October 2017 - Best Destinations in the World

The Indelible Stay at the Munnar Hill Station

October 27, 2017October 31, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Kerala is a paradise located on earth where the people get to the escapade in the wildest of nature. And when fed with all the best facilities for travel, the journey becomes the best of all time. I belonged to Raipur and had no absolute plan of traveling to Kerala until our family friends had taken a trip to Munnar, ‘The Kashmir of south India’. We decided to explore this beautiful destination and set off on a family tour to Kerala from Chattisgarh. As we reached the Cochin International Airport, we got into the cab that had been sent to us by the Stunning Resorts in Kerala we had booked beforehand. It was evening and the sun was setting. As we drove through, we passed through agricultural lands and evergreen grasslands and finally reached our destination after a three-hour drive.

It was night and our resort Broad Bean had been illuminated with decorative lights. The climate had been cold and soothing and we wanted to spend some time outside in the foggy night when the manager came and told us that they had a moon terrace and our dinner would be served there in a short while. So we went to our executive rooms and freshened up before going for the dinner. As we reached the moon terrace, we got the aroma of chicken and vegetables being barbequed and got to see all the people residing inside the resort there. A table had been exclusively booked for us where our food was served. Music had been playing we had been hogging all the delicious food.Candlelight dinner was being provided to the couples sitting on the other side of the terrace and the place seemed much more romantic with all the red balloons and candles that had been there.

We got down to the service counter after dinner in order to get some extra blankets and they informed us that we just had to inform them through the room service call. I also inferred regarding the confirmation of cab for our travel through Munnar for the next day and comfortably went to bed. The next day we got ready to travel while our breakfast reached us in room service. After taking everything necessary, we left to the first destination of our travel, Top Station. We reached the top after walking or rather trekking a short distance and reached the top from where we got to see the real beauty of Western Ghats. We felt like the clouds had been moving through us and could feel the mist on our feet. Mornings could not have been any better than at this destination. We walked through the place and enjoyed the sights of greenness everywhere. In some time we left for the next destination which was the Echo point which was also located nearby. The specialty of the destination was in the name itself. The echo that returns from this place is quite a fascination. And crazy people can have much more fun here screaming and howling into the air. We spend more time here before the sun started to spread its scorching heat in the place. We rode back to the resort for our lunch as our next destination of the visit was located on the same way. As we reached the Best Resort in Munnar, we got to see people who had been busy in outdoor games playing badminton and basketball. We asked them to serve us room service so that we could rest for some time as the trekking had got us quite tired.

After 2 hours, we walked down and got to see people who had come for spa services which are also being provided by the resort. We began our drive to Attukal Waterfalls. The destination was located in some 9 kilometers and we reached the eco-spot in a short drive. The place was lit in nature and was such a mesmerizing sight one could capture. We walked through a wooden bridge which added to the beauty of the place. Nature had never given me this level of satisfaction ever before. And the best part of Munnar was that the place just shimmered in nature and no infrastructure had overtaken the beauty of this land. We walked further more and could not take he our eyes off the falls. The adventurers were having a great time trekking here while we had been enjoying the view from the distance. The place captivated us for more than two hours as most of us did not really want to return back. But since it is not advised to travel during the night time at Munnar, we rode back to our resort.and decided to have a swim in the pool. Kids had already been playing in the kids’ pool while we took over the main pool.

When we reached back, the housekeeping had cleaned our room and we slide into our extra comfortable beds for some time. We walked to the small pond that had been there and spends some time pedaling the boat there. Even though there were enough Kerala hotels nearby, we were happy that we had chosen this place to stay as the facilities provided were quite good. And as far as Munnar is concerned, along with enjoying sightseeing and trekking, one should also take time to enjoy the climate of the place which we had been pursuing in this resort. We also called the service counter and booked a body spa for the next day. We could hear various sounds from the surroundings which probably belonged to birds. We walked through the resort and got to see a babysitting room for the baby residents. But none of them had been inside. We went to the restaurant and ordered tow coffee takeaways and walked sipping it to the room. Carrom board and coins had been kept on the table and we decided to play together for some time. We walked to the moon terrace which had already become my favorite place in the resort. We were served with varieties of seafood this time and it was a dinner delight for us.

The next day we packed some hot crispy vada for breakfast and started on our journey to Photo point. This destination was quite famous for taking pictures and hence we had charged our DSLR camera. We reached the place and surprisingly, photographers had been there helping the people take pictures. We clicked some with our camera and asked the photographer to get some group pictures of hours after which we left to the next destination which was tea gardens. when we reached the location. all we could see was tea plantations spread out to acres. The view was more than mesmerizing and we were eager to pluck some leaves by ourselves which the locals allowed us to do. We also got some fresh tea powder from the center there and got down to a garden where we were provided with hot packed food from our resort. We sat and had it in the garden and it was definitely a great experience.Our two exciting days were over and we were to return back to the airport in order to catch our night flight. More than the destinations, we were sure that we would be missing the Thrilling Budget Resort in Munnar as they had hosted us in the best possible way. We thanked the manager and cleared all our dues before leaving. The best thing that happened when we were returning was that we were packed with some snacks for our travel along with fresh juices and that was when we realized that the trip was one of the best with the best memories.

Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala!

October 23, 2017October 23, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Kerala is definitely the most attractive place south India, perfect for honeymoon holidays. The intrinsic beauty of Munnar, the enchanting forests of Thekkadi and Wayanad, the pristine beaches of Kovalam and Mararikkulam, the lush backwaters of Allepey and Kollam, and the gregarious and entertaining Kochi are all equally perfect for the Best Kerala Honeymoon Packages. Choosing to visit 5 of these locations will give the honeymoon tourists, the best of Kerala’s nature and landscapes. There’s a lot you can explore and do here than you would ever have thought of. Mere travel will not help you understand the essence of Kerala and let you enjoy the place to the maximum. It is a mix of exploration combined with adventure, relaxation, entertainment, and the cuisine that gives the tourists the perfect holiday experiences of their life. The most astounding fact about Kerala is that you get the best of all these and more during your holidays here. There’s this perfect blend of nature, tradition, and modernity available in all popular tourist destinations of the state. Being a 100% literate state, education and technology reach out to far corners of the state as does the social and political awareness. Hospitality is a part of Kerala’s culture and that’s why even homes are willing to take in a few guests, even strangers, as they give away a part of their home for homestays, sharing their travel experience and food with the tourists. Here I am listing 5 such destinations of Kerala, and how you can make your honeymoon here the most special days of your life. They are so popular that you will find information about these locations in many sites. But I bet no one would have told you these:

Enjoy some adventure at Munnar

Munnar is definitely a beautiful place that arouses the romance in honeymoon couples. But it is as much loved by the adventure enthusiasts too. There are some amazing destinations where you can get dissolved in nature and be a part of it without a hint of technology. Visiting places such as Top station, Thommankuthu, Mattuppetty, and the tea gardens can be the most relaxing holiday plans for your Kerala Honeymoon Packages. But if you need some adrenaline rush, hire a bicycle and hit the road to explore the hills and valleys of Munnar. You can cycle through the winding roads on the tea estates early in the morning with your partner, to enjoy the most enchanting sunrise sceneries of your life. Similarly, do come here to try some trekking, camping, and forest safari to keep your adrenalin pumping. In fact, adventure tourism is the most trending aspect of holidays in the hill stations of Munnar and Idukki. So explore these too while you are in Munnar.

Go on a Plantation tour at Thekkady

Thekkady’s tiger reserves and jungles are quite popular among the honeymoon tourists. But the most interesting holiday experiences can be sought at the most beautiful plantations in Thekkadi. Otherwise, a visit to Thekkady will have hardly a day’s plan of boating at the Periyar Reserve and a jungle safari at the Tiger Reserve where you will some animals only if you are lucky. Instead, visiting a tea estate, coffee plantation or a vegetable farm will offer you a great holiday experience in Thekkady. Many tour operators offer amazing plantation tours now with a stay in secluded and romantic plantation resorts where you can enjoy some privacy amidst the stunning landscapes created by nature. You can even spend a couple of days exploring these plantations to the core.

Explore Allepey on a Canoe

Allepey’s houseboats are quite famous among the tourists. What you must try out is to explore the smaller water channels of Allepey on small wooden canoes during your Best Kerala Honeymoon Packages. You will be stunned at the lush landscapes and villages that flourish around the waterways of Allepey. These people still use the canoes to travel around, trade and to transport goods from on village to another and are quite efficient in that. You can forget about traffic jams, dust, and heat while traveling through Allepey’s waterways. It is an experience which involves a little bit of adventure also as balancing yourself on the canoe is not an easy job! The best part of these tours would be that you can enjoy the hospitality of the friendly locals and taste some yummy homely food with fish and non-vegetarian dishes they offer. These are things you will definitely miss in the most luxurious houseboat cruises!

Spend some solitary moments at Marari beach

Mararikkulam is about 100 kms from Kochi and near Allepey. Ranked as one of the top 5 beaches in the world, Marari beach is a must-visit which many couples miss out. So you mark this place in your honeymoon travel chart to enjoy the most tranquil beach in Kerala. The place not at all crowded and is very clean. You can opt to stay in one of the traditional resorts nearby that offer traditional Kerala food. These resorts are mostly built in typical Kerala architecture using a lot of wood and terracotta tiles for roofing. Do not miss the Ayurvedic clinics here that offer rejuvenating massages and wellness treatments that will leave you completely refreshed.

