Bon Appetit -The Delicacy Of Kerala Cuisine

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Kerala, God’s own country, the land renowned for its exotic range of spices. The cuisine of Kerala is a symbolization of its culture, tradition, heritage and its geography. It is an epitome of both veg and nonveg cuisine at one phase. When you ask any Malayali about the Kerala cuisine, the very first thing you might hear will be Coconut and Banana fries. But from my experience, there is a lot to explore in Kerala cuisine apart from coconut and bananas. Being the land of spices, every dish in Kerala you can experience a magical amalgamation of spices. There are so many places in Kerala which are famous for their dishes and recipes. “Mittayi Theruvu” in Kozhikode is renowned for a cluster of a wide variety of chocolate shops and different types of halwa throughout its aisle. And the famous Manjali biriyani and Kayees biriyani from Ernakulam and also famous “Kulukki Sarbath” which is extensively popular among youngsters. Being a North Indian, from Ahmedabad it was a fascinating moment for me when my Malayali friends introduce me to the authentic Kerala cuisine when I moved to Kochi for my post-graduation. Apart from the delicious food there a lot of lush greenery destinations in Kerala which can be included in your tour packages to make a phenomenal trip to Kerala.

As a famous film dialogue “Food is not just a word, it’s an emotion” and it is completely true when it comes to breakfast for every Malayali. The spectacular option for breakfast is just amazing. But before I came to Kerala, the only thing I know about South Indian cuisine was Sambar and Dosa. But apart from Sambar and Dosa there a lot more to explore in South Indian Thali. From my personal favorite “Puttu” and “Kadala curry” or Chickpea curry to the piping hot beef stew and Appam, the breakfast options are just dashing. So let’s dig into the wide variety of authentic Kerala cuisine.

puttu kadala

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu or steamed rice cake is one of the most popular breakfast options in Kerala. Usually, it is made up of rice powder, coconut, and water. But apart from rice, wheat, corn powder, and semolina are also used to make Puttu. And the recently discovered “Jack fruit Puttu” is one of the edible breakfast options in Kerala. Puttu can be molded in different shapes, From cylindrical to most recommended: “Chiratta Puttu” which has a shape of semi-sphere is also available across different parts of Kerala. If you’re a vegetarian Puttu and Kadala combination is the best choice for you. Apart from Kadala curry, beef and chicken curry or even Fish curry are also a kick-ass combination for Puttu. When I travel with my friend to Calicut, he introduced me to “Kuthirabiryani” which sounds weird to me but later I discovered that it is the famous combination of Puttu and Kadala Curry with Papadam or Papad.

pepper chicken-stew

2. Appam and Stew
Appam and stew is an integral part of Syrian Christian cuisine. Appam is a pancake made up of rice batter and cooked in a specially designed cooking vessel called “Appachatti”. It was a magical moment for my taste buds when I took my first bite of the crispy Appam with the coconut stew. Stew is basically, a curry made with the richness of coconut milk and can add vegetables, chicken, or even red meat according to our taste. Among them, piping hot Mutton stew along with the crispy Appam is my all-time favorite. Even though stew is white and has a creamy texture, it is a little bit spicy due to the presence of black pepper and green chilies. The making process of Appam is also very delightful to watch, the sweetness of coconut milk and sugar which balances the sour taste of the fermented batter, like a perfect marriage of flavors. And the most interesting part of making is the deft swirling of “Appachatti” to get a unique bowl-like shaped Appam.

Parotta-and-beef-fry

3. Malabar Parotta and Beef roast
Kerala cuisine is incomplete without having the most favorite Malabar Parotta and Beef roast. Malabar Parotta is another version of bread which is made up of all-purpose flour, oil, and water. And the making process is quite complex but interesting to watch the way he broke down the dough into long strips, which is then rolled together to make multi-layered Parotta. One should add this delicious Malabar Parotta along with the aromatic spicy beef curry in your next trip plan to Kerala. But it cannot be taken daily due to the huge amount of calories but still a perfect combo which gives immense pleasure to your taste buds. Beef or “Panni” curry is an authentic Kerala curry which is filled with the richness of spices, coconut, and red meat. In local wine shops, Beef curry is the main dish that is paired up with toddy and a must-try combination in Kerala.

kappa biriyani

4. Kappa Biriyani
One of my favorite evening snack. Kappa biriyani is a combination of mashed tapioca mixed with beef roast. Kappa is a ground crop in Kerala which is an edible food ingredient with a lot of fibers, which is cooked in water and it gets softened and then it mixed well with beef curry and garnished with onions and curry leaves. I became a huge fan of Kappa and Fish curry which I tried once in my college trip to Kerala which is organized by a travel company called Gogeo Holidays. If you’re someone who loves spicy food then Kappa Biriyani is a must-try dish for you. In my experience, the local Kappa Biriyani that we got from the street vendors is more flavourful, delicious and available at cheap prices. During my post-graduation period, this is used to be our evening snack along with some hot black tea. A day is not enough to complete the food diary through Kerala, from the wide varieties of biriyanis, Banana chips, and “Kuzhi mandi” the dishes are ceaseless. Depends on the region, culture, and religion we can explore a spectrum of dishes in Kerala cuisine.

