Pilgrims in Kerala – A Perfect Destination to Witness History

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It is not necessary that one should only travel with your family to visit places of natural beauty and nature driven destinations. I with my whole family went for a religious tour on the 3rd of August. Born Christian; our religious tour including churches like the Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Vimalagiri Church, the Arthunkal Church and the St. George Forane Church. It was a one day tour with some of the elderly members of the family. Kerala is my home land with tourist destinations which could be included in all Popular Kerala holiday packages for family irrespective of the occasion or purpose of the tour. After the breakfast we started our trip on the 3rd of August at around 10 am, to accommodate a number of around 15 members we arranged for a traveller. According to our plans, our first destination was Santa Cruz Basilica; we reached the church after a one hour drive at 11.15.

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Santa Cruz Basilica is a well-known church all over India; the church placed in fortress Kochi is one of ought to visit vicinity in Kerala. The church is extremely famous for its architectural shape which is a mixture of each Kerala and Portuguese artwork. The church changed into built in 1500 after the advent of the Portuguese missionary to the land with the permission of the then Raja of Kochi. The church now serves as the primary landmark of the area. The church underwent most important renovations to attain the shape and elegance it now contains. After spending 45 min in the church praying and enjoying the architectural beauty of the church we headed to our next destination the St. George Forane Church.

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We reached this golden church at 12.30, the church located in Edapally is said to be one of the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Kerala. The church was constructed in 594 AD with several renovations done. The golden church has a perfect interior in the European style with the prayer area made in gold and steps in silver. The art works of Jesus and disciples are made in bronze. All these features make the church a unique one. After enjoying the beauty and carvings of the church we headed to visit the Vimalagiri Church in Kottayam with our Kerala family tour packages.

Vimalagiri Church in Kottayam

We reached Kottayam after a travel of around 3 hours. Every time we travel in the traveller we arranged, religious songs were played which eventually killed the vibe in me and made me sleepy, so literally, I was the only person who slept well throughout the journey. On the way to the church, we halted to have our lunch and then continued our journey reaching our destination at 4. The main attraction of the church was the Gothic style architecture with a 172 feet tall tower. These features made the place a best spiritual destination in most famous Kerala Tour Packages from Bangalore. The church is recorded to have the tallest church tower in Kerala.

Arthunkal Church in Alleppey

Our next plan was to visit the Arthunkal Church in Alleppey. The church built with an elegant architectural style is a feast for the eyes of the pilgrims. I have been to this church before during the yearly feast which is held in the mid-January.the feast was attended by thousands of devotees and tourist from different parts of the world visit the place to enjoy the feast with cultural rituals of the church. Our next destination to visit was the St. Francis Church.

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The St. Francis Church is located in Kochi and we decided to visit the church on our way back to home. the St. Francis Church positioned in Kochi is one of the oldest Europeans churches in India that bears the unseen witness of the colonisation of the Europeans in India the church built in the sixteenth century was made with timber that’s now renovated and constructed with stone masonry. The first Portuguese to tour in India the Vasco Da Gama was earlier buried in this church and later turned into transferred to Lisbon in Portugal. We reached the church at 6 and enjoyed the elegant touch of the European style. The church had a great interior with a mix of cultures. After the visits to different Christian pilgrims, we stopped to have some tea. The main difficulty I faced was an unorganised pattern of visits during the trip. It is always the best to let the organisers like the Gogeo holidays plan the travelling in a well-organised manner. After all the tiring travelling and visit to the pilgrims, we reached our homes at around 7 pm.

