Alleppey Tourism, Alleppey Backwater Cruise, Alleppey House boat

Alleppey is located in the southern part of Kerala, and it share its border with the districts of  Kollam, Ernakulam, Kotyam and Pathanamthitta. Alleppey is almost 64 km away from Kochi and almost 162 km away from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
Alleppey is fondly called "the Venice of the East" because the waterways and the channels are interconnecting to each other, this popular cliche was first actually used by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India, to describe the beauty of Alleppey. The place Alleppey, as it is called in local language do keep up to its name. These waterways are best to be explored in country boats like in Venice.

Backwaters in Alleppey

There are numerous reasons for Alleppey being so demanding among the tourists. It is the only place other than Holland, where rice is cultivated under the sea level. The reason behind Alleppey being so enchanting and receptive to the tourist all around the globe is due to the place's unimaginable beauty, the picturesque village with the blue backwater at the backdrop, paddy field, Chinese net  and most importantly the coconut palms are there to the extra beauty of the place, the slow pace of life in the lagoons and the placidity of the place is broken by the echoing calls of the migratory birds, brings you into a different world altogether.

Alleppey

Today scores of tourists are attracted to Alleppey is only because of its backwaters, this is the only reason why Alleppey attracts number of tourists every year. Another biggest crowed puller of this place is the boat races of Alleppey. One of the red letters day of Alleppey tourist calender is during the Nehru boat race, when sores of snake boats which has got the capacity of accommodating almost 120 oarsmen , cutting through the water,race up to reach the finishing line.

Snake boat race

No trip in Alleppey will be complete without a trip in the house boats. These house boats which are made from the Eco-friendly materials like ropes and wood were previously used to carry things like farm produce like rice along the waterways. But as time passes, these house boats are used as a part of leisure cruise for the tourists of Alleppey along the Punnamada Lake and also along the Alleppey backwater, apart from your memorable stay in the amidst the water. Whether it is honeymoon or a corporate holiday or a family trip, it is ensured, that you will enjoy every bit of your memorable stay in the house boat.

House Boat

One of the interesting factor about the back water of Alleppey is the waterways which are interconnected to each other, forms a 900km of navigable backwaters of Kerala.

Punnamada Lake

Alleppey is truly different from other places in India because, here the life of Alleppey is revolving around water, instead of cars, people here own country boats; children learn to swim here, before they learn to walk. Instead of clock alarm, people hear wake up by the hooting sound  of the ferry; where not only human beings use the ferry across the backwaters, but also e vegetables and other items are being sold in these ferries but also posts.

Tourist Facilities

It is very obvious, that one will get to do no other activities, as there is water water every where! All you can do is take a close view of the village, the life around the village, can swim along the shallow water, if one wishes, can explore the local market that sells local handicraft items. One can also try their hands in fishing rods. If one wish to taste a local beverage, can hop into the local toddy shop and have a taste of local coconut toddy along with some spicy fish delicacies including there signature dish karimeen.

You can also visit the Andrew Church which was founded in 1866 by the Portuguese missionaries and also the fabled Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

Here one must try some mouthwatering sea food items like Karimeen Pollichathu ( Pearl spotted fish being cooked in banana leaf), then you have Konju Ulathiyathu (Tiger Prawns), Chemmeen Fry (prawns) and if anyone like to taste some spicy food can try the ones available at the toddy shop. One must try the jackfruit chips and the banana chips, which are sold almost at all the shops.

Climate

 Since Alleppey is close to the sea, this place enjoys a moderate tropical climate. The average rainfall in Alleppey is almost 229cm. In summer, the temperature hovers around 35 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius in the summer.

Fact File

August to March are the ideal months to visit Alleppey, recently there the concept of "Monsoon tourism has gained wide popularity. During the month of August, the much acclaimed snake boat races are held.

 Transport

Air

Cochin International airport is 64 km away from Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram airport is 159 km away from Allepppey.

Road

Alleppey is very well connected with Kerela, with the rest of theroads. The national highway- NH 47 passes right though the town Alleppey.

Rail

Alleppey is well connected by rail, to all the parts of India, in the center of the town, the railway station is located.

