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An escape from the capital city of India to Kerala

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 admin Leave a comment

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Kerala is a biodiversity hub where the people get to see a lot of tourist sites. As one travels through the ways here, he indulges into the mother nature and escapes into the wildernesses of the place. A lot of places hence house both flora and fauna which makes the whole ecosystem of the location. As one view the Gods own country from an airplane, all that he gets to see is either water or greenery of the land. In order to witness this one should surely come on a Kerala tour package with price that is affordable in which people can see the best destinations of the place. I decided to take the opportunity of visiting Kerala along with my friends from our office. As the public holidays arrived, we decided to set on this trip from Delhi, to the other end of India.

We flew to the Kozhikode International airport as one among our team belonged to this district. It didn’t take us long to reach the place where he lived. We were treated quite well with biryanis and a lot of snacks and fruits. The journey had been quite tiring due to which I had almost everything that had been kept in front of me. At the end, my friend also served us Kozhikode Halwa which was indeed a delight to my stomach. In fact, the delicious food of Kerala welcomed us and we felt quite good in being welcomed that way. We had already decided that we would be going to few places at Kozhikode, the next day in order to explore this Malabar region.

The first place where we set to explore was the Thusharagiri waterfalls. In order to reach the falls, we had to trek up the hills. And we would never complain as anyone would feel like hiking here due to the plantations that surround the place. There were three hills located here which were the Erattumukku, Mazhavil Chattom, and Thumbithullum Para. As I walked, I could hear the sounds of insects and the humming of birds. I also got to see some birds which I had never spotted anywhere before. People had been growing pepper and other spices there. We reached the falls which had been cascading in grace. The view was amazing and it seemed to be flowing from nowhere. As we had come from Delhi we had not been to so many waterfalls. Even though there are few of them located in Rajasthan and Shimla we had to travel a long way to reach it. On being on this Kerala tour package from Delhi we had been on an escape trip. The major escape was from the pollution there due to which just being in these eco-spots were of joy to us. After sitting there and resting for some time, we clicked some pictures of the place.

On trekking for half a day, people could reach the adjoining district which is Wayanad. But as our car had been waiting for us, we did not take that adventure and returned back to go to the next place on our list which was the Kakkayam dam. The aura of this place was more than just heart-warming. We went to the dam and took a short boat ride in it. Even though it was evening time we could feel the chilled air here on cruising through the dam. The trees still had the dewdrops falling beneath. Animals like goats and bisons had been grazing on the grass there. The whole view of the hills standing in between the grasslands was indeed amazing. After exploring the place, we left to the next place in between which we decided to have some food. The meals served here is quite special as they have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The seafood served here is outstanding as the spices on it makes it taste good. We went to the Vellari Mala which belonged to both Kozhikode and Wayanad. This is indeed an awesome place to trek up the hills. We walked through for some time as the weather had been good even though it was noon time. The huge trees that had been there made the view more beautiful. Finally, we went to the famous Kozhikode beach which seemed crowded even on a weekday.

Quite a lot of snacks were being served there out of which we had tasted some as we were hunger stricken. In some time we went back as the next day we had decided to go to Wayanad. It took us approximately 3 hours to reach this beautiful land. The drive along the route itself seemed adventurous. On the sides of the road, I had seen deer that had been grazing. Wildlife sanctuaries and parks are located in this place After hogging some breakfast we decided to go to the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary. After taking the necessary instructions from the forest department we set inside with a guide who accompanied us. Endangered as well as exotic species resided in this hub of nature. We walked in without making noise as it would shoo away the animals around the place. We got to see some wild cats which we had never seen anywhere before. The animal seemed to be carefree of our presence. We also got the sight of some exotic birds which kept fluttering around. After spending almost 3 hours inside we got out and went to the Chembra peak for trekking. Wayanad seemed to be an amazing place to visit on a honeymoon.

