Monday, 12 August 2019

Six Fascinating Activities for the Honeymooners Coming to Kerala


Honeymoon is the first-ever journey together of a recently married husband and wife. When exploring a place together, they are actually getting a chance to explore each other. Sparks are supposed to fly between them and it is in fact the most beautiful phase of married life. Usually, a honeymoon is considered as spending some quality time in any scenically beautiful place together. But then, how about coupling it with some adventure too? Now you will be thinking that I am talking about visiting multiple destinations and that it’s certainly going to cost you quite a lot of pennies. But no, I'm talking about the 'God's Own Country', Kerala, the land that is blessed with majestic mountains, pristine backwaters and serene beaches.  In fact, Kerala being one of the smallest states, you will be able to cover all of the varied landscapes in a short span of time and this makes Kerala, a perfect destination for honeymooners. You will be able to trek, swim, surf, go on long beach walks and even enjoy some adventure sports together, all the while unearthing a new trait of your partner. No wonder, Kerala honeymoon packages are the most sought after in the tourism industry.
Although there are a lot of fascinating activities available for the newlywed couples in Kerala, the best ones are listed below :

1. Create Some Honeymoon Souvenirs in Munnar

Kerala Honeymoon Packages
Munnar, the tea garden of Kerala is the most popular hill station in the Western Ghats. The scenic beauty of Munnar is beyond words that its visitors simply get spellbound. The hills overlaid with emerald green tea shrubs is such a beautiful view and the best way to enjoy it is by going on a walk through its valleys and meadows hand in hand, admiring the natural beauty of it. In fact, it would also give a chance to click plenty of pictures that are going to last as some honeymoon souvenirs. Apart from the alluring hills, Munnar is also blessed with many other tourist attractions such as the Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Tata Tea Museum.

2. Catch a Glimpse of Both of You Inside a Perfectly Heart-Shaped Pond

Honeymoon Packages in Kerala
Have you ever thought that the mother nature would carve a heart-shaped pond in one of its tall mountains where clouds float aimlessly and mist rolls in and out? The Chembra Peak in Wayanad is literally a wonder. You can embark on a trekking tour with your partner and midway through you will see this beautiful pond studded into the lush green valley. The water in it is so clear that it gives out life-like reflections. You and your significant other can definitely throw some poses upon the mirror-like pond and have some fun time. However, Wayanad is not just about the Chembra Peak, being rich in flora and fauna have given rise to some very interesting bird sanctuaries and national parks too. Kuruvadweep, Pookot Lake, Edakkal Caves are the other spots worth visiting.

3. Cruising the Backwaters

Kerala tourism honeymoon packages
Kerala has become epitome to backwaters. Ashtamudi and Vembanad are the most famous ones. The backwaters flow through the centre of Kerala all through its length. The silver waters keep sparkling in the sunlight and the lush greenery in its banks add colour to it. Also, it often seems that the birds are a little extra chatty around the backwaters that their chirping keeps dominating the otherwise quiet backwaters. Ashtamudi is the one to visit if your tour starts from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. In fact, in a birds-eye-view, the Ashtamudi Lake looks like an octopus with its eight hands spread wide. In Sanskrit, ‘Ashta’ means eight and ‘Mudi’ means cone. Thus the eight coned lake is named as Ashtamudi. However, if you are starting your tour from Cochin International Airport, Vembanad backwaters would be the convenient one to visit.  Nevertheless, both of them are so charming that people love sailing quietly through a houseboat through the backwaters occasionally taking note of the sleepy villages and getting replenished by the cool crisp breezes blowing from it. The houseboat usually halts its journey for some time in the noon giving a chance for the tourists to stroll through the laid back villages and even try some locally prepared seafood in toddy shops that are very common in such places. Toddy is actually an indigenous alcoholic drink fermented out of coconut palms. You can try some toddy also if you like it. But one thing to note now is that locals around Ashtamudi and Vembanad are so used to tourists that there will be small shops selling souvenirs, street food stalls etc. and it may seem a little touristy. However, if you prefer a rather untouched spot, then Valiyaparamba is your solution. Valiyaparamba is actually an Island in Northern Kerala with backwaters on one side and beach on the other. The Island is very sparsely populated and its beauty and serenity still remain so unblemished.

4. Take a Dip in the Niagra of India

honeymoon tour packages in Kerala
The enchanting waterfall of Athirappilly is nicknamed as the 'Niagra of India'. The vast waterfalls will definitely struck you in awe and the cool crisp waters flowing out of it will tempt you instantly to take a dip in it. However, the best way to make the most out of this spot is to book a tree house facing these waterfalls and enjoy the rumble, roar and view of the bewitching waterfalls. Just imagine how beautiful it would be for the honeymooners to wake up to the magnificent view of milky white water flowing amidst the thick forests.

