Chalakudy a Fascinating Land of Falls and Immense Devotion

Ahmedabad is one of the busiest business city in India which is mostly filled with business enterprises and different other buildings. Living in this busiest city filled with work and workloads all I could think of was to get a break from the stress and tension. One of the best option one could think of while thinking of getting a break is to plan a trip to one of the peaceful and most beautiful destinations, where you can sit back and relax. Kerala was my first priority when it comes to nature, peace and rejuvenation therapy. It is very common for people in Ahmadabad to visit a place like Kerala to escape from busy life and the pollution of the city. I finally planned a trip to Chalakudy, a small town with fascinating natural beauty in Keera. To make my trip easier and comfortable I opted for the best Kerala tour package from Ahmadabad offered by Le Lagoon Holidays. On the 25th of October, I finally decided to fly to Kerala to enjoy my holiday in the lap of nature. I started my trip early morning at around 5.30 and reached the airport by 6.00 am, I was welcomed by the representatives of the tour operators and they helped me greatly with luggage and other needs. By 6.30 am I boarded the flight to Kochi international airport and reached Kerala by 9.30 am after a 3 hour long flight. As I reached the airport I was welcomed by the representatives of the tour operators and they lead me to the cab that was waiting for me at the airport. After a 2 hr drive from the international airport I reached my destination, Chalakudy by 11.30 am. The tour operators helped me check-in to one of the best hotels to the centre of the city so that it is easy for me to get access to the destinations within the place. After checking in and refreshing I decided to have my lunch before starting with the tour of the place.

By 12.30 pm I started with my tour of the place after having the lunch from the hotel. To start with I decided to visit one of the most beautiful falls in the place the Athirappilly Falls. I reached my first destination after a 20 min drive by 1.00pm. The drive to the falls fascination as the way was filled with the landscape of twisty roads, small villages and rich green trees. The falls is located to the west of the Chalakudy near the Vazhachal Forest Division. The falls is one of the largest in Kerala and is mostly known among the tourist as "The Niagara of India". A number of more than 7 million travellers tour to the falls and the picnic spot every year. The falls attract a number of tourist over the year to the land especially during the month of monsoon. The place is not just a well-known tourist destination but also a known destination among the filmmakers and the honeymooners. The place is referred to be a paradise for the film makers and the newly wedded couples. The climate of the place during the monsoon with the combination of natural beauty and the falls creates the perfect ambience for the couples to enjoy their time together. A number of couples avail different romantic Kerala honeymoon packages to enjoy this monsoon treat of the land. One main factor that attracts couples to the land is the climate and the privacy they would get in the woods.

After enjoying some fun moments in the waters and the woods I headed to my next destination, The Pisharikkal Bhagavathy temple. I reached the temple after driving of 20 min by 3.00pm. The temple is one of the oldest Amman Kovil that has been there in the land for the last 1000 years. The temple located in the Chalakudy is one of the most important temples in the land which is listed in the most important Durga temple of the land. a yearly celebration of "Thalappoli" is held at the temple where young ladies holds a plate decorated with oil light, blooms, turmeric and more on the day of the celebration. The temple holds in two statues of Vanadurga and Bhagavathy. The devotees mainly refer the god as “Bhadrakali Amman”. It is believed that the temple is surrounded by divine aura everywhere. After touring in the place for a while I decided to visit my next destination of the day.  I reached my next destination by 4.30 pm, Kodassery. Kodassery is a very small village in the place which is known to have one of the very famous hill stations nearby named Kodassery hills. The place is filled with natural beauty and wilderness which attracts a number of tourists to the village and the hills.  After touring in the place for a while we decided to move on to the last destination of the trip, Kannampuzha Temple.

We reached the Kannampuzha Temple by 5.30 pm. the temple located in Chalakudy is one of the oldest in the land. It is believed that the temple has powers due to which a number of tourists visit the place. People visiting the place are mainly from places from Hyderabad, where people are, or into devotion and pilgrimage. Mostly people in places like Hyderabad is said to be true devotees of Devi due to which they visit the place with great importance availing different popular Kerala tour package from Hyderabad making the tour completely filled with devotion and prayer. Devi’s is believed to be synonymous with power, female divinity, and more. Worshiping Devi is one of the unavoidable parts of the Hindu ritual. After touring in the place for a while I decided to get back to the hotel as it was getting dark. I reached back to the hotel by 8.00 pm and decided to freshen up as soon as I reached the hotel. Tired and excited from the tour and trip, without making much delay I freshened up and headed to the dining to have the dinner. By 9.30 I reached at the dining to have the dinner and ordered some meals from the wider of food varieties offered on the menu. By 10 I finished with the dinner decide to sleep without wasting much time as I had a flight to catch the next day morning. The next day I woke up at 8.00 am, after refreshing I headed to the dining to have the morning breakfast and selected from the wide range of Buffy. By 10.00 am I checked out of the hotel and headed to the Kochi international airport as it was my boarding point. After travelling for a while I reached back to the airport by 12 and board the flight back to Ahmadabad.

