DECEMBER 2018 - ISSUE

English Monthly Tourism Magazine

volume - 3 Issue - 12

December 2018

` 100/-

Historical Paradise

Arts & Crafts City of 1000 Temples of Tamil Nadu

MAY-2016

SOUTH INDIA HOLIDAYS

n

Managing Editor English Monthly Tourism Magazine

volume - 3 Issue - 12 December 2018 ` 100/-

Karthik Leelaram Editor –Publisher

A.Udhayaraja Editor –In-Charge

R.Venkataramanan Associate Editor

Er.V.S.Arun Srinivaas Editorial Board

Editor’s Note Hello Friends..

With great celebration, Our SOUTH INDIA HOLIDAYS is marching towards the Third Year, completing Successfully Two years and the Success story can not be possible with your support my dear Subscribers..

This Remarkable journey will be creating History as Our Magazine is getting released by Our Respectable Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. This is indeed the Precious Moment in our Life which We can ponder over it again and again and to be cherished all through our Life.

It is the best Moment in My Life personally and no other Gift can replace this moment.I hereby take this opportunity to thank Everyone of You who is with me in all these hard times.The Past is really challenging many times in bringing out the Magazine to you.

Those hurdles make us bold and give us the strength to cross any problem successfully.

Ofcourse,this journey would not be possible without my tremendous Team of dedicated staff who work tirelessly .I am hopeful that SOUTH INDIA HOLIDAYS will emerge as one of the Best Tourist and Travel Magazines in India.Our intelligent Content Writers deserve special credit for bringing Unique articles in our Magazine..We hope that the Magazine reaches greater heights in the Future and keep providing valuable informations about Our Tourist Places in India..

Once again I thank each one of you who is with SOUTH INDIA HOLIDAYS during this Happy and Marvellous Journey..!

Thank You All…

A. Udhayaraja Editor-Publisher

A.Sardhana Nisa AL.Alagappan R. Ramu M.Manikandan M. Sundarapandian Nagore Naushad Correspondents

Dr..L.S.P. Solasingarayar (Puducherry ) A.K.M.Ashraf (Kerala) Guntaka Shiva ( Telangana) Dr.M.Srinivas Goud ( Karnataka) Karpathi Prakash (Andhra Pradesh) Creative Designer

AL.Thirunavukarasu Photographers

M.S. Kumaresan V.Vignesh Office Management

G. Logesh

Disclaimer: The informations and opinions contained in this magazine have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable.Use of data and information contained in this publication is at your own risk. This publication may not be reproduced,distributed or published, in whole or in part ,by any recipient hereof for any purpose without prior written permission from ‘’South India Holidays’’.

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A.ALAVUDEEN UDHAYARAJA,

Printed at PALMS PRINTER, No.52, Arcot Road, Kodambakkam, Chennai – 600 024. and Published from No. 11, 5th Cross Street, United India Colony, Kodambakkam, Chennai – 600 024.

Mail : southindiaholidaysforyou@gmail.com Editor:

A. ALAVUDEEN UDHAYARAJA

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CONTENTS

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018

English Monthly Tourism Magazine December 2018 Vol -3 Issue -12

Great Kanyakumari 4 The

By Karthik Leelaram

& Trekking 25 Wildlife

By R. Venkataramanan

5 By A.Udhayaraja

26 By Karthik Leela Ram

Bird Sanctuaries In Karnataka

Arts & Crafts of Tamil Nadu

of 1000 Temples 11 City

By R.Venkataramanan

Pilgrim City 28 The

By V.S.Arun Srinivaas

14 By V.S.Arun Srinivaas

30

15 By A. Sardhana Nisa

Paradise 32 Historical

By A.Udhayaraja

of India 19 Scotland

By R. Ramu

35 By A. Sardhana Nisa

Famous Churches of Kerala Paradise In Green

22 By M. Manikandan

Fascinating Moments of Kerala

The Tea Town Munnar

By R. Ramu

Top Places - In Anantapur SPA of South India

37 By R.Venkataramanan

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English Monthly Magazine

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SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018

THE GREAT KANYAKUMARI Traveller’s Paradise

By Karthik Leelaram

K

anyakumari is mostly preferred by travellers from Bangalore, Chennai. The go to destination for types of travellers, be it family, kids and couples, Kanyakumari is, however, mostly preferred by Family, Couple.

There are 24 tourist places in Kanyakumari, which can be explored by travellers. Local attractions can be visited at any time of the day, be it early morning, afternoon, evening or night, as suitable for travellers. Sightseeing in Kanyakumari can be done by travellers, which will take half a day or one day, but to see all sightseeing places, travellers need to stay in Kanyakumari for 2 days to 3 days.

Travellers can also download HolidayIQ.com’s Kanyakumari Travel Guide to learn about

places to visit in Kanyakumari, browse through photos & pictures, explore Kanyakumari using a map, and read sightseeing reviews. Recently reviewed tourist attractions in Kanyakumari, which are great places to visit, are Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple, Sothavilai Beach, Pechiparai Reservoir, Olakaruvi Falls, Vattakottai Fort. Kanyakumari can be visited in summer, monsoon or winter.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the founder of Ramakrishna Mission.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built between 1963 and 1970 in red and blue granite. It is situated

on the top of a rock island, at a height of about 17 meters above sea level, covering an area of about 6 acres.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial is about 490 meters offshore nearby the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

In 1970, Swami Vireshwarananda, the president of Ramakrishna Mission, consecrated Vivekananda Rock Memorial and it was opened to the public by V.V. Giri, the then President of India.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial consists of two main structures – Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam. Shripada Mandapam is situated on Shripada Parai, an ancient sacred spot believed to be blessed by Goddess Kanyakumari.

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It is believed that Swami Vivekananda swam across the sea to Shripada Parai for deep meditation and enlightenment. As per legends, it was on Shripada Parai that Goddess Kanyakumari did meditation. The footprint on Shripada Parai is believed to be that of Goddess Kanyakumari.

Vivekananda Mandapam of Vivekananda Rock Memorial has a rectangular floor plan and it has four parts – Dhyana Mandapam (Meditation Hall), Sabha Mandapam (Assembly Hall), Mukha Mandapam (Front Portion) and the Front Entrance.

Dhyana Mandapam has six rooms adjacent to it. Sabha Mandapam encloses Pralima Mandapam, two rooms and a corridor and it has an open Prakaram around it. In the Pralima Mandapam there is a statue of Swami Vivekananda.

Kanyakumari Beach is a beach destination as well as religious spot located towards the southern-most tip of peninsular India. The sun set and sun rise at Kanyakumari Beach, especially during Chaitrapurnima (full moon days in April), are highly popular among visitors. During Chaitrapurnima, visitors can watch both sunset and moon rise simultaneously at Kanyakumari Beach.

Kanyakumari Beach has rocky shores and the sea is rough due to the confluence of the three waters – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The sand of Kanyakumari Beach is famous for its softness and various hues.

5 Goddess Kanyakumari is the presiding deity of Kanyakumari.

As per legends, the marriage between Goddess Kanyakumari and Lord Shiva did not take place, as a result of which the Goddess determined to remain a virgin.

It is believed that the rice and cereals which were meant for the marriage were left uncooked and they turned to stones. The stones resembling cereals can be seen even today.

The Kumari Amman Temple of Kanyakumari has a peculiar architectural style which is an amalgamation of the architectural styles of different eras. Kumari Amman Temple was originally built by the kings of the Pandya

Shripada Mandapam has a square floor plan and it includes Garbha Graham (Sanctum Sanctorum), Inner Prakaram, Outer Prakaram and an Outer Platform. The Outer Platform surrounds the Shripada Mandapam.

Vivekananda Mandapam and Shripada Mandapam are designed in such a way that the vision of Swamiji’s statue in Pralima Mandapam is directed towards the Shripadam. The different architectural styles of India have been incorporated in the construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Ferry services connect the mainland to the rocky island.

There is a light house at Kanyakumari Beach from where panoramic views of the sea are available.

Kanyakumari Temple Kanyakumari Bhagavathiamman Temple is a chief attraction of Kanyakumari and is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi.

Dynasty in the 8th century. It was later renovated by the Chola, Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers.

The Kumari Amman Temple of Kanyakumari has three corridors and a sanctum sanctorum. The Navarathri Mandapam, a famous section of the temple, is situated in the external corridor of the temple.

The Navarathri Mandapam is adorned with paintings and

6 carvings which reflect the architectural brilliance of Kumari Amman Temple.

In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple there is the idol of the goddess who faces east. Kumari Amman Temple also encloses an 18th century shrine which worships the footprints of Goddess Kanyakumari.

The main festivals of the Kumari Amman Temple are the Car Festival and the Navarathri Festival. The Car Festival is held during Vaikasi, i.e. May-June and the Navarathri Festival is held during September – October.

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018

ruled the city of Travancore from this fort till 1790. Later the capital of Travancore was shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram, situated in the adjacent state of Kerala.

Padmanabhapuram Palace that spread over a sprawling 6 acres is situated at the foot of Veli Hills of Western Ghats. This Palace was built by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal in the 17th century.

Padmanabhapuram Palace is mostly a wooden structure that exhibits the traditional architectural style of Kerala.

