October 26, 2011 – We were travelling to Munnar as part of our honeymoon trip on this day. The travel itinerary was planned and booked through Dezire tours. The tour organizers had arranged for transport from airport. The car pick-up was waiting outside as soon as we, walked out with our luggage.

The drive to Munnar was an astounding experience where you see only nature around you.

On our first day, we went boating in Mattupetty Dam. The surrounding was really nice, with an almost 360 degree view of mountains and clear blue sky, you can almost feel like you’re in heaven. After boating, we visited Pothamedu, a view point which offers you an excellent view of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. From the top you can see the lush green mountain, giving a velvet feel due to the tea plantations spread out in acres. We really enjoyed taking photographs of the surrounding beauty. The evening brought on unexpected rain and the climate was very lovely and cool.

The next morning (second day) was completely foggy and the view from our room was totally breathtaking. What we saw was thick fog moving slowly, the flowing river and sun’s rays bursting through the tall trees. We started to Devikulam, another excellent view point, and then to Rajamala which is 15kms away from Munnar and 2695m above sea level. Throughout the day we were travelling in our cab to various view points and taking pictures of everything which looked scenic and beautiful.

On the third day we planned to complete the rest of the view points and we started with Echo Point which is 15kms drive from Munnar.It was our favorite place – beautiful in a way that words cannot express. After Echo Point we went to see the actual tea plantation and processing owned by Tata Tea. This place also had an antique collection of tea processing machines and vessels used by the British – an interesting collection. It was quite interesting to know facts about the tea leaf and the elaborate process of it being transformed to tea powder. We did a little shopping over here and tasted their fresh tea. We moved to Palkulamedu, 3125m above sea level, another wonderful spot.

We moved to Malankara Reservoir, an artificial lake for boating. Then to Pallivasal, venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala and a place of immense scenic beauty. We also took the Herbal Tour to view hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers – it was almost a 2 hour nature walk. At one point, we went on top of a tree house to have a cup of coffee. Our Munnar trip ends here.

Thekkady

The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of theWestern Ghats, you will experience the most enchanting holiday, with the animals of the wild and the simple unsophisticated mountain people. Across the entire district are lush plantations and hill towns that hold immense opportunities for treks and mountain walks. The Periyar Tiger Reserve also offers a fairly good chance of seeing the great Indian tiger in its natural habitat.

The Periyar Tiger Reserve

Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary inIndiawhere you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Entry timing: 0600 – 1800 hrs.

Vandiperiyar (18 kms from Thekkady)

Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of roses, orchids and anthuria.

Pullumedu (43 kms from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar)

The winding journey to this hill town, along thePeriyarRiver, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famousSreeAyyappaTempleat Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady Ph:0486-322027 or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu Ph:0486-352515. This place is opened to public few days in a year.

Plantation Tours

Plantationtours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions. Kurisumala A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Kumily (2 kms from Thekkady)

This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.

Murikkady (5 kms from Thekkady)

Washed in fresh spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi (5 kms from Kumily)

This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.

Mangala Devi Temple (15 kms from Thekkady)

This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a oeak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a anoramic view of the eastern slopes of theGhatsand some hill villages of Tamilnadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady (Ph.0486-322027). This place is opened to public once in a year. Visitors are allowed here on Chitra oornima festival only.

Chellarkovil (15 kms from Kumily)

This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Vandanmedu (25 kms from Kumily)

This is one of the world’s largest auction centres for candamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.

Ramakalmedu (40 kms from Thekkady and 75 kms from Munnar).

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a Panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the western ghats.

Elephant Rides

The Forest Department, Thekkady offers facilities for elephant rides through the jungle. Time: 1000 – 1700 hrs. Duration: 30 Minutes. Tickets are available from the Wildlife Information Counter. Ph:0486-322028

Trekking

Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar The Forest Department conducts daily treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala.

With ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments becoming available widely in different parts ofIndiaand abroad, Kerala would have to strengthen its positioning as the ‘real’ destination for ayurveda, and clearly distinguish its product vis-à-vis those available at other places.

The other possible threat is that a semi-medical product is offered as a product of relaxation, often ignoring necessary conditions and precautions. Should there be a medical mishap, it could generate considerable negative publicity and create a set back. Medical check-ups to the requisite degree of detail may be specified clearly for each form of treatment. These should be insisted upon before providing treatment in the certified ayurvedic centers. The experts may also evaluate and consider the need for liability insurance and/or any other precautionary measures.

Distortion of traditional ayurveda and its commercialization is another issue of concern. One view is that once the novelty and uniqueness wears off, ayurvedic tourism in its present form may lose its prime position and may end up having to be offered as a mass product at reduced rates. The product can sustain itself in the long run against competition, provided it can attract repeat business and also sustained business from new customers through word of mouth publicity. This can happen only if one avoids distortion of traditional ayurveda and its commercialization for quick gains.

Kerala Ayurveda

Thenmala ecotourism Indias first planned Ecotourism destination in the foothills of Western Ghats in Kollam District was inaugurated in January 2001. Thenmala is 72kms from Trivandrum and 66 Kms from Kollam.
Thenmala offers products for both general tourists as well as for eco-tourists. The facilities as part of the eco-friendly general tourism are culture zone with musical dancing fountain, information center, amphitheater shop courts etc. the adventure zone accommodates elevated walkway, nature trail, adventure activities like river crossing rock climbing mountain biking etc. the leisure zone has a sculpture garden with the theme of man and nature a board walk and a suspension foot bridge, apart from this Thenmala ecotourism offers one hour boating in the Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary reservoir and tourists can spend time at he deer rehabilitation center with an children’s eco-park. This destination attracts a  large number of visitors and in 2004-05 around one lakh domestic tourists visited the destination. Funds were provided for the beautification of the leisure zone at Thenmala.

