Month: August 2017

End the Onam with a Blast in Water; Enjoy the Great Aranmula Boat Race, Weaving Traditions

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We Keralite have heard about the famous water regatta, Aranmula boat race, a part of our tradition. Do you know that an ancient life experience of a Brahmin late came to be evolved as the most respected and enjoyed culture of Kerala? We have witnessed its eminence in close; still, there are some including me who are not aware of its significance. This great festive like event is held on the last day of the harvest festival of Kerala, Onam that is Uthrittathy according to the Malayalam calendar. Since this day comes under the period when all the other boat races are scheduled, you can expect a number of visitors during this time. It is also a golden opportunity for those who have missed Nehru trophy boat race in Alleppey. More than the natives of Kerala, the people from other states or countries are more thrilled in watching these events. This time taking this fact into consideration, many travel organizers are arranging a trip in this Onam from other parts of the country as well. Let them enjoy and understand our tradition’s magnificence, as they always do. Native’s f Pune is more attracted to enjoy the water fiesta as they long to watch these kinds of game that arouse the spirit of people. Thus along with other trips in Kerala, the last day of Onam is purely dedicated to watching Aranmula boat race. It is not just the race, but there are some more attractions for this. Pune natives can enthrall on having the best Kerala meal this time and can ask for any vegetable curry they want. This is a special part of the day, where a sumptuous feast is organized for masses arranging a variety of Kerala traditional dishes. Thus, various trip packages like Enchanting Kerala tour packages from Pune including great kind of attractions to watch on this special day are arranged by various trip arrangers. Along with which the curious people from Pune can witness the temple, Sree Parthasarathy temple for which actually the event is well connected. Also, they can take away with them the most precious and auspicious special type of mirror, the famous Aranmula mirror. The interesting fact is that the material used for it is not glass but something else. Let’s find out what it is, before, which understanding the mythology of the temple is necessary.
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Sree Parthasarathy Temple

The Aranmula boat race has a strong connection with this temple. Actually, it is organized to offer tribute to the deity, Lord Krishna and the day when it is conducted is the annual celebration of the idol when it was installed. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy, the role played by Lord Krishna as the Chariot of Arjuna, the Pandava prince in the great Mahabharata war. The temple is surrounded by various myths and the sight of the temple itself is awesome and majestic. This holy temple is located on the banks of river Pampa at Aranmula Village, about 128 kilometers from Trivandrum. The temple is said to have 1700 years old. An epic is related to the evolution of the temple is as such that after gaining victory in Mahabharata war, the Pandavas continued to live and at last made Parikshit, the grandson of Arjun the king and they left for pilgrimage. On the course of their pilgrimage, each of them has installed an idol of Lord Krishna in various places. Of which, Arjun has installed the idol at a place called Nilakkal Narayanapuram which was later taken to the present place. The idol was brought here with great welcome on a boat made of  6 bamboo sticks which later evolved into the name of the village as ‘Aranmula’ meaning the 6 bamboo sticks. This day is celebrated annually but how a boat race was envisaged is a story. There are four main entrances to this temple of which one points to the Pamba River. One noticing aspect is that the door of the sanctum sanctorum will never be fully closed. It is always partially closed so as to denote the permission given by Lord Krishna to his devotee, Arjun to visit him at any time. One needs to climb many steps if they are entering from east and North of the temple. Thus getting a chance to visit the temple premises and rituals is considered sacred. Natives of Pune can enjoy the ancient art form, Arjuna Nirtham on their tour free of cost.
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Valla Sadhya or Mass Feast

This is a unique mass feast arranged by the temple authorities as an offering to the Lord and devotees can attend the feast. It is a huge celebration of the temple, conducted on the auspicious birthday of the Lord, Ashtamirohini. Have you been to Kerala during this time? Since it is a festive time, the state will glitter in joy. Although being an off-season for tourism, you can watch many tourists arriving Kerala for the exclusive watch of these festivals like boat races especially along with Athachmayam and other rituals. To attract them, more package itineraries are included this time focusing on certain tourists like people from Bangalore and Pune.  The natives of Bangalore are more inclined to the technical world but are highly religious and jovial. What they seek most is the food in Kerala; this time they can get it with more pleasure as Vallasadya is here, where devotees are fed with Kerala meal having 45 dishes. Along with a sacred delicious meal in the temple premises, it is a chance for them to enjoy the boat race. Hence, various Kerala tour packages from Bangalore with low rate are including the visit to Aranmula village during Onam season. Around one lakh people will be attending the feast and you can ask for any dish, which will be served to you. Actually, this feast is arranged specially for the participants of the boat race or the crews of Palliyodans (snake boats). The legends say that during the ancient period the rice and other agricultural products were transported by driven boats on Pampa River to the King’s palace. Once a boat carrying these products got struck on the bank of the temple. Nobody could make it move even the soldiers of the king. The king asked his astrologer upon whom it was cleared that a Brahmin family is starving during Onam and is not able to cook anything due to poverty. They have prayed to the Lord and it is the magic of the god himself who made the boat to get stuck. The king decided to give a part of the products to the family even then the boat did not move. Then on further inspection, they came to know that there are more families there who are starving. The whole product in the boat was distributed to all families. Thus after this incident, the mass feast was arranged to the devotees during Onam, never letting anyone to stay empty stomach during Onam.  The oarsmen will come in a boat to the temple and the feast is for them.
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Aranmula Boat Race

