Traversing the Wonderland with Backwaters of Kerala

If you wish to relax amidst a serene ambience, hearing the sound of nature, then cruise over the backwaters of Kerala. These long stretches of unceasing peace and serenity attract tourists from far and wide. Sailing in the traditional houseboats of Kerala is a different experience in itself. Alappuzha, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam and Kumarakom are the famous backwaters of the state.

The backwaters of Kerala are among the most prominent tourist attractions of the God's own country. These waterways serve as a self supporting eco-system, brimming with aquatic life. They are a network of canals, lakes and deltas of 44 rivers, which stretches to almost 1,900 km. Backwaters are the water bodies formed by the backward flow of seawater because of hindrance in the natural current. The Vembanad Lake serves as the largest backwater in the state that add fame to Kerala tourism.

Some of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala include:

Alappuzha

Popularly referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its adjoining canals and waterways, Alappuzha is among the famous Kerala attractions. Besides backwaters, the destination is also famous for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, organised every year. The large snake boats, propelled by teams of rowers create a spectacle to behold.

Kochi

Called as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is among the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. The Vembanad lake envelops the group of islands, forming Kochi. Different islands of Kochi include Bolgatty, Vyppin and Vallarpadam. Tourists can enjoy visiting the islands in small ferries for the unique experience. The place also houses various attractions, encompassing the Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace and the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Trivandrum

The stretching backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram make Kerala a gorgeous land of beauty. Tourists can enjoy cruising on the “Kettuvalloms”, the traditional houseboats, which offer a different experience. Mingled with lush green vegetation, the meandering waterways look spectacular. Sailing on the tranquil backwaters of the 200 sq km expanse of crystal clear lagoons and lakes.

Kottayam

It serves as among the most fascinating destinations of your Kerala backwater tour. Famed for its natural richness of strikingly beautiful backwaters, Kottayam backwaters tours are worth to embark on. With blue waters and the lush green meadows, the backwaters create a magic on the onlookers.

Kumarakom

It is a serenely gorgeous backwater destination that you can visit on Kerala houseboat tour. Dotted with traditional rice boats and canoes, the backwaters leave you mesmerised. It is among the most invigorating places to unravel in the state. The swaying palm trees, vast paddy fields, interwoven lagoons and backwaters will soothe your mind.

Kollam

If you wish to capture the glimpses of nature in its best form, then head to Kollam backwaters. Encrusted with various trees, the shores provide shelter to innumerable exotic birds like egrets, cuckoos and ducks. Tourists can enjoy a long trip between Kollam and Alappuzha, which boasts of being the longest backwater cruise in the state.

Article Source : http://www.squidoo.com/backwaters-of-kerala

A Romantic Cruise on the Dazzling Kerala Backwaters

Kerala, the land of backwaters occupied my mind so much that I decided to explore the land on my next visit. It was an especially planned tour to backwaters of Kerala. The aim was to live the beauty of backwaters up to the hilt. Fortunately, my husband could also take time off to accompany me on this tour. We booked a Kerala backwater tour package and left the rest on a renowned tour operator in Delhi.

While leaving from Delhi, we were too excited about the exploration that we were supposed to enjoy. We collected all the necessary information on Kerala backwaters. The popular ones include:

• Alappuzha
• Kottayam
• Kollam
• Kuttanad
• Kochi
• Kumarakom
• Kasargod
• Trivandrum

We choose to explore Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala and reached at Kochi airport. After shedding off our fatigue and making ourselves comfortable in a resort in Kerala, we started our boat cruising. It was from Kottayam to Alappuzha and we enjoyed the still waters and felt mesmerised at the sight of farmlands, located below the water levels. There we were around the famous Vembanad Lake, bordered by Alleppey, Kottayam and Ernakulam.

The lake also encompass several islands that have dry restaurants. The plenty of coconut palms at Kerala houseboat ensured us not to face any shortage of natural water. We went for a good meal at a vegetarian restaurant near the boat yard in Alleppey. I cut back to the food as I was more happy to consume coconut water.

Alappuzha is also known as 'Alleppey' and is famous for the annual event, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Snake boat race) and Coir industry. We could also spot a few huge 'Kettuvalams', which created a spell binding sight. I could imagine how magnificence the spectacle must look during the time of the boat race event, which is among the famous Kerala attractions.

A magnificent church came into our sight from the boat. The whole experience of our Kerala tour was amazing and the short break completely refreshed us. Exploring Kerala backwaters with houseboat is an experience of lifetime.

Choose any Kerala backwater tour, the outcome will be awesome. Speaking volume about its breathtaking beauty and natural attractions, Alappuzha backwaters is among the celebrated ones.

Article Source : http://royalindia.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/a-romantic-cruise-on-the-dazzling-kerala-backwaters/

Elephant Festival unrolls an expression of Celebration in Kerala

Being the most celebrated festival of Kerala, Elephant Festival has registered itself among the top Indian Fairs and Festivals. The Thrissur 'Pooram' festival adds the delightful memories to your Kerala tour.

With a desire to become a part of Indian festivals, I booked my tour accordingly. My husband gathered all the India Festivals Information to ensure a smooth tour.

Every season brings along new festivals. The popular Indian fairs and festivals include Pushkar Fair, Goa Carnival, Desert Festival, Nagaur Fair, Good Friday, Baisakhi, Teej, Onam, Dussehra, Diwali, Pongal, Lohri and many others. And that is not all. Even the festivals on the name of Indian God and Goddess are also celebrated with great enthusiasm in India.

I, along with my husband was on Kerala tour where the popular Elephant Festival is celebrated. It takes place annually in the month of Medam according to the Malayalam Calender at Trissur in Kerala, which falls in Mid April -Mid-May.

Visualising the charm of Indian Fairs Festivals, we landed in the wonderful state of Kerala. Soon we were at the place where the grand “Elephant Festival” was being celebrated. It is among the remarkable plays of light and sound. ‘Thissur Pooram’ is a 36-hours long affair, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It is among the biggest elephant festivals of the state.

We both were very excited to become a part of Elephant Festival Kerala, held at the Thekkinkadu Maidan outside the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Beautifully decorated elephants in two processions symbolizing the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples, were creating an imposing spectacle. My husband was busy in clicking photographs, while I was simply enjoying the extravaganza.

The celebration befalls in the dawn and extends till the break of the next day. Every group is permitted to perform with around 15 elephants. I observed that extraordinary efforts were being made by every group to ensure the best elephants of the place. It seemed to me one of the best Fairs and Festivals of India that I could attend.

It was a treat for eyes to see the colourful cloaks, raised on the elephants. The assigning of elephants and canopy is done while maintaining complete privacy by each group to surpass the other. Be it Fairs in India or Festivals in India, the charm is exceptional. The mammoths adorned with gold ornaments, each driven with three priests, are a spectacular scene.

We were at the maidan and watching the magnificent look of elephants. Soon a remarkable work of fireplay mesmerised us and it seemed as various cylindrical drums were sounding together.

Then, the amazing procession started, which simply fascinated us. The parade of the Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkunnathan Temple and back was worth witnessing.

The sweet melody of the 'Panchavadyam' added to the spectacle. It was produced with a blend of five percussion and wind instruments. The jollity persists all night with the Vadakkunathan Temple, acting as a backdrop.

The festival added as an indelible chapter to our Festival Tours of India and we left happily for our destination.

Article Source : http://blog.allindia-travel-tours.com/elephant-festival-unrolls-an-expression-of-celebration-in-kerala/