Kerala Backwater Tour Packages

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
May the color and lights of Onam fill your home with happiness and joy.
My heartful wishes on Onam.

Prize Winning Pookalam

Athapookalam Designs

Onam pookalam designs

Athapookalam pictures

Onam Gifts and Onakkodi

Onasadhya is the grand feast served during the celebration of Onam in Kerala.

Onam and Onathumbi

Munnar Tea Plantations

Hi,
Yesterday I read this tourism packages of KTDC in Newspaper.
I thought of sharing it with you all which may be useful for those who would like to visit kerala during summer holidays.

Discover Kerala
includes a series of budget packages that cover the whole of the state or part of it.

Utharayanam
There are two 7 nights/8Days north Kerala packages called Utharayanam.

One that moves from Kannur to Kochi.
through some of the famous tourist places like
Parassinikkadavu, Muzappilingad, Tholpetty, Silent Valley & Malayattoor.

Second one moves from Kochi-Kannur
through Athirapally,Cheruthuruthy, Edakkal caves, Payyambalam & Kappil.

Dakshinayanam
There are two 6nights/7 days South Kerala Packagescalled Dakshinayanam.

One that moves from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi.
covering places like Kanniyakumari, Kovalam, Konni, Ramakkalmedu & thattekad

Other one in opposite direction through
Eravikulam, Thekkady, Ashtamudi & Padmanabapuram Palace

Sundara Keralam
This cover the whole kerala in 11 nights/12days.

The biggest advantage is the cost!!
For 6 nights/7days package the cost is 7500 for two.

For 7nights/8days its rs.8750 for two.

For 11nights/12days its rs.13750.

The tariff includes room rent, breakfast & tax.

It furthur says that these packages are not the only ones….
the packages can be customised & can be stareted from anywhere to any destination according to the travellers choice.

A Good beginning by KTDC to attract domestic tourists!

Happy Touring.

Monsoon in Kerala Photos

Monsoon tourism in Kerala is gaining more popularity year after year. Monsoon tourism allows tourists to explore the intrinsic beauty of Kerala with a feel of adventure. Government of Kerala and Kerala tourism department is promoting Monsoon Tourism in Kerala.

What are the Sightseeing Highlights of Pathanamthitta?

The Ghats and Forests
Aranmula palace – traditional picturesque village and is well-known for so many specialized handicrafts.
Charalkunnu Place – which offers panoramic views of the river.
Kakki Reservoir and it’s wildlife sanctuary
The churches and Mosques
Thekekudi cave temple in Kaviyoor which is built on the 8th century .
the Western Ghats and surrounded by hills – stretches of forests, Rivers and rural landscapes.
many fairs and festivals.
plantations and spice farms.
three west flowing rivers – Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil
wild life and bird sanctuary.
Sabarimala – pilgrimage centres for Hindus – dedicated to Lord Ayyappan.

If You Ever Get Lost In India And Want To Find Out Where You Are, This
Is The Best Way Of Doing Just That.

Scenario 1
Two Guys Are Fighting And A Third Guy Comes Along, Then A Fourth And
They Start Arguing About Who is Right – You Are In Kolkata.

Scenario 2
Two Guys Are Fighting And A Third Guy Comes Along, Sees Them And Walks
On – Thats Mumbai.

Scenario 3
Two Guys Are Fighting And A Third Guy Comes Along & Tries To Make
Peace. The First Two Get Together & Beat Him Up – Thats Delhi.

Scenario 4
Two Guys Are Fighting. A Crowd Gathers To Watch. A Guy Comes Along And
Quietly Opens A Chai Stall – Thats Ahmedabad.

Scenario 5
Two Guys Are Fighting And A Third Guy Comes. He Writes A Software
Program To Solve The Issue But The Fight Does Not Stop Because Of A
Bug In The Program. Thats Bangalore.

Scenario 6
Two Guys Are Fighting. A Crowd Gathers To Watch. A Guy Comes Along And
Quietly Says That Amma Doesnt Like All This Nonsense. Peace Comes In
- Thats Chennai.