5. Have a Candlelight Dinner at the Beach

Kerala honeymoon tour packages
Kerala is dotted with ample number of beaches all through its west coast. Kovalam and Varkala are the two beaches that are flooded with tourists and Marari Beach is the one that is gaining popularity at a fast pace. There are also many other beaches like Kappad, Bekal, Payyambalam etc. but no matter what all the beaches in Kerala have a special charm and grace. Soft beige sand meeting deep blue water watched down by coconut tree is the best place to enjoy a quiet candle light dinner with your beloved. Such a dinner may not be included in all the Kerala tour packages and you would probably need to add it at extra cost. However, Holiday Mango Travel, a very eminent tour operator provides Kerala honeymoon package including candlelight dinners at the beach.

6. Enjoy Some Adrenalin Rush

Kerala honeymoon tour package
Vagamon is yet another hill station in Kerala which offers adventure activities like ballooning and paragliding. You could fly over the green velvety hills of Vagamon and enjoy the wonderful view. 
So if you are looking for an amazing honeymoon, just approach a tour operator specialised in formulating Kerala tour packages and talk to them about ways to make your honeymoon magical. If Holiday Mango Travel is your choice, they will be providing a provision for customisation of tour packages too. Therefore, you can add or delete the tourist attractions of Kerala according to your likes.

Thursday, 1 August 2019

Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala


Kerala is chosen as the honeymoon spot by a large number of honeymoon couples. Ever wondered why? The answer would only be one, the mesmerizing flawless beauty of nature and loving natives. The state is blessed with many honeymoon sites some of them are very popular and some not. There are, yet, many places to be explored. Here is the list of few offbeat romantic places covered in Kerala honeymoon packages where the bride and groom can explore the enchanting beauty of nature. Couples can avail packages from travel partners based in Kerala like Holiday Mango Travel and enjoy their quality time with nature.

Nelliyampathy

Kerala honeymoon packages

Couples who can't afford a trip to Ooty can compensate for the loss by tripping to Nelliyampathy as it is known as 'poor man's Ooty'. Nelliyampathy is situated in Palakkad district. It is famous for its misty hills. It is also well known for it's coffee, orange and cardamom plantations. The mountainous terrain of the place is best for trekking and attracts trekkers all over the world. The journey from Palakkad to Nelliyampathy will give an enthralling experience as it consists of many hairpin bends. On the way from Palakkad town to Nelliyampathy, the first sightseeing attraction will be the Pothundi Dam. The dam grabs the attention of tourists as its foundation is made up of quicklime and jaggery. Many rare species of birds and animals like the ‘Great Pied Hornbill’; Nilgiri Flycatcher’ and the Lion-tailed Macaque can be seen in Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Paragliding is also practised here. Other sightseeing attractions are Seethargundu point- It is considered as sacred place as it is believed Ram, Sita and Laxman the main characters of the holy book Ramayan took a break during their 'vanavasa' period. Mampara Viewpoint in Raja’s Cliff gives a panoramic view of the entire town. For shopaholics, it is the perfect place to collect souvenirs like coir products, conch shells, pickles, pieces of ornaments made from seashells, wooden handicrafts, Kaanjeevaram saris, and home decors.

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore and Cochin airport.

When to visit:  January- May, October -December

Silent Valley


Honeymoon Packages in Kerala

Those couples who love nature and are interested to explore its enchanting beauty, the perfect place would be Silent Valley. It is positioned in Niligiri hills of Palakkad district. It is listed as the UNESCO world heritage site. Being the smallest park in the country,it is an assortment for a large number of endangered species of birds and wild animals including the lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur, common palm civet, fishing cat, small Indian civet, ruddy mongoose, otter, flying squirrel, and the Indian pangolin. Various kinds of plants and orchids can be seen at Nilgiri biosphere sanctuary. The symphonic calls of birds and animals give a fresh break from the hustle-bustle metro life. Nature walk, elephant safari and trekking to an extend can be practised here. Dhoni waterfalls and Palakkad fort are the other sightseeing attractions of the region. Couples can seek divine blessings from the Kalpathy temple. It is the best place to collect Palakkad specialities such as traditional bells, traditional lamps like nilavillakus, thooku villakus, peacock feather villakus, Travancore sarees, pieces of jewellery, ornaments and trinkets.

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore and Cochin airport.

When to visit: November- February

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Best Kerala Honeymoon Packages

Backwaters comprise several water bodies and flow through many districts. There are nearly 30-40 backwaters in Kerala and Valiyaparamba backwater is one among them. It mainly flows through the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is one of the unexploited virgin backwaters and it promises an exclusive private honeymoon. It is prominently known among tourists for its houseboat cruise. Inside the cruise, the couples would be treated with mesmerising cultural art forms and delicious traditional local foods. The nearby sightseeing spot is Bekel fort. It would be a mind-blowing experience if one visits the 300 years old Bekel fort where tourist would be entertained with the 'Theyyam' dance performance by the expert professional dancers. The 1100 years old Chandragiri fort and Bekel fort beach give the spectacular view of the sunset. Nileswaram is another most important place. It is well known for its unique tradition. The place got this name from ' Nilakanta Ishwar' or Lord Shiva. The Nileswaram palace attracts tourists over there. Couples can shop for coir and handcrafted products, conch shells, incense sticks, amulets and charms. Travel in cruises and boat trips are popularly practised by honeymooners.

