5 Best Places in Gods Own Country to Enjoy the Monsoons

Kerala is the state which stays green carpeted throughout the year. When monsoon comes, it brings a matchless liveliness. If you want to spend rainy days in a most exotic destination in India, then choose one of these destinations for your Kerala tour package.

Ashtamudi

Located around 76 km away from Thiruvananthapuram in the northwest, Ashtamudi is named for its octopus-like lake that is considered to be the gateway to Kerala backwaters. The resorts and home-stays in Ashtamudi are perfect to get laze. In the bustling waterways, you can sit along the lake under the shades of coconut groves. For Ayurvedic treatment, monsoons are best time to visit Ashtamudi. You can get oil massage treatment and pamper your senses and come out rejuvenated. For having some fun with romance, then take a houseboat ride. You can also visit Thevally to explore Maharaja’s Palace from inside out, at Alumkadavu to explore houseboat building yards or visit Kollam.

Mattupetty

This is less-known destination than Vagamon and Munnar and other hill stations. This is perched higher enough to get amazed in the rains in Idukki hills. Consistent rains get gloomy and sometimes force you to stay indoors and explore them from inside. It makes perfect option to enjoy most romantic moments of your life. You can also explore the whole region while doing leisurely strolls.

Kovalam

One of the most popular beaches in Kerala is Kovalam and now has become best of India. Kovalam is really very spectacular destination and most sought-after spot for winter vacation. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood offered by the locals and have a romantic walk on the beach and pamper yourself with Ayurvedic massages. In the monsoons, you can do surfing here at some best surfing destinations. You can also visit Shankhumugham and Veli in Thiruvananthapuram if you have a little more time.  

Alappuzha

The Venice of the East, Alappuzha is the capital of Kerala backwater tourism. It is connected to Kochi around 18 km south of it. Established around 18^th century, this historic town still maintains its historic vestige as it was once a chief trading gateway of princely state of Travancore.

There are several restaurants in Alappuzha that offer fresh seafood to the patrons. You can also visit the famous museums of the beach. All in all, you have a lot to enjoy and do here. Apart from these destinations, you have lots more to know about Kerala.

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5 Honeymooners’ Favorite Travel Destinations in Kerala

Since New Year 2014 is arrived, it’s time to celebrate at a wonderful place. And there is no more beautiful place in India than Kerala for honeymoon. Beckoning newlyweds, the magical ambience of winter makes Kerala tour even more wonderful. The palm fringed, tranquil backwaters are the lifeline of this state and play a great role to attract couples and honeymooners from different parts of the world. Here you can explore the glimpse of rustic lifestyle along with verdant paddy fields, coconut groves and tea and spice plantations. Here are some most exciting and romantic places you should consider in your Kerala Tour Package.

Alappuzha Backwaters

Kettuvallam is most romantic magnetism of Kerala. This is a traditional houseboat which menders along the beautiful palm fringed Alappuzha backwaters of Kerala. There is nothing more romantic in this world than dining and sleeping at the center of canal and around the natural scenery.   

Fort Kochi

This unmatched mixture of medieval Holland, Portugal and English country tells everything about Kerala. Fort Kochi is scattered magically with pre-historic landmarks and strategically grafted onto the Malabar Coast. The architectural marvels, colonial charm, refined hospitality and eclectic seafood fascinate the visitors of Kochi. Located along the Chinese Fishing Nets and giving the amazing view of sunsets, Fort Kochi is nothing but one of the most romantic getaway destination for the couples of all ages.

Spend Your Romantic Day at Kumarakom and Vembanad: For unforgettable and intimate getaway, both Kumarakom and Vembanad are ideal destinations. On the shores of Lake Vembanad, the Vembanad House is one most harmonious private home-stay for honeymoon in Kerala. For the new generation couples, home-stays in Kerala are top picks because they are very stylish and affordable too. Including breakfast, a couple can spend around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10000 here for a night.

