It was summer vacations and Delhi was acquiring this brand new western culture of ‘Summer Vacation Workshops in Schools of Delhi’. So, under this new adopted culture, NDMC also provided teachers/art professionals to hold Dance and Art & Craft workshops (Painting and Clay modelling) in all NDMC schools across Delhi and all the children were invited to attend these summer vacation classes irrespective of their schools.
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| Dance of Andhra Pradesh |
When my parents heard about it, they also enrolled my name under ‘Indian classical dance classes’ and my twin siblings’ names under ‘Art and Craft classes’. I still remember my first dance class, I was just eight or nine, when I first met this beautiful young lady (my dance teacher). She was sitting along the stage of the school auditorium and was wearing a fine Andhra silk red and black coloured Sari.
That was the time, when I was introduced to Kuchipudi - Classical Dance of Andhra Pradesh. Before that, I was just familiar with a few names of other classical dance forms in India, such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Even today, these two dance forms are well known as well as the most popular classical dances of India.
My first dance class was all about the origin of Kuchipudi. My Guru (In India, we address our teacher as Guru) told us that Kuchipudi is among the eight classical dances of India. She also told us that there a village called Kuchipudi in Divi Taluka of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh from where both the name and this dance form has been taken.
It has been thirteen years and I am still associated with this form of dance of Andhra Pradesh. Some say, it is sheer madness to being associated with a dance form for so long, but, being a student of performing arts, I realised that there is no end to learning. You can never learn any discipline of art as well as literature and sciences completely in your whole life, but can only enhance the knowledge and skill of a particular literary and art form. The classical way of dance form holds a special place in my life. Similarly I find a special connection with Andhra Pradesh - ‘The Rice Bowl of India’.
Although, it is just another south Indian state flourishing almost similar kind of rituals and traditions, but still there are a few things which draws a line of difference. Hyderabad is the capital city of AP and Telegu is the local as well as the official language of AP.
Hyderabad is a perfect blend of culture and modernity. This city is among the ‘10 Best Indian Cities to Live In’.
Telugu is exceptionally a rich language in which many poems and compositions have been written. The soil of Andhra Pradesh has produced internationally renowned classical musicians like Annamacharya and Thyagaraja.
It would be equally justified to say that it really possesses and comprehends the title - “The Essence of Incredible India”.
Do you wish to explore more of God’s own country? Then how about a visit to the different beaches in Kerala where you can enjoy the comforts of a luxury cruise and houseboat. Just feel free, let the wind blow and wash your face while you rest lazily upon the white sand enjoying the scenic beach in Kerala.
Steering towards different beaches of Kerala, some of the prime beaches is –
Alappuzha Beach – this beach is better described as the deserted lighthouse, a landscape that is speckled with greenery and shrubs, sandy and rocky shores, simpering skies and an ancient pier. These characteristics and attractions mark the charm of this beach.
Beypore Beach – Get ready to embrace the rustic and appealing charm of Beypore Beach by relishing the steaming rice and roasted fish with coconut milk stew, taking a stroll on Kaolin sands, taking pleasure of the bonfire near the seaside and watching the fishing folks.
Kappad Beach – Kappad beach is a popular unvisited virgin beach, symbolizing a perfect rendezvous of nature’s beauty. The moment you take a stroll through this beach, you will be exploring the milky sand shore which shines in the delight palm groves. You can listen to the songbirds and feel enthralled while you bathe your feet in the beach’s crystal clear water, thereby writing a new page in your diary of wonderful vacation moments. Bet, you will never feel lonely when you are such near to the quarters of Mother Nature.
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| beaches in Kerala |
Kovalam Beach – Considered as an ideal and tourist’s delight, this beach is very frequently visited by the tourists that tour India every year. From ancient monuments to adventure sports, spicy delicacies to health spas, tranquil pal groves to souvenir shopping, you tend to have all here. The beach certainly pushes you to indulge in its ambience by taking a perfect beach stroll.
Mararikulam Beach – Located nearly 40 kms from Kochi, this unsoiled beach has white golden sands, exciting water sports, untapped potential for myriad of adventure activities, friendly fishermen and swaying palm trees. This beach has gained immense attraction in the state thereby attracting numerous tourists from different corners of the world.
Beaches and Kerala backwaters are mellowed with luxury, located far from the capital city and its rush and noise. Visiting these beaches is not just pleasurable but even is therapeutic while has religious importance too. Water sports at the beaches are also becoming one popular tourist attraction here. So plan your next holiday and book your tickets to Kerala to get a glimpse of its mesmerizing beauty.