Nearest railway station: Kanahangod and Kasargod

Nearest airport: Kannur and Mangalore.

When to visit: October- March

Chembra Peak

Kerala tourism honeymoon packages

Chembra Peak is considered one of the popular honeymoon destinations in the state and is an important part of many honeymoon packages in Kerala. It is the least touched, unspoilt place in Kerala. It is an awesome spot for the honeymooners as it assures an opportunity for exploring the beauty of nature. It also offers adventurous trips. Standing on the top of the Chembra, one can enjoy the flawless beauty of the entire city. Chembra peak is nestled in Wayanad district. Wayanad is enriched with various kinds of flora and fauna species. Tourists can see these species by trekking to Chembra peak and safari trek to Tholpetty and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary. Rafting will help you to understand the lifestyle of people living in small Islands nearby.  The district is well known for its tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The sightseeing spots located near to Chembra peak is Edakkal caves which show 300 years old rock paintings and offers delicious cave eateries. The surroundings and scenic views of Pookote lake and Meenamutty waterfalls will reinvigorate tourists. Visitors can buy homemade chocolates and food items and also handcrafts made out of coconut shells, cane, ivory, wood, metals and bamboo. 

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode

Nearest airport: Kozhikode

When to visit: October- March

Kuttikkanam

honeymoon tour packages in Kerala

Kuttikanam is one of the popular and attractive misty hill stations of Kerala. It is situated 1100m above sea level in Idukki district. Picturesque land, tea gardens and green meadows are the few factors which attract not only the common people but also the Britishers and royal family in olden days. They selected this place as one of the summer retreats and built a palace called -Ammachi Kottaram. This palace is captivating tourists now. The place is thickly populated with pine trees in an area of 100 acres. Travellers always choose these pine forests for relaxing and resting during summer and winter seasons. Near to Kuttikanam is Pallikunu, which is well known for a British cemetery built-in 1869. It is believed that Col. John Daniel Munro, a Scottish soldier and an officer in the British Army was buried in this cemetery with his white female horse. Not far from Kuttikanam is Peermade town. The place got the name in the remembrance of Sufi saint, Peer Muhammad. He was a close friend of the Travancore royal family. Tourists can buy coffee and tea leaves from the streets of Kuttikanam. Trekking and nature walk is also practised here.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam

Nearest airport: Cochin

When to visit: Monsoon and Summer seasons.







Sunday, 9 December 2018

PATHANAMTHITTA- THE LAND OF RUSTIC CHARMS AND GRACE

God’s own country, Kerala is a land that is immensely blessed by the charms of Nature. One can see Nature in varied forms in this tiny coastal state that is the very tip of India. Flanked by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the geographical position of Kerala by itself promises great sights to the travellers. From chilly hill stations that are adorned by luscious greenery to beaches with sands that glitter golden, the southern state of India has everything that will fill the minds of travellers. Kerala has reached a new level where it has become one of the most loved tourist destinations in the world. Kerala is home to 14 beautiful districts. Every district has its unique charm and grace. Pathanamthitta is one of the 14 districts that have a great historical significance as a tourist site. Pathanamthitta is a district that is situated in the southern part of India. There are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta namely, Thiruvalla, Pandalam, Adoor and Pathanamthitta. The headquarters of the district is the town of Pathanamthitta. It houses a lot of waterfalls, religious destinations and historical sights. Travellers love Pathanamthitta and the graph of Kerala tourism is proving it. Travel planners in Kerala, like Holiday Mango, offer specific tour packages to Pathanamthitta ranging from Honeymoon tour packages to family packages. Pathanamthitta is a unique destination and is ideal for honeymoon couples who wish for a quiet happy time.

    Konni Elephant Training Centre: Elephant is the most popular animal of Kerala. The natives love elephants. In fact, who doesn’t love elephants? Konni is a beautiful place surrounded by dense forests. It is situated 11 km away from the town of Pathanamthitta. Konni has the largest population of wild elephants in the entire state. Here, you get a chance to witness how elephants are tamed. Many attractive adventurous tourist activities are conducted in Konni. You also get a chance to try out the elephant safari in Konni Elephant Training Centre. The centre houses a large wooden cage; in fact, not large but the humungous cage that can accommodate at least three to four elephants. The cage is locally known as the ‘aanakoodu’ and is one of the major attractions of the training centre. Konni is one of the best tourist destinations for families to enjoy. Konni is one of the best tourist destinations in the district of Pathanamthitta and should not be missed if you are an ardent elephant lover.



