Amber Fort-Jaipur

Location :Amber Fort is situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur.

Amber Fort is a truly a masterpiece constructed of white and red sandstone. It was once the citadel of the ruling Kachwa clan of Amber. The Amber Fort is set on top of a hill and represents an architecture which is a hybrid of both the Hindu and the Mughal architecture styles. Amber Fort is a fort with its aura offering us a wonderful feast for our eyes. The walls of this Fort are covered with Murals, Frescoes and several paintings. Some walls are ordained with carvings, mosaic and mirror works. Every door bears some mosaics and sculptures. There is Public audience hall. It is only here that the Maharajah held audience and received the petition of his subjects during the royal rule. Tourist can find the royal carts which were once used by the Maharanis intact, preserved well over these years. There is a hall called the Hall of Mirrors. The walls and ceilings are covered with colorful glasses. As the sunlight falls over these glasses it radiates the sunlight all over the area in different colors.


Structure:Amber Fort is divided into four sections. Each is accessible via large staircases from a central location, or from a broad pathway leading to each of the sections. The pathways are currently used to transport tourists via an elephant ride. The main entrance of Amber Fort, Surajpol, leads to the Jaleb chowk, the main courtyard of the Fort where the staircase to the palace is located. In ancient times, Jaleb Chowk was the area where returning armies were paraded back home and where they would display their war earnings to the population at large.


Today, tourists can ride up to the fort from the base of the hill on elephants. On the ride, one can see the skyline of Jaipur, and in the foreground the Maotha lake which is just breathtaking, and the original city walls. The fort can be toured with a guide or you can engage a guide of your own. There is also a sound and light show held here during the evenings, which should not be missed.

How to reach the top of the Fort?

The hilltop has to be climbed on an elephant back or you can also go walking. Better try the elephant ride and have that royal feel ,enjoying the sights from the top of the majestic animal


Reaching the Amber Fort .

Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the central museum or they can hire rickshaws, tempos and taxis.

Kumarakom Backwaters-Kottayam,Kerala

Kumarakom a small village is situated 15 kilometers from Kottyam on the Vembanad Lake. The fresh water lake acts as an integral part of the backwater cruises in Kerala. It is a much sought after back water destination in Kerala.Kumarakom consists of a number of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. Boat races, house boat cruises are some of the main attractions of this place. The Huge houseboats traditionally known as Kettuvalams provide every amenities of a house, which includes living rooms, kitchen and toilets and also a balcony, from where the tourist can have a good view of the backwaters.The Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It flows through the verdant lands of Kerala and offers one of the best backwater cruises. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is the habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.


Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction. This is a perfect place for any body who loves birds. You can walk through the forests and watch variety of birds in the size and might, flying past you or resting on the trees .You can enjoy these sights along with the chirping of the birds. Birds are seen fluttering here and there. For the tourists it is heartening to see so many species of birds together in a single trip. The local population of the birds includes Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Owls, Egrets, Herons Water Ducks, Parrots, Teal, Larks, Flycatchers and Wood Beetle.The Siberian Cranes which are migratory birds can also be seen here, if we visit the place during the month of November to March. These migratory birds remain for a short visit at Kuumarakom Bird Sanctuary.


The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, either on a housing boat or a motor boat. Along with the birds the tourist can see lots of coconut trees lined up by the side of the backwaters.Boat trips make us possible to sight a number of birds without actually disturbing them. What makes these cruises all the more special is the kind of tranquility felt while sailing through the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake. The Island of Pathiramanal ( meaning Sands of night) which attracts a large number of migratory birds is also easily accessible from the boats


Enjoy Walking Tours - Another option to spot the bird species of the park is to set out on foot on the one and half km long walking track. Chances are that a large number of birds on our stroll.Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a golden feather in India's ecological crown, despite being one of the smallest parks in the country. A visit to Kumarakom, nesting on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, will give you memories to cherish.

Veli Picnic Spot-Trivandrum

Veli is a popular spot which is frequented mostly by the people who stay in and around Trivandrum district. It has got a beautiful lagoon, a beach and a children’s park. There are several artworks of Kaanayi Kunjiraman inside the park.



There is a ticket counter before entering Veli.After taking the ticket you can proceed.Once we enter we can see a stone work by Kaanayi Kunjiraman which looks like strange stonework. As we walk further we can find a pool for children which are not well maintained. After a little more strolling we will come across a fish pool, where we can see many coconut trees standing head held high with lots of coconuts. We can find a grass artwork by Kaanayi Kunjiraman nearby the pool. There are a number of fishes inside the pool. The Veli Lakeside stretches till Aakkulam.There is a side walkway till Aakulam.We can walk till Aakulam through this sideway. Also we can sit and rest on the stone benches on the sideway enjoying the breeze and beauty of the lagoon.