Water

Alleppey is well connected with Kumarakan, Kottyam, Kollam, Cochin, with the help of the  regular boat services. The jetty boat is located in the center of the town.

It is advisable to all, that once in a lifetime, one should visit this place, should enjoy and taste this lovely flavor of this heavenly place, where one will be mesmerized by the serene beauty of Alleppey, will feel like staying in a true dream land.

 

Kovalam Beach, Kovalam Tourism, Kovalam Travel Guide

Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea is almost 16 km  from the Trivandrum city, in Kerala, India. The name Kovalam has been derived from coconut trees. There are plenty of  reasons behind the beach of Kovalam, known as "The Paradise of the south" because, in this little beach you will get to experience both the feeling of a cool breeze blowing and a warm summer sun, when you walk along the sandy beach of Kovalam. If any one is deciding to plan a holiday or a honeymoon in a perfect beach, it is assured that Kovalam will make a memorable holiday for the one.

Kovalam Beach

Mainly, there are three beaches in Kovalam, they are the Lighthouse which gives an awesome view of the moon shaped beach and the Vizhingjam mosque. Samudra beach lies to the north of Kovalam, where you won't be able to realize how time flies away. Hawah beach is in the center of Kovalam is a center place of activities from where the fishermen set out for fishing. The rocky foreland synthesize with the serene blue bay and turn the bay into an undefined aquarelle in the moonlight nights. There are three bays in the palm groove, there are a sheltered bay, the azure waters and the opulent reaches.

Tourist Interest

Kovalam provides all the opportunity starting from swimming in the beach to taking sun bath, yoga, ayurveda and meditative contemplation are all available in Kovalam. In true sense Kovalam should be called a tropical paradise. Apart from all these Kovalam, is a fishing village, which also provides you fresh fruits to fishes and from toddy to coconut bear. One will actually be spell bounded by the beauty and the virginity of this tiny village, which is the spotlight of the Kerala tourism industry, which gives one an ultimate experience of India.

Kovalam Beach

Serenity and virginity oozes out from the beaches of Kovalam, in addition to your enjoyment, there are lovely lodges, for the one to stay and enjoy themselves. Not only his, there are many restaurants, which serves both western and Indian cuisines, which are very delicious. In addition to your enjoyment, some lip smacking  grilled sea food served here are king prawns, lobsters, kalamari, they are all served fresh, as they all are got fesh from the sea of Kovalam. To make your holiday, a memorable one, there are yoga centers, Ayurveda massage parlous, water sports facilities are all available here, thus this place makes a popular haven for the tourist from all the corners of the world.

Kovalam Beach view

The purplish blue color  of the water and an amazing climate is appropriate for the swimming , all around the year, you won't be able to resist yourself from taking a dip into a saline water of the shallow pacific sea of Kovalam. One will be attracted to the clean white sandy beach, and will feel irresistible to lie on that awesome beach ideally and get yourself tanned. You can also indulge yourself in rejuvenating herbal, body massage and other holistic therapies. In spite of many tourist visiting Kovalam all through the year, Kovalam manages itself to maintain that charm all through, against many odds. Swimming and surfing are part of the water sports game. These are the factors which truly make Kovalam the "paradise of south", this is the reason, people from all over the globe, come here and enjoy this place very joyfully.

Kovalam Beach

Beaches of Kovalam

There are three beaches in Kovalam, and they re separated by the rocky outcrop in its 17km coastline, these three beaches together forms the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach.

• Lighthouse Beach

  Lighthouse beach is the southern most beach of Kovalam and is frequently visited by the tourists. Lighthouse beach has got its name from the old Vizhingjam Lighthouse located on the rocky promontory there. During the night, its intermittent lights render some unexplainable charm to the beach.
  
  

  

  Lighthouse Beach

  
  

  • Hawah Beach

    Hawah beach was previously known as the Eve's beach, was in the second rank. This beach is the center of the hub of activities, where the fishermen, set out for fishing from this beach. The calm blue water of the bay along with the high rocky promontory, together makes a paradise during the moonlight night.
    
    

    

    Hawah Beach

    
    

    • Samudra beach

      • Samudra beach is being separated by the large promontory from the southern side, here hardly you get to see tourists thronging here and there. This beach is manly used by the fishermen to ply their trade on this part of Kovalam. 
      
