Archive for October 2015

Amusement parks in Kerala

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Amusement parks in Kerala
Kerala has seven amusement parks which are the most preferred outing places by tourists during vacations. Modern amenities are included in amusement parks to attract guests from any age group. Children are the ardent lovers of parks and elderly people also enjoy being in the fun filled atmosphere. Amusement parks giving more importance to water rides, swimming pools and wave pools are classified as water theme parks. Enough safety measures are taken regarding the rides and purity of water is maintained properly in these parks. The common facilities provided at amusement parks are parking, eateries, Ice cream parlor, changing rooms, toilets, lockers, halls, fancy shops, telephone booths and first aid services to the visitors. They also offer discounts to students and people coming in large groups. Entry fee is charged which varies depending up on the park and seasonal hike / discount is also applicable. Online booking facility is available in many of the amusement parks.

Silver Storm Amusement Park 

Silver Storm Water Theme Amusement Park is located in Thrissur. This is near to Athirapally waterfalls and people can visit both in a day’s trip. A small children’s village is a specialty here. Pet animals and birds wander freely inside the village. To greet the tourists people dressed up as cartoon character are organized. There are forty rides in the park which are organized in five different phases. Children have Viking Ship, Kids pool and fish ponds to enjoy their leisure time. A dance floor with colored lights and water spilling through the sides is arranged for the teenagers. Fancy shops are available here.

Dream World Water Park

Dream World Water Park is situated at Chalakudy in Thrissur. This water park is in close vicinity to the Athirapally waterfalls. Huge dragon’s sculptures welcome the visitors in the entrance. There are forty two rides available for all age groups and twenty four out of them are water rides and rest are dry rides. Rain dance floor was organized for the first time in Kerala in this amusement park. The park has a separate pool for ladies and kids called Mermaid pool. The pool is divided in to three parts with different depths to enable easy usage. Apart from the basic facilities free accommodation to school students and staff is provided here with dinner.

Fantasy Amusement Park

Fantasy Amusement Park is in close vicinity of the Malampuzha amusement park in Palakkad. This is the first amusement park of Kerala. This is an ideal family picnic spot which has both dry rides and water rides for all age groups. A digital planetarium is the identity of this amusement park. The planetarium displays the images of the stars, moon and other celestial bodies. This is very interesting place for the children as it uncovers many astronomical facts. The view of Earth from moon is an unforgettable sight presented here. The park is surrounded with beautiful gardens and fountains.

Happy Land Amusement Park

Happy Land Amusement Park is the first water theme park of South India and is located in Vembayam at Thiruvananthapuram. This park is maintained Eco friendly and surrounded by greenery. Apart from the rides the park can also organize birthday parties, family get-togethers, marriage parties, product launches and business functions. The infrastructure of the park is systematized for these and the staffs are trained and skilled for hosting such events. These facilities make the park much demanded for entertainment and leisure at Thiruvananthapuram. The wave pool and uphill water ride are the largest in Kerala. Children’s rides are kept in a separate section called ‘Kids Village’. Family pools are available for the maximum enjoyment of a family together. An art gallery for selling paintings is also available here.

Sadhoo Merry Kingdom

Sadhoo Merry Kingdom is the most modern water theme park in Chala at Kannur. The park is equipped with twenty five rides in dry and water categories. This park gives an amazing aerial view of the Kannur city. The park is equipped with an amphitheatre, an open air theatre, family pool, skill games,   a hanging bridge and the sculpture of the Chala Mountain. The premises and rides are hygienic and all age groups can enjoy their leisure time here. 

Vismaya water theme park

Vismaya water theme park is located in Thaliparambu at Kannur and it is one of the finest amusement parks of India. The motto of the park is ‘Ullasam Ellarkkum’ and means ‘Fun for everyone’. The park has a reservoir spread across two acres for rain water harvesting and this stored water is used in the rides. The Virtual waterfall and Laser shows are the main attractions here. People can dance in the water fall according to the music played in the back ground and this takes place daily from 2-3pm. Laser beams are lighted across the park in rhythmic style which is an awesome experience. Convention hall is also available for gatherings or business meets in Vismaya water theme park.

Wonder la Amusement Park (Veegaland)

Veegalanad (Wonder la Amusement Park) is India's first water theme park which is located in Pallikara at Ernakulam. This large park is spread across 30 acres and has many unique imported rides. Veegaland is built on a hillock lying 77m higher than the sea level. The aerial view of the city from the park is excellent due to this height. It has achieved the eco-friendly tourism award for maintaining the surroundings clean and green. Uniformed staffs are accessible inside the whole park and they are trained in first aid related formalities to help the guest. A water reverse osmosis plant is installed in the park for the purification of water throughout the day. Compost plant and incinerator are used for the management of the wastes. The rides are categorized as family, water, Kiddie and hair raising rides. Drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited inside the park. Provisions are available for gatherings or product launches and meetings.
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Alleppey Boat Races, Most Adventures Scenes of Backwater

