Silent Valley Kerala

Posted on December 19, 2011 by admin

The Silent Valley National Park is is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District, Kerala.  It has an an area of nearly 90 sq km.  The Silent Valley National Park is also locally known as Sairndhrivanam, which means Sairandhri’s Forest or forest in the valley.  Silent Valley is home to the largest population of lion tailed Macaque, an endangered species.  Establishment of Silent Valley National Park was made to especially to save the Lion-tailed Macaque.  

The Silent Valley Park was declared as a National Park in 1984 by the Indian Government.  The British named the area Silent Valley because of the absence of noisy Cicadas, which are present in all forests. The Silent Valley national Park is one of the rare surviving original evergreen tropical rain forests in the world.  A large number of wild animals can be found here.  Silent Valley has a rich variety of trees, flowers, birds, animals, insects etc.   The Silent Valley Park is the nature’s depot of rich biodiversity.  One another specialty of this forest is the rare variety of orchids.  Because of Silent Valley’s remoteness and terrain, it is less subjected to degradation and harm from humans.  

This area is also declared as plastic free zone.   The River Kunthi flows from the Nilgiri hills and flows along the the valley and down to the plains through the deep forest.  One of the specialty of this river  Kunthi is that it never turns brown and the water is always crystal clear.  Silent Valley has been a focal point of environmental argument when the Kerala State Electricity Board decided to implement the Silent Valley Hydro-Electric Project (SVHEP) centered on a dam across the River Kunthi.  Environmentalists, nature lovers, and public together voiced their concerns and a Save Silent Valley committee was formed.  Thus the project was dropped and Silent Valley National Park was designated as the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.   Silent Valley Park is undoubtedly a wonderful place for nature lovers.

An entrance fee of Rs 20/- per person and Rs 100/- per vehicle is collected at Mukkali. Jeeps to Silent Valley and back can be hired for Rs 450/-. Limited rooms with essential facilities are available at the forest guest house in Mukkali and the inspection bungalow at Sairandhiri.

Nearest town      :Mannarkkad (32 kms)
Nearest airport   :Coimbatore (115 kms)

Contact details of Silent Valley National Park

Wildlife Warden,
Silent Valley National Park,
Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala,
628582
Phone: 04924-222056)
Email- wlwsvnpmkd@sancharnet.in

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Arthunkal Perunnal 2012

Posted on December 19, 2011 by admin

Arthunkal Perunnal 2012 is from 10th January 2012. The annual feast of St. Sebastian at Arthunkal St. Andrews Basilica is celebrated in January every year. Known locally as Makaram Perunnal, the Arthunkal Perunnal is an occasion where thousands of pilgrims flock to the coastal village. Arthunkal is a small village near Cherthala in Alappuzha district. It is on the coastal route  from Alappuzha to Kochi.

Ever since the Arthunkal church is elevated to Basilica more pilgrims are visiting Arthunkal on the occasion of Perunnal. The annual feast at Arthunkal commences on 10th January 2012 and the perunnal will be celebrated till 27th January 2012. Main festival is on 20th January 2012. ‘Ettam Perunnal will be on 27th January marking the end of this festival season at Arthunkal.

Miraculous statue of St. Sebastian will be placed on the hall of Arthunkal Basilica on early morning of 18th January. This is an occasion pilgrims were waiting for the past one year to catch a glimpse of the saint. Thousands flock to Arthunkal to receive blessings from St. Sebastian.

There will be a grand procession on 20th January, the day of main feast. A smaller procession will be followed on 27th January. Offerings at Arthunkal is mainly bows and arrows made in silver. Pilgrims believe in the healing power of St. Sebastian at Arthunkal.

Special bus services from KSRTC will be available on festival days from neighbouring towns. Arthunkal is at a distance of 8 Km from Cherthala, 20 Km from Alappuzha and around 50 Km from Kochi.

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Pullichira Perunnal 2011

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

Pullichira Church Perunnal is round the corner. The annual pilgrimage season of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church,the patron saint of Pullichira begins from December 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. Pullichira Church was declared Marian Pilgrimage shrine by Pope John Paul II in 2004.

The main feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Pullichira starts on December 8, 2011 till December 19, 2011. Pullichira perunnal is conducted every year during the 2nd and 3rd week of December. The main fest is always celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam calendar or the Sunday preceding Christmas. The beginning of the Pullichira perunnal this year will be marked by the hoisting of the flag at 8.00 am on December 8, 2011.

This is a 10 day festival at which time thousands of people from all walks of life irrespective of their religion and faith flows to Pullichira. This the only time when believers get a chance to touch the miraculous statue of Mother Mary as it is brought down from the position above the alter and kept in a special place for 3 days.

