India Travel » Backwaters

Travel to Kumarakom

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:12:06 +0000

When nature is all you want to enjoy and restore your form, Kumarakom is unquestionably the most refreshing and enthralling ecstasy in Kerala, God’s own country. The slim coconut palms positioned here, there and everywhere, it’s never finishing paddy grasslands, twisty lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of more than hundred diverse ranges can quietly compose and revitalize your mind with improved motivation for your vacation and existence. That is the immaculate attractiveness of Kumarakom.

A captivating backwater destination, Kumarakom provides its guests much other free time alternatives. Boating and fishing services are obtainable at Kumarakom.

An incredibly gorgeous delight of mangrove forests, bright green green paddy fields and coconut orchards mixed together with charming waterways and canals decked with white lilies- this is Kumarakom.

Kumarakom, positioned on the Southern shore of India take pleasure in a balanced tropical climate. Nature has unruffled its enchantment to perfection here. A million verdant coconut palms lining the rivers bend to inspect its reflections on the shimmering rivers. This is Kumarakom, one of the world’s most discussed destinations.

Climate: Kumarakom has a tropical climate approximately round the year. There is forever a cool, fresh gentle wind that makes even the warmest months tolerable. The rainy season is from early June to middle of August. November to March is regarded as the best months for a vacation over there.

Hotels in Kumarakom

On the edge of the famous Vembanad Lake is situated the city of Kumarakom, which is an ornithologist’s heaven. Nature stretching out in the magnificence of mangrove forests, coconut canopies and influential paddy fields in the company of channels and inland waterway is an idyllic destination to spend vacation at. Some of the renowned Hotels in Kumarakom are -

Hotel Golden Waters Retreat

It is a Five Star deluxe hotel with 28 rooms. Fully air conditioned rooms with direct dial comfort, color televisions with cabled connections. For the entertainment of the guests there is the swimming pool, speedboats, water-skis, backwater cruises, fully equipped ayurveda centre with trained practitioners for rejuvenating the guests.

Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort

This is a five Star deluxe hotel with approximately 40 rooms. All the Amenities like round the clock room service, running hot and cold water, Direct dialing facility with STD and ISD, water sports, Sunset cruise, Cultural programmers,Village outing etc.

Waterscapes

It is a beautiful resort and has nearly 40 cottages. All the basic facilities like attached washroom with the shower, cable facility with color television, Swimming pool, Cab on rent, money changing facility, Ayurvedic centre, meeting halls, boating, arrangement for backwater tours and visiting the attractions around.

By: Suvankar Maity

5 Things You Must Do and See in Kerala, India

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:25:54 +0000

Kerela is a city and region which sits at the Southern tip of India and which provides this country with some of the best beaches, most scenic views and most exotic holidays. Below we look at five things you really should see and do in Kerela in India.

1. Take an elephant ride with a guide through the Periyar Wildlife Park. Your guide will walk you past low-hanging trees where the monkeys watch you as you pass by. It’s a great opportunity to commune with nature. The sanctuary also offers visitors cruises on the lake as well as guided treks to the ruins of the Mangala Devi Temple. Herds of wild elephants can be seen coming down to the lake to play and bathe.

2. Watch the Kathakali form of theatre. It includes acting, dancing, literature, and music. Various stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are enacted through dance. The dancers, musicians, and makeup technicians undergo many years of training prior to starting work for a stage performance. The actors/dancers lend visual appeal to the singing through their facial gestures, movements, and dancing. The eyes and their expressions play a major role in the dance and in interpreting the song. You can sign up to learn the Kathakali at Kerala’s Kalamandalam. The Bharat Natyam is a similarly interesting form of dance.

3. Take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters are a network of lakes, canals, rivers, lagoons. The banks are covered in lush greenery and coconut trees sway by the wayside. Birds and animals can be spotted through the foliage. Cruises on rice boats could last from a few hours or a day trip to a few days. They could be the perfect romantic getaway, especially on a bright moonlit night. Get a guided tour or make your own way through what is officially known internationally as the Venice of the East. As you ride, your personal chef will cook up a traditional Keralite meal that’s perfect for the occasion and surroundings.

4. Practice a holistic lifestyle with yoga in the early morning and an ayurvedic massage from trained masseurs during the day. Take a refreshing medicated bath or mud therapy to cure any aches and pains from your regular lifestyle and try the herbal diets that come highly recommended.