    Gavi: Gavi is a village that is worth visiting. Situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Gavi is one of the best destinations that promote eco-tourism. Gavi has a lot of specialities. It is a part of the Ranni Reserve Forest as well as the Periyar Tiger Reserve due to which it houses a large variety of flora and fauna. While in Gavi, you might get a chance to encounter some rare species of animals like the tigers, sambars, barking deer, Indian Gaurs and Nilgiri Martens. Gavi is also home to Gopher trees. You can only find two gopher trees in the entire country and both the trees belong to Gavi. The Forest Department of Kerala offers a lot of tourist activities for the travellers visiting Gavi. Tourists can indulge in activities like a Nature walk, spice garden visits and bird watching. Another interesting fact about Gavi is that it has a pleasant cool climate even during the summer. If you are a nature lover, you should definitely visit Gavi for you are going to love the place like no other. Gavi is a perfect place for honeymooners. The profound serenity that the place offers is quite magical. Do add this in your honeymoon tour package to Kerala to enjoy the most romantic moments with your soul mate.




   Aruvikkuzhy Waterfall: Aruvikuzhy Waterfall is one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations located in Pathanamthitta, You should not confuse this with the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall in Kottayam. Located almost 7km from Kozhancherry and 2km from Thadiyoor in Pathanamthitta, the waterfall is one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. In the native language Malayalam, Aruvikkuzhy means ‘deep streams of water’. Many streams join together to form this amazing waterfall. Aruvikkuzhy is a well-known movie location spot as well. Due to the mesmerizing scenic beauty offered by the waterfalls, it is often selected as the ideal spot to shoot song sequences for movies.




   Aranmula: Situated around 15 km from the Pathanamthitta town, Aranmula is a temple town located near the banks of the sacred river Pamba. The town gets its name from the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple that is centuries old. Aranmula is well-known amongst the natives of Kerala for the ‘Aranmula Vellamkali’, an annual boat race that has millions of fans in Kerala. Another important part of Arunmula is the souvenir called ‘Aranmula Kannadi’ that is a handcrafted metal alloy mirror. Aranmula Kottaram is another tourist attraction of the area. Yet another speciality of the town is the fact that UN has enlisted the village as a global heritage site. You should not miss this village for anything as it offers spectacular scenic beauty and the variety of flora and fauna found in the area is another commendable part.



   Muloor Smarakam: Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker was one of the most influential poet and social reformer of the pre-independence era. The Muloor Smarakam has been built as a tribute to the great poet. The Muloor Smarakam is located in a village named Elavamthitta that is around 12km from Pathanamthitta town. The house where the memorial stands were the house of Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker. It was later converted to Muloor Smarakum by the Culture of Kerala State Government. The historical significance and the rural beauty that the area withholds attracts loads of visitors every year especially poets and writers. The apt time to visit the Muloor Smarakam will be from October to February. You can also learn more about mural paintings and ‘vasthuvidya’ as you visit the place.







   Perunthenaruvi Falls: Perunthenaruvi Falls is yet another honeymoon spot that will blow your mind. The thunderous waterfalls gushing out adds to the beauty and provides a very serene atmosphere that makes the romantic soul happy. The waterfall adorns the banks of the Pamba river and is located at a distance of 28 km from Pathanamthitta. Actually, the name Perunthenaruvi means ‘honey stream’ in the local language. This stunning waterfall is equally popular among the domestic and foreign tourists. The water falls from a height of 60 to 100ft and falls into a cool pool that eventually flows down as multiple streams. You could spend an entire day amidst the falls where you can indulge in a fun time with your loved ones. Perunthenaruvi Falls should be added into your itinerary to Pathanamthitta.






   Pandalam Palace: Pandalam Palace is one of those places that have great historical as well as religious importance. The connection has with Sabarimala, one of the most important religious destinations in Kerala makes it all the more important. It is said that the ancestors of Lord Ayyappa, the deity of Sabarimala, was from the Pandalam Palace. In fact, the myths also say that Lord Ayyappa was the descendant to the throne of Pandalam. The palace is situated 10 km away from one of the most popular towns of Pathanamthitta, Adoor and is situated in the banks of Achankovil. Though a major part of the palace has been ruined by flood and other natural calamities, a part of it which consists of two complexes that are essentially temples which are the Valiyakoikkal Temple and the Kaipuzha Temple. Both the temples are separated by a distance of 1km. Pandalam Palace is one of the most important tourist attractions of Pathanamthitta. Every year thousands of tourists, especially the devotees of Lord Ayyappa visit the palace in large numbers.