The procession carrying the statue of Mother Mary irgin will be held at 6. 30 p.m. on December 17. The main feast will be on Sunday, December 18, 2011, and Mon. Rev. Stanley Roman, Kollam Bishop will preside over the pontifical holy mass. Pullichira Church is the first Pilgrim Centre in Kollam Diocese. Pullichira Church is one of the most ancient Churches of Kollam Diocese.

Pullichira Church Contact Details

Immaculate Conception Church
Pullichira P.O. 691304
Kollam, Kerala
Phone: 0474-2530411, 2020766

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Vettukad Perunal 2011

Posted on November 11, 2011 by admin

Vettukad Perunal is from 11/11/11 this year. Fr. Gladin Alex will hoist the flag today marking the beginning of Vettukad Perunal 2011. Vettukad Madre De Deus church is a famous Christian pilgrim center in Trivandrum. Thousands of pilgrims visit Vettukad every year during the Perunal season. Feast of the Christ the King is celebrated in Vettukad every year in November. The last day of the feast will be the third Sunday in November. This year it is on 20/11/2011. Thousands of devotees flock to Vettukad for the blessings of Christ the King – Kristhurajan.

Local administration in Trivandrum has made all preparations for the smooth functioning of Vettukad Peunal this year. KSRTC will conduct special transport facilities from the city and various places outside the city. Arch Bishop Dr. M Susaipakyam and Kollam Bishop Dr. Stanley Roman will grace the occasion in Vettukad Perunal 2011.

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Veegaland | Wonderla

Posted on November 9, 2011 by admin

Wonderla, which was formerly known as Veegaland is one of the India’s most popular water theme amusement park.  Veegaland was set up by Kochousep Chittilappalli, founder of V-Guard industries. Veegaland is situated on the top of a hill at Pallikara, Kochi. Veegaland is just 12 kms from Kochi. One of the best things of Veegaland is its natural beauty and enchanting surroundings. Veegaland has bagged awards for eco friendly tourism, also received Kerala Pollution control award and OHSAS 18001:2007 international certificate for safety and ISO 14001:2004 for environment protection.

The most popular rides in Veegaland are the water rides and the water here is safe and contamination free and the water is checked and purified continuously. There are 4 types of rides in Veegaland, family rides, kiddies rides, hair raising rides, and water rides. Many new rides are launched each year. Lockers and dressing rooms, clean toilets, multi cuisine restaurants, life guards, conference hall, prayer hall etc are some of the facilities available in the park. Food from outside are not allowed in the park.

Veegaland is an ideal place for a family day out and kids will really love the waters and rides. The Balarama Cave, Wave Pool, Moon Walker, Caterpillar Ride, Wonder Splash, Happy Kangaroo, Sky Wheel, Musical Fountain and Laser Show, Fun Glides, Rapid River, Bullet Rides, Magic Carpet, Dragon Twister, Fish Pond etc will take not only the kids but also the elders to a new world of thrill and happiness. The timing is from 10.30 am to 6.00 pm on week days and from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekends and holidays.

Contact Details

WONDERLA HOLIDAYS PVT LTD.
Pallikara, Kumarapuram P.O
Cochin – 683 565, Kerala, India
Tel: 91 – 484 – 2684001 – 2684007
Fax: 91 – 484 – 2682908
Email: reception1@veegaland.com
Website: www.wonderla.com / www.veegaland.com

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Kumarakom

Posted on September 28, 2011 by admin

Kumarakom is a famous tourist spot which is situated near Kottayam, Kerala, India. Kumarakom is famous for its backwater tourism.  Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flowers and birds.   Kumarakom bird sanctuary  is a popular bird sanctuary where one can see different species of migratory birds.

The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres and is located on the banks of the Vembanad lake.  The Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater in Kerala and is a habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species.  The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s paradise where lot of migratory birds like the siberian stork, heron,  egret, darter, teal, etc. visits.

The bird sanctuary is surrounded by lush forests variety of migratory birds flock in thousands even from the Himalayas and far from Siberia.  There are well laid out paths for moving in and around the sanctuary.  The Bird Sanctuary can also  be visited by canoes arranged by local fishermen at the entrance to the sanctuary.   The best time to bird watch is between June and August and to see the migratory birds one has to visit between November to February.

Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats.  Tourists can enjoy the houseboat experience surrounded by water everywhere and the serenity and calm of travelling through water to relax away from the hurryburry of the city.

Kumarakom tourism is largely evolves around the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake. There are several luxury and budget resorts near the shores of the lake.  They provide the tourists opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing along with the beautiful views of the lake and surroundings. Kumarakom has been declared a Special Tourism Zone by the Kerala state Government.

How to reach Kumarakom

Kumarakom is just 16 km from its nearest city, Kottayam. One can reach Kumarakom by air via Cochin International airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers. By rail one can reach Kumarakom via Kottayam. By boat from Muhamma near Alappuzha to Kumarakom Jetty and by road lots of buses and taxis are always available at any time of the day from Kottayam.

