Wednesday, 28 May 2014

DIVINE LAKE OF DEVIKULAM, MUNNAR

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
Mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
www.kumaarholidays.com



Devikulam is a small hill station about 5 km from Munnar in the Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala in India. It is 1800 m above sea level.

Legend

The name Devikulam means:
Devi -> Seeta Devi and Kulam -> Pond

According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi of the Ramayana epic bathed in the beautiful Devikulam lake waters surrounded by lush, green hills, now named Sita Devi Lake.

The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. Most of the inhabitants in this town speak Malayalam and Tamil.

Nearby, are the scenic Pallivasal Waterfalls, dense, green tea plantations, and the natural vegetation of slim red, blue and yellow gum trees.


Population of approximately 350 people (2010)

The Lake & the Mountains 
will become your Landscape, 
your real world

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
Mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
www.kumaarholidays.com

BREATHTAKING BACKWATERS

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1.@gmail.com
Website: kumaarholidays.com

Backwaters are unique to Kerala, 1500 kilometers of beautiful network of  lakes, lagoons, canals and several rivers that flow into the Arabian sea. The Kerala backwaters are one of the largest fresh water sources along with the natural beauty. Even though Kerala has a large number of other tourist spots such as hill resorts, beach resorts and Ayurveda resorts, backwaters are more beautiful and chilling. Nowadays lot of tourists are interested in Kerala backwater tours. Let us discuss more about the major tourist places in Alleppey and how to explore Alleppey backwaters.

Kerala Backwater Regions


Vembanad backwater located in districts of Alleppey, Ernakulam and Kottayam is one of the beautiful backwater stretch in Kerala. It is because that Vembanadu is the largest lake in South Asia. The north of Vembanadu ends up in Arabian sea close to Cochin harbor with a view of small islands. Waves from the Arabian sea are calm which smoothens the navigation through  the Vembanadu Lake. And on the other side, southern part of Vembanadu is bounded with rich natural beauty. Backwater navigation is sandwiched between Alleppey and Kottayam districts. The southern Vembanadu is the hotspot of Kerala backwater tours.

Part of southern Vembanadu, Alapuzha has a large number of networks of canals and lagoons offering a variety of Alleppey backwaters packages for tourists. Alleppey is also famous for its below sea level farmlands like Kuttanad (‘granary of Kerala’).  The farmers there at Kuttanad prevented the flow of sea water to farmlands by creating mud bars and lagoon strip. These  features make Alleppey one of the important tourist destinations in India. Apart from Alleppey Backwater tours, Alleppey is the venue of famous boat race Nehru Trophy (held at Punnamda Lake). Alleppey also connects Kumarakom (Kottayam district) towards North and Kolllam to the South. Alleppey backwaters and wetlands also host thousands of migrant birds every year.
 

Other tourist place in  Alleppey includes Alleppey beach, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Mannarasala Temple, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Mullakkal Temple, Edathua Church, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church (oldest Anglican church in Kerala) and Champakulam Valia Palli, Krishnapuram Palace and Ambalappuzha Payasam is another dessert which Alleppey is famous for.


Kerala Houseboats (kettuvallams) in the Alleppey Backwaters are other major tourists attractions in Kerala. Government of Kerala has classified tourist houseboats as Platinum, Gold and Silver.  ToursToKerala provides different options to explore the backwaters . The major thing is houseboats itself. Other than that , canoes / punting boat , motor boat , Shikkara boat etc are also popular.

1 :- Canoes – Canoes are small boats which is having the capacity to carry maximum 10 members and it will be moving with the man power only. Almost all the backwater houses will own a small canoe for their transportation purpose.
2 :- Shikkara – Shkkara boats are well known in Kashmir area and is one of the best options to experience the real backwaters. This is also small in size and having a capacity of maximum 10 members. This will be having an outboard engine.

