muslim,Sikh and Christian faiths?Or if he is in search of secluded spots,away from civilization,the Lakshadweep Islands with their sparkling clear waters or the Andamans with their thick rain forests,white sands and coral reefs have few parallels.If he wishes to study Yoga or meet men of religion,then our gurus and sanyasis and their Ashrams have much to offer.Whatever his interest,India has unparalleled attractions to offer to the tourist.As far as Kerala is concerned,the state's potential for tourism has been well accepted.Tourism is Kerala's boom industry.Strategically located at the south western tip of India,Kerala enjoys unique geographic features which has made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.The state is a breathtakingly beautiful green,green land.Natural endowments like tranquil beaches,soothing backwaters,exhilarating hill stations,enchanting waterfalls,historic monuments,spectacular art forms,rejuvenating health packages,exotic wildlife and year-round festivals offer excellent investment opportunities in tourism related activities.All of which offer the tourists a unique experience,which enchants him throughout his life.Again,Kerala has in store more for the tourists.The state can boast of having the most advanced society in Kerala.It has a hundred per cent literate people,the lowest infant mortality rate,the highest life expectancy rate,the highest quality of life etc.As a destination,Kerala can attract the independent traveler with its unique qualities like the pristine environment,the rich and vibrant culture and the high quality of life for the local inhabitants brought about by the state's investments since Independence in the field of education,health care,institutions of democracy,social justice etc.The state is also endowed with its unique natural,cultural and social resources.

Sasthamkotta Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Kerala) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:39:37 PST

Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.The lake is located at Sasthamkotta in Kollam District.

Sasthamcotta,is an attractive Tourist Village situated about 75kms from the capital city of Trivandrum and about 27kms from Kollam Town.The lake is named after the ancient Sastha temple (a pilgrimage centre) located on its bank.Sasthamkotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.