Why should you head out to Kollam on this Monsoon?

Suspension_Bridge,_Punalur_Kollam

Kerala, a minuscule state in the neighborhood of the Indian Ocean, is charming, hypnotic and is blessed with heavenly beauty. The lakes, lagoons, and rivers all set up an unearthly ambiance that stupefies the tourists and honeymooners. The land offers diverse options for every kind of travelers, and the best way to enjoy those is with some fabulous Kerala Tourism Packages, in and around all cities of Kerala. A Trip to Kerala often comprises of a Houseboat ride on the serene backwaters, a visit to Munnar, Visiting some Wildlife sanctuaries, experiencing the beaches, Getting an Ayurveda massages and so on. Are you already bored of hearing all those common and popular destinations?

Kollam bch

If you are seeking something new and unique travel experience on your Kerala tour this time, then head out to Kollam with Dream Holidays, who offer ultimate tailor-made packages to make your journeys unique and full of fun and excitement.  Kollam- the northern district in Kerala has served as the trading capital in old times.  This place is blessed with diverse attractions for tourists- forests, lakes, sea, hills and islands, which makes it a perfect spot for monsoon travel.  Kerala is the only state in India, where monsoon happen twice, and it adds a special charm to this wonderful place, and Kollam is no exception. Kollam or Quilon is the land of cashew and amazing backwaters. It has a strong history of commerce and trading and is a perfect gateway to the magnificent backwaters offered by Ashtamudi Lake.  This district offers you everything, from getting lost in to the mystery of nature, enjoying the magnificent backwaters, getting into the heart of rural life in Kerala and so much more.

Kollam- Tourist Itineries Information

  • Zone- North
  • Language: Malayalam
  • Area-2,579 sq.km
  • Nearest Rail Station: Kollam
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram

What Kollam holds for the Travelers?

Thenmala- India’s first Eco-Tourism Project

Kollam Railway

  • Where- 72 km from Trivandrum, Thenmala Village, Kollam(62 km)
  • Nearest Railway Station: Thenmala
  • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum

Did you know Thenmala; the first planned Eco-tourism project in India? Well, this place has been heaven for planters for a long time.  As the name indicates it is indeed- the Honey hill, offering sweet wonders of nature.  This small village, that is located in the foothills of Western Ghats, is popular for its unique panorama, Eco-diversity, and well-maintenance by the government and the people here.  You can have organized tour with Kerala holiday packages enjoying the special attractions to see and places to stay in midst of nature.  The tea, rubber and other spice plantations, wildlife sanctuary, equal opportunities for fun, adventure and leisure and getting know the Eco-friendly measures of tourism all make it a unique destination for the travelers.

Eco Tourism Center– The Ecotourism center here has three zones

  • Culture Zone– The major attraction is the musical dancing fountain. You can also try typical Kerala dishes from the restaurants here.
  • Leisure Zone– The swaying bridge here is the main attraction. But be aware of some unexpected companions here- the monkeys! There is also a Sculpture garden, which has the theme- Man & nature.
  • Adventure Zone– This is the place for adrenaline junkies. There are options for trekking, elevated walkways, rock climbing and river crossing.

Other Nearby Kerala Attractions

  • Shendurnery Wildlife sanctuary– This protected are of the Western Ghats is a tropical semi-evergreen heaven which is home to some highly endangered species.
  • Palaruvi Waterfalls– Literally means a stream of milk, is the 32nd highest fall in India. The journey to reach this location offers you a wonderful trekking experience.
  • Asia’s First Butterfly safari park– Some of our sweet dreams are filled, with beautiful butterflies, flying all around midst of nature’s magnificence, well you can witness that here. It is Asia’s first Butterfly safari park where you can learn a lot about the life cycle of these species.
  • Deer Rehabilitation Centre– It is home to spotted deer, sambar deer, and is built within Kallada riverside forest. There is a tree house and a children’s park nearby.
  • Kannara Bridge – It was the first railway line in Travancore state and is more than a century old, which was built during British reign.

 

Thangasseri- A Trip Back in Time

Thangaserry Fort

  • Location: 7 Km from Kollam
  • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum(70 km)
  • Nearest Rail Station: Kollam(4 km)
  • By Road: Kollam bus station.