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Alleppey Boat Races, Most Adventures Scenes of Backwater
Alleppey –‘Venice of East’ is surrounded with lakes, lagoons, rivers and canals. The villagers depend mostly on the back waters from transportation to livelihood. Water sports is highly promoted and enjoyed here due to the abundance of water bodies. Being a backwater destination people spend their leisure time in boating and sightseeing in this beautiful city. Houseboats, Motorboats, Shikara and speedboat are main modes of back water cruising. Nehru trophy Boat race is the most popular and world famous boat race held in Alleppey on the second Saturday of August every year. The prestigious event in this boat race is the competition of ‘Chundan Vallam’ or snake boat. Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam are the other categories of boats that participate. Dozens of other boat races takes place in Alleppey and are highly appreciated for the faultless coordination and the energy and spirit it spread. 'Champakkulam', 'Kavalam', 'Karichal', 'Jawahar Thayangari', 'Kallooparamban', 'Pacha', 'Pulinkunnu', 'Nadubhagam', 'Cheruthana', 'Kandangari' and 'Paippad' are the main participators of these races.
Payippad Vallamkali (Boat race) is celebrated in connection with the ‘Prathista’ (Deity placed in the sanctum) of Haripad Subramanya Temple. It has a religious value and is held for three days starting on the ‘Onam’ day. First two days the snake boat processions are taken out and the race is on the third day.                        

Rajiv Gandhi Boat race is held on the last Saturday of August in Pulinkunnu. Colourful floats, procession on snake boats are arranged along with the boat race. The winners are awarded the trophy named on behalf of the late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is held in religious connection with the installation of the deity of Sree Krishna in Ambalappuzha temple. The boat race is on the moolam day of the Malayalam month Mithunam (June – July) and conducted at the Champakulam Lake. The famous Sree Krishna idol was brought from Karinkulam temple in Kurichi near Kottayam to the Ambalapuzha temple.

Neerattupuram Boat Race is conducted during the Onam days in August – September. The iruttukuthi boats are given more importance in this race and 50 oarsmen row this boat where as snake boats have 100 oarsmen. The Ever rolling trophy will be awarded to the winning team in the Iruttukuthi category.

Pamba Boat Race is on the ‘Thiruvonam’ day in the Pamba River. This is a platform where the scattered boat clubs in the locality come under one roof and compete. The sport lovers and admirers brought the Kuttanad people together for this race. The fame of this boat race has reached all over the world and the winners are awarded with the golden Mammen Mappila Trophy.

Karuvatta Boat Race takes place in the Karuvatta River during the Onam days. The water floats and decorated snake boats take part in the procession. The competing boats are made of fixed measurements and the event is conducted systematically. Every year the number of viewers is increased. The boats belong to individual villages on the shore of the Pamba River.

Mannar Boat Race has historical and religious connection. In ancient Kerala the rulers of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha had fought a battle in Mannar. Every year a festival is conducted to rejoice the glory of the battle. People gather at Mannar Sri Parabhamma temple to view the special ‘Kettukazhcha'. This is a procession of tall decorated figurines of horses, bullocks are displayed in chariots. It is used to display the martial skills of the people. Mannar boat race is dedicated in the name of Mahatma Gandhi, father of our nation.
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Road trip from Alleppey to Changanassery

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Road trip from Alleppey to Changanassery

punnamada resort alleppey

State Highway 11 starts from Alleppey and ends at Perunnai at Changanassery which cover a distance of 25 KM. This road is called as AC road (Alleppey – Changanassery and it lies parallel to the man made AC canal. AC canal was constructed to drain the excess water from Kuttanad into Nedumudi Lake or Pallathuruthy Lake. Public and private transport is easily available to cover this beautiful landscape. The advantage of hiring a private vehicle is that you can enjoy the beauty of the nature amidst the green lush paddy fields and can shop many local items on the way. Vegetable cultivation using bio fertilizers is a speciality here. The road passes through Kainakary, Nedumudi, Kidangara and Ramankary and then reaches Changanassery. This is the first road passing through the fields and coconut groves in Kuttanad. Village life can be explored by roaming through the villages on the way by taking deviations on any side of the main road. People can enjoy the natural breeze, fresh air and greenery everywhere. The traditional farming methods are followed in the farms. The Kuttanad area is well known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Most of the cultivation land is below the sea level. Paddy is the main crop here. Early mornings women can be seen moving towards the fields carrying their lunch boxes and sickle in hand. By that time the men could be seen working in the field. Duck farms are available in these areas and farmers prefer duck as they are highly immune, need less care and more profitable. Brace of duck moving through the land and water is a wonderful scene. Local vendors sell ducks, eggs, vegetables and fresh fish on the road sides. They display live fish in their arms and offer cheap prices as a promotion to their direct selling. Natural toddy (sap from the palm) shops are open on the roadside which serve excellent fish dishes and tapioca.
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Kayamkulam Lake

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Kayamkulam Lake
Kayamkulam Lake (Kayal) is spread over an area of 60 sq.km and lies between Quilon and Alleppey district. From Alleppey 41 KM and from Kollam its 47 KM distance. Kayamkulam boat race is held here and Vembanad & Ashtamudi lakes are connected with this Kayal. It has now a permanent outlet to the Arabian Sea as a part of the new fishing harbour which is under construction. A lot of backwater tourists visit this shallow water body to enjoy their leisure time. Local eateries are available on the sides of this lake with plenty of authentic Kerala dishes. The water of the Kayal is rich in climate dependent Algae varieties. Commercially important Mullets, Shrimps, Prawns and Crabs are available in plenty. NTPC Kayamkulam (RGCCPP) is on the banks of Kayamkulam Lake and the plant site was earlier used for grass farming which originally belonged to the Kerala Agricultural Department.  After acquiring the site NTPC drenched the lake and used the waste for levelling the plant site. Sewage and other materials from the thermal plant after processing are discharged to the Lake. Alappuzha Mega Tourism Project announced by the president of India is a benchmark in the history of Kayal tourism. The scheme aims at connecting the backwaters with historical monuments, cycling track, water sports complex, Tsunami memorial museum, floating restaurants, recreation zone, adventure zone and house boat terminal. Azhikkal and Cheriazhikkal villages near the Kayamkulam Lake were badly affected by Tsunami in 2004. Common bird varieties seen here are myna, sparrow, koel, kingfisher, little ringed plover, house crow, fowl, kite, weaver, babbler, and hoopoe. View of Chinese fishing nets in the Kayal is another reason for being a favourite spot of nature lovers.       
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Nature and Wildlife Tours Kerala

