Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The popular boat race in thesecond Saturday of August every year

at the Vembanad lake and is the most

important tourist event of Alappuzha.

Boats sponsored by different villages

compete fiercely in the competition.

The highlight of this prestigious event

is “Chundan Vallam", the 130 feet

long snake boats, with over 100

rowers, 4 helmsman and 25 cheer

leaders decorated with colourful silk

umbrellas. Thousands of spectators

from all over the world watch avidly

from the banks. Tickets for the race

are available on the day from

numerous ticket stands on the way to

the lake where race is held. The race is

also held during the tourist season on

the third day of the Great Elephant March in mind January, and is called as ' Tourism Snakeboat Race'

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Siruvani

Siruvani

The Siruvani dam and reservoir is a major picnic spot located in the Kalladikodan hill ranges in Palakkad.The Siruvani reservoir was built by the Kerala Government with the purpose of meeting the drinking water requirements of the city of Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu).The water isrefreshing and the surrounding forest area boasts of wonderful trekking trails.Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.The Siruvani River is a river near Coimbatore, India.It is tributary of Bhavani river,  which in turn is a tributary of Kaveri.Part of the Siruvani River is near Mannarkkad in the Indian District of Palakkad, Kerala.The river leads into two big tourist attractions in Southern India, namely, the Siruvani Dam and the Siruvani Waterfalls.The dam is also near The Banan Fort.Banan Fort and the Siruvani Dam, are 15 to 25 kilometres (9 to 16 mi) west of Coimbatore city.The river has a village named after it, or possibly vice versa.

VELLI LAGOON

Velli lagoon

VELLI LAGOON

VELLI LAGOON

Veli Lagoon a haven of peace and beauty a place of unique charm

where the lake merges with the sea. And man has transformed it into an

ideal picnic spot with sand, grass and foliage.

The main attraction at Veli is a large inland lake, separated from

the ocean by only a narrow sandbar. For a small fee, rides can be had in

motor-driven safari launches and power boats or a family can drift about

in a pedal boat or a row boat. While skimming over the lake, visitors will

see local fishermen repairing their boats, working on their nets or poling

sand-laden barges.

The grounds are dotted with interesting climbing sculptures designed

by well-known sculptor Kanai Kunhiraman.

There are pony rides and an open air theatre. This theatre serves as

centre for cultural performances and, with the ocean as the backdrop

provides the setting for an annual arts festival. There is a floating bridge,

and a floating restaurant too.

VELLI LAGOON

Kollukumalai

Kollukumalai

Kollukumalai

Kollukumalai offers its visitors a chance to enjoy a cup of tea at the highest plantation in the world.Here, one can enjoy a wonderful view of the lovely Munnar valley below.At about 7900 ft above sea level, we even get glimpses of the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu.A walk through these hills is every trekker's dream.The aroma of tea with mist covered peaks in the background make for a riveting sight.
Kolukkumalai offers its visitors excellent views of Tamil Nadu's green plains which lie alongside Kerala's towering hills. The visitors can take a stroll down a relatively narrow and steep pathway which leads to the plains. Kolukkumalai is suited for families wanting a peaceful and relaxing vacation. This haven in Munnar is best known for its misty valleys, colonial bungalows and tea plantations that extend in every direction.
A guided tour of the tea factory gives one rare insight into their methods of tea production that have not changed for decades.Housed in a two-storied building with wooden interiors, tea is processed in the traditional method, which is different from the more popular CTC method (crush-tear-curl method).One can enjoy a variety of flavours here and buy fresh packets from the attached shop.There are different varieties to choose from like the Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) and the Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP).The hill top is accessible only by jeep and is 38km from Munnar town.The panoramic view makes the entire journey absolutely worthwhile.

Kollukumalai

Chembra peak

Chembra peak

Chembra peak

Situated 2100 m above sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad district and lives up to its billing of being a picturesque location as the route to the peak is past waterfalls and lush greenery.Chembra has managed to maintain its pristine nature over the years, and many exotic species of rare flora and fauna can be seen here.It is a prime spot for trekking and guided tours are available and necessary to make the climb.           Experience a challenging and adrenaline induced trek to the top of the formidable Chembra Peak, located near the heart shaped Chembra Lake in Wayanad.Considered to be quite the adventurous climb, you can reach the top of the peak within two hours of trekking through the dense forests and grasslands.This amazing trek will be expected to begin around mid-morning and you will get to ascend rugged terrains to reach the lake by late morning.The trail is steep and has panoramic views of the lovely hills that adorn the green forested landscape of Wayanad.Currently, it is not possible to trek till the summit because of restrictions imposed by the forest department. You can start the trek from a slightly lower point, and go until the lake presently.

