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Kumarakom

Kumarakom is situated near the Kottayam district of Kerala, is marked with the presence of the backwaters that traverse the land throughout the region. And this small village is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and a part of the Kuttanad region. Major part of this place was reclaimed from Lake Vembanad, by using the sand from the lake. Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things is set in the backdrop of Aymanam village in Kumarakom

Environment
The lake water runs throughout the region as brooks, canals and pools. The merging of water, aquatic life, vegetation and bird species makes up the charm of Kumarakom. It’s soil is extremely fertile due to the proximity of the water source, this has resulted in the growth of a wide variety of flora, especially the mangrove and coconut trees. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is at the northern border and it is only 4 km from Kumarakom Govt Boat Jetty. There are 180 species of birds are found in the sanctuary. The story of the bird sanctuary begins in the year 1847, when Mr. Alfred George Baker started developing a vast area of Vembanad Lake shore at Kumarakom. He planted Mangrove bushes and created a green belt on the lake shore to protect his land and crops. He also kept an area of about ten acres of land with mangroves to accommodate local as well as migratory birds coming from far off regions. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the ‘Karimeen’ (Pearl Spotted Fish), the Prawns and the Tiger Prawns.

Agriculture
Though a large variety of vegetables are cultivated in the village, paddy fields cover almost half of the total area. Rice cultivation here is laborious including many steps such as draining the fields and creating bunds. The farmers, who make it a point to use environment-friendly methods, have an integrated approach to cultivation and livestock farming. This helps them to reduce risks. The bulk of the land area is planted with Coconut, Rice and the other important crops grown are Banana, Vegetables, Garcinia, Clove, Nutmeg, Cocoa, Pepper and Fodder grass.

Boats and Kumarakom Boat Race
Kumarakom backwater can be referred as the most beautiful of all backwater destinations in Kerala without any doubt. It is a rapidly developing backwater region, especially for tourism. It is very famous for Boat clubs and the Boat Races. Sree Narayana Jayanthi Public Boat Race and Kavanattinkara Public boat Race are held during Onam Festival. More over there is Kottayam Boat Race is also held every year during this time. Many types of Boats including Snake Boats participate in the race. Kumarakom Boat Club and Kumarakom Town Boat Club are the most popular Boat Clubs, in Kerala which won many trophies in many boat races and also they got the Nehru Trophy for the Snake Boat Race held every year in Alappuzha ,consecutively for many times. For tourists the best activity to indulge in is boat exploration. The sojourn in a house boat is one of the best ideas at Kumarakom. Every year thousands of tourists hire house boats and expedite the regions in and around Kumarakom. The house boat expeditions is the best Kumarakom has to offer.

Kumarakom Backwater Tourism
Dwelling in the houseboats on Kumarakom backwater will surely give you the best ever travelling experience. Standing on the balcony and watching the migratory birds taking flight in a flock or the native Kingfisher in search of food will be the most enthralling moment. There are enticing backwater resorts located situated on the lake reflect the colors of joy and tranquility and are the preferred ones by the tourists Some known hotels of Kumarakom include Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Lake Palace Resorts, Taj Garden Retreat, Backwater Ripples

How to Reach
The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport. The airport is about 76 kms from Kottayam. From Kottayam the place is only 16 kms. One can also reach Kottayam by a train and from there on a number of facilities are available to Kumarakom. Boat and ferry rides are available from places like Aleppey and Quilon.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the place is between August and September while you can witness Boat Races.
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Mullaperiyar Dam

In 1895, Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed over the source of the Periyar River in Kerala. The Periyar National Park is located around the backwaters of this dam. During the rule of the British in India a 999-year lease was made and accordingly, the Government of Tamil Nadu has been operating the dam. The dam has since then been a major source irrigation for the agricultural belt of central Tamil Nadu districts.

After Indian independence, the area surrounding the location of the dam was merged with Kerala State. Tamil Nadu used the water from the Mullaperiyar Dam and river Periyar for extending irrigation requirements and later for power generation on the basis of unofficial agreements between the governments of the two states.

