Category: Travel

Celebrating Honeymoon in Mananthavady – The Iconic Place in the History of Kerala

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Is there anyone who does not like to unveil the elegance of emerald nature? How would it be if one starts his or her day with innocent chirps of adorable birds? Isn’t it would be pleasing? Many times I have thought who assigned them the duty of wakening up all the animals, trees and humans. Do they get the wages for doing so? Or is it a kind of thanksgiving to the almighty for giving one more day on the planet. Whenever I see the thickly populated trees in the forests I always think who waters them and who look after them. It is not possible for a few people to look after the trees regularly. Still, it survives on the earth for a half a century. The wild animals in the forest never have experienced starvation for more than a couple of days. Somehow they will get their food. There are many more examples in nature that teaches some bitter and important lessons of life that no textbooks could teach. The wonders and various activities of nature will teach how to lead a life peacefully with limited resources.

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Most of the people in the world believe that spending a day in the lap of Mother Nature could gift wondrous experiences that no magnificent cities could present. That may be the main reason why people after their wedding decide to enjoy their honeymoon by exploring the beauty of nature. When considering our country India there are many places that truly display the immense scenic beauty of lush green surroundings. And the most luring place in the nation is the most popular Kerala. Year by year thousands of travellers visits the stupendous state to uncover the amazing beauty. Compared to the past now many travel operators have come forward with exciting packages to discover the captivating charm. More than the technological advancements it is the amusing charm. Couples travel to the state to enjoy the fabulous destinations in Kerala. They consider the state as an exquisite place to renew their marriage vows and to understand each other’s feelings in the soothing climate.

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There are many reasons for tourists to select Kerala for their short and long vacation trips. The cerulean seas, tranquil rivers, undisturbed backwaters, traditional houseboats, and excellent collection of various types of fauna and flora make Kerala a typical destination for travellers to rejuvenate. Not like the past, the travel cost to the state has now become cheap and best. Kerala comprises of 14 districts and each district has its own peculiarities. To enjoy the real charm of nature one should definitely avail of tour packages to the most famous district called Wayanad. It is the land of spice plantations. The bare mountains and bowl-shaped valleys are blanketed with emerald leaves of spices. Also one could find tribal settlements in abundance in the district. Wayanad is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The mesmerizing historical streets and caves, bio-reserves, and luxurious resorts make the district unique from others. Mananthavady is a well-known municipality taluk of the district.  By narrowing down the following paragraphs one could clearly understand the inner beauty of Mananthavady.

Mananthavady is one of the largest taluks in Wayanad district. The taluk resides on the banks of the river ‘Pusha’ or more commonly known as ‘Mananthavady River’. Nook and corner of the district have something reveals some pages of the history. In the past, the district was not accessible as it is now. The district was ruled by tribal communities called ‘Adivasi’. The town was formed in the 19th century. Ambukuthy is a place in Mananthavady, where a deer was pierced with an arrow and hence the taluk, got the name ‘Mananthavady’ (‘mane eytha vadi’). One could read the heroism of a famous freedom fighter called Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja or known as ‘Kerala’s lion or Kerala’s Simham’. The important places that could be visited while touring the taluk are as follows.

Pazahassi Raja’s Tomb

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The famous freedom warrior of Kerala called Pazahssi Raja’s tomb is situated in Mananthavady taluk. The tomb is located on the banks of River Kabani. The museum comprises of main galleries called the numismatic gallery, Tribal Gallery, Heritage gallery, and Pazahassi gallery. Also, it has an excellent collection of weapons, utensils, and statues.

Boys Town

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Boys town, when you hear this name suddenly a picture of boys hostel will come into your mind. But actually the place has no connection with the boys. The place is a mind-blowing sanctuary. The park is situated at a distance of 13 km from Boys town. It is a perfect place to witness the gorgeous beauty of tea and spice plantations. The gene park at Boys town was built as a part of the Indo-Danish project. The place is worth to see.

Post office Road

Post office road will take to the land of temples and mosques.

Valliyoorkkavu Bhagavathi Temple

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Valliyoorkkavu Bahagavathy temple is one of the ancient temples in Kerala with goddess Durga as the presiding deity. It is believed that the idol of the goddess was self-built. Every year in the month of March a 14-day festival will be held. The temple is considered as the biggest festival in Wayanad.

Pakshipathalam

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Pakshipathalam is a paradise for bird lovers. It provides shelters to rare species of birds like the gold fronted chloropsis, Asian fairy bluebird, giant Malabar squirrels, gaurs, the paradise flycatcher, and the emerald dove. Pakshipatahalm is located at a distance of 36 km from Mananthavady. Travellers will have to seek prior permission from the forest department to visit the sanctuary. In the past, the eagle King called Garuda rested on a rock and hence the rock got the name ‘Garudakunnu’.

Kuruwadweep

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Kurwadweep is one of the famous islands in Kerala. The island is uninhabited. Migratory birds and animals are ruling these 950 acres of land. Visitors will have to get prior permission from the forest department for visiting the island. The island is famous for bamboo rafting, swimming, and also trekking.

Trekking and bird spotting are the major activities practised by travellers and locals. Travellers usually visit the iconic destination by availing of packages from the travel operator called Dream Holidays. If you have any concerns regarding the package you can directly contact the customer support team.

A Few Salient Features of Agasthyarkoodam – The Breathtaking Peak in Kerala

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Kerala is a gift of the Arabian Sea. The state is abundantly blessed with natural resources. It is also called as ‘God’s own country’ and no wonder why the state has been bejewelled with the title. The marvellous beauty of the state lures travellers from various parts of the world. Words are insufficient to express the beauty of the state. The meandering rivers bubbling over rocks, sparkling waterfalls flowing through the thickly populated woodlands, undisturbed backwaters, avalanching movement of sand in pristine beaches, emerald forest ornamented with wilderness and tweaks of birds, magnificent bowl-shaped valleys and awe-inspiring mountains blanketed with the lush green carpets of tea and coffee plantations and many more. One whole essay would not be enough to beautify the charm of the state. The state is adorned with many historic monuments and herbal rejuvenation centers. Most of the foreigner avails of tour packages for participating in various kinds of Ayurveda treatments. The climate of Kerala is favourable not only to Indians but also to people from other nations. It is being a decade that the state started to give prominence to the tourism sector. And as part of enhancing tourism sectors, many disquieting hill stations and historic streets were being unveiled. Thousands of travellers visit the state by purchasing the packages for a cheap price to explore the magnificent gem hidden in unexplored parts of Kerala. Kerala is a haven for adventure lovers. The breathtaking hill stations and offers immense chances to improve their skills in trekking and rock climbing. It is not possible to describe each and every sparkling destination of the state with its peculiarities. I would like to dedicate this essay to explain the salient features of the famous hill called Agasthyarkoodam.