Scenario 7
Two Guys Are Fighting. Both Of Them Take Time Out And Call Their
Friends On Mobile. Now 50 Guys Are Fighting. You Are In Hyderabad.

Scenario 8
Two Guys Are Fighting. A Crowd Gathers To Watch. Someone Calls Police.
The Police Come And Lathi Charge All The People Crowded There. Someone
Throws Stones At The Police. The Police Throw Stones Back At The
Crowd. Some People Are Arrested. Damages To The Shops Nearby. Next
Day, Harthal And Holiday Declared By Government.

Welcome To Thiruvananthapuram, The Capital City Of Kerala.

This blog shows Kerala in all shades of bright and gray. It is a reflection of the beauty and beast that is Kerala.

Marine drive is a very attractive promenade and tourist place in Kochi, Kerala. Marine drive walkway and Vembanad lake photos…

India lives in villages. The majority of Indian population lives in villages. India is mainly an agricultural country. Agriculture means green fields and villages. Most of the Indian people depend on agriculture. There are lakhs of villages spread over the length and breadth of India.

An Indian village is a cluster of mud houses where a couple of hundred men, women and children live. Their houses are thatched with hay and such other material. The mud walls and floor are plastered with cow-dung. The people in the villages are utterly simple, honest god-fearing and hardworking. They depend on agriculture, labour and cottage industries for their bread and butter. They are still very poor, illiterate and superstitious. They are often victims of the middlemen, shopkeepers and landlords. They belong to weaker and backward sections of the society. People of many religions live peacefully together in the villages. The villagers enjoy many festivals, fairs and social gatherings. There are often weekly markets. In some villages there are small regular markets where simple necessities of life can be bought. They often depend on a well or a pond for their drinking water. They go there to bathe, wash and draw water for drinking.

The villages are dusty, dirty and without proper sanitary conditions. In rains, it all becomes muddy and sticky and the paths become impassable. Now, many of the villages have electricity and tap-water. But still the streets are unpaved. The garbage often lies here and there which cause spread of diseases. In many villages there is no school of its own. And the children have to walk long distance to reach a school.

Every village has its own temple where people gather for worship and prayer. If there is a school, it is generally one teacher school. The students sit in the open or under a tree on the ground. In many of the schools there no black boards and chalks. There are no police stations, dispensaries and post-offices in the Indian villages.

But the atmosphere in the Indian Villages is very healthy with their fresh air, open green fields and tension free life. The villagers keep cows, goats etc. and so have a good supply of milk for their families. An Indian villager lives amidst nature enjoying clear skies, glorious sun rises and sun-sets and bright days. His life is simple and contented in spite of poverty. Villagers have their own simple games and means of entertainment.

Indian villages need much improvement and urgent attention. If villages are poor, India cannot become rich and prosperous. They are the soul of the country. All our efforts should be made to improve their condition. They reflect the real picture and worth of the country. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and insanitation are the main problems of these villages. If these are solved, everything will be fine and healthy. During the last 50 years much has been done to improve the living conditions of the Indian Villages. But still much remains to be done and achieved. Gram Panchayats should be helped to have their own resources and power. They should be made popular and more effective. For this their real empowerment is essential. It is only through them that real democracy can be there in the villages.

Winter is the season I like bests. India has as many as six seasons. The Indian summer is very hot and uncomfortable. Sometimes the temperature shoots up to s47 degree Celsius in some part of the country. We feel like a furnace all- around and the blazing sun beats down fiercely. Many people die of sun-stroke.

The activity is at the lowest and people perspire and pant for breath. The rainy season is muddy and sultry. The sky is overcast and everything is wet and sticky. Thsse spring is pleasant and welcome but short-lasting.

Winter sets in India by the end of November and lasts till the end of February. As the autumn season fades out, there are no clouds in the sky and there is gentle cool breeze and the weather turns pleasant. It is the season when the skies are clear and the sun shines warmly. People bask in the sun and enjoy themselves. The days are short and nights long. People work and during the day and enjoy good rest at night. For me, it is the bests time for studies. During the winter months I devote maximum time to learning my lessons and studying books. It inspires me to much work and physical exercise in the morning.