So are you planning a boat ride across the Lake? Enter the boat jetty, where there is a counter which sells the tickets for boating. From there we can select the mode of boating. Various type of boating services are available. You can go for speed boating if you want thrill and excitement and speed boating should be tried at least once if you enjoy adventure. Go for Peddling if you have the energy to pedal the boat. Else there is a motor boating facility also, where the boating service is provided for a group of people. After the boating you continue strolling and we can see the sea far away. There is a floating restaurant which is maintained by the Tourism Department of Kerala. Sitting on the deck of the restaurant enjoying the view from there will hold memories close to our heart. We can have a good view of a bridge from the deck from the floating restaurant .To reach one side of the beach we need to cross a floating bridge, which is real fun. We feel that we are swaying a bit when we cross the bridge. Several shops are lined up by the side of beach. Enjoy your time in the beach, and don’t miss the the sunset if you reached there by evening.Horse rides are also available across the beach.So a visit to Veli is a full package with the diversity of the lakeside and also the beach.

Location:7 kilometers from Trivandrum city
Timings :Veli is open from morning 8AM to 6PM

Kovalam Beach-Trivandrum-Kerala

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore."Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.Kovalam beach, one of the finest beaches in the world and situated on the Arabian Sea is in the state of Kerala,India,It is situated 16 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and has evolved into the most important tourist destination in India over time.Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocks. The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach which is the most popular for its 35 meter high light house which towers over it. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. It got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rock there. The second largest one is Hawah Beach where local people are not allowed inside. It is frequented by foreigners .The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach.The Northern most crescent is crowded on the weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. Beauty and Serenity in this beach is supplemented by the facilities available there. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from including Indian, Continental, or Western.


Ayurvedic Massage centers and Yoga Centers are available for the tourists for reasonable cost. Shopping for various curios can also be done here. Various water sport activities are also being provided for the tourists. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in color due to the presence of limonite and thorazite.Kovalam beach with its shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on the beaches. There are strong underwater currents, so it is wise to follow the life guard’s instruction. Warnings boards are placed on the beach. The safe areas are marked with green flags and the danger areas with red flags. The beach is suitable for just roaming round in between the coconut trees and sanded can enjoy the sea breeze and also the beautiful sunset by sitting in restaurants facing the beach sipping your coffee. So rush to this Paradise of South. The months most suited for visit are from September to May

Welcome to Heaven on Earth:Poovar-Trivandrum-Kerala

Poovar is situated Thirty kilometers from Trivandrum city.Poovar is an unspoilt area.Poovar is surrounded by the calmest backwaters and the sea. The backwaters opens out into a clean sandy beach opposite, which became the dividing line between the backwaters and the sea .There is a place where you can see the backwaters kissing the sea.Poovar was once a famous trading center and also one of the ancient ports in the district. It is said that the legendary Jesuit Missionary,St. Francis Xavier, visited the place in the 16th century.Poovar is situated south of Neyyar river.Poovar in Malayalam means a stream of flowers. The view from the backwaters is a picture perfect view. The Canals in Poovar is a representation of rural life in Kerala. You can see village life here and there and watch people fishing. Boating service is also available through the backwaters. There are several resorts in Poovar,which offer you different facilities.The silence and beauty of Poovar will remain in our heart forever.

Elephant Camp-Konni-Kerala

Konni which is a small hilly town in the Pathanamthitta district attracts large number of tourists every year because of its thick forests where tourists can have trekking and elephant safaris. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state. There is a popular elephant training camp in Konni. Situated about 11 kilometers from Pathanamthitta, the main attraction at the elephant-training centre at Konni is the huge cages built of wood to house the elephants. Earlier elephants were captured from wild and trained by experienced mahouts and some senior elephants. There are huge wooden cages to house the elephants. This massive wooden cage, was made in 1947.It is locally known as Aanakoodu and can accommodate three to four
elephants at a time. The elephants are put there till they are trained to work.Training includes the following methods.They follow systematic methods which later makes the elephant obey the commands of the mahout.The elephants are also taken for a walk in the premises and they follow a special diet pattern for the elephant. The elephants are given baths daily.


The elephant camp has a history of more than 100 years and is located at an area of around 10 acres. Since hunting of the elephants was banned by law by the Central Government in the year 1972, this is now an abode of injured or orphaned elephants from the wild or nearby areas of the Achenkovil River .This camp offers a good place for the visitors to know the behavior of the elephants. Kids will love the pranks of these baby elephants. We can even ride on the bigger elephants. This Konni Reserve Forest and Achenkovil Reserve Forest are nearby. So do pay a visit to this lovely Village.
Reaching there:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur, about 28 km from Pathanamthitta
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 119 km from Pathanamthitta

Shanghumugham Beach-Trivandrum

Shanghumugham beach is is located near the Trivandrum Airport.Its a nice beach to enjoy the calmness and watch the sea waves far away from the madding crowd. An indoor recreation club, Children's Traffic Training Park and a Star Shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach. A gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid called the 'Matsya Kanyaka' is the major attraction of the beach. It has been done by Kanayi Kunjuraman who is famous for his stone sculptures. The 'Matsya Kanyaka' looks exactly like a mermaid. She is kept in a big lawn, where people normally pose for photo. The sunset view is a must watch view. Hours seems like minutes while we sit on the beach enjoying the breeze. There is an Indian Coffee House nearby the beach. Each of the chairs faces the sea. The Coffee House offers a wide variety of dishes and also good coffee. You can sip your coffee and can watch the sea waves lashing, sitting in the Indian Coffee House. Apart from the Coffee Houses there are lots of "Thatukadas" where they will prepare instant dishes and give you. So don’t miss the serenity and tranquility of this beautiful beach.