The Council chamber is a famous section in the Palace. The King’s Council is coloured with mica and it has several windows. The Council is also noteworthy for the intricate latticework done on its inner walls and for the floor made of coconut shells and egg white.

The King’s quarters or the Upparika malika of Padmanabhapuram Palace was built in 1744 AD, by Marthanda Verma. The courtyard leading to Upparika malika was used as a parade ground for the recruitment of soldiers.

The inner walls of the Prayer Hall are adorned with about 50 murals that depict Lord Vishnu with his consorts and Lord Krishna with gopikas. Several paintings depicting significant incidents from the life of Marthanda Verma can be seen on the walls of the corridor leading to the guest house.

Today, Padmanabhapuram Palace of Kanyakumari is being looked after by the Archeological Department of Kerala.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace Kanyakumari, a symbol of rich cultural heritage, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu.

Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District, nearby Thuckalay, at a distance of about 15 km from Nagercoil and 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

Padmanabhapuram Palace is rated among the top ten palaces in the world. The Rajas of Travancore

The walls of the palace have wooden planks which have carvings of Anantasayana, which depicts Lord Vishnu in a reclined pose on the serpent lord, Ananta.

The floor of the palace is made of burnt coconut shells, laterite, lime and sand. The wooden ceiling has carvings of 90 different floral designs.

The ‘Navarathri Mandapam’ within the hall of the palace, which is 66 feet long and 27 feet wide, is made of black granite.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

It is a popular tourist spot in

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Thiruvalluvar Statue is one of the biggest statues in India located atop a small island in Kanyakumari, nearby the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

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mandapam for worshippers to reach the feet of the holy statue. Ferry rides are available from the mainland to reach Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Thiruvalluvar Statue was built in the year 2000 to commemorate Thiruvalluvar who was a renowned ancient Tamil saint and poet who wrote Thirukkural.

The statue of Thirukkural stands on a 3 – tier pedestal, known as Atharapeedam. Atharapeedam is surrounded by the 38 feet high Alankara Mandapam. There are ten elephant statues surrounding the Alankara Mandapam that symbolise the ten directions – eight for earth, one for sky and one for the space down.

The statue of Thiruvalluvar is so designed that it reflects the structure of Thirukkural. Thirukkural, ‘The Sacred Couplets’, has three sub sections, which are the Books of Aram, Porul and Inbam.

The total height of the sculpture of Thiruvalluvar is about 133 feet, which corresponds to the total number of chapters in the Book of Thirukkural. The 38 feet high pedestal or Atharapeedam corresponds to the 38 chapters of the Book of Aram. The 95 feet high statue on the pedestal correlates to the total number of chapters in the Books of Porul (75 Chapters) and Inbam (25 Chapters).

Thiruvalluvar Statue is a frequented all round the year.

There are about 140 steps in the

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial or Gandhi Mandapam It is one among the frequented tourist attractions in Kanyakumari. The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial was built to honour Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

The Memorial was built in 1956, in the Orissa temple architectural style.

The memorial is built in the same place where his ashes were kept for the public to pay homage, before its immersion in the confluence.

The central structure of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial is 79 feet high, which represents his age at the time of his death. The Gandhi Memorial is designed in such a way that at noon, on October 2nd every year, the sun rays fall on the exact spot where the ash of Gandhiji was kept before immersion.

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, which is a fine example of modern architecture, is located nearby the Kumari Amman Temple. It is also known for the library which houses old pamphlets, magazines, books, etc. of the pre-Independence era, which is functional only on Friday and Saturday.

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BIRD SANCTUARIES IN KARNATAKA A.Udhayaraja

How would We feel being welcomed by the melodious chirping sounds of birds and cool fresh air around us ? Totally relaxed. This is what the mesmerizing places such as bird sanctuaries and wild life sanctuaries can do. These can relax anybody, make them feel rejuvenated and connect with Mother Nature.

Karnataka, one of the southern states in India, is rich in flora and fauna with forest area of about 38,720 square kilometer. Bird sanctuaries in Karnataka are scattered all over the state making it an important tourist destination. Birds as well as bird lovers visit these heavenly places in Karnataka for a delightful break. Some of the popular bird sanctuaries in Karnataka are: Gudavi Bird Sanctuary Gudavi Bird Sanctuary provides a fantastic atmosphere especially during monsoon. Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of about 16 km from Sorab town in Shimoga district, Karnataka. It is a great picnic spot

too. This bird sanctuary is one of the best bird sanctuaries in Karnataka to visit. This place becomes extremely refreshing with the Gudvi Lake, its green belt of trees and hundreds and thousands of birds. As per a survey, there are 217 species of birds found in Gudavi Bird Sanctuary. Apart from local birds, many species of birds migrate to Gudavi in different seasons for breeding. One can see White Pebis, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Jungle Fowl, Pond Heron, Indian Shag, Bittern, etc. The sanctuary’s visiting hours are from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and the best season to visit is from June to October.

No accommodation facilities are available at the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

but you can find a comfortable place to stay at Shimoga.

How to reach there?

By Air: The nearest airport is located at Hubli at a distance of 165 km from Shimoga. The Airport at Sogane is also going to be operational soon. It is located at a distance of just 6 km from Shimoga.

By Rail: There is one railhead at Shimoga and well connected to Bangalore and Mysore. If you are coming from other cities, then you have to check, as for other cities less number of trains come to Shimoga.

By Road: Shimoga is well connected to Bangalore by NH 206 that is located at a distance of 274 Km. Udupi and Mangalore are the two other cities to which Shimoga is well connected. Take the luxury coaches run by KSRTC as these are a very suitable and convenient way of commuting.

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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary It is a very tiny bird sanctuary covering an area of 0.67 square kilometers.

In spite of its small area, tourists can watch exotic migratory species of birds, as the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a nesting and breeding place of many birds. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Mandya district of Karnataka and at a distance of just 19 km from Mysore. This bird sanctuary is perfect for birds because of

Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary

the presence of plenty of aquatic insects and also because it is an isolated area. One can spot Asian Open Bill Stork, Painted Stork, and White Ibis.

This is an ideal picnic spot for many locals as well as tourists.

Best period to visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is between June and November.

Easy accommodation is available at Mysore. The nearest railway station is located at Mysore.

The nearest airport is at Bangalore. Reaching by road is not a problem as it is well connected by roads to all the major cities.

Puttenahalli WS Lake Puttenahalli WS Lake is located near Yelahanka at a distance of just 14 km from Bangalore and covers an area of 10 hectares. About 49 different species of birds that breed here have been found by Biodiversity experts

and one can see near about 7,000 birds during breeding season. Even

Karnataka has two peacock sanctuaries, one at Adichunchanagiri and an other at Bankapura fort.

Bankapur Peacock sanctuary is in side the Bankapura Fort in Bankapura in Haveri District.

The peacock sanctuary in Bankapur is the only second sanctuary in the country that is exclusively engaged in the conservation and breeding of peacocks. Understanding the great presence of peacocks in the region, the Government of India declared Bankapura as a peacock sanctuary on June 9, 2006. Any visitor to this sanctuary will not return without seeing a flock of peacock, our national bird, happily dancing in the sprawling sanctuary, without a care in the world. According to a rough estimate, there are more than 1,000 peacocks and peahen in the sanctuary.

Bankpura Fort is home for not only for peafowl, but also a number of other birds like wood pecker, great-horned owl, babbler, magpie, robin, green bee eater, nightjar, spotted maina, paradise flycatcher, Indian robin, spotted dove, parakeets, kingfisher, grey hornbill, blue tailed bee eater, blacked winged kite, tailor bird etc.

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018 10 some of the endangered species of migratory birds from Siberia and Attiveri Bird Northern Himalayas visit this Puttenahalli WS Lake for breeding Sanctuary

Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird Sanctuary

Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird Sanctuary is an absolute heaven and offers a break from city life. This bird sanctuary is located at a distance of 83

Km from Bangalore. Kokkare Bellur Pelicanry Bird Sanctuary is popular for Spot Billed pelicans and Painted Storks during peak season. Painted Storks in local language are known as kokkare, hence the name of the place. Another interesting bit is that the village kokkare thrives on the droppings of birds that is known asguano. These bird droppings are rich in potassium and are used as manure by the villagers.

There is no hotel to stay at Kokkare, so it is better to drive down from your hotel and come back. Also carry something to eat and drink as you won’t get anything nearby.

Covering an area of about 2.23 sq km, Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is located in and around Attiveri Reservoir. A variety of birds such as Pied Kingfisher, white-breasted Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Cattle Egret,

White Ibis and Common Grey Hornbill are found here.

November and March are the best months to visit Attiveri Bird Sanctuary.

Magadi Bird Sanctuary A temporary home to the Bar-headed Goose, Magadi Bird Sanctuary is located in Magadi village of Shirhatti Taluk, Gadag District. It is rich in

We live in a wonderful World that is full of Beauty,Charm and Adventure.

There is no end to the Adventures We can have if We only seek them with our eyes open. biodiversity and situated right on Gadag-Bangalore Road.