It is one of the proud heritage lands in the state that offers splendid cultural and historical attractions. Located 5 km away from Kollam, this beach used to be busy center during 18th century.  You can see old marks of Portuguese and all in the architecture of the churches and forts here which makes the land an interesting spot for the archeologists.

Major attractions

  • Thangasseri Arch – The entrance to the sleepy village, built by British in 1939.
  • The Lighthouse- Built in 1902 and is of 144 feets height.
  • San Thomas Fort- Built by Portuguese in early 1500
  • Infant Jesus Church- Built way back in 1614 by Dutch
  • Bishop House

 

Munroe Island- For Tranquil Backwater Cruises

Kollam Basckwaters

  • Where- 27 km from Kollam
  • Nearest Rail Station- Munore or Mundrothuruthu(3 km), Kollam(27 km)
  • Nearest Airport- Trivandrum(84 km)

Located around 27 km from Kollam, it is the hidden gem of Kerala backwater tourism.  The island is named after Munore, a British resident in back then.  This clean, unexplored, is an ideal spot for experience a complete laid-back backwater cruise. You can witness the simple and typical village life in the shore, the place has its pristine beauty and the people here are mostly working in coir industry and fishing. There is a ferry service to this island which is mostly crowded.  A backwater cruise here would take you through the sights of mangroves, Chinese fishing nets etc.

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls

Located near Tamil Nadu border, it is a wonderful place to visit during Monsoon. The trek trail to reach the falls is a thrilling experience that offers wonderful, view of the scenery.So, there are lots to see at this amazing place, especially during Monsoon, when its charm adds an ethereal beauty to this place.

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

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.

ValentinesDayKerala

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Keep a mobile connection that will help you in times of low network range, especially in the hilly areas.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

Allepy backwaters

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.

Allepy backwaters

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.

valentine-day-package tourism in Kerala

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.

Adventure Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Adventure in the Andaman Islands

14andaman

The Andaman Islands have always been the fantasy of honeymoon couples because of the beautiful beaches and the serene destinations here. But if you want to seek adventure during your Andaman Tour Packages, you will be surprised to know that there are quite some in store for you at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands too. Water sports are the mainly enjoyed adventures in the Andamans. But there are quite some adventures you can enjoy on islands too. There are quite a few options to enjoy the tranquil beaches and the beautiful monuments and museums. There are amusement parks and national parks for the tourists to explore nature and wildlife. There are also options for plantation tours and shopping in the Andaman Islands.

 

Here are some amazing options of adventure you can enjoy during your Andaman holidays:

 

Trekking

Three friends trekking a woodland path --- Image by © Diego Cervo/moodboard/Corbis

Trekking is an adventure all tourists can love while on their Andaman Tour. Since the Islands have thick mangroves and rainforests spread out everywhere, trekking through them is a beautiful and thrilling adventure to experience during your island holidays. Madhuban in Port Blair, Mayabunder, Baratang Island etc. are some popular trekking spots in the Andaman group of Islands.

 

Island Camping

island-trekking

There are many islands in the Andaman Archipelago that are uninhabited. Most of these islands have thick forests and beautiful virgin beaches. You can hire a boat and visit one of the remote uninhabited islands and camp there overnight during your Andaman Nicobar tour packages. Just make sure you check with the authorities for camping permission since some of the jungles are protected and are inaccessible to the tourists.

 

Mountaineering

mountainerring

Mount Harriet at Port Blair and Saddle Peak at Dilgipur are 2 inviting reasons for mountaineering. Mount Harriet provides a panoramic view of Port Blair, some of the neighbouring islands and the vast Bay of Bengal. It is enjoyed by most of the tourists on Andaman Trip Packages as a part of the Madhuban trekking. Reaching the Saddle Peak in Diglipur is a little tedious. The mountain is full of trees and huge roots and the path is very steep. If you are travelling during the rainy season it might get very slippery too. But once you manage to reach the peak, you will enjoy the gorgeous view below. It will be worth every effort taken to reach the Saddle Peak.