      

      

      Samudra Beach

      
      
      

      Transport

      Kovalam is almost 16 km way from the Trivandrum city, taxis and auto rickshaws do ply between Trivandrum and Kovalam. Trivandrum airport is only 10 km away from Kovalam.
      
      As a whole, the calm blue bay, the natural scenic beauty, the white sand, the picturesque view of the beach along with the other other facilities like Ayurveda massage centers, yoga centers, water sports, makes Kovalam one of the most beautiful and charming holiday destination for the tourists all over the globe.

     

Srinagar Tourism, Srinagar Travel Guide, Srinagar Tourist Place

Srinagar, is known as the summer capital of the Indian state Jammu and Kashmir, it is nested in the Kashmir valley, on the bank of the river Jhelum, which is the main tributary of the Indus. This city is mainly famous for its ornamental garden, beautiful lakes and attractive house boats. Apart from that, Srinagar is also famous for dry fruits and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.

Srinagar is located on the both sides of the river Jhelum, which is also known as Vyath in Kashmir. Jhelum flows through the city and meanders through the valley, moves towards the Dal lake and deepens it. Another feature of this city is its nine old bridges, which connects two parts of the city.

Dal Lake

Near Srinagar is the wetland called Hokersar. During the month of winter, thousands of migratory birds come from Siberia. The wetland in Kashmir is used by the migratory birds as a transitory camp during the months of September to October and again during springs.

 Hokersar is near Srinagar, is a wetland. During winter, many migratory birds come from Siberia, and other regions. It is said that these migratory birds coming from Central Asia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps Between the months of September to October and again during spring. It is important to note that this wetland in Kashmir plays a vital role in sustaining a huge population of breeding, staging and wintering birds.

Hokersar is considered as one of the world class wetland, is almost 14 km north of Srinagar and it almost covers an area of 13.75 square kilometers which includes marshy areas and lake. Hokersar is one of the well known accessible wetland in Kashmir which includes Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund.

Birds one will get to see in Hokersar are mainly migratory ducks and geese, which includes Tuft Duck, Brahminey Duck, Garganey,  Red-crested Pochard, Northern Pintail, Mallad Common Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Teal and many more.

Red-crested Pochard Duck

Climate

Srinagar has got humid subtropical climate, Srinagar is much cooler than rest of the country as we know that it is position in the the north and its highly elevated. Srinagar is surrounded by Himalayas and other mountains by all sides. The temperature is cool during winter with average temperature around 2.5 degree Celsius, with the temperature dropping below the freezing point at night. Moderate to heavy snowfall are expected during the months of winter. Another important fact is the only road which connect Srinagar to the rest of the country remains blocked for few days due to avalanche. Summer months are usually warm, sometimes temperature rising up to 30 degree Celsius during July. Usually Springs are wet and Autumn are dry.

Tourism

Srinagar is popularly known as the " Venice of the East" or the "Kashmiri Venice" because for its lake, especially the Dal Lake , special note for the house boats and also for Nagin Lake.

The Mughal Garden

Srinagar has got some of the lovely Mughal Gardens, other place of interest includes the royal fountain known as Chashma Sahi, the place of fairies called Pari Mahal, the garden of spring called Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Naseem Bagh. The Tulip Garden is another must visit has been recently opened by Sonia Gandhi.

The Tulip Garden

Gulab Bhavan, the palaces of the Maharajas, has turned into Lalit Grand Palace hotel now.

Transport

Road

Srinagar is being served by many highways including National Highway 1A and National Highway 1D.

Air

Regular flights ply between Srinagar to Leh, Jammu, Chandigarh and Delhi, and some internal flights ply occasionally.

Rail

 Srinagar is the railway station which is almost 119 km on Kashmir valley has started from the year 2009, it connects Baramulla to Srinagar and also Anantnag and Qazigund.

Boat

Boat is used as one of the main mode of transport as we know, that Srinagar is situated on the Jhelum river and Dal Lake.

Places of Interest in Srinagar

Like Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too have got some wonderful blend of cultural heritage. The holy places all around  Srinagar depict the religious diversity and historical cultural of the Kashmir Valley.