Dam was built during the colonial rule to redirect the waters of the west-flowing Periyar River eastwards, through the construction of a granite dam, and channelized the water to Theni, Madurai District, Sivaganga District and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu.

Water is brought through a 1.6 km long tunnel till the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border and then flows through open canals to Churuliyar river which feeds the Vaigai dam in Tamil Nadu. From there a network of canals take the water to the fields.

The two states have been arguing about the Mullaperiyar dam and the government of Tamil Nadu has proposed an increase in the storage level of the dam from the currently maintained 136 feet to 142 feet. Kerala is asking for the construction of a new dam saying that the existing structure had outlived its safety and longevity. Kerala also cited the safety of the people of the state can be in danger from the existing high-risk structure.

The Lethal Water Bombs, a 21-minute documentary about Mullaperiyar dam, directed by Sohan Roy, a naval architect by profession, is an eye opener for considering construction of a new dam. It has been declared best documentary (Short) by the Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood Spring 2011. The documentary highlights the need for a secured future for those people who spend sleepless nights afraid of a possible dam collapse.

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More On Mullaperiyar Dam
Save Mullapperiyar Save Kerala from a water bomb

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Muziris – Cultural and Heritage tourism destination in Kerala

Archaeological excavation reveals that, Muziris, an ancient port city believed to have existed, so close to the spot where the river Periyar joins the Arabian sea. It is now a cultural and Heritage tourism destination in Kerala. The place ‘Pattanam’ in North Paravur, some distance away from Kodungalloor is considered to be the location of Muziris.

Muziris is believed to have key trade links with Romans and Jews and was referred as ‘Muchiri’ in ancient Sangam literature, Indo-Roman travelogues and Graeco-Roman accounts. The name Pattanam is the abbreviation of what was originally Muchiripattanam.

The Muziris Heritage Project, an initiative by Kerala tourism, a tourism and heritage-conservation scheme linking monuments in the area surrounding the 3,000-year-old Muziris port. Government of Kerala has initiated this ambitious project to protect the historical heritage of the Kodungallur-Paravur region. The project also envisages features such as interactive museums, visitor centres, a virtual reconstruction centre, facilities to travel by boat on the River Periyar to various monuments, cycle tours of the area and circuit tours, to name a few.

Brick architectural remains, large Roman storage jars used in ancient times to transport articles like wine and olive oil, West Asian and Arabian pottery, Roman jewellery, glass beads and various copper objects are among the articles unearthed from Pattanam so far. Christianity may have been introduced to the sub-continent through Muziris.

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Munnar

Endowed with exotic flora and fauna, surrounded with green carpet of manicured tea gardens, Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with the laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing colonial air makes it the most sought-after destinations and is a favorite spot for honeymooners.

Munnar lies in Idukki district, at the confluence of three mountain rivers. The rivers; Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet in the center of the town. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak, at 2695 m.

It was once a sleepy little hamlet, until Scottish planters discovered it. Later the British who ruled India, developed it more into one of southern India’s most important centers for the cultivation of tea, coffee and spices. They made it their summer hideout because of the cooler climate and the mesmerizing mountain scenery. Munnar is sometimes called the ‘Switzerland of India’.

Catering to the millions of tourists who want to savor this magnificent hill station, many hotels and resorts have sprung up in Munnar. Munnar hotels offer high class accommodation facilities and its staff render endearing quality service round the clock.

The cuisine Munnar Hotels offer is highly delicious and of almost all standard varieties from continental to Chinese and Thai. The warmth and hospitality one gets from hotels in Munnar makes the stay truly unforgettable.

Munnar offers a lot to explore the mountains, the streams, the waterfalls, valleys, the colonial bungalows, the wildlife sanctuaries, the hamlets, the flora and fauna and more. Apart from the scenic beauties, Munnar is a great place for trekking and picnicking. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour once in twelve years.