There were quite a lot of places for the couples to visit here which we had avoided as we were more into trekking We had already suggested our couple friends from Delhi to visit this place for a memorable time. On coming on a Kerala honeymoon package from Delhi they could have privacy as well as peace compared to other crowded places. Also, there were not enough couple hangout places at the capital city. As we climbed up, we got to see a heart-shaped lake. Out of the places I had trekked in Kerala, this place seemed harder but totally worth as the sight ones to see from the top is priceless. It took us a long time to get back down. And had drained all the energy from us too. Hence we decided to stay over at a resort in Wayanad. The next day we went to the Kuruva Island. It was a small delta which had orchids all around it. Nature was purely at bliss as butterflies had been fluttering around which was a great sight. We had to get back to Kozhikode in order to fly back as our holidays were already over. So right after having some fun at Kuruva, we set back home.

The specialty of Kerala indeed is not just the tourist destinations, but also the cuisines that are served to the people which call back any tourist to visit the place again. The accommodation sites here are also very welcoming where we get maximum comfort which helps in getting rid of travel sickness. Also, there are a number of destinations to visit and explore here which offers nature at its best. A trip through this land is hence the best option to take when planning to go on vacation with DreamHolidays.

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

August 30, 2017 admin Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Trivandrum, the History Hub of Kerala

June 12, 2017June 12, 2017 admin Leave a comment

An excellent base to explore the interior of Kerala with its spacious layout and regulated life, the capital city Trivandrum is built on seven low coastal hills and has an interesting mixing of tree-lined avenues, ancestral homes, massive buildings and a long seacoast washed by the waves of the Arabian Sea. Trivandrum city treasures many erecting of historical importance and reservations. Considered as one of the loveliest cities in Kerala, the capital city is clean and green but more than a tourist place, the city depicts the historic whereabouts in the past. On skinning through Amazing Kerala tourism packages try to plan a visit to the capital city of Kerala.

BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

One of the oldest zoos in India located in the heart of temple city is flourished with the museum and botanical gardens are oldest of their kind in the country. The visionary behind its construction is Swathi Tirunal Maharaja, the illustrious king and music composer who had ruled Travancore early and he had a good collection of animals like elephants, horses breed in his horse breeding centers. The park also had tigers, panthers, cheetahs, deer and a lioness.

His brother, Marthanda Varma has taken control over the zoo later and with the support of on British general, they incorporated a museum here and the museum was thrown open to the public in September 1857 but as it could in itself attract people much, a zoo and park were established in 1859. The zoo is also bordered by botanical gardens unique for its vibrant landscapes and luxuriant growth of vegetation. Tourists from different places visit the zoo and museum as it provides a respite for them more than offering tourism and recreation. The lofty trees of royal look towered by bamboos and lush green landscapes account for its breathtaking beauty.

zoo trivandrum

More than being a tourist spot, currently the Zoo is serving the purpose of conservation and education implying captive breeding of rare and endangered animals and birds. The ambience of the zoo is just like providing a natural habitat for the animals so that they don’t feel captive. Visit this zoo for getting a feeling of being present at jungle where animals are around. Soon check out Exiting Kerala tour packages with price. The zoo houses varieties of primates like macaques, langurs and lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langurs which are endemic to the Western Ghats and are endangered. The animals live in highly socialized groups and are intelligent. There are herbivores who occupy different niche to avoid competition amongst themselves like rhinoceros, hippopotamus, hog deer and prolific sambar. Good collection of endemic and exotic birds are present here along with water birds like storks, pelicans, egrets, herons and cranes housed in a natural habitat. There are added the advantage of an aviary and reptile house, an aquarium nearby on the beach presents a selection of fishes and other marine creatures.

CHITHIRA ART GALLERY

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An art gallery named Chithira Art Gallery situated within the museum compound ha collections of the works of Raja Ravi Varma, a pioneer in Indian art. Roerich landscapes work from the Tanjore School of arts, copies of Rajput and Mughal paintings and copies of paintings from Ajanta caves are the notable collections here. Museum also houses miniature painting from China, Japan, Bali and Tibet. The museum was opened to the public by the erstwhile king of Travancore, Sri Chithira Thirunal in 1935 for the enjoyment and developing artistic traits of people. The royal house of Travancore and Kilimanoor Royal family has presented generously a large collection of paintings to the gallery. The king tried to collect rare pieces of arts and literature from different parts of the world to present bin this art gallery.