The day I explored in Kerala is one the best day with number special memories of the day. Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations to the south of India where you can enjoy the best holidays in the lap of nature and wilderness. One of the main features of the land that attracts a number of tourists to the land is the presence of numerous mountain ranges and the climate of the land. The unique blend of culture, tradition and nature is one of the features of Kerala which keeps the place different from other states of the country. Kerala is a land with unity in variety which is the main reason to make up the country to be one of the must-visit destinations to the south. Kerala is a land which could be considered as the paradise for a number of different groups of travellers which includes the bird watchers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and more. The land with its beauty and charm attracts a number of travellers to the land. For travellers who wish to escape from the busy city life and enjoy some days in the lap of nature and adventures, Kerala is one of the best options one could avail.

Bordered By Western Ghats on East and Flanked By Arabian Sea on West, Malappuram Treasures Riveting Attractions

Being close to the borders of western Ghats is really a blessing for the districts located in the North Eastern part of Kerala as they can treasure many compelling tourist attractions which are spell bounding. Malappuram is such a place, which is rich in culture and remarkable heritage containing a number of small hills as the name suggests along with the lush vegetation of forests, bonded with rippling fresh water brooks. Most of them will know Malappuram as the most popular Muslim district of South India. Yes, it is true but apart from that, many travel locations are hidden in its province, which can lure the senses of people. You must have frequented Munnar and Thekkady, but to be out of box plan a trip to this Northeastern beauty of Kerala as what awaits you here is something, which is unexplainable. Nowadays for grabbing the opportunity to visit these places have become so easy as travel planners like Lelagoon Holidays have come up with exciting tour packages and even natives from other states can visit with budget friendly packages. We know that in India, a great percentage of people are wanderlusts, what they prefer is the cost effective way to travel. Kerala is most opted travel location and even natives of Bangalore are showing interest in touring. Malappuram and its attractions can sooth any shattered minds; the IT professionals from Bangalore can pick this package as it can refresh your mind from daily work pressures. You can check for the Kerala tour packages from Bangalore with low price to get an idea regarding the itinerary. The following attractions are mostly covered. It is not just the travel destinations that can amaze you but the unique culture, traditions, historical monuments that offer a varied level of enthusiasm for all who visit there.

Check out the following green and splendid destinations in Malappuram 

Teak Museum That Exhibits the Majesty of This Great Wood

Nilambur is a popular town in Malappuram and the teak museum is just 4 kilometers from there. There is no point in getting surprised by knowing that the world's first teak plantation was started in Nilambur by British in 1840. Realising the historical aspect of the region, the teak museum came into existence in 1995 by Kerala forest department. The two storeyed museum exhibits the scientific, historical and artistically aspect of the teak wood of which the catching one is the 480 years old teak tree stump which was brought from the Nagaraparamba forest ranges of Kottayam. All you want to know about the teak wood is explained in this museum, which is one of a kind. Not only just teak but also the vegetation and fauna existing in the teak plantations are exhibited in the museum. Thus, a collection of 300 moths, butterflies, and other insects can be found.

The Mini-Ooty of Kerala, Arimbra Hills

We know that Ooty is the popular hill stations in India and many tourists frequent the place. If you want to enjoy the same charm in Kerala itself and that too free from crowds unlike in Ooty, then backpack to Arimbra hills in Malappuram, referred commonly as Mini-Ooty owing to its pleasant climate as that of Ooty. Same like Ooty, the hills are about 1500 meters above sea level. Once you are at the top, feel the clouds, as they will be passing over your head. On your way, you can encounter stone crushers and at top vast stretched plantations are present. Come with your beloved and enjoy the real spice of Romantic Kerala honeymoon packages in the lap of nature. Many cottages and hotels are available for accommodation in Malappuram itself. Instead of going to Ooty for spending your honeymoon days as every couple does, take a unique trip where privacy is at its peak.

