Wayanad - A Unique place to visit in Kerala

Wayanad -  A Unique place to visit in Kerala

Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. It is a beautiful hilly region in the Western Ghats that is located in the southern region of the Deccan plateau. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Nestled among the mountains of western ghats, lies Wayanad, [also called as Wynad, Wayanadu, Wyanad, Vayanad, Vayanadu, Vynad etc] one of the most loveliest hill station of Kerala. This green paradise is located at a distance of 76 kms from the nearest sea-shore of Kozhikode. 

The hills, rocks and valleys which give shape to the very unique terrain of Wayanad provide for exceptional adventure experiences. Mountains and forests intersperse to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and opportunities for other adventure sports. With vast areas still unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventurescape waiting to be discovered

Chembra Peak: The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavour. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilerating.

Edakkal Cave: This location of breathtaking beauty is three kilometres from Ambalavayal which is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary (Vol.XXX, page - 410) and quoted in the District Gazette, Kozhikode, it is only'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. 

What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.

Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 Kms. east of Mananthavady and 40 kms. north west of Sulthan Bathery.

Lakkidi: One of the highest locations in Wayanad, Lakkidi also commands a picturesque scenery. It is about 58 kms. north east of Kozhikode and five kms. south of Vythiri. Lakkidi, the gate way of Wayanad, lies atop Thamarassery, a ghat pass at an elevation of 700 m. above mean sea level.The lofty mountain peaks, the gurging stream, luxuriant vegetation and the bird's eye view of the deep valley on the south, with its winding roads, are breath taking. The 12 kms.long journey from Adivaram to Lakkidi through ghat road with nine hairpin bends amidst thick forests, is a fascinating experience.

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheeta, wild bear, etc. are found in this sanctuary. The forest Department has facilities for providing elephant rides to tourists, here.

Pakshipathalam: Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. To reach Pakshipathalam seventeen kilometres have to be covered through wild forest. 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. Special permission has to be obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments, etc. to the tourists, on hire.
  
Pazhassi Raja Tomb: Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin-operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourists are available here. Pazhassi Raja, the Lion of Kerala, who organised guerilla type warfare against British East India Company, was cremated here in 1805.
  
Pookot Lake: It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookot. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three kms.south of Vythiri. 

Sentinel Rock Waterfalls: This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m.in height, is ideal for rock climbing.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic

Soochippara Waterfalls: The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming, bathing,etc. The tree top huts at Soochippara give an unique view of the valleys of the Western Ghats and the glimmering shallow waters of the surrounding springs.
  
Banasura sagar Dam: This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.

Vagamon - An offbeat place to visit in Kerala

Vagamon -  An offbeat place  to visit in Kerala

Vagamon is a hill station that lies in the Kottayam Idukki border. It has a height of 1100 m above sea level. This comprises of three hills Thangal hills, the Kurisumala and the Murugan hills. All these three hills are dedicated to the three religions Muslim, Christianity and Hinduism respectively. The Thangal hills also called as Thangalppara is located at a distance of 5 kms from Vagamon. 

This is a famous centre of Muslim pilgrimage as the Mausoleum of Sheik Fariduddin is on top of this hill. The rock formation at this hill is worth seeing. The Kurisumala is at a distance of 10 kms from Vagamon. This is a centre of Christian pilgrimage as there is a church there. The famous Kurisumala Ashram which is a monastery is located here. The people who visit here is a community who believes in Christianity combined with Indian customs and Gandhian principles. There are 14 crosses on this hill which are kept at certain distance apart. The diary farm located here is also an attraction to the people. The Murugan hill is a Hindu pilgrim centre as there is a Murugan temple which is carved out of rock situated here.

Vagamon Tourism...

Kurisumala Monastery : Kurisumala monastery is a famous hill station and pilgrimage center for the Christians where cross put-up in each sub hill stations. The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit as a sacrifice. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill. The area is fully surrounded with Tea estates and lakes. Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms is situated on the hill. The hill dairy farm, managed by the Kurisumala monks. 

Vagamon is surrounded by three hills namely, 'Thangal hill', 'Murugan hill' and 'Kurisumala'. Other attractions include Tea estates, pine forests, grass lands, meadows, mist and shola forests, the famous suicide point of ‘Thangal hill’, a peculiar rock formation at Thangal Para, a dairy farm in Kurisumala (hill) and the Live Stock Board. Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch.

Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists. One speciality of Vagamon is that you will never get tired of Vagamon as each day or visit will display the varied moods of nature and climatic differences; the mist you can touch, the rain drops, the gentle breeze or the golden hue in December-January which will be greatly rewarding and soothing for you and that can romanticize your mind and thoughts. You can easily be humbled by nature and its a not -so- completely -lost pristine condition here. The trees and shrubs in Vagamon give it an added attraction

Vagamon is located 33 Kilometers away from Palai and about 65 KM from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport while the closest railway station is Kottayam. There are many fine resorts available in the surrounding areas with affordable cost for trekkers. This beautiful hill area is located in Idukki district.

Vagamon,a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens , Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest ,small waterfalls , attractive meadows inviting you to vagamon.

Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.

Vagamon is roughly 100 kms from Cochin, the commercial capital of the State. It is also 60 kms from Kottayam -the nearest railway station. It is easily accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin

Kochi (Cochin) - A Beautiful Destination to Visit in Kerala

 Kochi (Cochin) - "A journey to Ancient Marvels"

Kochi (Cochin) is a beautiful city bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. It is an ideal gateway for an extraordinary vacation. This beautiful destination is truly very superb and truly offers wonderful vacation along the beautiful and soothing ambiance of nature. This city has so much to offer to adorn your holidays with golden memories. 

