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Monday, 15 February 2010
Daman and Diu
Gujarat
Nicknamed the 'Jewel of the East', Gujarat state in India is located on the west coast of India. The coastal state of Gujarat in India boasts of the longest coastline (1290 km) in the country. Gujarat has a wealth of tourist spots, and with 20% of India's total industrial output being accounted for by the state, Gujarat ranks as one of the most industrialized states in India. We at Indianholiday offer online information and bookings for Tour to Gujarat. A tour to Gujarat will acquaint you with this colorful land, its ancient temples and spectacular beaches and the rich cultural heritage. Gujarat got its name from the tribe known as 'Gujjars', which inhabited the region in the 1st century A.D. Excavations at various sites in Gujarat show signs of civilization in the region dating back to as early as 3000 to 1500 B.C. In the 3rd century, Gujarat became part of the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka. In 1818, Gujarat came under the rule of the British Raj, who started administering the state through local princely rulers. Gujarat is bordered by Pakistan and the state of Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and the south west. Gujarat ranks as the highest producer of cotton, salt, milk, groundnut, and petrochemicals in India. Gujarat is also home to major electronic and textile industries. |
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, the name that conjures to beauty, magnificence, dominance, glory and many more offers some of the best tours to the visitors. The state referred to be in the cow or the Hindi speaking belt in the India has always been the frontrunner in many movements of the country and has played a dominant role in Indian politics, culture and the independence movement. The state which is nurtured by the love of river Ganges offers loads to the visitors from all over the world. Tour to Uttar Pradesh is an indispensable part of the India tour as the travelers get a clear insight into the cultural implications of the lifestyle of India and its various cultures. Uttar Pradesh tour offers myriad opportunities to explore the various shades of life and cultures. The various cities of the state reflect different pictures of life and lifestyle in Uttar Pradesh that makes the state a colorful and interesting proposition for the travelers. The various languages spoken in the state are Hindi, Urdu and English along with the various dialects of Hindi. The state has loads to offer that features the best of plain stretch for miles, the hill stations, the grandeur of the rivers and the legacy of the royal rulers, Uttar Pradesh has it all! |
Jammu and Kashmir
Welcome to the page, which tells you about how, a tour to Jammu and Kashmir would be like ! The northern most state of Jammu and Kashmir offers a heady combination of imposing mountains, placid lakes mirroring the sky overhead, picture pretty gardens, not to mention the lip smacking cuisines. A tour to Jammu Kashmir is no doubt lends an experience of touring the heaven, right here on earth. Pay a visit to the archaic city of Srinagar in your tour to Jammu and Kasjhmir. Every pillar in this beautiful city, adorned with magnificent lakes and gardens would tell you the tale of a glorious love affair with the Mughals. Stay at a houseboat that rim the Dahl Lake or take a ride through the tranquil waters on a gorgeous Shikara. A tour to Jammu and Kashmir may also take you to the cold of Ladakh. Plodding across the Himalayan wilderness you come across the desert quaint hamlets, exotic tribes and monasteries with prayer flags fluttering in the air. It is a laidback, alien land far from the urban clutter and clamor. | |
A tour to Jammu and Kasmir would give you the impression that nature has been ubiquitously bountiful to the land. No wonder the Greek lieutenant of Alexanbder was bowled over its beauty and exclaimed – if there is heaven on earth, it is here..! We at Indianholiday.com, your favorite tour operator in India, offer exciting tours to Jammu and Kashmir. Have a look at the packages on offer or ask us to customize one for you. We are only a mouse-click away…. ! |
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, perhaps, is the second largest state of the Indian sub continent. It is a vast plateau surrounded by the Vindhya and Satpura mountains that make a rugged descent into the valleys of the Narmada and Tapti rivers. Madhya Pradesh has been home to the cultural heritage of Hindhuism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, since ages. Dotted with innumerable monuments, extraordinarily carved temples, world renowned stupas, exemplary forts and palaces, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most sought after destination of the tourists in India. Besides the temples and monuments, Madhya Pradesh is famous for its wonderful art, craft, music and dance. Tour to Madhya Pradeshhelps you explore the land of rugged mountains and primitive people. The history of Madhya Pradesh :The state's cultural lineage is ancient and checkered. Madhya Pradesh, because of its central location in India, has remained a crucible of historical currents from North, South, East and West. It was perhaps one of the earliest dwellings of human beings. The history of Madhya Pradesh goes back to the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan ruler. Later, the Mughals ruled the state. Dynasties like that of Sungas, Andhras, Satavahanas, Ksaptrapas, Nagas the Guptas also ruled over this place. After the British took over the state, Madhya Pradesh was declared as the central province. |