Qutab Minar-Delhi

Qutab Minar is the tallest individual tower in the world, which is a masterpiece of the Mughal architecture.Qutab Minar was built by Qutub-ud-din Abak and is a true representation of Indo-Islamic Architecture .Construction was started by Qutab-ud-din Abak and was continued by Iltutmish.It is 72 meters high with 379 steps leading to the top. So take a long breath before you start climbing those steps. It has 5 stories, each with a balcony. The diameter of the base is 15 meters wide while the top floor measures 2.75 meters in diameter. The entire five storeys’ of Qutab Minar consists of Koranic inscriptions. Each storey is marked by a balcony. The first three storeys’ are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth are of marble sandstones. The most outstanding feature of the tower is the stalactite support to the balconies and the circular plan with its alternating semi-circular and angular flutings. There is a Muslim mosque at the base (Quwwat-ul Islam), which was the first mosque built in India. In the neighboring courtyard, there is the base of another minar called Alau Minar that was being built, but was unfinished because of the death of the Sultan. It was meant to be higher than Qutab Minar. There are also the ruins of a tomb and a college in another outer courtyard.


The Qutub Minar and its monuments are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The detail on these monuments and buildings is amazing, especially considering the time they were built and the tools that were available at that time to work on this Minar.The tourist can do a lot of sightseeing or just sit in the beautifully maintained grass around the monument or the courtyards. An Iron Pillar which is metallurgical wonder is situated nearby. Walking over one side shows us an inscription which tells that the mosque was built on the foundations of a Hindu temple. We can also find a decorated tomb of Iltumish,with wonderful carvings towards another side of the Minar.Pointing towards the sky, the view from the top of the Minar will give the tourist a bird view of the City of Delhi. Viewing the Qutab Minar with the illumination in the night should not be avoided.
Location: Situated inside Qutab Complex located at Aurobindo Marg, near Mehrauli which is South Delhi

Silent Valley-Palakkad,Kerala

Some Facts About Silent Valley:
Silent Valley is a trekking destination for anybody who loves nature and one among the very few rainforests. Above an altitude of 2000 meters with an area of 90 Sq. Km it has a
Fair representation of rare species of Flora and Fauna. The local name for the park is Sairandhrivanam (the forest in the valley) which is also the last representative of tropical evergreen forests in India. The rare bird species found here are the Great Indian Hornbill and Ceylon Frogmouth. There are 16 bird species in this park that have been declared as restricted or threatened. The most frequently found bird is the Black Bulbul. Anybody who loves the butterflies will surely have a feast to their eyes, because there are around 100 species of butterflies here. There are minimum 34 species of mammals like the Niliguri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Hairy winged Bat, Lion-tailed Macaque etc. The other animals found here are the Tiger, Panther, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Common Palm Civet, Fishing Cat, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambar and Wild Boar.Many rare species which are in the endangered list can be found here. The only animals which are not found in Silent Valley are Peacocks,Spotted Deer and Lions. The Kunthi Puzha is a river that runs 50 Kilometers untouched by Human beings .The river Kunthi descends from the Niligiri hills above an altitude of 2000 m and traverses the entire length of the valley finally rushing down to the plains through a deep gorge. The water that flows through the river is crystal clear. The Silent valley is divided into 4 sections, the Sairandthri, Poochipara,Neelikal and Wallakad.

As part of our desire to explore the wilderness we decide to set out for the Silent Valley. We reached Palakkad Railway station around 8 am in the morning. Took a Taxi towards Mukkali.The Silent Valley office is located in Mukkali.We were led to the accommodation arranged inside the Guest House. The Guest House was in the middle of a Medicinal Garden. It was a room facing the Bhavani river. After breakfast I explored in and around the Medicinal Plants Garden .After lunch decided to go on a trek.Total kilometers to be trekked to and fro was around ten. Was accompanied by a guide towards the Karuvara waterfalls.On either side of the road were houses were the local tribes of that place stayed. They were involved in the coffee plantations along with the government. On the trek towards the waterfalls we saw a giant squirrel. Saw a Kasthuri manjal plant, several cashew trees, eucalyptus, clove etc. on the way. Saw the way the local tribal people made cuts on the trees to climb high up and collect honey from the top of the trees. Finally we reached the Karuvara waterfalls .It was a beautiful waterfall and there were no people around. So it was very calm and serene. Spend a lot of time there. Did not feel like coming back from there. After the trek back to our room. Could spot a bird inside the Medicinal Plants Garden. There was a small kadavu near the guest house. Spend some time there. The night was so calm and peaceful ,with no sound. Just the sound of the river which was nearby.Got up early morning.Roamed round the garden to see whether I could spot some birds. Could spot some but could not manage to take pictures because they were high up on the trees. Spend some time playing in the water in the nearby Bhavani river. After breakfast we set out towards Sairandthri in a Jeep. There were two zones. The Buffer Zone and the Core Zone. Could spot some giant squirrels on the way towards the interiors of the forest. Reached a watch tower. Had to climb around 200 steps to reach the top. On climbing to the top we can experience strong winds touching our face. What waited for us on the top was worth the climb, an excellent view of the Silent Valley, where we could see the thick vegetation spread around.