Nedumkayam Rainforest to Wrap You with Green

Coming under an integral part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, this beautiful dense forest inhabits many rare species of flora and fauna. Nedumkayam rainforest is located 15 kilometers from Nilambur and is ideal for trekking. This tourist spot nurtures rainforests, waterfalls, and extensive plantations of teak. The tribal settlements on the banks of Chaliyar River make the place more appealing. Inside the forest, you can visit a vantage point, which is a wooden rest house for watching animal inside the jungle, more commonly elephants and deer. Even there is an elephant-taming center where baby to bigger elephants is tamed. Visitors come here to take photographs as well as enjoy the weekend. It is open to visitors but requires prior permission from the forest officer to enter the jungle premises.

Kumaragiri Farm, a Perfect Nature Camp

This nature camp in the heart of the Malappuram city offers the best relaxation space with all basic amenities. Travellers stay here and a vast sitting area is arranged to face a waterfall where one can comfortable repose. Each room has attached bathrooms, and the commonly sought activities here are diving and biking. The farm stay is cool here and many picturesque perfect views are available here. 

Keralamkundu Waterfalls Filling the Large Pool

Are you a person who is crazy about playing in the water? Then do not wait just head to the Keramkundu waterfalls where you can catch the glimpse of an amazing geography. The 150 feet long falls are being poured into a large reservoir or pool, which is cool and pristine. The surrounding weather and forest views will make your journey thrilling. This fall can enthrall anyone who visits there. Social media has taken many efforts to popularise the location and they were successful when a gang of friends from Pune had booked the Best Kerala tour packages from Pune during their summer vacation. Natives of the 'Queen of Deccan' prefer tripping to any hilly regions that are full of greenery and adventure as their native is a hilly destination. Their package from Pune offered travel needs with budget friendly itineraries so they got a chance to tour whole Kerala.  For them, the place was a wonder, as there was no such perfect place to play in the foamy water currents and is safer. Never visit during monsoons as it can be risky to set your foot on the slippery rocks. Since their time of visit was during summer, the weather was pleasant; also, they had a chance to enjoy adventurous activities too. The waterfall is also located in the Nilambur location in the village called as Kalkundu. Picking a tour package is suggested as to drive in the rugged roads, a jeep is required which you can get easily if you are tied up with a travel operator.

Not just these, but a lot more to explore in Malappuram like historic monuments and pilgrims. Check with your trip organizer for getting detailed information about the place.

Kochi Muziris Biennale

The Kochi Biennale foundation is non-profit charitable trust that is engaged in promoting art and the rich culture and heritage and along with these educational activities in India. With support from the Government of Kerala they are promoting Kochi-Muziris Biennale. This is an international exhibition of contemporary art set in spaces across the city of Kochi and surrounding Islands with shows being held in existing galleries, halls and sites installed in public spaces, old heritage buildings and other old and disused structures across the city. Indian and international artists exhibit their artworks across a variety of mediums like films, paintings, sculptures and performance art. The biennale seeks to invoke the rich cosmopolitan legacy of the metropolis of Kochi along with its mythical predecessor Muziris, the ancient port.

The Kochi Biennale foundation was founded by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu in 2010. This idea got conceptualized when Department of Cultural Affairs of Government of Kerala approached both these artists to organize an international platform for displaying art in India. They proposed this idea in lines with the Venice Biennale.  The challenge was relative to the ambition of the project. A Biennale has never got past the thought process in India. Because there was no existing infrastructure to exhibit art on this large scale. But with the support of the Government, private financiers and local businesses, the Biennale found spaces and opened them up for displaying art. International art community supported the cause by sending art and artists to take part in this affair.  The Indian art community also got a platform for working with international artists. And all these artists became the spokespersons of Biennale.

 The KBF foundation promotes the conservation of Heritage monuments and the upliftment of traditional forms of art and culture. The first Kochi Muziris Biennale began on 12^th December 2012. 80 artists of which 50% were international artists showcased their work and a sustained education program in three months. As a run up to the event artist Eberhard Havekost’s exhibition called ‘sightseeing trip’ in collaboration with Dresden State Art Collections was showcased at Durbar Hall Kochi. Aspin wall house showcases the work of 44 artists spread across the premises. The third edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale was inaugurated on 12^th December 2016 and is curated by Sudarshan Shetty. Kerala tour packages from Ahmadabad will include stay in places close to these art galleries so that you can admire and enjoy the exhibits showcased in the Biennale.

The different venues that exhibit the art are

1.      Aspin wall

    Originally this was the business premises of a company owned by  English trader John H Aspin wall which traded coconuts, spices, timber, lemon grass oil, ginger, coffee, tea and rubber. It is a sea facing property in Fort Kochi and has a number of buildings, warehouses and smaller outer-lying structures. This is the primary venue for Biennale and has been loaned over to them by DLF limited in association with Gujral foundation.

