Backwater tour in Kerala

Kerala is gifted with lovely beaches, hill stations, stunning backwaters, mind-blowing greenery, wildlife, bird sanctuaries and rich culture. Kerala Backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction in India. From elephants to colorful butterflies, Kerala is overflowing with the wonders of nature. Throughout the world, Kerala beaches are renowned for their breathtaking beauty.

God's own country has become a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travellers. This travel portal is dedicated to the beauty of Kerala providing all the information you need to make your trip to Kerala a memorable one. Here you can contact travel agents offering Kerala travel packages customized to one's needs.

Backwaters of Kerala:

Kerala's backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. Backwaters are formed by the accumulation of sea water at the beach. As the waves moved to and fro, they made their way tearing the ground and forming backwaters. The backwaters are essentially inland lakes connected by a network of canals. The best way to enjoy the Kerala backwaters is to take a cruise on a Kettuvallam or the house-boat. The major backwaters in Kerala are -

Kollam Backwaters:

Kollam is virtually the gateway to the fascinating backwater life of Kerala. The regular ferry from Kollam to Alappuzha, a neat nine hours boat ride through the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most intensive backwater experiences. Romancing the backwaters will be a pearl that you can treasure in the golden casket of your memories.

Alappuzha Backwaters:

Alappuzha Backwaters have a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it.

Kumarakom Backwaters:

Renowned world over for the healing powers of its scenic beauty on the senses, leisurely life at Kumarakom Backwaters will revitalize you for the hectic life outside. Kumarakom Backwaters is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves along with waterways and canals filled with white lilies.

Kozhikode Backwaters:

In north Kerala, the cool backwaters of Kozhikode lay waiting to be explored. This old commercial town attracts travelers for its history, wonderful backwaters and leisure sports.

Trivandrum Backwaters:

Thiruvallam backwaters are popular for its canoe rides. Secluded beaches and the ancient historic monuments are the special attractions of Trivandrum Backwaters.

Backwater Trip by Bus:

Inter-state private and government buses operate between neighboring states. Usually the journey is performed in the night so that you can escape the heat of the day. The most common inter-state bus is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC-Karnataka) with daily bus from most of Major cities of Kerala to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Tamil Nadu State Bus like SETC also operates regularly from Kerala. Kerala's State bus- KRSTC-Kerala does have regular Ordinary bus to most of nearby places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. KRSTC-Kerala also operates a few Volvo AC bus to Bangalore and Coimbatore.

However Private bus players to operate more buses than Govt options. Most of them are well maintained. Kallada, Shama, KPN are the major Bus players, though recently Raj National and few others have entered with Pan India operations. Kallada, KPN, Shama etc have regular buses to Bangalore, Chennai and many other places in Tamil Nadu as well as Karnataka on various times

It is recommended that you consider booking long distance bus tickets on "Air Conditioned Volvo buses" operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly. Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

A Guide to Adventure Tourism in India

There is incredible prospect of adventure tourist places in India, due to diverse topography, seasons and climate. On land and water, under water and in the air, tourists can pick out from various option of adventure in our country.  India is the land with a wide immense range of adventure sports, activities and holidays, during summer, winter; autumn seasons. The Southern, Eastern, and Western especially in North India. Trekking and Skiing adventure sports in the Himalayas, white river rafting rapids of snow fed rivers are breath taking attraction in Himalayas and Uttaranchal, jeep safari, bird watching, wild camp, wildlife safari and jungle trail on Rajasthan region and North India, Paragliding, hand gliding, hot air ballooning trekking in Himachal region, Amazing wind surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal waters of Lakshadweep Islands’ lagoons and  Andaman Nicobar, water sports in Goa, wildlife and backwaters adventure in South India, these are just some of wonderful options for adventure seekers in various parts with options of different season in each sector.  Especially there is constant challenge of mighty Himalayas for mountaineers and trekking lovers.  Coniferous jungle, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks are most potential places for wildlife lovers and trekkers.  India is the ultimate destination and absolute paradise for wildlife and adventure lovers.