Some Intriguing Facts About the Astounding ‘Mount Harriet’

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Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the prominent Indian archipelagoes. The islands are famous for their distinguishing beauty and elegance. The island was once ruled by the British and after independence, the Indian government started administrating the island. The island is an exquisite place to rejuvenate and refresh. Hundreds of travelers from various parts of the country like Pune, Mumbai, and Kolkata avail of tour packages to Andaman. Andaman and Nicobar islands are devoid of all kinds of amenities. When the island is compared to any village, the village may be treated well-conditioned place for people to live peacefully. The islands have only one ATM center and that too located in Port Blair, capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Therefore travelers are requested to carry enough loose cash with them to avoid unwanted issues. The islanders are provided the basic resources by the government of India. Twice a month a ship used to sail from Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, and Kolkata by carrying essential commodities for the islanders. It is said Andaman and Nicobar islands are composed of more than 500 islands out of which only 35 have been explored and inhabited. It is believed that the island was once ruled by tribal settlements of different origins. Many of them left the island due to severe changes in the geography of the land, lack of food. They always hesitate to communicate with modern people as they fear that people from cities will attack them. Now mainly two groups of tribal settlements are seen namely Sentinel and Jarwa. Interaction with these people is strictly prohibited by the government of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Andaman tour packages from chennai

There would be no one in the world who does not love to play in the water. Andaman is a haven for aqua venture activities. Thousands of travelers visit the astounding island to participate in various kinds of water sports activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sea diving, sea walking, parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and many more. The attractive feature of all these activities is they do not need any prior knowledge in swimming. The island is famous for water tourism. The sun-drenched beaches, azure rivers, and palm-fringed trees swinging in accordance to cool breeze, wild roars and melodious tweeting of innocent birds, bare feet walking in white sand dunes make the island a spectacular destination for travelers to spend their favorite holidays. Andaman is an ideal destination for honeymooners, family tour and group tours. To make the trip fabulous tourists purchase Andaman tour packages at cheap rates. Most travelers are unknown that the island shelters to a famous and beautiful national park called Mount Harriet National Park. The park is home to various species of fauna and flora. A visit to the park will definitely make your day. So when you plan a trip to Andaman does not forget to include Mount Harriet Park in your itinerary. So now let us have a glimpse of the peculiarities of Mount Harriet National Park.

Andaman tour packages from Kolkata

Mount Harriet National Park is the famous national park situated in the islands of Andaman. The park is a perfect example of excellent biodiversity. It is situated in the Ferargunj Tehsil in Port Blair. The park is sprawled in an area of 4.62 square km and was formed in the year 1969. The park comprises a famous peak called Mount Harriet which is the third highest peak on the island. The park got the name in the remembrance of the 2nd wife of a British army officer called Robert Christopher Tytler. Travelers can reach the spot by ‘dhungi’ or commonly call as Bamboo transport. Has anyone noticed the backside of a 20 rupees Indian currency note? It is a scintillating picture of a lighthouse situated in North Bay Island and the image was captured by standing on the top of Mount Harriet. By standing on the top of the hill one would get the splendid views of the nearby islands like Port Blair, Ross Island, and Havelock Island.

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Along with wild animals and birds, one could catch the fascinating views of butterflies belonging to various species and colors. The wild animals which are seen in a large population in the Mount Harriet National Park is robber crabs, saltwater crocodiles, and Andaman wild pigs. The park is also popular for its exotic collection of flora. One could find Littoral Forests, Bamboo Brakes, Evergreen Forests, Semi-Evergreen Forests, Moist Deciduous Forests and Cane Brakes inside the national park. Till now 393 species of flora have been reported. Two new species of flora called Drypetes Ellis and Ceropygie Andamanica and also an epiphyte orchid called Thrixspermum merguense has been identified in the jungle. To enjoy the amazing charm of trees practice trekking from Bambooflat the top of the mountain and on the way, one could see the hanging vines. While trekking is very careful Negrito tribes they are generally termed as hunter-gatherers.

The national park is abundantly blessed with endangered species and migratory birds. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known as a paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists. Some of them are Andaman Treepie, Nicobar Megapode, Andaman Wood Pigeon and Sunda Teal or Grey Teal and many more. Along with wild animals and birds, one could also find reptiles like King Cobra and Andaman Cobra. The crystal clear lake flowing through the park protects 16 marine species such as Snakeheads, Eel, Sleepers, Catfish, and Gobies.

Travelers who love to trek can try various small and sloppy peaks inside the park such as Mount Carpenter, Mount Koyob, Mount Good ridge, and Mount Hext. By narrowing down the paragraphs one could easily understand the peculiarities of the Mount Harriet National Park. So when you decide to avail of the tour packages to Andaman do not forget to contact Andaman Tour Travel. They are one of the leading tour operators in Kerala. They curate packages by giving prime importance to customers’ desires. so what are you waiting for? Avail of the package before it expires. Don’t waste your time.

Embark The Richness Of Trivandrum

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Everyone says that marriages are made in heaven. Yes, it truly was! But I want my honeymoon also in heaven. Hence we decided to celebrate our passionate honeymoon in God’s own country. Jeff and I are colleagues working in Chennai for the past 5 years. When he proposed to me my only condition was that ” our honeymoon should be in Kerala” with a cherubic smile he said yes! And there starts our love story. While everyone is busy scheduling our marriage we are secretly planning our honeymoon. On a random search, we found a travel company called Gogeo Holidays that has a nice collection of honeymoon packages to Kerala. From which we selected a honeymoon pacakge which includes the richness of Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Agasthyakoodam, Neyyar dam and wild sanctuary and the most famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum at the best price.

padmanabhiswami temple

The travel company was charted the entire trip from the ticket booking to the stay and travel in Trivandrum for us to enjoy a hassle-free honeymoon. And finally, the day was here. From the Chennai international airport, we took Air-India Express to Kerala and which is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Kerala. And the voyage takes around 1 hour to reach our dream destination. Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and most renowned for the eminent presence of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. With a dashing sunrise, Trivandrum gave us a warm welcome. We started our romantic journey from the divine presence of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple is an epitome of holiness and sanctitude. Apart from that, the temple became famous for its mystery-hidden chambers of treasures and it’s enigmatic stories. The temple was built in 6 AD under the supervision of the kings of Travancore.

The main reason behind the huge flow of the crowd to this divine place is due to the discovery of huge 6 secret Kallaras or vaults which are named as A, B, C, D, and F. All these vaults are flourished with wealth beyond human imagination. Heaped with bundles of ancient gold coins, diamonds, gemstones, and huge gold necklaces. While wandering through the divine temple and experiencing the royal architecture, I was still thinking about the most precious and impenetrable vault B. The guide told that vault B is locked with Naga Paasam mantras and to show its horrifying side the doors are engraved with serpent imagery and Yakshi symbols. While I was thinking about its deep routes Jeff reminded me that, we are here for our honeymoon not for archeological research. Before leaving the temple, the guide egged us in to eat the temple Sadhya which is a royal delicacy of Trivandrum. And only available during the festival period. Lucky us!

Neyyar_Dam 1

After an authentic meal, we moved to our next destination, Neyyar dam and wild sanctuary. Since Jeff is a nature enthusiast he was so thrilled to and excited to visit Neyyar dam and wild sanctuary and the famous Agasthyakoodam. Around 32km from Trivandrum where you can see this eminent destination envelop across 12,000 hectares. One of the major tourist spots in Travancore renowned for its rich flora and fauna and adventure activities. We already mentioned to our desires that we want our honeymoon to be a little adventure and thrilling. So in order to fulfill our desires, they have arranged jeep safari and trekking to our package. In which jeep safari was my personal favorite because trekking is like roaming through the jungle, tired and sweaty, that is definitely not my thing. Moving through the gigantic rocks and the shattered road was instantly create an adrenaline rush. Another mesmerizing fact about the Neyyar dam is Agasthyakoodam. It is one of the most recommended tour spots in Trivandrum which has a height of about 1868m which is the second-highest peak in Kerala. Agasthyakoodam is also called Agastya Mala Peak nestled on the southern side of western ghats which is the home for exotic wildlife. After a captivating sunset, we returned to our resort to pack our bags to Kanyakumari.

kanyakumari

Our next start with the roaring waves of Kanyakumari, a coastal town that is 84km away from Trivandrum. The Laccadive Sea, the soothing climate and the picturesque view of the eminent sunrise will rejuvenate you for sure. After having a local breakfast which includes rice cake commonly called “Puttu” in Malayalam along with some piping hot Bengal gram curry or “Kadala curry” and authentic black tea was literally made my day. So after the delicious breakfast, we get ready to witness the richness and hospitality of Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is an amalgamation of art, culture, and civilization. The destination is also popular for its commerce and trade from the ancient period itself. Vivekananda rock memorial is one of the main tourist places in Kanyakumari which is an exemplary memorial and exciting ferry ride for visitors also gives a thrilling moment for us. Another place in our wish list was the Wax museum which shows the wax mannequins of eminent personalities around the world. The museum has 31 world-famous wax sculptures and the fine detailing to it is so skillful and fascinating. The visiting time is about 8 AM tO 7 PM and costs around 100rs per ticket. Jeff was constantly taking pictures of every sculpture and describing everything like he was the one behind these magnificent works. The travel company beautifully includes all these fascinating places in our honeymoon packages to make our Voyage to Kerala a memorable one. After a long day, we moved to Kanyakumari beach near to Vivekananda rock memorial, which is another top crowed place to explore a dashing sunrise and sunset with your loved ones. While the wind passing through my messy hair and he just cwtches me tightly and we spend our passionate time there with an alluring sunset.

The 5 most prominent dams in Kerala

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               The world is growing day by day. People have now become very competitive. Nowadays people are not ready to invest their valuable time in any unnecessary matters, because they are in a rush to achieve their daily goals. Humans are so busy with office chores that they forget they have obligations towards their family, friends, and society and moreover towards nature. Can you imagine a world without trees and wild creatures? It is said that our planet was formed millions of years ago and it was our Mother Nature who protected our ancestors and also us from several devastating natural calamities. Like where son and daughter have an obligation towards their aged parents and siblings likewise we, humans are liable to the conserve the natural resources. What we are today is all because of the hard work of our parents. Therefore it is our responsibility to hand over nature in the same away as we were gifted. Before explaining the importance of conservation of nature and its resources let us all have a glimpse of the important resources of nature. We all are familiar without water no one on the planet could survive. Pure air and water are the two basic elements that are essential for living organisms to sustain life on earth. It is not possible to discuss each and every element in this document therefore let us concentrate on the conservation of water. Water has many uses and 99 % of us know what they are. I really don’t want you to get bored by reading the uses of water. There would be only a few places in the world that experiences continuous rainfall throughout the year. But the rest of the part of the world suffers from the scarcity of water in terrible hot summer days. To avoid such situations waters are conserved in reservoirs called Dams. More than 50 dams are situated in India. Out of which 10 are from Kerala. Kerala is the state where Mother Nature has showered her scintillating natural resources enormously to mankind. Water in the reservoir is generally used to generate electricity and quench the thirst of plants, animals, and humans. The dams in Kerala are beautifully decorated and maintained with all modern amenities. Hundreds of travelers flock to Kerala with family from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to enchant the beguiling charm of water dams situated in the state. Most of the travelers visit the state by purchasing tour packages at reasonable rates and thus make their travel hassle-free. When compared to the past now people are more interested to accompany their family and friends to nature-oriented places and marvel their hearts with fresh vibes. To freshen your hearts with good emotions let us traverse through the lanes of prominent dams in Kerala.

  1. Parambikulam Dam

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               Parambikulam Dam is one of the best dams in India. It is located in the Palakkad district in Kerala. The water from the dam feeds hectares of paddy cultivation and lakhs of the family in Chittur Taluk and also other places in the district. It is constructed on the banks of the Parambikulam River and Aliyar River. It was built during the period of Kamaraj. The maximum storage capacity of the dam is 1825 feet.  The dam is functioned and maintained by the government of Tamil Nadu but the ownership of the dam lies with the Kerala government.

  1. Neyyar Dam

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               Neyyar Dam is situated on the banks of the Neyyar River in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is positioned on the grounds of Western Ghats. It was constructed in the year 1958. The Neyyar Dam is also known as ‘Gravity Dam’. The dam is constructed close to Agasthayarkoodam. Trekkers who trek the famous Agasthyarkoodam hill will definitely visit the famous Neyyar Dam. Visitors availing family tour packages at cheap prices used to mesmerize the beauty of the serene nature by visiting the famous Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram.

