Saturday, December 29, 2012

Ponnani Juma Masjid


Juma Masjid in Ponnani is an old mosque located in Malappuram district. The Masjid is also recognised as the ‘Makkah of Kerala Muslims’ and it was set up in the year  1510 by Zainudhin Makhdum, a Muslim spiritual leader.  This mosque was once a centre of Islamic education for the  Muslim community in Kerala. As per the records of William (a historian) Logan in Malabar Manual, Juma Masjid was built in 925 Hijrah.
The architect of this mosque was a Hindu artisan who was a close friend of Makhdum and was known as Ashaari. Later he was converted to Islam and came to be known as Ashaari Thangal. The grave of Makhdum as well as the Ashari is at this place. This mosque was a centre of Islamic education for the Muslims in Kerala.

How to Reach
Nearest Railway Station:Kuttipuram railway station
Nearest Airport:Karipur International Airport

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Payyambalam beach



One of the most beautiful beaches of Kerala, Payyambalam beach of Kannur is a vast stretch of golden sands dotted with coconut trees. This secluded beach is an ideal getaway for you if you want to spend a relaxed and laidback evening amidst calm surroundings. Read on further about Payyambalam beach of Kannur and visit it to experience true peace of mind.

The place is also a famous beach resort that is the perfect getaway for anyone who wants to spend a day or two in a calm environment. The beach is a beautiful place and many popular Indian movies have been shot over here. The beach has a massive sculpture of a mother and child that adds to the beauty of the beach. It is a popular hang out among young and old alike. The concerned authorities maintain the beach very nicely and take efforts to keep it neat and clean. It is definitely worth the visit if you go to Kannur.

How To Reach
Nearest Railway Station:Kannur railway station at adistance of 2 kms
Nearest Airport:Karipur International Airport at a distance of 93 kms

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Priyadarshini Planetarium


The Priyadarshini Planetarium is situated within the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum premises in Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the most sophisticated and versatile planetariums in India. The marvellous planetarium complex has a centrally air-conditioned sky theatre, conference hall, workshops and a sound-studio.

It is a place to learn about our planetary system in a good way. This is one of the most sophisticated and versatile planetaria in India.The planetarium, rated as one of the best horizontal domed planetariums by global standards, has a seating capacity of 184 persons. The planetarium organises various science-related shows, the best example being – “Man and the Universe", which deals with the origin and different stages of development of astronomy, the structure of different planets and the origin of the Universe. Planetariumopens the wonder world of astronomy before visitors and they can enjoy the wonders of dark skies.

The museum park at the planetarium premises has numerous outdoor exhibits which include models of rockets and aeroplanes.

Show timings Priyadarsini Planetarium show timings
10. 30 Am., 3.00 pm. and 5.00 pm.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Stations :Thiruvananthapuram (Thambanoor), Pettah
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Kodungalloor Bhagavathi temple


 
Kodungaloor, the ancient capital of Kerala, is 35 kms north-west of Ernakulam is a great pilgrim centre today. kodungallur bhagavathy temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. The temple is situated in the middle of a plot of land about ten acres, surrounded by banyan and peepal trees. The Srikovil is facing north. The western chamber of the inner temple is the seat of Sapthamatrukas (seven mothers) who also face north. The idols of Ganapathi and Veerabhadra are also found in the chamber, one facing east and the other facing west respectively. The idol of bhagawati is about six feet high and made of wood, carved from a jackfruit tree. The idol has eight arms which carry various weapons and symbols.

Bhagawati Temple is also referred to as the abode of Kannagi. The latter was believed to be an incarnation of Kali and as a result a temple was erected in her memory in Kodungallur. Certain features of the structure of the Kodungallur temple point to the fact that, originally, it was a Shiva shrine and that the image of Kali was installed later. The idol of Shiva faces east and that of Kali north. The practise in the temple is to offer pooja and naivedyam first to Lord Shiva and then to the Devi.

The festivals of significance at Kodungallur are Makara Sankaranti(Thalappoli) and the Bharani Festival. The Bharani festival is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. Thalappoli festival is in the month of Makaram (January–February). The four day Thalappoli commences from the evening of Makara Sankranthi with religious rituals.Makara Sankaranti coinciding with Pongal in Tamilnadu. Makara Sankranti brings with it 4 days of colorful fanfare, with processions twice a day on elephants to the accompaniment of music, fireworks.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Stations: Aluva, Ernakulam
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Paravur Kayal





 A Beautiful Small Town which (shakes hand with both the sea and lake) or gives us a beautiful vision of the friend ship between the lake and Sea A perfect location for people of all age to make their minds and soul to regain their freshness & peace Paravur". The beautiful Small Town Paravur is a city and a municipality in Kollam district in the Indian state of KeralaParavur is the third Municipal Town in Kollam District. It is in Kollam Parliament Constituency and Chathanoor Legislative Constituency Paravur is one of the beautiful place in the district with its beach and its cultural heritage Arabian Sea is the west border for Paravur Coir, Cashew, Fishing and Bricks are the important industries Paravur backwater is very famous for its natural beauty Govt of Kerala recently started some projects to explore this beauty with their Tourism Package Paravur town is well connected by Rail and Road. It is a coastal resort town, 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. It lies on the Malabar Coast of India, fronting on the Arabian SeaParavur is an important fishing and coir production centre. It is situated 13 km South of Kollam and is connected with Kollam town by road and rail. It is the birthplace of KC Kesava Pillai (1865-1913) and Kesava Asan (1869-1917), two leading literary men of eminence.
Paravur has the largest natural Backwater lakes (the Paravur Kayal) in South Asia. It has a number of tourist resorts, with facilities for boating, swimming and surfing Fishing is permitted, but requires permission

How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Cochin International airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam,
Nearest Bus Station: KSRTC Bus station:Ernakulam,Paravur,Aluva