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Agastyarkoodam hill is the second tallest peaks in Kerala. It is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is one of the utterly bare and precipitous hill stations in Kerala. It is situated in the premises of Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary with a height of 1868 m. The hill is known as Pothigai Malai hill in Tamil Nadu. The slopes of the hills are blanketed with purple orchids. The hill shelters to various types of birds. Famously the hill is known for trekking but most of the Hindu believers consider the hill as a pilgrimage. On the top of the hill one could find a statue of Agasthya sage withholding a stone crusher on one hand and a bowl of medicines on other hands.  Worshipers climb to the top and offer prayers to him. He belongs to one of the seven sages (Saptarishis) of Hindu ideology. He is considered the father of Indian traditional medicines and Tamil literature. The surroundings of the hill are occupied with a tribal community called ‘Kanis’. They are engaged in various activities conducted by the forest department.

The Story Behind the Agasthyarkoodam Hill

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For long years women were not allowed to climb to the top of the hill as the Agasthya muni was celibate i.e. Bhramachary and intervention of women will affect the purity of the mountain. But 2 years ago the ban on women climbing the hill was removed and in January 2019 the first lady to conquer the mountain was Dhanya Sanal. Followed to her 100 women registered their names for trekking to the Agasthyarkoodam hill. There is also a story revolving around the hill is when all the sages (munis or maharishis) went to Himalaya for attending the wedding of Lord Shiva and Lord Parvathi the tilt to one side. Then Lord Shiva insisted Agasthya Muni to go the southern portion and balance the earth. He obeyed the commands. Gradually he liked the place and decided to reside there.

Trekking to Agasthyarkoodam Hills

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Unlike other hills in Kerala, you can plan out trekking to Agasthyarkoodam hill when you wished to do. As aforementioned the hill is dedicated to Agasthya sage and hence trekking on it is possible only in the month of January i.e. the trekking routes will be opened on Makaravilaku till Shivarathri. Actually there are two routes that lead to the hill. First is through the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary and that is closed and the second route is Bonacaud village. The village is situated 69 km from the Trivandrum International Airport. So travellers coming from Delhi, Punjab, and Bangalore can either travel in local transport or can purchase the tour packages from Dream Holidays and the tour guides will guide you to the village. Trekking the hill will require three days. Before reaching the Bonacaud village trekkers have to avail of an entry pass of INR 500. Per day 100 pass will be issued. The issuing of passes will be started a couple of days before the Makaravilaku. Trekkers can purchase online also.

Itinerary for Trekking

  • 1st-day Bonacaud – Athiramula Base Camp

Travellers will have to reach the Bonacaud base by 7 am. It will take around for registration and verification. Do not forget to carry the necessary identity cards. Collect the food coupons and purchase the water bottles. You can start your trekking by 8 am. It will take 6 hrs to reach the Athiramula base camp. Over there you can rest and encash your coupon and satiate your hunger. After refreshing, you can stroll through the jungle. Do not make a loud noise as it will disturb the animals. You can build a camp and can spend your night in it. The canteen in the base camp works from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm, therefore, collect the food coupons for the next day before you sleep.

  • 2nd-day Athiramula Base Camp- Agasthayrkoodam Hill

After having light breakfast you can continue your trekking to the hill. It will take approximately 5 hrs to reach the top of the hill. On reaching the top of the hill you can capture the pictures of serene nature and soak yourself in nature’s bliss. Don’t forget to pack your lunch. Spend a few hours on the hill and return your journey before the sunsets. You can rest in the tent in the Athriamulla base camp.

  • 3rd-day Athiramulla Base Camp – Bonacaud

Followed to the breakfast travellers can descend to the village. It will take 6 hrs to reach the slope. From there you can return to your hometown. If you are new to Thiruvananthapuram you can visit the historic places of the district before concluding the trip.

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Dream Holidays are one such travel operator in Kerala that curates special packages for adventure enthusiasts. If you have any concerns regarding the same without any hesitation you can contact their customer representatives.

Top 6 Stunning Sun-Kissed Beaches in Dubai

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Dubai is one of the most captivating cities in the United Arab Emirates. To study the latest changes in the technologies, fashion, education, hospitality services and many more one should definitely visit the eccentric emirate of the United Arab Emirates called Dubai. Dubai is the only place on the planet where impossible things take place. And the skyscrapers are the perfect examples for it. The city is also known as ‘the city of superlatives’. The world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa is situated in the downtown of Dubai. Burj Al Arab is one of the luxurious hotels in the United Arab Emirates. Even though it is a 5-star hotel it offers services of a 7-star hotel. One could grasp the stories of ancient Dubai by strolling through the streets of Dubai Creek and also a tall mirror is built-in Dubai called Dubai Frame that exhibits the old Dubai as well as new Dubai. If you want to see the largest candy shop avail of Dubai tour package from any places like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and etc. and visit the candy store. Students and romantic couples will love to indulge in snow activities in the snow park in Emirates Mall. The observation decks situated on two floors of Burj Khalifa will provide a fascinating panoramic view of the entire Dubai city. Dubai has undertaken several new projects such as the Dubai Museum, Bluewater Island, Aladdin city and many more. No wonder if one says that people in Dubai never sleep and how it could not be possible if a King with strong determination and imagination is ruling the emirate. There is only one man behind the tremendous success behind Dubai is the most respectable Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The key to the prosperity of Dubai is the oil fields. They export oil and petroleum products to various countries in the world. I don’t think that the emirate only gives importance to technology and infrastructure. They also give equal importance to entertainment and sports too. The amusement parks like Bollywood Park, Wild Wadi Adventure Park, Hollywood Parka and many more are the exquisite examples for the same. Apart from these, they encourage water adventure activities like parasailing, jet riding, banana rides and many. All these sports take place in the sun-roasted beaches of Dubai. Just like the oil fields, one could enormously see beaches in various corners of Dubai. The following sections will help you to study more about it.