Cochin, originally known as Perumpadappu Swaroopam, is the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Malayalees. Rightly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, it has attracted many voyagers and traders over the centuries. The Greco-Romans and all other east bound Western trade interests had their strong presence here in the early period of trade and commerce. Then there were the Arabs who were followed by the Chinese in search of spices. It was the scene of the first European settlement in India early in 1500 when the Portuguese, the Dutch, and then the English came here and added to the rich history of this land.

Ruled by many Maharajas and Divans, this city evolved through the centuries, assimilating the cultures of the many communities from all over the globe who made it their home. It was well known all over the world for spices, cashew nuts, tea, coir products, handicrafts etc. The prosperity that all this brought is well attested by the Italian traveler Nicolo Conti who described Cochin, as early as five centuries ago, as “a place prosperous enough to spend the money one makes in China”. It is now the commercial capital of the State of Kerala. With a rich cultural heritage, be it in art forms, literature, or music, Cochin is truly today’s symbol of Kerala’s progress and promise of prosperity.

Kabani River

Kabani river one of the three east flowing rivers of Kerala, is an important tributary of the river Cauvery. Kabani and its tributaries constitute a powerful river system in the landscape of Wayanad. Panamaram rivulet takes its origin from the Perennial Lake called, ‘Pookkode Lake’ it flows swiftly through mountain gorges and joined by other streams, tumbles down into Panamaram valley. Six kms. Further from Panamaram, this river joins with the Mananthavady rivulet, originating from the lower regions of the peak ‘Thondarmudi’ from this confluence onwards the river is known as Kabani, a mighty, perennial river which after entering Karnataka, joins with the river Cauvery. Almost entire Wayanad is drained by the Kabani River and its tributaries namely Panamaram Mananthavady and Thirunelli .

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM CITY – State capital. Diverse tourism interests. Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple –City’s best-known landmark. Deity is 18-ft image of Vishnu reclining on celestial serpent Anantha. 16 century temple, has 368 sculptured stone pillars & mural paintings. 100-ft high gopuram in Dravidian style built by Travancore Maharaja in 1733.

Museum complex & zoo – Napier Museum, Shri Chithra Art Gallery (has paintings by Ravi Varma) and zoological-cum-botanical garden.

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum – Built by the musician king Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. Paintings and other collections of the royal family.

Kanakakunnu Palace – Palace with landscaped garden illuminated after sunset.

Shanghumukham Beach (8 km) – Beach near airport. Has indoor recreation club, matsya kanyaka (35 m long mermaid sculpture), starfish shaped restaurant & children’s traffic training park. Sunset watching. Water is polluted by urban effluents.

AKKULAM Boat Club (8 km) – Picnic spot on backwaters; Boating, park, swimming pool.

VELI Tourist Village (8 km) – Picnic spot. Veli lagoon meets Arabian sea here. Boating in backwater lagoon, 18-acre waterfront garden with modern sculptures, floating bridge.

THIRUVALLAM (10 km enroute to Kovalam) – Serene backwater stretch. Canoe rides in backwaters. Has temple to Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala.

KOVALAM (16 km) – Most visited beach in Kerala – popular since  1930s. Comprises three adjacent crescent beaches. Accommodation to suit all budgets. Several ayurvedic centres. Handicraft and souvenir shops.

Chowara beach (south of Kovalam) – Virgin beach; new tourist destination with several  heritage and ayurvedic resorts.

Vizhinjam (Fishing port south of Kovalam) – Has Rock Cave – 18 century granite cave temple with loose/incomplete sculptures/reliefs of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthy, Shiva and Parvathi. Also, marine aquarium.

Poovar – Known for Poovar Island Resort & Wilson Beach Resort

The Kolukkumalai tea estate is located about 25 kms from Munnar town. Spread across 500 acres at an elevation of 6675 to 7980 meters, the estate lies at the base of the Kolukkumalai peak. Regular vehicles cannot ply on the path to the estate. Not only did the route pass through a private estate, the road finally went up the mountain to Kolukkumali was in truth just a dirt track. And so only local Jeeps were permitted to venture up to the precipitous mountain. The drive from Munnar to Kolukumalai is wonderful and takes you past some popular tourist attractions like Chinnakkanal Falls, Lockhart Gap View and the Pothamedu sunset point. As we passed Suryanelli village, Anayirankal Lake sparkled gaily in the morning sun.

The actual Kathakali story starts when Melepadam finishes. The audience have been bathed in powerful drumming, superb singing, rituals and ceremonies. This is in preparation for the full impact of Kathakali to descends onto the stage and depict stories from the great Hindu epics.

Normally two or three plays are performed throughout the night starting with a love story or one featuring every day life, saving the last story for an almighty battle when good conquers evil, just before the sun rises in the cool early morning sky to celebrate a new beginning as light blesses the earth. The temples hold annual festivals where the community is encouraged to evolve with more compassion and care for each other. Throughout the night the audience and artists have engaged in a universal journey where goodness prevails over evil to illustrate the path to a better life.

Idukki, the hilly district of Kerala gets the name from Malayalam word ‘Idukku’, which means a narrow gorge. The charming district is the most nature rich areas of Kerala and teems with picturesque peaks and verdant valleys. Its 1500 sq. kms. Reserved forest area is a haven for enchanting wildlife and exotic flora. The district is watered by three main rivers – periyar,Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and is referred as the “power house” of kerala, as about 60% of the states power needs are fulfilled by the hydro-electric power station at Moolamattom. Idukki is also well known for its tea industry and pepper.

Wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, trekking and elephant rides are some of the attractions of this beautiful district. It is also home to large number of tribal population known for their unique customs and beliefs.