    Kakki Reservoir: Kakki Reservoir is one stunning sight as you see from a distance. The sprawling body of water with slight ripples, bordered by luscious greenery in the backdrop of the serene sky that splashes a blue-grey shade everywhere. Truly, one of the best sights to behold. The Kakki Reservoir is a dam that has been built across the river Pamba and is situated at a distance of 70km from the town of Pathanamthitta. The reservoir is surrounded by extreme beauty of the valleys and the forests that houses a large variety of flora and fauna. You may have a chance to encounter elephants, deer and tigers in the forests that surround the reservoir. The apt time to visit the reservoir would be from January to May. Since there is a scarcity of public vehicles to the destination, it is best to reach the place via a private vehicle. Kakki Reservoir makes for a great honeymoon destination due to its serene surroundings.


    Kaviyoor Rock Cut Temple: Rock cut temples are always a source of curiosity. Kaviyoor Rock Cut Temple is one of a kind and is a very important site in Kerala. It is one of the three rock-cut caves temples in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. A Siva Linga which is almost 3 feet high is enshrined in the cave temple along with idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas. The temple is said to be constructed in the 8th century, in the Pallava style architecture on the banks of River Manimala, which is why it has a huge historical and architectural significance. The Kaviyoor Rock Cut Temple is located at a distance of 28 km from the town of Pathanamthitta. You can approach the temple both by private and public transports.




Thursday, 12 July 2018

Munnar - the Romantic Hub of Kerala

Kerala tour packages
Munnar- the Romantic Hub of Kerala

Munnar has become the very soul of Kerala tourism within the last few decades, that the moment they hear Kerala, the next word that comes from the tourists is 'Munnar'. Being, the ultimate romantic spot for a honeymoon, the majority of the tourists are honeymooners. We had also spent our honeymoon in Munnar last year. We had opted for a honeymoon package to Kerala from the popular travel operator, Holiday Mango Travel. Compared all the other packages that we went through, we found this package particularly useful and cheap as well. We had gone to Kerala during the month of November and needless to say it was quite cold in Munnar.

We arrived by 11 in the morning and were collected from the airport by a representative of our travel partner. They dropped us at our resort for refreshing ourselves. We took a quick shower, had a light breakfast and set out all excited to commence our tour of Munnar. Our driver drove us through picturesque locations and we truly felt that Kerala has been blessed abundantly by the Mother Nature. It was greenery all around and this was so soothing to our eyes which had been tired of the smoke and dust from the city. We had almost forgotten that such beautiful places even existed in the face of Earth.

Mattupetty Dam - The Crowd Puller of Munnar


Our first destination was the Mattupetty Dam, which was one of the major tourist attractions of Munnar. The Mattupetty Dam which is situated 13km away from the Munnar town is a splendid tourist spot. The dam is located in a picturesque spot next to dense forests and a dairy farm which is run by Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. The dam is 100 meters high from the sea level, yes it is quite high. The lake surrounding the dam has a crystal clear blue color to it and is ideal for boating and other fun-filled activities. We could see a lot of honeymooners like us enjoying a cruise through the lake. The dense forest and the beauty of the lake is just an amazing combination. The serenity of the area should be mentioned here. I have never felt more peaceful in my life before. The light breeze brushing your hair and the great flock of white birds adorning the sky is simply wonderful. You could get lost in the beauty of the place and spend hours just gazing at the scenic beauty it offers. Afterwards, we even visited the dairy farm which housed a good number of cows which were from different breeds.


The Tea Garden and the Tea Museum of Munnar


Whenever I heard Munnar, the first thing that I would think of is lush and plush tea gardens of Munnar that they would display on the Internet. I was very excited when I heard that we would be going to explore the tea gardens and The Tea Museum next. On the way to the garden, I could see lines of tea pickers walking through the very beautiful landscapes. I was struck by the beauty of the tea gardens. The pictures literally said nothing. The sprawling gardens were much more beautiful than the pictures and it made our honeymoon trip even more beautiful.

After a while, we went to the famous Tea Museum in Munnar. The Museum housed a variety of artefacts, pieces of machinery and photographs which narrated the story of the tea plantations, how it started and how it flourished in Munnar. The visit to the museum proved to be very informative. Do visit this museum located in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea once you come on your honeymoon trip to Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park


Our next trip as per our honeymoon package was to the very famous Eravikulam National Park of Munnar. The Park is famous for housing endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and various other rare species of animals, birds and butterflies. The Eravikulam National Park spreads up to 97 sq.km. We went for a safari through the vast expanse and had the chance to meet a wide variety of plants and animals. The park is also famous for the Neelakurinji Flowers. The beautiful purple flowers that bloom just once in twelve years and carpets the hill slopes with a beautiful purple shade. Well, unfortunately, the Neelakurinji would bloom only two years from then and we weren't lucky enough to see the Neelakurinji flowers. But we promised ourselves we would be here in Munnar, the next time the Neelakurinji blooms. The Eravikulam National Park is a great spot for trekking as well. It also offers beautiful scenery of lush green tea gardens too.