Indian winter are neither bealk not harsh. They are pleasant, comfortable and enjoyable. I improve my health during these days and my appetite is fairly sharpened. As a result, I enjoy eating lot of sweets like gajar ka halwa, ladoos, gajak and such other things besides dry fruits. I also enjoy peanuts with jaggery. I feel strong, energetic and very active. I enjoy evening and morning walks when there is no rush in the park.

It is also the season when I enjoy wearing my colourful woolen cloths. No I can wear neck ? tie, muffler, gloves, woolen suit etc. They make me very comfortable and attractive to look at. At intervals there may be cups of hot coffee or tea with some snacks to my personal pleasure and enjoyment.

In my part of the country, it is a wonderful time and we go for picnics or sit in the soft warm sun enjoying peanuts, carrots, tomatoes or just talking. During winter many migratory birds come to India from far of lands. It is the best season to visit a bird ? sanctuary like Bharatpur Ghana Sanctuary. Last December I visited the place with my father. It is paradise for bird ? lovers spread over a 57 sq.km low lying marsh area. The sun ? rise over the vast expanse of shallow water was and excellent view. The birds we saw there were geese. Siberian cranes, Chinese bar ? headed geese and troupes of other migratory birds. The local birds included pelicans, ibis, egret, storks, darters, kingfishers etc.

Winter is the season of youth, enjoyment, work, studies and long and sound sleep at night. It is also the season of good health, hearty eating, basking in the sun and outdoor fun and picnics. Indian winter is never bleak, gloomy, snowy or dull as that of Europe of America. I always look forward to winter and its many joys and comforts.

Our earth is a unique planet because it is the only living planet. It rotates on its axis at the speed of 1660 km per hour round the sun. this revolution round the sun brings changes in seasons. The inclination or tilt of the earth also helps in the change of the seasons. There are different lengths of day light at different times of the year for these seasons.

India has as many as six seasons ? the summer, the rains the autumn, the early winter (Hemanta) the winter and the spring. Each seasons is roughly of 2 months duration.

India is a vast country and has many type of climates but primarily it is a hot and tropical country. The summer season begins from the month of April and lasts till the end of June.

During the summer season the days are long and nights short because the sun is right over the country. The days are very hot and the heat is sometimes unbearable. Activity on the fields and farms is much reduced. People sweat a lot and feel thirsty and get tired early with the slightest labour. People enjoy cold drinks, cold water, ice creams etc. there are many types of fruits available during the season which include mangoes, lichies, melons, watermelons, apricot, pears, peaches, cherries etc. But it is also the season of many dreaded diseases like cholera, malaria, smallpox, dysentery etc.The mosquitoes menace is also there. Thus, it is a season with mixed blessings. The rainy season follows the summer and begins from June and lasts till October. India is a country of the monsoon, the rain-bearing winds. The onset of monsoon over kerala is from june first. Rains bring welcome relief from heat and dust. By early july monsoon rains cover the whole of India. There are black and grey clouds in the sky and the sky is hardly visible. The drain is accompanied by thunder and lightning. Sometimes rain continues for days together and there are floods in many parts of the country. The tanks, pools, lakes and rivers are full and begin to overflow. The paths and place become muddy and sticky. It is the season cuckoo, papiha and such other birds delight the hearer. Plants and trees, bathed in rain water, look bright and the earth is covered with green grass. The farmers again become busy and there id a lit of activity in the fields. The diseases like malaria, dysentry, dengue etc. break out during this seasons. India being and agricultural country, much depends on rains. When rains are good and in plentry it augurs well for the country and people feel very happy.

As the autumn approaches, the clods disappear from the sky and temperatures begin to fall. During the period many kinds of trees shed their leaves. Autumn soon gives way to early winter and the weather becomes delightfully cool and comfortable. The seasons of autumn and early winter (Hemanta) are comparatively of shorter duration and soon the winter set in.