Chembra peak,

Bonacaud trivandrum Kerala

Bonacaud trivandrum Kerala

Bonacaud

Bonacaud is the base station of the famous peak, Agasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills.The Agasthya hill range is famous for its abundance of rare herbs and medicinal plants.There is a tea estate in Bonacaud, established by Britishers.The hill resort Ponmudi is near to Bonacaud.Spread over an area of 2500 acres of valleys, waterfalls and hills, Bonacaud is the base station for exploring the well-known Agasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills of the Western Ghats.The small road leading to this green haven opens up a variety of exciting experiences.The thick green wilderness of this place will very soon colonize all recesses of your mindscape.En route, you may also check out the Vithura Jersey farm and the beautiful Vazhvanthol waterfalls near the forest check-post

Bonacaud

Vazhvanthol waterfalls

Vazhvanthol waterfalls

Vazhvanthol waterfalls

Vazhvanthol waterfalls is located near Vithura, 

 Are you looking for a break from your hectic work schedule? If so, Vazhvanthol would be a perfect spot for rejuvenation and relief. The Vazhvanthol waterfall is only 45 KM from Trivandrum city, in the Bonacaud region.

The main attraction of this place is its easy accessibility combined with its sheer beauty and calmness. From Trivandrum one need to travel via Nedumangad, Chullimanoor, Vithura, Bonacaud road, by taking right deviation after Vithura.

From Vithura, take Bonacaud route, after 10-12 km, there is a forest check post near Kanithadam. This is the same check post for the Bonafalls and agastyaarkoodam. You can proceed further for around one km from the check post in your vehicle and need to walk 2.2 KM through the forest after the parking slot near the settlement area. It will take about one to one and half hours, depending on your ability, to reach out the blistering waterfalls deep inside the forest

Vazhvanthol waterfalls

Palaruvi waterfalls

Palaruvi waterfalls

Palaruvi waterfalls

With the monsoon restoring its legendary milky flow, the Palaruvi waterfalls nestled inside the thick forests near Aryankavu here is once again attracting visitors..Palaruvi waterfalls is the 32nd highest waterfalls in India.Located in the sleepy village of Aryankavu in the district of Kollam,Palaruvi falls is a popular tourist destination.The milky waters cascading down the rocks is an astounding sight that captures the eyes and hearts of the visitors.The refreshingly cool waters of the falls, the remote setting, and the rustic charm of the surrounding village offeran exhilarating experience to tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded city life.Palaruvi falls is one of the most beautiful scenic spot in Kollam.At a distance of 81 km from Kollam, 29 kms from Tenkasi & 86 km from Trivandrum, Palaruvi Waterfalls are wonderful waterfalls located on Kollam - Tenkasi road, at a distance of 11 Kms from Thenmala Dam on Kerala -Tamil Nadu border.

Palaruvi waterfalls

Thenmala Ecotourism

Thenmala Ecotourism

Thenmala Ecotourism

Thenmala is India's first planned Eco-tourism destination and was selected by the World Tourism Organisation as a premier eco-friendly project.A visit to Thenmala includes the Nakshatravanam, a nursery of trees considered to be sacred to the 27 constellations.People throng to thisgrove to take home saplings of the tree related to their birth star.Managed by Thenmala Eco-Tourism Promotional Society, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, Thenmala Eco-tourism is a unique destination from a visitors point of view.It has equal opportunities for fun, adventure, leisure and for learning the significance andnecessity of eco-friendly measures for promoting tourism related activities.This premiere eco-tourism destination, is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning.

Thenmala Ecotourism

Varkkala

Varkkala

Varkkala

Varkala is a tiny hamlet on the of Thiruvananthapuram that has attracted pilgrims and tourists for a long time.Its beach is famous for its natural springs which are said to have medicinal qualities.The 2000-year-old Janardhanaswamy Temple along with the Sivagiri Mutt attracta steady stream of visitors all year long.Many Ayurveda centres have been set up in the area as well which only adds to its appeal.The main attractions are the beach, mineral water springs, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000-year- old VishnuTemple,

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasham Beach is a beach in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, along the Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean.The word Papanasham means wash away sins.It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasham Beach washes away all the sins in one's life.

Varkkala

Aruvi water falls

Aruvi water falls

Aruvi water falls

At a distance of 59 Kms from Trivandrum, Aruvi Waterfalls is located near Bonacaud Estate in Trivandrum district.

The falls are located in thick forest of Peppara Forest Range.The nearest road point to the waterfalls is Bonecaud Estate.The falls can be reached by 7 km trek from Bonacaud.The local tribes are available as guides to help tourist find the correct path tothe falls in the forest.Good physical fitness is required to finish this trek.Prior forest pass from the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is required to enter the forest .They can also arrange guided tours with overnight stay at camp inside the forest.Reaching the waterfall would be an invigorating affair as the serene atmosphere and the lush greenery would rule over your heart and soul and the trekking route further would add more joy to the advent