Anamudi Peak of Eravikulam


A tour of the Eravikulam National Park is never complete without a visit to the splendid Anamudi Peak. The Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and the peak standing strong and touching the azure sky is one great sight to watch. We also did a bit of trekking after being permitted to do so by the Forest and Wildlife Authorities of Eravikulam.

Well, after all this sightseeing and activities, it was time for us to head back to our resort, located in the Munnar city. After a while, we were entitled to a candle-light dinner in our resort. Needless to say, we had a very romantic candlelight dinner, under the night sky of Munnar, which completed our honeymoon tour. The dishes were extremely delicious and all of them were the local delicacies like steamed rice and fish, stewed chicken and appam and payasam for dessert.

We did have a great honeymoon, sightseeing Munnar and trust me when I say this place has been exceptionally beautiful and the people here are very warm and friendly too. The misty hill ranges covered with greenery and touching the sky is beautiful and you could keep looking at it for hours. The natural beauty of Munnar is phenomenal, a total stress buster and rejuvenating experience. We had a wonderful time in Munnar and can't wait for the Neelakurinji to bloom so that we can go back to Munnar and experience the wonderful moment. Here's what I suggest. Book a tour package to Kerala and spend a beautiful honeymoon in Munnar, the romantic hub of Kerala.

Sunday, 3 June 2018

Togetherness Spent in the Arms of Nature at Kerala

Touring has always been the one thing that has excited me to the core and the anxiety of choosing the place always goes on no matter what sort of travel I am bound on. Marriage was yet another way through which a beautiful travel could be made. And all sort of excitement had been powering on as I was awaiting a surprise regarding the place we had been visiting. The husband had been getting everything ready and all I had to do was pack my bags and get ready to take the travel. And as anticipated, the day came where we set off in our parents' car and they dropped us at the airport. The journey became the best when I realized from the airport that we had been on a Kerala honeymoon tour package from Jaipur and we were bound on a happy journey. We checked into the flight and the journey began from there where we had landed at Kozhikode International airport. From there we were taken care of by the driver who had been set up by Holiday Mango Travel with whom my husband had partnered in planning the right trip for us. 


Vythiri Village
He initially stopped at a place for our lunch where we relished some good amount of Biriyani. From there, the travel was long where we reached the major destination of our travel which was Wayanad. Vythiri was our stop where it was almost 7 pm when we had reached. We had no sightseeing in our plans for the day but it totally changed to be magical as we got to spend our first night of the tour living in a tree house. The place was what one could refer to as being the paradise of nature which I had already sort of realised once we began driving through Wayanad. As the darkness fell, the place looked absolutely beautiful with the minimal lights. It had also got cold where we wore our sweaters and sat under the bulb light. By then our special candlelight dinner was set up beneath sitting where we dined the most romantic dinner.  I could even refer to it as impeccable for that is how our honeymoon package had been kick-started. 

Banasura Sagar Dam
We had the best night in the tree house where we woke up to the sunrise. The next day began our sightseeing where we had been heading to the Banasura Sagar Dam. The earth dam has an exciting boat ride for us whereas the driver dropped us, we began walking through the grassland that took us to the dam. Quite a number of people had already been taking their boat cruise due to which we decided to wander around for some time. We clicked some good pictures from the place as the background had been really good with the lush green environment. In fact, most of the places in Wayanad had been like that.  And in some time we returned to take the boat cruise where the boat sped through the water. The freshness that we had been experiencing from the place was what had been gold to us. After the quick cruise was over, we got back to the car and the drive continued. 


Edakkal Caves
And the bets happened when we had been on our way to the next destination when few elephants and a small infant elephant crossed the road. Everyone stopped the vehicle and placed out for the animals to pass by. The little animal had my heart where the driver said us that we were lucky that we had got to see them there. And then the journey continued where we had been on our way to Edakkal caves. We reached and the walk through the steep steps began where the rush to get to the top had been quite high. But the good party was the co-travellers where they clicked me and my husband some good pictures. As we reached the caves we got to see how beautifully it had been maintained. It was more than just what could be referred to as beauty from the past era. After we were done, we were on our way to the next destination where we reached the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary after lunch. The jeep ride through the forests was more of adventure romance where we had the time of our lives at a place that we had never been to at Jaipur. The new experiences had been putting up a close relationship between us and the beautiful paradise of Wayanad. And that was it for the entire day where we headed to a hotel that had been located close by. 

The next day was our last daytime at the place where we had returned after lunch. The place of visit for us was the Jain temple. The thing about the temple that we loved was the architecture it had. It was what one could refer to as extraordinary things form the past. It was also the best place to get some pictures photographed. And the final place for our sightseeing was the Kanthappara waterfalls. In fact, one could never return from the place without sighting the tiered falls. We spent the most fun times by the streams of the waterfalls. And then came the time for us to return back to Jaipur. The destination had blessed us with all sort of memories that one always had to keep cherished as a part of a beautiful beginning of our Kerala tour package from Jaipur with the most loved person. We reached the Kozhikode international airport from where we got to know that a viral infection had spread out and al the travellers were asked to take care when at Kerala. Our journey had not been stopped due to it nor did we come across any difficulty. But it was sure that the nature of the land would heal the place from all the mishappening for the place is abundantly blessed and we had seen it and had known it and hence wished the land a speedy recovery. 