The winter season begins from the end of November and lasts till the middle of February. Gradually the temperature drops very low. People wear heavy warm cloths to protect themselves from dry cold winds. The days are short and nights long. The poor in Villages sit by fire to protect themselves from biting cold. It is the season of much activity and labour. Rich people enjoy dry fruits while the poor relish many types of sweets prepared with jaggery or raw sugar and sesamums seeds and peanuts. During this season wheat, barley, gram, mustard etc. are grown. It is also the season to enjoy dates, oranges, apples, hot coffee and tea. There are many types of vegetables at cheap rates available during winter. The digestion is good during winter and so people enjoy mulch eating and good rest at night.

Spring is the king of all seasons. It is the best season when the climate is very pleasant with cool breeze all around full of fragrance. The trees and plants put forth fresh leaves and there are flowers in plenty. Birds sing sweetly and butterflies are at their best. It is the season of colours, fragrance merry-making and enjoyment. It is also the season of the festival of colours- Holi. On this festival people throw coloured powder and water on each other and sing merrily in groups enjoying sweets and cold drinks. Saraswati Puja ils another important festival of the season.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kerala Kettuvallam is a house boat widely used in the Indian state of Kerala. These have thatched roof covers over wooden hulls. The traditional kettuvallam is mainly used for promoting Kerala tourism.

Etymology of Kettuvallam
In the Malayalam language “kettu” means tying and ?vallam? means country boat ? the two together make the local name “kettuvallam?. Each houseboat is constructed using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters using ?Anjali` wood. Coir ropes are used for tying the wooden boards together.

History of Houseboats of Kerala
Boats in a variety of shapes and sizes have traditionally been the main means of transport of men and materials in the Kerala Backwaters since olden days.In particular, the house boats were used to ship rice and spices and other goods between Kuttanad and the Cochin port. It was a three-day affair those days. A standard house boat, which could be about 100 feet long, can hold up to 30 tons, and that is as much as three big lorries can. For the royalty these boats even became comfortable living quarters.It was the important mode of transportation in coastal Kerala just because of its accessibility to the most remote areas. However, the scenario changed. Motorized road, rail and air transportation scored over the slow and staid country boat, with people opting for speed.

It took the vision and enterpreneurship of a couple of enterprising young men to refurbish one of these leviathans, hoisting on to it a wooden super-structure incorporating a huge bed room, a toilet, a kitchenette and an open balcony. The ancient houseboat with a modernized interior became a hot favourite with tourists. As the houseboats glide over the Kerala backwaters at a leisurely pace, the sights are new, the sounds are new, and every sensation is new every passing moment. The tourists, with foreigners in large numbers, have helped not only to revive the good old kettuvallams but even make it popular.

Kerala Backwater Tourism
Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors’ issue released just before the turn of the millennium.

The Hindu wrote, ?A cruise along the mirror-still lagoons, picture-book lakeside, palm-fringed canals and shimmering rivulets of `God’s Own Country’ is the most enchanting holidaying experience in the country. With a cruise along the palm-fringed waterways turning to be part and parcel of holidayers’ itinerary, the traditional kettuvallam has emerged as the mascot of Kerala Tourism.?

More than 400 kettuvallams ply the backwaters.Alappuzha is the citadel of house boats. There are some 120 of them, well maintained and perfected as luxury liners there. The house boats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel: well-furnished bedrooms, modern hygienic toilets, cosy living rooms, a beautiful kitchen and in some cases even a balcony for angling.The crew of a kettuvallam comprises two oarsmen and a cook.Fresh food, cooked in inimitable Kuttanadan style is the rage of the international tourists.

Tour operators have been coming out with innovative options. The Kannur District Tourism Council has launched a `Nadi Darshan’ (river viewing) programme in association with a private resort at Kattampalli as an initiative to popularise the kettuvallam for tourism promotion and as effort to let people know more about the Valapattanam River, one of the largest rivers in the region and the life stream of the district.

A sea-food eatery has been opened in a kettuvallam on Kaloor- Kadvanthra Road.

All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.