KERALA GODS OWN COUNTRY

Mangalamkunnu Ganapathy

2013-08-29T02:43:00.003-07:00

Mangalamkunnu Ayyappan

2013-08-29T02:37:00.003-07:00

Thrikkadavoor Sivaraju

2013-08-29T02:34:00.001-07:00

Pampady Rajan

2013-08-29T02:29:00.000-07:00

pampady r ajan

Mangalamkunnu Karnan

2013-08-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

GURUVAYOOR KESHAVAN

2013-08-29T00:21:00.003-07:00

Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan is perhaps the most famous and celebrated captive elephant in Kerala, southern India. Kesavan was donated to the Guruvayur Hindu temple by the royal family of Nilambur in 1916.

Karuvanthala Kaalidasan(Late)

2013-08-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

PAKSHIPATHALAM

2013-08-17T22:57:00.002-07:00

Situated at an altitude of 1740m and accessible only by trekking, Pakshipathalam is home to several species of birds and is an ornithologist's paradise. It is located in the Brahmagiri Hills near Thirunelly. There is a cave here, which according to legend, was used by rishis (saints) for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists.

It is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. The deep rock caves; formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri are the abode of various birds and wild beasts. The place is bet knows for the presence of `Edible Nest Swift light' as its nest is made of solidified saliva and is used to make bird's nest soup.

Here virgin forests, streams and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking.

Location
North Wayanad, near Tirunelli temple.
Distance Chart: Mananthavady: 36km/ Kalpetta: 71km/ Sulthan Bathery: 78km
How to reach
Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and trekking is the only mode of reaching this place. Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady. Buses are available upto Thirunelli Temple.

The trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division. From there one would reach the first point, which is the Watch Tower in one and half hours. The Kerala Karnataka border is in 2 km distance from the watchtower. Though Pakshipathalam situated in Kerala, we can reach there only through Karnataka. The landmark after the watchtower is Pancharathodu, which is 2 km away from Kerala Karnataka border.

Then Pakshipathalam is just 500 m away for Pancharathodu. The trekking is for total 7.5 km, which can be completed with approximately three and half hours.

Bus timings: to Tirunelli from Mananthavady bus stand: 5.50am, 7am, 8.15am, 8.40am, 8.55am, 9.15am, 10am, 11am, 12.10pm, 1pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.35pm, 4.10pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm

To Mananthavady from Tirunelli: 7am, 7.40am, 8am, 8.40am, 9am, 9.30am, 9.45am, 10.25am, 10.35am, 11.20am, 11.40am, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, 3.45pm, 5.10pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm

Things to be noted
Trekking must be started at 7.30 itself, as total 7 hours would be needed for the total journey
Keep silence during trekking
Obey the instructions of the guide
Carry a first aid kit with needed medicines
Don't use plastic bottles and kits
Never disturb the birds and animals
Use jungle boots for trekking
Carry a battery torch with enough batteries
To save from leaches, rub a mixture of tobacco and mustard oil in legs. Carry tobacco and salt.
If leach bites you, don't try to pull them off. Just pour salt or tobacco over them.
Don't use liquor and cigarettes.
If there are mists covering your view, continue the trekking only after it depletes.

Contact
STD CODE: 04935
Trekking permitting authority, DFO, North Wayanad: Ph: 04935- 240233
Tirunelli forest station: Ph: 04935- 210377
Begur range officer: Mobile: 09447449119
Useful Info
Trekking Fees: Rs.8.00 for a group of 5 persons, Rs 100 for extra person, For foreigners, Rs 1000 for 5 member group.
Tips
Trekking starts from North Wayanad Forest Division 18. First point: Watch tower (3km away), Then Kerala-Karnataka border (2km from watch tower). Cross Pancharathodu in Karnataka (2 kms from Kerala-Karnataka border). Pakshipathalam is just 500m away from Pancharathodu. Total 7.5 km trekking, almost three and half hour journey.

COURTESY-http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel

KULIRMALA

2013-08-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

Kulirmala is a spectacular hill situated near Perinthalmanna. Kulir means cold or chillness; not a simple chillness but a happy mood creating chillness. Mala is hill or mountain. This is the highest point in Perinthalmanna and from here we can view the complete area! The place is rich with verdant landscapes and water springs. Local people believe that the mythological character of Hanuman had been here once upon a time and they still believe the huge mark on the hill as the foot-mark of Hanuman. Distance from Perinthalmanna 1.5 km.