Munnar Attractions

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park located twelve kilometer from Munnar holds the largest sustainable number of Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species. The park is also haven of several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds.

Anamudi Peak

Anamudi Peak is about thirteen kilometers away from Munnar. It is the highest mountain of Kerala and treks are allowed with permission from authorities.

Mattupetty

Mattupetty also of the same distance from Munnar and situated one thousand and seven hundred meters above sea level, it is home to a storage stone dam and lake, in which one can take a boat ride enjoying the hillside and valley surrounding. Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo- Swiss dairy farm with a swarm of variety high yielding breeds of cows.

Attukal Waterfalls

Attukal Waterfalls offer uninterrupted panoramic view of waterfalls and verdant hills and is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. This place is an ideal choice if you plan to go for long trekks.

Marayoor

Marayoor terrain is specked with wave like mountains, rain and deciduous forests, riverbank forests, paddy fields, waterfalls, rugged rocky hills, shoals, hamlets, brooks and hamlets and so on and so forth. Marayoor, meaning “hidden land“ has its roots in Tamil and Malayalam language.

Top Station

Top station is located amidst scenic surroundings on the border of Kerala (Idukki) and Tamil Nadu (Theni), at an elevation of 1,700 mts. Top Station was a transshipment point for delivery of tea from Munnar to Bodinayakkanur.

Devikulam

Devikulam is an idyllic hill station and the most sought-after among the tourist attractions of Munnar featuring sprawling lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cold mountain air. The most famous spot of Devikulam is the Sita Devi Lake which is ideal for trout fishing.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 18 km north of Marayoor in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Devikulam Taluk in the Idukki District of Kerala state in South India.

Pallivasal

Pallivasal is the venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty, situated at a distance of 8 km from Munnar.

Pothamedu

Green hills surrounding this beautiful little village refresh you on your visit to Pothamedu. The place is known for its cardamom, coffee and tea plantations. Green hills surround the village. Pothamedu is about 6 kilometers from Munnar.

Travel Information

By Air: Nearest airports are at Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery (103 km) and Madurai (162 km).

By Rail: Nearest railway stations are at Kochi(Ernakulam Jn. 126 km), Aluva (105 km), and Kottayam (139 km).

By Road: The place is well connected by a well developed network of road transport.

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Kovalam – Paradise for Tourists

Kovalam is located in the district of Thiruvananthapuram. It claims high tourist footfalls every year between September and March and is probably, the most celebrated tourist destination of God’s Own Country. The word ‘Kovalam’ in Malayalam stands for ‘a groove of coconut trees’. Kovalam was a cluster of small fishing villages during the pre-Independence era that belonged to the State of Travancore. The earlier history of Kovalam is very obscure. The town of Kovalam came to the lime light during the reign of the Maharaja of Travancore in the 1930s.

The Maharaja of Travancore was so impressed by the beauty of the place that he used the beaches of Kovalam for his leisure time. He also invited his European friends over to this place and they made the place popular.

Kovalam consists of crescent shaped sandy beaches. The three beaches of Kovalam – Lighthouse, Samudra, and Hawah (Eve’s beach) – are separated from each other by rocky shores. A shallow-water-stretch that extends to about 1 km from the land makes it ideal for swimming.

With the rise in tourism, there has been a great development in the infrastructure and hospitality industry at Kovalam. The healthcare industry has also greatly flourished in the region with special reference to a branch in natural therapy, Ayurveda.

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and calamari are the fresh catch  from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlors, yoga centers and water  sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

Access : The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Nearest Metropolitan City is Thiruvananthapuram – 16 km Regular buses ply to Kovalam from the City Bus Stand at ‘East Fort’, Thiruvananthapuram.