1. Sunset Beach

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Sunset Beach is one of the famous beaches in Dubai. It is situated between Arabian Gulf and Umm-Suqeium beach. The beach is famous among families and youngsters. The beach has been seen in many selfies and is it gives a spectacular view of sunsets which other beaches do not give. You can indulge in various beaches activities over there. The beach provides all the basic facilities like showers, washrooms, changing cubicles, and Smart Palms that supply free Wi-Fi to beach lovers. To enjoy the strength of tidal waves one avail of the surfing activities. Tourists of any age can try it. For swimmers, there is good news it is the only beach in the whole of Dubai that allows swimming in the night! Isn’t it interesting?

2. JBR Beach

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JBR beach is located between the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina. The beach is located close to the famous Jumeirah Beach Park. It is famous in Dubai and has been accredited with the title ‘Blue Flag Beach’. The certification is credited to the beaches that strictly follow the international standard. The beach park is an ideal destination for small children and adults. The park offers numerous facilities to entertain visitors such as cafes, barbeques, play stations, recreational centers, sports activities and many more.

3. Kite Beach

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Kite beach as the name denotes is famous for kite surfers. The beach is an elongation of Umm Suqeium beach. The beach is famous for various kinds of sports activities like sandboarding, kite surfing and many more. Visitors could fill their tummies with food form the mobile trucks. Along with it, you can beef dishes in the restaurant on the beach. The beach has a 14 km long jogging track. All above this is one could a clear view of Burj Khalifa- the tallest building in the world.

4. La Mer

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La Mer beach is one of the few beaches that provide cent percent of entertainment to its travelers. Thousands of people visit the beach every year from various places like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai by availing of the tour package to Dubai. The main attractions of the beach are laguna waterpark – a theme park with five water slides, playground for kids, lazy river ride, and water hammocks and many more. Visitors can also practice kayaking, flyboarding and wakeboarding and etc.

5. Black Palace Beach

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Black Palace Beach is sandwiched between Palm Jumeirah and Burj AL Arab. The beach is also called as a ‘Secret Beach’. Over here travelers cannot find any basic facilities such as changing rooms, or sunbeds, etc. if travelers are lucky they can find the luxury yacht of the Sheikh.

6. Al Mamzar Beach

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Al Mamzar beach is all-time favorite beaches for families in Dubai. The four corners of the beach are guarded by safeguards. The beach comprises of swimming pools, picnic spots, playgrounds and many more. The beach gets highly crowded on Fridays with families and small kids. The beach provides basic facilities like changing rooms, bathrooms, and etc. travelers can avail of small tents with air-conditioner equipped in it. The famous Sharjah Palace hotel is situated close to Al Mamzar Beach.

From the above paragraphs, you might have understood various beaches in Dubai. Spending a few hours on the beach will help you to rejuvenate. If you are lured by reading the above sections you can avail of tour packages from Dubai Tour Trawell, a leading travel operator in India. They always curate packages by focusing on the customer’s satisfaction. If you have any doubts regarding their services, you can contact their customer representatives without any hesitation.

Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Kottayam- Mango Meadows with My Better Half

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I don’t know how to start writing. I rethink it is the 5th time I am trying to pen down my romantic days in limited words. Don’t think that I wrote one or two words in my last 4 attempts and then deleted it. More than a paragraph I wrote and then I thought the words are inappropriate or the introduction is not good without rethinking I just pressed the backspace key. After refreshing for a while I reattempted the task. I hope this time it may work. It is a normal custom that newly married couples plan an exotic honeymoon trip soon after their wedding. But for us, we planned our honeymoon after a year! Isn’t it strange? Whenever we share our honeymoon stories with our friends they used to wonder and ask what were you guys doing till then. And I hope after reading this you may also have asked the same question in your mind. To quench your anxiety I will explain the reason.

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The main obstacle for our honeymoon was our ‘job’. We both were working in a reputed multinational company. Soon after marriage like an ordinary couple, we weaved many destinations for our romantic trip but fate betrayed us. Suddenly my husband was assigned to do a project in the United States of America. With a broken heart, we accepted our destiny. The project was only for 6 months. After 184 days my hubby returned and we again started planning our pending romantic trip. But again destiny started testing our patience this time I got an assignment in the United Arab Emirates for half a year. For securing my job I was forced to accept the order. It was very hard for us to live without each other. I moved to the UAE. I started to countdown each day. Finally, I returned back. Each time when we successfully pass the tests given by destiny, destiny itself will reward us with precious gifts in return and it was true in our case.

As I am friendly in nature I never felt any kind of difficulty interacting with people whom I have never met before. When I was in the United Arab Emirates one of my colleagues who hailed from Kerala, a state in south India (NB: The majority of the population of the UAE is Malayalee), was very friendly to me. We shared all our personal stories. One day accidentally I got a chance to view her honeymoon pictures. To be very frank the pictures were really awesome. For a moment I thought the place will be somewhere outside India. I inquired her about her honeymoon destination. She with little shy told me that it was none other than Kerala. According to me, Kerala was a state comprised of only tranquil backwaters and breathtaking hill stations. It was hard for me to believe they celebrated their first love in a park. They mainly concentrated the Mango Meadows of Kottayam district of Kerala for sowing their first seeds of romance. I also asked her does she had any relatives or friends over there. They don’t have anyone in Kerala it was through the travel agency called Dream Holidays that helped them to make their honeymoon trip fabulous. They availed of their tour packages online. On returning to Delhi I discussed the same to my husband. He was very happy and agreed to purchase the packages.

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The best time to visit the Mango Meadows is from September to March. By mid of January, we purchased the package. On reaching Cochin International Airport from Delhi Airport our tour representative greeted us with a garland made of lotus and also they applied a paste made out of sandalwood on our forehead. For a moment we thought after a year of marriage we again became bride and groom. From the airport, it took more than an hour to reach Kottayam district. On reaching Mango Meadows our tour representative guided us to lake resort. As we were very hungry we had lunch first and then we moved to our room. Words are insufficient to describe the relishing taste of food. Till then I had only seen varieties of cuisines in luxurious hotels but it was for the first time I am seeing this in the resort. By the evening we started our excursion. We first selected the shikari boating. We had already booked for the same while purchasing the packages, therefore, we didn’t have to waste our time getting the passes. Boating through the mangrove forests gave us a scintillating experience which we never had experienced before. Apart from boating, there were many couples who were engaged in various activities like shooting, cycling, badminton and archery and so on.