Rejuvenate in Kovalam

Especially for honeymoon couples, this is the hottest favorite destination as well as for those who are seeking to have fun in the sun and the sand. Wellness activities and Ayurveda are next most important factors which hugely contribute to Kerala tourism because people visit here to invigorate their soul, mind and body. The dazzling beaches are the major highlight of this town. Apart from that, Kovalam also houses some wonderful beach resorts and hotels to provide delightful experience to couples and allow them to spend excellent solitude moments.   

Varkala

Varkala is known for splendid cliffs that are preserved with poise. Those who love both privacy and space on the beaches can head to Varkala. Varkala deserves the visits of romantic couples and honeymooners.

Conclusion

Apart from abovementioned most sough-after tourist and honeymooners destinations of Kerala, tourists can also visit Kerala for Ayurveda and Spa. Kerala is a home of several Spa Resorts. All in all, Kerala is full of ingredients that are important for love on a honeymoon in this country. Some of the most popular Ayurvedic Spa resorts are Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Resort & Spa and Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort. Some luxury hotels also offer spa facilities over here.

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Try Something Different at Kerala’s some of the Best Restaurants

Apart from being famous for tranquility of natural backwaters, traditional lifestyle, pubs and discos, Kerala is also most sought-after for eating out and various recreation activities. Though Kannada theatre is not bigger than Tamil one, this is well-known in the state. When it comes to eating out, here are some of the best restaurants for dining in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthpuram:

In Kozhikode

Hotel Sagar: Though it is not more than a restaurant, it still flaunts ‘Hotel’ prior to the name.  It was a Muslim home in the 18^th Century. Since then, it has been renovated and formed as a restaurant. You should try fish curry here. They offer fish, chicken and meat biryanies.  You may have tried meat and chicken biryani somewhere in India. So, fish biryani is must-eat dish here. Here you can eat some reasonably priced dishes fried with authentic Indian spices.

Indian Coffee House: Here you can eat south Indian traditional food with filter coffee. The fresh and delicious food here gives amazing ambience. In Kozhikode, you can try its food in two branches. The food is reasonably priced and staff provides prompt service.

In Thiruvananthapuram

Ambrosia: This is more popular fast-food outlet that remains crowded all the time. This is centrally located in the city. Though it has no competition with McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, you can enjoy western fast food in Indian style. It offers reasonably priced pizzas, burgers and French fries.

Punjabi Dhaba: Built in 1890, this fine-dining restaurant houses 10 rooms to stay and Malabar British Club. It offers excellent and delicious food that you may not find anywhere else.

Sindhoor Palace: This palace offers eclectic range of non-vegetarian cuisines. It also has traditional Indian fast food stall that offers bhelpuri and chaat on the side. Though it cannot compete with Mumbai’s famous Juhu Chaupati, but it is good for South India. In the garden restaurant, you can enjoy Chinese, Indian, and Kerala dishes in buffets. With cozy ambience, the food is reasonably charged here.

Conclusion

If you desperately love Indian food, then you would love these restaurants because they are known to serve in their unique styles. Kerala is really very amazing state where you can try various mouth-watering sea foods and vegetarian dishes.  If you want to book Kerala luxury honeymoon packages, then you should visit keralaluxuryholidays.com where you can find best deals. You can also book your favorite honeymoon resorts in Kerala from here.

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Explore the Rich Culture and Taste the Delicious Cuisine of Kerala

India is a country of vivid culture and exquisite dishes and Kerala is said to be ‘mini-India’ which encompasses the glimpse of typical Indian culture. Kerala houses some local mouthwatering dishes and vibrant culture to make everyone amaze. Since the erstwhile era of Maharajas, this southwestern state of India is one of the major spice trade centers of the world.

It had also witnessed the settlers that came from different nooks and corners of the globe, especially from France, Portugal and Holland. Thanks to the vast diversity of such settlers, Kerala’s local cuisines were getting indigenously diversified. Today, you may notice the strategically combined Western, European and indigenous flavors in the cuisines of this state. Over the years, these cuisines were perfected in a way to give different taste that introduce them typical Kerala cuisine. Today, visitors who visit here through Kerala honeymoon packages also try local cuisines of Kerala. 

