Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Maramala waterfall


Maramala waterfall is situated in Kottayam district. Maramala Waterfall lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. In order to reach there one has to trek from TeekoyThe waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.From there, it's easy to trek trough the estate and get there.The waterfall cascades from a height of 60 meters and slides down about 200 meters to meet the Teekoy river.
How To Reach

Near Bus Station: Erattupetta bus station
Near Railway Station: Ettumanur Railway station / Kottayam railway station      
Near Airport :Cochin International Airport

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Meenvallam waterfalls



Meenvallam waterfall is situated in Palakkad district. The water falls from a height of around 25 ft and the depth of the water is 20 ft. This waterfall has 10 steps and the 8 steps lies in dense forest. Each of these steps has a height that ranges from 5 to 40 m.It originating from the Thuppanadu River - a part of Western Ghats. This place is about 8 km from Thuppanad Junction on Palakkad-Mannarkkad route. Thuppanad Junction is connected by frequent buses from Palakkad. Private vehicles can be hired from here to the falls. About 2 Kms trekking is required to reach these falls which includes crossing Thuppanad River.
How To Reach
Near Bus Station Thuppanad bus station
Near Railway Station Palakkad railway station                                                        
Near Airport Coimbatore International Airport / Cochin International Airport

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Rainbow waterfalls/Keezharkuth waterfalls


Rainbow waterfall is situated about 25 kms from Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The Rainbow waterfalls at Keezharkuth in Idukki, which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 m is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in full swing. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is also called as Keezharkuth waterfalls. Keezharkuthu also offers options for trekking, rock climbing and mountaineering. Night camping is another attraction of the place
How To Reach
Near Bus Station Marayoor bus station
Near Railway Station Changanasseri railway station / Ernakulam railway station
Near Airport Cochin International Airport

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Thoovanam waterfalls



Thoovanam waterfalls lie in the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. It is situated near Marayoor in Idukki district. It originates from the part of the Pamba River that flows through the sanctuary. In order to reach this waterfall one has to trek from the Karimutti forest station. The trekking trail to Thoovanam Falls begins at the Alampatty forest station from where tickets for the trek have to be purchased. Being a protected sanctuary, trekking without an entry ticket and guide is not permitted. It takes about an hour to reach the base of the water falls.
If you are lucky, you may even get near to a Giant Grizzled Squirrel, a rare animal for which Chinnar is famous for.
Thoovanam waterfall is about 60 Kms from Munnar hill station.

How To Reach
Near Bus Station Marayoor bus station
Near Railway Station Aluva railway station / Ernakulam railway station
Near Airport Cochin International Airport

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Lakkam waterfalls,Munnar


Lakkam waterfalls is Located in the Munnar-Marayoor route, the waterfall is surrounded by ‘Vaga trees’. The waterfall originates from the Eravikulam Plateau. Though the stream creates lots of cascades, most of them are inaccessible. But, due to its visual treat, this destination is one of the most preferable destinations for the tourists. The Lakkam Waterfall cascades down from the rocky cliffs of the splendid Eravikulam Plateau (7300 feet above the sea level) and provide plenty of opportunities to take amazing pictures. It offers an experience that is both, authentic as well a unique and make your trip to Munnar exciting with a lot of options to explore surrounding areas & cuisines.

How to reach
Nearest railway station: Aluva,

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Tea museum,Munnar



The Kanan Devan tea museum is the only tea plantation accessible to tourists in Kerala. With seven extensive tea gardens covering an area of 24000 Hectares, 16 tea manufacturing unit. The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar is a fitting tribute to the toils and rigours of its pioneers, who showed utmost determination and were resolute in their efforts to transform Munnar into a major plantation centre of Kerala.

Some of the attention grabbing items on display at the Tea museum include the original tea roller, the 'Rotorvane,' dating back to 1905, used for CTC type tea processing; the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant that existed in the Kanniamallay estate in the 1920s; a rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway that shuttled men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century. A section of the Tea museum also houses classic bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and EPABX of the1909 telephone system.

Travellers to Munnar can visit the Tea Museum here, a decorous tribute to the legacy of the place. The museum situated in the Nallathanni estate is managed by the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Company Private Ltd, a major producer.