COME AND ENTER ANOTHER 
DIMENSION OF LIFE

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1.@gmail.com
Website: kumaarholidays.com

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

SILVER SAND KOVALAM

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai - 600087.
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

Hippies of 1960s were the first to find the beauty of this fisher folk village. Through their songs, spread the fame of Kovalam in the world. Today Kovalam beach is the favorite getaway place for tourists from across Europe, America. Not only foreigners but also people from north India, school and college picnic groups from neighboring states spend their time merrily on the silver sands of Kovalam.
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is also known as the paradise of the south. 

Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.
 

Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach
  • Lighthouse Beach
The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory here. Its intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm
  • Hawah Beach
Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
  • Samudra Beach
A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.
Detour past Kovalam junction to land on Samudra Beach which is to the north of Ashoka Beach. One has the option to walk along the sea-wall too.The sight of the waves lashing on the rocks below is awesome. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.
The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach.

Tourist Attractions:  

There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam. Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists




The Cure for Anything is 
SALT WATER
Sweat, Tears or
THE SEA

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai - 600087.
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

STIMULATING SEVEN - Adventurous Things to do in Kerala

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 /93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
Website: www.kumaarholidays.com



The magnetic beauty of the majestic mountains donning the Western Ghats and the emerald blue-green waters of the Arabian Sea blending in a kind of exotic harmony with the natural forests and their amazing flora and fauna invite millions of people to Kerala. This perfect setting lures adventure enthusiasts to indulge in adrenaline-driven activities.

Here lets take a look at 7 adventure activities that you can do while visiting Kerala

Bamboo Rafting along the Rivers
 
If you are a nature lover to the core, then you wouldn’t want to miss the Bamboo rafting at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady. This unique eco-tourism program allows you to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the forests where you travel lightly in the bamboo, watch the arboreal animals and enjoy the sweet performance of the birds. You can traverse through many of the forest areas when you raft, and most of the time, this can be arranged from early morning and goes on for 9 hours.  The same can be enjoyed at Wayanad too!

Canoeing and Kayaking
If you are intent on experiencing the culture of Kerala at close quarters, then you can go on kayaking and canoeing. Different kinds of kayaking opportunities are available for visitors and you can choose from among them. The incomparable beauty of the backwaters and mesmerizing dense foliage beyond it can be enjoyed through a kayak tour.

Mountain Climbing
 If you are keen on mountain climbing, there are some spots where you can enjoy the sport.  Chembra Peak in Wayanad is a popular point for mountain climbing. It will take you one fullday to climb the mountain and you need to protect yourself with sun blocks and mosquito repellents while climbing. Of course, snacks and water are other must-carry items. The climb can be steep, rough, and you will have to suffer through mist obstructing the view.

Trekking
You can go into the forests at Thekkady and walk along the tiger trail. There will be expert guides to help you spot the other animals and a walk along the dense forests with comfortable,  camouflaging clothes is certainly inspiring. You can even cook in the jungle, enjoy a simple meal, sleep in the tent and if lucky, you can certainly spot a tiger. Trekking will certainly give you a taste of the mysterious forests of Kerala; but try as you might, you cannot crack the mystery… it still eludes you.

Living in a Tree-House
This is one of the most out of the world experience of staying in this enchanting land. You can stay at the tree-houses where you can actually see for miles and spot the different animals from the vantage point. Elephants, tigers, leopards, pigs, wild boar, bears and plenty of other animals may walk right below your tree-house. Get acquainted with the majestic beauty of Kerala forests and observe the subtle, yet myriad aspects of the forest life right from your tree house.
This facility is offered at many resorts in Kerala, and of course, it will be a lifetime experience because you can listen to the chirping of the various birds in the morning, enjoy the sun’s rays peeping through the dense trees and the rhythmic hum of the beetles in the evening.

The Treadmill Workout
Of course, this is not the kind of workout that you do at your gym. You see this traditional ‘treadmill’ in the paddy fields of Kerala. If the farmer allows you, can try pedaling on the treadmill; the main function of this treadmill is to irrigate the paddy fields. It is going to be a whole lot of fun, and you can get your muscles toned too.