Uttaranchal
Lofty, mountain peaks, snow-fed rivers and restless waterfalls welcome you to a land whose beauty epitomizes the word “divine”. Rightly termed “Devabhoomi” or the “abode of the Gods”, a tour to Uttaranchal reveals the exotic secrets of nature, while enriching the visitors to the land with a culture that is one of the richest in the world. Comprising of 14 hilly districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh, the newly formed state of Uttaranchal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. A perfect destination for newly weds, planning their honeymoon in Uttaranchal as well as weekend getaways to Uttaranchal, tourism in Uttaranchal has truly much to offer the visitors to the land. A major center of pilgrimage in India, a holiday in Uttaranchal is incomplete without witnessing the mystic glory of the various temples of Uttaranchal. | |
How to Reach Uttaranchal: By Air :- The airports in the province of Uttaranchal are at Jolly Grant, which is located close to the state’s capital of Dehradun and another, at Pantnagar. Both Dehradun and Pantnagar are well-connected to a number of Indian cities and states by regular flights. The state is also located close to New Delhi, the capital of India, which has an international airport, well-connected to a number of cities all around the world. By Rail :- Uttaranchal is well connected to a number of other states of India via an efficient network of railways. The railway system is the main lifeline of this comparatively newly formed province of India, which coupled with the extensive network of roads that characterizes the state, is the predominant means of communication in Uttaranchal. The main railway stations of Uttaranchal are Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam which receive and see off a number of express, super fast and passenger trains from and to a number of the cities of India. By Road :- Home to an extensive network of roads, Uttaranchal is well-connected to almost all the parts of the country, by its well-maintained roads. |
New Delhi
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Orissa
Tours to Mumbai - India
Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, has many sobriquets- one being the city of dreams. A city filled with excitement and vigour, a holiday in Mumbai (Bombay) India definitely ignites the spark in a person, that spark which one often tends to lose in the race against time as one shuttles between office, work and a galore of responsibilities. Mumbai (Bombay) India is called the city of dreams because every person who enters Bombay does so with a dream in his heart- most often the dream is to become a famous actor as this is the city which breeds aspiring as well as established stars of the Indian film industry A holiday in Bombay with a stay in any of hotels in Bombay can vary from person to person, depending on what the tourist is exactly looking for. If it is for some quiet moments with oneself while listening to the waves crashing against the rocks...it is possible in Bombay. Or if you are looking for simply letting down your hair and partying the whole night,Mumbai has all the arrangements for such parties and fun. So a holiday in Mumbai is what should definitely figure next in your tour-itinerary. |
Dubai
- The Golden City and the City of Gold .
Dubai image courtsey: am.joneslanglasalle.com
Dubai image courtsey: atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com
In fact the duty free trade allowed for gold was the beginning of the whole story, a story how a place once entirely depended upon its oil reserves for a livelihood transformed in to world’s shopping mall. Tons of gold were freely traded in Dubai ’s duty free markets like coal or iron ore! Still gold is traded in huge quantity but as the GDP of the nation has grown leaps and bounds, gold’s share has become less significant in comparison.
It is not only gold that had lost its glitter in the sparkle of this city, oil once formed the bread and butter of the nation has been reduced to a mere 6% contributor to Dubai ’s economy. The booming real estate market riding piggy-back on the booming financial activities IT, biotech, tourism and banking is showing only accelerations in its pace ever since. A far-sighted ruler and stable policies adopted for governance is here to lift this part of the land to the level of a paradise of the earth.
Dubai hydropolis image courtsey: bulgarian-estate.net
Almost all the giants of technology like Microsoft, Oracle Corporation, and the media biggies like CNN, Associated Press, Reuters, MBC, ARY etc are here to add Opportunities along with glitter and glamour. The peace and tranquility available here being rare commodity make them stick to this land and grow bigger day by day.
Dubai Sports City image courtsey: linternaute.com
The sky-scrapers that stand tall throughout the designated areas are virtual goldmines for the occupants and those who have invested their fortune in them has minted money beyond their dreams, they still stick on as being there promise more and more.