Aruvi water falls

Peppara wildlife sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary near Thiruvananthapuram in southern Kerala, India.It consists of the catchment area of the Karamana river, which originates from Chemmunjimottai, the tallest hill within the sanctuary.The sanctuary is named after the Peppara dam, commissioned in 1983 to augment the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas.Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared a sanctuary in 1983. The terrain is undulating with elevation ranging from 100 m to 1717 m.The area of the sanctuary is 75 km2 with tropical moist evergreen forests and myristica swamps evergreen forests, freshwater swamps, hills and valleys.The thick forest of Peppara houses a rich variety of animals including elephants, sambar deer and lion tailed macaque.Many endemic bird species like Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and Small Sunbird have also found a home here.With the rich flora and fauna, and the rocky terrain, Peppara is truly a haven for the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiast

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Kallar Meenmutty

Kallar Meenmutty

Meenmutty Waterfalls is one place that you must definitely visit.Although the waterfall is pretty small in terms of height, the place is exceptionally beautiful.

The place is exceptionOne can go for family trips.Families have a separate bathing area and hence is pretty safe

 If the water level isn't so high, you could get an opportunity to cross the stream which is a great experience

One has to walk for about 2.5 km to reach the waterfall.Also the path is a bit difficult to walk through especially for the elderly

 One has to be extremely careful while getting into the water.The rocks are really slippery and at certain places the depth could unexpectedly go up to 10 feet.

The trip would be really boring for you if you don't visit during the rainy season

Kallar Meenmutty

Kovalam

                     Kovalam                                             Kovalam has been one of the most identifiable features of Kerala for a long time. From sunbathing to herbal body toning massages, the range of options available is diverse. Many families have enjoyed lovely picnics on these pristine shores. It is a hub for cultural activities along with ayurvedic facilities being readily available nearby

 Kovalam 

A beach town on the Arabian Sea in southern India, Kovalam features three spectacular crescent beaches. The most popular and largest beach is Lighthouse Beach, aptly named for its 30-metre lighthouse, which features a stunning site - the Vizhinjam mosque. For a less crowded beach, visit Samudra Beach, with ample coconut trees and great views of the local fishermen at work
 Kovalam 

KOTTOR ELEPHANT CAMP

 

KOTTOR ELEPHANT CAMP

The Kottur elephant rehabilitation centre is located near Kappukadu in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is a safe haven for the Asiatic elephant. Elephants are considered the most auspicious animals in Kerala and are present at almost all major occasions and festivals. The rehabilitation centre lies on a 56 hectare large campus which nurtures old and young elephants. Over 30 elephants can be treated here at a given time. The best time to visit is between 08.00 am and 10.00 am when the elephants are being bathed and fed. They are given cooked rice and jaggery in large round mounds. It is an exquisite sight, watching the mahouts feeding these magnificent beasts. Elephant rides are available at these sites     

  Kottur, located at the base of the Agasthyakoodam hill range, is home to wide range of flora and fauna.  A forest area marked by tall forest trees and numerous rivulets and streams, Kottur is an integral part of the Agasthyakoodam Biological Park. The place offers visitors 1.5 km trekking trail to get a spectacular views of Thottumpara, Kathirmundi, Agasthyakoodam and Pandipathu peaks along with the Ponmudi hills. With prior permission from the Forest Department visitors can visit these areas. Wildlife like elephants, wild boar, giant squirrel, sambar and grey hornbill are found here. Elephant lovers can visit the nearby elephant rehabilitation centre at Kappukad.  

 KOTTOR ELEPHANT CAMP

Agasthyakoodam _ Kerala

Agasthyakoodam, the second highest peak in Kerala, is an ornithologist’s paradise and home to many exotic birds.  Rested on the lap of Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam is also known for its more than 2000 species of flora and fauna including lichens, orchids, mosses and ferns. Many rare medicinal herbs have been discovered here and the clear air on the mountaintop is reputed to have a medicinal effect. Unfortunately trekking is restricted and public climbsare recommended only during the months of January to April

Contact Details:
Wildlife Warden
Forest Department
PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: +91 471 2360762

Ponmudi _ Kerala

The Complete Guide to Kerala Travel and the Best Places to Visit in Ponmudi

Introduction: What is Kerala?

ds: kerala, inkeywordia, south indian state

Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar Coast of southwest India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam-speaking regions.

The state has many natural resources like forests, mountains, backwaters, and beaches. Kerala’s economy depends mainly on agriculture and tourism. The state has a literacy rate of 94% and a life expectancy of 75 years.

Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, tea plantations, hillsides with plantations of spices and coffee trees as well as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

What is Ponmudi?

keywords: ponmudi, hill station

T

Ponmudi is a hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is located at an altitude of 1000m above sea level.

Ponmudi is a hill station that is situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is located at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level and has a cool climate throughout the year. The place attracts tourists from all over India and abroad because it has so many scenic attractions to offer.

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara Dam

Aruvikkara is a village in Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala, India. It is located on the banks of the Karamana River 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala in South India,23 km from Thiruvananthapuram international airport to Aruvikkara Dam ,28 km to kovalam beach

Aruvikkara

Watch video