- Jawaharlal Nehru

MAY-2016 - n2018 DECEMBER SOUTH n INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS

City of

1000 Temples Kanchipuram

If you aim to visit a destination that is religious, historical, cultural and entertainment clubbed in one, Kanchipuram is the place for you. Considered the religious capital of South India, the city of thousand temples, has a lot to offer. If you set aside whatever faith you may follow, you are sure to be impressed by the sheer architectural skills exhibited in the temples in Kanchipuram. The temples stand proof for the dominance of Dravidian heritage and the city’s glorious past, when it was ruled by kings who were not only powerful but loved and patronized arts. Kanchipuram, which is one of the tourist cities in Tamilnadu is also famous for silk saris. Given below are 6 important places to visit in Kanchipuram.

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-R. Venkata Ramanan nearly 40 feet tall. The temple is a proof of the architectural splendor of the bygone era. The temple has a mango tree, which is 3500 years old.

Kamakshi Amman Temple Goddess Shakti is worshipped in three major cities out of which, Kanchipuram ranks first in importance. The gold plated main tower and the golden chariot are the temple’s special features. The sculptures of the 7th century temple are awe-inspiring. This huge temple is constructed in around 5 acres of land. The temple houses a gallery, which presents the life history of Adisankaracharya.

Kailasanathar Temple

Ekambareswarar Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has been spoken about by Tamil poets who lived in the 2nd century. The temple had undergone many changes since then.

During the rule of Pallavas, the original structure was pulled down and new temple was built. During Chola dynasty, the temple was improvised. The temple in its present form was the work of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous Vijayanagar King in the year 1509. The temple is huge and the doors are

Belonging to the 8th century, Kailasanathar Temple is one amongst the oldest structures in the city and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction was commenced by Rajasimha Pallava.

His son Mahendra Varma Pallava

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SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018

ancestral style, you can expect to have all modern facilities that you may need. Cultural programs are organized in the evenings through which you can learn about the arts of the city. For your information, the city flourished in arts in the ancient period and you can see the influences even today.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

completed the temple. Pallava kings were famous for their love for architecture and one glance at the temple would suffice to understand the importance they attached to arts and architecture. The stone carvings with intricate and dedicated workings are beyond words.

Kanchi Kudil Kanchi Kudil represents the life of the people of the city with a view to attract tourists and let them feel the essence of life as lived here. Kudil means house. The house is over 90 year old and its architecture resembles the olden style. You will get a clear picture of the entire town and its specialties. The present heritage inn was originally an ancestral house.

You could gain a deep knowledge on the city, its cultural richness and heritage. Be it the food that is served here or the furniture in the inn, everything speaks of the city’s glorious past. In spite of it being built in

If you want some time away from man made wonders, you may seek Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, which offers delightful views of birds across the world. Considered a bird watcher’s paradise and rightly so, the place would make you a wonderful photographer, if you are already not one. It is located 48 kms from the city. This is ranked amongst the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. Spread over a sprawling 74 acres of land, you will find the views stunning with migratory birds visiting the place from all over the world. The best time to visit the place would be between the months of October and March.

Devarajaswami Temple

Kanchi Kudil

The temple is famous for its richness of exquisite sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it was constructed by Vijayanagar Kings. The intricately carved pillars are examples of the architectural brilliance of the past. One of the unique features of the temple is the huge chain that was carved off a single stone.

A 10-meter tall statue of Vishnu lies immersed in the large tank.

The tank is drained once every 40 years and the statue can be viewed only at that time.

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The city of temples has a lot more historically famous and architecturally rich temples for you to visit. If you have the time to stretch a bit out of tour, you can find various tourist places in Kanchipuram including the famous Mammalapuram, Muttukkadu, Covelong Beach and Dutch Fort. You can have a perfect holiday and have a great time enjoying the wealth of architectural expertise the ancestors possessed and if you love, you could buy a few silk saris Kanchipuram is famous for.

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Famous Churches of Kerala

By V.S.Arun Srinivaas

K

erala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Kerala is often termed as paradise set in green!!

Kerala is not just some backwaters and hill stations as it is usually advertised but it has so much more to offer. Kerala is a place where we can visit plenty of offbeat travel destinations to sit and relax with our family members and friends and make our journey smooth and unforgettable.

Kerala is the only place in India where we can find a good number of ancient churches.

It has been considered that St.Thomas, one of the apostles of Christ had visited Kerala in 52 AD and that he introduced Christianity to India. Some famous and must see churches are listed here.

Parumala Church – Parumala Church is one of the popular Christian pilgrimage centers in Kerala. It is located in Pathanamthitta District and is about 13 kms away from Thiruvalla town. It contains the tomb of Mar Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil (Parumala Kochu Thirumeni) who is the only declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Malayattoor Church – This is the most famous and visited Christian church in Kerala.

Malayattoor Church is situated on top of a hill and is dedicated to St Thomas, apostle of Christ. There is a small church at the valley as well. The main festival is after the Easter and it attracts pilgrims from all parts of Kerala and also from neighboring states.

Niranam Church – Niranam Pally is one of the 7 churches (communities) founded by St. Thomas,. It was constructed in AD 54. It was later rebuilt in 1912 and then again renovated in 2000. This church has a rich history having played an important role in spreading Christianity in Kerala. The 6 other churches built in this period by St Thomas are Palayoor, Kodungaloor, Parur, Kokamangalam, Nilackal, Kollam.

Edappally Church – Located in the suburbs of Cochin, St.George’s Forane Church at Edappally is another popular Church in Kerala. It was founded in 593 AD. The annular event held in the month of April is the main attraction.

Manarkad Church – St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Church, Manarkad is another church that attracts devotees year-around. This church is located 10 kms from Kottayam District. The annual feast known as Manarcaud perunnal or Manarcaud feast is held in the month September every year

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PARADISE IN GREEN

By A. Sardhana Nisa

Famous Beaches in Kerala Being a coastline State Kerala has a long western border with Arabian Sea. There are beaches of all types:wet and wild hilly shores, long promenades, beaches adjoining backwaters and the sea ..

Bekal Beach in the northern most part of Kerala Kasargod is a long lovely one. The Bekal Fort in the middle makes it enchanting. View the sea from the ramparts of the fort, or walk, swim, or picnic. The place is a declared tourism spot, so all amenities are provided such as accommodation for all pockets, good roads, clean beach etc. It lies at a distance of 16 km from the town of Kasargod.

Muzhuppilangad Beach is 5 km north of Thalassery. (15 km from Kannur ) An unpaved road winding through coconut groves lead you to the beach. The 5 km long beach curves in a wide expanse: you can even see the Kannur beach to the north. About

200 meters away is the Green Island. But the Prize goes to the 5 acre Dharmadam Island in beauty.

During low tide you can walk to the island if you get permission from the owners. The rocky shores are remarkably beautiful.

Kovalam Beach is the most wellknown beach in India. The bay created by the jutting promontory is calm and ideal for bathing. The place has everything you need, comfy cottages, high-end hotels, pools, yoga center, places where you can have soothing medicinal oil baths. It is only 12 km from Trivandrum City.

Varkala Beach also known as Papanasam (washing away sins) Beach is unique for the presence of cliffs a strange sight on the flat coast. As the waves dash against them, water spouts and spas are formed. One can bathe and swim also at the beach. There are many shops around to have snacks. The town of Varkala is about 32 miles north-west of Trivandrum.

K

erala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Kerala is often termed as paradise set in green!!

Kerala is not just some backwaters and hill stations as it is usually advertised but it has so much more to offer. Our Kerala state has all the Tourist spots like Great Beaches,Beautiful Water falls, Backwaters, Hill stations, Museums, Dams and Reservoirs and what not‌ Sure that the visit and the stay in Kerala will make you family,and friends smooth and unforgettable.

Cherai Beach is on the western coast of Vypin Island ,25 km from Kochi. Goshree bridges connect the island to the mainland. There are regular ferry services also connecting the two areas . Cherai beach is the longest compared to two other beaches in the island.

Sankumugham Beach is located very close to Trivandrum City. It is one of the evening hideouts for the city dwellers to unwind and relax.

Calicut Beach is another beach that is located close to the city center. I have never seen any other beach where these many ice creams shops operate close-by. I am not talking about the ice cream carts but actual shops.

Kappad Beach is a historically important beach in Kerala. It is the place where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed in 1498. It is 12 kms away from Calicut city and has beautiful sandy beach stretches.

There are many more beaches as Kerala is a coastal state. Depending

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on where you are traveling in Kerala, You can Plan our trip.

Beautiful Waterfalls in Kerala Kerala also has some beautiful waterfalls across the state. Here are few of the most beautiful waterfalls which are worth a visit.

Athirapally waterfalls is located in Thrissur district on the Chalakudy River. The fall drops in 3 streams, which keep the river turbulent for the next 1 kilometer. The river flows through forests and ranges.

Vazhachal Falls just 5 km from the entrance to Athirapally is also a tourist attraction. One can

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drive 30 km from Chalakudy rail Station through winding roads and greenery to reach the place. A paved path leads you to the top; a steep path takes you to the bottom of the falls. Kochi is the nearest Airport.

Palaruvi Falls is located in Kollam district, 75 km from the city of kollam. It is a single drop (299 ft) horsetail type across the Kallada River. The up-stream herbal groves give a healing property to the water.