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Nature and Wildlife Tours Kerala


Kerala is well known for its diverse wild life and picturesque landscapes, romantic beaches, backwaters, splendid valleys, adventure zones and Western Ghats. Tourists can luxuriate in water sports, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, biking, wild life safari, back water tours, bird watching and adventure driving. A unique experience of Ayurvedic holidays, marvelous art forms, festivals, cultural and historic monuments and an exotic cuisine are the offers for the guest. Kerala has equable climate throughout the year and is renowned for its cleanliness and peacefulness. The people maintain high standards in literacy proportion and physical qualities of life. The land is geographically divided in to highlands, mid lands and coastal area. Kerala has witnessed the invasions of different foreign countries and they have left their marks on many areas like the culture, architecture, literature and cuisine. The architecture field has been largely influenced by the foreign methodology. Many of the earlier worship centers, bridges, dams are examples of the architectural influence. God’s own country has always embraced the virtue in any field from the conquerors and thus become a diverse state. Visit through this great place gives a vast experience of people from different cultures living in harmony.
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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary


Residing on the banks of artificial Periyar Lake at Thekkady, Periyar wildlife sanctuary uncovers nature’s secrets to the animal lovers. Thekkady brings to mind fleet of elephants, foggy hills, spice lands, tea plantations and boating. Periyar wildlife sanctuary spread across 777 sq km homes Bison, Wild boar, Sambar deer, Guars, Lion tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahrs, Elephants and Tigers. Boat cruises through the Periyar Lake is the best opportunity to observe the wildlife closely and to take photographs. The park is made up of tropical trees like teak, sandal woods, rose woods, mangoes, jamun, tamarind, banyans, bamboos, eucalyptus, and grass lands. Elephant rides are another alternative of enjoying the wildlife. Trekking is enjoyed to Mangaladevi temple - an ancient stone temple in the middle of the Thekkady forest. Apart from these entertainments, visits to the nearby towns and plantations are feasible for the guest. The best season to visit the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is between October and June.
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Chavara Bhavan Shrine, Alleppey

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Chavara Bhavan Shrine, Alleppey

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara was renowned as Chavara Achan (Father) and his ancestral home in Kainakary is famed as Chavara Bhavan. Kainakary is a back water village at Alleppey. The spiritual place is hosting a 250 year old important beacon of light intact. Chavara Bhavan is completely surrounded by water and can be reached only by boat. Thousands of devotees gather here for prayers. Living area of the pastor is still preserved as it is and it showcases his simple life. The small prayer area inside the church has a big cut-out of Chavara Acchan portrayed as one hand in blessing position and other with a bible. People sit in this small area and feel blessed. Now a day’s prayers are held in the new prayer hall. A wooden crafted confessional chair used by the pastor is displayed in the church. The elegance and beauty of the chair is pristine even after 175 years. A hidden basement is conserved below the birth place of the saint and ventilators provide a clear outside vision. A small statue of the great father is kept inside the safe house. Houseboat tourists are offered a halt for while cruising. Serenity and blessings is promised to the visitors. Clean rest rooms are available here.
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Kanichukulangara Devi Temple

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Kanichukulangara Devi Temple


Kanichukulangara devi temple is the famous shrine of goddess Bhagawathi. It is located at Kanichukulangara which is 8 KM from Cherthala and 18 KM from Alleppey. As per the local information a ship which was transporting the idol of devi got wrecked on the seashore of Kanichukulangara. The Brahmin family who were carrying the deity decided to place the goddess there itself and worship. The main festival is in the month of ‘Kumbham’ for 21 days and the temple gets over flooded with devotees during those days. Specific rituals like ‘Chikara’, ‘Thooka Chadu’, ‘Arikoothu’, ‘Puzhuku or Pongala’ are conducted here. These are offered by devotees for showing their gratitude to goddess in fulfilling their wishes. ‘Chikara iruthal’ is an offering to thank goddess for blessing a woman to give birth to a baby. Similarly ‘Arikoothu’ and ‘Puzhuku’ are related to cured illness by the virtue of devi. Lord Siva, Dharmasastha, Vishu, Serpent gods, Dhanvanthari, Ganapati, Khandakarna, Yakshi, Vethali and Kodumkali are the other deities placed in the Kanichukulangara devi temple. The temple management is doing charity through educational institutions, medical aid and marriage financial help to the deserving people.
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Kayaking and canoeing in Kerala

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Kayaking and canoeing in Kerala