From there we could see the origin of Kunthi river. This is the only river which flows through Kerala, which is untouched by Humans until it reaches the Silent Valley. We went towards the origin of the Kunthi river. It was around 2 kilometers from there. The water was crystal clear with no dirt. On the way we saw a Butterfly Group which belonged to the Category Blue Tiger. There was and a metal suspension bridge near the river marks the point till where tourists are allowed .Had a good time there. After that went towards a museum which portrays the wildlife and also the various wild life sanctuaries in an around Kerala.The Lion tailed Marcque is protected here along with the Hornbill.The museum shows a wide variety of orchids.Different footprints of different animals were also displayed there. After spending some time there we drove back on the Jeep Could spot many varieties of butterflies with different colours like yellow, orange,blue,Black and white dots etc.On the way back saw different types of monkeys.Crimson Rose,Stripped Tiger,Small Leopard and Common Crow are some of the varieties of butterflies I could find there.On the way back saw the giant squirrel.After reaching back spend time around the room where I stayed. I could spot a hornbill high up in the tree in that garden. Could spot a number of other bird’s also.Finally we left from our room in the evening. Final ending to a trip where we could experience nature closer than we have ever done before.

You can also trek around the Silent Valley.Trekking is allowed only up to the dam site 23 kilometers from Mukkali.For going further up the trekkers need special permission from the
Conservator of Forest Palakkad.The distance from there to Poochippara is a 7 kilometer trek.Have a nice boot to avoid leeches on the way.The vegetation found in this park is
varied and has been categorized into four major types. These include tropical hill forests, temperate, grasslands and moist tropical evergreen. So explore this place which was
unexplored till the 19th century.

Best Time To Visit: September to March
Location : 40 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala.

Pookot Lake-Wayanad

Pookot Lake is a beautiful fresh water lake which is situated near the entrance of Wayanad when we are coming from Calicut side .The main attraction in Pookot lake is the boating.A walk through the surrounding mountains and the thick vegetation by the side of the lake gives us a calm and peaceful experience. The boat ride is a good experience. Some parts of the lake are really very deep. The Water depth comes to around 6.5 meters It is a place which gets large number of rainfalls in India.

It is situated at an altitude of two thousand meters above sea level. While we enjoy the ride through the lake we can see lots of flowers in the lake, especially lotus and water lilies. The lake is the abode of a wide variety of aquatic animals. Some common creatures found are fishes, tadpoles and some water snakes. The lake covers an area of 5 square kilometres.Once we complete our boat ride ,we can do a mini shopping at the handicraft and spices shop near the lake which is maintained by the Tourism Department of Wayanad District. There is a Children’s Park where kids can have fun. There is an aquarium also situated nearby. So rush to the most sought after tourist place, a paradise on earth

Muzhapilangad Beach-Kerala

The tourist can reach the beach through a road which contains coconut trees on either side of the road.Muzhappilangad Beach is a clean beach which makes us stay there longer. It is the only drive in beach in Kerala where we can drive down the entire length of 4 kilometers. Driving through the sand bed of the beach is legal and so if you came with a vehicle enjoy the beautiful drive, through the sea. Splashing water and having fun on the beach will take you back to your childhood days.


It is just 15 kilometers from Kannur and 8 kilometers from Thalassery.Once you reach there you can do sunbathing, or swim or just roam around the beach. The beach has got rocks spread all around. From Muzhippilangad we can see a privately owned island called Dharamadam, which is situated 200 meters south of the beach. There are rare occasions when one can view the sea and island together and being at Muzhappilangad takes us into those rare moments .The tourist needs permission to enter that privately owned island. Enjoy your drive in this beautiful beach gifted to us from above.
By Train:Kannur railway station is at a distance of 15 kilometers from the beach while the Thalasseri railway station is located at a distance of 8 kilometers.
By Roads:The beach is easily accessible from anywhere in Kannur, as it is well connected to Kerala and Kannur by a wide network of roads

Kuruva Dweep-Wayanad-Kerala

Kuruva Dweep is situated 45 kilometers from Kalpetta which is situated in Wayanad district.Kuruva Dweep is a group of 7 islands. It is spread over 950 acres of evergreen forest. It is situated on the tributaries of Kabini River which flows into the forest.First I took a walk inside the forest.The tourist can find unusually shaped trees on the way.There are lots of bamboos on either sides.Water is flowing on either sides.The Kuruva dweep is the abode of wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a really a nice walk through the forests away from the sound and noise of the city. We can cross from one island to other either on a raft or by walking through the water. Though the water is not so deep, the rocks are slippery. So we have to be careful when we cross the riverbed. After a to and fro sail through the raft, I resumed my walk through the forest. Ended my walk where there was a man made bamboo structure inside the Kuruva dweep.A nice picture spot and a rest spot .Moments spend there are close to my heart.