ANJENGO FORT

The fort which played a major role in Anglo-Mysore War is located at here in the outskirts of Trivandrum city. East India Company made this fort and is a good location for signaling ships. This place is 12 kilometre south of Varkala. Once it was the permanent place of British administration. From the lighthouse nearby, wonderful sight can be enjoyed.

EAST FORT

east fort

In order to safeguard the erstwhile Trivandrum city, Travancore rulers have made this fort which has the famous Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple at its heart. It has got its name as the entrance was to the east side and there lays a famous palace called as a kuthira Mallika palace. Earlier the city was inside this fort and some of the parts got ruined. As an added attraction there is a Ganesha temple inside the fort.

NAPIER MUSEUM

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Set amidst lavishly wooded beautiful gardens, the Napier museum has a striking building with a unique architectural design is a wealth of bronze and stone sculpture also an exhibition of modern handicrafts from the state design centre. The Natural history exposition is a collection of stuffed animals and birds, skeletons and fossil remains. The Napier Museum was based on a very beautiful form of domestic art and started in the year 1857; the museum was the idea of J.A Brown, then director of the Trivandrum Observatory and general William Cullen, the then British resident. The catching attraction in this museum is that of the sword of great and first Martyrs of Indian freedom struggle, Velu Thampi Dhalava, the precious heirloom presented to kind of Kilimanoor palace on his military expedition to Mannadi and later handed over to the president of India. Currently, it is displayed here. Extravagant wood carvings, stone sculptures and coin collections are the key elements of interest in this museum. Exploring this museum with your family including children to inculcate good knowledge to them on ancient artifacts and history, family tour packages to Kerala allows on to visit these places effectively.

SREE CHITHIRA ENCLAVE

sree chitra enclave

Located in the museum compound in Trivandrum, Sree Chithira enclave is actually a personal museum which has started functioning in 1993 in the memory of Sree Chithira Tirunal Bala Rama Varma who was the last Maharaja of Travancore depicts the history of the royal family of Travancore and its contributions to the growth of Kerala. the chariots used by king and queen along with medals, stamps, coins, swords and other belongings of the royal family is exhibited here. The socio-cultural history, geography and evolution of Travancore state is clearly narrated here. The real stories of past are interestingly narrated through a series of narrative mural paintings.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM

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A must be visited place for children and students is located near Mascot hotel, offers an insight into the impressive growth achieved by India in scientific and technological fields. A planetarium is working inside the museum which is the first hybrid planetarium in India with tilted dome for presenting astronomical classes with a live show. This is the biggest projection screen in South India having provision for projecting night sky of any location on earth at any point of time using an optomechanical projector.

With these mentions, it is evident that more than a tourist spot of beaches and hills, Trivandrum is actually the history hub of Kerala preserved efficiently inculcating new technologies.

Bucket List for a Kerala Holiday Trip

February 7, 2017October 23, 2017 admin 1 Comment

Are you planning on holidays anytime soon? How about checking out some of the most amazing Kerala Tour Packages with Price in the tranquil backwaters or the misty mountains? How about lazy evenings spend by the seaside resorts enjoying the golden sun by the mornings and the breezy sea in the evenings? How about a romantic dinner by the seaside, moonlit and start-struck? Do these and more at any dream locations on your Kerala holiday destinations! But here’s an exclusive bucketlist to check out while you are visiting Kerala for the first time:

A Ride on Kettuvallom

Kettuvalloms are wooden boats made of jackwood and coir that does not use any nails. These come in all sizes and different shapes. The larger version of these Kettuvalloms is the popular houseboats of Kerala that takes the tourists on backwater cruise through the major water channels such as Punnamada Kayal, Ashtamudi Kayal, Vembanad Kayal, Kumarakom etc. Kayal in Malayalam means backwater. Smaller canoes or valloms are used to travel through the narrower water channels that connect small villages and islands amidst these backwaters. It will be a one of a kind experience for the tourists to row their way through the canals of Allepey or Kochi watching the beautiful sights on the way and interacting with the locals.

Go Fishing!

Kerala is abundant in seafood and marine wealth. Tourists on Exciting Kerala Tourism Packages with Price can go fishing on fishing boats into the sea or enjoy it safely in the backwaters or the fish farms located at many places in the coastal Kerala regions. One such place is the Njarakkal fishing farm in the suburbs of Kochi city. The route from Kochi via the Goshree bridges built across the Kochi Kayal to the Vypin Island itself is picturesque. You can see the fishing boats, ships docked at Cochin Shipyard, the beautiful backwaters, the evergreen mangroves and islands on the way. After spending an entire day at the fish farm, you can take the coastal road from Njarakkal to reach Cherai beach which will be an amazing experience to cherish.

A Walk through the Paddy Fields

Monsoons are the right time to be in Kerala. That’s the time when the entire state becomes the most beautiful drenched in the rains. Everything becomes fresh and green all around! The ponds, rivers and the lakes get filled and the paddy fields are prepared for the season’s cultivation. The refreshing smell of the earth will remain in your memories forever! The best place to explore this earthy experience is at Kuttanad during your Kerala Tour Packages with Price that’s quite affordable. Kuttanad is the rice bowl of Kerala and the place is a beautiful idyllic village where you can enjoy staying rooted to the basics of life. The Upanishads say ‘Aditi Devo Bhava’, meaning, treat your guest like the God! The friendly people will accommodate you as their God as the Keralites believe that guests should be treated as God. You can enjoy the local treadmill, stepping on the irrigation wheel, walk on the slippery and muddy narrow paths between the fields and dip your feet in the mud and just let loose. You will become a child again, playing with mud in the rain!

Indulge in Ayurveda

If there’s one thing everyone will advise you to do during your Startling Kerala Trip that will be to indulge in the invigorating Ayurvedic massages offered in the spas and clinics. Ayurveda uses nature to heal your mind and body and a good massage with herb and spice infused Ayurvedic oils will leave your body and mind completely refreshed. That’s the ultimate feeling of bliss you can experience only during your holidays in Kerala. Ayurveda offers beauty treatments, general wellness treatments and specific treatments for ailments. You can meet the experienced doctors or ‘Vaidyar’ at the special Ayurveda clinics and experience nature first hand!

ayurveda

These are some basic elements of Kerala you can explore during your holidays here. Plan in advance with the best tour operator and experience the most blissful holidays in God’s Own Country.

5 Mosques to visit in Kerala

January 18, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, Kodungallur

Cheraman Perumal Juma masjid is the situated at Kodungallor. This was built in AD 629 and is the first mosque in India. It has gone through many renovations but still they have retained some portions. In this mosque, you have an option for ‘Vidyarambam’ for kids. This mosque faces the east and mecca in the west. A Huge bronze lamp like in temples is kept lit here. Devotees of all religions pay for the oil to light the lamp when they visit it during their Kerala Holiday Packages.

Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, Kasargod

This mosque is located at Thalangara in Kasarkode district. It is a famous pilgrim center in Kasarkode and was built in AD 642 by an Arabian, Malik Ibn Dinar. The Tomb of Malik Ibn Mohammed, a disciple of Malik Ibn Dinar is there. The marbles used for flooring is believed to be brought from Mecca.

Beema is a very famous mosque in Kerala which is visited by tourists on Kerala tour packages from Trivandrum. The story goes that Hazratha Bee Amma Beema Beevi and her son is actually from the family of Prophet Mohammed and they reached from Arabia centuries ago to preach the religion. It is believed that Beema Beevi had some divine power. Urs Shareef festival (Chandanakudam festival) of this Mosque is very popular and it happens in March-April. People from all religions participate in this festival.

Vavar Mosque is famous for its religious harmony. Vavar is known to be the close friend of lord Ayappa. Whoever goes to Sabarimala visits this mosque also. This mosque is situated at Erumeli. ‘Chandanakudam’ is the famous festival in this Mosque. This festival coincides with ‘Makaravilaku’ of Sabarimala.

Sheik Fariduddin Mosque, Kanjiramattom

This is the most famous Mosque in Kanjiramattom in Ernakulam District. This mosque is famous for its ritual called ‘Kodikuthu’. ‘Chandanakudam’ is also very famous in this mosque. You can see elephants and cultural actives in this festival during your Kerala tourism packages if you visit during the festivities.