Kerala, God’s own Country, is a land of boundless beauty. It is well bestowed with natural beauty that makes it heaven on Earth. Be it a rich culture, various forms of art, literature, history, unique architecture, Ayurveda or traditions that have been passed on for ages, Kerala has it all. Apart from this, Kerala is also famous for its various festivals and their celebrations. Boat race in Kerala attracts a lot of tourists from all over the worlds each year. The splendid and breathtakingly beautiful backwaters serve as venue for the boat races. Every year, participants gather in huge numbers from all over the state to participate in the boat race. It not only provides wonderful entertainment but also brings people closer, integrates them and strengthens the team spirit.
History
The history related to boat races in Kerala dates back over 400 years. Kings of Alleppey (Alappuzha) used to fight battles with neighboring regions in boats along the canals. Then, these kings started getting their boats designed to win wars. This was the beginning of boat races. Today, boat races are a huge event in Kerala and forms an integral part of Kerala attractions.
Famous Boat races
• The famous Nehru Boat race is held every year on Alleppey's Punnamda Lake.
• Champakkulam Moolam, the oldest and also the most famous race is held along the river at Champakkulam.
• Payippad Jalotsavam is organized at Payippad Lake.
• Aranmula Boat Race is held at River Pampa.
The boat races are generally held between the months of July to September. The exact dates of these races vary depending upon the moon’s phase. The Nehru Trophy Boat race, however, is held each year on the second Saturday of August. These boat races are the main attractions of the Onam festival. Held mostly with temple festivals of Kerala, the boat races also hold a lot of religious importance.
For a few months every year, Kerala is brought to life with brightly colored boats that are decorated elaborately and beautifully. The participation in the boat races is beyond compare and the enthusiasm of participants as well as the audience is worth watching. The captivating music, the traditions, the religious ceremonies and the sense of healthy competition transcends time. It is a completely different world altogether. The experience is magical, beautiful and captivating.
Have you become bored from the daily hush and rush of your life? Are you looking for solace within yourself? Do you feel that you need to take break to rejuvenate your senses and spirit? Well then friends, it’s time that you plan a trip to Kerala Backwaters. Acknowledged all across the world amongst the tourists, the beaches in Kerala have gained immense popularity. They are slowly becoming the reason for increased tourism in the state, leveraging high profits for the state tourism industry.
The beaches of Kerala lie parallel to the large Arabian Sea in the south while the backwaters in Kerala are a network that comprises of 5 main lakes which are linked by canals. Kerala backwaters were initially formed due to the triggering action of shore currents and waves thereby creating a steep barrier reefs and islands. Though the state has numerous beaches and hill resorts, it is the backwaters which are exclusively important here. These backwaters offer an impeccable blend of tranquility and scenic attractions. You can travel on conventional houseboats and take pleasure of the beauty of state’s backwaters. These backwaters make their route through different cities and towns. These offer a transparent picturesque of different backwater destinations of God’s own country.
POPULAR BACKWATER DESTINATIONS IN KERALA –
1. Alappuzha – a district popular for its natural beauty. Tourists consider this place as one of the best companions for exploring Kerala by riding on the boathouse. This destination is also well known for hosting the famous Snake Boat Races which are organized every year on Onam.
2. Kochi – another frequently visited backwater destination where different cruises operate carrying tourists and making them feel immensely blessed. The tourists enjoy staying in a hotel like houseboat that floats on water.
3. Kozhikode – this is one more popular unexplored backwater destination which is acknowledged for its water sports and boating. This destination is visited by tourists that love cosmopolitan culture, hospitality, exquisite beaches, beautiful lush green countryside, and historic buildings.
Some other places that you can explore through Kerala backwaters comprise of Kumarakom and Thiruvallam.
ENJOY THE COMFORT OF LUXURY BOATHOUSE
If one wishes to stay at these backwater houseboats, then you can make booking in advance either through your travel agent or through online websites that help you book a perfect room for yourself. These houseboats offer perfect amenities while their food is mouthwatering and very tempting. Through the backwater tour in Kerala, you can witness different aquatic lives also.
So next vacations, just get ready, pack your bags and set your voyage for a wonderful tour to backwaters and beaches in Kerala which shall leave a spell binding experience on you.