Thusharagiri Falls is formed by the Chalipuzha River which diverges into 3 Falls, which envelopes the area with misty spray. The highest is the Thenpara Falls from a height

of 246 ft. The place is amenable to hardy trekkers and rock climbers if they are equipped for it. It is about 50 km from Kozhikode Station; Calicut Airport is a further 28 km.

Photo credit: kcbimal via flickr Thommankuthu is a seven step waterfall, 20 km from Thodupuzha. It is a lovely picnic spot in the greenery surrounding the Falls. There are a number of caves to explore in the area.

Meenmutty Waterfalls, one of the gorgeous waterfalls in the state is located in Wayanad. To reach there, one needs to go on a 2-kilometer trek enjoying the wild terrain..

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Backwaters of Kerala It is a network of rivers, lakes and inlets interconnected by canals forming 900 km of waterways on the west coast of South Kerala. A number of towns among this serve as points for starting and ending cruises.

Vembanad Kayal, the longest lake is the star attraction. The Port of Kochi at the lake’s outlet to the Arabian Sea is the chief starting point; Alleppey the Venice of the east also is an equally popular location to start the cruise. So is Kollam the gateway from the south end.

Regular ferry services connect

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towns on both banks of the backwaters. Tourists prefer to use furnished Houseboats with all facilities, such as fresh tasty meals, viewing decks, freedom to stop where you want etc. There are islands like Vypeen near Kochi, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Pathiramanal, Monroe Island near Kollam and many others.

Hotels and resorts and even home stays are available throughout the course of the backwaters. Canoes can be used for narrow canals.

Backwaters of Kuttanad, Kollam, Allapuzha, and Kochi are well known names in Kerala and all are equally splendid. The view of coconut palms, green fields, birds, small town life is all to be enjoyed while cruising.

Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta are also major lakes in the system.

Munnar at 1600 m above sea level is the most popular It provides a

Top Hill Stations in Kerala Kerala slopes from Western Ghats to Arabian Sea. As a result the eastern terrain is hilly and there are a number of evergreen hill stations amidst the ranges.

18 lot of tourist activities ; also there are many tourist spots around it.

These include Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi the highest peak in Kerala, Mattupetty Dam and lake, Chinnakanal waterfalls , Tea Museum among others among extensive tea plantations. Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport 125 km away. It is 110 km from Aluva Railway Station.

Vagamon lies in the Idukki -Kottayam border area. The altitude is 1130 m, with cool summers. The place is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest. The meadows, forests and hills veiled in mists make it alluring. It is a must be seen spot. Nearest airport is Cochin; by rail Kottayam is closest. Palai, 33 km away is the nearest town.

Ponmudi is 58 km from Trivandrum, the capital. A road trip passing 22 hairpin curves and crossing many rivulets takes you there. Day trip will give you time to cool among forests and hills.

Peppara wildlife sanctuary, Golden Park and Kallara river are nearby places to visit. Waterfalls invite you to their cool green shade.

Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad the hilly district. From Calicut, a comfortable road with a lot of view points on the way takes you there.

Wayanad experience starts from there. . Most of the tourist spots are around lakkidi, Vythiri and Kalpetta and all these places which are near each other offers plenty of places to stay. Hotels, resorts, cottages and even tree houses are available.

Calicut Airport is the nearest, and Calicut is the railway station to embark. A distance of about 75 km exists between Calicut and the important parts of Wayanad.

Gavi, a hill station in Idukki is

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growing in popularity. It is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The road trip starts from Vandiperiyar 28 km away, by jeep. It is an Ecofriendly spot where you experience the solitude of the wild. Camping is possible with permission, permanent accommodation is increasingly being built.

Important Museums in Kerala A visit to a museum enables us to get some idea of the culture and traditions of the State. We can also make out how advanced the people are in applying science to their lives.

Hill Palace Archaeological Museum in Thrippunithura, a suburb of Kochi is situated in an area of 54 acres. The buildings used to be the Royal family’s residence. Now they comprise an Archaeological museum, a heritage museum, pre-historic objects and a deer park. There is a collection of rare medicinal plants also.

The Napier Museum is an AngloSaracen masterpiece of architecture.

It is an Art and Natural History Museum which displays ancient bronze idols, ornaments and even a royal chariot. Sri Chitra Art gallery

nearby exhibits paintings specially those done by the famous Raja Ravi Varma. A large zoological garden is also located in the premises.

Kerala Folklore and Culture Museum – One can learn about Kerala architecture and traditional performing arts of whole of South India at this museum. Even the window frames are special, apart from the folk art puppets, musical instruments and garments which are unique. On certain days, a show of the main 4 art forms is conducted with live music. It lasts for an hour and 15 minutes. A must-be-seen place! It is located at Thevara Jn, Ernakulam.

Science and Technology Museum in the State capital hosts working, participatory models of science and electronics. The Sky Theater at Priyadarshini planetarium is one of the best with shows on stars, planets and the Universe. The Calicut Planetarium in north Kerala also is a reputed science center.

The Archeological museum in Thrissur is well-known for the murals, temple models, manuscripts on dry palm leaves and figures and weapons of heroes of history.

Napier Museum

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By R. Ramu

T

he coffee plantations of Coorg covered with stunning greenery would charm anyone. With its undiluted landscapes, lovely waterfalls and an amazing assortment of flora and fauna, it has much to offer visitors. Wake up to the view of misty mountains in the morning and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. But of all the places to visit in Coorg, the wildlife sanctuaries are the most fascinating if you are with a loved one or on a family trip. Spot a bison, an elephant and if you in luck then a Panther. Take a look below for some of Coorg’s tourist places and plan your trip to the ‘Scotland of India’.

How to Reach Coorg The nearest railway station is Mysore about 120 kms away. The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport, about 160 kilometres away. KSRTC bus services connects Coorg to nearby Karnataka cities such as Mysore, Mangalore and Bangalore among others.

town of Madikeri, the waterfall is located between coffee plantations and spice estates. Enjoy the gushing beauty where the Kaveri River cascades down a rockface turning into the falls. The best time to visit is November and December, just after monsoons.

2. Brahmagiri Peak – Trek through the verdant trails

Places to Visit in Coorg 1. Abbey falls – Gushing through the rocks Abbey Falls makes for one of the most popular places to visit in Coorg. Located 1 km from the Brahmagiri Peak is ascenic spot full of forested woods and mist-topped hills. On the way to the peak, you will trek through grasslands, colourful floras and sparkling streams of clear water. It also has a wildlife sanctuary which includes Lion-tailed Macaque, Jungle Cat,

Spotted Deer, Nilgiri Langur, Giant Flying Squirrel amongst others. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Coorg. Everybody should experience the Beauty of this Place.

3. Dubare Elephant Camp for animal lovers One of the most interesting things to do in Coorg is get close to elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp. With over 150 elephants, the camp is a great chance to get to know these enchanting creatures.

Watch the elephants being given a bath, fed and trained by Mahouts.

In addition take a coracle ride on the River Cauvery and spot a

20 crocodile, gaur, the wild dog, sloth bear and peacocks.

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4. Iruppu Falls – Rush of the torrents

Of all tourist places in Coorg, Iruppu waterfall is one of the most popular. River Lakshmana Tirtha takes a 60 feet plunge amidst the green mountains to turn into these falls. The picturesque view of the ferns along with the gushing sound of the falls makes for a memorable experience.

would be to visit a local village.

Chettalli is a small village on the Madikeri – Siddapur Road is just the place. With the misty hills being perfectly complimented by the unending greenery it provides a great place to enjoy the serenity and relax.

6. Chettalli – The less trodden pathways If you are into cultural tourism, an interesting thing to do in Coorg

9. Bylakuppe – A cultural delight

7. Raja’s Seat – Mystical views and cottony clouds

5. Nagarhole National Park for the love of the wild

If you are interested in wildlife, the Nagarhole National Park is possibly one of the best places to visit in Coorg. Despite the dense jungle, it has open sight-lines along the river bank, which makes for fantastic place to watch animals and over 270 species of birds. The best time to visit is during summer (April to May) or winter (November to February).

Point via the scenic Makkandur route but be sure to pack some water for the way!

Present in the town of Madikeri, Raja’s Seat is considered one of the most scenic places to visit in Coorg.

A popular sunset point, it provides a breathtaking view of the green valley and the surrounding hills.

It is also surrounded by a beautiful garden of seasonal flowers and musical fountains. The best time to visit is during the early morning and evening hours.

Of all tourist places in Coorg, Bylakuppe is full of cultural delights. The second biggest Tibetan settlement in India, the main attraction in Bylakuppe is the Golden Temple or Namdroling Monastery which adheres to the typical Tibetan style of architecture. The town is especially great to visit during the festival of Losar (Tibetan New Year), which is celebrated with much fervor.

10. Cauvery Nisargadhama – Time to the beaten tracks

8. Mandalpatti View point – Nature at it’s best With abundance of greenery, trekking is definitely one of the things to do in Coorg. And Mandalpatti is one of the best tourist spots to indulge in the adventurous activity. Climb up towards the Mandalpatti View

Nisargadhama is a beautiful island, 28 km from Madikeri, surrounded by thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. An

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interesting things to do in Coorg would be to stay in the treetop bamboo cottages here, and enjoy the elephant rides and boating on the river side.

safari, trekking and kayaking.