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Vagamon Kerala

Posted on September 21, 2011 by admin

Vagamon PhotosVagamon Kerala is a beautiful hill station situated in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. Vagamon is situated 1,100 metres above sea level. Vagamon has a very cool climate. Vagamon is surrounded by 3 hills, which are the ‘Thangal hill’, ‘Murugan hill’ and ‘Kurisumala’. These 3 hills are a mark of religious harmony.

The Vagamon hill station offers an unique and different environment when compared to other hill stations of Kerala because the place offers space for spiritual activities along with the magnificent natural beauty of vagamon . The passive surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley makes it a perfect place for meditation.

Vagamon is a perfect tourist spot and has magnificent views all around. Vagamon is surrounded by tea gardens, meadows, deep valleys, pine forests, grass lands, mist etc. The enchanting wagamon hill station always gives a special feeling as it always has different moods of nature and climatic variations like mist, rain, gentle breeze, golden hue etc. Travelling uphill to Vagamon is a captivating experience with its spectacular views on both sides and the deep valleys. Trekking, para gliding or rock climbing is another attraction for those who love adventure.

Kurisumala

Kurisumala monastery is a famous hill station and pilgrimage center near Vagamon and the Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds which the pilgirms visit. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill and is surrounded by tea estates and lakes. The Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms are situated on the hill. The hill dairy farm is managed by the Kurisumala monks, which is worth a visit.. The breeding center of the Kerala Live Stock Board is also located here.

Thangal Hill or Thangalpara- It is said that the Mausoleum of Sheik Fariduddin was found atop this hilll and since has become a pilgrim place. There are remarkable rock formations of different size and shapes that can be seen in this hill.

Murugan Hill – This hill is consecrated to Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva who is the God of destruction. There is a magnificent temple carved from rock at one side of the hill.

Vagamon is located 39 Kilometers from Thodupuzha, 33 Kilometers away from Palai and about 65 KM from Kottayam. Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport and the closest railway station is Kottayam.

Vagamon has to be visited at least once to experience the clean and pure nature that will rejuvenate and soothe ones soul and mind. Vagamon is a perfect holiday retreat for a break away from the fast lanes of city life.

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Tourist Places In Kerala

Posted on August 6, 2011 by admin

Kerala, known as God’s Own Country is blessed with many attractive tourist places. Getawayskerala.com is happy to present before you information about Tourist Places In Kerala. There are 14 districts in Kerala. All these districts are gifted with Beautiful Tourist Places. Lets start the journey from the south most district, Trivandrum.

Kovalam is one of the most popular Tourist Places in Kerala. With its shallow waters and the opportunity to surf in the sea, Kovalam attracts lots of tourists. The climate at Kovalam is warm and pleasant with lots of sunshine all around the year. Kovalam is well connected with its adjacency to Trivandrum International Airport.

Varkala is also one of the well known Tourist Places in Kerala. The main attraction of Varkala is the cliff near the Arabian sea and the natural mineral water springs. Varkala attracts lots of tourists. There are many Resorts at Varkala.

Ponmudi is also one of the famous Tourist Places in Kerala. Ponmudi is a hill station near Trivandrum. It is just within 60 Km from the Trivandrum city. Ponmudi is an excellent place for Trekking. Places of interest near Ponmudi are Kallar and Meenmutty Water Falls.

Thangassery, in Kollam is one of the important Tourist Places in Kerala. The main attraction at Thangassery are the old light house by the Arabian Sea and old Christian churches. Thenmala is a hill station in Kollam. Thenmala is well known for the ecotourism project. It is one of the Tourist Places in Kerala where you can enjoy the beauty of the nature. Palaruvi water falls is near to Thenmala.

Alappuzha is well known for House Boat Cruise. Alappuzha is the land of lakes and canals. One of the important events in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Boat race held in August every year. Other places to see around Alappuzha is Kuttanad, the place where paddy cultivations is done below the sea level. Pathiramanal is an island in the Vembanad Lake. It is attractive for its natural beauty. Krishnapuram Palace is also in Alappuzha district, near to Kayamkulam. Krishnapuram Palace is well known for ancient mural paintings.

Kumarakom is in Kottayam district. It is one of the very famous Tourist Places in Kerala. Kumarakom is well known for Back Water Tourism and House Boat cruises. Kumarakom is also known for the natural Bird Sanctuary where migrant birds arrive every year at the same time from places as far as Siberia. Wagamon is a serene hill station adjacent to Kottayam. It is also one of the important Tourist Places in Kerala.

Sabarimala is the most famous pilgrim center in Kerala. It is one of the most famous tourist places in Kerala. Sabarimala is in Pathanamthitta district. Gavi is a very beautiful hill station in Pathanamthitta district.