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Kerala is land with an availability of innumerable herbal treasures in the form of the wooded area, waterfalls, natural heritages and locations of ancient relevance. Other than best Kerala Tour Packages for Family with tourist destinations of natural elements, the land is a well known religious centre. The land had a populace in which majority of them are Christians. The ancient Kerala has a number of conventional and ancient church buildings which are now the primary vacationer appeal for travellers from a different a part of the world. The domination of Christianity inside the kingdom with numerous church buildings, the vicinity will become a widely recognized Christian pilgrim centre. To understand the ancient aspects of the land a visit to these historical churches is a must. These are some of the renowned Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala that one should include in their Kerala trips to know more about the history and ancient architecture of the land. Tour organisers like Gogeo holidays offer the best experiences in the land of pilgrim centres in the most affordable rates with all the places of your interest. People from all over the world visit the places without any religious discrimination. Natives from all cast and religion visit these pilgrim centres to seek blessings. The Arthunkal Church in Alleppey is also a destination included in some Kerala honeymoon packages due to its location which is near the Alleppey backwaters. A visit to this church during your honeymoon trip will fill the trip with great blessings that would strengthen the bonds between the couples.

 

Travel Tips for Visiting Gods own country | Gogeo Holidays

 

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Kerala is a beholding exciting tourist attraction and an alluring tourist spot in South India. Kerala holiday packages for family presents the every travel enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a kaleidoscope of travel experiences.  And the best way to enjoy the charming wildlife, exotic hill stations and major attractions of this vibrant state is to travel with some trusted tour operators like Gogeo Holidays, who will take you the best of this real paradise on earth. There are various interesting tour packages that cover major destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey in different duration.  When you travel to Kerala, you will be visiting temples and religious places, wildlife sanctuaries, or you might want to go and have a quick dip in the rivers, lakes, and beaches, or take some rejuvenating ayurvedic treatments and there are so many things to explore. And there are certain etiquettes to follow, and some things you should know as a foreigner while traveling to this vibrant state, so that you won’t feel out of place. Here are some useful tips for tourists.

Planning to Have a Religious Exploration?

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  • If you are planning to visit some cultural important and religious places during your Kerala trip keep In mind these things.
  • Most temples have some code of conduct.
  • Entry to Sanctum sanctorum or holy of holies is banned. This place is inevitable private and only priests are allowed inside.
  • In all the temples, using footwear inside is not allowed.
  • You cannot wear shirts and pants inside in most temples, men have to wear dhoti and women ethnic wears in most worship places
  • Some temples do not permit entry to Non-Hindus

Is photographing Places and People are Ok?

The most enticing thing about taking pictures is that they let us capture the moment and cherish the memories for long. And who won’t feel to stop and take some snaps when they visit a green paradise like Kerala? When you travel with Kerala Tour packages from Bangalore and other major cities in India, you might not know about whether you would seek permission or not while taking photographs. In most of the places except some wildlife sanctuaries or hydel tourist spots taking photographs are absolutely fine.

  • Photographing tourist places is ok
  • If you want to take snaps of religious institutions do ask permission beforehand.
  • Most Kerala it doesn’t mind being photographed, still, it is better to ask first
  • If you want to photograph ceremonies and older people, do ask permission

Some Culinary Tips.

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Kerala cuisine is something that should not be missed on your Kerala trip. This typical south Indian delicacies will be a treat for your taste buds. Kerala offers some best healthy breakfasts in the entire world. When you go out to explore some culinary delicacies during your amazing Kerala tour packages, keep in mind this useful tips.

  • Most standard restaurants offer both domestic as well as international cuisines including continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala delicacies.
  • Tipping is normal, 10% is the standard, but it is not necessary either
  • When you visit some waterfalls, lakes or canals, it is advisable to not drink water from those.
  • Typical Kerala foods are less spicy and contain a lot of coconut flavor.
  • When you go out to try local delicacies or street food, do not get fooled, ask for the rates and menu beforehand.

Do’s and Don’ts in the Jungle

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Kerala is blessed with a unique geography as well as an amazing wildlife in most prominent hill stations. Most of these wildlife sanctuaries offer a unique picnic spot also.In these places you can witness some amazing flora and fauna, have splendid boating experiences midst of vibrant wildlife and so much more during your trip with family holiday packages kerala. Here are some useful tips for your jungle safaris.