  1. Mullaperiyar Dam

Kerala family tour

               Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry dam constructed on the banks of the Periyar River in the Idukki district in Kerala. John Pennycuick started the construction of Mullaperiyar Dam in 1187 and he took 8 years to complete it. The dam collects water from both Mullayar and Periyar Rivers. The famous Periyar National Park is constructed on the banks of the Periyar River.

  1. Idukki Dam

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               Idukki Dam is one of the highest arch dams in India situated in the Idukki District on the banks of Periyar River. The Idukki dam is sandwiched between Kuruvan and Kurathi hills. At a distance of 43 km from the dam, the Moollamattam powerhouse is located. The Idukki dam is mainly formed by the amalgamation of Cheruthonni, Idukki and Kulamavu dams in Kerala. Tourists from various corners of the world visit the dam to enjoy its fascinating beauty. Travelers are supposed to buy tickets to enter the dam. People can enjoy the spell-bound beauty of the dam by practicing boating inside the dam. After strolling the dam travelers can visit the famous Idukki Wildlife sanctuary and capture amazing images of animals and birds in the jungle.

  1. Pazhassi Dam

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               The famous Pazhassi Dam is situated in Thalassery Thaliparamba taluks in Kannur district. The dam is also known as Kulur Barrage. It is constructed on the banks of Valapattanam River. The dam is famous not only for its storage capacity but also for its serene nature. For travelers to enjoy the beauty of the park the authorities have constructed a park and named it as Pazhassi Park. King Pazhassi’s statute and the sculpture of Buddha are the eye-catching attractions of Pazhassi Park.

               From the above paragraphs, travelers might have got a clear idea about the famous 5 dams in Kerala and their unique specialties. To know more about it avails of a tour package to Kerala. To make your journey more comfortable purchase the packages from a prominent tour operator called Gogeo Holidays. They curate itineraries according to the customer’s request. Travelers can book packages either online or offline. So what are you waiting for? Avail of the packages as soon as possible, before it expires.

What To Buy And Where To Buy In Andaman

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Shopping is something that everyone loves to do. Traveling and shopping through the land of unseeing adventures and the epitome of refreshment and happiness. The phrase completely compliments the heavenly paradise, the Andaman. Every aisle is flourished with sparkling commodities which are truly a visual treat for eyes. Port Blair is considered as one of the most renowned shopaholic paradises in Andaman. Some of the exhilarating and varied local Bazaars, vendors and beachside markets can be found in Port Blair. Among them, Aberdeen Bazaar is the most popular one among tourists.

Aberdeen Bazaar

1. Aberdeen Bazaar
Aberdeen Bazaar is one of the most popular Bazaar in Andaman nestled in Port Blair. It is a 24/7 active market which brimful with emporium for jewelry, stationaries, spices, and other essentials. Aberdeen Bazaar is also popular for its authentic Andaman cuisines. There are so many local vendors throughout the street from where one can explore the local delicacy.

Interesting things to buy from Aberdeen Bazaar

  • Nicobari Mats
    The impeccable skills of artisans can be witnessed in every Nicobari Mats. Due to the abundance of coconut, artifacts made of coconut and Nicobari Mats are one such important factor in Andaman revenue. The tribal patterns and color combinations of these mats are unique features about it and it can be used as a classic home decor which available at the best prices. Nicobari mats are usually made from coconut and pandanus leaves. And for making serpentine patterns and designs they also used an amalgamation of light and dark leaves.
  • Clothes and Accessories
    Shopping in Andaman is incomplete if you don’t purchase the local clothing and famous tribal jewelry. The Burmese tribal jewelry is famous among them. From the multipurpose jute bags to tribal design clothing one can explore a lot many things among the  Burmese tribe stores. And if you’re a brand diva, then Andaman offers a vibrant collection of branded things from Raymond,  FabIndia and so on.
  • Coconut Handicrafts
    Since Coconut cultivation is a major source of income in Andaman, utensils made of Coconut are an incredible part of Andaman tourism. The gargets like finger bowls, table lamps, wind chimes, vases, home decors and much more. Basketry and mat-weaving are some of the conventional crafts of the Nicorbarese and commonly done by women during their recreation time. Along with these dashing handicrafts, spices are the next best item to purchase from Aberdeen Bazaar. Fresh and aromatic spices like black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom can be easily purchased from here.

 

Apart from Aberdeen Bazaar, Sagarika Emporium, Delanipur and Prem Nagar are the eminent places for a kick-ass shopping in Andaman.

sagarika emporium

2. Sagarika Emporium
Sagarika Emporium is one of the main attractions in Andaman established by the government and a great platform for self-employed people to promote their labor. It is the best place for a ceaseless orgy of shopping. Nestled in Port Blair with a wide range of arts and handicrafts at the best prices. Your bargaining skills are really helpful here to purchase some dashing gadgets at cheap prices. To explore all these amazing things you need the finest details about nook and corner of Andaman. So it is also recommended to hire a guide for the purpose and nowadays most of the travel companies are providing multi-lingual travel guide through your journey. Andaman Tour Travel is one of them. It stands out for its distinguishable tour packages and amazing offers.

3. Electric Plaza
The name Electric plaza is due to the availability of a huge amount of electric equipment in this market and a major shopping spot in Port Blair. The main pros of this place are its abundance of a wide range of electric utensils at cheap prices. Mobile and laptop chargers and headphones are the most demanded commodities in Electric Plaza. This place is a lifesaver if you forget to bring your charger and power backs on a vacation.