Ponmudi Hill Station-Trivandrum-Kerala

Ponmudi (The Golden Peak) is a hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. Its located 61 km north-east of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 610 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by narrow winding roads which offers a scenic view on the way to Ponmudi.We can see tea bushes as we enter Ponmudi.We can see flowers and small rivulets on the way. The tourist needs to travel on a road which has several hairpin curves till they reach the destination hills. There are streams inside the forest with crystal clear water splashing. We can view many hills once we reach the dead end of the road. Most of the hills seem to be wrapped by grasses. Others are barren. The tourist can try climbing the many hills which are spread around. Each level on top of the hill gives us different views. The tourist can try the echo effect from there if he feels so, from the top of the hills. Plan your next itinerary to this lovely hill station location in the Western Ghats.
Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport. Nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central.

Banasura Dam-Wayanad

Banasura Dam is located 21 kilometers away from Kalpetta in Wayanad District. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the the second largest in Asia. There is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. The Dam is a huge one and surrounded by hills on one side. Boating through the dam is a very good experience. A walk
through the pathway by the dam side will hold memories close to our heart.So once you are in Wayanad try to visit this scenic wonder.

Bekel Fort-Kasargode-Kerala

Kasaragode,the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.Bekel Fort lies in Kasargode district. It is located on a lush-green stretch of 35 acres of land projecting into the sea and is the largest fort in Kerala. The Fort is almost 300 years old . The Fort has a watch tower facing the sea. Many parts of the Fort are constantly drenched by the sea waves.There are no palaces inside the fort.The features of the Bekal Fort in Kerala are the underground tunnels, the observation towers, the sea bastion, the strategic openings on the walls etc.There are several underground passages inside the fort and two of the passages are intact even now one leading to the southern part of the fort and the other leading to the east. There is also a mosque built by Tipu Sultan just outside the Bekal Fort and also a Hindu temple. There is a rest house near the Fort built by British Government before independence. Near to the fort there is a Hindu temple and a Muslim Mosque.


There exist differences of opinion about the origin of the Fort. There are two versions about the origin of the Fort – one is it was constructed by one Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri Dynasty and the other version is was constructed by Kadamba Dynasty and later was taken over by Kolathiri Rajahs of that region and was captured by Shivappa Naik to form part of the Vijayanagar Empire. Be it either way, the Fort, which is now more than three centuries old was invaded by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan in 18th century. Later, it was taken over by the East India Company of British.Lying on the cost of Arabian Sea, Bekal has beautiful beaches. The sea front of the fort is best viewed along the seaside pathway. So enjoy the walk along the seaside pathway with the fort wall to the east and the beautiful sea on the west.

Pamban Bridge-Rameshwaram,TamilNadu

To reach Rameshwaram,which is a small island you can take a trip across the Pamban bridge.Rameswaram is a pilgrim centre famous for an ancient temple of Shiva which is supposed to have been built by Lord Rama.The Pamban Bridge is also known as the Indira Gandhi Bridge. It is on the Palk Strait that connects Rameswaram to mainland India.It is the longest sea bridge in India with a length of 2.3 km.

The railway bridge is 6,776 ft and was opened in 1914. The railroad bridge is a still-functioning double-leaf section that can be raised to let ships pass under the bridge.The bridge stand high above all the bridges in India by its architecture. The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation and a beautiful scenery of the sea, adjoining Islands and the parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from the bridge.The sea looks very beautiful ,with varying colours from the top of the bridge.So enjoy the sweet sea breeze and the panoramic view on your trip through the Pamban bridge.

Reaching there:Nearest Railway Station-Rameswaram:Nearest Bus Station-Rameshwaram

Neyyar Dam-Thiruvananthapuram-Kerala

Neyyar is spread over in the South East Corner of the Western Ghats and covers and area of 128 sq kilometers.Neyyar Dam was established in the year 1958.It is located around 30 km east of Thiruvanthapuram.Neyyar,Mullayar and Kallar are the rivers nourishing the dam. You can see water gushing out of the reservouir.Gardens are maintained in and around the Dam. On our way there is a deviation to Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram. It is set up in 12 acres and the visitor can get a wonderful view of the dam and the flower and grass filled gardens.There are a number of unusual life like statues in and around the gardens. The conservation of wildlife gained momentum in 1985.The area is blessed with good vegetation and lots of flora and fauna.

There is a crocodile farm where we can se lots of crocodiles. Most of the crocodiles belong to the same species .These crocodiles were caught in and around Neyyar Dam. There is also a lion safari and elephant safari park. There is an information center where we can get tickets for the elephant safari and lion safari and also for the boat ride. We can reach the lion safari park either on a bus or on a boat. On the ride through the boat we can see three mountain peaks in a row. On reaching the elephant park we can see elephants which are very tame. The Agasthyamalai, 1,890 meters high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.A visit to Neyyar dam will be a full fledged package and surely worth a day filled with varieties.