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There are many interesting things to enjoy and see. Our tour guide told us that the Biodiversity Park sprawls in an area of 30 acres with more than 4,800 varieties of flowering plants, 780 types of trees, and 174 species of fruits. The man-made park was constructed under the leadership of Mr. M Kurian. He is a true nature lover and took 14 years to build this park. In the park, we could not only see honeymoon couples but also many families and youngsters who come there to explore the serenity of the park. Most of the family bring their kids to the park for a picnic. It is the only place in Kerala where parents and children could enjoy their time in their own way.  As the parks consist of amusement parks for children and secluded areas for adults both can discover the gem hidden in nature in their way. As we wanted to spend a night in treehouse we asked our tour guide to make slight changes in the packages. And he agreed for it. Words are insufficient to express the feeling of spending a night in the midst of forests. we began our next day by hearing the meticulous chirp from birds.

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We also rowed in ‘Kotta vanchi’ (basket boat). We were afraid of whether it will break. But it was strong as a pillar. We also did fishing and fed food to the fishes while we were in the lake resort. It is the belief of Hindus that feeding fishes are like feeding to Lord Vishnu. We then moved to ‘Sarppa Kavu’. It is a place where serpents rest. It regarded as a sacred place by Hindus. People from various places come here to worship the serpents. It is believed that serpents have the magical power to cure wounds and illnesses of all kinds. There are many more places in the park. The park is actually divided into various sections such as Bird sanctuary. Over here we captured the beautiful images of varieties of birds in our camera the authorities have allocated special benches to sit and mesmerize the beauty of birds. Animal husbandry and Plant nursery is another place that helps to study more about nature. Nakashtraval is the place where people can find trees related to their Malayalam Zodiac sign. Bible Statute is another eye-catching place. The Bible is placed on a long wooden structure with its centre page opened.

After spending two days in Mango Meadows we moved to other places to explore the beauty of Kottayam. Places like Bay Island Drift Museum, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church (it is built-in Hindu architectural style), Poonjar Palace, and many more. After 4 days we departed to Delhi by carrying sweet memories and sweet gifts for our relatives and friends.

 

The Best Ever Houseboat Cruise across Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala: A Soothing Travelogue from Delhi

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It was the first time ever that both me and my younger brother watching such a vast experience of water in such a serene environment. And we were in happiness that knew no bounds watching such a sight. When mom said that Kerala was the God’s Own Country, all of us thought that she has got biased opinions for her native place. But once we had reached that beautiful destination, we realized that what she was saying was indeed true. Although she is a Bhojpuri, she was born and brought up in Kochi, as our Naana used to work there during those years. She has always got boundless words when appreciating about the aesthetic beauty of Kerala.

So when we thought of a perfect place for our tour in puja holidays, it was she who suggested Kerala. Moreover, my younger brother Chotu was having asthma issues so we could not choose any cold hill stations. Once the main location was confirmed, both I and dad were busy searching about the possible tourist sites in the place, where we could visit on our vacation. We got to know about the tour packages offered by a popular travel firm of Kerala called Dream Holidays as they had good ratings and attention-grabbing ads on the web. They had one of the best ratings among all other companies. Moreover, they had the packages to varied locations such as those based in hill stations, backwaters, beaches and whatnot. Quite surprisingly, most of them were at the cheapest rates.

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So on the very next day after Chootu’s school exams, we were at the airport in Delhi. I was also having semester break at my college and I never had to worry about the number of days that would take for our trip. Dad had also taken his weeklong leave from the office. From the Indira Gandhi International Airport on the scheduled date and time, all of us boarded a flight and reached the Trivandrum International Airport within a flying time of 3 hours and 20 minutes.  Since we had boarded an early morning flight, we were not feeling much hungry but were thirsty. The moment when we were moving out of the main building, we saw somebody standing with a placard showing ‘Gupta and family.’ Dad went up to him and confirmed that it was our tour guide. His name was Somadev.

As per the instructions given by him, we had to travel for around 2 and a half-hour of the journey. After moving some distance, we saw a roadside vendor selling tender coconuts. We pulled over the car and all of us sipped the natural drink. It was truly refreshing. Later in the journey when we had covered the urban spaces of Kollam city, we crossed over numerous bridges and sights on both sides were indeed scenic. I didn’t know whether that was a lake or river, anyways there were just too many water bodies whichever directions we turned our heads at. The next striking factor that I noted was that the greenery here can be seen nowhere else in the country! Chootu missed all of this, as he had slept after sipping that natural drink. Finally, we arrived at our resort where we to stay for our holiday in Kerala.

There were many smiling faces around us. All of them seemed friendly right from the very first moment. The staffs there welcomed all four of us with a flower garland and adorned with a pinch of Kumkum on our foreheads. Quite strangely, Chootu was getting intimidated at this friendly gesture for which all of us burst out laughing. As the resort was on the banks of the lakeside, it already had natural landscaping. Chootu was with dad when they went for checking-in, meanwhile, both I and mom took many selfies. Our guide was back to us when we were settling in. Later he informed was what we were badly waiting for. The houseboat ride across the Ashtamudi Lake!

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The boat that we were to cruise was already moored at their private jetty. It looked classy and elegant. They were owned and maintained by the same resort that we had relied on our tour. We quickly rushed into the massive houseboat. Just then I got realized that we were provided with a boat with all the facilities that a suite room of a hotel is comprised. It had a living area, two bedrooms, one kitchen and a balcony. Everything was set beautifully and was spacious. The materials from which they were made were even more exciting. Out of curiosity, I enquired this to the guide. He said that they were made in traditional Kerala architecture with natural materials such as coir, bamboo and woods of coconut and areca nut trees.

Our houseboat started moving slowly. The sun was scorching then, but we were not at all feeling warm, as a cool breeze was hitting us from the lake waters. Coconut palms were lined all across the banks of the lake as most of them were seen slanting towards the water. A staff was there to help us with the cooking in the kitchen. After moving some distance it was halted and to our surprise, we saw him fishing with a traditional net. And for the first time ever, both I and my brother saw live fishes. Our guide later announced that those were pearl spots and large lake shrimps. Meanwhile, we saw various country boats and most of them were paddled manually. I thought for a moment that, the oarsmen would be healthy and the process would be fruitful during fuel price up.