Munnar is the most well known Tourist places in Kerala. It is picturesque hill station in Idukki district with hills laced with Tea Garden. Munnar offers cool and calm climate all around the year. Thekkady is a wild life sanctuary in Idukki district. There is also a lake in Thekkady. There are many resorts in Thekkady.

Fort Kochi, in Ernakulam district is one of the most famous tourist places in Kerala. Chinese fishing nets, Jewish Synagog and old streets are the attractions of Fort Kochi. Cherayi Beach is a very clean and nice beach in Ernakulam district. It is a nice place to spend a weekend.

Guruvayoor Temple is in Thrissur district. It is one of the most famous Hindu Pilgrim centers. Athirappalli and Vazhachal water falls are also in Thrissur district, near to Chalakkudy. Water falls at Athirappalli and Vazhachal is a breath taking scene to watch.

Malampuzha is a tourist place in Palakkad district. The attractions at Malampuzha are the dam, the rope way and the garden. There is also a snake park at Malampuzha. Silent Valley National Park is in Western Ghats. Silent Valley is well known for its tropical moist evergreen forest in India.

Nilambur is known for the teak plantation. It is the place where the worlds largest Teak tree is found. Nilambur is in Malappuram District.

Kappad Beach and Thusharagiri are the well known tourist places in Kozhikkode district.

Wayanad is a nice place with a cool climate. Important places to see near Wayanad are Edakkal Caves, Thirunelli Temple, and Pakshi Pathalam. There are many Tourist Resorts in Wayanad.

Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach is in Kannur. It is the only drive in beach in Asia where you can drive your vehicle by the sea. The beach is near Tellicherry and Kannur. Its fun to drive the car very near to the sea.

Bekal Fort is in Kasargode district, It is also one of the famous Tourist Places in Kerala. Bekal Fort is built up from the Arabian Sea. It is a very nice to be in Northern Kerala.

We have only covered the most famous Tourist Places in Kerala through this post. There are many other places in Kerala where you can see and enjoy. Kerala is indeed  God’s Own Country.

 

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Varkala Beach Resort

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

Varkala Beach Resort is situated around 51 km north of Trivandrum.  Varkala Beach Resort is stunningly beautiful and compared to other beaches in Kerala,  it is very serene and quiet. Varkala Beach Resort is rich in mineral water springs. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters at this beach will purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins and so it is called the Papanasam beach. Papanasam in Malayalam means destroyer of sins.

Varkala Beach Resort is famous for its beauty, the array of coconut trees, gorgeous beaches, blue waves touching the land, the reefs, etc.  Varkala Beach Resort is the only place in southern India where cliffs are seen adjacent to the Arabian sea.  It is also known for its beautiful sunsets.  There a number of water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

The setting of this beach is entirely different from the other beaches and is eye catching enough to take ones breath away.  The long winding stretch of cliff has paved footpath with hotels, shops, etc.  From there, we can reach the beach by steps that lead down to the beautiful sea.  The Janardhana temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjengo Fort near Varkala etc are other attraction in Varaka Beach Resort.

Varkala Beach Resort surpasses all our expectation with its magnifying beauty and grace with the golden sand, gentle breeze, and fresh clean water.  Varkala Beach Resort is the right choice for solitude , comfort, and relaxation.

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Ponmudi Hill Station

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

Ponmudi Hill Station is situated in Trivandrum, Kerala.  It is around 60 km from Trivandrum. Ponmudi can be reached with 2 hours drive from Trivandrum. Ponmudi Hill Station is also  known as The Golden Peak . Ponmudi is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range.  There are 22 hairpin bends on the way to Ponmudi.

Attractions at Ponmudi Hill Station

The road to Ponmudi is very beautiful with enchanting scenery on the sides.  Ponmudi Hill Station has a variety of attractions such as the rain forests, tea gardens, streams, waterfalls etc.   Top station is the most important attraction of Ponmudi, which is 2 km away from the guest house in Ponmudi Hill Station. Top station gives a panoramic view of the place and the beautiful mist covered valleys.

Ponmudi is an excellent place for trekking and hiking.  Another attraction is the Golden Valley near Ponmudi, which offers a view of the hills, variety of wild animals, tropical vegetation and forests.  Kallar river which on the way to Ponmudi is another tourist attraction.  The river is known for its abundance of attractive round shaped pebbles.  Meenmutti fall is also a famous attraction in this area.  Motta Peak in Ponmudi hillstation is famous for trekking.   There is a deer park and a wireless station in the upper sanatorium.

Ponmudi Resorts

Golden Peak is the only ideal hill resort available at the top station at Ponmudi Hill Station under KTDC.  Ponmudi Hill Station is an idyllic place to soak in the scenic beauty of nature and to feel the fragrance of pure air and feel refreshed in pure nature.

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