February 2017 - Best Destinations in the World

10 Things to Pack for a Honeymoon Trip to Kerala – Dream Holidays

February 28, 2017 admin 9 Comments

Chembra Peak

Kerala is also known as God’s Own Country because of its abundant natural beauty and the various exotic places that it contains. Kerala is also an ideal vacationing spot for all age groups of people, from youngsters to old people. Mesmerizing Kerala honeymoon packages are the most sought after vacation packages, because Kerala has a lot of beautiful places for newlyweds to venture. From the verdant tea gardens of Munnar to the lush tropical forests of Wayanad and the serene and picturesque boat houses of the backwaters, honeymoon destinations in Kerala are plentiful. Booking a Kerala Honeymoon from Delhi is the best option for couples as they get to relax in the lap of nature and enjoy their vacation viewing nature at its best.

Kerala has a lot to offer to travelers especially when it comes to nature lovers. You would be able to enjoy the exotic animals and bird species and also indulge is some wild life photography. Kerala honeymoon packages from Delhi offers the best places to couples who want to spend some romantic moments with each other and create memories for a life time.

Here is a list of 10 essential things that you ought to pack for a honeymoon trip to Kerala:

Make sure you carry your boarding pass, tickets or if you are coming in from abroad, then make sure you have yours and your spouse’s passport. Also some valid documents like license or if Indian then Aadhar Card for identification. Because when you travel around, you need to have some identification proof to show at your travel desk and even at the hotels that you stay.
Keep your credit cards handy and make sure you have cash ready in hand with you before travelling to remote places, as ATMs may not be available.
Keep a mobile connection that will help you in times of low network range, especially in the hilly areas.
Always keep a pair of comfortable shoes to wear, because you may not be able to walk on the hilly terrain with your high heels, so it’s better to wear something comfortable so that you are free to move around with ease.
Make sure you carry some special clothing that will enhance the romantic feel of your honeymoon and make it even more special for you and your spouse.
Don’t forget to carry medication along for nausea, vomiting and headaches as travelling can take a toll on your health. And you may find it difficult to locate a medical shop in remote terrains. Also if you plan to go trekking, make sure you carry ample amounts of water, so that you will not have to depend on other local sources, as it might be dangerous to your health.
Keep a list of all the important people you need to contact in case of an emergency, and also keep in contact with your travel agency is case of any mishaps.
Try not to carry many valuables along, and leave them in the hotel room when you go sightseeing. This may become a hindrance and will create anxiety in you and your spouse. Also carry some toiletry items which might come in handy.
A camera will be very essential as it can help you to capture moments that will be very precious to you and your loved one.
If you are traveling by flight to Kerala that always carry one extra change of clothing in your hand luggage. Along with travel pillow and blanket. This will make your flight journey comfortable.

You can book your Kerala tour packages from Delhi along with the flight travel from Delhi to Kerala and all you need is to confirm the airport where you want to arrive in Kerala. There are four international terminals and one domestic terminal here. You can customize your tour package as to where would you like to vacation. If you plan to visit the backwaters of Alappuzha then either the Kochi international airport or the Kollam domestic airport will be better options than arriving in Thiruvananthapuram airport. So accordingly you can book you tickets.

Kerala has a vast number of opportunities to explore nature and bask in its glory. The best time to visit Kerala would be during the month of November to February. But even the monsoon months have a sensational feel to it. Also if you want to undergo some Ayurvedic treatment or spas then the monsoon climate is the best. Just that we have to take a few precautions when travelling during the monsoon is to protect yourself from getting too drenched. Preferably do not eat any street food during that time and also not to travel when the weather is too bad. The cheapest Kerala packages from Delhi will include these kind of Monsoon packages and summer or winter packages, so you can experience the best of Kerala in all types of climates. During monsoon the humidity is very high and hence the pores of our skin will be open and it will be easy to absorb the natural, essential oils and herbal oils that are being used in Ayurveda.

During summer, when the climate is too hot, hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady will be there to your rescue. These places have a pleasant climate during summer and are one of the best options to tour in these places. Also during winter the climate is Kerala does not dip too much, and it will not be as cold as Delhi and northern India. The house boat on the backwaters would be a good option then. The serene and calm area along the backwaters will provide the best holiday options for honeymooners. The houseboats will help you to relax and enjoy a romantic and special honeymoon. There are many options for beautiful Kerala packages like this and you can choose the best out of the lot. Kerala is like paradise on earth, you can avail the best by investing yourself in this place.