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According to our packages, the caught fishes will be cooked live and served to us. Those tempting aromas from the Kitchen made us hungrier. Within no time, the delicacies were at the table. They were ‘Karimeen Pollichathu’ and ’Konju Roast,’ which had to be savoured along with rice. They were supposed to be eaten with bare hands. Expect mother, all of us had a tough time in the venture. However, the distinctive taste of the spicy recipes made us forget all such difficulties. Once satisfying our tummies, we dozed off for some time. Our tour guide already informed us, the sunset viewed from these parts of the lake will be beautiful. He was right, they were indeed enticing. Witnessing the beauty of the lake, my mom revealed that it was her long lost wish to arrange my destination wedding on the beaches of Kerala! I was dumbstruck for her words. Anyways thank you Dream Holidays for making this trip beautiful and memorable and at the end of the confusing!

Top 4 Stupendous Mosques of Dubai

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Dubai is no longer an unfamiliar word for anyone in the world. The emirate is famous for several reasons. I think the city gained more prominence after constructing two eminent skyscrapers called Burj Al Arab- one of the most expensive hotels in the world and the other one is Burj Khalifa- the tallest tower in the world. The seven eminent emirates that are Sharjah, Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras AL Khaima and Umm-AL Quwain were united together to form the United Arab Emirates. After the formation of the UAE, each emirate or state was assigned with a ruler. Dubai came under the control of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It was his dream to make Dubai city the top travel destination in the world. For that, he utilized the profit earned by exporting oil and petroleum products to various nations. But never think that with a few years the city gained today’s shape and structure. It was 2 decade’s perseverance, hard work, and dedication that Dubai got its present face.

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There is a common saying if you want to see some extraordinary things which are beyond human expectations just visit Dubai. If you can’t see there then don’t worry they might be constructing it. For Dubai nothing is impossible. They always emphasize molding Dubai into the latest trends and technologies. No wonder if one calls Dubai as a diversified emirate. Irrespective of caste and creed the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of travellers to witness the fabulous beauty of outstanding architecture. The city respects the culture and heritage of different countries by celebrating its traditional festivals in a grand manner. Some of the people visit the mesmerizing city to not only explore its charming beauty but also to discover job opportunities. People from the Asian continent are mostly seen working in the Arab city. Every year thousands of people from various parts of India such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi and so on purchase tour packages to participate in the world-renowned Dubai shopping festival. The festival is conducted every year in the month of January and it is the occasion where people from different communities and different countries exhibit various kinds of products.

We often think a country that gives prime importance to technology and economic development will find difficult to pay attention to its religious matters. May lose its integrity, tradition and forcefully will bring changes in their unique customs and beliefs. As I aforementioned for Dubai, nothing is impossible. The emirate can be considered as a perfect example of bringing changes to the technology and growth of its country without affecting their religious and traditional values. As we all know Dubai strictly believes and follows Islamic religion, they implemented several rules and regulations for Muslims and non-Muslims in their land. As they invest huge amounts for attaining economic stability they also spend an equal amount on the building and maintaining traditional prayer halls called Mosques. We all know that women are restricted to enter Mosques. But there are a few mosques that welcome non-Muslims and even women! You can learn more about the famous mosques of Dubai by strolling down the following paragraphs.

  1. Al Badiyah Mosque

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Al Badiyah Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Dubai. It is situated near to the coastal village in Fujairah emirate. It is also one of the smallest mosques in Dubai that can accommodate only 70 people at a time. The mosque was constructed by using burnt mud sealed with whitewashed plaster and stones. Unlike other mosques, the Al Badiyah Mosque is built in square shape and its roof is constructed using 4 domes. Photography is encouraged inside and outside the mosques.

  1. Al Noor Mosque

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Among the seven emirates, Sharjah is called as the ‘Culture Capital of the United Arab Emirates’. The emirate was adorned with the title in the year 2014. The emirate shelter more than 600 mosques but among them, Al Noor Mosque is the only Mosque that opens its door to non-Muslims and Women. It started welcoming visitors since 2005. A special area is allocated for females. The Al Noor Mosque is situated at the banks of Khalid Lagoon in Buhairah Corniche in Sharjah. The mosque was constructed by referring to the mind-blowing architecture of the mosque in Istanbul. The mosque comprises of minarets, semi-domes and 34 beautiful domes and can accommodate 22000 people at a time. The mosque is opened for visitors on Mondays from 10 am. For registration, visitors are asked to arrive a little early.  A one hour tour in Mosque will take you to a world of Islamic architecture and beliefs.

  1. Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

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Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque is one of the popular mosques in Dubai. It is also called as Blue Mosque as its outer part resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is sprawled in 93,400 square feet and can contain 200 worshippers at a time. While strolling through the mosque one could come across 4000 Islamic scriptures. The architecture of the mosque is something praiseworthy. It comprises of 124 stained glass windows, 4 minarets, and 21 domes. The floors of the mosques are decorated with red and green carpets bought from Germany. The fascinating mosque was built-in 1986and it was further renovated in the years 2003 and 2011. The mosque is constructed in Ottoman and Andalusian architectural styles.

  1. The Grand Mosque

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The Grand Mosque of Dubai is situated in Bur Dhabi. It is located opposite to Dubai Museum. It can accommodate 12000 worshippers at a time. On the entrance, you can see Quranic inscriptions on the door. It welcomes non-Muslims from 8 am to 10 pm. As entry fees are exempted anyone can visit the mosque. The mosque showcases Islamic architecture.

From the above paragraphs, one could understand the Islamic architecture and their culture. So when you plan your next Dubai tour, definitely add these Islamic worship centres in your itinerary. Dubai Tour Trawell is one such travel company that curates packages from people from Hyderabad, Gujarat, and Karnataka to explore the magnificent beauty of the superlative city at affordable prices. So don’t waste your time. Grab the package before it expires.

Best Things to Do for Honeymooners in the Less-Touristy Locations of Gavi in Kerala

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Except for the fact that the state government had put some restriction in the number of visitors to Gavi on a timely basis, everything is favourable for Honeymooners to pick them up from the rest of travel destinations in Kerala. Situated most advantageous on the highway leading to Vandiperiyar from Kollam the forestry destination is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. So the evergreen rainforest is home to diverse flora and fauna. Below explained are some of the best things that honeymooners can indulge in when you are holidaying in the eco-tourist of Gavi in Kerala.