Along with these expats the land also has gained, Dubai gave so much for its citizens much more than any nation that has given for its people. This tremendous value addition would never have been possible but for the strenuous efforts of the expatriates. This was just a give and take situation both for Dubai and the Expats! A situation no nation could ever create in such a massive scale.
The tourism potential Dubai offers is only started to bloom. It is not just the glitter that attracts tourists in flocks, being the most happening place in the world; business opportunities beckon high-flying execs along with deal makers who find it as a safe and secure place to do business. The shopping crazy families are the most contributing factor to theDubai ’s wealth; they hunt for bargains and only to return when purses are empty. The almost perfect law and order that prevails offer to travel, shop, do business, live or work.
Dubai Fairmont Emirates Tower image courtsey: arabskeemiraty.com
Burjat Arab is the tallest hotel in the world, Dubai port is the biggest man-made port in the world, the “Business Bay” which will be completed in 2008 will house 500 sky-scrapers all ultra-modern and iconic, built around the artificial extension of the Dubai-creek which is more than twice the size of Washington DC and about ten times that of Manhattan.
The dream city is not content with what it has already gained; lack of space is no problem as there is a lot of sea around! Sea is being reclaimed in scale previously unheard of. The offshre Palm-islands is shaped as a giant palm that has fallen in to the sea, with sea as the back-ground it is not just an architectural marvel but a model for the whole to see and wonder.
World would have been a far better place to live in, if at least one or more rulers of some big nations could emulate the Sheikh of Dubai as a model. Seeing Dubai it is felt that Prosperity has no upper ceiling, it is limited only by ruler’s power to dream, bigger and more glittering his dream better the nation. Let us hope a time will come when our own rulers will start dreaming it big!
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Kerala... God's Own Country
The small state of Kerala, which represents just 1% of the land mass, is considered to be one of India's most beautiful state. It is a very rural state with most of the population living in villages but is culturally and scenically diverse. Kerala has two national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries and two bird sanctuaries. Kerala occupies a long (550km), narrow strip of land in the far south of India. Its coastline is on the Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) and its eastern border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu is the top of the majestic Western Ghat mountains. The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters. The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a strong culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique. We prepare customised Kerala Tourism Packages by combining the attractive places and exotic Resorts in Kerala. Information about Kerala Tourism, Kerala Tourist Places, Kerala vacation, Kerala Visit and customised packages |
Kerala Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the vedic system of health care that developed in India over 5000 years ago.This ancient science is health specific, not disease specific and takes into account the patients entire personality - body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is based on the ancient wisdom of good living. Thus, Ayurveda is defined as the Science of life. It uses herbs and oils to heal and rejuvenate,and thus restore balance and good health. Keralas equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurvedas curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine focussed on holistic treatment and stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since. Today, its a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your bodys humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. This makes it the natural way to rejuvenation, eliminating all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regaining resistance and good health. |
Saturday, 13 February 2010
TAJ MAHAL
Agra: Attractions and more... |
The Taj Mahal is an extravagant monument, world renowned as a tourist spot for its stunning display of architecture, gardens and much more. Tourists from all over the world over visit this heritage site; it has also been listed in theGuinness Book of World Recordsas an architectural wonder. The Agra Fort is an amalgamation of stunning walls, marvellous mosques and scenic gardens. The significant buildings in the fort are the Pearl Mosque, Jehangir’s Palace, and the Sheesh Mahal. Fatehpur Sikri is a world heritage site consisting of many forts and old structures. Built in the Mughal era, it is still an epitome of beauty and charm. The Buland Darwaza and the dargah of Salim Chistiare the most prominent attractions within this site. Sikandra, Emperor Akbar’s tomb, is a beautiful construction which is set amidst an evergreen garden. This architectural masterpiece is visited by thousands of tourists yearly |
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Kerala Monuments
Kerala is not only about cool coconut groves and lush paddy fields, palm fringed beaches and emerald backwaters, verdant hills and rain forests, but much more.It is also a treasure trove of architectural monuments. The state has a great composite culture, enriched by three main religions – Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Hinduism is practised by majority of the population while Christianity figures one fourth of the total population. Islam was introduced by Arab traders in the 7th century. These communities have greatly contributed to the monumental wealth of the state in terms of its history and culture.Some of the great architectural treasures of the state like the beautiful wooden palace at Padmanabhapuramand the 16th century Jewish synagogue at Fort Kochi are marvellous tourist attractions and are worth visiting. The different monuments of Kerala symbolic of its art and architecture that stand in between the golden palm beaches, the serene lagoons and the pristine hills offer every tourist in Kerala a spectacular sight. The massive forts, once a witness to the chaos of sprawling powers and kingdoms stand silently as an acknowledgment of the past glory. The temples and churches are also reminiscent of the elegance and prosperity of a bygone era |
