Tourist Attractions in Thekkady

Fascinating wildlife sanctuaries and exotic spices are the major tourist attractions in Thekkady in Kerala. From the different types of birds to the colorful flowers, Thekkady is also home of playful elephants. Quite different from the other wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, Thekkady is one of the most beautiful and serene locales of Kerala. Indian Holiday offers details on your tourist attractions in Thekkady.

How to Reach Thekkady:

Nearest Airport: Cochin Airport: 140km, Madurai Airport: 200km
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam is 114 kms away

Tourist Attractions in Thekkady:

There are a number of interesting tourist attractions in Thekkady, the most beautiful hill station of South India.

Tourist Attractions of Thekkady and Periyar:

The tourist attractions of Thekkady are its Spice Plantations and the Periyar National Park.

Periyar National Park: One of the of the most interesting tourist attractions in Thekkady, the Periyar National Park is famous for its different species of flora and fauna. The National Park which also is a Tiger Reserve is the home for a number of animals like Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer and Indian Wild Dog. If you are lucky enough you can get to see the herd of playful elephants on the banks of the Periyar River.

eriyar Lake: It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise along the Periyar Lake. If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of Periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. If you are a keen observer you might get to se the spotted tigers, playful elephants or the red eyed bisons. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Thekkady.

Kumily: Kumily is one of the growing spice plantations of Kerala. From the daily edible spices to different other spice varieties, Kumily is now a growing township which is also known as the Spice Village.

Cardamom Hills: These are the mountainous regions in Kerala which produces cardamom, pepper and coffee. The thick plantations of cardamom covering this hilly area have given it the name of Cardamom Hills.

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What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a holistic healing science which comprises of two words, Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. So the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is the science of life. Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medical science, the origin of which can be traced back to the Vedas, which are the oldest available classics of the world. Vedas are the ancient books of knowledge, or science, from India. They contain practical and scientific information on various subjects beneficial to the humanity like health, philosophy, engineering, astrology etc.

Ayurveda combines physical, psychological and spiritual therapies in an approach to health, that has addressed itself to the fundamental principles of good health and longevity. It has developed a tradition of medicine and a system of treatment based on the inherent ability of the human body to rejuvenate, to heal and to restore its natural balance.

Ayurveda is based on a system of Tridosha or Three Humours which classifies all individual constitutions of people, diseases, herbs and other non-herbal remedies and therapies according to whether they are Vata (air or nerve oriented), Kapha (water or mucoid type) or Pitta (fire type) [5] . Herbs that have pungent, sour and salty flavors stimulate fire; herbs that are astringent (drying) and bitter stimulate vata-air, or the nerve centered humour; herbs that are sweet, salty and sour stimulate or increase Kapha-water, or the mucoid humour.

In contrast, herbs that are sweet, sour and salty flavored ameliorate Vata-air, which means that they have a particular affinity for the nervous system. Herbs that are astringent, sweet and bitter ameliorate Pitta-fire, meaning that they are soothing and anti-inflammatory. Finally herbs that are pungent, bitter and astringent ameliorate Kapha-water, which means they tend to increase digestive fire, expel and dry excessive fluid build up in the system, including clearing excessive fat from the body, and the accumulation of cholesterol and other fatty deposits in the veins and arteries of the body.

This Indian system of medicine has laid down principles and methods of treatment for various diseases including chronic illnesses where there is no definite curative treatment, and symptomatic relief is the only existing treatment option.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram, often termed as the festival of festivals in Kerala is held in Thrissur, a northern district of Kerala. The word pooram literally means group or meeting. The tradition has that every year the Gods and Goddesses residing at temples in the neighbouring regions come together for a day of celebration at the famous Vadakkumnatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This coming together is led from the front by Goddess Bhagavati, and Lord Krishna, presiding deities of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples, located close to the Vadakkumnatha Temple. The sprawling Thekkinkadu grounds around the Vadakkumnatha Temple become the rendezvous for gods and goddesses from adjoining temples.

Thrissur Pooram owes its genesis to the erstwhile ruler of Cochin State, Prince Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran. Pooram is an annual event held on the pooram asterism in the Malayalam month of Medam. This month roughly corresponds to the months of April and May.

