Kerala Holidays

Heritage Hotels in Kerala

2009-10-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Heritage Hotels in Kerala

The serene backwaters along with the luxuriant green rice paddy fields make Kerala no less than an accepted wonder. The "God's own country" Kerala offers visitor a delightful trail of exciting tourist destinations which offers you attractive glimpses of large array of flora and fauna.
Like other Indian tourism you will be flabbergasted to see the rich heritage and culture of the region best reflected in its string of traditional festivals like Onam, Thrissur Pooram, Christmas etc which are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and religious feeling.

Kerala Houseboats

One of the foremost attractions of Kerala is its traditionally designed houseboats made from bamboo poles and coconut fibers. Moreover, today several of the houseboats are reckoned as finest hotels in Kerala provided that guests an environment of great soothes with all recent services that you could ever think of.

Other most important attractions of these floating hotels in Kerala are its spacious bed rooms which are pleasingly designed. As you stay in these beautiful large houseboats you get to see and feel the scenic gorgeousness of the coastal areas and the ripples of lagoon waters. Just like other hotels in Kerala you get access to a balcony whereby you can simply relax and enjoy the pretty view of the local villages and towns.

For food lovers, a voyage through the houseboats of Kerala also offers unrivaled dining experiences. From tasty Continental breakfast to genuine Indian lunch you have broad plethora of choices to make your plates full.

Luxury Hotels in Kerala

Kerala tourism has embarked upon striving projects to endorse the famous heritage hotels in Kerala. Among such hotels in Kerala, talk about needs to be made of Keraleeyam Heritage Home in Alleppey. Built nearly 70 years ago, this hotel provides the guests an environment of great comfort with all modern facilities.

32 tourists drown in Thekkady reservoir

2009-10-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

More than 32 tourists on board a double-decker boat owned and operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation were killed when it capsized in one of the deepest zones of the Mullaperiyar dam reservoir in Kerala’s Idukki district around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The toll would possibly be higher, according to informed sources.

A rescue team had recovered 26 bodies till 8 p.m. Two persons were rescued alive.

The rescue operation was continuing late into the night. Four tourists who were rescued in a critical condition died later. There were five foreign tourists, of whom two died.

A total of 82 persons were travelling in the boat, named ‘Jala Kanyaka’; 60 of them belonged to one group from Karnataka. The boat left the jetty around 4 p.m. and capsized some 7 km away.

All the 60 persons from Karnataka had come in a tourist bus to Thekkady as part of their tour of Kerala. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident took place when a large group of tourists on the upper deck rushed to one side of the boat to see animals spotted on the forest fringes. In the sudden movement, the boat overturned. All the 82 tourists in the boat were thrown into the water. Twenty persons, who were mostly on the upper deck of the boat were rescued by boats sent in by the KTDC, the Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu PWD.

The rescue operations were hampered by the spreading darkness and the distance of the accident spot from the boat landing centre. The area where the boat capsized was about 100 feet deep and the shore had wild animals such as elephants.

The helpline numbers are: Thiruvananthapuram Control Room – 0471-2331403; 0471-1331639 and 0471-2333198. Control Room, Kerala House, Delhi: 011-23342320; 011-30411500.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article27040.ece

Thekkady Tourist Boat 'Jalakanyaka' Accident

2009-10-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Thekkady, Kerala, 2009 Sept 30 : In one of the major accidents in the history of Kerala, 2 people were killed as a tourist boat capsized in Thekkady Lake at Manakavala in the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary this evening.

According to control room here, altogether 76 people, including two crew members were in the boat when the accident occurred.

Despite the adverse weather conditions and poor light, the search was on to find out any more bodies, sources said.

34 people killed in the tragic incident were identified as:

Three natives of Trissur district in Kerala are Sirsith, his wife Susheela (both settled at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu) and their relative Vimala.

Shaliha (30), Parthu Sharma (17), Alka (18), Pradeep Kumar, Rinu Kumar, Hareendra Singh (45) and Sangeetha( all from Delhi).

Sunil Kumar, his daughter Sai Manasi(from Hyderabad), Ravindra Varma (Guntur).

Elakya (13), Prakritheswari (9), Sandhya (20), Vijaya (17), Dharani, Jayaprakash, his wife Sandhya Jayaprakash (all from Periyakulam), Sneha (12) from Madurai and Arun Kumar (42) and his child( from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu).