  • Go Sailing in the Lakes of Kochupampa

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Who would not love to go for romantic boating while they are honeymooning? The travel destination of Gavi also favours its visitors an enticing experience of sailing across its serene waters. You would feel refreshed once you go for paddling across the lakes of either Kochupampa or Pampa. They can be called as artificial lakes formed after the construction of the reservoir nearby. As most parts of the lake are still untouched, you will find that the waters that form small ripples in the soft movements of the boat are crystal clear.

  • Spend a Night in the Rainforest

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Such an idea may seem daring to at least some! The natural beauty of Kerala can be experienced at its best, especially when you are honeymooning in these regions of Gavi. When booked your tour packages earlier, you will be provided with the facilities of charming tents in which you could stay privately with your partner. You may avail such services of staying up a night in the jungle once paying the cheapest prices when booked online. You could feel most affective to each other in this particular venture of your honeymoon trip.

  • Adore the Beauty of Neer Veezhcha Water Falls

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Barely a 2km drive from the prominent eco-tourism spot of Gavi will take you to the splendid Neer Veezhcha Waterfalls. Strolling along the forestry path up to the cascading waters along with your partner can be pleasurable. Again the river flowing across the large rocks is yet another tributary of River Pampa. You may hire a country boat and reach near the premises of its foot. As they can be sited in proximity to Pampa Lake, you cannot easily resist from visiting the place. Moreover, everyone would love to click a picture with their loved one on these exotic locations.

  • Catch a Glimpse of Sabarimala from the Viewpoint

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Although this may sound startling when finding the name of the viewpoint, as they were indeed a controversial religious space for all the south Indians for the past few years. However, from this specific viewpoint, you both will be able to behold at the famous Hindu shrine at a far distance amid the thick forests. The pictures captured from green meadows nearby would be your perfect epic honeymoon click. The cool mists formed in the spot can bring about a romantic mood for you instantly.

  • Go for Trekking

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There is a lot to explore in the 25km stretch in Gavi for the honeymooners, especially in the dense jungles of Gavi. In such an experience, you would get to know each other very well, as you both will explore your pathways alone. Or if you are insisting to have a travel guide with you, you may demand the same with the forest officials. On an approximate rate, the trek will take around 2 to 3 hours, which depends on your ability to stroll via the rough forest path. Furthermore, it would be recommended to accompany a travel guide before setting out to very bushy and dense regions, as you may rush into wild animals inhabiting in the place.

  • Romantic Getaway in Gavi

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You would feel closest to nature when you are residing in a treehouse for your romantic getaway in Gavi.  Such an experience is rarely available in the forest of Kerala. Living in such an enclosed space with such a limited, though primitive facilities would be indeed fun. Moreover, this special tour along with your best half can be made unforgettable if you are had booked your packages once referring to any efficient tour companies who would offer you the best with affordable price. Also, there are many accommodation facilities set up by the KFDC in the destination where you may stay in.

  • Exploration by a Jeep Safari in Anghamoozhy

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This is exclusively set for the daring lots, who would love to make their honeymoon trip memorable. Via the jeep safari centred in Anghaamoozhy, you could avail the rare opportunity to endure into remote spaces of the Gavi. The jungle ride sparing the 2 hours can be experienced to its fullest if you had opted for a top-open jeep, from which you may adore at the real aesthetic beauty of the naturally blessed travel destination. Moreover, there is no doubt that you will be appreciating the rich flora and fauna for which Gavi is a bounty home.

When all these exciting things are said about the less-visited travel destination of Gavi in Pathanamthitta, you would be craving to visit them by any means.  As mentioned before, considering the sensitive ecology present in the location, you will not be permitted to travel in your vehicle in your schedule. So book your best honeymoon packages with Dream Holidays, who could help you around in making your trip to a most romantic one. Pick up the best travel deals that are fulfilling your requirements. Even then, if you are not pleased, you have the golden chance to customize your package with your personal favourite destinations.

 

Some Unknown Interesting Facts about Dubai

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I was very happy when returning from school. It was not like all other days. Today I got my answer sheets of the exam which was conducted before Christmas. I scored good grades and in two subjects I became class topper. I was very thrilled. My teachers and classmates congratulated me on my achievement. I thanked them. I somehow wanted to reach my home early so that I could to share this happiness with my family. I asked the driver of the school bus to drive the bus at high speed so that I could reach home fast. The moment I entered the home I was surprised my mom was busy preparing special dishes and servant was busy cleaning our house even my room!!! (Actually, it is the rule of my house that I should clean my room). I wondered how they knew about my achievement. I asked my mom why she is preparing special food for tonight and that too vegetarian item. Before answering my question she asked the reason for my happiness and also asked whether I got my answer papers. I was surprised. I always think of how mothers understand their children’s emotions without speaking to them. I told my mom she is really genius and appreciated her sixth sense. I told her that I got my exam papers and in two subjects I am the class topper. Even though she was kneading the flour for chappathi she hugged me and kissed on my forehead and congratulated me. I again asked her who is coming today. She told that our close family relative from Ahmedabad is coming to visit us and will there with us tonight. While drinking hot tea and savoring banana chips I asked my mom is that the Ajay uncle who recently went for a Dubai tour. She nodded and said the tour package was formulated by their colleagues. He is really a lucky man I whispered and moved to my room to get fresh.

By the evening Ajay uncle and my dad reached our home. My mother welcomed them by offering fresh pineapple juice. We all sat together and engaged in a formal conversation. My dad told the main purpose of uncle visit is, he had a board meeting at his office over here in Hyderabad. And today was the last day of the meeting and my dad invited him for dinner. And my dad picked him from his office. Uncle inquired about my studies and my mom told him about today’s performance. He congratulated me. My mother asked him about his Dubai tour. He replied, it was beyond his expectation, the trip was fabulous and they all enjoyed to its maximum. He suggested my dad take us to Dubai by availing of tour packages. My dad who is least interested in long journeys did not welcome his suggestion and replied that there is nothing to see in that desert. Who said it is a desert city? asked my uncle. The city is no longer a desert. It has turned into one of the richest cities in the world and also one of the most sought tourist destinations in the world.