Exploring Kerala’s traditional Architecture – Vastu Sastra

February 27, 2017 admin 1 Comment

Kerala is the land of abundant natural beauty. Along with being blessed by nature the rich culture and heritage of Kerala can be felt in its architecture which is also greatly influenced by the Dravidian and Indian Vedic Architectural Science (Vasthu shastra) over two thousand years. The Thachushastra, Tantrasamuchaya, Silparatna and Manushyalaya – Chandrika are important architectural sciences that influence the architecture of Kerala.Exclusive Kerala trip packages will include visits to places that have these traditional architectural structures where in you can view the beauty of the structures that have been built in Kerala. The architectural style of Kerala has evolved over the years and is greatly influenced by its maritime trading partners Arabs, Chinese and Europeans. The main characteristic expression of architecture here is the geographical and climatic factors. Geographically Kerala is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the East forming a narrow strip of land in between. The high level of humidity in the state is attributed by the long monsoon season as the state experiences the south western monsoon as well as the north eastern monsoon. Also the months of April and may experience a harsh tropical summer. All these climatic factors have influenced the architecture of Kerala. Amazing Kerala tour packages from Surat can be customized according to the places that you would like to visit and the number of days that you want to stay in each place. Of all the different types of traditional structures the Nalukettu is a very peculiar traditional homestead of an old tharavadu where many generations of Matrilineal families existed. The traditional architecture of a Nalukettu involves four halls that are joined into a central courtyard that is open to the sky. The four halls are respectively named according to the four directions as the Vadakkini (northern block), Thekkini (southern block), Padinjattini (western block) and Kizhakkini (eastern block). The architecture of the tharavadu was specially designed to cater to the huge families to live together and enjoy the facilities of the Marumakkathayam homestead. The science of Carpentry or Vasthu was the governing science in building such traditional homesteads. The knowledge in this field was greatly evolved and formed into major branches of literature. The layout of these homes was simple and yet they could accommodate huge number of people. The Ettukettu (eight-halled with two central courtyards) and the Pathinarukettu (sixteen-halled with four central courtyards) are more elaborate forms of the Nalukettu. The houses all face the rising sun and there is excellent ventilation in them. Even during the hottest summer the houses will have a cool temperature within it making these houses ideal for everyone. The best honeymoon packages in Kerala will make you experience not only the natural beauty of this state but you can also enjoy the varied architecture of this place with your spouse. You can also imbibe a few ideas which you can incorporate into building your new home as you start a new life together.

architecture

The architecture of Kerala can be broadly categorized into two sections – Religious architecture that has been adopted by temples and the Domestic architecture that has mostly been seen in houses. There are distinctive styles in these architectures as Palaces and the feudal lords had more elaborate mansions than the commoners and the style of houses also differed among different religious communities. The base model of all these structures remain the same with the characteristic sloping roofs that were made to withstand the heavy monsoon and the roofs were either lined with tiles or thatched with a labyrinth of palm leaves. These are supported on a framework of timber or wood. And this framework was supported on pillars. The science of Vasthu plays a very important role in the building of these structures as the concept behind this believed that the wood that is used in the construction is a living thing and has its own life and this must be synthesized with the surroundings and the with the people who live in it. The Kerala honeymoon is a good option for newly married couples as the beauty of Kerala lies in its uniqueness. Everything in this place is unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

There are many element of the Nalukettu. They are:

padippura

Padipurra is the main entrance of the home. This may also be constructed like the goupuram of the temple style with one or two rooms to accommodate guests who are not entertained in the main house. The Creative Kerala honeymoon tour packages can be booked in advance and you can select the different places that you would like to visit. If you enjoyed the structure of the Nalukettu then you can choose options of staying in a homestay offering these kind of facilities.

poomukham

Poomukham is the main portico after you climb the steps of the house. Traditionally it has a slopping roof supported on pillars. It is usually here that the head of the family called the Karnavar will sit in a reclining chair and with his spittoon on his side.

chuttuvarandha

Chuttu verandah form the main portico there is a verandah to either side in front of the house like an open passage, with lamps which hang from the sloping roof. The Kerala tourism honeymoon packages can be customized according to your choice of the number of days you would want to stay here.

nadumuttom

Nadumuttom is the central open courtyard of the house which divided the house into four sections. In this courtyard there is the holy basil plant is kept and daily during sunset a lamp is lit in front of it. This Nadumuttom being open to the sky will have the inflow of rain and sunlight which will allow positive energies to flow in and out of the house.