Contact Address:
Tata Tea Museum
Nalluthanni Estate
Munnar, Idukki district
Ph: +91 4865 230561

How to reach
Nearest railway station: Aluva,

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport 

Saturday, July 18, 2015

St. Mary's church Kudamaloor


St. Mary's church Kudamaloor is one of the ancient churches of the Syro-Malabar Rite. It is a Marian pilgrim center. Kudamaloor is the home parish of St. Alphonsa, the first saint from India. The saint was baptised in the baptismal pond in the old church. Rev Fr Placid Podippara CMI (considered as the Father of modern Syro- Malabar Church) and Very Rev Nidhiri Manikathanar are also from this parish. It is situated 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of Kottayam town. "Alphonsa Bhavan" - the birthplace of Blessed Alphonsa is under this parish. Mannanam, a pilgrim centre, where the tomb of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara situates, is also under this parish. The old church was built by King Chempakasserry on AD 1125.
For more information:
Please visit: http://www.kudamaloorchurch.org/history.html

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Monday, July 6, 2015

Sri Venkatachalapathy Temple


Sri Venkatachalapathy Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Trivandrum, Kerala, about a minute walk from the southern gate of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is also known as Srinivasar kovil, Perumal Kovil, Iyyengar Kovil or Desikar Sannidhi. The temple was built in 1898. The pooja's in kerala temples are based on the Namboodiri sambradayam, instead this is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Vaishanavite Vadakalai Sambradayam.This temple is also known as Srinivasar kovil, Perumal Kovil, Iyyengar Kovil or Desikar Sannidhi.Sri Venkatachalapathy Temple is located in the vicinity of Sivakasi. Located on the banks of River Vaipparu in Sattur town.The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore.The temple is 800 year old temple at present became popular after a belief that a blind king regained his sight by worshiping at this temple.Soon after some year the temple shrines became popular and started attracting devotees from different parts of the district.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Monday, June 22, 2015

Kaduthuruthy St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church


Kaduthuruthy Valiapally - Ave Maria of Knanaya Community is a historic church, originally established in AD 400. Located in Kaduthuruthy, the present Kaduthuruthy St. Mary’s Valiapally is a third building serving the congregation, and is linked to the history of the Knanaya community known as Southists, who migrated to Kerala under the leadership of Kanai Thommen in AD 345 from East Syria to escape from the severe persecution of Persian emperor Shapor-II.
For more information:
Please visit: http://www.kaduthuruthyvaliapally.com/

                      http://kottayamad.org/
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Monday, June 8, 2015

Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple


Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple is one of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples in Kerala, situated at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. Located in the heart of Trivandrum city, the original idol of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is a small idol of Lord Ganesh, with the right leg is in folded posture.
Other deities worshipped at Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapati Temple are Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja, and Brahmarakshas. Devotees can also see beautiful paintings of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh inside the temple complex.

Vinayaka Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi), Ganesh Jayanthi, Varad Chaturti, and Sankashti Chaturti are the main festivals in Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple. Special poojas (pujas) are performed for other festival including Thiruvonam, Vijaya Dasami, Ayilyam, Sahasra Kalasam, Thirkkarththika, Thirvathira, Makara Vilakku, Maha Shivaratri, Vishu, Thriveda Laksharcchana, and Nira Puththari.

Contact Address:
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple,

Pazhavangati, East Fort ,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Pin- 695 023
phone - 0471 2461929

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Monday, May 25, 2015

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Thumpamon


The St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral,commonly known as "Thumpamon Valiyapally" is an ancient church located here.It is the headquarters of the Thumpamon Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.The church first was built in AD 717 and it is among the one of oldest churches in Kerala.Established in AD 717. Re-constructed in the present location during the 10th century. Modified by St. Gregorious of Parumala.

There are no written records to support the popular belief that the Nazarene Christian came and settled in and around Thumpamon about 1600 years ago.

Nor is there record about the exact date of establishment of the ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’ the ancestral place of worship of the Nazarene Christians who had settled down in Thumpamon. This is perhaps due to our negligent attitude towards preserving, maintaining and safe guarding written records about our heritage for the benefit of posterity. Accordingly, for writing a history of ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’, credence has to be a placed on the stories and legends transmitted by word of mouth from generation to generation and also on random references made in certain works on Travancore history.

For more information:

                       http://www.smocthumpamon.in/
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur and Thiruvalla  Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram & Cochin International Airport

Monday, May 4, 2015

Janardana Swami Temple


Janardana Swami Temple is a 2000-year-old temple situated in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram.Janardana Swami is a form of Lord Vishnu.It is referred to as Dakshin Kashi. The temple faces Papanasam beach and the proximity to the sea adds to its spiritual as well as aesthetic aura. A flight of broad steps lead to the Janardhana temple and on the way, you will be greeted by a high entrance arch with tiled roof. An old banyan tree stands on the temple ground and idols of several serpent gods and goddesses are also installed here.
The main festival of the temple Arattu, falls in March/April and it attracts a lot of visitors. Karkidaka vavu too is an important function and the priests of this temple help the devotees perform homage to their ancestors during that day.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Monday, April 20, 2015

St. Marys Orthodox Church (Kallooppara Valiyapally)


St. Mary's Orthodox Church is situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest and renowned churches in Kerala and a priced possession of Malankara Sabha. The church have a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church has a splendid blend of beauty and science in it and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The church which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for many.

Even though there are no clear evidence for the origin and age of the church. It is commonly believed that the founding stone of the church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (A.D.1339).