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My dad again questioned him by asking what is the need of wasting money to see only camel rides and belly dances in Dubai? Ajay Uncle corrected my dad’s assumption by explaining more about Dubai. Dubai is one blooming emirate of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates comprises of 7 emirates they are as follows Sharjah, Ras-Al-Khaima, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Umm al-Qaiwain. Abu Dhabi is called as the capital of the UAE. For a long time, I had a doubt whether Dubai is a country or a city. He told that the word emirates mean a royal state and hence Dubai can also be treated as an ordinary state ruled by a royal ruler. Each state has its own King or Sheikh for Dubai it is Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the ruler. The capital of Dubai state is Dubai city. And hence my lifelong doubt has been cleared then. Thank you, uncle. I also asked him didn’t he feel any difficulty to spend his vacation with Arab locals who speaks only Arabic. He smiled and replied it is our myth that Dubai is composed of Arab people. Actually the city comprises only 15% of Arab locals and the rest 85% are foreigners. And among these foreigners, Indians are seen as abundantly. And about the matter of communication, most people love to communicate in Hindi and English and only the Arab speaks in the Arabic language. It was the vision of the present ruler that Dubai should become one of the best cities in the world and within two decades it has become a superlative city in the world by constructing skyscrapers such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Mall and many more.

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My mother asked what the secret behind the success of Dubai is. Uncle told it is the oil, pearl diving, fishing and farming and also manpower. The same manpower we have here also she told. But uncle said that what we have here are the people above 45 years and what Dubai has is people aged between 20-45 years and that is the perfect age to work hard. As aforementioned the city comprises mainly foreigners, after earning good money they return back to their homeland at the age of 45. My dad asked uncle is it true that the ATMs over there give gold bars. I and mom were astonished by hearing the question. Uncle smiled and replied yes. He also told that due to the presence of deserts the city receives high humidity and scarcely receives rain therefore air conditioners are installed in every public place such as railway stations, bus stations and so on. What about the crimes my dad asked. Even though the city welcomes different cultures and traditions they strictly adhere to their religious beliefs and laws. Smoking is restricted in designated areas only. Women are allowed to wear short dresses. Alcohol and pork are available only to non-Muslims and so on.  Severe penalties are applied even for small offences.

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We continued our conversation on the dining table. He praised my mother for preparing such lovely dishes. To my surprise, she prepared my favourite kheer for dessert (for becoming topper in the class). Dubai is actually a treasure of man-made wonders. it is not possible for one to describe its beauty literally to everyone. Therefore it would be good to visit the place by availing of tour packages. A trip to Dubai will be really expensive my dad said. Uncle suggested the name of the Dubai tour Trawell agency. He said that they curate packages at cheap rates and also provide excellent hospitality. My dad was impressed and assured us that he will take us to Dubai very soon.

A Trip to Stunning Shopping Malls in Dubai

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After a one week Dubai trip we were back. There are no words to describe the beauty to express its immense glory and magnificent beauty. Even though we returned back from Dubai my mind was still roaming in the streets of the city of superlatives. I was amazed by seeing the splendid wonders of human creativity and imagination. For a moment I just thought whether I have stepped into heaven. The city offers immense opportunities for common and rich people to enchant its mesmerizing charm. It was always my dream to witness the delight of the city. One day while I was shopping for Diwali in one of the famous shopping malls in Hyderabad I got a chance to avail of a coupon. Like others, I also wrote my name and phone number in the coupon and put it in the box. It is not for the first time I am doing this. Unfortunately, every time I used to lose the victory. But this time my little princess asked me to buy the coupon. And I really do not want to disappoint my little angel so I purchased it. The lucky draw will be held on the very next day of Diwali. As luck never stands with me I didn’t go to the mall on that day. I was very busy with my household chores suddenly my phone ranged, I picked the call. They just wanted to inquire whether it is me Deepa. I said yes. They said that I have been declared as the winner of the Diwali coupon. And therefore I have got a chance to explore Dubai with my family. For a moment I was not able to believe. I was shocked. When my husband returned from the office in the evening we went to the same mall and inquired whether the call was genuine. They replied it was an authorized call. My husband and daughter were overwhelmed with joy and thrill. We completed all the formalities of the tour package and got ready for the exotic trip.

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We boarded a flight to Dubai International Airport from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. It was hard to believe that we have stepped into our dream destination. After resting for a while we started our sightseeing. Whoever steps into Dubai the first thing what they would see will be the famous skyscraper called Burj Khalifa. The infrastructure is known for its two stunning observation decks. It is also termed as the world’s tallest tower. Near to it is located the world’s second-largest shopping mall known as Dubai Mall. Along with Dubai Mal, the city houses many other eye-catching shopping malls. The following paragraphs will help you to learn more about the malls and their eccentric features.

  1. Dubai Mall

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Dubai is considered to be the largest mall in Dubai and the second-largest mall in the world.  It is situated in Downtown and home to more than 1200 shops. It takes at least a week to completely enchant the charm of the mall. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with a glass-bottom boat ride make the mall unique in Dubai. One could savour scrumptious delicacies in the restaurants in the underwater zoo. The mall is spread over 3.77 million square feet in the area. It is sheltered to one of the largest candy stores in Dubai. It is also known for the largest choreographed water fountain show. The mall is not only known for shopping but also for entertainment. Children and adults together can enjoy their quality time by indulging in Sega Park and Kidzania theme parks. Also, they could entertain themselves at Reel Cinemas. Waitrose supermarket is a haven for homemakers. The mall is connected to the metro station and hence paves the way for comfortable travelling. No wonder why the Dubai mall is termed as the ultimate shopping destination in the world. It comprises Galeries Lafayette, Cheesecake Factory, Charlotte Tilbury, Kinokuniya, Five Guys, Magnolia Bakery, Bloomingdale’s, Laduree, Pappa Roti outlet, and Katsuya. The only Apple store in Dubai could be seen in the Dubai Mall.

