Athirappalli and Vazhachal

Location: Athirappalli 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart.

The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.
Getting there :A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.
Nearest railway station : Chalakudy,about 30 km away
Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Aranmula

(Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 10 km): The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival.

The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Chengannur, which is about 1O km away
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 115 km away.
Aranmula Kannadi: Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.

Amrithamedu

Amrithamedu, popularly known as Kurisumala is a pilgrim centre as well as a trekker’s delight. Peerumedu is the nearest major town from which you can approach Amrithamedu. During Easter, pilgrims climb the ‘Stations of the Cross’, which would require a pilgrim to cover 14 points, with each point having a cross denoting various phases of Jesus Christ’s last journey.

During the course of the trek, when one reaches the third cross, a good stretch of Peerumedu becomes visible, which is indeed an enjoyable sight. One can also see tea estates in the distance and also the rolling Kokkad hills. As one proceeds further up, the surrounding landscape soon becomes more and more breathtaking.

Once the climb reaches the ninth cross, one would step on to a plateau and the mist that engulfs you at this place is quite an experience. This is Amrithamedu, the highest point in Kuttikkanam region.For avid trekkers, the nearby Madamakulam, located towards the northern side of Amrithamedu is worth a visit.

It is a natural pond, formed at the foot of a waterfall. The pond is encircled by big boulders and is surrounded by dense woods.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 75 kms from Peerumedu.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 kms from Peerumedu.

Akkulam Tourist Village

Location : About 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.
Attractions: A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.

(Open 1000 - 1900 hrs) A picnic spot with boating facilities, Akkulam is a place children flock to. It has a well equipped children's park and a paddle pool. There is a swimming pool for adults too. Ph: 2443043

Timings and rates:Boat rentals: (Open 1000 - 1830 hrs), Safari boat: Rs. 250 for 21 people; Pedal boat: Rs. 60 for four persons; Rowboat Rs. 40 Entrance: Children's park (Open 1000 - 1930 hrs): Adults: Rs. 5; Children: Rs. 3 Swimming pool (Open 0600 - 1830 hrs): Adults: Rs. 20; Children: Rs. 10; Swimming suit compulsory.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram, about 10 km from the tourist village.Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram international airport, about 7 km from the tourist village.

Agasthyarkoodam: Abode of Sage Agasthya

Location : 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions : Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.

Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.

Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.

A trip to the wonderful Wayanad

In a world of sound and fury signifying nothing, an escape to some lively, green, soothing experiences will be quite refreshing as well as rejuvenating. As your vehicle enters Wayanad, the evergreen, idyllic, charming hill district of Kerala, you will be convinced that you have chosen the right place.

Located at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2,100 metres above sea level, Wayanad has subtropical savannas, evergreen verdant spice plantations and rolling paddy fields. This time, let us have a trip to some of the aqua tourism destinations of Wayanad. Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad is the most convenient and comfortable place to stay back and explore these destinations.

If you come via Kozhikode, passing Thamarassery churam, the mountain path, drive 12 more kilometers to reach Kalpetta. This is one of the major towns in Wayanad, the others being Mananthavady and Sultan Bathery. Abundant in tea and coffee plantations, Kalpetta offers good accommodation facilities as well. Travelling 15 kilometers from Kalpetta, you will reach Pookkot Lake, a perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills.

You can explore this vast, blue lake better in motor boats, with feasting eyes on the lush green vegetation on the shores. There are also an aquarium and a spice emporium to drop by.Another attraction is located 23 kilometers away from Kalpetta. It is Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, locally known as Soochippara. Set at the backdrop of the dense forest, this beautiful waterfall forms a pool at the foot, where you can have a quick dip.

If you don’t feel like, it is all right, relax a little, feeling the small droplets of water caressing your body and cooling your mind. If you feel the sound of the cascades is haunting you, have a trip to Kanthanpara waterfalls, just 22 kilometers from Kalpetta. The 30 meter high waterfalls can ideally be called ‘picturesque’.

You seldom expect such a visual wonder in the heart of the thick forest. When you return, feeling the caressing wind of Wayanad inviting you back to its lap, keep with you the solacing, intimate experience with nature. Cherish the pleasant poised moments... ask, how long? Of course, until you come back, to explore the remaining wonders of this land.

A cruise through the canals of Alappuzha

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.

Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.

Let the canal network be at any part of the Vembanad Lake, the chances of one coming across some of the inspiring and interesting vistas on and along the canals are very high. This could come in the form of panoramic paddy fields; coconut lagoons; pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch fish etc. Among other common sights that one would come across during the cruise are isolated islands; men on country boats engaged in fishing and shepherding their ducks to new pastures, cargo being moved in huge boats called rice barges or Kettu Vallams and school children being ferried across the canal.

During the cruise, one would also be able to drop in at some villages to check out the techniques and procedure involved in coir making. Also, if interested, one may try any of the wayside eateries serving ethnic food, especially fish delicacies, and also toddy, the natural beverage produced from coconut trees.

So get set for a memorable cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Because this could be just the beginning of your many cruises on the canals and backwaters of Kerala. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station:Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 Kms

A Backwater Symphony

Are you a bit tired of walking to explore God’s Own Country? It is okay, this month let us have a backwater trip, staying comfortably in a luxurious houseboat. So hire one from Alappuzha, feel free and relaxed as your eyes, first lazily and then passionately enjoy the bewitching Vembanad lake, the largest backwater stretch in Kerala.

Let us steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. En route, Vembanad lake offers you sights of village life and a lot of backwater activities. The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to relieve you during all your busiest hours.

Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad area, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.

On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply captivate you.

After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, let us proceed to Vaikom, another place of interest. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region.

On resuming your journey, the next halt point for you is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thenneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a simply marvelous experience.

The next stop, Vaikom offers you many interesting sights and lifestyles. You may find here the specimens of Kerala’s grand tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another add-on for you.

From Vaikom, after recharging with a delicious Kerala meal, let us proceed to Kumbalangi. We travel via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting constituents of backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali fields, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of taking a paddy crop is followed by prawn filtration, is another interesting sight you can have at Kumbalangi.

Once through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, it is time for us to proceed to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and many historic sites. The place is worth a walk, if you would like to. However, the sights from on board are also fascinating.

Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island, our final destination. En route to the Bolghatty Island, you would pass by the panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side. Once in Bolghatty, it is time for us to wind up. Loosen yourself to the soothing cool breeze and the reassuring touch of serene sunlight.

Sweet is the memory of the last few hours, that is sure to haunt you fondly for all the years to come. Disagree? Try the trip and you certainly won’t.

KERALA BEAUTY ROMA

http://malluactress-roma.blogspot.com