• Mountaineering: There is nothing more challenging any place in the world like great Himalayas. They stand aloft, stirring the adventure spirit, challenging to conquer the challenging mountains. For an adventure lover who wants to scale the high mountains, then mountaineering in India, is ideal for exotic experience. However, winter treks in Himalayas combined with skiing can be a most exotic and thrilling experience. The Himalayan Mountains are the most sought after place for mountaineers. Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi are the two highest peaks, which offer very thrilling environment for mountaineers from all over the world. Some of the amazing challenges for the intrepid climbers are located in Tehri Garhwal, Himalayas, Zanskar region in Kashmir, Kulu & Lahaul in Himachal. Also there are lots of options of mountaineering in North Eastern India and other places.
• Camel Safaris: Rajasthan is the most ideal place for Camel Safari; enjoy the adventure of a Camel Safari, which awaits you in the golden sands of the enormous Thar Desert - primeval, savage and lonely. Ride through sandy landscape in the desert, passing through isolated villages, meeting with them close look and interaction about their traditions and livings. Enjoy camping on the solitary oasis, experience local people under starry nights and dance to musicians playing ancient haunting, stringed music instruments with folk dances in camp fire. The rolling sandy landscape of the unrelieved Thar desert and xerophytes shrub covered area is breathtakingly and the variety of flora and fauna amazingly large for a desert region Share and experience a very unique and memorable performance of local people. The camps are set in deep sand dunes with all basic amenities for tourists, also very rich and traditional Rajasthani cuisine and the picturesque hamlets with friendly folks in Thar Desert, which is fastest growing adventure landscape in Asia and all over the world.
• Trekking: The unexplored mountain ranges of India offer breathtaking, enchanting trekking routes. In the vast amphitheatre of Himalayas and Karakorams, there are endless possibilities for trekking mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting, within this fascinating arena, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, there are variety of trekking places. Where enthusiast trekkers can explore the rugged beauty of the lofty mountains peaks romancing the shimmering waterfalls, cascading down in joviality like a merry village belle. Experience the thrill of sheer adventure by our trekking tours in India amidst the world’s most beautiful places. The Garhwal and Kumaon mountain regions of Uttaranchal are the very famous destinations for trekking, though Manali and Chamba in Himachal, and Ladakh and Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir region, other trekking places are Kullu and Kangra valleys, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal and in North Uttar Pradesh, North part of Rishikesh. Yuksam in Sikkim, and Leh in Ladakh. Darjeeling in West Bengal, The major challenge for the mountaineers is in the Garhwal region in Himalayas. Among the high altitude regions of Himalayas, where wonderful dreams of trekking turn into reality.
• Rock Climbing: Rock climbing, one of the popular adventure sports in India, is a relatively new sport. However, in a short span of time, it has become the most popular adventure sport. Because of the good availability of adequate climbing rocks throughout India, coupled the element of excitement involved, rock climbing has become the adventure sport to participate in for the young and the old alike. Experience the adventure running in your veins as you climb up the rocks. The ideal climbing faces are obtainable at the Aravali hills in Dumdama, Dhauj, and Nuh- all in nearby proximity of Delhi. In Himachal region, the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass offer excellent climbing opportunities for the armature and professional adventurer. In South India Karnataka also offers exciting rock-climbing activities at the Chamundi Hills. Sariska and Mount Abu in Rajasthan all offer variety of rock faces and excellent grounds for better and quality climbing. The high altitude climber will enjoy the rocks at Sonmarg in Jammu & Kashmir and Gangotri in the Garwal district of Uttar Pradesh North India.

Travel Planning:

Bus form Chennai to Bangalore

As India is a large geographic country and adventure spots are spread throughout its’ boundary, it is very difficult to plan a trip where you can visit all place at one go. So choose the favorite tour and place which is nearby from your city and plan your travel accordingly. You can check flights, train or bus based on your travel budget. Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For
Bus form mumbai to pune
online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

A Trip to Munnar

Munnar is a typical hill station, and was the summer resort of the British. Tourists come here to see the vast tea plantations of the area. The town itself is typically Indian with the usual shops, guest houses and is really beautiful and traditional. It is a good place to stay to see the surrounding countryside. It is also a popular place for Indian honeymooners. Munnar is 1,600 m (5,400 ft) above sea level. It is pronounced "Moon-aar" short for "moonu aar" meaning 3 rivers. Three rivers - Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru which flow through this town, but join some distance away from Munnar. Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, many of them started by the British. The "Kannan Devan" brand of Tea from the Tata is cultivated and processed here.

Places to Visit:

Atukkad Waterfalls, A scenic waterfalls amidst hills and jungles. You can find a road leading to Atukkad Waterfalls on Kochi road (just about 5 km from Munnar). This road is very narrow and needs a lot of experience to drive on.