Thursday, 10 May 2018

A Yearly Get Together Over a Trip of Exploration




A travel a year has managed to keep our family intact and as thick as ever. And due to this reason, we have seen to it that we always catch up so that we get together, wherever we are. All of us reside in one metro city or the other and hence whenever we want to take an out, we try to escape to wilderness or rather a natural paradise. This time we got on to various discussions on the WhatsApp group and decided to go down the roads of Kerala. Everything was booked through Holiday Mango Travel as we did not have any knowledge of the place except for the fact the destination had what we had been looking for.  All of us set together in a time that we could reach the Trivandrum International airport around the same time for our Kerala holiday package. In a time span of an hour and a half, all of us reached the destination and we were picked by the driver. 

It was around 3 pm when we had been driving on the roads of the capital city of Kerala. The driver followed the itinerary that had been set up for us and hence before heading to the residence of stay we would be visiting the Varkala beach. The roads were smoother than expected and we were pretty much impressed with how everything ahd been functioning from the view that we could capture through the windows. We reached the beach destination and got out. We had been in airport clothes but that did really stop us from dipping our legs in the sea. Quite a large number of people had been there, spending their evening there. We were in for some ice cream as there were some shops that had been around. We got some jackfruit ice cream for it was necessary that we taste what belongs exclusively to this land. And it turned out to be good as well. Quite some activities were taking place at the destination and we took a cruise along the place which intended the beginning of our travel. The fun had finally begun. 

We caught the sun setting and decided to get to the accommodation. We freshened up, had some good food that as served to us and slept as the real traveling was to begin the very next day. We began the journey the next day after some sumptuous breakfast of dosa and sambhar and made our way to the first destination which was the Veli Tourist Village. The destination was a man-made location that had been made for the tourists. We reached the place and began walking inside where there were well-maintained gardens and other recreational beauty. There were quite a lot of stalls that had been set up inside where various articles had been hung up. The people who had been inside the stalls explained each of it to us. We reached the food zone and finally into the cultural zone sitting where we had the snacks that and watched the dances that were being performed. After a while, we got moving where we had just one more place to visit which was the zoo. After a quick walk inside the place, we got to see various animals that had been housed inside the premises of the zoo. The drive began after a quick lunch as we had to reach the destination before it was too late.


 The journey began where we had been on our way to the destination that could ease us through its nature.  And Kerala indeed had quite a lot of places that could embrace us with it. On one such road had we been where the destination on the other end was Gavi. As we were nearing the destination we realized that the place had all sort of greenery in and around that provoked us to roll down the windows and stare into the beauty of the place.  On reaching the gem of a place, we took a tea stop and from there we directly got t the place where we would be staying for the night. The place had been more of a natural paradise. It was a homestay facility where we felt like there were enough around the premises of the accommodation to explore. We changed to nicer clothes that could keep us warm and walked to the owner of the place who had been very enthusiastic in feeding us with the lunch that they had made for us. After food, we decided to take a walk around the destination.

Gavi was absolutely a scenic delight to the eyes. We spend quite a lot of time staring at the hills and the greenery that spread out. Most of the people residing in the place had agriculture and cattle as their main activity. Every received us with a smile on their face while we had been mind gobbling on how the people here lived without malls and junk food. It was indeed a forest haven where the Periyar tiger reserve made the place more famous. After a quick walk through the place, we decided to sightsee and set off on a driver where the driver dropped us at Kachumba. We were in for a boating expedition here where not a lot of tourists had not been there as it was nearing evening. Walking at the destination had been more fun than indulging any activity. The night went by where we had been busy setting up a campfire and enjoying the stories that the owner of the hometsya had for us. 

The next day we set off again into the wilderness of the Gavi Forest. An array of birds made various sounds from the destination. We also got to sight few of them who had been quite busy feeding on the food that they had found from the forests. Kingfishers and woodpeckers passed by as we walked through the place. The exotic trees and plants were introduced to us where they had a medicine found from most of the plants there. Half a day of ours was what we had the most in our hands to explore the place. And when we had been returning to the accommodation, we also got to see elephants who had been crossing the roads and making their way to the wilder forests. The journey of ours that had begun from the airport had to be reverted as the Kerala tour package had come to an end. The return journey had again been a long driver where we took every bit of the land of Kerala before we got back to the hometown.