 

Visiting a Live Volcano

lived-volcano-visit

India has only one live volcanic centre and that’s at the Barren Island. The island has many live and dead volcanoes and is uninhabited except for some goats, rodents and bats that manage to withstand the extreme conditions prevailing in the island. There’s hardly any greenery here because of the hot lava and smoke coming out from the few live volcanoes. You can visit Barren Island on your Andaman Nicobar Tour by boat or by seaplane. The view from the plane will be bewitching, you can see the black island amidst the sparkling turquoise sea that surrounds it. Tourists are not allowed to disembark in the island. They can visit it from a distance. The sea around the island is ideal for scuba diving and many people hire a boat from the Havelock Island and anchor it nearby to enjoy the sport.

 

Exploring the Limestone Caves

limestone-caves

Limestone caves are nature’s exhibit of colours. At Diglipur, the visit to limestone cave includes a boat cruise through the creek covered with mangroves and a small trek through the jungle after which you will reach the caves. At Baratang Island too, you can visit the limestone caves that are located near the beach. It is a popular part of Andaman and Nicobar Tourism in these places.

 

Sea Cruise

sea-cruises

To reach most of the islands around Port Blair, you have to travel through shallow sea by boat or Dingi. But the most thrilling part of Andaman Tourism Packages will be to travel a little deeper into the sea on fishing boats. Make sure you take permissions from the authorities or else, you will be in big trouble! Exploring a sea cruise will be an incredible adventure to experience during your Andaman holidays.

 

Snorkelling

snorkeling-in-andaman

Snorkelling is definitely one of the most enjoyed water sports in the Andaman Islands. Most of the beaches have the options for snorkelling. If you want to explore the most colourful corals and marine life during your Andaman Tour Packages from Kolkata, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin are the perfect places to enjoy Snorkelling. The best part about snorkelling is that if you have no idea about swimming, it becomes all the more thrilling! You can hire the gears from the beach and explore the vivid underwater marine life in the shallow sea with the help of snorkelling guides.

 

Scuba Diving

scuba-divings

Scuba diving requires you to go through a small training which you can do during your Chennai to Andaman Tour Packages. There are many training centres where they help you out with the very basics and you can also hire the gears and the services of the diving instructor. Because the islands are not very populated and are eco-friendly, the sea remains unpolluted and the coral reefs in it flourish in all shapes and colours. The crystal clear sea makes scuba diving quite enjoyable even for the novice tourists.

 

Sea Walk

sea-walking

Seawalk is definitely one such experience you cannot miss while on your Andaman packages from Kolkata. It is as exciting as or even more exciting than a jungle trek. Can you ever imagine yourself walking on the seabed, deep inside the sea? Experience it for real during your Andaman tours! If you think that the seabed is very dull and dark, see for yourself how colourful and exciting it actually is! This is an adventure to be experienced and not explained. So pack your bags to Andaman Islands and experience the inner secrets of the sea.

 

Boat Rides

boat-rides

Most of the beaches in the Andaman Islands offer beach rides of various types. The Banana Boats are the most exciting of all. The bright yellow coloured banana-shaped boats are enjoyed by every tourist who enjoys a boat ride. It is a part and pack of Andaman Nicobar tour packages from Chennai. Then there are the paddle boats, motor boats, regular passenger boats, glass-bottom boats and speed boats to ride in the sea. The local Dinghies can be quite exciting as they are made of wood and are quite old! You will miss the hi-tech equipment in the boat, but can learn a lot of interesting stories about island from the locals travelling along. It will give you a totally different perspective of the islands and the islanders. Then there’s the creek cruise which is as exciting as it is calming. You will get lost in the beauty of nature all around you while boating through the creeks. Enjoy a creek cruise at Baratang Island.

 

Surfing

surfing

Surfing is a popular beach activity during the Andaman Honeymoon Packages from Kolkata. Even though many beaches here have provisions for surfing, the best place to enjoy this sport is the Little Andaman Island. The Butler Bay beach and the Kumari Point are popular surfing points here. In case you have no clue and still want to enjoy the sport, you can get help from the surfing school here from where you can learn the art and techniques of surfing and also rent the gears required. It will be a splendid way to enjoy the holidays far away from the crowds.

 

Jet Skiing

jet-sking

Jet Skiing is another thrilling water activity you can enjoy on your Honeymoon Packages from Chennai to Andaman and same as Kolkata. Check out the options at Andamans Water Sports Complex at Port Blair for Jet Skiing.