Adithya (27), Sudha (35), Vijayaprakash (44), Rahul (8), Soorya Prakash(45) and Rajasekhar(all from Bangalore in Karnataka).

Anoop Bhandari, Deepak Kumar, Das Nirmal (61), his wife Kalpana Das (60) and Das Meera (35) (all from Kolkata).

Control Room Telephone Numbers: 0471 2333198, 2331639

Climate of Kerala

2008-04-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

Kerala is fortune in that it can boat of balmy weather almost all the year through. Unlike the north, it never gets too cold in the winter months, while the summers do not have the harshness of some of the parts of the country. The result is a destination that is accessible year round.

Best time is November-February when the air is bracing; on some mornings there is a light mist; in the hills light woolens may be required in the evenings and early mornings. Warm (but not hot) months are March-May and September-October: at such times the flowers are out, and though there is humidity, it is not daunting.

Mid-May to August is the monsoon period, so you can expect a wet time. In addition, June can also be windy.

Kerala Beaches

2008-04-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever.

Kovalam beach :
This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.

Poovar Beach :
Poovar is an unspoilt and unexplored island, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.

Shanghumugham Beach :
This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) airport and Veli Tourist Village.

The Varkala Beach :
Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there

Alappuzha Beach :
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old.

Cherai Beach :

This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occassionally seen here.

Fort Kochi Beach - The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British..

Kappad - This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old
courtecy:keralagreenery.org

Kerala is the fastest growing Tourist destination in Asia..

2008-04-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Kerala has some of the pristine hill stations in India, with the entire Western Ghats dotted with evergreens, rolling grasslands, sholas and stretches of rejuvenating fragrance of tea and coffee plantations. The wilder side of Kerala has in store some of the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the country with a variety of plant and animal life unique to Kerala.

Glistening brooks and cascades that interstice the hills finally roll down to the coastal plains of Kerala where they laze through verdant stretches of paddy fields, coconut trees and feeds some of the splendorous expanse of backwaters and lakes.

Let yourselves cast away amidst the serene environs of a backwater islet, treat your body and soul to 'Ayurveda' - the sacred knowledge of life. Take a backwater cruise on a country boat with palm fringed land on either side and experience the many faces of the backwater life of Kerala.
Crave for Sun & Sand! .. come and embrace the golden sands of its immaculate beaches, pep up your spirits under the tropical sun and feel the pulse of its coastal life. You can also enhance your gastronomy skills or give a break to your taste buds and savor some of the ethnic dishes of the land.

The cultural mosaic of Kerala is studded with landmark monuments, palaces, forts, memorials, and places of worship portraying the socio-cultural and historical evolution of the land with indelible marks left by travelers from far-flung lands. Be part of its many festivals and celebrations to understand its significance, emotions and traditional practices of Kerla.

Extend your tryst with this spectacular geographical wonder called Kerala and experience its rich cultural heritage and enterprising denizens who are epitomes of hospitality, which adds vibrancy to its diverse and bountiful natural wealth. Visitors are given fullest value of money and time they spend in Kerala, which offers some of the best getaways when it comes to diversity.

courtecy:keralagreenery.org

KERALA CUISINE

2008-04-05T00:42:00.001-07:00

Holistic, natural, nutritious cuisine

Welcome to a culinary expedition in Kerala, God's Own Country where a cuisine as distinctive as its cultural life and religious tradition a cuisine influenced by the long coastline and flavored by the all-pervasive coconut. A cuisine enriched with exotic tropical fruits, vegetables, cereals, seafood and herbs. Garnished with the distinctive aroma of pepper, cardamom, chillies, and cloves-spices that brought explores like Marco Polo and Vas co da Gama from across the seas a holistic, natural, nutritious cuisine that follows the tenets of Ayurveda. In short, a cuisine that's simply divine!

Enhancing Tastes

In kerala, the utensil in which the food is cooked is important in determining the taste and nutrition of the dish. Terracotta, bamboo, brass, bronze, copper or even leaves are used in cooking

Wake up to the world's best breakfast!

Travel & Leisure picked Kerala's morning dishes as one of the best breakfasts in the world. Here's a streaming selection for you to start the day.

Puttu & Kadala Curry.