  • To visit a wildlife sanctuary you have to take prior permission with concerned authority
  • When you travel with some reputed travel agents like Gogeo Holidays, they will arrange for all these necessary permissions for you.
  • Follow some jungle codes to not spoil the nature’s beauty and do not disturb the wildlife
  • Dress right, wear dresses that cover well for not come in contact with insects or get some allergy
  • Blend the colors with nature, and avoid bold colors, the animals might get disturbed
  • Stay calm and quiet and enjoy the nature
  • Stick to your group and pack light
  • Carry sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen and cover foot with comfortable shoes with socks.
  • Do not try to feed the jungle animals
  • Do not mess the natural environment and don’t litter your garbage here and there
  • Do not be ignorant, stay alerted and vigilant
  • Do not observe the animals too close or try to be friendly with them
  • Avoid loud talks and keep in low tones
  • It is better to not bring infants to jungle
  • Keep the flash mode off while photographing the wild animals
  • It is advisable to not use your cell phones inside jungle

Want to swim in Rivers, lakes, and beaches?

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Kerala is blessed with pristine seashores, and the sleeping lagoon that sure to take anyone’s breath away. So when you have the urge to get a quick dip in waters, keep in mind these useful tips

  • Normally swimming in rivers, lakes are allowed, but it is advisable to ask permission from the authorities beforehand.
  • Some beaches do not promote swimming in certain weather conditions or situations, so seek the permission from the guides.
  • Acceptable swimwear would be shorts fro men and swimsuits for women.
  • Nudity is considered to be offensive in Kerala
  • When you swim in the beaches, to avoid a riptide swim parallel to shore
  • It is advisable to not drink pool water and hold the nose before jumping into the water

Traveling to Kerala can be a whole thrilling experience and can become an unforgettable experience for anyone is you keep these certain guidelines in your mind.  If you are traveling with some idea Tour packages, then there would be proper assistance and guidance of expert professionals to guide your wonderful Kerala Holiday Packages properly.  So before getting ready to go and pack your bags keep in minds some travel tips to avoid getting in trouble.

My First Visit To Nature’s Lullaby Known as Kerala

We often don’t realize the value of mental health over reaching more and more heights in our career paths. Mental health is always important to develop as a human being. There should be a balance always –between your works and the things you like to do in order to make yourself happy. Having said all this, I am no exception when it comes to getting lost in my work, or to the pressure of day to day life demands. The bills, student loans we all have things to taken care of. But if we don’t make yourself happy by taking care of yourself, whatever we do, there would be always a missing piece left. Being a techie coming from the electronic city of Bangalore, I always had the tendency to get lost in work, forgetting about everything else. And during one of those times, when I realized yeah! No more work, I need a break time, I decided on going for the vacation I was yearning for. Being born and brought up in this urban city I have always had a thing for greenish and remote places, where we can get lost in the lap of nature, enjoying the silent lullaby of nature. And may be such solace journeys may gift you with experience for a lifetime. After taking the first step of traveling-That is deciding to go somewhere, I didn’t even have to think twice, where I want to spend my holidays this year. It was the God’s own favorite land-Yes, Kerala!. I had never been to that place before. The only thing I knew about the place was, the famous celebration of Onam, I used to celebrate with my mallu friends and all the postcard perfect beauty of its destinations. Especially Munnar, Alleppey and all, that I have heard a lot about. So I decided to remove that tag of visiting my dream land-Kerala from my bucket list. When I discussed my plans with many people in my social circle, all of them suggested many way to execute my plan. I got confused and was spoilt for choice. Then I decided to do what most of us do when it comes to the question –what to do to? Yeah, I googled about the best ways to have a wonderful trip to Kerala, and that is how landed on my Kerala Tour Packages for family offered by Gogeo Holidays, one of the well-established tour operators in Kerala. Traveling to Kerala with Gogeo Holidays was one of the most unforgettable experience. When I first landed in Cochin the gateway to Kerala, I felt like I was back in Bangalore, going to my workplace or getting frustrated about the traffic- I didn’t expect a city in Kerala this much busy and vibrant. But as time passed, I get to know the city was nothing like I judged at first glance. Of course was a kaleidoscope of attractions everywhere. Maybe the soon establishing Metro rail owes to the fast development of the city. Anyways, I had a wonderful time visiting some of the true fascinating places there. And I could see Kochi could be really a foreign place in Kerala compared t o other places. Maybe because it has left over marks of Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese etc scattered all around there.
Fort Kochi