Man has always found immense pleasure in swimming and water sports. Kerala - a land of rivers is the state where water sports are enjoyed to the fullest. We have different academies that teach water sports like Kayaking and Canoeing in Kerala. SAI (Sports authority of India) has a training centre in Alleppey for water sports. Kayak and Canoe are distinguished by the seating and the paddles. Kayak is propelled by a double blade paddle from a seating position and it is a light decked craft. Canoe is always propelled by a single blade paddle with a kneeling position and is an open boat. Varieties of Kayaks and Canoes are available depending on the production materials or designs. Every year the IKCA (Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association) conduct competitions and Vembanad Lake at Alleppey is one of the main sites where the competition is conducted. Apart from this Kayaks and Canoes are generally used in the back water tourism to promote the narrow canal rides. These can go deeper in to the narrow canals were houseboats can’t reach due to their larger size. The visitors get a closer experience of the daily life of the villagers through narrow canal trips. Tourists can observe the lush paddy fields, coconut lagoons, small islands, flora, fauna and the land life while cruising on canoes. Fishing and toddy collection by the villagers is another interesting thing to witness in the back waters. People can enjoy the way side eateries which supply the local food varieties like local fish dishes and Tapioca. Visitors can buy vegetables and fishes from the local vendors as they roam around in the Lake. Kerala is now focusing more on the water tourism as Mother Nature has blessed Kerala with abundance of water, vegetation, climate and culture which are the basic needs of development of tourism.
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St Andrew's Basilica Church

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St Andrew's Basilica Church


St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, officially known as the ‘St. Andrews Forane Church’ is located at Arthunkal. Arthunkal is a coastal town and at a distance of 21 KM from Alleppey. The Arthunkal church was built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. ‘Basilica’ is the honor given by Pope and remark the specialty of the construction of the church. The church has a large oblong hall with double colonnades and a semicircular apse similar to the ancient Rome constructions. The church is facing the Arabian Sea and has a beautiful beach in the front. The statue of St. Sebastian was brought from Milan and placed in the Arthunkal Church which is sculptured as arrows struck all over the bleeding body and it symbolizes his execution at the order of the Roman emperor for cuddling Christianity. Arthunkal Basilica is the first Basilica in Alleppey diocese and the seventh in Kerala. In January the feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated for two weeks and devotees visit the church from all over the state on the feast days to acquire the blessings of St. Sebastian. The statue of great St. Sebastian is carried out as a procession on the eighth day of the feast from the church to beach and back. An eagle is seen roving the skies during the procession every year. It is believed that disabled persons get well by the blessings of St. Sebastian and many devotees return to shrine once they cured to make offerings. The most popular offering is ‘Urulunercha’ - the devotees crawl on their knees on the road from Arthunkal beach to the church to show their gratitude. Devotees offer small replicas of bows and arrows as a thanks giving to the saint. Hindus visit the church and take refreshments on their way back from ‘Sabarimala temple’ and pay homage to St. Sebastian. ‘Sabarimala’ is the second largest pilgrim center in the world.
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Punnamada Best Luxury Resort Kerala

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Punnamada Best Luxury Resort Kerala


Punnamada Resort is a natural resort built in Kerala traditional architecture. The Eco friendly resort is rich in flora and small preserved canals pass through the resort adding magnificence to the surroundings. Small wooden bridges are built in traditional method across these canals. The interiors of the Kerala style villas are furnished with modern luxurious amenities. All rooms are air-conditioned. The resort is decorated with bamboo artifacts, paintings, and sculpture which provide exclusiveness to the ambiance. The resort has an authentic Ayurveda center and different therapies and massages are offered to guest. Punnamada Resort conducts yoga sessions for guests in the morning and evening. Punnamada Resort has houseboats in premium and luxury category to enjoy the back waters. Shikara and speed boat is also available for back water picnic. Indoor and outdoor games and bikes for rides are arranged for the leisure of the guest. ‘Choola – the multi cuisine restaurant’ promotes Kerala style dishes and rare local fish varieties. Vembanad Lake outskirts the lawn and bless the resort with natural breeze and serenity. The nature, environment, culture and service altogether makes Punnamada Best Luxury Resort in Kerala. 

 
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Ayurveda Massages and Therapies for this winter season

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Ayurveda Massages and Therapies for this winter season


Ayurveda is an ancient Indian therapy system and followed for the well being of the body, mind and spirit. A person is healthy when these three elements are functioning properly. The human body, mind and spirit need rejuvenating, relaxing and soothing for proper functioning. To regain the power of body Ayurveda has therapies and massages. Yoga is the best method for the refreshment of the mind and spirit. In winter season the cool climate is suitable for Ayurvedic treatments for better results. Punnamada Resort offers five different Ayurvedic therapies for the wellness. They are Rejuvenation package, Body Purification treatment, Weight reduction package, Stress management Program and Wellness package. Ayurveda doctor at Punnamada Resort evaluate the health condition of the guest and suggest the kind of therapy suitable for them. The duration of these therapies varies from seven to fourteen days sometimes extended to twenty one days as per the necessity. Along with these treatments Yoga sessions are conducted and diet is controlled to get the maximum output. Ayurveda massages are used for head, face, foot or whole body massage. Massages offer relaxation to the body, improves the blood circulation and reduces the body aches. The muscles and joints get relaxed due to massage. Ayurveda therapies and massages are based on natural medication system that uses herbs and oils for treatments.
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Celebrate your Special Day's with Punnamada