Locals eat one staple food of rice and cassava. These are the staples of almost all the dishes and they all are served with Kootan. It can be made of fish, vegetables or meat and served as a side dish. Due to tropical climate, Kerala enjoys abundance of coconut growth. Hence, it is used in almost all items for cooking. Coconuts can be used as flavorings or ingredients such as coconut milk, coconut Kernel or coconut cream to prepare gravy base. Since Kerala is a coastal state and has a huge network of Kerala backwaters that the locals to the mainland, fishing industry is thriving here. Hence, you can also book holiday packages Kerala for the purpose of enjoying local seafood and river food.

And the most important thing, don’t forget that this state is specifically famous for spice plantations. And the locals use these spices to prepare food. So, you can enjoy a different flavor and taste on Kerala’s famous cuisines that cannot be found in any other part of the world. You can classify these cuisines in three important styles of cooking – Kochi, Travencore and Malabar. These were actually some princely states that were established in the pre-independence period. Different styles have different spices to be used so that you can relish your taste buds in Indian style.

Conclusion

Along with the taste of cuisines, Kerala is also famous for colorful culture and some grand festivals like Onam are big examples of that. The festive season of Onam is celebrated with world-famous Elephant Displays, Snake Boat Races and cultural dances.

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5 Breathtakingly Beautiful Lakes of Kerala

There might hardly be anyone who dislikes the luxury tree house Kerala or the houseboat cruise over the calm waters of backwaters and placid lakes. There might be someone who says no to dine ethnic cuisines and fresh fish and spend few days around the heavenly atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Lakes in Kerala

So, have a look at the top 5 stunning lakes in Kerala for which you shouldn’t miss Kerala Holiday Deals.

1.   Vembanad Lake: Rich in green algae, Vembanad Lake is situated about 15 km away from Kottayam and this first and foremost Indian lake is the longest lake of the country. With having the largest surface water source, Vembanad Lake is a most integral part of exclusive wetland system. It has become vast and deep with the flow of number of rivers. On its eastern coast, Kumarakom is located that is also known for a bird sanctuary.

2.   Ashtamudi Lake: Spread over 1700 sq. km. of core area, this large lake has over 8 tentacles flowing through the evergreen lands. Over 100 species of fish are spotted in the mineral-rich waters of this lake that also plays a vital role to support the eco-system. This also houses the world-famous Chinese Fishing Nets.

3.   Punnamada Kayal: From Alappuzha, this lake enjoys Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race during the country’s famous Onam Festival. The snake-shaped long boats, namely Chundan Vallam, are rowed by over 50 to 100 rowers in this exciting race.

4.   Sashthamkotta Lake: Kerala’s largest lake of freshwaters, you can even drink the water without any hesitation. An ancient Sastha temple stands on its bank that is known to protect decency in Kalyuga (the evil era of present). You can get its view when you sail along the lake. This is most rewarding destination for the biological scientists and enthusiasts. You can also discover rare but weird species of flora over here.

5.   Pookode Lake: In the Kerala’s northernmost tip, Wayanad houses valleys and hills. The scenic Pookode Lake is also nestled here. You cannot pick water lilies even though the surface area is dotted with them. At the time of sailing on the boat, monkeys can easily be seen swinging on different trees. However, you may be lucky enough to see various herds of deer grazing or drinking along the shore.

As human greed is encroaching along the banks of these lakes, we can just hope these lakes will stay alive to be explored by next generation.

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Kerala Tourist Destinations Listed by UNESCO

About 29 tourist destinations are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization). And this is, undeniably, a matter of pride for India. As Western Ghats are the last spot listed as World Heritage Site, the locals of Kerala are happy to know that Western Ghats have the ending point in Kerala after passing from several states. All the listed tourist destinations are endorsed with either natural or cultural legacy. Out of 29 UNESCO-listed heritage sites of India, 23 of them endorse cultural legacy while balance 6 are categorized in natural legacy.