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It is about 13 km away from the main Ernakulam town and is famous for the Chinese fishing nets, and an exotic beach that attracts travelers all around the year. It has some must seen locations you must pay a visit.
St Francis Church- This ancient Europen Church where Vasco da Gama is said to be buried.
Santa Cruz Basilica – Built by the Portuguese and is till functional

Mattancherry

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It is another fascinating place in Kochi and you can see the Portuguese influence here also. Jew Town, palace Museum, Mattancherry Pazhyannur Royal Temple are some attractions here.

Bolgatty Palace
It was built by Dutch and is one of the oldest Dutch existing Dutch palaces other than the one in Holland.

Lulu Shopping mall

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Can you believe that it is the India’s largest shopping mall? Owned by EMKE group it is a paradise for shopaholics. And it was fascinating to see some school kids visiting here as their picnic spot.

 

Marine Drive
Stressed ou of exploring all day around the city? Then head out to marine Drive- this scenic driveway has become the landmark of Cochin. You can see all the faces and colors of the city here. There are private boat cruises starting from here through Cochin harbor.

Hill Palace Museum

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Built by the royal family of Cochin, it exhibits the royal crown, paintings, sculptures of the royal family.
As I discovered more and more about the wonderland of Kerala, I realized why it is called the God’s own Country. Anyone who has ever visited here will completely agree to this tagline which is not wrong at all. You know Green is the most comfortable color for your eyes and I had never felt such calmness and peacefulness before. And it Kerala can never be explained in mere words. It should be truly experienced by yourselves. You will never have a dull moment on your holidays in Kerala, especially with the brilliant Kerala Tour Packages, which was the perfect tool that made my trip to this nature’s paradise a memorable one. I never had the rush to follow the itineraries. The packages are more like a guideline to have a truly mesmerizing journey. And the most the attractive thing about the trip was, there was always time for utter relaxation with the comfortable stays I had throughout my journey. I have seen, heard, smelt and explore the true beauty of all the places I visited here. I felt like I was in a foreign state, peoples were all friendly and warm everywhere I went, and indeed highly educated, as it is one of the top literate states in India. So don’t wait your time more, and stop making your mind work like a machine. Explore this amazing land of Kerala, and let your mind calm itself and let it not get bored with the same boring working schedule day by day.

My Experience on Trip to Kerala !!

Kerala Beauty

Travel has always been one of my greatest pleasures. Being a nature lover that is mixed with the love for photography, the God’s own nation that is blessed with many wonders of nature has always been on my bucket list of destinations to visit. When you think about travel you will never feel like you are ready. There would be a lot of things running through your mind. Like where to go? When? And how? All these makes you want to postpone your trip and the destination remains a dream still to explore. Kerala has always been my such dream destination. But this time I made it possible with amazing Kerala tour packages. And thanks to Go Geo holidays who was a wonderful companion throughout my journey. I felt like I have traveled with a friend from Kerala, a friend indeed knows in and out all about Kerala. How one travels can always make the difference between just an Ok visit to a fully immersive experience. And when I traveled with Kerala tour packages from Bangalore with Go Geo I just didn’t visit those wonderful places in Kerala. It was like I was a part of the land. I felt like all my senses are activated. I have tasted, felt, smelt and heard this nature’s paradise at it’s fullest. And I also had wonderful opportunities to quest my photographic mind. The breathtaking backwaters and coconut forests in Alleppy, the hills carpeted with tea gardens in Munnar, the placid waters of lakes are all a must see spots that a serious traveler must visit.  And there was always a chance to explore the places by myself and experience the local culture and the day to day life of people. The journey started from the bustling city of Cochin, which had so many offers in terms of entertainment and shopping.  The visit to magnificent Athirappilly Waterfalls was a memorable experience as was the visit to the land of tea gardens-Munnar. Munnar has its Echo point where you will see a lot of people shouting at the top of their voices,  to hear what they sound like when reflected from the surrounding mountains! Thekkady was also arguably an exhilarating vacation experience. The Periyar national Park is an amazing sight. The only thing you have to be prepared for is the need to get up at the earliest hour to take the first visit to the jungles. This would be worth it.