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Celebrate your Special Day's with Punnamada
Punnamada Resort is an ideal backwater venue to host a gathering for family and friends on any occasion near the Vembanad Lake. The resort is equipped with two conference halls, multi cuisine restaurant and lawn area for a medium crowd to gather. Punnamada Resort can fulfill the dream of a riverside wedding. The stage can be put up in the lawn near the Vembanad Lake. Birthday or anniversary parties are conducted in the halls or restaurant depending on the size of the group. Reunion is a time for chit chats, games, and delicious food. Punnamada Resort has customized premium and luxury day out packages for group gatherings. The package offers a place to hangout, refreshments, lunch, evening tea and a back water cruise. The resort organizes lucky draws and games like treasure hunt as per the choice of the day out guest. Whatever may be the occasion Punnamada Resort hospitality adds a crown on the celebrations.
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Honeymoon Romance in Backwater Kerala

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Honeymoon Romance in Backwater Kerala


The elongated coastal area, back waters, hills and the Western Ghats makes Kerala the most favorite location for tourists. Honeymoon couples have enormous options in Kerala to pamper themselves without any boundary to romance. Kerala offers stay in resorts, hotels or home stays, cruise on back waters, outing on beaches, adventure zones for enthusiastic to spice up their honeymoon holidays. Alleppey catches top position in back water tours which is an excellent attraction for honeymoon couple. The serene back water and greenish land mixed the luxury and comfort of the houseboat cruise is a remarkable journey for the newly married couple. They can enjoy the authentic food varieties of Kerala especially rare fish items prepared in Kerala style. Punnamada Resort at Alleppey is a heaven for the honeymooners in the midst of natural and Eco friendly environment with an added advantage of tranquility of the lake. Punnamada Resort offers luxury honeymoon package to chill out in Lake View or Garden View Villas to cuddle in privacy for newlyweds. Romantic candle light dinner, flower bed decoration, Honeymoon cake and ayurvedic massage are the package inclusions. Love is always in the air for the couple and they are pampered to give them a lifelong memory. To explore the back waters Punnamada Resort offers premium and luxury houseboat packages to guest. The backwater cruise through the canals and lagoons is the perfect way to experience the slower pace of life to unwind.
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Luxury Houseboat voyage in Backwater Kerala

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Luxury Houseboat voyage in Backwater Kerala





The lush greenery and tranquil back water of Alleppey always gives a fabulous visual treat for visitors. In Alleppey it is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience to have a back water cruise. Houseboat is the modernised form of ‘Kettu vallam’ which was used for transportation and goods carriage in earlier times. When the transportation methods got motorised these Kettu Vallams were converted to the present houseboats for leisure and thus a livelihood to the owners. The enormous canal network of Alleppey supports the massive popularity and success of the back water tourism. Houseboats are of different varieties like Standard, Premium, and Deluxe and Luxury to fit into one’s budget. In the luxury category, the houseboats are spacious and equipped with all kinds of superior quality amenities. The Luxury houseboat voyage in the serene backwaters fills your spirit with energy and takes away the stress filled moments. Plenty of houseboats are easily accessible in Alleppey. Full time Air-Condition is an added facility during the voyage in the luxury house boat. The interiors are elegant and offer high level of comfort to the guest. The houseboat has bath attached bedrooms, open lounge, kitchen and a crew that contain a captain, chef and a multilingual guide for extending the service. Authentic Kerala style dishes are served on the boat. Back water cruise on a luxury houseboat through the placid lake between the green fields fringed with palm trees presents an everlasting memory to the tourists. Back water cruise is Eco friendly and safety measures are followed systematically.
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Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Haripad

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Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Haripad
The famous Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is located at Haripad and the deity is the serpent god ‘Nagaraja’. This temple is at a distance of 32 KM from Alleppey. It is believed that the deity has the combined power of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Sarpa Yakshi and Naga Yakshi are the adored companions of Nagaraja at Mannarasala temple. The Mannarasala temple worship is associated with many beliefs and unique traditions which are strictly followed by the Brahmin family dedicated for performing the duties. The eldest female of the family is the authorised priestess to perform the rituals and she is renowned as ‘Valiya Amma’. As per the history of the temple, the first priestess of the Brahmin family gave birth to a five headed serpent and it is believed that the family is protected by the serpent child which is residing in the ancestral home. The most important ritual is on the ‘Ayilyam day’ (birth star of Nagaraja) and the temple gets crowded with devotees. Entire day on Ayilyam ‘Valiya Amma’ will perform many rituals and at night she goes into the underground room in the temple to offer milk to the god Nagaraja. It is believed that the serpent god gives darshan to her in particular and blesses whoever is seeking his blessings on that day. It is considered auspicious to get the darshan of ‘Valiya Amma’ while visiting the Nagaraja temple. The temple strictly follows all the rituals. It is prohibited to cut the trees or put fires in the close proximity; it will be suffocating for the inhabitants of the preserved forest area in the temple. As per the credence barren women are advised to seek the blessing of Nagaraja for a child and ‘Uruli Kamazhthal’ is an offering related to this. The couple has to come and fulfil the offering up on child birth. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is spread across 16 acres of thick green forest. Snakes are seen roaming around the courtyards by the devotees. The turmeric paste distributed as prasadam from the temple is believed to be very auspicious and used by admirers to cure leprosy. Mannarasala Nagaraja temple is one of the ancient and internationality famed serpent temples.
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Vijaya Park at Alappuzha

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Vijaya Park at Alappuzha
Vijaya Park at Alappuzha is situated on the famous Alappuzha beach. Vijaya Park is a children’s park. The park has cycles, toy train and varieties of swings for the enjoyment of children. Boating is available inside the park in an artificial pond. The park is maintained well and has lawn and garden. The park is 8 KM from Alappuzha town and can reach there by public or private transportation. Alappuzha Light house is another attraction near Vijaya Park. Restaurants, hotels, home stays and resorts are available nearby for lodging needs. People can enjoy the local eateries available nearby. Vijaya Park is an all time favourite of children for enjoying their leisure time. Entry fee is applicable and the park is open from 3 pm to 8 pm on all days. 