Location: 30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.Altitude: 1,868 m above sea level.

Thommenkuthu Waterfalls -Thodupuzha,Kerala

Thommenkuthu Waterfalls is located 20 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The breathtaking Thommenkuthu waterfalls is a series of 12 falls spread over a distance of 5km.It is small and beautiful waterfall which plunges down in seven steps with a cascade and pool at each level. On our trek up the mountains through the forests ,on the way we can see several caves.
Falling from a height of 1,500 m, the difference between the first and last fall is about 500 m. Named after Thomban, a tribal leader who was washed away near the waterfall while crossing a river, Thommankuthu is in the Kaliyar Forest Range.You can have a breathtaking view from each level and the atmosphere is very calm.Summer time is ideal for a dip in the waterfalls but during heavy monsoons it is risky because the stream will be gushing with its full strength. Trekking, night camping, boating and bird watching are some of the major recreations here.Thommenkuthu waterfalls attracts thousands of tourists every year because of the wonderful waterfalls and the lovely surroundings.So have an adventurous trekking to this
enchanting falls.

Bannerghatta Butterfly Park Bangalore- Butterfly Paradise

The Bannerghatta National Park has a Butterfly Park. It is the abode of a lot of species of butteflies.It was opened in the month of November 2006.The Butterfly Park is spread over 7.5 acres of land. It comprises of a butterfly conservatory, museum and an audio-visual room. The butterfly conservatory has a polycarbonate roof and is a 10,000 sq ft. circular enclosure, inside which the living environment has been carefully designed to support over 20 species of butterflies. The environment has a tropical setting — complete with the humid climate, an artificial waterfall and host plants and shrubs that attract butterflies.

The conservatory leads to the second and third domes, which have a museum that exhibits different species of butterflies and their life history and lastly a media room showing video on butterflies. The domes are constructed very beautifully. Inside the park we can find some common birds also. So visit this park where you will have a cordial welcome by these colorfully winged creations of God. There is a child in each man and watching these butterflies will take you back to your childhood days.

The visiting time is from morning 10 am to 5pm in the evening.

The Park is open on all days except Tuesday

Chembra Peak-Wayanad

Chembra peak is a must to go destination for anyone who loves trekking. It is situated near Meppadi,10 kilometers from Kalpetta.Chembra peak is the highest peak in Wayanad with an altitude of 2100m high and is a trekker’s paradise. The tourists have to take special permission from the Forest Office of Meppadi for climbing this rock. Trekking to Chembra Peak starts from Chembra estate. The Climb to the Chembra peak consists of 7 stages. On the way we can find valley on one side and a tea estate on other side. You can experience the beautiful mist around if you are lucky. There are elephants and leopards in the nearby peaks surrounding Chembra peak. On the way we can see a source of water. We can fill up our water bottles there. The water is clear and fresh. After climbing the second stage we will reach a somewhat plain area. We can have a good view of some surrounding peaks when we trek up the Chembra peak. The surrounding peaks are the Nilambur forests and Vellarimala which are pretty dense and which lies in Kozhikode district which is higher than the Chembra peak. The view of those peaks from Chembra peak is amazing. Half way on our way to the peak we can find a large natural perfect heart shaped lake. Its really incredible and such a beautiful lake. It is also known as Lovers Lake. The water level in the lake remains constant throughout the year, as it is supplied from the underground water by Mother Nature. The calm blue eyed water of the lake at the top of the Chembra peak never dries up, not even in the peak summer temperatures. We get a better and clearer view of the lake when we climb further up. The view from the top of the peak is just wonderful. We can see most parts of Wayanad from there including Lakkidi,Pookot and some other roads. Trekking towards the top takes nearly a day.The Tourism department will provide guides, sleeping bags and canvas huts and other trekking equipments for hire. Camping in the night at the top of the Chembra peak is an experience to cherish. The top most peak had some rocky formations along the route. Finally the tourist reaches the top most position of the Chembra peak where we can feel that the clouds are kissing the mountain tops. So pack up and get ready to trek to a must go trekking place, the Majestic Peak i.e. the Chembra Peak.

Atomium-Eiffel Tower of Belgium

Atomic is referred to as the Eiffel Tower of Belgium. It is located near the King Baudouin Stadium. It was designed by the famous architect André Waterkeyn.It was done for the 1958 World Fair.The structure stands 102 meters (334 feet) high, weighs 2400 metric tons (2439 tons), and represents an iron crystalline molecule enlarged 165 billion times. Inside the nine spheres,visitors can see an exhibition showing how the Atomium has been depicted in comic strips through the years and an audiovisual presentation on the construction of the Atomium.