Wildlife Safari
Living in a tree house will give you a ringside view of the forests, but going on a wildlife safari will definitely take you beyond all that. The biodiversity of the country and the amazing flora and fauna will invoke a deep sense of resoluteness in you, and through that you will realize the importance of protecting the natural beauty, without which, mankind will be extinguished like the snuff of a candle. Both day and nocturnal safaris are available to tourists.

Kerala is beautiful in every sense of the word, and there are plenty of interesting places to see as well. Apart from the adventurous activities mentioned above, you can also enjoy elephant rides  (which is indeed adventurous for me!) and also take part in elephant processions conducted during temple festivals.

There are many more options like Paragliding, Sea Surfing, Scuba Diving, Biking…Well, for adventure enthusiasts, sky is the limit for venting out their creative energy in Kerala!

LEARN 
From Yesterday

LIVE
For Today

HOPE
For Tomorrow 

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 /93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
Website: www.kumaarholidays.com


Thursday, 1 May 2014

RELAX - ENJOY... LIVE!!! WINNING WATERFALLS OF MUNNAR

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No.42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087.
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com
Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

Attukkal Waterfalls

Attukal Waterfalls of the hill station of Munnar, located about 9 km from the town centre, is a famous spot frequented by both tourists as well as natives.

Attukal Waterfalls, situated in between Munnar and Pallivasal, is an idyllic spot surrounded by verdant rolling hills. This is a favourite location for trekkers. Attukal Waterfalls gathers its real beauty soon after the monsoon months of June, July and August.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls


Cheeyappara Waterfalls is a famous destination of tourists visiting Munnar. Munnar, known as Swiss of South India, has a varying terrestrial terrain that consists of water cascades, rolling hills, verdant valleys, dense forests and tea, coffee and spice plantations.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls is one among the many waterfalls of Munnar, which is located at a distance of about 38 km from the town centre. This waterfall is situated in between Adimali and Neriamangalam, adjacent to Munnar to Kochi Highway (NH 49).

Cheeyappara Waterfalls is considered among the best waterfalls in the State of Kerala. Cheeyappara Waterfalls runs down from a rocky slope in seven steps. The waterfalls gain its beauty during and after monsoon months of June, July and August and it becomes impossible to reach the bottom of the falls. The water of Cheeyappara Waterfalls does not dry up even in summer months.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls is in the vicinity of 2 acres of evergreen forests which are situated atop a huge rock. Cheeyappara often becomes base camp for trekkers and for the ones who go on nature walks in to these forests. The rock, which is more than 500 acres, is a favourite spot of mountaineers.
About Power House Falls
Power House Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction in the hill resort of Munnar of Kerala. It is located on the way to Periyar wildlife Sanctuary of Thekkady from Munnar. This is a scenic spot at a distance of 18 km from Munnar town.

The location of Power House Waterfalls is surrounded by lush green hill ranges of Western Ghats. Power House Waterfalls is a cascade that runs down from a height of about 2000 m from steep rocks.

The natives of Munnar believe that the water of Power House Waterfalls has strong healing property.  It is believed that the cool water of this waterfalls originate from Sita Devi Lake of Devikulam. As per folklore, Sita Devi, of the epic Ramayana, took a bath in this lake which imparted healing property to the lake.
 
Lakkam Water Falls


Lakkam Waterfalls is situated in Lakkam, nearby Vagavurai Estate, on the way to Marayoor from Munnar. It is situated amidst wilderness and it is about a 5 minute drive from Munnar- Marayoor road.

The adjoining Vagavurai valley adds up the beauty of Lakkam Waterfalls making it a perfect place for photography. Vagavurai valley is so named due to the abundance of ‘Vaga’ trees. When the trees are in full bloom the whole of Vagavurai valley is seen covered in bright red.
 