2. Old Kent Estates and Spa Resort

Best Time to Visit Coorg Plan a trip to this hill station between November to March not just for the pleasant weather but also to celebrate Puttari, the harvest festival and indulge in some mouth-watering local delicacies.

Where to Stay in Coorg There is no shortage of great resorts to stay in Coorg, each providing a different kind of experience to the visitors. While some are better suited for couples with facilities like spa, others are focused on families with options of safaris and adventurous activities. Whatever you may choose, make sure you pick a room that allows a view of the breathtaking landscape. So, here are a few best places to stay in Coorg: 1. Coorg Jungle Camp

One of the best resorts in Coorg, located near Kushalnagar, Coorg Jungle Camp is an ideal escapade for travelers. With the view of the Harangi backwaters and surrounded by dense forest and coffee plantations, it is an excellent place to take part in a jungle jeep

Part of a 200 acre coffee plantation, this resort is tucked away in Suntikoppa, 20 kms from Madikeri. The estate has large varieties of flora and fauna and is a wonderful place for bird watchers.

The English garden in front of the lodge boasts of over 50 varieties of flowering plants commonly seen in the United Kingdom. Both families and couples are guaranteed to have a good time here. It is amongst the most amazing resorts to stay in Coorg.

3. Heritage Resort Of the many hotels and resorts in Coorg, nestled amidst plentiful greenery, the Heritage Resort offers panoramic views of the surroundings. The resort has an Ayurvedic Spa facility and is equipped with a great game parlour. The beautiful swimming pool faces the green covered mountains and the misty horizon and is an excellent place for a lazy afternoon.

4. Orange County Coorg This is amongst the best resorts in Coorg for a romantic getaway.

The resort is set up with thatched cottages facing the paddy fields, giving it a village feeling. And is

surrounded by coffee and spice plantations, with the River Cauvery on one side and Dubare Reserve forest on the other. This resort is perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner.

5. The Tamara

This boutique resort is a remote, scenic hideaway with luxury wood cottages and offer expansive view of the plantation and waterfalls. Indulge in trekking, coffee plantation tours, picking and processing berries which are offered as activities. Another attraction is the Rudraksha trail to the Giant Rudraksha Tree.

While there are many places to visit in Coorg, yet your vacation will be incomplete without a trip to Ooty & Kodaikanal. Visit the Kashmir of South this summer for a soothing holiday!

Plan your trip now and enjoy the gorgeous hill stations famous for their deep gorges, pristine waterfalls, peeking brooks, scented plantations, abundant nature and mesmerizing views. Trek along the trails and enjoy the sunset where the sky turns into hues of orange and blues and spellbind yourself.

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Fascinating Moments of Kerala

By M. Manikandan

Kerala tourism is not all about the halcyon stretches of prepossessing backwaters, prolonged shoreline with picturesque beaches, warble hillock and exotic wild life, magical waterfalls, moderate climate throughout the year, wide spread plantations and endless paddy fields etc. you can be experienced by the enthralling art forms, vivid festivals, Ayurveda vacation, tempting Kerala cuisines, conventional monuments etc. You can be blindly say that great Kerala tourism packages are the one and only choice to make opulent tour packages. So the tourists can step forward in to

the deepness of Kerala to bring out the treasure of sightseeing in your Kerala trip. The culture and nature has a strong bond each other to form a final spot for the travelers. Kerala is consecrated with aesthetic nature and culture so it will be the best moment of Kerala tour.

Kathakali Kathakali is nearly 300 years old classical dance form. Make up, costumes, expressions, music and dance like in each aspects of Kathakali can’t be matched with any other performance in the world. That’s why without any

doubt we can say that Kathakali is a prestigious award for the Kerala tourism attraction. The repute Kerala tour operators are bestowing the special occasion to attend this show for their guests.

The characters of Kathakali are performing as per the Purana and epic stories of Kerala. So it shows the Kerala culture and tradition by their brilliant recital.

Hence, don’t miss this show from your Kerala travel and it is a good opportunity to understand the specialty of Kerala culture. This colorful artistry will carry you to the different world where you can

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watch the actors of Ramayanam, Mahabharatham etc.

So find your best Kerala cultural tours to adore the classical forms and natural sightseeing by Kerala tour packages.

know the Kalaripayattu in past days.

So the people need to make the Kerala holiday packages to realize the importance of Kalaripayattu in our society. Kalari is the place where we will get the training for

t

Kalaripayattu When you plan your travel to Kerala something lot will come in to your mind like green foliage, tradition arts, festivals and more.

But haven’t you imagined about the martial force and its influences on the Kerala culture? Kalaripayattu is the martial art form of Kerala. No one wasn’t there in Kerala without

he Payattu which means fight. The professional Kalaripayattu masters (Guru) are giving proper guidance for their students (Sishyan) for the ultimate coordination of soul and body, feats like jumping, running, and somersault etc. And followed by the lessons how to handle the weapons such as the sword, swear, bow, arrow, maces, sticks, daggers

23 etc. The travelers who fix a spark on their mind to learn the Kalaripayattu it is really healthier for our heart and body.

Thrissur Pooram Thrissur Pooram is the mass ceremony of Kerala. Commonly this Pooram is calling as festival of festivals. The pooram lovers are flowing in to the land of Vadakkumnathan temple, Swaraj ground, Thrissur to be victim of richly decorated elephants parade, Kudamatam (bright colored umbrella changing), Elanjithara Melam, Fireworks tec. No castes, no age, no gender to love the Thrissur Pooram. When you plan your Kerala tour during May or April month can try to make it on Pooram day. You can observe the stupendous human sea from the Thrissur districts. The healthy competition between Paramekavu side and Thiruvanpadi side are conferring a miraculous experience for the public. So of course your Kerala tourism packages will be an unimaginable encounter for

24 the global or local tourists. So consider your holiday packages in Kerala during Thrissur Pooram to

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people. The sea food, water sports are adding more beauty for the houseboat trip.

Kerala Ayurveda for refreshing Body and Mind

get a kick of Pooram.

Cruise along the Backwaters to feel Nature The best part of Kerala is blessed with the tranquil backwater resources. Keralites have started to use these waters for fishing, transporting, and agriculture from long years ago. But the Kerala houseboat travel has changed the fate of Kerala tourism. Almost all young new gens have found their Kerala honeymoon packages in houseboat. Now it is really a quality time for the Kerala houseboat tours industry. Kerala houseboat packages are the best prospect for the tourists who plan to make the honeymoon in Kerala or Kerala holiday packages. The traditional look and the modern amenities are making this Kerala houseboat tour different for the

God created this world with many medical herbal plants to cure from the different illness.

Kerala is the number one place to utilize these types of all herbs and shrubs for the numerous treatments. When you decide your Kerala packages you may have to get a refreshing Ayurveda packages in Kerala to feel freshness for your body and mind.

The Kerala Ayurveda tours will make you to understand about the significant of Ayurvedam. And it has the solution for approximately all illness of human body.

Being a part of Kerala’s Traditions

The Kerala tourism can’t be keep away from the traditional benefits of Kerala. Once, the coir production was the major income for the Keralites. The influences of international markets were swallowed the market of coir.

But still in many remote areas are supporting for the coir making for their day to day income. As an excursionist want to celebrate the

holiday packages in Kerala to look at the way of coir production. It definitely gives you a nice glimpse for your eyes. Then your Kerala holiday packages will be a worth one if you walk by villages of coir production.

Capture the Charming Scenery of Kerala

As you shown in the above picture Kerala tourism is inevitably shining before the tourists because of its innocent natural beauty and stainless public. In all around the Kerala has its unique touch of glamour so anybody can’t go away without click their cameras.

So the Kerala package tours in any peculiar region would be fine for the people.

Kerala tourism areas were the most attractive travel destination for the global tourist. There are lots many things are waiting for you to make a staggering Kerala tours. The cost of living is lesser than the other states of Kerala at the same time no limit for the plenty of natural sightseeing. Placid backwaters, electrifying beaches, soothing mounts, greenish foliage, wildlife, marine life and more are expecting you to come here to adore the Kerala tourism packages.

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or the first time of its kind of trips in India Karnataka Forest Department along with Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (KEDB) in association with Jungle Lodges and Resorts are offering several eco friendly trekking and adventure activities to the adventurists and wildlife lovers. As the part of the program, these departments will establish several base camps at several places in the state and provide trekking activities from their base camps.

Currently established base camps are Bhagavathi Nature Camp from where adventurists can trek to Kudremukh, Kulgi Nature Camp, Anshi Evergreen Camp, Castlerock Adventure Camp are established to trek to Dandeli, Hemmdaga Camp to trek to Bhimgad and Jogimatti Nature Camp to trek to Jogimatti.

From the base camps adventurists have to trek to their chosen destination along the trail under the guidance of trained experts. The culinary requirements of the trekkers will be taken care by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts group.

There are several private travel operators in Bangalore who often provide such trekking activities but most of the time, the offers are to the places that are around the city and very rarely they take the adventurists very deep into the natural forests. Now with the Government of Karnataka came into the picture and encouraging Eco Tourism in the state, trekking activities will become available to each and every enthusiast, which was enjoyed by only few groups earlier.