Chithirapuram is located at a distance of around 10 km from Munnar. Chithirapuram has old playgrounds and courts, bungalows and sleepy little cottages which all give this place an old world charm. This town is also famous for its tea plantations in the world.

Blossom Park, (1 km from Munnar).

Photo Point, (2 km from Munnar). It is a small place filled with woods and a small stream. Good location to take photos.

Mattupetti Dam, (10 km from Munnar), this popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day e specially if visiting with children. You could take the speed boat ride which is fantastic. It costs Rs 300 if you have to hire a boat for you alone. The ride is for 15 min. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and you could save some money if you are a group of 4-5.

Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm, Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil migrant laborers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialized dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared. Tourists are not allowed to enter the farm.

Echo Point, (15 km from Munnar), on the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls.

Elephant Arrival Spot, (18 km from Munnar), here you can board an elephant for a ride. It costs approximately Rs 350 per person.

Travel by Bus:

Munnar bus station is located on the main street, Main Bazaar. Kochi - takes about 4 1/2 hr. Buses leave Kochi between 6AM-1PM. Aluva - Nearest bus station to the Cochin International Airport. Around 4 hr to Munnar. Ticket cost is around Rs 100-180 depending on the type of bus.

There are also buses from Bangalore, Coimbatore and Pollachi. Bus booking Bus form delhi to agra

Bus form Chennai to Bangalore is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

Backwater tour in Kerala

Kerala is gifted with lovely beaches, hill stations, stunning backwaters, mind-blowing greenery, wildlife, bird sanctuaries and rich culture. Kerala Backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction in India. From elephants to colorful butterflies, Kerala is overflowing with the wonders of nature. Throughout the world, Kerala beaches are renowned for their breathtaking beauty.
God's own country has become a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travellers. This travel portal is dedicated to the beauty of Kerala providing all the information you need to make your trip to Kerala a memorable one. Here you can contact travel agents offering Kerala travel packages customized to one's needs.
Backwaters of Kerala:
Kerala's backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. Backwaters are formed by the accumulation of sea water at the beach. As the waves moved to and fro, they made their way tearing the ground and forming backwaters. The backwaters are essentially inland lakes connected by a network of canals. The best way to enjoy the Kerala backwaters is to take a cruise on a Kettuvallam or the house-boat. The major backwaters in Kerala are -
Kollam Backwaters:
Kollam is virtually the gateway to the fascinating backwater life of Kerala. The regular ferry from Kollam to Alappuzha, a neat nine hours boat ride through the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the most intensive backwater experiences. Romancing the backwaters will be a pearl that you can treasure in the golden casket of your memories.
Alappuzha Backwaters:
Alappuzha Backwaters have a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it.
Kumarakom Backwaters:
Renowned world over for the healing powers of its scenic beauty on the senses, leisurely life at Kumarakom Backwaters will revitalize you for the hectic life outside. Kumarakom Backwaters is an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves along with waterways and canals filled with white lilies.
Kozhikode Backwaters:
In north Kerala, the cool backwaters of Kozhikode lay waiting to be explored. This old commercial town attracts travelers for its history, wonderful backwaters and leisure sports.
Trivandrum Backwaters:
Thiruvallam backwaters are popular for its canoe rides. Secluded beaches and the ancient historic monuments are the special attractions of Trivandrum Backwaters.
Backwater Trip by Bus:
Inter-state private and government buses operate between neighboring states. Usually the journey is performed in the night so that you can escape the heat of the day. The most common inter-state bus is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC-Karnataka) with daily bus from most of Major cities of Kerala to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Tamil Nadu State Bus like SETC also operates regularly from Kerala. Kerala's State bus- KRSTC-Kerala does have regular Ordinary bus to most of nearby places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. KRSTC-Kerala also operates a few Volvo AC bus to Bangalore and Coimbatore.
However Private bus players to operate more buses than Govt options. Most of them are well maintained. Kallada, Shama, KPN are the major Bus players, though recently Raj National and few others have entered with Pan India operations. Kallada, KPN, Shama etc have regular buses to Bangalore, Chennai and many other places in Tamil Nadu as well as Karnataka on various times
It is recommended that you consider booking long distance bus tickets on "Air Conditioned Volvo buses" operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly. Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