Tunnels are there inside the atomium and we can go through these tunnels. There are nice views of the northern part of the city and the surrounding countryside from the top of the structure. Atomium now has space for art exhibitions, a special party space, an observation gallery, and children’s sphere and meeting rooms. The top and central spheres are accessible only by lift. The others spheres can be accessed by the steep escalators. There are beautiful lighting effects designed on the elevators. There is also an elevator with a glass ceiling that leads to the new upscale restaurant. The party space sphere has a ceiling fixture with a suspended fiberglass-and-aluminum plate, 4 metres/14 feet in diameter and is lighted with a cobalt halo. Around the fixture are eleven small plastic human figures that hover like astronauts around a spacecraft. In the children’s sphere you’ll find a molecule-like structure using 30 soft polyurethane balls to represent H2O, the formula for water.Atomium is open to the public.


Opening hoursSept. to March: 10 a.m. till 5.30 p.m.
April to August: 9 a.m. till 7.30 p.m.
This structure shows the height of scientific technology, especially considering that it was built in 1958.If you are in Belgium don’t miss the opportunity to see this beautiful structure.

Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary -Kerala

Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary is also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. It was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1983 following the recommendation made by Salim Ali one of the greatest ornithologists of India. He is the godfather of this beautiful Sanctuary.Thattekadu Sanctuary is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River.Thattekadu is the richest habitat in Peninsular India and was identified by Salim Ali.According to estimates it has 500 different species of birds including many rare and endangered species. It is spread in an area of 25 sq kilometers ,which consists of tropical evergreen and dense forests. It is a paradise for bird watchers.

Some of the rare birds that can be seen in the sanctuary are the Indian Swiftlets,Eagles,Great Eared-Nightjar, Owl, Crimson-Throated Barbets,Oriental Darters, Bee-eaters,Sunbirds, Shrikes, Black-winged Kites, Night Herons, Falcons, Grey Jungle Fowls, White-Breasted Water Hens, Malabar Grey-Hornbills, Ceylon Frog Moths, Rose-billed Rollers and Blue-winged Parakeets. Other commonly seen birds in the sanctuary include Cuckoos, Crow Pheasants, Jungle Nightjars, Grey Drongos, Malabar Trogons, Woodpeckers, Large-pied Wagtails, Indian Hill Mynas, Babblers and Darters. The sanctuary also shelters over 28 species of mammals and 9 species of reptiles. While in Thattekadu Bird Sanctuary you can also see Elephants Leopards, Bears, Porcupines, Pythons and Cobras.The rivers inside the sanctuary is shallow most of the time and is a paradise for aquatic life.It is an enchanting for anyone who loves nature.
Reaching there.Nearest airport-Nearest airport is at Kochi,which is 71 kilometers from Thattekadu Nearest Rail-Aluva is the nearest railway station,48 kilometers from Thattekadu By Road-The sanctuary is 13 km north-east of Kothamangalam along the Pooyamkutti road.

Somatheeram Beach-Trivandrum

Somatheeram beach is on the way to Kovalam beach. Its 9 km south of Kovalam at Chowara .There is a Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort which has all the facilities of a resort and ayurvedic treatments which include yoga, meditation etc.The Somatheeram Beach is a perfect place for anyone who loves the beach. It is a wide and long beach. Taking a stroll alongside the beach will Be a life time memory. The sea water is very clean .Rocks are spread here and there. We can climb these rocks and reach the hill top.Somatheeram beach is packaged with the beauty of hills and also the beach. Seeing the sun setting down into the Arabian sea is a nice experience. You can see the small boats with the fishermen here and there. Sitting under the umbrella enjoying the seaside breeze is relaxing for our mind. On one side, after we climb a bit high we can see a huge statue of Jesus Christ. The visitor can climb further up. The view downside is something which cannot be explained in words, but which has
to be felt in real.

Lotus Temple Delhi-A Good Epitome of Bahai Place of Worship

The Lotus Temple is located south of Delhi. The Lotus Temple was opened for the public in December 1986.It is open for everyone irrespective of their religion.Bahai faith derives principles from all religions.Bahai faith preaches the coming together of all the religions in the world. It is maintained by the Baha'i sect which was founded by Baha'u'llah who is regarded as the messenger of God.Bahai faith is spread all over the world. The Bahai place of worship in India is in the shape of a lotus. The lotus Symbolises purity and tenderness.Different modes of architecture has been adhered to in different parts of the world,where the Bahai sect has built there place of worship.The prayer hall is a place where we can feel atmost calmness and peacefulness. We can find a lot of Iranians inside who maintain this temple. The architecture of the Lotus Temple is just amazing. It was built by a Canadian architect of Iranian origin. Lotus temple is made of marble,cement,dolomite and sand. Nine pools of water surround this structure. It is a really wonderful sight for the eyes. The temple remains open everyday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm..Footwears are to kept outside. But they don’t charge you for that :).If you are in Delhi don’t miss the opportunity to pay a visit to this architecture masterpiece.