After the incident of the Brahmin family, king dedicated to conducting boat as a token of respect to the deity. For the participants of the race, it is not just the matter of competition but they are actually celebrating the anniversary of the installation of the idol in this temple. Various snake boats or more commonly the Palliyodams where decorated and is head by a chief to control the oarsmen. After the morning, rituals in the temple and seeking blessings from God each team will set for the race. A great kind of spirit is aroused in everyone when they row the boat. Even the spectators will entertain the oarsmen by singing Vanchipattu. Thousands throng the banks of the river Pamba to watch the race exclusively. Thus during seasons, by checking the Best Kerala tour packages price, it is evident that these are not just thrilling the natives but is equally influencing the travel concepts of people from different places of the world.
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Aranmula Kannadi or Mirror

One famous aspect of the village is its unique mirror named Aranmula Kannadi. Unlike other mirrors, it is made using a unique combination of an alloy of copper and tin. There are families around the temple who are expert in making these mirrors. They have been doing this work for centuries and with much perfection. According to them, any flaws in making the mirror are considered undesirable and will bring bad omen. It has no glass surface and it is really worth. Devotees used to take these homes and believe that keeping this in the home can bring prosperity. A tedious work is behind its construction.
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Your trip to this holy village will be a worthy and soon check the availability to trip Kerala during this time, enjoy the big feast and behold the energetic boat race in the river Pamba.

 

Tour to the exotic land of natural harmony – Kerala

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If you ever have dreamed of spending your vacation in the lap of the scenic beauty of nature and natural elements then Kerala to the south of India is the land you should visit. I too was a person who was deeply in love with nature and all natural elements including the historical elements that have made each place unique and important in its own ways. On 8th of July at around 8.00 am I started my journey to the gods own country, Kerala. According to plan, the destination I was to visit was Munnar the queen of hill stations, and Ernakulam the heart of Kerala. To say in specific it was not much a tiring journey from Mumbai to Kerala via flight. I reached Ernakulam international airport at 12.00pm and got a cab to check into a well-facilitated budget hotel. To find a Luxurious Hotels in Kochi, with the facilities you need at a budget price is the most difficult task. After searching for a while I finally checked into Broad Bean hotel in Ernakulam near the south railway station, it was the perfect place for me to stay in budget price and the best stay from where I can get the complete access of the city. After checking in and refreshing I had my lunch cum breakfast from the hotel. The time was just 1.00 pm so I decided to start my tour of the city from Mangalavanam literally the green lung of Kochi. Just 30 min drive from the hotel Mangalavanam is located near the Ernakulam high court. The forest is literally filled with a number of migratory birds they get highly disturbed in the presence of humans. Mangalavanam is the only green lung in the city of Kochi that offers a home to a large variety of migratory birds and mangroves. The main thing I noticed after reaching Mangalavanam is that the place is the heart of the busy city that keeps the environments and populations under control. After experiencing the diversity and a sudden difference of the environment and ecosystem inside and outside the reservoir, I headed to my next destination, Chitram Art Gallery. A few minutes’ drive from Mangalavanam the Chitram Art Gallery is located opposite Air India, M. G. Road, and Ernakulam. yearly exhibition and paintings are organized here at the time of August a large number of tourist visit the place during this time to witness the history being brought to life again through different paintings.