5. Visit the Snake Park located at Parassinikadavu, Kannur. The park is unique throughout India and is home to many different species of snakes. It features three snake pits and fifteen glass cases as well as two large glass houses for the King Cobras. A professional handler conducts a snake demonstration every hour to an enthralled crowd.

By: Orson Johnson

Monsoon Magic in India

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:10:35 +0000

Monsoons and Tourism in India

The two monsoons in India, Southwest Monsoon from July to September and Northeast Monsoon from December to early March bring in droves of domestic tourists to scores of tourist destinations. Indians, as a rule, enjoy monsoons after being scorched by the hot sun for months on end unlike the residents of Northern Hemisphere who suffer invariably from rainy day blues. They go out into the rain drenched streets, beaches and forests and let themselves go.

Goa

The Western tourists too have learned to enjoy monsoons in India. Among the prime locations for tourism is Goa, a sleepy town on the West coast. This former Portuguese colony has an old world European feel to it. The rain-drenched Gothic and Greco-Roman structures, washed by the rain, glisten dazzlingly and tourists stand and gape at them.

The beaches

Goa possesses a number of good and functional beaches. The monsoon rains falling on the raising waves hold the tourists in trance and they just refuse to go away, digging their feet literally in. Hotels fill the landscape near the beaches and the prices range from exorbitant to shoestring.

Nightlife

Sporadic monsoon singing parties known as trance parties and dancing in the rains are to be enjoyed. Hotels hold jam sessions with local groups and you can watch the rain sitting in the comfort of shelters with songs wafting through the air. Live groups touch your nostalgic nerves with Rock and Roll numbers.

Kerala

Kerala is a geological extension of Goa and has same different terrain. The people however, are quite distinct and the culture is different. Monsoon rains are not incessant. Now it rains, now it shines. Thiruvanandapuram, the capital of Kerala is home to the very popular Kovalam beach. During monsoons, foreign tourists some times outnumber the domestic travelers, so famous is it abroad! Alappuzha has a unique tradition of houseboats. They line the backwaters and venture out in monsoon rains till the mouth of the backwaters and the ride along the scenic banks. Coconut tree fronds almost brushing against you is an exhilarating experience.

Valley of Flowers National Park

This park ls situated in the Northern state of Uttarkhand, near Chamoli Garhwal, some 400 miles away from Delhi. While the mountainous terrain is a challenge to the adventure-minded during the monsoon and trekking is the activity they can indulge themselves in, there are safe passages for the less intrepid. The name tells it all. This park, in the Himalayan hill ranges burst into at least 300 varieties of flowers in monsoon and look like a carpet of myriad colors and shades through the valley. As the flowers bloom only in monsoon, It is advisable to visit it July to September.

There are hotels and camping is an option too. The government-run GMVN guest houses are your best bet.

By: Asokan Ponnusamy

South India Attractions – Simply Out Of The World

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:33:53 +0000

South India is a land surcharged with fascinating tourist destinations brimming with attractions. Its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage combine together to make it a big hit with tourist. Surrounded by the magical Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay Of Bengal, South India is an epitome of natural beauty.

Its varied climates and geography are the factors behind its rich bio-diversity. Some of India’s famous wildlife destinations are found in this region. From enchanting beaches to arresting backwaters, mesmerizing hill stations, charming villages, exotic wildlife destinations, beautiful temples and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, South India has a lot to capture your heart.

This destination is prefect for any type of tour, be it honeymoon or family tour. The wonderful destinations of South India such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry offer a variety of enchanting attractions.

Kerala:

Popularly know as God’s Own Country, Kerala is the most famed destination of South India. Its beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife and Ayurveda attract tourists from far and wide. It is truly an epitome of beauty. It is the best place for Ayurveda on this planet.

Tamil Nadu:

It is well known for its famous Meenakshi Temple, which is an architectural wonder. Beautifully painted in bright colors, the temple has brilliant architecture. Other attractions here are hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, pilgrimages and caves.

Karnataka:

Holding its own unique charm, this destination is renowned for its Hampi ruins. Also explore its bewitching attractions like temples, wildlife, beaches and caves.

Pondicherry:

It is the land offering natural beauty and tranquility in plenty. Its peaceful aura is truly soul warming. One can also enjoy French culture here.

Andhra Pradesh:

Its rich cultural heritage beautifully reflects in its temples, monuments, historic sites and cuisine. It also offers attractions like lakes, hill stations, wildlife and waterfalls.

By: Sanjog KR