Served hot, soft puttus melt in your mouth. Goes well with kadala (gram) curry, banana or sugar.

Appam & Mutton Stew.

Appams are soft centred, lacy pancakes to be had with mutton, banana, or mixed vegetable stew.

Iddiappam & Egg Curry

Soft noodle like rice cake usually accompanied by egg curry in coconut milk, or creamy, sweet banana stew.

The sumptuous Sadya

The sadya, an integral part of Kerala's culture, is a feast that is served on a plantain leaf and eaten with the hand. With an amazing variety of upto 40 vegetarian dishes, the Sadya is served mostly during marriages and festivals. The preparation of the dishes and the order in which they are served is important in Sadya. Usually the Sadya is rounded off with different varieties of Payasams, which are sweet desserts.

Backwater Delicacies
Karimeen Pollichathu.
Karimeen (pearl spot) baked with a paste of chillies, spices and curry leaves. Tastes superb with kappa (tapioca).
The vast stretches of seashore ensure that Kerala is blessed with succulent lobsters, prawns, crabs, mussels and a whole range of delicacies. All enticingly cooked with exotic spices.

Fish Moilee
Sear fish cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with spices. Common in central Kerala among the Syrian Christian community.
Irresistible Delicacies from the Spice Coast
Malabar, the spice coast of Kerala has a unique cuisine where the Arabic influence is unmistakable. The lightly flavoured, aromatic biriyani, rich meat curries and sweet desserts are a treat for the taste buds.

Malbari Biriyani
Rice fried and spiced to be topped with meat, chicken, fish or prawn. Tastes best with crisp pappadams, nadan kozhi curry (chicken curry) and pickles.

Pathiri and Nadan Kozhi Curry
Made from rice dough, pathiri is an exquisitely soft pancake which goes well with spicy chicken curry in rich and creamy gravy.

Erachi Ulathiyathu
Beef or lamb sauted in roasted spices
Pack Home Crispy Sweet Memories
Kerala's amazing variety of any time snacks - pazham pori, kozhalappam, churuttu, cheeda, murukku, upperi, (banana or jack fruit chips), avalos unda - are those you'd love to take home.
Natures Own Soft Drink
When you are in Kerala make sure that you enjoy the refreshing, sweet tender coconut water. And the whole range of tropical delights that Kerala offers.

ATTRACTIONS OF KERALA

2008-04-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Kerala, the Land of Green Magic

The magnificent contours of this glorious little state holds many attractions within its bountiful confines. A vast scope for many exciting forays is what makes it the tourist's favourite haunt. Beckoning you each year to freshen up on assorted adventure.

Romantic Country Boat Cruises

The backwaters indeed hold a distinct attraction to every visitor of Kerala. The specially designed houseboats make the perfect shoreline for a blissful vacation. The slowly advancing cruises with the picturesque quaint villages along the shore holds you strongly under the bewitching spell of Kerala.

Trekking

Ample scope to exercise your trekking spirits. The rich flora and fauna would gratify your sense of wonderment. The thick forests at Periyar await your trekking tracks.

Elephant Rides

Your chance to ride on an elephant, Facility for enchanting elephant rides available at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Ayurvedic Massages

An experience not to be missed. Pure herbal oil massages known to ease off many a disorder. For 'Ayurveda' is the science of life. Come, let experts work on their magic. You'll walk off rested, refreshed and active.

Classical Dances

The classic art forms in Kerala never fail to stupefy the tourists by its variety and richness. Come imbibe the essence of its traditional dance drama, Kathakali and Other classical dances such as Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam etc. can be watched at various cultural centers.

Martial Arts

Kerala has its own traditional martial art, Kalarippayattu. Originally from North Malabar, Kalari is assessed as an intricate discipline of the body and mind. Trivandrum, the capital city puts forth on show its budding talents. Trainers can be watched providing coaching to eager boys and girls.

Plantation Visits

Well known for its tea and spices, the plantations hold an arresting sight. These together with the processing factories give the curious visitors an insight into the production of these items.

courtecy:keralaholidays.com

BEST OF KERALA SHOW

2008-04-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

Colour and variety is what typifies the many festivals of Kerala. The Kerala festival scene is interestingly brighter and richer, as its landscape. The occasions are many, and the need for excuses few, to celebrate. The gaiety and festivity of each staying fast and strong till the next one.