The church has been declared as the "Pilgrim center of St. Mary" on January 9th 2009 by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didimos Ist.
For more information:Please visit: http://www.kalloopparapally.com/
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur ,Harippad and Thiruvalla  Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram & Cochin International Airport

Monday, April 6, 2015

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple


The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma. Vishnumaya took the incarnation of Bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era namely Kaliyuga. 
According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva. The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the Temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.
The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The offering of Pongala is a special temple practice prevalent in the southern part of Kerala and some parts of Tamilnadu. It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. The entire area of about 5 kilometre radius around temple with premises of houses of people of all caste, creed and religion, open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices etc. emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala rituals for lakhs of women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside. The ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk and the enormous crowd, which gathers in Thiruvananthapuram on this auspicious day is reminiscent of the Kumbhamela Festival of North India.
For more information: http://www.attukal.org/index.htm

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Monday, March 23, 2015

Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple


Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple is situated in Mullassery in Karakulam ,Thiruvananthapuram. The main diety of this temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. The Upadevadas are Lord Ganapathy , Lord Mantra moorthi , Lord Thamburan , Lord Nagaraja , Nagayekshi and Nagakanyaka. The Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple is one of the most Famous highly revered shrine temple in Kerala, Temple. The temple is managed by Pathiyanadu sree Bhadrakali Kshetram Trust.
The Festival of this temple Begins on Malayalam month of Kumbha Bharani . On the third day of Festival the Trikalyanam of Bhadrakali will take place as in Kannaki charitha. On the festival days Kalamkaaval , Balithooval ,Sarppabali , Bhasmabhishekam for Thamburan , Grahalekshmi pooja and Grahadhoshanivarana poojas will takesplace. On the sixth day of festival the Pongala will takeplace , thousands and thousands of womens came here from different places to offer their pongala to Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali . The Festival ends with the aarattu.

Contact Address:
Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Kshetram Trust ,
Mullassery , Karakulam .P.O -695564
Phone No :- 0471-2370717

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Monday, March 2, 2015

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Niranam (Niranam Valiapally )



Niranam Valiapally (St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church, Niranam), is a parish under the Niranam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This church was founded by St. Thomas (Mar Thoma), the Apostle of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was renovated during the year 2000.

For more information:Please visit: http://niranamchurch.com/

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur ,Harippad and Thiruvalla  Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram & Cochin International Airport
 

Thursday, February 26, 2015

St. George's Church, Puthupalli


The St. George's Church at Puthupalli in Kottayam district of Kerala, is believed to have been built by the Thekkumkoor Rajas. The golden cross in this church is well known. The feast of St. George (Gee Varghese) is the annual event.The CSI Cathedral Church, built over 175 years ago, is a monument from the British Era. The Old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman Christian traditions.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, 7 kms away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Chowara beach


Chowara is a village , dotted with coconut trees and a beach called Chowara Beach. Chowara is a place near to Vizhijam and It is around 20 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 4 kms from Kovalam. On the beautiful beach of Chowara one usually see clusters of kites and eagles keeping an eye for fish hunting. After reaching Kovalam one of the places one must check out is Chowara Beach. Some of the popular tourist attractions of Chowara beach include Ayyappa Temple. This is a temple of immense faith and is very popular in the city of Kovalam. Pulikudi-Azhimala Shiva temple is also a place to check out when visiting Chowara beach. One can also check out the spas and ayurvedic centers for healing for the ultimate holiday feel. The heritage resorts are also not worth missing when planning a trip to Chowara beach. Water surfing is an added attraction to the beach.
Other places near Chowara beach one can easily visit are Azhimalathura beach, a receding sea beach of Kerala. Exploring the Malayali villages for fishing and splendid wellness retreats are amazing attractions added to the place. In a nutshell, a trip to Chowara beach will indeed be a trip, the memories of which you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.


How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

 

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Beypore lighthouse


The Beypore lighthouse is situated at Feroke, Kozhikkode on the south shore of the Chaliyam River. The light house is a guiding presence for those out at sea. The heritage structure is still functional.The six sided tower has a height of 30.48 meters. The tower is painted with red and white bands.
Built in 1977 the Beypore lighthouse stands tall at 32.41metres. The optical equipment supplied by J Stone and Co has 4 panels and can generate a powerful flash once every 15 seconds at a revolution speed of 2 R.P.M.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Azhikode light house

Azhikode lighthouse is situated about 8 km west of Kodungallur in Kerala. There was no lighthouse in the present location prior to this being inaugurated on 30 April 1982. The concrete tower of the lighthouse has a height of 30 meters.It is also known as Periyar River Light.
Characteristic and Range: Three white flashes every 20 seconds; range 24 nautical miles.
Description of Tower: Square concrete tower; lower half skeletal, upper half enclosed; black and white bands; lantern roof is red.
Current Use: Active aid to navigation.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport