Vagamon is an enchanting hill station located on the Idukki-Kottayam border, 64 kms from Kottayam and 34 kms from Pala at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a perfect holiday retreat and trekker's paradise.Vagamon hill station surrounded with tea gardens. Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists and also one of
the breeding centre of the Kerala. Live stock board is located here. Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram are the main attractions.
A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. Vagamon provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year
Tourist Attractions in Vagamon
Peermade
Situated 915 m above sea level, Peermade is on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This pleasant hill station was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Peermade is indeed a cool hill resort in Kerala. Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grasslands and pine forests.
The Sufi saint and an associate of the rulers Peer Mohammed lends his name to Peermade. Peermade thus means the hill of the Peer. Peermade has since long attracted the trekkers, nature lovers, picnickers alike. As a hill resort Peermade has also been providing refuge to the sun scorched souls from the plains. The idyllic hill resort of Peermade indeed rejuvenates the mind, body and the soul.
Vagamon Kurisumala
Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India's south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the mediative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience.
Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 km from Kottayam is gaining importance. Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali,the legendary princess of the Holy book,Mahabharata. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres.
The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means a valley where leaves dont fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise and sunset.
Parumthupara Suicide Point
From the steep rocky ledge ten kilometers from High Valley Resorts is the most attractive spot in the High ranges. Trekking to this mountain will be an enchanting experience for adventure and nature lovers. At far distances you can see the Makara jyothi, the holy light during festival season. It is a calm and quite place where you can experience the cool and fresh breeze.
Thangal Para
This is a center of Muslim pilgrimage.There is an ancient cave though which you can walk kilometers and experience the thrill of cave life,where our forefathers once lived before the dawn of civilizations.
Rocky out crop
The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay.
Water fall
This is essentially a lake and it's catchment area, with grassy hillocks stretching into the forest on one side and ending at the cliff on the other. This large tract of land has a small stream originating at the lake and going through.
Water falls and the ravine. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums
with the mountainous landscape as the background. The stream goes along the ravine and can be developed as a trekking path as it is a rugged route, with rocks and rough undulations. A small facility like a coffee bar and the like would add the richness of the place with more participation. A reservoir up stream would ensure the presence of enough amount of water even during dry season. A stepped path leading to the water fall itself is a thing of interest.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
The main birding areas at Kumarakom include the the KTDC complex (unofficially called the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary), which was previously known as Baker estate, in honour of the Englishman who developed this into a sanctuary for birds early in the last century. It harbours large populations of breeding darters, Purple Herons, Little cormorants, Indian Shag and Pond Heron. Areas like Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, the Paddy Fields around Kumarakom, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal, Poothapandi Kalyal, and Palluruthy Roost are also excellent locations for birding. The ten most abundant species recorded are the Lesser Whistling teal, Little Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Pond Herons, Intermediate Egrets, Indian Shag, Cattle Egrets, Purple Heron, Little Egret, and the Cotton Teal.
Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The species recorded include great Cormorants, Open billed storks, Grey Herons, Yellow Bitterns, White Ibis, Cotton Teal, Pheasant tailed Jacanas, Koras, Blackcaped Kingfishers, Ruddy Crakes, Gull Billed Terns, Shikra etc..
Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.
A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers.
Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
The main birding areas at Kumarakom include the the KTDC complex (unofficially called the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary), which was previously known as Baker estate, in honour of the Englishman who developed this into a sanctuary for birds early in the last century. It harbours large populations of breeding darters, Purple Herons, Little cormorants, Indian Shag and Pond Heron. Areas like Kaipuzha Muttu, Pathiramanal, the Paddy Fields around Kumarakom, Narakathara, Thollayiram Kayal, Poothapandi Kalyal, and Palluruthy Roost are also excellent locations for birding. The ten most abundant species recorded are the Lesser Whistling teal, Little Cormorants, Whiskered Terns, Pond Herons, Intermediate Egrets, Indian Shag, Cattle Egrets, Purple Heron, Little Egret, and the Cotton Teal.
Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The species recorded include great Cormorants, Open billed storks, Grey Herons, Yellow Bitterns, White Ibis, Cotton Teal, Pheasant tailed Jacanas, Koras, Blackcaped Kingfishers, Ruddy Crakes, Gull Billed Terns, Shikra etc..
Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February is the best time.
Sabarimala Temple
Kerala is a land of temples, perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.
The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.
Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.
Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.
Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.
Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
kumarakom back waters
Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala is one of the most famous tourist places in India. It is place with lots of tourism options. This beautiful state is gifted with amazing natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna, breathtaking backwaters, emerald paddy fields etc making this place a perfect holiday destination. Nature lovers, holiday makers and honeymooner from all over the country come here to enjoy their holidays in the profound environment of Kerala. Its name has also been listed in the world book of top ten must visit tourist places of this world. So come once and explore that picture perfect state of India and its breathtaking backwater destinations.
There are lots of tourism options for visitors to enjoy their time being in the picture perfect state. But the leading attraction of this coconut tree is the breathtaking backwaters. The easy going sparkling backwater destinations are the heartbeat of Kerala tourism. The unique charms of the backwater not only mesmerize visitors but also leave them spell bound. Once the Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat of Kerala) starts floating over the placid water, door of magical natural slowly starts opening. Visitors mostly enjoy their holidays staying on the houseboat, enjoying the natural beauty from the houseboat.
There are many fabulous backwater destinations in this land of Coconut. Alleppey, Cochin, Kuttanad, Kumarakom etc are names to few. Among all the most fascinating and picturesque one is Kumarakom. Dotted with swaying palm trees, exotic holiday resort and rich flora and fauna, Kumarakom is the finest backwater in Kerala. Visitors can catch the glimpse of rural life of Kerala, exotic natural beauty that is untouched by the modernity of the world. Its beauty and charm is still the same till date as it used to be many years before. The charm of backwaters here can be best explored with a well-organized Kumarakom houseboat cruise. Most of the houseboat here are equipped with all the modern amenities and provide excellent accommodation like luxurious hotels.
kumarakom also fascinates tourists with its picturesque backwater. The backwater destination with greenery, blossoming lily flower, exotic resort gives a refreshing view of the surrounding to visitors. As the traditional houseboat starts floating over the placid water, door of natural beauty slowly starts opening. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the exotic surrounding from the Alleppey houseboat. You will also find ducks giving you the company throughout your journey making you much familiar with the surrounding. The best part of the backwater of kumarakom is that visitors can collect unlimited memories to cherish throughout their lifetime. Visitors can also catch the beautiful early morning sunrise from the houseboat. Watching views of sunrise and sunset from deck of houseboat is simply a cheerful experience.
There are lots of tourism options for visitors to enjoy their time being in the picture perfect state. But the leading attraction of this coconut tree is the breathtaking backwaters. The easy going sparkling backwater destinations are the heartbeat of Kerala tourism. The unique charms of the backwater not only mesmerize visitors but also leave them spell bound. Once the Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat of Kerala) starts floating over the placid water, door of magical natural slowly starts opening. Visitors mostly enjoy their holidays staying on the houseboat, enjoying the natural beauty from the houseboat.
There are many fabulous backwater destinations in this land of Coconut. Alleppey, Cochin, Kuttanad, Kumarakom etc are names to few. Among all the most fascinating and picturesque one is Kumarakom. Dotted with swaying palm trees, exotic holiday resort and rich flora and fauna, Kumarakom is the finest backwater in Kerala. Visitors can catch the glimpse of rural life of Kerala, exotic natural beauty that is untouched by the modernity of the world. Its beauty and charm is still the same till date as it used to be many years before. The charm of backwaters here can be best explored with a well-organized Kumarakom houseboat cruise. Most of the houseboat here are equipped with all the modern amenities and provide excellent accommodation like luxurious hotels.
kumarakom also fascinates tourists with its picturesque backwater. The backwater destination with greenery, blossoming lily flower, exotic resort gives a refreshing view of the surrounding to visitors. As the traditional houseboat starts floating over the placid water, door of natural beauty slowly starts opening. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the exotic surrounding from the Alleppey houseboat. You will also find ducks giving you the company throughout your journey making you much familiar with the surrounding. The best part of the backwater of kumarakom is that visitors can collect unlimited memories to cherish throughout their lifetime. Visitors can also catch the beautiful early morning sunrise from the houseboat. Watching views of sunrise and sunset from deck of houseboat is simply a cheerful experience.
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