Eco Trails, Adventure Trips for Wildlife, Trekking Enthusiasts

By R.Venkataramanan

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Arts & Crafts of Tamil Nadu

By Karthik Leelaram

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he graceful arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu have found generous mention in the archives of Kautilya, Pliny and a number of other scholars who were in awe of the soft muslin, fine silk, elaborate ivory work and precious gems like tortoise shells, diamonds, pearls and rubies produced by the state. Lying on the zenith of ancient culture and customs of the erstwhile Pallava, Pandya and Vijayanagar dynasties, Tamil Nadu houses abundant remnants that are a proof of architectural magnificence and cultural blossoming that belonged to that period.

Popular as the ‘Cultural Capital’ of India, Tamil Nadu is extremely wellknown for its marvelous temples and other architectural gems. The state rose to prominence primarily because of its well-known and outstanding Tanjore Paintings that flourished at the time of Chola dynasty in ancient Tanjavoor. In this traditional art form, the paintings showcase the embellished form of the sacred deities of the region. The deities in the paintings are festooned with glass pieces, pearls, semi-precious stones, and gold and other vibrant colors. In the modern times, Tanjore paintings look up to human figures, animals, floral motifs and birds as muses.

The art and culture of Tamil Nadu also thrives in its musical instruments that are played during the vibrant festivals of the state. The Kumbu, the Naadaswaram, various lutes and percussion instruments, Thamburas and the Silappadikaaram are some of the popular instruments of Tamil Nadu.

Several Arts and Crafts in Tamil Nadu Paintings Tanjore paintings of Tamil Nadu are a stamp of the rich cultural heritage of India. Done up in effervescent shades and studded with vibrant pearls, semiprecious stones, glass pieces and gold, this art work is a masterwork that is done on bases like ivory, wood, or mica.

Tanjore style of painting also drapes the canopies, chandeliers, garlands of ropes, and pillars.

The unique style of these paintings is also a subject of study. In the starting, a wooden board is made. The painting is done on a different unbleached piece of cloth that is later treated with a mix of chalk powder and glue. The drawing then

is traced down on the board, trailed by decorations, which is then painted with a mixture of gum and chalk powder for making 3 dimensional style shade effect.

The result is simply mesmerizing.

Woodcraft The focal point of cultural spectacle of South India, Tamil Nadu is known for a number of causes, starting from wonderful temples, daunting monuments and, budding art and culture seen in its sculptures, wood crafts and paintings.

Woodcraft has slowly started to pay decent revenue in the art and craft industry of Tamil Nadu. The skilled craftsmen of the state were earlier dependent on patronization from the rulers to earn their livelihood, however, they are now coming in link with able local artisans from local villages whose talent can be seen in a number of artefacts of the region made by them.

The fiber and basket products of Tamil Nadu are popular all around the country and the world because of their aesthetic appeal. Cane, palm trees, reeds, grass and bamboo shoots are used for making wood words and basket products in Tamil Nadu. Coconut fibers and wooden barks are used for making utility products such as mats, ropes, baskets and so on.

Stone Carving The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been celebrated for its excellent stone carvings since the starting of the ancient history of India. This aboriginal craft gained momentum after the culturally advanced rulers of the state became the patrons of the local craftsmen who were able to keep their art form active.

The remnants of stone carvings, granite figures and similar such statues that were found at the time of excavation from the archeological site, all earn a special remark. They have a tale to tell that artistry has been a part of region from prehistoric times. Today Chingleput and Mamallapuram are the two places where granite carving can be seen. These special talent is owned by the skilled craftsmen of local communities Kammaalar and Vishwakarma.

Jewellery The cultural and artistic splendor of the Tamil Nadu state can be seen in its traditional Jewellery pieces. The state is

famed for its conventional stone-adorned jewelry pieces including neckpieces, earing, anklets, nose drops, waist belts and bracelets.

Not any woman’s life is complete without owning some lovely sparkling jewelry.

During the ancient times in the state, diamonds as well as other precious stones were owned by men as well as women.

Those people were ardent believers of the magical powers of the nine gems or the Navaratnas, which were specially worn to ward off the evil eye and pacify the planetary position.

Musical instruments Art and culture in Tamil Nadu was able to thrive under the patronage of the old Kings who were themselves learned enough to support the ancient craftspeople. In the present times, it is not only the base of livelihood for many but is also a flourishing revenue generating industry.

Traditional music and dance have played an important role in the cultural setting of the state. The result of this was the blooming up of shops and industries making musical instruments. Such shops and centers, in majority, are found around Thanjavur, known for producing some of the most important musicians of the country.

Pottery The age-old traditions of India have always been one of the factors giving support to the feeling of unity in diversity.

As Tamil Nadu is known to be the cultural capital of the country, it has been the epicenter of fine culture including jewelry, woodwork, painting as well as pottery. The knowledgeable rulers of Pallava, Pandya, Vijayanagar and Chola dynasties always helped the art, craft and culture of South India to flourish. Today, Tamil Nadu is famed for being home to several glorious monuments and temples that are a proof of historical opulence of the country.

At a number of excavation sites in South Indian, archeologists have been able to find the remnants of pottery that was mainly made up of terracotta objects that were painted in an opulent brown color. This pottery is ample proof of the heritage, sophistication and cultural knowledge of the people who lived in India in the ancient times.

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The Pilgrim City Rameswaram

By V.S.Arun Srinivaas

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ocated on Pamban Island, which is placed at the tip of the Indian peninsula, Rameswaram is separated from mainland India. The town is a historical city which was ruled by the various southern Indian dynasties and has been mentioned in the mythological Hindu epic, Ramayana. Rameswaram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is also a part of the holy Hindu pilgrimage of the Char Dhams. Rameswaram is also a major pilgrim spot for the Shaivaites and the Vaishnavites. Here’s the list of the best places you can visit in Rameshawaram.

Dravidian Architecture Noted among the 275 most important Shiva temples for the Shaivaite sect of Hindus, theSri Ramanathaswamy Temple is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage of the Hindus. The temple was said to have been established by Lord Ram himself and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The site of the temple was expanded by the Pandya kings in the 12th century who are responsible for the current structure of the temple.

SandyShores The sandy shores of Rameswaram are one of the most holy places for the Hindu pilgrims. The Agnitheertham, are a collection of 22 such spots at the shores which the pilgrims bath in. according to Hindu mythology Lord Ram took a bath at the shores to absolve him from the sin of the killings in the war against Ravana.

Foot Print of Lord Rama The hillock lies at a short distance of 3 kilometers from Rameswaram and is the highest point on the island. Gandamadana Parvatham is considered to house a foot print of Lord Rama on a Chakra. The hill lies at an amazing location and one can get the panoramic views of the entire island from this point.

Anciant Idols The temple is famous for its unique incarnation of the mighty monkey god Lord Hanuman. The image of the deity has five faces namely Lord Hanuman, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Hayagriva and Lord Garuda. The idol is carved from a large senthooram stone from which vermilion is derived. The ancient idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshamana that were brought during a cyclone from Dhanushkodi are also placed here.

Famous Bridge A famous picnic spot on the island, Dhanushkodi is also an important pilgrim spot on the Rameswaram Island. The name Dhanushkodi literally means the end of the bow and is spot where Lord Ram built the famous bridge with floating stones. The place is famous for the various migratory birds that flock here and its pristine views of the ocean. Being one of the most important pilgrim spots for the Hindus, Rameswaram is a city that exemplifies the richness of Indian culture and the Hindu religion.

30 unnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India

M

Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in blue colour once in twelve years.

The Neelakurinji, will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi - which towers over 2695 Mts and is an ideal spot for campers who like to do some trekking.

The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have been the first European visitor to Munnar, in 1790, but this is unlikely. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, just to the North of the high ranges was named Kanan Thevar. It is said that travelers from Madurai to the West coast passed through these villages and named these hills after him.

An entry in the diary of Madras army Lieutenant made in 1817 describes a bullock-road heading across the Kanan Devan hills into Coimbatore.

In 1877-79, the Poonjar Chief, a subordinate prince to the Maharaja ofTravancore, leased a large tract of land comprising 588 sq. km. to a lawyer in the employee of the Travancore Government named J. D. Munro. This tract, henceforth called the Kanan Devan Concession Land, was completely undeveloped, largely unexplored, and covered with thick jungle full of wild elephants and tigers.

In Conjunction with Munro and H. G. Turner of the Madras Civil Service was founded the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society, whose

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018 members developed their own estates in various parts of the High Ranges.

This first cultivation was undertaken

by A. W. Turner near Devikulam lake in 1877. The pioneers tried many crops such as coffee, cinchona, sisal and cardamom before discovering tea, the product best suited to the area.The first tea plant was planted by A. H. Sharp at Parvathi, now in Sevenmullay estate, but then a 20 hectares (50 acres) clearing in an immense jungle. In 1893-95, the concession area was purchased by Muir and Co. which later became James Finlay & Co. Ltd. The original route to the Anamellen’s was cut out of the jungle in 1858 by Congreve and Macpherson, and it led to what are now Veloine & Valparai Estates. The first plantation was 20 hectares (50 acres) of coffee put out in 1897 by “Carver” Mersh. E. J. Martin introduced tea a few years later and cardamom, cinchona and rubber were also added. The latter has now been mostly abandoned.

The Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company was formed in 1897, and together with other subsidiaries of the Glasgow, UK - based Finlays Group, namely, the Anglo-American Direct Tea Trading Company and the Amalgamated Tea Estates Company it opened or came to purchase 33 estates in the high range and 9 in the the Anamallais.

In 1964 a collaborative venture between Finlays and Tatas was established to develop value-added tea, and in 1976 Tata-Finlays Ltd purchased the black tea producing/marketing operation and other interests. The name of the company was changed to Tata Tea Ltd. in 1983 when Finlays sold their remaining share holdings including the considerable landholdings and manufacturing facilities in Northeastern India. Tata Tea Ltd. justifiably claims to be the largest integrated tea company in the world, with activities spanning the entire spectrum of the industry.

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The Tea Town

Munnar

By R. Ramu

31

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Tourist attractions in

Hampi

By A.Udhayaraja

Virupaksha Market

croached, thus affecting the local people.

Located near the Virupaksha Temple, the Hampi Bazaar is also known as Virupaksha Bazaar. On either sides of this one kilometer long street near the temple, are pavilions which were once a part of the markets of the nobles. Most of these pavilions, particularly towards the west of Virupaksha Temple have shops and restaurants. The street is congested and therefore, most of the vehicles are restricted in the bazaar except for two wheelers.

The market is also reachable via local bus.

It was in July 2011, when over 200 shops in the Hampi Bazaar were demolished by the district administration authorities of Hampi as they were declared illegally en-

Historical Connection Matanga hill is a well known tourist destination in Hampi. Its main attraction being the breathtaking aerial view of the Hampi landscape during sunset or sunrise. When on top, you can appreciate the sheer wisdom of the Vijaynagara rulers for selecting Hampi as their capital.

The best track for trekking enthusiasts is the one that begins from Hampi bazaar to the Achyutaraya temple. The picturesque sight from the top comprises the Tungabhadra River, the Kodanda Rama temple, the Veerbhadra temple and the Turthu canal. Matanga hill is historically

connected to the epic Ramayana as it was the hiding place for Sugriva, the ruler of Kishkinda.

Green Wild Covering a sprawling area of nearly 55.87 sq km Daroji Bear Sanctuary is located in the Bellary district of Karnataka, 15 km from Hampi. In October 1994, the Bilakallu forest reserve - a vast stretch of barren land was declared as Daroji Bear Sanctuary by the Karnataka government.

Within a span of few years this area was converted into a lush green forest with enough vegetation for wildlife. With an estimate of nearly 120 sloth bears, 90 different species of birds and 27 species

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- Nisha

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which has assumed iconic heights over the years for Karnataka tourism. The pillared halls are intrinsically carved with sculptures that speak volumes about the glorious past of Hampi. Another feature that is worth mentioning here is the musical pillars that emanates the seven notes when tapped.

Expertise of Artists The Hazara Rama temple complex in Hampi is located in the middle of the Royal Centre and was once used as a place of worship by the royal family members.

Inscriptions inside the temple indicate that it was built by Devaraya I in early fifteenth century. This temple is renowned for its elaborate frescos extensively portraying scenes from Hindu mythology.

There are about one thousand fantastically carved bas relief and inscriptions that illustrate the mighty epic Ramayana and the Mahanavami festival. Depiction of processions of elephants, horses with attendants, dancing girls and armoured soldiers testify the expertise of the Vijayanagara artists.

Architectural Masterpiece

of butterflies, Daroji bear sanctuary is a must visit for all tourists. The best months to visit the sanctuary are between August and April.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm (open all days) Architectural Masterpice A unique architectural masterpiece, Vithala temple in Hampi is situated opposite to the village of Anegondi. The temple is named after Vithala, an avatar of Vishnu worshipped by the Marathas.

Vithala temple is built in the form of a complex with compound wall and gateway towers. The one thing that immediately catches attention is the stone chariot

The Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Hampi attracts tourists specifically due to its monolithic structure and the sheer enormity of its size. It is the single largest statue in Hampi with a height of 6.7 meters. Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is depicted as sitting on the giant coil of the celestial snake Adisesha.

The seven heads of the giant snake shielding Narasimha, arched by a Kirtimukha Torana in the front, is an architectural masterpiece in itself. However, several features of the monolithic structure are missing and the most prominent among these damaged and missing structures is the seated figurine of Narasimha’s consort Lakshmi on his left lap. By entering inside the enclosure, one can see the land of Lakshmi on Narasimha’s back with her fingers, nails and rings, all beautifully sculptured.

Earlier Structures Amidst the ruins of the ancient city Vijaynagar the Virupaksha temple stands tall with all its earlier structures still intact. The temple personifies Lord Shiva

and is still used for worship. The inside of the temple consists of a sanctum with

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a madapam in front, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall.

Among the three towers the eastern tower is the tallest standing at a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. Virupaksha portrays Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in their various avatars. The chariot festival is celebrated in the premises of this temple during the month of February.

• Achyutaraya Temple or Tiru vengalanatha Temple

Elephants

• Yentrodharaka Anjaneya temple

A large dome shaped building was used as Elepahant Stables to house the ceremonial elephants of the royal household. The architectural style of the building has a strong Indo-Islamic influence that gets reflected in its domes and arched gateways. The building consists of eleven chambers amongst which ten of these are crowned with domes.

• Archaeological Museum at Ka malapura

• Uddana Veerabhadra temple • Chandramauleshwar Temple • The Underground Temple • Aqueducts and Canals • Akka Tangi Gudda • Anegondi • Badava Linga • The King’s balance • Zenana enclosure • Tungabhadra River • Ugra Narasimha

These chambers were used as elephant stables. The metal hooks that were probably used to chain the elephants are still visible in the ceiling of some of the rooms. Special manholes were constructed for the mahouts to facilitate their easy entrance to the elephant compartments.

Woth Weploring Rich in history and architecture, the village of Hampi is a veritable tourist paradise.

There are diverse types of tourist attractions in and around Hampi. On visiting them, you will get to know what Hampi is all about from close quarters. Some of the famous landmarks in and around this village that are worth exploring include:

• Vittala temple • Anjeyanadri Hill • Yeduru Basavanna

• Virupapura • Madhavan Palace • Elephant stables • Lotus temp

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Top Places to Visit In ANANTAPUR

By A. Sardhana Nisa

36

E

very place has a tale. Every region has a history. The difference lies in the richness of history of a place, its culture, its civilization and how it has been preserved today. Some boast of a rich past but unfortunately you are left to see only the ruins or nothing that indicate the glorious past. Some places develop to present a different face altogether, which would make an interesting visit.

Some maintain the essence of the past by blending it with the present and hence provide an in depth into the past life and attract with the present state. Anantapur, the largest district in the state of Andhra Pradesh has many historic monuments to highlight its significant past. It plays an important role even today as it is famous for silk trade and contributes towards the growth of economy. Let us look at the top attractions of Anantapur.

1. Penukonda Penukonda is referred to as Ghangari in local inscriptions. The place is rich in temples as you will find that it has 365 temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman apart from other temples for different gods. Penukonda Fort was constructed by Vira Virupanna Udaiyar of Vijayanagar.

The fort is situated 70 kms away from Anantapur and it is famous for its architectural brilliance with stunning sculptures. The fort is not in the best of state but gives you a great feeling to be inside it after a challenging trek. The fort houses many temples and the two famous attractions here are Gagan Mahal Palace and Babayya Darga. Gagan Mahal was constructed in 1575 AD and it throws light on the life and style of King Krishna Devaraya. Babayya Darga stands proof of the harmony existed between Hindus and Muslims.

2. Ravadurg Gooty Fort Ravadurg Gooty Fort belonging to the 7th century is a stunning example of the architectural excellence of the past.

Shell shaped Gooty fort is one amongst the oldest hill forts in Andhra Pradesh.

The fort, located at an altitude of 300 meters houses 15 forts inside and rightly

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018 earns the name ‘King of Forts’. Built by Vijayanagar kings, the fort was conquered

by Haider Ali and was eventually won over by British when Tipu Sultan was defeated. A pavilion in the fort offers panoramic view of the land beneath.

3. Thimmamma Marrimanu Amidst man made wonders, which show the excellence of human brains, we find that Anantapur houses one of the excellent wonders of bestowed by nature on this land. Thimmamma Marrimanu is a banyan tree, which is the biggest in South India. Situated 100 km from Anantapur, the tree’s branches spread across 5 acres of land. The tree was named after a woman called Thimmamma, who committed sati after her husband’s death.

The belief that childless couple will be blessed with children on visiting this place makes it a top tourist attraction.

4. Dharmavaram Dharmavaram, famous for cotton and silk sarees, is situated 46 km away from Anantapur. This ancient place attracts tourists from all parts of the world owing to its contribution in the weaving industry.

Silk sarees weaved in Dharmavaram are exported to various countries including France and Germany. The architectural excellence of the place is evident in Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy and Ramalingeswara Temple. Both these temples have perennial water sprout. The sculptures and the pillars are excellently carved. The pillars in Ramalingeswara Temple produce musical notes when you strike them gently.