 
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Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam

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Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam
Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam is built in authentic Kerala style architecture and used to be the residence of the earlier rulers of Kayamkulam. Now the palace is protected as a monument by the Archaeology department. The elegant pitched roof palace is located 47 KM from Alleppey. Recently the palace underwent a scientific renovation for safe guarding the archaeological artefacts. The palace displays a mural painting ‘Gajendra Moksham’ of a size of 49 Sq.m and it is believed to be the largest of its kind so far discovered in Kerala. The theme of the painting is the Moksha (Salvation) of an elephant king ‘Gajendra’ by Lord Vishnu. This famous painting is placed at the entrance to the palace from the pond so that the Raja’s could worship the deity after their bath. The palace has a huge collection of Coins, Megalithic remains, wood artefacts, and sculptors made of brass and stone. In the museum a famous sword ‘Kayamkulam Val’ is exhibited which belonged to the Rajas of Kayamkulam kingdom. The speciality of the sword is that it is sharpened on both side and so more dangerous than other martial weapons. An attractive antique Buddha statue is displayed in a hall in the palace and the hall is known as the Buddha mandapam. The Krishnapuram palace has a Bible written in Sanskrit in the antique collection.  A pond below the palace provides an air-conditioning effect to the interior rooms. The Krishnapuram palace is surrounded by beautiful garden with different varieties of flora.


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How to find a best economy Houseboat in Alleppey

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How to find a best economy Houseboat in Alleppey
The simple method of finding the best economy houseboat in Alleppey is to search on major search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. A list of houseboat operating agencies can be obtained. The agencies have their own websites which provide the cruise specification details and booking options. The packages can be compared with similar agencies and the suitable one can be booked online. Some of the major houseboat operators are listed in Tripadvisor and customer reviews can be analysed for better understanding the services. The social networking sites like Facebook, Pinterest, Google plus and Twitter can be used for further enquiries. These are the appropriate methods of finding a best economy houseboat in Alleppey.


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Rice Harvest in Alleppey Kerala

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Rice Harvest in Alleppey Kerala


Kuttanad - Rice bowl of Kerala is the major rice granary and achieved a remarkable position on the tourism map of India. Farming is the major source of livelihood in Kuttanad. The villagers at Kuttanad prefer agrarian life from the past. They have mastered the art of farming. Their calculations regarding the harvest period is always authentic. Kuttanad farming is famous for the low land cultivation as the fields are 4 to 10 feet below the sea level. This low lying specialty is a challenge to the farmers in rainy season as they face flood in the middle of the harvest. With acquired knowledge from the generations they overcome the natural disasters.


The paddy fields are used two times a year for cultivation. The farming starts with the clearing up of the field by putting fire to the leftover of last cultivation. The ash thus generated is the base for a new harvest. A visit to the farm land in early morning will showcase men working on the field and women reaching with their lunch boxes and sickles in hand. They saw the seeds, remove the weeds, prepare water channels and apply fertilizers to the field. Folks of Parrots and darter birds are the common visitors to the field during the harvest. They hover through the rice stalk rich field. The farmers spent long hours in the field while reaping the harvest. The rice grains are collected and kept in large buildings or temporary sheds near the farms.  Backwater cruises through this greenish farm land will explore the sights of the village life in close and donate an everlasting memory.
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Muppalam, Alleppey

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Muppalam, Alleppey

Muppalam or Triple Bridge at Alappuzha literally means three bridges connected to each other. Muppalam is believed to be constructed by the British in a unique style. It connects three bridges at one place to link three roads. Close to Alleppey beach about 2km and illustrated as one of its kind in Kerala. Shutterbugs love to capture the beauty of Muppalam. The famous ancient Alleppey Jain temple is in close proximity of Muppalam. 
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Thenmala Eco Tourism

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Thenmala Eco Tourism
Thenmala is the first planned Eco tourism destination in India. The uniqueness and enormity of leisure options offered here are playing a vital role in the popularity of Thenmala. Thenmala is actually a ‘Honey Hill’. In local parlance ‘Then’ means ‘Honey’ and ‘mala’ means ‘hill lock’. Honey collected from this region is of high quality and very much in demand. Thenmala provides equal opportunities for leisure, fun and adventure and showcase the importance of preserving the nature for the future generations. On arrival at Thenmala the visitor is briefed with all relevant information about the attractions, facilities and cautions to be taken regarding the project by trained staff. Three major zones – Cultural, Leisure and Adventure zone are at Thenmala. 


In cultural zone visitor can wallow in various activities like tasting the authentic Kerala dishes in the restaurant, Memento shopping, glance at the Kerala Art & Culture and amphitheater visit. The highlight of culture zone is the open air Musical Dancing Fountain. A tourism facilitation counter is operating here to promote the tourism products of Thenmala.

Leisure zone leads to outdoor activities which include a boardwalk towards the Thenmala dam and children can enjoy a sway bridge on the way. One sculpture garden which has sculptures of ‘Man & Nature’ theme is within the leisure zone that adds on elegance to the project.