The packages have price range starting from 3250. Pick up and drop from Airport, complimentary breakfasts, daily sightseeing with experienced guides and guided adventurous activities all are included in these packages. You will never have a dull moment during your journey. That is guaranteed.

5 Churches to Visit in Kerala

Malayattoor Church, Ernakulam

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This church is a very famous pilgrim center in Christian community and is also visited by tourists on Kerala tour Packages. Malayatoor is in the north-eastern part of Ernakulam. The name Malayatoor means merger of mountain [mala], river [attu] and place [ooru]. This church got famous when St Thomas came here to start his monastery work. The story says that St Thomas got a hostile reception from others. So he went to the top of the Malayatoor hills and prayed to the mother and she came and consoled him. He built the church at the same place.

 

St Alphonsa’s Church, Bharananganam

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Alphonsama is the first saint from India. She was a virtuous nun. Her mortal remains are here in Bharananganam. This church is 5km from Pala, in Kottayam. St Alphonsa’s feast held every year in July month is very famous and devotees who visit the state in Kerala Tour packages for family attend the festival.  She was declared a saint on 12th October 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI. The church was built after her canonization.

 

 

Vallarpadam Church

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Vallarpadam church is known as ‘The Church of Our Lady Ransom’ and dedicated to Mother Mary. This church is located at Kochi which is a popular destination for Kerala Tours. This church was made by the Portuguese but later destroyed by the Dutch regime. And again it was built in 1676. This church was declared as a ‘special church’ in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII.

 

Santa Cruz Basilica

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Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the famous Basilicas in India. This is placed at Fort Kochi. You should never miss this during your Kerala Travel in Kochi. It is famous for its structural splendour and style. This was built by Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE with the consent of Kochi raja. This is a major landmark in Fort Kochi.

 

St Francis Church

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This is the oldest European church in India at Fort Kochi. The church was a mute spectator of colonization. This was built of timber in the 16th century and later changed into stone masonry. Vasco Da Gama was buried here then later they took the remains to Lisbon, Portugal.

An Easy Trip to Paradise – Kerala Tour Packages for family

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If you are looking for a perfect get away or holiday trip, Kerala tour packages provide you with perfect affordable way to spend your money on your vacation or holidays. Being one of the most attractive tourism destinations in south India Kerala, the land of god or gods own country as it widely known welcomes you with its wonderful tropical weather and beauty of nature and greenery. Kerala tour packages would help you to explore the wide variety of landmarks that this amazing place provides. If you are into adventures and new experiences then Kerala tour packages that would help you to explore the wild life in Wayanad is the most apt choice. Another most attractive thing Kerala tour packages provide you with is a new and wonderful experience with backwaters like in Alappy and all. One of the impressive benefits of selecting Kerala tour packages is that the tropical climate the place provides. Another tourist attraction is the beaches and the exotic tourist resorts, most of them provide you with having maximum experience at a minimum cost. The bird sanctuaries in Kerala have gained worldwide recognition. It would take a lot of time for you to explore the wide range of possibilities of travelling this place provide you with, still with proper guidance that Kerala tour packages provides it would be a memorable experience for you. This package let you chose the places you want to visit or stay from a range of options. Also this package helps you with having a wonderful experience with tasting the richness of south Indian food. Having a journey with the typical Kerala cuisine would be wonderful experience for you. The guests are always treated with the at most hospitality and respect, also Kerala Tour Package let you explore places your own and create your own experiences with proper security guidance. The place is generally tourists friendly; the local folks are always supportive and welcoming to tourists.