2.      Pepper house

     It  is a water front heritage property on Kalvathi Road in between Fort Kochi and Bazar road. The building consists of two godowns or warehouses one facing the road and the other facing the water front and the two are separated by a courtyard and with Dutch style clayed roofs. 

3.      Kashi Art Café 

    

     It is an Old Dutch property converted into a café by Anoop Scaria and Dorrie Younger. This gallery opened in 1997 with an exhibition by CV Ramesh, and hence forth has become the hub of Kochi’s contemporary art scene. The café has a beautiful collection of art work by some eminent artists likeChristina Mamakos, K S Radhakrishnan and many more.

4.      Cabral Yard

   The property gets its name from the Portuguese navigator Cabral who made the first shipment of merchandise from Cochin in 1500AD. The Aspin wall company acquired the Cabral Yard property in which they constructed a hydraulic press for coir yarn and they began trading in coir.

5.      David hall

       

    Named after a Jewish businessman David Koder. He lived here with his family. This is a Dutch bungalow built by the Dutch East India Company in the year 1695 and located on the north side of Parade Ground in Fort Kochi.  Since 2007 this place has been leased by CNO India to CGH Earth which is an ecological conscious hotel group. This hall is currently an art gallery and café.

6.      Durbar Hall 

    Located in the heart of the city, this hall was constructed in 1850’s by the Maharaja of Cochin to host his royal court and over 150 years this place has had major incarnations, but the recent renovation by Kochi Biennale Foundation has converted it into an international quality venue for exhibiting art.

7.      MAP Project Space

    

   Currently owned by Museum of Art and Photography, Bengaluru, these structures dates back several hundreds of years. Built at a time when Dutch ruled Cochin this place was used for the storage of spices for trade.

8.      Anand Warehouse also known as Gujarati warehouse

    This place is a standing testimony to the Gujarati community who have made this city their home for more than two centuries.

9.      TKM Warehouse

    It is now the venue for co-founder Riyas Komu’s Uru Art Harbor, which he formulated as a center for the arts and will also serve as the venue for the coming edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

10.  Kashi art Gallery in Napier Street

    It  was acquired by Kashi art café as a dedicated gallery space and center for cultural exchange and renamed it to Kashi Art Gallery.

11.  Cochin Club

    It is a bungalow on a 3.5 acre plot and formerly used as a colonial mansion. Now this is a luxury hotel with beautiful landscapes. The narrow strip parallel to Cochin Club is used for Biennale as a venue.

12. Kottapuram Fort

    It  was built by the Portuguese in 1523 and it served a strategical position until it was captured by the              Dutch in 1663. The fort was a site of negotiation between the Dutch and Tipu Sultan and it was bought

     by the then king of Travancore Ramavarma Dharmaraja in 1789 to use the fort in safeguarding Travancore      against Mysore ruler. These are the various venue, Keralatour packages from Hyderabad will

    include travel to each one of these venues so that you will not miss out anything especially if you are  

    an   art lover.

Top 17 destinations for Kerala honeymoon - Lelagoon Holidays

Kerala is definitely the right place for planning honeymoon holidays in India. With amazing natural landscapes and locations that are beautiful and serene, Kerala tour packages from Ahmedabad isthe best way to escape from the hustles and bustles of the city and the tensions of the hectic work life. Once you decide to visit Kerala for your honeymoon days, you will have a tough time choosing the destinations to visit while in Kerala. But if you have ample time, say a couple of weeks, you can visit some of these 17 destinations perfect for a honeymoon:

1.      Poovar  

Poovar is located near a confluence of a river and the sea. The floating cottages here are very popular among the tourists, especially the honeymoon couples, as they offer a lot of privacy and beautiful sunset / sunrise view from the cottage. These cottages are jutting out into the backwaters and you can spend the evenings watching the sunset from your balcony of the bamboo cottage sipping your favourite drink. You can also enjoy the sumptuous Kerala cuisine during your stay here.

2.      Trivandrum 

Trivandrum, the capital city, offers many beautiful beaches and tourist destinations to all types of visitors. There are very famous pilgrim places here, the most famous ones being the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Bheema Palli and Vettukaud Church. The Shanghumugham beach is another popular destination for the tourists. Veli lake and village is a beautiful experience to cherish with an amazing garden to explore and the boating through the backwaters. The palaces and museums are also frequented by all types of tourists.