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Enthralling Honeymoon Destinations of Kerala where Memories are Cherished




Kerala is a culturally diverse land which houses a number of exotic honeymoon destinations. From long stretches of beaches to the complex inland waters and the hill stations covered with rich greenery and wildlife, Kerala is a land known as the honeymooner's paradise which attracts a number of couples. It was on the second honeymoon that I visited the state for the 1st time. With beauty and culture, Kerala is a state that you should visit once in a lifetime. One of the main reason for me to choose the exotic destinations of Kerala to celebrate my second honeymoon was that the tourist attractions in the state were unaffected by modernity or the pollution of the city. It is mostly the climate, freshness in the air and the peacefulness of the destinations that attract honeymooners and travellers to the state. Being a state most visited by newlyweds and couples Kerala houses a number of travel operators like Holiday Mango Travel who help you celebrate the days in the state.  There were a number of destinations that I with my husband explored while in Kerala. Given below is the list of those destinations I explored and the attractions in the places. 

Cochin


Honeymoon in Cochin
One of the busiest cities in Kerala, Kochi could be counted as one of the most prominent honeymoon destinations as the place holds in a number of hiding outs where couples could spend their best time together. The city could be better explained as a seaside destination which houses a number of beach destinations which is mostly visited by couples and overseas travellers. Apart from being an important port, the Kochi city is also known as the gateway for explorers. The city holds in a number of tourist destinations with its own uniqueness and attractions which makes this busy city one of the best tourist destinations in the state. Filled with malls and shops the place exhibits the true lifestyle of people in Kerala. Apart from being known for the presence of exotic destinations, the city houses a number of best shopping centres in the state. 

Attractions:

 Some of the main attractions of the city that I explored while visiting the place includes  Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Maritime Museum Fort Kochi, Mattanchery Palace, anta Cruz Basilica, and Paradesi Synagogue

How to Reach:

 The easiest and most convenient ways to reach the city is via the Cochin international airport. The city is also connected with 2 main railways the Ernakulam Town railway station and the Ernakulam Junction railway station and a very strong network of roads. 

Munnar


Honeymoon in Munnar
This enchanting hill station is one place in Kerala, which every nature lover should visit once in a lifetime. With misty mountains, innumerable valleys, enticing sights, refreshing breeze and a number of adventure activities the hills of Munnar is for sure a perfect honeymoon destination to the south. Explore the tea plantations of the land by enjoying the surrounding and the misty view of nature to take in the best part of Munnar. Each and every moment spent in these fascinating hill stations of Kerala is a moment that couples would love to cherish forever. The climate of the place and the romantic ambience in the destination in one thing that attracts a number of travellers especially couples to the land. The place also holds a number of Ayurvedic treatment centres which provide the best Ayurvedic massages in the land. 

Attractions: 

Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak, Attukadu Waterfalls, Forest Rose Garden, Eravikulam National Park, Pallivasal and Chinnakanal Waterfalls are some of the main attractions in the place.

How to Reach: 

Travellers can reach Munnar via Cochin International Airport, from where you could travel by bus or car. Theni railway station is one of the closest from where you could reach Munnar easily. 

Alleppey


Honeymoon in Alleppey
One of the most beautiful backwater destinations in Kerala, Alleppey is one of the best honeymoon spots in the state. The beauty of the scenic waters, evergreen paddy fields, and houseboats are things that attract the travellers and honeymooners to the land. The beauty of the moonlit waters and the setting sun leaving the saffron sky, add to the romantic mood in the place. The backwater destinations in Kerala house a number of industries which fascinates the travellers visiting the place. With the introduction of responsible tourism in the backwater destinations the rate at which couples visiting the state has doubled. Apart from the backwater industries, the beauty and harmony of the inland water sports and the number of Ayurvedic centres in the land also attract the attention of the honeymooners. Being a destination that holds in unique water context the soil in the place is rich in mineral due to which the place facilitates the growth of rare medicinal herbs. With all these attractions, the backwaters of Kerala are a must-visit destination for honeymooners visiting the state. 

Attractions: 

Being in the place some of the best destinations I explored includes the Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Pathiramanal.

How to Reach:  

One of the best and easiest ways to visit Alleppey is via the Cochin international airport and Trivandrum international airport. The easiest way to reach Alleppey by rails is through the Alleppey railway station which is located within the city. 

Kerala being a land with a number of destinations that fascinates the travellers and honeymooners is one of the must-visit destinations for honeymooners touring to the south. The land offers a number of tour packages for couples who wish to enjoy their honeymoon in the gods own country, Kerala. Most of the packages offered will have the above-given destination as there the main attractions in the state when it comes to honeymoon trips. Being a destination with beauty and culture combined in a unique way, the state holds in potential to satisfy travellers from around the world. It is mainly the greenery of the state that fascinates and attracts the travellers visiting the place. Apart from the beauty of the destinations, the place holds in a number other attractions like the herbal treatment centres, cultural centres, martial arts and more. Kerala, being a state which holds in the complete potential of being a tourist hub is the only destination to the south which is apt for honeymooners and couples.