The puja room of the house is placed in the north east corner and the idols can face either east or west. The traditional puja rooms are even incorporated in nowadays homes. The Romantic Kerala tour packages for couples are ideal for newly married couples as Kerala will not only make you enjoy, but you can also adopt a few things from here before going back.

Top Villages to visit in Kerala on your Honeymoon

February 14, 2017 admin 2 Comments

Looking for some interesting and unusual places for planning your honeymoon in Kerala? How about the Best Kerala honeymoon packages in some amazing villages where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and experience the best of Kerala’s nature and landscapes? Kerala’s villages depict the true life of being a Malayali. These are places where you can experience the essence of being in God’s Own Country sans the luxuries of star resorts and modern comforts. Rest assured, the villagers will go to any length in making sure their guests are most comfortable in the moderate homestays at the villages. Homely atmosphere with moderate to amazing living conditions and homely food served will make you feel at home even while far away from there. The people are friendly and consider you as a part of their extended family.

Here are some interesting and unusual villages in Kerala where you can experience the most cherished moments during your honeymoon:

Chinnakkanal, Idukki

Chinnakanal is a scenic village in Idukki District. This place is very near to Munnar. In fact, 16 km from Munnar and you will reach this idyllic spot which is nature’s abode. Natural beauty will mesmerize you in Chinnakanal. 20% of Chinakkanal comes under the forest department. You can easily find Elephants, jackals, porcupines, mongoose, and squirrels there. Cardamom and tea are the main plantations in Chinnakanal. Large plantation of tea is the uniqueness of the Village. You can see a waterfall from 800 m above. Chinnakanal waterfall is also known as Powerhouse waterfalls, because of its height as it falls on you with utmost power. It is also believed that this waterfall has some medicinal values. It is the best place for tourists to explore the villages of Kerala. Once you know more about Chinnakanal you will fall in love with the place.

Dhoni Hills, Palakkad

Dhoni is situated around 15km away from Palakkad town. This is reserve forest area. This place is famous for the hills, forests and waterfalls of the Western Ghats. It is more popular as trekking place. You need to walk 4km from the bottom of the hills to reach the waterfalls. You need to pay Rs.100/ per person as an entry fee. You can see waterfalls between the rocks when you climb the rock. You can see the beauty of the jungle, but sometimes you may also see leopard and elephants here. Once you reach the top of the hill then you can enjoy the waterfalls and can have a cold bath. Climate is very humid, so need to carry enough water with you. It is the perfect place where honeymoon couples can enjoy a trek and some romance as it is not usually crowded by the tourists. If you visit during the monsoons or just after that, the place will be amazingly green and beautiful.

Njarakkal, Ernakulam

Njarakkal is a village in Vypeen Taluk of Ernakulam District. It is a coastal area. There are many ways to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala in Njarakkal. The Matsyafed Aqua fish farm is one of them. This comes under the Kerala Fisheries Department and Tsunami Emergency Assistance Programme. Fishes like Prawns, Karimeen (Pearl spot), Mullets, Tilapia, Crab, Green Shell Mussels are some of the breeds grown here. The farm is spread around 18km. Salty waters and appealing beauty of nature are the main highlights in this fish farm. Fishing, boating and eating are the major activities here. The staff will give help you out with important tips if you are interested in fish farming. In Njarakkal, there is an artificial Island in making. Very soon the White Sand Island with coconut groves and palms will greet the tourists. The Island is spread around 5 cents, inside the 46 acres of Fish farm. Tourists can enjoy eco-tourism in Njarakkal. You can go to Cherai beach through the beach road from Njarakkal. You can enjoy the coastal life of Kerala and can have fun.

Bison Valley, Idukki

Bison Valley was one of the major sources of black pepper and cardamom till recently. Now it is a reserved forest area in Idukki with spice and other plantations. Some popular tourist locations such as the Eravikulam National Park and Mankulam are located close to Bison Valley. Trekking, bird watching and nature walks are the major activities you can enjoy in Bison Valley.

Sargalaya Arts and Craft Village, Kozhikode

Here is one village set up exclusively for the tourists who visit Kerala on various tourism packages. Kozhikode is home to this amusing village which was conceived and established by the tourism department of Kerala. The main idea was to help the native craftsmen find their customers while introducing them to the tourists from across the world who look forward to buy handmade crafts and traditional Kerala stuff as souvenirs of their holidays here. The tourists can witness the intricacies of creating the marvels pieces of art which makes them appreciate the talent and effort of the craftsmen. This makes sure that the tourists know the worth of whatever they are buying and it has proved to be a successful establishment. The talented craftsmen are also trained by the Sargaalaya authorities to help them earn a decent living while keeping alive the traditional art of the state.