Onam Harvest Festival (August-September)
The most popular festival of Kerala celebrating the return of the legendary King Mahabali. There's never a dull moment in this 10 days long festival - Snake Boat races, floral displays, feasts, fairs and games. The famous tourism week celebrations are also arranged with great fanfare.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August)
The grand exciting show held on the second Saturday of every August. The gala racing event of the gigantic snake boats of Kerala. Simply cannot be missed.

Aranmula Boat Race (September)
Included among the Onam celebrations of Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula. The races of colourfully decorated boats held here are immensely popular with the locals.

Diwali (October-November)
Diwali celebrated as the festival of lights and is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on Amavasya - the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (Aasho) (October / November) every year. It symbolises that age-old culture of our country, which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights even to day in this modern world projects the rich and glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.

Christmas (December)
Christmas is a time for Families, Fun, and Festivities. A time for family gatherings and holiday meals. A time for Santa, stars, and singing carolers. A time for ornaments, gifts, and twinkling lights. Celebrated in all its ritualistic splendour, it is given as much importance as any of the other Hindu festivals

Shivaratri (February-March)
Much popular among the devotees of Lord Shiva, this is the day of fasting. Processions are led to the temples, lingams are anointed and holy mantras chanted.
And if it's the culture of kerala that interests you, then don't miss the famous cultural festivals performance of the
best Indian artists.
courtecy:keralaholidays.com

Have Fun With Your House Boat

2008-04-04T06:50:00.001-07:00

A houseboat is a redesigned boat to be used primarily as a human dwelling like a regular house. The most common pontoon type is a floating house mounted on top of a pontoon.

Houseboating is a popular recreational activity for all age groups of people, on houseboats ranging from 30ft. to more than 70 ft. luxury houseboats. Houseboating is a great experience because :

1. Great variety of natural terrain depending on lake and time of year.

2. A lot of water-based recreation choices when you go on a house-boating trip. Fishing, waterskiing, camping, hiking, power-boating, exploring, sunbathing and just relaxing are some of the things you can do.

3.In some places on a smaller houseboat you can navigate lakes leading to more secluded areas.

4. On luxury houseboats, you can get all amenities as in a posh hotel such as hot tubs, big-screen TVs, fireplaces, DVD players, and deluxe accommodations with private rooms.

5. As houseboats can accommodate from 4 to 15 or more people, it's very common to share the cost of a houseboat vacation between multiple families or groups.

Beaches in KERALA

2008-04-04T06:49:00.001-07:00

Flanked on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a long coastline of 580 km (360.39 miles); all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches. However only a few of these contiguous beaches attract tourists, as their ecologically sensitive nature prohibits large constructions in the area.

Popularly visited beaches in the state include those at Alappuzha Beach, Cherai Beach, Kappad, Kovalam, Marari beach, Fort Kochi and Varkala. The Muzhappilangad Beach beach at Kannur is the only drive-in beach in India.

God's Own Country.....!!!!

2008-04-04T06:45:00.001-07:00

Kerala is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively; to its west and south lie the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, with the islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala is one of the four states of South India.

First settled in the 10th century BCE by speakers of Proto-South Dravidian, Kerala was influenced by the Mauryan Empire. Later, the Cheran kingdom and feudal Namboothiri Brahminical city-states became major powers in the region.Early contact with overseas lands culminated in struggles between colonial and native powers. The States Reorganisation Act of November 1, 1956, elevated Kerala to statehood.

Social reforms enacted in the late 19th century by Cochin and Travancore were expanded upon by post-independence governments, making Kerala among the Third World's longest-lived, healthiest, most gender-equitable, and most literate regions. However, Kerala's suicide, alcoholism, and unemployment rates rank among India's highest.A survey conducted in 2005 by Transparency International ranked Kerala as the least corrupt state in the country.

The etymology of Kerala is widely disputed, and is a matter of conjecture. The prevailing theory is that Kerala is an imperfect Malayalam portmanteau that fuses kera ('coconut palm tree') and alam ('land' or 'location' or 'abode of'). Another theory is that the name originated from the phrase chera alam (Land of the Chera). Natives of Kerala—Keralites or Malayalees—thus refer to their land as Keralam. Kerala's tourism industry, among others, also use the phrase God's own country.