The Real Essence of Kerala – Venice of the East

The Flavour of Kerala

The real flavor of Kerala comes out in full bloom during the festivals and charismatic boat races. Boat race in Kerala is an experience that one should not miss while in the state. This is a race that is symbolic of the state and you will not get to witness anything like this in other Indian states. Festivals in Kerala too are a grand affair where the entire state is decorated in its full glory. When the manual adornments join hands with nature’s endowments, the result is nothing short of a visual treat.

Boat race in Kerala

The Unparalleled Boat Race

Come to Kerala in August every year, it becomes the cynosure to all eyes due to the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race conducted in the state. Alleppey, the proud owner of magnificent backwaters play host to the boat races. It is home to numerous other boat races too, however the Nehru Trophy race is “The Race”, purely because of the popularity and the hundred odd pairs of hands that manoeuvre the oars in rhythmic fashion. Set against the breath-taking background of palm and coconut trees, the backwaters are filled with more than a dozen teams who stride on their boats with a song on their lips and passion in their hearts. It would be apt to say that the Nehru Trophy Boat Race rings a bell in many Keralite’s mind than the cricket tournaments in other parts of the country are crazy about. These races have earned such popularity that corporates sponsor for the race expenses and the prizes. Next time when you plan your trip to Kerala, ensure you are here during the second week of August, to watch this marvel on water.

Festivals – Congruence of Religion, Tradition and Values 

Two of the main festivals of the state are Onam and Vishu. Onam, celebrated during the month of September is when the entire state wears a floral look that is soothing to the eye. Celebrated as a ten day festival, every Keralite has a delicious floral carpet in front of her home to welcome King Mahabali who visits the state every year and blesses his people. Food and flowers complete this festival. During the tenth day, every home in Kerala enjoys a sumptuous lunch known as Onam Sadhya. Sometimes there are around 27 different types of dishes spread out on a big banana leaf. Sounds tasty, doesn’t it? Vishu on the other hand, is more subtle of the two and marks the beginning of a New Year for the Malayalees. In every house elders bless the youngsters and hand them over some money on a beetle leaf. This is known as Kaineetam. Crackers mark the celebration of Vishu.

Discover the houseboats in Kerala and get mesmerized

Kerala Backwaters are very appealing just like the name given to the tranquil picturesque network of canals, rivers, lakes and lagoons which run inland in the coastal region of Kerala. If you are bored and need a break from your daily chores and monotonous life, then you should probably head to “the backwaters of Kerala or the houseboats of Kerala”. 

Kerala Houseboats – Did you know what the houseboats in Kerala are called? Well they are called “Kettuvallam” which means knotted boat. The houseboats seem a very exciting choice as they give you a wonderful feeling of living in a house that floats on water. It is a reincarnation of conventional canoe which was used to transport the daily home items from the mainland to the homes of native people. However, to attract more and more tourist to the backwaters, the tourism organization has developed well-furnished houseboats. There are mainly four houseboats – 

1. Kollam Houseboats
2. Bekal Houseboats
3. Kumarakom Houseboats
4. Alappuzha Houseboats

The houseboats have gained impeccable popularity since 2003. The professionals at houseboats are trained to handle the cruises while others are dedicated in delivering unique services. The grandeur of the houseboats leaves the tourists spellbound.

houseboats in Kerala

If asked, I would say that the houseboats in Kerala backwaters offer a sporadic foretaste of an unspoilt corner thereby pouring profits in the bags of tourism industry. The houseboats here are considered a must stay place. The red sunset that drops quickly behind the coconut trees just across the river bed are mesmerizing. I must say that they have the perfect setting of mouthwatering food with perfect ambience and heartening hospitality. The truth is that the backwaters have now-a-days become a reason of their success. There are hundreds and thousands of houseboats, loaded with tourists that chug around the exquisite lagoon, rivers and canals. Few of these are air conditioned too, belching fumes and blaring out music – portraying the charming scenery which is sufficient to attract the tourists. 

Witness the best of Kerala backwaters – 

Believe me friends if you wish to explore something which can bring tranquility and relaxation to your mind, heart and soul, then the houseboat stay in Kerala which floats on the river is definitely worth trying as it is far away from the hustle-bustle of the city crowd and noise. Moreover, the freshly cooked delicacies and tempting food make the experience more pleasurable providing value for money spent. Just get ready to hire a houseboat and make the most of your holidays with your loved ones and family. 

Auli- Tourists and Trekkers Winter's Paradise

Winter Season is knocking at our doors and it’s high time to plan winter holidays. One of the perfect destinations in winters is Auli in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath district.

Auli is none other than a tourist’s haven for skiing, trekking, sightseeing, and riding in Asia’s longest cable car (ropeway service). 

Auli in Uttarakhand

This city of Uttarakhand is a perfect destination in winters since one can enjoy the skiing on the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. A less popular destination than Manali, Shimla, Gulmarg for Skiing but actually Auli skiing is not less in any aspect. It offers a picturesque view of giant Oak tree forests and sleek skiing slopes. This place posses large amounts of natural beauty with snow shredded green trees, constant snowfall, hot springs, amazing winter creatures etc. Apart from being the ski capital of India, the city also boasts for trekking since it is one of the major activities planned by tourists while visiting any hill station. A feel of trekking on snowy point hill can’t be achieved every day so trekking in Auli is itself an amazing experience. Cable Car services of Auli are present in the record book for having a 4 km ropeway. Tourists across the globe come to this destination for enjoying Asia’s best. It is both a fearful as well as sensational experience.