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The place is well known as the 1st model village to house a number of international tourists during this time of the year. My next destination according to the plan I set was to visit the M. N. F. Gallery of Paintings & Sculptures located at Edappally. I reached the place at around 5; the gallery had the original painting of recognized Indian painters in both contemporary form and of the past. The place also holds large sculptures in marble, bronze, and granite. After witnessing the rich history of Kerala I headed to the marine drive where I can spend the rest of the evening staring at the sea and the boats that arrive at the jetty. Marine drive is placed near to the Ernakulam jetty where peoples, couples, and family can spend some time in peace having the spicy Masala food kept in the stalls to the side of the walk.  Some of the main food ones could avail from the stalls is mango and pineapple mixed with spices in a way that brings water to your mouth. I sat there having the spicy food and enjoying the sun set and pleasant ambience for around an hour. At around 8 I headed to the hotel and decided to have my dinner from any of the Dhaba in Kerala from where I can have the traditional Kerala foods and the spice filled food. On my way back I got into a small road side shop and had a deliciously rich dinner of Kappa and chicken curry which was special in the shop. After having the dinner I decided to get some beauty sleep and headed to the hotel. I reached the hotel by 10.00pm, after refreshing I went straight to the bed and slept peacefully.

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Next day morning I was to head to Munnar hill stations by 9 am so I woke up the next day morning by 8 and got ready to get the train from the station nearby. After a 3-hour journey I reached Munnar hill station at 12.00 pm and checked into a Admirable Resort in Munnar.  After a quick freshen up I decided on to start exploring the land known as the queen of hill stations. The place was once the summer destination of the British officials, carpeted tea plantations, charming towns, convoluted alleys and holiday facilities make this a popular tourist destination. Munnar also has the Anamudi which is the highest peak in South India, which is an ideal spot for trekking. My first destination as set by myself was Eravikulam National Park. I reached the park at 1.00 pm; the park is the main attraction with the famous Nilgiri Tahr. The place is also home to many species of butterflies animals and plants and a perfect destination for trekking.  The park also offers a perfect view of the tea plantations and the landscapes. After a pleasant walk through the park, I set off to my next destination. Chinnakanal & Anayirangal is a place near the Munnar town, the waterfalls at the Chinnakanal is often known as the power house waterfalls, the place provides the best view of the Western Ghats. The Anayirangal is said to be the place where the elephants come to drink the water, the place offers the exotic view of the tea plantations of the land. After spending my evening in the place I decided to move on with my trip to visit the Tea Museum. Munnar is a place with its own legacy when it comes to the tea plantations. The tea museum holds artefacts, photographs, and machinery; where each has a story to tell about the origins and the development of tea plantations in the place. The tea museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar which is worth a visit. The watch showed 5.00 pm by the time I finished my visit to the tea plantation. My next destination was Top Station and Mattupetti after which I was planning to put an end to the trip. It was my last day in Kerala. A top station is a place 1700 m above the sea level; the place offers the visitors a scenic view of the Munnar town with its plantation and rich vegetation.  It is one of the main spots where you could find the blue flowers carpeted over the hills. After the top station, I set off to visit Mattupetty a place located 13 km from the Munnar town. It is another prime attraction for the visitors with its dam and beautiful lake. The place also offers boat rides which allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscapes. The magic clock ticked 7 by the time I finished my tour around the city and headed to the hotel.

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I packed my bag and got ready to check out of the hotel early morning, after having dinner I slept early so as to wake up early. next day early morning I had my bus from Munnar at 6.00 am and I reached Ernakulam at 9.00 am and boarded my flight at 11.00 am from the international airport and reached back to my place at  3.00 pm. Kerala is the perfect destination where any traveller can visit and enjoy the trip to the best. Stunning Resorts in Kerala offers you with the best food and hospitality of all the lands. A traveller could get everything they needed in the land in abundance.

 

STROLL DOWN THE LANES OF ANDAMANS IN SEARCH OF HISTORY: ANDAMAN HERITAGE WALK

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It has always been inquisitiveness for everyone to know and understand the past, long before your birth. The quest for the current settlement and upliftment of many places is obtrusive best after reaping the outcomes of the hunt for records. Sometimes the remnants of past can be the sustainment of the prevailing, to accumulate information of prodigious places and monuments, flip back to the past. Why do people travel? Is that only for a leisure or recreation? Well, for some. But a handful of people long to take a journey in order to gather the significance of a place and its unknown facts, meanwhile they will be unleashing themselves. The thrill lies when we discover a new place and showcasing it to the world. The World treasures hidden secrets, revealing some can benefit the future. Wanderlusts can try out some trip to get informed about the history of a place. One such best expedition will be the Andaman heritage walk covering prominent heritage buildings like Cellular Jail, Police Gurudwara, Police Masjid, clock tower and police temple. Andaman Great escapes, a renowned travel organizer to Andaman will set up  Andaman Nicobar Tour Packages, optionally honeymoon. This 3 hours guided walking program can fulfill your quest for gaining knowledge on historic places; this stroll attracts some of the history fanatics. Beyond the white sandy beaches and long stretch islands, Andaman is steeped in history and there were some events that have left their mark of both good and harsh times. The island witnessed great acts of bravery and sacrifice along with courage, atrocity. To get the glimpse of these happenings takes the heritage walk of Andaman’s, covering following places.