4. M.G Road
Here one can visualize the great Indian culture throughout the aisle. The place is named after Mahatma Gandhi and a must visited place in Andaman for purchasing home decor to wooden jewelry. From 8 AM to 9 PM you can wander along through this market and can purchase anything which suits your vibe. Even if you’re in a budget-friendly pacakge you can always find anything up to your budget from here. Another interesting fact about M.G road is the availability of authentic Andaman cuisine and cafeteria with multi-cuisine dining.

electric plaza

Interesting things to add in your shopping list from M.G road

  •  Shells
    Since it is coastal area shells and corals are perfectly embedded in every part of Andaman. But in some areas of Andaman collecting shells from the seashore is banned too. For such cases, it is always good to purchase shells artifacts and jewelry from the vendors. Every shop in the whole market in M.G road, we can find lampshades, ornaments, accessories, ashtrays, key-chains, and vases which are handcrafts with shells. And if you’re buying any shell products from Andaman then don’t forget to ask for the receipt to avoid any issues in the airport.
  •  Sarongs and Hats
    Andaman is a tropical island and due to the harsh climate during sunny seasons, hats or Sarongs are a necessary part of while traveling through Andaman. And also it is an ideal thing to complete your beach look and flaunt like a fashionista. You can buy any color and different shaped handcrafted with Jute from M.G road.

Queen Sea Covering Craft

5. Queen Sea Covering Craft
Bamboo crafts and coconut shell lamps are the specialties of Queen Sea Covering Craft center near to Aberdeen Bazaar. Like every other market in Port Blair here also one can find an amazing collection of gold and silver oxide Jumkas, Bangles, chokers, and footwear which are heaped throughout the shops. Shopping in Andaman is an exciting activity that every tourist is eagerly involved in. Add all these fascinating spots on your next holidays trip to Andaman.

A Surprise Wedding Gift for My Brother and Sister-in-law

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Usually, everybody wakes up either by hearing the alarm or by tweeting of birds. But for me, it was something strange I opened my eyes early morning by hearing a quarrel from my newly married brother’s room. As everybody knew it is very awkward to peep into some other’s personal life especially when it is our sibling. Therefore I did not interfere in his personal business. To be very frank I was hearing quarrel for the last night but it was not as serious as it is now. Slowly I got from my bed and got refreshed and moved to the kitchen to start my household duties. After an hour my sister-in-law joined in the kitchen and with her my mom. Usually early morning she used to be very talkative. She used to talk on several issues. But on that, she did not utter a single word. Her face was turned like a pumpkin. My mom wanted to inquire about the matter but she did not do it as she wants to protect her image. Even though she wanted to know the fact she controlled her emotions. In the next 30 minutes, my brother came to the kitchen and demanded a cup of tea. Usually, his wife used to give him, the moment he wakes from his bed. But today as they were not in good terms I had to take the initiative. He was very angry and he shouted at her and told her “you decide the place, I will not” and left the kitchen. She busted into tears. We both females consoled her and called him and inquired about the matter.

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It was nothing like a major problem. For the past few days, they were discussing their honeymoon trip and till now they were not able to finalize any place. “Are you all crazy to quarrel for such silly things?” I asked them. Like every life partner, they both had different choices for each and everything. As my brother is an adventure lover he liked adventure places such as hill stations, scary mountains and so on. His wife did not like adventures but love to spend precious time with plants and animals. I smiled and told them I have a perfect solution for your cumbersome problem. They looked at me. Their expression exactly reflected their curiosity to learn the solution. They were eagerly waiting for me to utter the answer. I did not test their patient anymore and revealed the name of the destination- Alleppey, and Kumarakom. The places were not new to them. Both these places have played a significant role in the formation of new Kerala. They were happy now and started to smile. But he told me, “even though the names of the places are familiar but he does not have any idea about the tourist destinations over there”. “I have a solution for that also”, I told them. “What is that?” my sister-in-law asked. They can purchase the honeymoon tour packages to Kerala from the famous travel operator called Dream Holidays. It is one of the prominent travel planners in Kerala and curates the packages by inculcating airfare too. “Wow! That sounds good”, my brother replied. Also, I added that I and my husband will arrange all the necessary arrangement for your trip, the only thing what you have to do is to pack good dresses for your most awaited honeymoon trip. They were surprised and had no idea how to express their joy and excitement. Within a couple of hours, we availed of the packages. They thanked us for the surprise gift.

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Within a week they boarded a flight to Cochin International Airport in Kerala. As they ascended towards the gate they met their tour representative. He greeted them and guided them to the cab. They told that cab was well–maintained. The interiors and exteriors were fascinating.  After travelling for 3 hours they reached the ‘Venice of East’- popularly known as Alleppey. The soothing climate and calm ambience lured their hearts. After completing the formalities they moved to rooms in the resort and unwind for a while. By the evening they started exploring the district. First, they visited the famous Krishnapuram Palace. The palace is famous for the mural painting of Gajendra Moksham. They clicked many lovely images of the antiques and artefacts seen in the palace. They were fascinated by seeing the spectacular architecture of the royal mansion. After spending a few hours they moved to the coir industry, for which the district is famous and understood how coir products are formed.

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By the evening they entered the most famous traditional cruises of Kerala known as houseboats. These houseboats were once used for business purposes, now being used to enhance the tourism sector. Hundreds of travellers flock to the district to spend memorable moments in the houseboat cruises by availing of tour packages at a reasonable price. The moment they entered the houseboat they felt like they stepped into a five-star hotel. The houseboat carried all the modern amenities. There were lured by seeing the infrastructures and that moment itself they called me and thanked me and my hubby for such a wonderful gift. In the evening three were entertained by the classical dances performances of the dancers and savoured scrumptious Non- vegetarian meals prepared in traditional Kerala style. The next morning they landed to Kumarakom. Kumarakom is famous for bird’s sanctuary with a scenic view. They stepped out from the boat and enjoyed the melodious chirp of lovely birds in the forest. They captured lovely pictures of birds in the sanctuary. That night they spend in the treehouse. After returning from the trip they once told me that spending a night in the treehouse was one of the memorable moments in their life. From Alleppey and Kumarakom they bought some homemade chocolates and also antique for me.

They once again thanked us for formulating such a wonderful itinerary. By reading my brother’s honeymoon story don’t you feel to accompany your life partner to ‘god’s own country’ then what are waiting for? Avail of the package as soon as possible.