Adventure zone is for those who want to quench their thirsty swashbuckler spirit. An elevated walkway connects the trees and rocky areas at different heights. Those who wish can go for mountain biking, river crossing and rock climbing.

Thenmala Eco project shares its boundaries with Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foot hills of Western Ghats and visitors can enjoy restorative boat trips from Thenmala to Shenduruney. Butterfly Safari and Nakshatravanam are added attractions at Thenmala. A garden full of suitable plants for different species of butterflies to breed on is maintained in the Eco tourism project. The visitors can walk through the butterfly garden and make a close study of butterflies. Nakshatravanam is a tree garden comprising of 27 trees which depict the 27 Nakshatra’s (Birth stars) according to Indian Astrology. In India the predictions for man are done based on these Nakshatra’s and particular trees were assigned to each Nakshatra’s. The trees were of medical, social and aesthetic value. It is believed that by planting the tree pertaining to own Nakshatra will bring prosperity and happiness.  Apart from these activities visitors can have a trip to the nearby deer rehabilitation center where the straying deer from the forest is protected by man. The project area has tree top huts, children’s Eco play zones, treks by river side, and battery car rides through the forest area.
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Art works in Punnamada Resort (Paintings, Statues, etc..)

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Art works in Punnamada Resort (Paintings, Statues, etc..)

Punnamada Resort is a natural resort traditionally built and located near Vembanad Lake where the famous Nehru trophy boat race takes place in August every year. Kerala traditional architecture theme is used in Punnamada Resort. Many art works decorate the rooms and premises. A big antic Uruli (Metal Utensil) filled with water is placed in the lobby and decorated with aromatic flowers. It presents an auspicious welcome; the guests would ever receive on a visit to God’s own country Kerala. Two goddess statues are set aside which adore more charisma to the lobby. The lobby is structured as a Naalu Kettu (Four sided structure with ample sunlight and ventilation) and it has a Naduthalam (The joining part with open roof in the middle). Naduthalam is converted as a small pond with a Sree Krishna statue in the center. The pond has several fish varieties and some tortoise which presents a unique leisure time activity to sit and watch them. When it rains the water rolls in to the pond and on sunny days the bright sunlight cascade which keeps the pond always fresh. The ancient architectural methods are well used in the building of villas and amenities in the resort. Lanterns are used for lighting and bamboo is used for curtains. Artistic paintings and ancient statues decorate the walls and rooms. The doors of the villas are made of wood and ornate metal locks are used to give it ancient traditional look. Altogether Punnamada Resort provides ancient traditional architecture blended with luxury of the interiors of the villas and back waters.

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Shikara Cruise Family Vacation in Alleppey

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Shikara Cruise Family Vacation in Alleppey

Back water tourism is fast growing in Kerala and Alleppey engrave high on the map with plenty of rivers and lakes and offer a closer bona fide view of the back water life. In Alleppey Punnamada Resort is a unique back water resort which is built by the Vembanad Lake. Punnamada Resort is maintained as a traditional and natural resort for unwinding the stressful life and the atmosphere promises everlasting sweet memories on departure.

Apart from resort stay Punnamada Resort offers rides on houseboat, speed boat and shikara as per the requirement of the guest to explore the back waters. Shikara is a miniature of houseboats and has more feasibility. Shikara is a canoe open on sides with covered roof and run on motor. Due to smaller size the shikara can cruise in the narrow inner canals freely and gives a closer picture of the rural life of the back waters. Shikara can cover more places in short time limit. The ride on Shikara is economical and eco friendly also. The Shikara at Punnamada has a seating capacity of 17 members. Ride can be booked with or without lunch as per choice. 
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Punnamada Summer package

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Punnamada Summer package

Renowned land of Valleys, Western Ghats and Backwaters, Kerala is an all time fascination of tourists around the world. The extensive coast and the water bodies keep Kerala warm, breezy and comfortable but not hot in summer. Punnamada Resort is a natural back water resort to lighten up and recharge self during the summer. The summer splash package by Punnamada Resort is to chill out at the calm and affectionate resort amidst the ‘Vembanad Lake - a natural air conditioner’. Two nights and three days dwell will award life time reminiscence to the couple on retreat. The guest is warmly welcomed with jasmine garlands and a cool refreshing welcome drink made of seasonal fruit variety. The summer package guest stays in Heritage Garden Villa category and these rooms are built in authentic Kerala traditional architecture. As name propose these garden surrounded heritage villa has small canals running on the sides to add on charm. Guest can enjoy all meals at the restaurant and indulge in mouth watering Kerala authentic dishes along with several local fish varieties. As a part of the summer package the couple enjoy foot massage in Punnamada Ayurvedic center. The main pressure points below the foot are massaged and the whole body gets relaxed. Yoga classes conducted by Punnamada Resort are included in the summer package. The input from yoga class is very helpful in the future to self practice it and maintaining synchronization of mind, body and soul. At Punnamada evenings are dedicated to the back waters through a sunset cruise followed by refreshment at Thattukada. Kerala authentic snacks and tea from the samovar are specialties of Thattukada. Punnamada Resort has plenty options of indoor, outdoor activities and swimming pool for leisure time. Bikes are available for an outing to town, farm visit, village visits or a trip to beach. Summer holidays spend in Punnamada Resort will be life time lasting memories.
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Punnamada Luxury Honeymoon package

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Punnamada Luxury Honeymoon package

The specialty thing that makes Kerala a unique and final destination for every tourists are the waterways that stretched over from very long valley of Western Ghats to the doorway of Arabian sea. In the middle of this Luxury, Honeymoon notches up in couples mind and Punnamada Resort is such a paradise where newly married couples can indulge in romance without any extremity. This package is specially customized for couples to alleviate in maximum romance on the lap of nature assorted with mesmerizing greenish backwaters islands beauty. 