Kalady-Malaytoor Pilgirmage

Malayatoor is one of the prominent Christian pilgrimage centres in India,which is located in Ernakulam district.St Thomas the Apostle who preached Christianity in Kerala has set up a church which is situated on top of the Malayatoor hill at a height of Approximately 609 m.The best time to climb is during the night so that we can avoid suns rays. Although there are several shops which sell juice and other items it will be better to let those wait till we climb down the hill. Climbing up the hill with a full stomach will make it more difficult. During rainy season be more careful as the stones may slip. The fourteen stations of the Way of the Cross are symbolically depicted from the bottom of the hill till the top. On reaching the top we can find the old church Nearby there is a rock on the hill which has the footprints of the saint and it is preserved inside a glass cover. On top we can find the Marthoma Mandapam also where there is a big grotto of the saint.A big cross which is gold coated can also be found on the top of the hill.

The Malayatoor Perunal is held during March/April every year.Every year on the first Sunday after Easter, thousands of pilgrims come to this shrine. The architecture of the church is very interesting and uses a combination of unique styles that are a delight to the eyes. It is a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with a traditional Greek styled altar. The front of the church has been built in the typical Roman Catholic architecture. The church has been decorated with beautiful carvings, designs and paintings that depict the life of Jesus Christ. The church also has an ancient pond. The climb down was a bit more difficult than the climb up. Hope all of you have a spiritual trip.

Trekking at Pakshipathalam-A Bird Watchers Delight

Pakshipathalam in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a must see tourist spot for anybody
seeking challenge and adventure.Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and Trekking is the only mode of reaching this place which is at an altitude of 1740 m above sea level. Trekking is done through dense forest over 3 hills . The destination is a Grotto of caves created by nature ageing back to several million years. The deep rock caves, Formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri,Pakshipathalam is home for a wide variety of birds. Special permission has to be Obtained from Forest Department to go to Pakshipathalam. District Tourism Promotion Council Arranges vehicle, guides, camping equipments,etc.to the tourist on hire. Pakshipathalam is a collection of gigantic rocks resting on each other.
Pakshipathalam is a cave situated in the nearby forest to the Thirunelli temple. In the
Malayalam language a bird is called "Pakshi" and underground is called "Pathalam". Thus the
Name "Pakshipathalam" formed. On the way we can watch rare species of birds from the
Watchtower of the Bird sanctuary. The view from the watch tower is just mind blowing. On the
Way to Pakshipathalam we can see a lonely tree and the Brahmagiri hills standing tall in
Their full grandeur. On the way we can see variety of flowers. Malabar squirrels and
Ladybirds crossing our path are seen on the way.Pakshipathalam is located at the base of a
Granite hill.Pakshipathalam is inside a deep forest and we will have to pass a stream before
reaching there.We have to crawl inside the cave which is a bit tiring. It Is dark inside with small openings here and there to move in and out of the boulders. Inside We can find variety of birds. During night bats come out in groups from the caves.

Tholpetty WildLife Sanctuary-Wildlife Paradise

The Tholpetty (Beguri) Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is 15
km north of Mananthavady and connected to Muthanga in Wayanad and Nagarhole in
Karnataka.These forests form part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The best time to visit
Tholpetty is September-May.The best time to go inside the Wild Life Sanctuary is early morning. Private vehicles are allowed inside. Else we can avail the transportation provided by the Wild Life Sanctuary authorities. The travel will be in Jeep, on mud roads with forests on both sides. It is the best place to see Asian elephants and Indian bison. The sanctuary covers an area of 345 km.The animals could be seen on either side of the mud road. I could spot elephants, wild peacocks, wild squirrels, wild goats, wild hens, wild deer etc.My camera was a basic Canon Power shot A 95 model. So the pictures did not come up very nicely. It would be nice if you take a camera with a good zooming facility so that you could take clear snaps. Here is a place where u can see wildlife in real.

Edakkal Caves -A Peep Into the Stone Age

Edakkal Caves was an unexplored place till very recently. It has 2 natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala in Wayanad district. You have to get down at Edakkal and do a 1 km trekking to reach these caves.Edakkal caves is said to be formed as a result of earthquake. Inside the caves are pictorial writings believed to be from Neolithic man, evidence of the presence of a prehistoric civilization existing in this region. The cave drawings are as old as 8000 years, and depict pictures of ancient tribal chieftains, elephants, queens and tools. Such Stone Age carvings are very rare and these are the only known examples in southern India. I bade goodbye to that place hoping this place will be maintained as a heritage for the future generations.

Wayanad-Soojipara Water Falls

Once you have seen Soojipara Water Falls you will fall in love with it. The waterfalls which is a feast for our eyes can be viewed from far or we can trek down 2kms through dense equatorial forest over steep rocks. Soochippara is located near Meppady in Wayanad district. The water falls from 100 FT to 300ft heights which makes the place unique with its beauty.

Reaching there :

The nearest airport to Wayanad is at Kozhikode ( Calicut) 65kms.

By Rail:The nearest railhead is at Kozhikode (Calicut) 65kms.

By Road:Kozhikode is almost 100kms from Wayanad. It is well connected with other important towns of Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore by road.

Welcome to all who love to travel