Konni

2012-09-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Konni is an important town on the Muvattupuzha-Punalur route. It is about 11 km from the district headquarters. It is an important center for cash crops like rubber, pepper,coffee and ginger which form the backbone of the agricultural economy of the state. Konni assembly constituency is part of Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency).

The lush green land has been prominent as a haven of wild elephants and as an elephant training centre. The large area of thick forest with wild animals has now made Konni emerge as another tourist spot for safaris and trekking.Konni is also known for its elephant rides. Konni is the gateway to the forest bordering the district. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as 'Aanakoodu' (Elephant Cage) to be tamed and trained for work. In Kerala there are two elephant training centers, the other located at Kodanad.

Aranmula kannadi

2012-09-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

Aranmula kannadi (meaning the Aranmula mirror) is a handmade metal-alloy mirror, made in Aranmula, a village in the state of Kerala, India. Unlike the normal 'silvered' glass mirrors, being a metal-alloy mirror, it is a front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors. The exact metals used in the alloy are unknown to public and is maintained as a family secret; however metallurgists suggest the alloy to be a mix of copper and tin. It is then polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface.

These unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala's rich cultural and metallurgical traditions, and have great historical and cultural value. Produced by a single extended family in Aranmula, the origins of the Aranmula kannadi are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Legend has it that eight families of experts in temple arts and crafts were brought by the royal chief to Aranmula from Tirunelveli district to work in the Parthasarathy temple centuries ago on the mirrors.

JAIN TEMPLE

2012-04-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Jain Temple Wayanad…Serenity’s Example

Jain temple Wayanad is an important tourist spot for Jains and multi cultural guests. This is an excellent piece of Jain architecture. It is a must see not only for Jains but also for other tourists and multi cultural guest who are on visit to the heavenly Wayanad.

Jain temple Wayanad is located near Sulthan Bathery. Jain temple Wayanad is also known by the name Ananthanatha swami temple. Ananthanatha swami temple is an excellent spiritual spot. This Jain temple Wayanad is dedicated to the great Jain saint by name Ananthanatha swami.

Ananthanatha swami temple is located near Kalpetta at a distance of six Km from Kalpetta. This Jain temple Wayanad is generally referred to as Tippu’s fort. There is an interesting reason behind this name being given to Ananthanatha swami temple. King Tippusultan stored his ammunition in this fort during his reign. That is why this place is called Tippu’s fort. Another name given to this Jain temple is Sultan’s battery.

Jain temple Wayanad is known to be constructed in the thirteenth century. This temple and its surroundings have served as an essential place for commercial developments. It is sad to note that the beautiful pillars of Ananthanatha swami temple are ruined due to several reasons.
The inner portion of the temple and the sanctum sanctorium are very quiet and serene. You should visit this temple to enjoy that tranquility and view the excellent architecture involved in its construction. Jain temple Wayanad located adjacent to Sulthan Bathery.

NEELIMALA

2012-04-28T05:23:00.001-07:00

Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue fro 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.
Distances from: KPA-27 Km, SBY-26 Km, MDY-62 Km.....
How to Reach District:WayanadNearest Bus Station:KalpettaNearest Railway Station:Kozhikode railway stationNearest Airport:Karipur International Airport at a distance of 95 kms

KURUVA ISLAND

2012-04-28T05:17:00.001-07:00

Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river Kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island.

Just 17 km to the east of Mananthavady, Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature. It is closed during monsoon (June to September).

KARAPPUZHA DAM

2012-04-28T05:15:00.002-07:00

A conglomerate of nearly a dozen lakes forming althogether the Karapphuza Dam, it is 15 minutes from our farm. Nature invites you there for bath in pristine, clear mountainwaters or for a stroll in the beautiful hills dotted between the different lakes.

The dam was designed to utilise 2.7 tmc ft of Karappuzha waters by building a barrage across the river to divert waters to Vaithiri, Sulthan Batheri and Manantawadi taluks in the district. Karapuzha Lake is a huge fresh water lake. It is very scenic which makes it an ideal picnic spot. The dam is situated at a distance of 16 kms. from Kalpetta.