Enjoy your honeymoon in Kerala
Planning for a holiday of Honeymoon in Kerala? It is beautiful state in India to leave the romantic honeymoon. The state provides some of the romantic setting and the positions on the globe over. The state is decorated by the comforting beauty of the eye, and new beaches, mountains of veneered fog, picturesque beaches, fields of emerald cushion, historic monuments and loteia a more natural beauty. The state is decorated with immense natural beauty that makes it a heavenly place for the newly wedded pair celebrate their holiday of Honeymoon in a romantic way. Celebrating the honeymoon in this beautiful place is the dream come true for thousands and millions of pairs. The hundreds of thousands each year and the pair of newly wedded entire globe come here to celebrate their holiday of Honeymoon in Kerala. Kerala has some of the thinnest point of the world that is unique to other places in the world. Most charming of all the state Kerala is endowed with immense natural beauty. It seems that nature has taken the words to remain forever the evergreen, beautiful and refreshing in Kerala. Come to Kerala for a vacation of the moon of honey and give it a romantic state recently married life. It is the popular destination of India moon of honey to celebrate a honeymoon vacation from time to understand it and feelings and to do it with love. There are several romantic destinations in Kerala which provide the solitude to enjoy your vacation the pairs of the moon of honey in a delicious way. Tides of Kerala: The tides are the original destination of Kerala are warm and charming and peer into your favorite holiday of the honeymoon. The tides are enchantingly beautiful ambiance and provide a complete holiday for romantic. The tides of Kerala are a large network of scenic lakes, ponds, rivers, channels, inputs and water bodies. The pair love to enjoy the cruise houseboat to explore the charm and beauty of the trip so comforting and lovely. A houseboat stay provides the pair to enjoy your holiday of Honeymoon in a romantic and delicious way. The houseboat of Kerala is exquisitely designed and furnished with modern courtesies provide the full ambiance of the sky in your honey moon of Kerala. Beaches of Kerala: The beaches of Kerala are the most romantic destination and most preferred the honey moon of the pairs. Dotted with palm trees to balance the views picturesque beaches with a backdrop of blue sky in Kerala are famous worldwide for its natural beauty and serenity. Some of the finest beaches in the world are in Kerala and are unique to the rest of the beaches in the world. The beaches allow peers to judge their tour of Kerala Honeymoon in some ways more memorable. Spend a romantic time with your loved enjoying the serene beauty of beaches and activities of the beach and make the honeymoon in Kerala the most memorable moments of his life. The hill stations of Kerala: The hill stations of Kerala are also the preferred destination for honey moon in Kerala. The hill stations of the state is endowed with unique natural beauty, spreading of tea gardens, waterfalls whitewater that is the most romantic and charming. The pair can enjoy the full ambiance of Munn that roam the beautiful landscape of the hill stations of Kerala. Take a memorable walk along with her husband in spreading gardens of tea, surfing the perfumed air, take the scenic beauty and have a romantic conversation as you go on. The pairs can enjoy your romantic moments in the beautiful hill stations of Kerala and to estimate their Honeymoon tours to Kerala life. |
Sunday, 7 February 2010
:: Kerala Destintaion
About kerala
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination in Asia. An equiable climate. A long shore line with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald Backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wild life, Waterfalls. Sparwling plantations and paddy fields.Ayurvedic health holydays. Enchanting art forms.Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments
Area
38,863 sq km, which is 1.27% of India's total land area and is located at the Southwest tip of the India's main land
Climate
Weather - Tropical
Summer - February - May[24 - 33 degree celsius]
Monsoon - June - September [22 - 27 degree celsius
Winter - October-January [22 - 32 degree celsius]
High Season - December-May
Backwaters and Houseboats Kerala
Kerala backwaters are a unique nature and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The Canals connect the villages together and still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Kerala Beaches
Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever Cochin - The commercial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Cochin in Ernakulam is also known as "Queen of Arabian Sea" is one of the finest natural harbours in the World. This was one of the major centers for commerce and trade with British, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch etc. Sightseeing of Cochin - visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Hillstations
Munnar - Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. 1600 Meter above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantation picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facility makes this a popular town. Local sightseeing of Munnar - visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were you can visit the rarest species know as "Nilgiri Tars."
Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating wild life reserves, the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread across 777 Sq. KM. of which 360 Sq. KM is thick ever green forest. The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty. Optional activities - Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit, Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant Ride can be done on an extra cost. on arrival check into Hotel. Afternoon proceed for local sightseeing in and around Thekkady.
Kumarakom - A vibrant backwater hamlet, Kumarakom is a tiny hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake - a stretch of backwater spread over 900 sq. kms. The hamlet clings to tradition and the local population prefers to live adhering to their old ways. Yet every modern amenity is available with adash of tradition and culture interwoven in to the fabric of everyday life and its truly fascinating to observe as you glide past them in your canoe, motor boat or houseboat a perfect example of give and take with mother nature....naturally. on arrival check into Houseboat . Overnight stay in Houseboat.
Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km - visit Padmanabhaswami Temple, Srichitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum and Zoo. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination in Asia. An equiable climate. A long shore line with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald Backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wild life, Waterfalls. Sparwling plantations and paddy fields.Ayurvedic health holydays. Enchanting art forms.Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments
Area
38,863 sq km, which is 1.27% of India's total land area and is located at the Southwest tip of the India's main land
Climate
Weather - Tropical
Summer - February - May[24 - 33 degree celsius]
Monsoon - June - September [22 - 27 degree celsius
Winter - October-January [22 - 32 degree celsius]
High Season - December-May
Backwaters and Houseboats Kerala
Kerala backwaters are a unique nature and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The Canals connect the villages together and still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Kerala Beaches
Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever Cochin - The commercial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Cochin in Ernakulam is also known as "Queen of Arabian Sea" is one of the finest natural harbours in the World. This was one of the major centers for commerce and trade with British, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch etc. Sightseeing of Cochin - visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Hillstations
Munnar - Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. 1600 Meter above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantation picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facility makes this a popular town. Local sightseeing of Munnar - visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were you can visit the rarest species know as "Nilgiri Tars."
Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating wild life reserves, the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread across 777 Sq. KM. of which 360 Sq. KM is thick ever green forest. The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty. Optional activities - Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit, Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant Ride can be done on an extra cost. on arrival check into Hotel. Afternoon proceed for local sightseeing in and around Thekkady.
Kumarakom - A vibrant backwater hamlet, Kumarakom is a tiny hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake - a stretch of backwater spread over 900 sq. kms. The hamlet clings to tradition and the local population prefers to live adhering to their old ways. Yet every modern amenity is available with adash of tradition and culture interwoven in to the fabric of everyday life and its truly fascinating to observe as you glide past them in your canoe, motor boat or houseboat a perfect example of give and take with mother nature....naturally. on arrival check into Houseboat . Overnight stay in Houseboat.
Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km - visit Padmanabhaswami Temple, Srichitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum and Zoo. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
KERALA VACATION
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Ernakulam
Ernakulam is known for offering visitors a variety of sea food specialities at most of its restaurants. Seafood is cooked in many methods using coconut milk, wrapping the fish in a banana leaf or simply frying the fish with lots of spices.There is a special clay pot used for cooking fish or prawn curries in the authentic Kerala style. It is called Meen Chatti and a minimum of 2 pots are found in every fish eating household.
A Chatti is an eathernware round pot with a curvy base, usually red or black in color. A new chatti has to be treated before it can be used. It is held over a hot stove for sometime then filled with hot starch water for days before it can be used for cooking.
A fruit “Gambooge” is used for preparing fish curries. It is called Koddum Puli in the native language Malayalam. It is basically added for flavour and to give a sour taste to the fish curries. Koddum Pulli is a fruit which is yellowish in color. It is dried in the hot sun till it turns black and then used for cooking. It is either shredded into small pieces or used as a whole piece and soaked in a bowl of warm water, to be squeezed and the essence collected before using it in the curry.
Coconut milk is used , though as an optional item. You do not need this for a simple fish or prawn curry. However, there are some dishes you need to use coconut milk for. Coconut milk is extracted from fresh coconuts. The coconut is first broken into two equal halves which are then grated into shreds.The shreds are then squeezed to extract the milk. Coconut milk is again separated into 2 kinds. The thick milk and the thin milk. The thin milk is added first and then the thick milk is added, just towards the end of cooking so that it does not curdle.