Thoovanam Falls

Located within the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thoovanam Falls is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of nature. This waterfall originates from the river Pambar and flows through the sanctuary attracting a lot of nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
The trekking trail to Thoovanam Falls begins at the Alampatty forest station from where tickets for the trek have to be purchased. Being a protected sanctuary, trekking without an entry ticket and guide is not permitted. It takes about an hour to reach the base of the water falls.
The trek to the waterfalls is a wonderful experience for people who enjoy wild life as one gets to see wild animals like langurs, elephants, giant malabar squirrel and a variety of rare flora. For the not so adventurous, the view of the falls from the sanctuary is in itself breathtaking.
Thoovanam Falls can be visited at any time of the year, but the sight of the falls right after monsoon is a treat.
Situated at a distance of about 18 km from Marayoor, Thoovanam Falls is easily reachable. One can also visit the largest natural sandalwood forests and the ancient burial sites known as Muniyara Dolmens, both at Marayoor, while visiting the falls.

Thommankuthu Falls


Thommankuthu Falls is a beautiful waterfall located at a distance of 17 km from Thodupuzha. The waterfall gets its name from Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel who discovered this waterfall in the 1920s.
A beautiful seven-step waterfall amidst verdant foliage, this is a perfect place to spend time in the lap of nature. The waterfall plunges down in seven steps with a cascade and pool at each level. The difference between the first and the last waterfall is around 500 m.
A walk through the forest near the falls will allow the visitor to savor the wild beauty of forest and stream. If you are looking for an adventurous vacation, this waterfall offers all the adventure you can handle. This is the best place to try adventure sports like river crossing and trekking. Trekking enthusiasts keep flocking here to try their hands at the various trekking trails, the most popular one being the trek to Thoppimudi view point.
One can also visit Plapothu Caves which is situated near the falls. A small trek of 500 m will take to another water fall, Ezhunilakuthu waterfall.
Being part of a forest reserve, the entry time is limited from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.


Nyayamkadu Waterfalls


Nyayamkadu Waterfalls of Munnar is a famous tourist spot frequented all through the year. It is located about 10 km from Munnar town on the way to Rajamalai.

Nyayamkadu is a scenic location with beautiful waterfalls surrounded by verdant vegetation. The water cascade at Nyayamkadu runs down from a hill with a height of 1600 m and fall to a pool. The waterfalls are at its best after the monsoon months of June, July and September.

Tourists visiting Nyayamkadu also take a nature walk up to Nyayamakad Gap to have a panoramic view of Munnar valley covered with dense tea plantations. Nyayamkadu is also the base camp for the trek to the dense forests of Munnar.

Nature lovers visiting Nyayamkadu often stroll around the place and explore the wilderness and the beauty of Munnar.
 


Pallivasal Falls


Pallivasal Falls is a small yet popular waterfall in Devikulam and is located at a distance of around 8 km from Munnar town. It is situated in proximity to Sita Devi Lake, yet another attraction in Devikulam. The waterfall offers an excellent spot for picnicking and sightseeing and travelers who want a day away from the buzzing madness of cities will find this place an ideal location. Travelers can spend their time in tranquility revamping themselves.
Pallivasal is a village in Idukki district and has gathered recognition from all over the country as the venue for the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala. The village is easily accessible from Munnar and is surrounded by other attractions. Travelers can club together their visits to the Sita Devi Lake and Pallivasal Falls and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature to its fullest.


Keezharkuthu waterfall, also called Rainbow falls, is situated in Idukki District, about 25 kilometres from the town of Thodupuzha. 


Keezharkuthu Waterfalls


Keezharkuthu waterfall, cascade down from a height of 200 ft. Set amidst verdant foliage, it flows down a tall rock, 1500 metres above sea level. The thunderous waterfall never dries up, so can be visited during dry season as well. The surrounding pristine forests of Kaithappara hills are home to several medicinal plants.

Visiting Keezharkuthu can absorb the entire day. It is a day well spent getting lost in refreshing sights and smells under the canopy of large trees.

LET OUR EYES FOREVER BEHOLD THE
 BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATION



KUMAAR HOLIDAYS
No.42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road
Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087.
Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000
E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

Website: www.kumaarholidays.com