The honeymooners can choose between Lake View Villa and Garden Villa for two nights and three days for their romantic holiday amidst the tranquil natural back water. The couple are warmly welcomed with jasmine garland and an energizing welcome drink. The Luxury honeymoon package of Punnamada Resort is premeditated with all three major meals for the couple. One night the couple can enjoy a passionate candle light dinner arranged at a romantic place near Lake Side or in the privacy of their room. From the rejuvenation point one ayurvedic massage is offered to the couple and they can also enjoy yoga sessions at Punnamada Resort to unwind the mind and body. The two times yoga sessions performed by the well experienced yoga master gives self practicing knowledge. Flower decoration in their room will spool back the wedding memories and the couple will be gifted a honeymoon cake and fruit basket. Evening is the time the couple can enjoy the sunset cruise in the back waters for an hour while staying at Punnamada Resort.  The cruise will tag on an evening tea and Kerala traditional snacks at the Thattukada in Punnamada Resort at the lake side lawn. The back water trip through the Vembanad Lake is a romantic journey and guest can take a bunch of sweet memories. The resort is equipped with many indoor and outdoor activities for fun filling the leisure time. The couple has an assortment of options like a short romantic trip Bikes and farm visit, village visit or a trip to beach as per their desire. The preeminent room with serene privacy are preset for the honeymooners to bestow them the utmost contentment. 
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Well known Churches around Alleppey

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Well known Churches around Alleppey
St. Andrew's church


St. Andrew's church (Arthungal Palli), in Alleppey, is one of the most popular church build in the year 1866. Well known for serving the community, this congregation has a long historical background. In addition, inside the church a pipe organ was installed in 1881. Moreover, a clock tower was also added to this church in 1891.

Edathua Church
The Edathua Church stands magnificently on the banks of the famous river Pamba. The church is dedicated to St. George and has been architecturally designed after the medieval European Churches.

Champakulam Church


Champakulam Church, also known as St. Mary's Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions. It is also one of the oldest churches located in the state of Kerala.
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Eco Initiative activities by Punnamada

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Eco Initiative activities by Punnamada


Punnamada resort promotes eco friendly activities and keeps on adding the techniques to stay closer to the nature. Punnamada resort strictly follows a No tree cut policy by not cutting any trees in the resort premises whereas the management encourage the staff and guest to plant more trees specially the regional ones to maintain the naturality of the environment. Punnamada Resort discourages the use of plastic anywhere in the premises. Plastic bottles are avoided and water is served in sealed crystal bottles to the guest. News paper bags and recycling bags are used at Punnamada Resort. Being an active member of Eco tourism Punnamada resort distributes Jute/Cotton bags even to the neighboring families for their shopping purpose to reduce the use of plastic. 

Punnamada resort encourages the guest to reuse the towel and linen as an initiative to save water and offer a discount of 10% on the extra bills of the guest. Punnamada resort daily celebrates an earth day for 15 minutes by putting off the power in the resort with the consent of the in house guest. As a token of appreciation gifts or prizes are offered to the guest for being a part of the earth day celebration.

Punnamada resort uses sewage treatment plant to prevent the out letting of polluted water and water recycling and conservation programme to reuse the water in the garden or in the resort farm. Compost pit for the solid waste is used and the suitable output is used as manure in the resort. Bio gas plant produces ample volume of fuel by using the food waste from the resort kitchen. Punnamada resort has installed solar power supply to the air conditioners for reducing the power consumption on a trial basis.
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Punnamada House Boat Trip Routes

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Punnamada House Boat Trip Routes
Punnamada resort offers houseboat rides in premium and luxury category as per the choice of the guest. The houseboat while on an overnight stay starts from Punnamada resort at 12 noon and cruise on Vembanad Lake towards Kuttanadu region. Lunch will be served on board with the authentic dishes. While guests are busy munching on the delicacies the boat enters backwater system of rivers and canals. The narrow inner canals where the house boat can’t enter can be explored on country boats or canoes. The houseboat will cruise through C block, kainakari, moonnattumukham, venattukadu, and vattakayal. Evening tea / coffee snacks will be served on board. At Night the houseboat will halt in a known secured place away from Punnamada Resort and dinner served on board. The next day after breakfast the houseboat proceed towards Punnamada and disembark around 09.00am.



Day cruise on houseboat is a remarkable journey through the back waters of Vembanad Lake. The cruise starts at 12 noon through C block, kainakari, moonnattumukham, venattukadu, and vattakayal according to the available time and return back to Punnamada resort and end the cruise by 5 pm. Lunch and evening tea / coffee snacks will be served on board. 



On houseboat trips the personal chef will prepare meals on board as per the guest’s choice. The houseboat kitchen will be loaded with all the necessary items. Guests who are interested to cook their own meals in the supervision of the chef get a chance to prepare it on board. Local vegetables and fish as per season are sold by local vendors in the back water cruising areas and guest can purchase as per their requirement. Guest can buy the local varieties of fresh fish and can get the chef prepare it for meals.
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