7 Hangout Places in Dubai where You Could Feel Like a Local

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There are not many natural wonders to astonish you while visiting the Arab Emirate of Dubai, unlike when you are vacationing at either Maldives or the USA. Yet, you could find thousands of tourists thronging to the place every year. Actually, these numbers are increasing each passing year. Henceforth, there would obviously be something new and recent, that are attracting them to visit. Some of them would be wishing to spend their vacation in the most luxuriant ways they could whereas some others would love to travel like a local in this global city. Well, this short description is meant for the second lot. After reading and hanging out accordingly could make you feel like an Emirati inhabiting in Dubai.

Given below are the hangout places in Dubai where you could feel like a local.

La Mer

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Beachfront locations are quite many in the city of skyscrapers, yet the one at La Mer has got its reasons to be included in this list. It is from this particular location that the locals shop for most of their daily requirements. So on the streets of La Mer, just dress like an Emirati and stroll. At any intervals and drop into any of the shops. Furthermore, you must never skip spending at least a night of your tour on the beachside street of La Mer, as it is one among the happening locations in Dubai.

Al Serkal Avenue

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Many tourists would love to collect antiques or any sort of souvenirs when they are visiting any foreign countries whether if it through tour packages or otherwise. To them, Al Serkal Avenue is to their rescue. Situated quite accessibly amid the industrial area of Al Quoz, the Avenue does comprise of numerous independent galleries that display diverse artworks. Such an arrangement would resemble the streets of Hyderabad that sell antiques. Moreover, while strolling across these lanes, there is every chance of getting lost.

XVA Art Hotel

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You may drop in at the XVA Art Hotel while visiting the ancient Al Fahidi district. And such an act is not going to make any regret in you, as you are going to satisfy both your heart and tummies by eating in the most ethnic ambiance. All you could find around are original Emirati, whether it is the motifs, the indoor plants grown, the basic architectural style of the building and whatnot. The original Arab eatery had been recognized globally, as it was also awarded for its services.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

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Not many people would ever imagine a green space set just beside the beach in a dry region like that of Dubai. But there do exist. And the locals do visit this beach park at Al Mamzar quite often. They even plan for a day out at this green space and change them as a picnic spot. So when you are sightseeing Dubai, you may also head to the Al Mamzar Beach Park and relax for some time at the beautifully laid beachside. You may watch the kids of the Arab families who had come there at their leisure time, running past by your side.

Gold Souk

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Being one of the most popular market places in the city, you could the people around you venting out their shopping spree. While strolling through the old paths of Gold Souk and another souk, which had been shopping for various continuous decades, you will find numerous small shops. However, among which your ‘must-do’ activity may include the Gold Souk, as such a sight has seen there would be rare. You may rush into the tourists who had come to sight the one the largest ever shopping places in the world and obviously the locals who had even visited for buying the daily requirements like that of groceries.

The Coffee Museum

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Emiratis place their love for Coffee at some level, as they are one of the most common hot beverages that they consume on a daily basis. If you too are wishing to emulate their concern for the drink by sipping them in the very same Arab ambiance, drop into the Al Fahidi district to visit this glorious Coffee Museum located in Bur Dubai. You find the artifacts and other ancient antiques that are well connected to their Coffee-drinking culture. Apart from that, you may also catch a glimpse of the old books stacked in their literature room. Locals do stopover to sip in the freshly-brewed coffee served at the museum –cum-shop. So you too may visit this museum shop and purchase these exciting real Emirati things.

Now that you have got enough tourist places in Dubai where you could hang out just like a local, you are definitely going to feel just like the Emirati way. So why waiting for more, you may book your tour packages by once contacting the reputed travel firm of Dubai Tour Trawell based in the city. Moreover, their travel deals to cover all those significant tourist centers like that of the Burj Khalifa Underwater Zoo and Museum, Dubai Creek, Miracle Garden, Water themed Parks, Dubai Mall and many more. On these tours they never make it skip those amazing experiences that are acquired from your vacationing here. Tour packages are made available from all the major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, and Ahmedabad. The tour company targets travelers to Dubai who are on honeymoon, family tour, group tour and even on solo trips. Most importantly, you could avail of their efficient services at the most affordable prices.

Everything You Need to Know About the Mangrove Creeks of Andaman

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Most of the pictures that you get to see of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be of the white sandy beaches pampered by the pristine turquoise blue sea waters, that would be lined by a couple of exotic tall trees. Moreover, they could make the perfect ingredients for that stereotypical scenery that are usually hung in the walls of those cramped living rooms. Well, the entire archipelago of the Andaman Islands is a lot more that these clichéd features. The next most notable ecological feature will be the long creek covered with thick mangroves in the inland of Andaman that are resistant to even salt-water. Furthermore, while passing through the creeks lined by them, you would inevitably feel that you are at the same place where the famous movie Anaconda was shot.

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Given below are a few of the interesting facts on the Mangroves of Andaman that makes them stand out.

Where are the mangroves found in Andaman?

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In the archipelago, the natural vegetation of mangroves is concentrated on the Islands of Baratang, Rangath and Ross Island. If you had already been to the islands and visited the Limestone Caves at the place, you might have either crossed them or seen them. They are naturally grown in the inland waterways, through which the water flowing in the long green creeks that are at most of the places are deep green-hued and on other places they are brackish. When talking about the area covered by their vegetation, it constitutes up to 612 sq. km in Andaman itself.

How do the mangroves of Andaman look like?

 Basically, there are around 15 species of Mangroves grown naturally in various parts of the Island. They would be seen to be dipped in the marshy water with its roots fixed strongly in the ground. Most often, it is said that they are strong enough to withstand high tides and even cyclones and Tsunamis. Nonetheless, during low tides, the tangled and arching roots get exposed to the viewers.

What could the most appropriate climatic conditions to the growth of Mangroves in the Andaman Islands?