Kumbalangi, Ernakulam

Kumbalangi village is located hardly 15 kms from the busy Kochi city. It is the perfect place for the Best honeymoon packages in Kerala as you can enjoy all the modern amenities in the city and also enjoy the tranquilly of the village nearby. Tourists can enjoy the guided tour of the village where they can explore many native occupations such as coir processing, copra processing, crab farming, net making, fishing, and pottery. You can also enjoy boating on the traditional wooden valloms and a sunset cruise with dinner by the backwaters. There are homestay nearby the village where you can experience the true village life of Kerala.

Visiting the villages of Kerala will leave you completely mesmerized with the magic of nature and the love showered by the people. It will be the best and the most cherished holiday experience ever.

Bucket List for a Kerala Holiday Trip

February 7, 2017October 23, 2017 admin 1 Comment

Are you planning on holidays anytime soon? How about checking out some of the most amazing Kerala Tour Packages with Price in the tranquil backwaters or the misty mountains? How about lazy evenings spend by the seaside resorts enjoying the golden sun by the mornings and the breezy sea in the evenings? How about a romantic dinner by the seaside, moonlit and start-struck? Do these and more at any dream locations on your Kerala holiday destinations! But here’s an exclusive bucketlist to check out while you are visiting Kerala for the first time:

A Ride on Kettuvallom

Kettuvalloms are wooden boats made of jackwood and coir that does not use any nails. These come in all sizes and different shapes. The larger version of these Kettuvalloms is the popular houseboats of Kerala that takes the tourists on backwater cruise through the major water channels such as Punnamada Kayal, Ashtamudi Kayal, Vembanad Kayal, Kumarakom etc. Kayal in Malayalam means backwater. Smaller canoes or valloms are used to travel through the narrower water channels that connect small villages and islands amidst these backwaters. It will be a one of a kind experience for the tourists to row their way through the canals of Allepey or Kochi watching the beautiful sights on the way and interacting with the locals.

Go Fishing!

Kerala is abundant in seafood and marine wealth. Tourists on Exciting Kerala Tourism Packages with Price can go fishing on fishing boats into the sea or enjoy it safely in the backwaters or the fish farms located at many places in the coastal Kerala regions. One such place is the Njarakkal fishing farm in the suburbs of Kochi city. The route from Kochi via the Goshree bridges built across the Kochi Kayal to the Vypin Island itself is picturesque. You can see the fishing boats, ships docked at Cochin Shipyard, the beautiful backwaters, the evergreen mangroves and islands on the way. After spending an entire day at the fish farm, you can take the coastal road from Njarakkal to reach Cherai beach which will be an amazing experience to cherish.

A Walk through the Paddy Fields

Monsoons are the right time to be in Kerala. That’s the time when the entire state becomes the most beautiful drenched in the rains. Everything becomes fresh and green all around! The ponds, rivers and the lakes get filled and the paddy fields are prepared for the season’s cultivation. The refreshing smell of the earth will remain in your memories forever! The best place to explore this earthy experience is at Kuttanad during your Kerala Tour Packages with Price that’s quite affordable. Kuttanad is the rice bowl of Kerala and the place is a beautiful idyllic village where you can enjoy staying rooted to the basics of life. The Upanishads say ‘Aditi Devo Bhava’, meaning, treat your guest like the God! The friendly people will accommodate you as their God as the Keralites believe that guests should be treated as God. You can enjoy the local treadmill, stepping on the irrigation wheel, walk on the slippery and muddy narrow paths between the fields and dip your feet in the mud and just let loose. You will become a child again, playing with mud in the rain!

Indulge in Ayurveda

If there’s one thing everyone will advise you to do during your Startling Kerala Trip that will be to indulge in the invigorating Ayurvedic massages offered in the spas and clinics. Ayurveda uses nature to heal your mind and body and a good massage with herb and spice infused Ayurvedic oils will leave your body and mind completely refreshed. That’s the ultimate feeling of bliss you can experience only during your holidays in Kerala. Ayurveda offers beauty treatments, general wellness treatments and specific treatments for ailments. You can meet the experienced doctors or ‘Vaidyar’ at the special Ayurveda clinics and experience nature first hand!

ayurveda

These are some basic elements of Kerala you can explore during your holidays here. Plan in advance with the best tour operator and experience the most blissful holidays in God’s Own Country.

My Experience on Trip to Kerala !!

February 7, 2017February 7, 2017 admin Leave a comment

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.