  1. Mall of Emirates

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The Mall of Emirates is known as the second-largest shopping mall in Dubai. It is sprawled in an area of 24 lakh square feet. It is situated in Al Barsha city. The mall is known for its fashion trends and retail stores. The Ski Park is the highlighting feature of the mall which lures travellers across the globe. We indulged in various activities in the Snow Park at Ski Dubai and tasted the hot chocolate at -4 degree. Over there we got a chance to interact with the travellers from Ahmedabad who reached Dubai by availing of the tour packages from Dubai Tour Trawell.  What makes the Mall of Emirates one of the favourite destinations for the families is the Magic Planet. VOX Cinemas and rock climbing are the other luring attraction of the mall. It also has DUCTAC theatre which showcases various plays and dance shows.  Shopaholics can satiate their hunger by savouring mouthwatering delicacies from Tribes and Hallab, Texas De Brazil and Dean & Deluca. Like Dubai Mall, the Mall of Emirates is also directly connected to metro stations. Travellers can buy all the important items for their house from Carrefour supermarket.

  1. Dubai Festival City Mall

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The Dubai Festival City Mall is considered to be one of the largest shopping malls in Dubai. It is home to several popular brands. Such as Aldo Store, IKEA store, Ferrari store, the bowling centre, the most popular restaurant known as Serendipity, Mint Velvet store (the only store to be opened outside the UK) and Hard rock café. Apart from this, what makes the mall so famous is it is located near to historic creek. During the freezing winter season is the mini-fair held in front of the mall comprising of stalls and games. The fascinating fountain shows similar to that of Dubai fountain grabs millions of hearts.

There are many more shopping malls in Dubai. A one week trip is really not enough to learn all these malls. We visited 2 prominent shopping malls and continued our exploration of new places such as Dubai Creek, Palm Islands, and Dubai Miracle Garden and also we participated in various desert activities in daub. After one week’s thrilling trip we returned to our hometown with sweet memories.

The Miraculous Stories that Made Me a Strong Believer of St. Sebastian of Kanjoor

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Don’t ever think that lying at the bottom of the country; Kerala will remain unpopular among the Indians. More than any other Indian state Kerala has made a special place in the hearts of not only Indians but also of foreigners. I have been always surprised by what may be the reason behind such large popularity? Later I realized that it may be the colourful festivals and unique culture and traditions. And it is true. The state is blessed with 14 districts and each district is known for its dazzling festivals. Irrespective of the religion and creed all the natives together celebrate the occasions in a grand way. Thus make the state different from other places in the country. It is being a long time since my mother was wishing to attend the famous church festival of St. Sebastian at Kanjoor church located in Ernakulum district in Kerala. I just asked her where she heard the name and what the peculiarity of the church is. She asked me whether I remember the day when my cousin (i.e. my mom’s nephew) told me about the church and the miracles happened over there. I said I don’t exactly remember what he said but I know that he is permanently settled in Kanjoor with his family for years. She said every year the St. Sebastian’s festival takes place in the month of January in St. Mary’s Church at Kanjoor. She also said that the saint is very powerful. I was amazed at how he could be powerful when the main deity of the church is Mother Mary. And I also asked her to share any of the stories if she was able to recollect from her memory. Oh! Why not I will definitely she replied (from her words I understood she was desperately waiting for someone to share the stories as she got me she was very happy).

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The famous St. Mary’s Church at Kanjoor which is located on the banks of Periyar River was built in the year AD 1001. Even though it is a Christian pilgrim centre the church was constructed in an ancient Hindu archaeological style. It also has copied the designs from Indian, Persian and Portuguese artworks. The sanctum of the church was made out of gold dust, fruit pulp, and rare plant leaves. The mural paintings of the Nativity, the Annunciation, Blessed Virgin Mother, the offering of Lord Abraham, the presentation of the Lord in the Temple and the Ten Commandments to Moses add beauty to the church. Apart from this the church also has a rare collection of paintings, manuscripts, and antiques. I asked her how could she describe the beauty of the church has she ever visited the famous pilgrim. She said during her school days, she visited this mesmerizing church with her siblings. During those days the travel to the church was a little horrible and it took long hours to reach the destination. The journey has now become easy. Nowadays people from various parts of the world visit the splendid pilgrim shrine by availing of tour packages from the famous Dream Holidays travel operators in Kerala. They curate the packages by inculcating the price of air tickets for travellers to visit the Saint of Kanjoor also known as Kanjoor Punyavan.
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There were many incidents took place in the history of Kanjoor that highly reflected the miraculous power of the St. Sebastian. Out of the several incidents, only two stories have gained much popularity. She started explaining the story. Years back on the day of the festival the famous ruler of the local kingdom named Sakthan Thampuran made a visit to Puthiyedam Kovilakam in Kanjoor. He was deeply immersed in a conversation with family. At that time the fireworks from the church interrupted his conversation and made the ruler furious. Angry ruler commanded his warriors to throw all the saluting mortars (Kathina Vedi) into the river. The warriors did accordingly. After returning to the mansion the mortars started bursting. The furious ruler scolded his disciples for not obeying his commands. They said they never disobeyed his words and asked him to go near to the river. By seeing the mortars bursting in the river he realized his mistake and went to the church and paid obeisance. He offered Elephant Lamp (Ana Vilakku) made out of from an alloy of five metals (Pancha Loha).

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Followed to it one more incident also took place. Years later the ruler asked to demolish the gatehouse (padipura) of the church. As soon as the demolishing started the elephant of the palace (Kovilakam) started destroying the gatehouse of the palace. Understanding his mistake the ruler apologized and donated a perpetual lamp (Keda Vilaku) to the church and for meeting the expense of the oil the ruler gave permission to possess the paddy filed of the palace without paying tax.

Another miracle that took place during the colonial period in the 18th century. Tipu Sultan visited Kanjoor and decided to destroy the St. Mary’s church. People over there begged the Tipu Sultan to not to demolish the church. If he attempted to do so the saint will punish him. But he didn’t hear anyone’s words. He even tested the power of the saint. He looked at the statue and asked ‘if the statue has divine powers let it speak to me’. Soon the statute replied ‘won’t you allow me to rest’. Hearing the voice Tipu Sultan left the place without destroying the church. And the incident has been mentioned on the walls in front of the church.

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After hearing the inspiring stories of Saint Sebastian, I now became a great devotee of him. More than my mom it is now me who desperately wants to visit the church. I told her to avail of the cheap and best tour packages to Kerala as soon as possible so that we could visit the church. But she asked me to wait until January. I asked why to wait for January. She told every year on January 19th and 20th the festival of St. Sebastian commences. And on 20th January after 2nd Holy mass, an eagle flies and it is considered as a glorious moment. I told her that I am going to book the packages for January in advance.