Unexplored Kerala
Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla is famous fir its historical worship places like Thiru Vallabha Temple: The Flagpost of the Thiru Vallabha Temple carved out from a single rock with a Garudan at the top, created by the legendary "Perumthachan". St John's Cathedral, mother church for the Syro-Malankara Thiruvalla Archdiocese, recently completely rebuilt in traditional Kerala style,Niranam church: Founded by Apostle St Thomas around AD 54 and then to country side Kaviyoor village. The Flagpost of the Sree Vallabha Temple carved out from a single rock with a Garudan at the top, created by the legendary "Perumthachan". You can see the Kaviyoor cave temple.
Kaviyoor Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one among the rare breed of cave temples to be found around in Kerala. It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century.
Aranmula
Aranmula is known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings. Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba, which hosts another important annual event called the Maramon Convention.
The famous Aranmula Mirror localy known as Aranmula kannadi, kannadi meaning mirror, is made here. This mirror is made out of high tin bronze. Composed of a special metal alloy, instead of glass, the Aranmula kannadi is a front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors. The exact metals used in the alloy are unknown, by are mixed with copper and tin to cast the mirrors, before being polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface.
Vijnana Kala Vedi, a school of traditional art founded by French artist Louba Schild, is in Aranmula, on the way to Kozhencherry.
Konni
Acres of thick forest with wild animals like bears and leopards has now made Konni emerge as another tourist spot. The animals make the forest safari very exciting. Another attraction is the Kattathipara in Kokkathodu, which is a few kilometres away from Konni. Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. Anakoodu, where wild elephants are tamed and Kumbhavuruthy, the beautiful waterfall in amidst thick forests are another must-see.
Guvi
Guvi is situated in the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary, unmanned area with lots of greenery and the thick forest provides you to view the animals there.
In Guvi bamboo rafting, trekking inside the forest and tent is available.
You can experience the breathtaking and adventurous forest life.
Posted by aaron at 8:32 PM 0 comments
Labels: Unexplored
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Temple Tour
South India Temple Tour
Day 01 - Chennai (Madras)/Tirupathi (154kms/4hrs)-Chennai
On arrival at Chennai,after breakfast leave for Tirupathi to visit the famous temple of Lord Venkateshwara on the top of the Tirumala hills. This temple is believed to be the oldest temple in the country and is the richest temple too. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Tirupathi. Return to Chennai in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02 - Chennai (Madras)
I would like to go to Madras Museum & The National Art Gallery, India Tourist development Corporation. Visit Gandhi Memorial, Kalakshetra Colony, Mylapore temple and Marine beach, St Thomas Cathedral, St Mary’s Church, Fort George, Sri Parthasarathy Temple…. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 - Chennai (Madras)/Kanchipuram/Mamallapooram
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram (76kms/1.50hrs). This city was the ancient capital of the Pallavas and was known for its 1000 temples, many of them are still used to this day. The most famous being the Sri Kamakshi temple. Kailasanthar Temple, Ekambareshwarar Temple… In the afternoon visit Mamallapooram earlier known as Mahabalipooram. This city was a port during the Pallava period. It has some of the most beautiful rock cut temples in South India. It also is home to the famous Shore Temple that is unique because Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are housed in the same sanctum sanctorum. Mamallapooram there are Shore Temple, The Five Raths, The Arjuna’s Penance Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 - Mamallapooram/Tiruvannamalai/Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to Tiruvannamallai (112kms/03hrs) an important pilgrim center that has an old temple of Lord Shiva. Lunch at a local restaurant and drive on to Pondicherry (131kms/3.5hrs). This town has a strong French influence, as it was an erstwhile French colony. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05 - Pondicherry/Chidambaram/Tanjore
After breakfast drive to Chidambaram (65kms/1.5hrs) to visit the famous Nataraja Temple. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plated. Here Lord Shiva is depicted as the cosmic dancer-Nataraja. Visit the temples Sarangapani, Kumbeshwara, Nageshwara, that we are very much interest to see……..For us it is very important to see these temples. Brass factory at Kumbakonam
Tanjore was the capital of the Chola dynasty and has the famous Brahadeswara Temple. Check into the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 06- Tanjore/Trichy (55kms/2hrs)
After breakfast leave for Trichurapalli or Trichy located on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is famous for the Ranganath temple at Srirangam. On arrival check in at the hotel. Visit the Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam and Jambukeshwar Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.We don’t want to miss a Bronze Gallery at Palace Museum in Trichy
Day 07-Trichy/Madurai (133kms/3.5hrs)
After breakfast leave for Madurai. On arrival check into the hotel. It is famous for its Meenakshi temple. After lunch visit the Meenakshi temple, King Tirumala's Palace, Great Tank and Gandhi museum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08- Madurai/Rameshwaram (154kms/4hrs)-Madurai
After breakfast travel to Rameshwaram, is the most sacred temple town in India is actually an island. Legend has it that Lord Rama along with Sita offered prayer to Lord Shiva after defeating Ravana, by praying to a sand Lingam made by Sita on this island. And at this very spot is located the Ramanatha Swamy Temple. . Return to Madurai for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09- Madurai/Chennai
Onward destinationAfter breakfast drive transfer to railway station for train back to Chennai.On arrival transfer to Chennai airport for onward flight.
Posted by aaron at 3:44 AM 0 comments
Labels: Heritage sites
Live in a Houseboat
Package with House Boat
Day 1: Kochi - Munnar
Upon arrival at Kochi transfer to Munnar (130 kms / 4 hrs), one of the most popular hill stations in southern India known for its sprawling tea gardens. Overnight at hotel
Day 2: Munnar
This morning you will proceed on a sightseeing tour of the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you have an opportunity to go boating. Continue your tour to Echo Point. Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Munnar - Thekkady
Transfer to Thekkady, (120 kms / 3.5 hrs). Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy South Indias wild life. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar lake to view the varied wild life of this region. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Thekkady - Kumarakom
Today you will be transferred by road to Kumarakom (130 kms / 4 hrs), a charming village on the Vembanad Lake, enroute you will stop to see the spice plantations. Proceed to your island home in time to view the spectacular sunset. Check in at Resort
Day 5: Kumarakom - Kochi
Transfer by road to Kochi, the gateway to Gods Own Country (90 kms / 1.5 hrs). This afternoon you visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace and end your tour with a visit to the Chinese fishing nets. Evening drop at Railway station/Airport for your return journey.
For more details contact cheruvathur@gmail.com
Posted by aaron at 3:39 AM 0 comments
Labels: Houseboat
Visit God's own country
Day 1: Kochi - Munnar
Upon arrival at Kochi transfer to Munnar (140 kms / 4 hrs), one of the most popular hill stations in southern India known for its sprawling tea gardens. Overnight at hotel
Day 2: Munnar
This morning you will proceed on a sightseeing tour of the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you have an opportunity to go boating. Continue your tour to Echo Point. Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Munnar - Thekkady
Transfer to Thekkady, (110 kms / 3.5 hrs). Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy South Indias wild life. Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar lake to view the varied wild life of this region. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Thekkady - Kumarakom
Today you will be transferred by road to Kumarakom (146 kms / 4 hrs), a charming village on the Vembanad Lake, enroute you will stop to see the spice plantations. Proceed to your island home in time to view the spectacular sunset. Check in at Resort
Day 5: Kumarakom - Kochi
Transfer by road to Kochi, the gateway to Gods Own Country (90 kms / 1.5 hrs). This afternoon you visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace and end your tour with a visit to the Chinese fishing nets. Evening drop at Railway station/Airport for your return journey.
For more details contact cheruvathur@gmail.com