You cannot find on the sandy beaches of Andaman, instead, they need to have muddy soil of different consistencies for their growth. And some of their species will be washed off by the marshy waters too often, yet others are not required so. The short dry season, heavy rainfall and humid climate are the two most required things for the preferable growth of Mangrove. Fortunately, all of these climatic conditions are easily available in the islands of Andaman. Apart from that, the frequent fluctuations in the behaviour of tides are too consequential in such a larger cover of its vegetation.

Do you know that a large flock of migratory birds visit the mangrove in the season?

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As expected, the dense forest covers of Mangroves in Andaman are visited by diverse varieties of migratory birds. Quite surprisingly, these flying friends come to the rich biodiversity all through the year. Moreover, the species that are spotted by the ornithologist are numerous, as they would comprise of very small birds to the obvious larger ones. They make the living space here amid the mangrove reliant by catching and consuming the large varieties of fishes found in the swampy waters.

What could be the other major species for which the thick mangroves are a home?       

As mentioned before the Mangrove Creek of Andaman is home to a large group of animals. When saying the specific numbers, it would extend to around 253 fish species, 410 arthropods, 8 mammal species, 3 amphibians and 7 reptiles. This collection also comprises of some dangerous salt-water crocodiles and poisonous snakes. So the boat safaris to those specific regions that are prone to their attacks are deliberately avoided.     

Which season could be the best to make a visit to the Mangrove creek of Andaman?

Months from December to May, or plainly the drier months are perfect for sighting these Mangrove vegetations of Andaman Islands. So you may schedule on your tour accordingly in those times of the year. You just need to stroll across the walkway set in Dhani Nallah in Ranghat Island. Or, if you are particular about witnessing them in close encounters, you may opt for boat safari after including them in your tour packages. Lately, the Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands had deemed them as a coastal heritage site with respect to the crucial role they had played in maintaining the ecological balance of the islands. Similarly, the mangrove covers of the major city like that of Mumbai that is under threat are also needed to be given some recognition.

As cited earlier, the experiences that you could gain when you are vacationing in Andaman is quite varied. Take a boat safari across the Mangrove creeks made available in different regions of the Islands to feel them in real and analyse what they really are. So when you are planning your next vacation to the Islands, you may contact Andaman Tour Travel by over the phone or online. The reputed tour operator based in Port Blair had curated various diverse tour packages that could fulfil your dreams of exploring these places of your own. So you may visit them as honeymooners, in group, family or even alone on a solo trip. The most crowd-pulling factor of their travel deal is that you could avail them at most affordable prices.

What is Unique about the Ananthapura Lake Temple of Kasargod in Kerala? Explained with 9 Amazing Facts

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Even from a small picture of the Ananthapura Lake Temple of Kasargod, will say so much about the uniqueness of this spiritual centre located at Kumbla village. The foremost thing that you note here would be of the surrounding green marshy waters on all its sides. Such a structure built in the 9th century is still the only of its kind in Kerala. Moreover, the idol worshipped in the ancient temple is a replica of the same sort like that of Anadhapadmanadha temple down the south in Thiruvanthapuram and so the name. The following characteristics of the Ananthapura Temple of Kasargod are what make it unique.

The only lake temple dedicated to Lord Anandhapadmanabha in Kerala

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As the name implies, this ancient shrine located in the northernmost district of  Kerala does worship deity Anadhapadmanabha who can be seen here in the sitting positing just above a serpent unlike the reclining pose as in the temple of Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. So when you are tour to these parts, you may try to give a visit to the spiritual centre if they are readily included in your packages.

Major sanctum of the temple is protected by a ‘Vegetarian crocodile’

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Although this may sound scary, you have to admit that you are taking some risk by deliberately moving to the temple either for praying or sightseeing, as a crocodile named ‘Babia’ lives in the lake waters surrounding the temple. However, you do not have to get panicked of the crocodile that was spotted in urban spaces of Hyderabad soon after the deluges of 2019. It can be said so, as the reptile is so used to the things from staying here for quite some time and most surprisingly, it consumes only vegetarian food offered by the priests.

Bridges across the rectangle lake to reach the deity

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As the unique shrine is surrounded by water on all its sides by a rectangular lake that never alters its water level, different spots of the temple have to be reached by small bridges inside the premises itself. Like, for example, say, you may have to cross them just above the deep green waters of the lake to reach the Sreekovil from Gopuram. By standing on the bridges, you may feed Babia with Jaggery and sweet rice.

The temple walls are beautifully adorned with mural paintings

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When you are visiting this unique Ananthapura Lake Temple, you may adore the beauty of the Mural painting done on the external walls of the Sreekovil. Each of these magnificent works is done based on various Hindu epics. It becomes quite mandatory that the lustres of these intricate paintings would be affected over years of passing time. Therefore, the temple authorities had built a wall to conserve them for the posterity.

Idols of the temple were initially made with leaves were changed to metallic

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It is believed that, in the ancient periods, it was set by some unique combination of herbal plants just before sculpting the idols of deities here. Even now, during the scheduled rituals, they are decorated with ornaments and sandalwood pastes. Apart from that, you may find the same Sri Krishna Temple that was once believed to have been revered by the popular Vilvamangalathu Swamy.

Numerous myths associated with the construction of the temple

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There are quite many myths popular based on each of the idols, spots and the rituals followed in the temple. One among them is that the deity Anathapadmanabha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu was settled himself at this spot and was appeared in front of a devotee in the form of a boy. Later, the lad was believed to be run into the nearby cave, as he was shooed off by a meditating sage at this particular spot.

The rare material is chosen for making the present idol

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In the textures and colour, although it may resemble an ordinary metal, in reality, they are not so. They are actually made of a rare material called ‘Kadu Sarkara Yogam,’ which is a combination of around 108 materials. It would be really astonishing to realize that they are not stone and metal as seen in usual idols of deities.

A cave with the perennial flow of sacred water

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At one of the corners of this never drying up the lake, no matter what the climate is, you could find a cave. Moreover from this cave, you could sight a perennial flow of water that is consumed as a ’Theertham’ by the believers coming here. Besides, various myths are connected with the origin of such a source of pure water amid the lake waters of the temple.