Spices are an essential ingredient for sea food recipes. The main spices required for seafood preparation are turmeric, black peppercorns, coriander powder, rock salt, red chilli powder, fenugreek powder and ginger-garlic paste.
Shallots, curry leaves and green chillies are also used for marination paste and to thicken the gravy for sea food items. Shallots are tiny reddish onions, smaller than the normal onion and extensively used in Kerala non vegetarian cooking for garnishing
Malappuram
The very mention of Malappuram is enough to make the foodie traveller’s mouth water! Malappuram is known for its established restaurants that offer multi-cuisine food and the trendy wayside eateries offering local delicacies.The cuisine is mostly non-vegetarian especially rich in mutton, pork and beef.
The menu in hotels and restaurants at Malappuram serves multi cuisine delicacies. The menu ranges from Indian, to south Indian to Kerala cuisine. All three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner include both vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisine. Malappuram is the centre of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment. It is home to the well-known Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, a pioneer in the indigenous system of health and medicine. It is also a religious learning center.
Malappuram has made significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for the learning of Vedic Islamic philosophy. The temples and the mosques of this district are well-known for their spectacular festivals. Historic monuments, natural attractions, ritual art forms, ethnic cuisine and age-old traditions make Malappuram a unique destination for travelers.
A perfect blend of different kinds of beauty, Malappuram is one of the favored tourist destinations among the tourists. The vibrant beauty has crafted an important position for the place in the tourist map of Kerala. It is like Gods own dwelling place in Gods own country. The place is synonymous with serenity, tranquility and calmness. The picturesque landscapes and the rich heritage make it a must visit place for those who love a fine blend of nature and history.
Palakkad
Palakkad is home to a thriving Tamilian community. Palakkad Tamilians have evolved a distinct cultural tradition of their own, which represents a mixture of the best Tamil and Keralite traditions. Palakkad Tamils have also evolved their own style of cookery. Palakkad cuisine is a very local tradition, and most of the home recipes remain secluded within the family and are passed on from generation to generation.
Palakkad brahmins follow their own culture which is unique and unforgettable.Even the menfolk there are good cooks and have no problem managing on their own. The city serves some of the best recipes of the world. The people of Palakkad are vegetarians but there are some non vegetarians too. Their staple food is rice. Rasam, Sambhar, Koottucurry,Injippuli, and varieties of pickles and “vatthals” are popular here. Madhura dosa, Ada,Vatthal Kozhambu, Kozhukkatta, Sukhiyan etc form the special delicacies of the place.
The special recipes are served on special occasions such as weddings, religious functions and get-togethers.Some of the most popular vegetarian dishes are Olan, Rasakalan, Kalan, Erisseri, varieties of Prathamans, Pulingari Mulagoshiam and Molaguvellam which is nothing but mulligatawny.
These recipes are mainly cooked with coconut oils and coconut pieces. Rice powder is a common agent of thickening the dishes and Tuvar dal is used normally with all the dishes. Green chilies are commonly used to spice up the recipe.Sweetmeats like Laddu, Boondi, Ravakesari, Mysorepak and Jalebi, as well as snacks like Thatta, Ribbon Pokkavada, Murukku and Cheeda form the favourite food items which are used on all occasions.
These recipes are mainly cooked with coconut oils and coconut pieces. Rice powder is a common agent of thickening the dishes and Tuvar dal is used normally with all the dishes. Green chilies are commonly used to spice up the recipe.Sweetmeats like Laddu, Boondi, Ravakesari, Mysorepak and Jalebi, as well as snacks like Thatta, Ribbon Pokkavada, Murukku and Cheeda form the favourite food items which are used on all occasions.
Nellikka arachu kalakki, Pavakka pitla, Arachchuvitta sambhar, Rasavangi, Palada pradhaman, Idichchupizhinja payasam, etc are exclusive Palakkadan items, authentic pattar dishes that taste delicious!Why, did you know that even the ubiquitous masala dosa is an authentic pattar dish?!
The food here is closely linked with the history of Palakkad community and the traditions associated with the community. Even the cooking of other communities like Palakkad chettiars are influenced by the traditional Tamilian way of cooking
The food here is closely linked with the history of Palakkad community and the traditions associated with the community. Even the cooking of other communities like Palakkad chettiars are influenced by the traditional Tamilian way of cooking
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