Nurture your love for food at Kochi

People visit Kochi to have a lot of fun. There are a lot of modern entertainment options available in Kochi and it is the best place to shop for anything and everything under the sun! But I will tell you another reason to visit Kochi on your Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages and that’s the variety of cuisine available here. Kochi has a lot of people who come from different parts of Kerala and they have brought with them their exclusive cuisines and flavors which you can relish in the specialty restaurants in the city. The city has some of the best restaurants in Kerala even though they cannot compete with the flavors of the Malabar region.

HOW CAN THE CONCEPT OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM PROTECT THE KERALA BACKWATERS?

October 21, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Backwater Riding in Kerala

We are familiar with the concept of ‘Swatch Bharata’ or otherwise, clean India. Indians is a prodigious land and it is the duty of every citizen to keep it cleans not for enhancing its beauty but also to preserve the legacy of many great personalities who fought to get our land back. In India, the famous and popular state, which had elongated its fame cutting the boundaries of many countries, Kerala the real Gods own country is the epitome of culture and tradition. To maintain up the purity of this God-given land, a great effort must be followed every day. We know the condition of cleanliness in Kerala but neglecting all these, more inflow of tourists are experienced every year.

Tourists in Kerala

Tourism in Kerala alone is reaping more part of the revenue. The reason is that people coming from faraway places do respect the existence of the state and they value the traditions followed here. Even many traits are being exported to foreign countries for practicing. At the same time, we are here making our state untidy by erupting pollution and violating the rules more than that not even doing our duties daily. It is our responsibility to clean our state for welcoming guests same as we do in our own houses. With this concept, the responsible tourism has taken its form. The sole pride of Kerala tourism, Kerala backwaters is what which more needs care as, to witness its eminence lakhs of tourists are arriving yearly. They are really fond of booking any Kerala backwater packages to experience the charm of being inside a houseboat. At this point, it is our duty to maintain the cleanliness at these spots. This doesn’t mean that we must go to the destination and clean the garbage but at least, we can help ourselves to not make it untidy while we travel on these houseboats or during sightseeing.

We often see in the advertisements that the Kerala backwaters are addressed as the fascinating Water world in the earth. What actually happens is that the public markets are masking the plastic rust and bio-waste in the area. Is that sound really pride for us? Definitely not, and we must conceive the fact that Kerala is our land. As the first step of responsible tourism initiative, the effort was to make the Vembanad Lake purged of garbage. Vembanad Lake is the artery through which the backwater tour progresses. Houseboats are the major medium of water transport on which tourists enjoy the panorama of the adorable water world. Since the geography of some destinations is such that the water levels of a backwater, as well as the village, are same, we can enjoy sitting inside the houseboat itself and to get a view of rural lives. These houseboats are fitted with all luxuries and comfort, perfect for a stay. Thus the increased demand for Kerala Houseboat package is experienced day by day. Since more inflow of tourists is experienced at these locations, Government has focused the introduction of responsible tourism at these places. By doing so it is mobilizing the support of each and every individual linked with the tourism. There was interaction will all stakeholders and sought their support.

In an effort to create more employment for many locals involved in tourism directly or indirectly, now the concept of responsible tourism has expanded its mandate to cover the preservation of ecology and environment too. Since the concept stresses on the organic involvement at the local level, the objective can be achieved well. The coordination committee interacted with houseboat, motorboat and Shikara boat owners to lessen their pollution in water while conducting the tourism. They replied that it is not just them who are involved in degradation of the backwaters but other factors too. Also, their future lies with the health of these adorable wetlands. Thus by the joint effort, a committee named Vembanad Kayal Samyukta Samraksha Samithi was formed headed by a houseboat owner. This venture is focusing on the cleaning of the Vembanad Lake for which 5 lakhs rupees has been allocated. Even many resort owners are contributing towards it. Also, besides this effort for a cleaning drive, this group has appointed local units to manufacture paper and cloth bags in an effort to replace plastic bags.

The Ashtamudi Lake, which is the gateway of backwater tourism, is also included in the list. We know that most of the tourists prefer houseboat rides and the income from these luxuriously cruising resorts many benefit some but concerning others, especially the rural households living on the banks of the waters. Actually, the poorly regulated houseboat tourism is the main reason that is indirectly affecting the ecosystem, fish species, and water qualities as well. Certain initiatives from the responsible tourism coordination can regulate this and there will be active participation of small local communities like Kudumbhasree, Karshika Samithi and all. Even the tour planners providing exotic Kerala backwater tour packages can help by active checking on the tourists arriving and regulating their activities without making them uncomfortable. Some norms must be followed once you are on a tour especially on preserving the ecosystem there. Kumarakom has successful, completion of responsible tourism concept and it ensured women empowerment, employment opportunities, and exhibition of local handicrafts and active rural tourism. It is with this pace, we all must progress and ensure a clean Kerala backwaters.