It is affectionately dubbed as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It is all about traditions, history, tea coffee and spice gardens, sea food and backwaters. It occupies a prized place in the Ernakulam district of the state. It is also an important sea sport of India. 

Scores of tourists prefer Cochin Tour to feel the scattered charm of nature in its pristine form. Some of the must-see attractions of Cochin are spice market, Kathakali dance, St. Francis church, Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue and Hill palace museum. Each of these attractions have their own fascinating charm. Also visit its aromatic tea and coffee gardens. It is truly a rejuvenating experience to stroll through the gardens.

What to see..

Fort Kochi beach: Most memorable experience can be derived from a short walk in the beach during sunset along with unique Chinese fishing nets and ships sailing background. The other major attraction of the place is Bungalows with European Style of architecture along the seashore.

Indira Gandhi Boat Race: Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe. The sixteen majestic snake boats racing neck to neck in gaiety and competition to the sky-rending cheers of the multitudes, is a unique sight. The coveted trophy of the race was instituted in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.

St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi: St. Francis Church is the ancient church in India constructed by Europeans. Vasco da Gama on his third visit to India died in Kochi. He was buried in the Church. Later, his leftovers were taken to Portugal. However, the buried spot is still highlighted in the church.

Dutch palace / Mattancherry Palace - Mattancherry: It is one of the masterpieces of Portuguese architecture. The palace has been renovated and gifted to the Raja of Kochi in the late 17th century. The major attraction of the palace is an excellent collection of paintings depicted from epics of Hindus.

Bolghatty Palace - Bolghatty Island The prominent Dutch Palace is located in Bolghatty Island that can be reached in a short boat ride from the mainland of Kochi. It has been converted as a resort that is being run by Kerala Government. It is a beautiful picnic spot.

Cherai Beach: One of the beautiful beaches located in the north end of the smallest Island called Vypeen Island. The entire surrounding of the beach is lined with paddy field and gorgeous coconut grooves. Other attractions include Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jew town and Jewish synagogue, Hill palace, Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, etc.

How to reach....

By Air - Kochi has a well-defined contemporary international airport. The city is well connected with regular flights from major cities in India, Colombo and Singapore and frequent direct flights to middle-east countries.

By Rail -There are three main railway stations in Kochi. Main Station - Ernakulum Junction, Ernakulum town and Cochin Harbor terminus are connected with widespread rail network throughout India.

By Road - Kochi is connected with wide range of network of highways connected from almost all major cities of India. Kochi can be reached through road with private and public transport services.

MUNNAR - Discover the Unmatched Attractions in Kerala

 Munnar Calling "munu Aar"! Discover the Unmatched Attractions

Literally meaning 'three rivers' - Munnar has evolved with Malayalam words 'Munu aar'. It is one such place that is dotted with amazing misty hills and aromatic spice & tea / coffee plantations. Munnar is one such tourist destination in India that offers something or the other for almost all kinds of tourists coming to India. 

Munnar is situated at 1600 mts. above sea level, near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats. It is located in the eastern part of Kerala at the influence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It is surrounded by about 30 ravishing tea gardens.

Munnar hill station is simply a paradise for those on a honeymoon. You will get a wonderful opportunity to ride on a houseboat in one of the serene backwaters of Munnar. This experience will be so different and special that you will cherish it for a long time in your life and would love to travel to 

Kerala again just to relive this experience. It is an amazing hill station, famous for its incredibly attractive natural beauty. Expansive tea plantations, trekking, paragliding, meandering lanes, rope climbing and recreational facilities available here to enjoy a perfect holiday. Apart from these, Munnar also boasts of being in spice trade for over 3000 years. Ranging from pepper & cardamom to cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric - Munnar plantations has them all.

So, don't wait. Plan a Munnar hill station tour today and get an experience of a lifetime.

What to See....

Pothamedu - Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from here.

Pallivasal - Pallivasal is located around 8 km from Munnar. It is a place of immense scenic beauty. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.

Attukal - Attukal is situated between Munnar and Pallivasa. It is an ideal place for long trekking. The place is highly rejuvenating with its panoramic waterfalls and rolling hills.

Devikulam - Devikulam is an idyllic hill station, near Munnar and an out-of-the-world experience among exotic flora and fauna, cool mountain air, and velvet lawns. The Sita Devi Lake situated here is an ideal picnic spot with its picturesque surroundings, mineral water, and trout-fishing facilities.

Nyayamakad - Nyayamakad is situated at a distance of 10 km from Munnar near Rajamala. It is an outstanding picnic and trekking point. It is a land of scintillating waterfalls with water cascading down from a height of around 1,600 metres.

Chithirapuram - This small hill station exudes an old-world charm with its old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, and sleepy little cottages. Situated at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar, Chithirapuram is home to Pallivasal hydel power project.

Echo Point - Here, you can come across natural echo phenomenon. It is situated at a distance of around 15 km from Munnar on the way to Top Station.

How to reach....

By Air - Kochi is just 130kms from Munnar. It has an International airport, so it is well connect to the major cities of like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Banglore, Hyderabad.

By Rail - Nearest Railhead is Kochi i.e 130kms, it is well connected to other cities by regular and express trains.

By Road - Roads are in good condition and well connected to he other major cities of the state. Your can take Kerala state Transport buses or private deluxe coaches.

When to go....
Best Time to travel Munnar is between September to May.