Prior to the pooram day, the premises of Paramekkavu, and Thiruvambadi temples witness rituals like, kodiyettu or the hoisting of the festival flag; poora pradakshinam,which is a procession taken around the sanctum sanctorum and also para nirackkal an offering made to the presiding deities.

As part of the 5-day long pooram festivities there are exhibitions that take place in the town of Thrissur. Among them, the one that draws large crowds is the Aana Chamayam.This exhibition organized by Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples would have on display the entire range of decorative items used to make-up the elephants taking part in the festival. These include ornamental forehead gear called the Nettipattom; the glittering parasols called Muthukuda; whisks or Venchamaram, made of Yak hair; the circular peacock feather fan called Aalavattom and many other items.

If you want to experience the enthusiasm that slowly builds up and peaks on the pooram day, then you need to step inside the famous Thekkinkadu grounds in front of the Vadakkumnatha Temple. This is where the pooram revelry is palpable with hawkers doing brisk business, elephants showing up in groups for feeding and routine care and a host of entertainments involving folk performers entertaining the crowd. Early morning, on the pooram day, upa poorams or representations from adjoining temples like Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, Neythilakavu and other temples in and around Thrissur town would proceed to the Vadakkumnatha Temple. The procession from Kanimangalam Temple will be the first to reach the Vadakkumnatha Temple followed by others. They all march out after paying homage to Lord Shiva. Soon the festivities would gain momentum with the commencement of the procession from the Thiruvambadi Temple with elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Bhagavati and first reaches Brahmaswom Madom before going to the Vadakkumnatha Temple. The visit to Brahmaswom Madom, the ancestral house of a Brahmin family who helped Sakthan Thampuran, (former ruler of Thrissur) in the formative days of the pooram festival is known as Madathil Varavu. As per tradition the deities rest here for a while before proceeding to the Vadakkumnatha Temple by noon. Around the same time, the procession from Paramekkavu Temple carrying the idol of Goddess Bhagavati, its presiding deity, reaches the Vadakkumnatha Temple. The arrival of the entourage from Paramekkavu at the western entrance of the Vadakkumnatha Temple signals the start of the famed Ilanjithara Melam - the traditional percussion ensemble, consisting of drums, horns, and cymbals, held in front of the 'Ilanji' tree inside the temple premises. It is a musical ensemble that reaches its crescendo with an elated crowd cheering its mesmeric rhythm. And finally by evening, 15 majestically caparisoned elephants of Thiruvambadi Temple emerge through the southern gate of the Vadakkumnatha Temple to face a line up of 15 equally decorated elephants from Paramekkavu Temple. Each pachyderm bears an umbrella holder, a peacock fan carrier and a yak-tail flywhisk wielder. Before dusk sets in the spectacular Kudamattom (exchange of parasols) would begin to the loud cheer of the spectators, who by now would have gathered in thousands. This ceremony takes place to the accompaniment of Pandimelam - the traditional orchestra. The ceremony will last beyond sunset, finally paving way to a dazzling display of fireworks by early morning. Most of the pooram day attractions are staged again the next day and is known as Pakal Pooram or the pooram held during the daytime. It culminates in bidding farewell by the presiding deities of Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples in front of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Vadakkumnatha Temple. They promise to meet next year, before they part. And by evening, Kalaasakottu or the final beating of drums, signal the end of the pooram festivities, followed by Vedikettu or bursting of high-sounding crackers. Officially the traditional community-feast in which people partake to have the Poora Kanji, a specially made porridge, signals the end of pooram festivities. Kerala is the land of never-ending festivals and Thrissur Pooram is without doubt the grandest of all. Thrissur Pooram is not just an occasion for Gods and Goddesses, but also for mortals who cherish every moment of the warmth and the spirit of togetherness. Thrissur is well connected by rail and road and is only 54 km from the Cochin International Airport.