Spots in Western Ghats recognized by UNESCO

About 39 places in Kerala and Western Ghats are pointed out by the UNESCO. And 20 spots of these places are from Kerala recognized as eco-friendly destinations. The forests spread around these recognized spots are Chinnar, Pushpagiri, Manavan Chola, Thekkady, Eravikulam, Silent Valley, Pulmedu, and Kaalikavu. In the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is renowned as a one of the most significant place. With having evergreen forests in Kerala, the Silent Valley National Park is recognized. In the Western Ghats, about 1600 km of the total area is most ancient and bio-diverse than Himalayas. About 5000 species of rarest plants are grown here and about 140 mammals live here. Another impressive part is that 16 mammals of them are spotted only in this place rather than any other place across the world.

Mattancherry Palace

Another delightful spot in the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage site is Mattancherry Palace of Kochi. With the architectural importance of mythological murals, the palace is known for having portraits of King of Cochin. Renowned for having ancient art, Mattancherry Palace is all set to be recognized as a well-designed heritage.

Recommended Spots in Kerala awaiting to be added in UNESCO’s list

A list of other 14 to-be heritage sites is proposed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to be added in Heritage Site list of UNESCO. In this list, some ancient palaces and thousands of years old temples are also added. At the top of the list, the renowned and ancient temple of Sree Vadakkunnathan is added that is known for organizing “pooram” festival. In the list, other temples accompanying Shiva temple are Chemmanamthitta, Triprayar, Thiruvanchikulam, Pallimanna Peruvanam and Arikanniyur. When it comes to the palaces, Palakkad, Saint Angelo, Beckel, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thalassery and Edakkal Caves are in the tentative list.

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Munnar: Getting There, Accomodation and Best Things To Do

In the whole south India, no tourist destination is more stunning and breathtaking than Munnar. And this is undeniable part of this exotic destination. As it is set 6000 above the altitude of sea level, this is one of the most untouched and unspoiled tourist destinations of Kerala. Located in Idukki district, three rivers namely Nallathanni, Mudrapuzha and Kundala come from the mountains cover this premium hill station. Munnar is also renowned for green and black tea and spices plantation established by the British civilizations.

How to Reach Munnar?

Plenty of options are available to gather here from the package of Kerala houseboat honeymoon. Located approx 130 km, Cochin is the nearest international airport. You can hire a cab to gather here.

Aluva is a nearest railway station that is located around 140 km from Munnar. Hence, roadways are the only convenient way to reach Munnar. Via roadways, Munnar is connected to Kumarakom, Thekkady, Cochin, Alleppey and Coimbatore. If you are new to Kerala, it is best to hire a local driver because there are lots of surprises in the form of bends and dangerous curves on the roadway to Munnar.

When to Reach Munnar?

Throughout the year, you will find same cool and comforting climate in the hill station. Hence, you should bring adequate amount of woolen and winter clothes if you are heading Munnar. During winters, the hill station also receives lowest temperature, sometimes it gains zero degree. This way, you should visit during August and May. If you have plans to explore white and darkest waterfalls in and around Munnar, then it is best to visit during rainfall.

Tourist Attractions in Munnar

Eravikulam National Park: Being Kerala’s one of the superb national parks, this park got famous for exotic wildlife and plant life. In the year 1975, the park was founded with an aim to preserve most endangered species on earth, such as tigers, nilgai, langur, leopard, atlas moth etc. Some parts of Tropical Evergreen forests are covered under this park with having the premium group of flora and fauna to explore.

Atukkal Waterfalls: Located in the proximity of Munnar, these scenic waterfalls fall between the hills and jungles.

Echo Point: This is no more than a small lake on the road to Munnar amidst the hills. The natural echo effects make this point special. You can make any loud call and it will come back to your ears manifold by the nearest hills.

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