Kerala- God’s Own Country

Kerala located on the Malabar Coast of south-west India was created on 1st November 1956 by the States Reorganization Act. Kerala is known for its sun-kissed beaches and the misty hill stations.
The state is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the south and southeast, Arabian Sea towards the west and Western Ghats on the East. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city. Kochi and Kozhikode are other major cities.
Kerala flaunts the timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom and Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley imparts a mind blowing experience. Kerala is renowned as God’s own country as God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature.
History: Kerala has a history which goes back more than several millennia. Stone Age carving in Edakkal Caves had pictorial writings believed to be dating to at least 5000 BC, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. Kerala had established itself as a major spice trade center from as early as 3000 BC.
3rd Century BC- Emperor Asoka the Great rock inscription attests to a Keralaputra.
Around 1 BC- Kerala was ruled by Chera Dynasty, which traded with the Greeks, Romans and Arabs.
14th century- The Tamil Chera dynasty, Ays and the Pandyan Empire were the traditional rulers of Kerala whose patriarchal dynasties ruled
8th century- Adi Shankara was born in central Kerala, who travelled extensively across the Indian subcontinent, establishing institutions of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
1795- Kerala was under British dominion.
1956- Post independence, the state of Kerala was created from the former state of Travancore-Cochin, the Malabar district of Madras State, and the Kasaragod taluk of Dakshina Kannada.
1957- Kerala is the first place in the world to have a democratically elected Communist Party
 
Culture: Kerala’s culture is a mixture of Tamil-heritage region known as Tamilakam and southern coastal Karnataka. Koodiyattom is the native performing arts which includes a 2000-year-old Sanskrit theatre tradition and is officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Kathakali, Kaliyattam, Koothu, Mohiniaattam, Theyyam, Thullal NS Padayani. Kathakali and Mohiniattam are widely recognized Indian Classical Dance traditions from Kerala.
Elephant being the state animal of Kerala is featured on the emblem of the Government of Kerala. Malayalam is the language spoken in Kerala. Vishu and Onam being the New Year and harvest festival respectively are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Topography and Weather:
Kerala is sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. Geographically, Kerala is divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). Kerala has 44 rivers and among them the Periyar, Bharathapuzha, Pamba, Chaliyar, Kadalundipuzha River, Valapattanam and the Achankovil are the most important ones.
Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon. In eastern Kerala, a drier tropical wet and dry climate prevails. The winter season sets in during the month of December and continues till end of February. During this season comparatively there is less rainfall especially in the northern parts of the state. Summer starts in February and continues till May. Temperature is very high during this period with occasional showers with lightning. The South West Monsoon begins either in the end of May or in the beginning of June and fades out by September. The North East Monsoon commences in October, dry weather setting in by the end of December. The Kanjirappalli-Peerumedu range and Kuttiyadi area experience the abundance of North East Monsoon.
Places to Visit:
Towns and Cities:

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Munnar
• Thekkady
• Thrissur
• Kasargod
• Kochi
• Alleppey
• Kollam
• Palakkad
• Malappuram
• Kozhikode
• Wayanad
• Kottayam
• Kannur

Beaches:

• Alappuzha Beach
• Fort Kochi Beach
• Kovalam Beach
• Varkala Beach
• Kappad Beach
• Beypore Beach

Backwaters and Wildlife:

• Alleppey Backwaters
• Kollam Backwaters
• Kottayam Backwaters
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Idukki National Park
• Wayanad Wildlife Reserve
• Silent Valley National Park
• Pilgrims:
• Sabarimala
• Jewish Synagogue
• Pathanamthitta
• Guruvayur Temple

How to Reach:
Air: Kerala is the only state in India having three International Airports that are located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. A fourth international airport is proposed at Kannur. The Trivandrum International Airport is the first International airport in a non-metro city in India.
Bus: Kerala has a well connected bus network and is widely used for commutation. Most of Kerala’s west coast is accessible through two national highways, NH 47, and NH 17 and eastern side is accessible through various State Highways. There is also a Hill Highway proposed, to make easy access to eastern hills.
Rail: The Indian Railways Southern Railway line runs throughout Kerala which connects all major towns and cities except those in the highland districts of Idukki and Wayanad. Railway networks are controlled by three divisions of Southern Railway, namely Trivandrum Railway Division, Palakkad Railway Division and Madurai Railway Division.

To visit these places Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking Trivandrum to Chennaiis an easy process which can save your time and price.