10 places to visit in Kerala during summer

February 4, 2017 admin Leave a comment

The temperature in Kerala during summers soars up to 32 degree Celsius, which sets in the month of March till June. The temperature rarely exceeds 36 degrees, and high humidity is the characteristic of Kerala summer, where you can sweat it out in every single place under the sun. But summer is the time where you want to relax and spend some leisure time outdoors, here is a list of 10 places that you can visit during summer and get the best out of Kerala.

Munnar

This hill station is definitely not a miss during summer, because the temperatures are relatively low compared to the coastal regions and a walk through the tea estates will make you enjoy the lush greenery all around. During summers the temperature reaches up to 22 degrees and is pleasant enough to go for some sightseeing at Eravikulam National Park and boating at Mattupetty Dam. This dam has an evergreen valley and a very pleasant climate.

Athirapally waterfalls

Splashing around during summer is the best way to stay cool and hence Athirapally Waterfall is the best way to enjoy the heat. It is the largest in Kerala and also called the Niagara of India. It is 80 ft in length and is a popular tourist destination. The falls have been a perfect location for shooting many films and songs. Try splashing in the water and let off some heat during summer. The forest area around is rich with many species of animals and birds, many of which are endemic to the area. Apart from the scenic beauty of the falls, this area is also home to various kinds of animals like the Asiatic Elephant, Sambar deer, bison, leopard, and lion-tailed Macaque.

Vazhachal Falls

It is similar to Athirapilly, these falls are located just 5kms apart on the West flowing Chalakudy river near the Vazhachal forest division at the edge of Sholayar ranges. It’s not possible to play with the waters, but you can get a close up view of them.

Alleppey

The houseboats of Alappuzha are another good way to deal with the soaring temperatures. You can cool off yourself on the deck of your boat and watch the beautiful nature around while floating on the serene backwaters. The houseboats have many types of tour packages and you can choose a package according to your choice. The Kerala tour packages from Ahmedabad can be booked in advance, so that you can avail a discount and plan your itinerary accordingly. The Kuttanad region is also very famous for houseboat destinations and is the only place where paddy cultivation occurs below sea level. The lush green paddy fields are a feast to our eyes.

Paniyeli Poru

Paniyeli Poru in Perumbavoor is another place to relax during the hot weathers. This place has many rocks and one can see the Periyar River flowing over these rocks, past the dense rain forests. The flora and fauna of this place is very beautiful and one can spend a lazy afternoon in such a location. One must also be cautious as the water level between the rocks might be really deep and you won’t be able to see right up to the bottom.

Kovalam

A visit to the Light House Beach in Kovalam is another way to splash around in water and to cool yourself off. The white sandy beach that runs along the Malabar Coast has been named such, due to the 30m high light house which is the most important feature of this beach. This light house is located at the southernmost end of the beach on a cape. The rhythmic tone of the Arabian Sea waves is enough to make you feel enthralled. You can also take part in the various activities like surfing, paragliding, sailing, swimming and a few other adrenaline filled sports. Similar to the light house beach is the Varkala beach in Thiruvananthapuram where the cliffs lie adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The place is an ideal location for water sports and spas.

Wayanad

Wayanad is another place which is ideal for summer, due to the dense forests which make the area relatively cool. Trekking is one of the best sports to be pursued here. The tree houses of Wayanad are also ideal for honeymooners and the wild life sanctuaries of Wayanad make the best wild life photographs due to its rich flora and fauna. Kerala tour packages from Hyderabad can be customized according to the places that you wish to visit and you can select a tour package either for 3-4 days or up to 7days. The tree house packages can be booked in advance during peak seasons so that you can avail a room by the time you reach Kerala.

Thekkady

Taking a bath during summer is the best way to cool off, but taking a bath with an elephant is the best way to enjoy your bath too. An elephant bath and shower at Thekkady, is a popular sport. Take a ride around the aromatic spice gardens on the back of an elephant and feel like the tallest creature walking around. Watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitats is the best thing to do during summer.

Kuruva Island

A trip to Kuruva Island is a must. It is a preserved river delta, holding a group of Islands in the River. This is a sprawling 950 acre estate and the rich flora and fauna add to the ambience of this place. The island is enclosed by streams and you can go bamboo rafting through these waters.

Periyar Jungle Jeep Safari

It is another way to cool off during summer. Along this jeep safari you will come along various types of flora and fauna. The organic gardens, with slopes and valleys, tropical woods and meadows, and the cardamom ranch are home to the endangered lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr and so on.

These are a few places that you can visit during summer but, there is a lot of other fun stuff to be pursued in Kerala.