Auli tourism also includes some great nearby attractions from the point of tourism, spiritual, sports as the famous Tapovan, Mt. Nanda Devi, Vishnu Prayag , Joshimath, world’s highest man-made lake, hot water spring is also there.

The accommodation facility is also very good as the tourists can get hotels/resorts/lodges suiting to their pocket. The night stay camps of this place are most famous. Winter nights camps are the most amazing thing a tourist can experience. Sounds of animals and breezing winds at nights in these camps are also an astonishing thing to experience.

How to reach Auli is not a big question since this beautiful city can be reached by various modes since there are frequent running buses from Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and even from Delhi too. Road Services also include the private vehicles and hired taxis, jeeps. Railways do not connect the city directly but Dehradun, Ramnagar, Kathgodam, Kotdwara, Rishikesh can be chosen as the nearest one. The nearest Airport is in Dehradun.

Best time to visit Auli is winter seasons and after reaching Auli, no one just wants to leave the city. No doubt that is a perfect place to be in winters. Just beware to not to leave your heart here as the city is extremely beautiful and amazing.

Kerala Home of Ayurveda -Dissolve Stress with Ayurveda

STRESS!!!!! Yes the word is stress due to which every second person on earth is fighting a battle within. Slowly slowly people are losing their peace of mind due to growing complexity in life. 

Life has never been easy for any individual neither it will in coming time as well, things will get complicated with time and it is alarming for all human bodies. Now everyone has to take some time out and need to release this STRESS from life.

Kerala is home of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatments and therapy rejuvenates one’s body. The essential oils and massages give a new lease of life to the human body. It freshens one’s body and the person can feel the calm serene self.

In India from ancient times, Ayurveda is playing an important role in dissolving stress along with other health issues be it mental or physical. In India Kerala is considered as a hub of Ayurveda in other words we can say that Kerala is home of Ayurveda. Heeling is in the air of Kerala, Kerala got the best weather throughout the year and Kerala experience just perfect rainfall twice in one year. Kerala got the perfect climate setting for all Ayurvedic treatments which help in fast and easy heeling. 

The relationship between Kerala and Ayurveda is time before the world got understanding about Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been an integral part of Keralite’s daily life. People from all over the word reach out to the place for Ayurveda and Kerala spa which is also a specialty of Kerala.  

All those who are leading a life full of stress need to visit Kerala and release their stress with help of Ayurveda. Kerala is considered the abode of Ayurvedic Centers. So, when in Kerala, take some out to pamper yourself with this age old tradition of purifying one’s mind and soul.

Agar Firdous Baroye Zameen Ast, Hami Asto, Hami Asto Hami Ast –Visiting India Is A Priceless Experience.

India is just beautiful, and those who understand and look for natural beauty will always cherish time spend in the country. One can experience all seasons while travelling in the country along with a twist of cultures in each state. India is further divided into five different zones – north, south, east, west and central. Each and every zone is a sure delight for tourists as they never get bored of the diverse culture of the Indian cities. And, that is the reason why it’s just not INDIA it’s INCREDIBLE INDIA.

INCREDIBLE INDIA

The North Zone-The Taj zone with madness of Punjab and Beauty of Kashmir

A visit to North India would be incomplete without visiting one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal. Situated in Agra, this place can be easily accessed from the main city of Delhi. Apart from that, Delhi is also a place for shopaholics as there are ancient markets here that sell almost everything from a pin to plane. Just near Delhi, one can visit Punjab, which is home to some of the loveliest Gurudwaras in the world. Dominated by Sikhs, this is the wealthiest state in the country. Jammu & Kashmir at the north most tip of the country is filled with natural beauty. This, along with Shimla is one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations.

The West Zone- Get Foodie with Gujarat and experience the enriching culture

Travelling further west of the nation, one comes across Gujarat, one of the most developed states of the country. This is a place where it is hard to find liquor and non-vegetarian shops as it is the birthplace of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. While in Gujarat, it is worth visiting Sabarmati Ashram for its tranquillity. Animal lovers must visit the Gir National Park.

The Central Zone- Get centralized with spirituality in Central zone. 

Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are two of the commonly visited places in Central India. Maharashtra, more specifically is a must-see place as it houses the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai. The famous Siddhi Vinayak and Mahalakshmi temples too are worth visiting while in Mumbai.

The East Zone- Inspiring Tribal culture in East zone.

This is the place to visit if one is interested in rural and tribal culture. The north eastern part of India is heavily dominated by tribal people; therefore one can get the authentic feel of tribal culture here. West Bengal is the place to visit during the times of Durga Puja, as the whole city is in a celebratory mood.

The South Zone – Beaches, temples and beauty in the life of south zone.

The temples of Tamil Nadu, the backwaters and boathouses of Kerala, Balaji temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and the reservoirs of Karnataka are some of the major spots in the South Zone. Though there are many more attractions in these states, these are the major crowd pulling spots and a visit to these is sure to make the tourists content during their trip to the South Zone.

Its difficult to describe beauty of India as "Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hami ast" - Amir-e-Khusru Dehluvi (If there is paradise on earth, It is here, it is here, it is here), we can say this for the whole India.