3.      Kovalam 

Kovalam is probably the most popular beach destination for honeymoon couples. The sight of the orange sky during the sunset from the crescent-shaped beaches where the Arabian sea meets the Indian Ocean look surreal, especially on a full moon night. You can enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beachside resort relishing the flavours of Kerala under the moonlit sky.

4.      Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a hill station near Trivandrum and a perfect escapade from the rushes of the city. It is a cool and refreshing place with a lot of greenery and stunning views of the mist-clad hills and valleys. The highest peak on the Western Ghats, Agastyarkoodam is located in Ponmudi. Tourists will enjoy the plantation tours and the refreshing air quality in these hills.

5.      Thenmala 

Thenmala is a popular eco-tourism spot near Kollam. Tourists enjoy the trekking through the lush rainforests and boating at the reservoir. The Dam, reservoir, river, garden, amusements, dancing fountains etc at the Thenmala eco-tourist park offer an unforgettable experience to the tourists on Kerala honeymoon packages from Ahmedabad.

6.      Thekkady 

Thekkady is another beautiful nature’s abode in Kerala. It is famous for the plantations, Periyar Reservoir, Periyar Tiger Reserve and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Boating at the Periyar reservoir takes up 2 to 3 hours during which tourists can witness many wild animals in the wildlife sanctuary coming to the reservoir to drink water. Deer, elephants and bison are regularly seen. There are Kingfishers and many other beautiful birds that feed n the fishes in the reservoir which is another beautiful sight that attracts the tourists. Explore the plantations and go on trekking through the tiger trails along with an experienced guide while in Thekkady.

7.      Kumarakom 

Kumarakom is famous for houseboat cruises through the Vembanad Lake and the Pathiramanal island bird sanctuary. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of coconut groves and greenery that lines the emerald green backwaters here.

8.      Vagamon 

Vagamon is a serene destination of hills and valleys with a cool climate and quiet environment. It is a perfect destination for honeymoon couples.

9.      Munnar 

Munnar is the most popular honeymoon destination in Kerala. All across, you will see tea gardens that sprawl across hills and valleys. Mist-kissed mountains and fog-covered plantations make Munnar the perfect place for romance.

10.  Allepey 

Allepey is called the Venice of the East. The beautiful water canals and backwaters of Allepey are frequently visited by tourists who come to enjoy a tranquil holiday enjoying a backwater cruise watching the coconut groves and munching on some fish fries.

11.  Mararikkulam 

Mararikkulam is the most beautiful beach to visit in Kerala. The traditional resorts nearby offer luxurious hospitality, relishing Kerala food and invigorating Ayurvedic treatments.

12.  Kochi 

Kochi has the perfect blend of nature and modern amusements in Kerala. From shopping malls and star hotels to amusement parks, Kochi is perfect for the tourists who do not want to miss the modern elements of life. The suburbs of Kochi are quite opposite and offer a serene atmosphere of backwaters, villages and small-towns where there are many heritage sites.

13.  Athirappilly 

The ravishing waterfalls of Athirappilly and Vazhachal are a must-visit during your honeymoon holidays in Kerala. The treehouse resorts here offer the perfect accommodation amidst forest, overlooking the gorgeous waterfalls.

14.  Wayanad 

Wilderness reckons in Wayanad. The place is quiet and in most places, you won’t even get mobile range. This makes it the perfect escapade for tourists on Kerala packages from Hyderabad. Wildlife, nature, waterfalls, caves, plantations, trekking and nature photography can be enjoyed in Wayanad.

15.  Kannur 

Kannur is a beach lover’s perfect destination. The beaches of Kannur are unexplored and clean. The Muzhappilangad drive-in beach and Ezhimala beach that lies on the side of a mountain are loved by all tourists. Do not miss visiting the Bekal fort which is located next to the sea.

16.  Kasargode 

Kasargode offers a totally different experience of Kerala to the tourists. The place has some amazing beaches that are rarely explored by the tourists. The culture here is quite different as there’s a high influence of Karnataka, this being a border district.

17.  Nelliyampathi 

Nelliyampathi is hill station is located near Palakkad and is a welcome change from the hot and dry climate of Palakkad. The greenery and climate here will remind you of Munnar which is in stark contrast with the extremely hot and dry climate of Palakkad.

Visiting these places will leave a lasting impression of Kerala on the tourists’ mind. They will enjoy some most cherished moments of their honeymoon holidays from Ahmedabad in thecradle of nature in Kerala’s beautiful landscapes.