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