Being situated in a scenic location

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Even the path leading to the temple is rich in its own biodiversity, as the temple can be sighted after witnessing rows of high verdant hills. So your visit to the temple can also be considered as a tour of all the nearby beautiful locations. They could be as beautiful as the regions surrounding Arulmigu Maruthamalai Murugan Temple in Coimbatore. Once you arrive at the premises of the temple, you are going to avail that beautiful ambience of serene tranquillity.

Just like the ancient temple elaborated here, there are several other unique pilgrimage centres spread all across the state of Kerala. So if you are planning to visit these spiritual centres most profoundly, you may get in contact with Lelagoon Holidays who are one of the most popular tour companies of Kerala. They had curated varied tour packages that would fulfil the demands of any sorts of travellers who are on a group tour or solo trip or even whether they are honeymooners or family. You could make use of their best travel deals when you are planning of any sort holidaying in the happening state of Kerala. Above all that, their packages are set in such a way that they can be availed by wanderlust who are on a budget or wishing for a luxurious vacationing.

An Epic Chronicle About The Hidden Gems In Alleppey

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Since I’m a Malayali who born and bought up in Kochi, I was not excited about spending my precious honeymoon in Alleppey. Because of the influence of Hindi web series and films I was also dreamt of having a romantic honeymoon where we go for a long walk through the tempting landscapes covered with snow in Manali. But all my dream just disappears when the groom from Hyderabad express his intense love and passion to explore Kerala, especially Alleppey. By seeing his puppy face, I finally agreed to his opinion and packed my bag to Allepey.

Since he decided the destination, the rest of the decisions was mine. After long planning and plotting, I picked a travel company in Kerala called Gogeo Holidays because they have an amazing collection of honeymoon packages at the best prices. From the air ticket booking to all the leisure activities they have charted the entire trip and hence provide hassle-free honeymoon. Our honeymoon started with refreshing sunrise in the houseboat cruise in Kuttanad. A humble and bizarre town truly waiting for all nature lovers to explore its culture, heritage and the local delicacy of Kuttanad. Joshua, my better half was so excited to see the bunch of ducks in the lagoon near to our houseboat. He was mimicking their sound with them which was funny to watch. Kuttanad is all about its paddy fields, an unending stripe of coconut plantations and duck farming. Due to its rich spices and paddy cultivation, it is renowned as the rice bowl of India. Since he is a photography enthusiast Kuttanad feels like a divine paradise for him.  photography

I called myself an adventure junkie because adventures are like yoga for me, refreshing and exciting. I always wanted my honeymoon to be a little adventurous. And while choosing Aleppey I was not sure about it. But the travel company has managed to customize the package by including my carving for adventure also. From which Kayaking is the one I love the most. Moving through the alluring backwaters of Allepey where the rustic beauty and serenity of the green water and the sight of coconut moving plantations near to the lagoons are so refreshing. Holding your paddle and controlling your kayak like a captain through the narrow canals while the bunch of ducks and some species of small fishes, we called it by the name “Karimeen” in Malayalam. They took all the safety measures by giving life jackets, and give a trail kayaking before we start it by own. While kayaking through the lagoons, there are many fishermen, fishing with the fishing net and the way they pour the net accurately to the canals was fascinating to watch. The activity lasts for about 3 hours and in the beginning, my kayak was not in my control and it started moving in a zigzag way. Gradually everything come on phase and I enjoyed the ultimate pleasure.

Houseboat-Allepey

After my victory, we go back to our houseboat. The delicious aroma of local cuisine gave us a warm welcome in the houseboat. Joshua was so surprised and excited to dig into it. The vibrant colors of the dishes were so dashing. From the most loved “Kappa and Thala curry” to the authentic duck roast the dishes were mind-blowing. To make the cuisine more interesting a bottle of “Kallu” or toddy is also added to the entire menu. He was so excited about trying toddy because it was his first time. Usually, I don’t prefer toddy but the one tasted from Allepey was different and gives an immense sensation to my taste buds. After an elegant lunch, we went for sightseeing. Before I saw the Alappuzha Zakariya Market, I didn’t realize that Allepey is a perfect place for shopaholics. From spices to handlooms it is an ideal destination for a spectacular shopping experience. He gifted me with a silver choker and a statement piece earing beautifully embellished with black stones. Maritime products are the other recommended things to buy in Allepey.  If your bargaining skills are good, then you can purchase anything at a very low price.

kappa with toddy 1

Since our romantic honeymoon was in August, we got a chance to witness the popular Nehru Trophy boat race in Alleppey.  With no doubt, the boat race so stunning. Our guide explained well about the legendary history behind this sport in Kerala. June to August is the best time for the photography enthusiasts and fans of this amazing sport to see the practice sessions more closely. The only thing which makes me feel uncomfortable is the rush and crowd. Because it is a seasonal period, we are lucky enough to see another treasure in Kerala, the “Kalaripayattu” which is an Indian martial art. This was one of my favorite parts about our honeymoon because apart from the movies and the famous “Vaddakan Pattukal” ballads, I didn’t see this priceless art form before. Nowadays people are practicing “Kalaripayattu” for keeping the body fit and energetic. Even though he showed his extreme interest to learn “Kalaripayattu”, I didn’t encourage him because it’s our honeymoon and I was not in the mood to spoil it. So if you are someone to love to learn new things and also wish to see the boat race then June to August is the perfect period for you. Also, so many attractive tour packages are available during this time at the best prices.Kalaripayattu_20th-Nov
After all the sightseeing and adventures we went to Allapuzha beach to experience a tranquil and gorgeous sunset with a romantic candlelight dinner. Soothing climate and the spectacular view will rejuvenate your mind for sure. This beach is popular for its 137 years old pier that stretches towards the sea. Being a Malayali I didn’t realize the beauty and prosperity of this precious land until I stepped into this mesmerizing paradise. There is much more to see and experience in Allepey but the trip is for a couple of days, so we returned to our hometown with a bundle of joy and happiness.