RANIPURAM

2012-04-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

Ranipuram (ooty of kerala Malayalam: റാണിപുരം) is a hill station located withinKasargod district of Kerala state[Panathady Panchayat, Hosdurg Taluk], south India. It is located about 48 kilometres (30 mi) east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range. Panathady-Ranipuram 10KM.
There are two trekking routes available through the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests. Part of the way the climb is assisted by cut steps. The ambiance of the forest trail is remarkable and once you reach the "Mani" (grass covered hilltop) the view is superb. The undulating cloud-topped hills stretch up to the plains and ocean on the horizon. This is unexplored territory for the nature enthusiast and birdwatcher. Butterflies are in abundance and birds of the evergreen biotope like the blackeagle,crested serpent eagle and little spider hunter common. Elephants pay visits in the summer months and leopards have been sighted in the not-too-distant past. The Ranipuram forest should be declared as a wild life sanctuary by Kerala Forest Department to merge with borders of Thalakavery wild life sanctuary in Karnataka. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary may protect and maintain overall biodiversity of the area in a better way. The place holds immense potential for ecotourism and may develop into a premier hill station in Kerala with the judicious development of amenities. Tourist cottages are available here provided by the KTDC and some private players have entered the scene. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary will be a boon to tourism development in Kasaragod district.

AMRITAPURI ASHRAM

2012-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Built up on the very property where Amma was born, Amritapuri is now the headquarters of Amma’s worldwide mission and the spiritual home for Amma’s monastic disciples and hundreds of householder devotees. All the residents have dedicated their lives for realising God and serving the world. Everyday, Amma’s children from across India and abroad flock here to have Amma’s darshan. She sees each and every one, listens to their worries, consoles, encourages, provides new direction to their lives.

Amritapuri is the living example of the ancient Indian ideal “the whole world is one family” (vasudhaiva kutumbakam). Here you will find people from all parts of the world — speaking different languages and having different customs and religions — all living under one roof. In their quest for the meaning of life, each has forgotten their differences and become a child of Amma.

Directions

The two closest airports are in Trivandrum (110 km) and in Cochin (140 km)

Napier Museum

2012-04-28T04:51:00.001-07:00

The Napier Museum is an art and natural historymuseum situated in Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, India.The museum was established in 1855. In 1874, the old Museum Building was demolished and foundation for the new building was laid. The new building was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872.

PONMUDI HILLS

2012-04-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

Ponmudi (Malayalam: പൊന്മുടി)(The Golden Peak) is a hillstation in theThiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. Its located 61 km north-east ofTrivandrum city at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.

Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road offering scenic views on the way to Ponmudi. The climate is pleasant year-round. Trivandrum serves as a base for trekkingand hiking. There are also tea gardens in the area.

Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation. A variety of wildlife inhabit the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing though a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.

Another attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest Department's permission. Meenmutty Falls is also a famous attraction in the area.

Hotel Golden Peak in the upper sanitorium under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation(KTDC) is the only hotel available for stay in Ponmudi.Due to its proximity to the main city of Trivandrum and lack of accommodation options tourists usually prefer to stay in the city and make a one day trip to Ponmudi though the early morning scenery especially during the winter season is worth feeling.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Amritapuri Ashram

2011-11-16T02:20:00.001-08:00

At the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Amritapuri near Quilon, South Kerala, there is a beautiful temple that houses more than seven hundred full-time residents. The day dawns early in Amritapuri Ashram (monastery) located in the backwaters of Kerala. At 4.30 a.m. in the morning, most residents are up and begin to involve themselves on various activities.

KOLKALI

2011-10-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

It is a highly rhythmic dance with dancers wielding short sticks, is folk art of the agarian classes. The rhythm of this dance is set by tapping of the feet to the striking of sticks. The movement is circular and the artist sings as the dance and strike the sticks in unison.

Krishnanattam

2011-10-01T23:29:00.000-07:00

A spectale for both the scholar and simple rustic. The visual effect is enhanced by varied and colorful facial make up with larger the life-masks, made of light wood and cloth padding, for certain characters. The characters who do not wear masks have specific facial colors applied within the frame of a white chutti. The predominat colours used are dark green, flesh tint and deep rose. The characters of Krishna, Arjuna and Garuda wear dark blue vests. The traditional performance lasts for eight days and covers whole span of Krishna's life.

THEYYAM

2011-10-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

It is as ritual dance form of Kerala, glorifying the mother Goddess. Themes revolve around the triumph of the Goddess over the Demon Daruka and other evil characters. Always performed by men, they also enact females roles wearing exotic make up and colorful costumes. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance of worship.

MUDIYETTU

2011-10-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

It is a ritual performed in some Kaali temples of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts. The dance celebrates the Goddess's triumph over Demon Darikan.

ARJUNANRITHAM

2011-10-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

It is a ritual art performed by men and is prevalent in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala. It is also called Mayilpeeli Nritham. This garment is worn around the waist in a similar fashion as the Uduthukettu of Kathakali.