Thursday, April 15, 2010

Best Places to Viset in Kerala



Tourist Places in Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Trivandrum (official name Thiruvananthapuram), lying on the southwest coast of India, is the capital to the state of Kerala. The city extends from latitude 8°29' N to longitude 76°59' E. The place is well connected to most of the other major cities of India through rail, road, and air network.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kochi

In Cochin or Kochi, dawn is not often a thing of breathtaking beauty, but just a careless smear of tinted light where sea and sky unite. Daybreak is full of indeterminate promise. A slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbor mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move, ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala’s largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam is a small village on the western coast of India in the state of Kerala. Washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea, the place is almost equidistant from Alleppey and Quilon, both of which connect the Kerala backwaters. The place is connected by rail and road with other cities in the region as well as other parts of the country.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kottayam

The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kovalam

Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 10 km from the state capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is actually a combination of three small beaches. Among these, the southernmost beach, named Lighthouse Beach, is the most frequented beach in Kovalam. Earlier this beach of Kovalam was an anglers' paradise. It still has some small villages, just a few kilometres away, which belong to the fishing community. Gradually, this beach of Kovalam has been transformed to a tourist spot of great interest. Kovalam is an ideal place for a sunbath during the winter. Tourists to Kovalam can also experience the typical Kerala massage from the parlours available a few kilometers away along the Kovalam beaches.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Palakkad


The tourist destination of Palakkad known as the granary of Kerala is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (a tree Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kozhikode

Calicut or Kozhikode is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The district extends from latitude 11°15' N to 75°49' E. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and mesmeric peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the required ingredients to fascinate a tourist.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Munnar
Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan hills. It is famous for its lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Alappuzha
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites of India’s southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Kannur

Cannanore or more appropriately Kannur as it is known today is a place with a rich history right from the time of the Aryan migration. The word Kannur may have evolved from a village named Kannathur around which the modern town of Kannur grew. Or according to some it is a combination of Kannan (Lord Krishna), a deity in the Hindu pantheon and Ur meaning a place or an abode. With the advent of the Europeans, the name underwent yet another change - Cannanore!

Tourist Places in Kerala - Ponmudi

A mere one and a half hour’s road journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills. The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in Malayalam means golden crown.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Quilon


Quilon (also Kollam) is situated in the southwest corner of India in the state of Kerala. The district is encircled by Alappuzha in the north, Pathanamthitta in the northeast, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Tirunelveli (Tamilnadu) in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west. It extends latitude 9°28' and longitude 76°17' north.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Nilambur

Nilambur is a beautiful town in the Malappuram district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the Chaliyar River. It is at a distance of about 70 km from Calicut and 100 km from Ooty (Uddagamandalam). Nilambur is a small sleepy town has a surprise in store for its visitors.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Varkala

Varkala, a new destination in Kerala, is for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, foreigners started coming to the town about six years ago. The trend that started as a trickle became a steady flow within two years. Today, there is a constant stream of visitors. However, because of the area’s comparative inaccessibility, a large influx of ‘outsiders’ has not happened here. At the Varkala platform, there is no indication that this town is on many a tourist itinerary.

Tourist Places in Kerala - Amritapuri Ashram
At the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Amritapuri near Quilon, South Kerala, there is a beautiful temple that houses more than seven hundred full-time residents. The day dawns early in Amritapuri Ashram (monastery) located in the backwaters of Kerala. At 4.30 a.m. in the morning, most residents are up and begin to involve themselves on various activities.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Enticing Summer Tourist Places To Visit In India

India is a globally famous tourism destination. It attracts tourists through out the entire globe with its great tourism potential, picturesque tourist places and excellent tourist facilities. It is the country of diversity and many seasons. The beauty of this country can be enjoyed on every season in different ways and styles. Even during the scorching summer season, India attracts tourists with some of cool summer tourist places. Have a look at some of cool and enticing tourist destinations which are very popular in summer season.

Almost all regions of India have some of fascinating places which are worth visit on summer and ideal for summer vacations.

The western region of this country has picturesque destinations like Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Alibaug, Lonavala, Khandala, Ganapatipule, etc. Goa is a beautiful tourist state noted for its beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife, lush hills and many magnificent churches & convents. Traveler from all over the world head for Goa beaches in summer to spend their vacation. Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Lonavala and Khandala are picturesque hill towns in western India noted for cool and cheerful ambiance. These destinations are ideal for summer holidays in India.

The southern region has beautiful holiday spots and destinations like Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Ponmudi, Nagarhole, Mysore and Bangalore. These fascinating destinations are known summer holiday destinations in country known for cool and cheerful climate. Bangalore and Mysore are among top cities of India with lots of tourist attractions. Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal and Ponmudi are picturesque hill stations known for cool and healthy climate. Nagarhole is wonderful destination of wildlife tourism in southern India. These destinations are among top tourist places in India you will love to visit on your summer holidays in this country.

The northern region has picturesque hill stations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kashmir, Manali, Mussoorie, Shimla, Dalhousie, Ranikhet, Almora, etc. These hill stations are known for abundant nature beauty and cool & healthy climate. Jaipur, Corbett National Park, Rishikesh, and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are some other north Indian tourist places to visit in India. These fascinating destinations are very popular in summer.

The eastern region of India has beautiful tourist destination like Puri, Digha, Raichak, Shantiniketan, Kolkata, etc. Visiting these important places in eastern India would be a truly charming experience.

The northeastern region has fascination summer tourism destinations like Gangtok, Shillong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Pelling, Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park, etc. Excellent time to visit these destinations is summer. Darjeeling is also a favored honeymoon destination in northeastern region of India. Kaziranga National Park is noted for one-horned rhinos.

If you want to visit India during summer, I hope this article will help to plan your summer holidays in India. I will reveal information about some other destinations which are especially known for monsoon tourism or monsoon holidays in India.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Beaches of Goa

The beaches of Goa are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. The list below includes some of my favorite Goa beaches. You won't find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here - like Colva and Calangute beach - that are done to death in every Goa travel guide or information brochure. These are only the best beaches to visit, some a little off the beaten track.

Candolim Beach

Candolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach. There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.

Sinquerim Beach


Sinquerim beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. You can take a long walk from Sinquerim beach all the way up to Candolim beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.

Baga Beach

Baga is a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water's edge. There are few buses that come all the way to the beach's edge, but none after dark. It's a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport. Baga is really an extension of Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand.

Bambolim Beach

Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and the Goa University. The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cozy picnic.

You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula. A little off the road before Dona Paula just before the National Institute of Oceanography, is a restaurant called White House. It serves excellent seafood and has a view of the bay to die for.

Arambol Beach



Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain. Until recently Arambol was a favorite Goa beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to. The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot. There's a hot spring near the main beach that runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding.

Vagator Beach

Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife. The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you'll find the quiter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a fresh water pool. You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accomodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.

Benaulim Beach

My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog. But I also remember all of us - the entire family - feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises. The church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture. With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.

Palolem Beach

Palolem beach, situated in the Canacona district, is also known as "Paradise Beach". Until a few years back, it was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It is a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips. At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide.

Agonda Beach


Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there.

Mobor and Cavelossim Beaches

Cavelossim Beach is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boasts of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort. Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.