5. Hemavathi Hemavathi is an ancient place, which has historic significance. It was the capital of Pallava kings in the 9th and 10th centuries.

Hemavathi Fort, one of the ancient forts in Andhra Pradesh is ruined but some of the temples namely Doddeswara Swamy Temple, Siddeshswara Swamy Temple and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple stand proof of the excellence of artisanship of the Chola and the Pallava era.

6. Aluru Kona Aluru Kona is a small village, which is famous for Ranganathaswamy Temple.

This temple, situated on hilltop was constructed in the year 1334 AD. The waterfall here flows through out the year.

The picturesque view from the temple spell bounds you. Devotees and nature lovers love this place for what it has to offer.

7. Lepakshi Lepakshi is situated 110 km from Anantapur. If you have an eye for architecture and historical places, you need to visit Lepakshi. The place has 108 Shiva temples. Lord Veerabhadhra Temple belonging to the 16th century displays fine architectural skills. The intricately carved pillars and rock sculptures speak volumes of architectural brilliance possessed by the artisans.

The murals on the temple’s ceilings are amazing. It is indeed an architect’s delight.

8. Raidurga Fort Yet another fort in Anantapur that played a dominant role in the history of the district. Mostly in ruins now, the fort was once invincible. It houses many famous temples. The splendid architecture of the fort and the temples take you back to the times when the fort was at its peak of glory. Some of the famous temples here include temples for Hanuman, Narasimhan and Jambukeswara.

If you are the type that cannot help being involved in what you see, you are sure to feel a touch of sadness when you visit the famous forts of this place. The impregnable forts losing all its power and won over by the passing of centuries is a crude reminder to the fact that material wealth is not permanent. However, the forts stand proof of the valor of the rulers of the past and the architectural brilliance of the artisans of the bygone era, which nothing could destroy.

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SPA

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of South India

By R.Venkataramanan

K

uttralam or Kuttalam, Spa of South India, is a panchayat town situated at a mean elevation of 160 m (520 ft) on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Many seasonal and few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate in this region. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the ubiquitous health resorts in the area have earned it the title the Spa of South India.[1] The falls carry a good amount of water only when there is a rain on the hills. Season begins from June of every year till September. The South West Monsoon brings in the cold breeze with mild temperature. From October to

December North East Monsoon sets over in Tamil Nadu and the climate is cold and the rains are very heavy sometimes.

Sometimes the falls get flooded and people are not allowed to take bath during floods.It will be a great experience for anybody to see and enjoy some of the important falls around kourtallam are listed below..

These five falls are regarded as the five heads of the cobras by the locals.

However, three falls out of five can be accessed by men whereas only two falls are open for women. There are two temples also lying in the vicinity of waterfalls namely Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple attracting lot of devotees.

Five Falls

Old Falls

A sight of pure brilliance, Five Falls is one of the most sought after destination in Kutrallam, situated around 4 km from the main town. Visitors are absolutely awe inspired by the sight it presents with falls splitting into five parts before rushing down at the Aranvankadu Pass.

Locally referred to as Pazhaya Courtallam, Old Falls are situated enroute Tenkasi. Offering a mesmerizing view, the waterfall cascades down from 200 feet with step crafted out of rock to slow down the flow.

38 Located 10 kms away from the town, the fall features separate bathing area for men and women along with the luxury of oil massage. Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Aruvi) and New Falls (Puthu Aruvi) are located in the proximity to the stream.

Main Falls One of the prime attractions of all the nine waterfalls, Main Falls also known as Peraruvi is situated in the town center. It falls from an altitude of 60m and serves as the biggest of all the falls in the area.

In fact, the water stream besides being a major sightseeing spot, is also place of worship for locals. However, take care of the time you travel as between November and January, the stream dries up. But at the same time during the peak season, it displays a sight of sheer beauty. Two temples dedicated to Goddess Kuzhalvaimozhi Amman and Sri Thirukutralanthar (Lord Shiva) are also big attention seekers situated in the vicinity.

Palaruvi Falls Palaruvi Falls cascading downstream from the height of 300 ft is one of prime attraction of the area. The name of the falls meaning ‘Stream of Milk’

SOUTH INDIA SOUTHHOLIDAYS INDIA HOLIDAYS n DECEMBER n MAY-2016 - 2018 in regional language, these present an admiring sight of stream gushing amid lush green grooves.

Also the stream has a religious significance for the locals and is worshipped by them. From a view point by leading upstairs, the view of the fall is absolutely bewitching and a must visit.

Honey Falls Situated 4 km from the Main Falls, Honey Falls or Thenaruvi are quite famous among the locals as well as tourists.

The stream derived its name from the beehives that are formed here during the dry season on the face of the rock.

The view of the falls is very enchanting formed in the shape of horseshoe. The falls comprises of three streams that falls down to form a small lake right amid a rainforest. Situated about a 2 hour trek from Main Falls, this falls do not have the provision of bathing.

Small falls Nestled right above the Main Falls, Small Falls are also quite a popular tourist spot.

The water stream that forms the falls is also referred to as Chittaruvi and is said to be possessed of medicinal and

therapeutic values.

The fall is easily accessible via steps along the main road. As with other falls, this stream also offer separate bathing facilities for men and women.

Shenbaga Falls Shenbaga Falls is one of those places which apart from being a famous tourists spot is also a major place of worship for locals. Also known as Chembakadevi, this place can be reached easily from Main Falls via trekking trail.

The distance between the tow is almost 3 kms. This fall derives its name from village Shenbaga Devi situated in the proximity that houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Shenbaga Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Owing to its religious importance, the place is flocked by the devotees in large number.

They pay the homage to goddess with Shenbaga flowers which can be bought on the way to the temple from various shops.

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Different forms of Tourism and its

POSITIVE IMPACTS on the society.

Karthik Leelaram Medical tourism

M

edical tourism also known as health tourism has emerged as one of the important segments of the tourism industry. The term has been coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to for healthcare. Travelers typically seek services such as elective procedures as well as complex specialised surgeries such as joint replacement (knee/hip), cardiac, dental, and cosmetic surgeries.

Psychiatry, alternative treatments, and convalescent care are also available.

people of the past and present�. It is oriented toward cultural heritage of the tourist location. It involves visiting historical or industrial sites, religious travel or pilgrimages.

India is well known for its rich heritage and ancient culture.

Adventure tourism Travel for the aim of exploration or travel to remote, exotic and possibly hostile areas is known as adventure tourism.

With tourists looking for different options, adventure tourism is recording healthy growth. Adventure tourism refers to performance of acts, which require significant efforts and some degree of risk or physical danger. The activities include mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, river rafting, and rock climbing. India with its diverse topography and climate offers tremendous scope for adventure tourism.

Heritage tourism Heritage tourism is defined as “travel undertaken to explore and experience places, activities, and artifacts that authentically represent the stories and

Eco tourism Eco tourism, also known as ecological tourism, is travel to natural areas to appreciate the cultural and natural history of the environment, while not disturbing the integrity of the ecosystem and creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to local people. Ecotourism also minimizes wastage and the environmental impact through sensitized tourists.

Rural tourism: Rural tourism encourages rural life, art, culture and heritage of rural locations, benefitting the local community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and locals for a more enriching tourism experience. India’s rural, geographical and cultural diversity enables to offer a wide range of tourism products and experiences.

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Wildlife tourism Wildlife tourism, one of the fastest segments of tourism, involves travel to different locations to experience wild life in natural settings. India is endowed with various forms of flora and fauna and it has numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants and animals.

Positive IMPACTS OF TOURISM ON ECONOMY: 1. Generating Income and Employment: Tourism in India has emerged as an instrument of income and employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. It contributes 6.77% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. Almost 20 million people are now working in the India’s tourism industry.

2. Source of Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism is an important source of

foreign exchange earnings in India. This has favourable impact on the balance of payment of the country. The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.

3. Preservation of National Heritage and Environment: Tourism helps preserve several places which are of historical importance by declaring them as heritage sites.

4. Developing Infrastructure: Tourism tends to encourage the development of multiple-use of infrastructure that benefits the host community, including various means of transports, health care facilities, and sports centers.

5. Promoting Peace and Stability: Tourism industry can also help promote peace and stability in developing country like India by providing jobs, generating income & diversifying the economy.

6. The Multiplier Effect: The flow of money generated by tourist spending multiplies as it passes through various sections of the economy.

7.

Regional Development: The underdeveloped regions of the country can greatly benefit from tourism development. Many of the economically backward regions contain areas of high scenic beauty and cultural attractions.

8. Economic Value of Cultural Resources: Tourism provides monetary incentives for the development of many local crafts and culture, thus it has an effect on the income of the local artisans and artists 9.

Promotion of International Understanding: Tourism can also become an effective tool to develop a better understanding and interaction amongst people of different countrie

Owned, Published and Printed by A. ALAVUDEEN UDHAYARAJA, Printed at PALMS PRINTER, No.52, Arcot Road, Kodambakkam, Chennai – 600 024. and Published from No. 11, 5th Cross Street, United India Colony, Kodambakkam, Chennai – 600 024. Editor: A. ALAVUDEEN UDHAYARAJA