 LISTEN TO THE CRIES OF CELLULAR JAIL

  Just approach your ears to the walls of this famous larger jail, louder cries, and weeping of people can be heard. Political prisoners and freedom fighter were the inhabitants of ‘Kalapani’, the local name was given to the prison meaning dark water, true to its name, dark activities and punishments were once carried out here. Britishers nestled the islands and imprisoned those who were fighting for freedom and justice, thus stories of heartbreaking sacrifice, astounding courage and unbelievable atrocities where a routine news from the walls. Enter the jail premises to find the seven winged prison with a large central tower in middle to watch the inmates. Most of them were lived in isolation and included great famous heroes like Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi, Yogendra Shukla, Movli Abdul Rahim Sadiqpuri, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Maulvi Liaquat Ali, Maulana Ahmadullah, Babarao. They suffered harsh beating and force feeding. In 1942, emperor of Japan invaded Andaman’s and took control of the jail, after which Britishers were the prisoners.

GANTA GHAR OR CLOCK TOWER OF PORT BLAIR

As a commendable step by Port Blair to promote international tourism, the Municipal council of Port Blair has erected a clock tower. Don’t mistake that the clock tower shows wrong time, there are four watches on each wall to display different time of different time zones. Travelers from states of India visit Andaman and especially, more convenient for those coming from Karnataka as flight charges are extremely economical, thus picking Andaman Tourism Packages Price will ensure you the freedom to watch historic places also. Opting for a historic walk, sight the clock tower located in the heart of capital city of Andaman’s amidst busy Aberdeen Bazaar, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, a reminder of British era. The local people believe that the clock shows wrong time.

THE POLICE GURUDWARA

This is a Sikh shrine; Gurudwara located in Port Blair and established by Dr. Diwan Singh in 1937, a well-known independence martyr built with wood on a foundation of iron pillars. The islands have Sikh inhabitants, thus this Gurdwara existed to be as the oldest one. During its construction, the shrine gained the assistance and support of people from other castes too and was referred as ‘New Gurudwara’. Currently, it is run by the unique committee including total members of 25 from all faiths viz. 10 Hindus, 12 Sikhs, 1 Christian and 2 Muslims. Gurudwara stands as the token of respect for the truth and righteousness of valiant freedom fighter, Diwan sigh. No such shrine has gathered these much religious harmonies.

POLICE TEMPLE

On the course of heritage walk, come across the Police temple which is the most important tourist attraction. On some occasion, Satsang was arranged, which is the sacred gathering of devotees leading to local cultural diversity. Take a while to watch the structure of the temple.

POLICE MASJID

Religious attractions in the historic walk, ages old. Muslims can take prayers.

MUSEUMS

Not included in the list of the Andaman heritage walk, but to collect some rare information on the historical eminence, a visit is must which can be executed on your request. Travel operators will be at your service and responsible for successful Andaman Honeymoon, pick itinerary to visit forest museum also. Wooden artifact and gone past of Chatham saw mill are exhibited. Even some of them can be taken to your home also for a better furnishing. For watching marine biodiversity, enter Samudrika Naval museum, but for understanding the lives of indigenous tribes on the island, an Anthropological museum is set located in Port Blair.

MORE REMNANTS IN ROSS ISLANDS

Just 15 minutes ride from Port Blair, was once the capital city and housed British administration during the existence of Great Andaman’s. An earth quake has devastated the land completely leaving behind ruin of Church and house of Chief Commissioner. Now, over these, you can find growing vines and serial roots. The British bakery once the largest one is left in dilapidated condition here along with swimming pools, troop barracks.

The listed historic places in itinerary will obviously enthrall you, but there are some more that are untouched, dare to go there and dig the past. Bruiser’s presence in the island has reaped many atrocities and now these are cleansed by advanced tourism promotion s of the union territory. India can take pride in possessing such a tolerant place and having much historical significance. We invite people from Bangalore with Amazing Andaman Honeymoon Packages from Bangalore.