Kerala Backwater & Honeymoon Packages

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Places Covered: Cochin - Periyar - Munnar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Trivandrum
For More India Travel Packages : Taj Mahal & India Vacations

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Day 01 - Arrive Cochin
Late night, arrive Mumbai and transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Cochin by 9W 405 at 0545 hrs. On arrival in Cochin at 0730 hrs, assistance at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. Evening attend the Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 02 - In Cochin
Morning Guided city tour.Afternoon free.
Cochin - the palmgreen commercial town of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
The Chinese fishing nets can be seen at the entrance of the harbour. The Chinese through trade contact taught this technique of catching fish. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 03 - Cochin - Munnar
Morning: Drive to Munnar (135 kms/04½ hrs) enroute visit tea plantations. On arrival in Munnar, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in the lake. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 04- In Munnar
Full day free to visit the bazaars, plantations etc. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 05 - Munnar - Periyar
Early Morning: Drive to Periyar (100 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, check in at hotel. Afternoon: Boat ride in Lake Periyar to watch wildlife. Later visit Kumily spice market to see and buy spices. Overnight in Periyar.

Day 06 - Periyar - Kottayam
Early Morning: Drive to Kottayam (120 kms/03 hrs) and on arrival, switch over to the House Boat and cruise along the backwaters, passing through paddy fields, villages, market etc. The cruise is through `Kuttanad' literally meaning the land which is lower than the sea level but is kept intact by its bunds and dikes.It is the `rice bowl' of Kerala. The rice fields are very beautiful and this lush land and surrounds governs the placid way of life of the people who live on the backwaters. Overnight on board HOUSE BOAT.

Day 07 - Arrive Alleppey - Kovalam
Morning: Drive to Kovalam (180 kms/04½ hrs) and on arrival in Kovalam, check in at a beach resort. Rest of the day to relax at the beach or indulge in Ayurvedic massages. Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 08 - Kovalam
Full day free on the beach.
Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 09 - Kovalam
Full day free on the beach.
Overnight in Kovalam.

Day 10 - Kovalam - Trivandrum - Mumbai - Depart
Morning: Assistance and transfer to Trivandrum airport (25 kms) in time to connect flight 9W 335 at 1335 hrs to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai at 1535 hrs, assistance at airport and transfer to city hotel for wash and change. Rest of the day free for last minute shopping/packing. Evening: After farewell dinner, assistance and transfer to International airport in time to connect your onward flight home.

kerala tourist places

Alleppey Tours

General Information about Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Area : 1,256 sq. km

Population : (1991 census) 1,990,603

Temperature range : 18C -39 C

Best time to visit : August to march

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty in Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.It is also famous for boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. It ia also known as the Venice of The East. For a total Alappuzha experience traverse the canals on small vallams (Boats) or anchor in the middle of the backwater lakes on a Kettuvallam (rice boat converted to cozy house boats) - spend the night under the star lit sky, listening to the splash of water on to the boat.

Prime Attractions of Alleppey

Pathiramanal

This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

R-Block

This area in Kerala is very famous for its backwaters and you can have very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.This is a popular location in the Kerala tour.

Alleppey Beach

Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. . The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to the tourists of Kerala.

Krishnapuram Palace

Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

Boat Race

Allappuzha Backwater is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.

Travel Maps Of India

kerala tourist place of allapuzha

http://www.alappuzha.com/htm/tourist.htm

alappuzha houseboat

Alappuzha Resort - Houseboat Packages

Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, India - Alappuzha (Alleppey) Hotels

Houseboat cruise in Alappuzha - Houseboat Cruise Around Alappuzha

Hotels in Alappuzha ( Alleppey )

Deluxe Budget Hotels in Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala Hotels

kathakali

Kerala’s best known art form, Kathakali is a unique blend of dance, drama, music, literature and also painting. Elaborate make up, resplendent costumes and intricate gestures define the explosive beauty of this incredible art form.Characters enact stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana using make up, costumes and gestures.

The elaborate make up or aharyam is of three distinct types; divine, demonic and worldly.Characters in this dance drama are identified by four different costumes or veshams; pacha, kathi, tadi and minukku. Pacha or green is donned by the gods and heroes, kathi or knife is donned by the villains in the story piece. Tadi or beard is worn by characters displaying superhuman qualities and minukku or shine is usually used by women characters. The Chutti, a ridge like mask made of limewater and rice paste adorns the face and a decorative head gear studded with red and green stones. Characters were colourful skirts and full sleeve tops and the entire make up itself takes about 45 minutes.

Gestures are a major component in delineating a character. Gestures are of two types; verbal or vachika and artificial created for appearance sake.

Musicians closely follow the performer gesticulating and enacting the characters. The instruments used are folk based like the drums (madalam and chenda), a gong (chengila) and cymbals (elathalam) and they provide the background music known as thiranottam.

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