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Athirappilly Waterfalls – Athirappilly – Vazhachal area visual extravagance to visitors

Wild and beautiful, the waterfall of Athirappilly also known as Indian Niagara Falls is perched high above in the Sholayar rain forest ranges, located 78 kms from Kochi. It is situated on the Chalakudy river, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats They come falling down from a height of 80 feet. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls , are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India’s highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur.

The scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls presents a spectacular visual extravagance to visitors. Many Indian film makers chose Athirappilly as their location because of the scenic beauty of this place.

Athirappilly – Vazhachal area in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala hosts a unique ecosystem of evergreen, riverine forests intermingled with Myristica swamps. This ecosystem supports a large number of endemic, rare, threatened and endangered species of plants and animals.

Athirappilly forests is one among the five territorial ranges of Vazhachal Forest Division, the others being Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar. The Athirappilly Forest Ranges is also the natural habitat of species like the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar and lion-tailed macaque.

Athirappilly is located at a distance of 63 km from Thrissur and 30 km from Chalakudy, on State Highway 21. The vicinity of Athirappilly to Coimbatore and Ernakulam makes it a popular holiday destination. September to February is the best time to visit Athirappilly

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Kuttanadu

Kuttanadu spans over Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

Kuttanadu, a picturesque village in Alappuzha district , is dotted with coconut trees and paddy fields.  It is called as Rice bowl of Kerala. Farming is carried out below sea level in this lowest altitude region . Kuttanad is the low altitude region in Kerala. Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region.

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Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu – playground of breeze and famous for wind farms, is in the Idukki district, located  about 15 km from Nedumkandom on the Munnar-Thekkady route. It is in the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu providing enchanting views of small townships and adjoining fields surrounded by mountains in Tamil Nadu. It is more amazing to see the fully lighted Tamilnadu villages in the dusk from the hilltop, gives you a feeling that there is festival of lights in the forest or all stars are on the ground. Ramakkalmedu is a must visit hill station in Kerala  as it is one of the highest mountain ranges of Kerala with a height of 3500 ft above sea level.

In the word Ramakkalmedu, Rama denotes to Lord Ram, Kal means Rock and  medu  means land with hills and mountains. It is said to be believed that Lord Rama set his foot on the Ramakkal hilltop to search Seeta when she was abducted by Ravana. Hence Ramakkalmedu means where Rama kept his leg.

Ramakkalmedu became famous when wind energy farms were set up here. Ramakkalmedu experience is very unique because one can feel the gush and fury of winds which is blowing at a speed around 35 km per hour. Fresh wind constantly blows here irrespective of season and time. You will have to experience the mountain air to understand how much it will rejuvenate you.  You can see the wind mills set up here to harness the wind energy.

The scenic beauty and misty mountains of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people including Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. Di Caprio after visiting this place commented that “If there is a paradise on earth, it is here”.

Abudant in wind, Ramakkalmedu is the most windy place in South India.

The twin hills of Ramakkalmedu offers good trekking  and adventurous experience.  It is an ideal place for paragliding. One is the  hill with the Ramakkal rock gives breath taking views of Tamilnadu township and their cultivation. The other is the hill where Kuravan-Kurathi statue is constructed. C.B. Jinan of Balaramapuram is the architect of this famous statue. There is a resting place behind this statue.

From November to February it’s like a paradise with beautiful sunshine. Avoid climbing when it is moist, or during the rains, as there are some really steep stretches. But rain gives the forest and mountain more colour and beauty. Being high altitude , you will feel clouds are so near to you and eager to touch it.

Ramakkalmedu is not yet commercialized and explored so still it keeps the calm atmosphere,virginity and tranquility of the place.

Attractions around Ramakkalmedu – Periyar Tiger Forest of Thekkady, Munnar hill station, Kuttikanam and Parunthumpara and spice plantations and rich wildlife

How to Reach

  • Ramakkalmedu:- 16 Kms from Nedumkandom a place in Thekkady- Munnar road.
  • 75 Kms from Munnar  hillstation
  • 45 kms from Thekkady

Nearest Railway station : Changanacherry (93 km)

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