The holy places in Srinagar includes:

Hazratbal Shrine

• Hazratbal Shrine
• Jama Masjid, Srinagar
• Hamza Makhdum
• Hari Parbhat
• Shankaracharya Temple

As a whole, it is very true that Srinagar will definitely make a wonderful holiday destination not only for the Indians but also for the foreigners.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park is not only a national park but also a Tiger Reserve which falls under the district of  Mandla and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh. Kanha was then divide into two sanctuaries during 1930s, into Banjar and Hallon, approximately covering the area of 250 and 300 Km². Kanha National Park was introduced to the world on 1 June 1955. Now almost covering the area of 940 Km² which includes two districts Mandla and Balaghat. "Kanha Tiger Reserve" has form by almost covering the buffer zone of 1, 067 Km² and the very neighboring Phen Sanctuary  which covers 110 Km². On !4 April  Kanha National Park came under Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. Thus Kanha National Park is considered as the largest national park in Central India.

Kanha National Park

Kanha has been home to varied species of animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian wild dog, Barasingha, bear, leopards and sloth. Even one will get to see varied species of trees and plants like Bamboo forests, lush sal, ravines, grassy meadows. It is considered that Rudyard Kipling has got inspiration from Kanha for his  famous 'Jungle Book'.

Flora

It is said that almost over 1000 species of flowering plants are there in Kanha National Park. One will get to see two types of forest in Kanha National Park, they are: the lowland forest and the highland forest. One will get to see the mixture of other mixed forest trees and Sal, and it is interspersed with meadows. The highland forest of Kanha is of tropical type dry deciduous type with lots of different kinds of bamboo on the slope. Another interesting fact is a very good looking Indian ghost tree known as Kullu is also found in the dense forest.

Sal Tree

Kanha Tiger Reserve is bounded in meadows which is actually a grassland is in the fields and some of the abounded villages, they have away out for animals too. Kanha meadow is one such good example. Different species of  grass which are found in Kanha, they are very important for the survival of Barasingha. In the dense forest zones of Kanha, one will get to see the abundant species of climbers, shrubs and herbs. Tal an aquatic plant are found in numbers which are known as the lifeline of migratory and wetland species birds.

Fauna

One of the apex predator in Kanha is the Tiger. Apart from Tiger other flesh eating population of Kanha includes are jackal, leopards, wild dogs, wild cats and many other

One of the only species of  swamp deer is Barasingha which is known as the pride of the place is found only in Kanha, it is said that it is only a sub species of  swamp deer found in India. These deers can live in had ground, not like the swamp deer from north, which are only adapted to marshy swamps. This national park has been very active for rescuing of the Brasingha from the extinction. One will get to see Gaur, it belongs to ox genus, mostly during winter ends, it is found only in Kanha. During the summer months Gaurs are found in meadows and water holes in the park.

Barasingha

Apart from these animals, other commonly seen animals are barking deer, spotted dear, sambar and the four horned deer. Recently in the Tiger Reserve, the mouse deer has also been found.

Black buck has been re-introduced in the fence area of the park, as previously it could not survive here, as the habitat was not suitable for it. At Sarahi Gate, Nilgai can still be seen and the Indian wolf which was seen at Mocha are rarely seen now. Occasionally sloth bear and Hyna are seen. Wild boar and langur are commonly seen.

Tiger at Kanha

Outside the park, nocturnal animals like hare, ratel, porcupine, hyna, honey badgr, jungle cats are seen.

Near the water bodies, many species of turtles can be seen, amphibians like cobras, pyhons, rat snakes, vipers, grass snakes.

Transport and other facilities 

To reach the park, Jabalpur is the nearest place and the nearest airport( 175km), well with very limited flight connectivity.  Even  Nagpur and Raipur, too have airports, which have good connectivity with the county. Mandla has good road connection with Kanha as you will get good taxi connection from Jabalpur, which will go via Mandla and Nainpur.

In Kanha National Park, there are three gates for the entrance, the Khisli gate is easily accessed from Jabalpur and it stops in he village called Khatia in the buffer zone. The other two gates are Mukki and recently opened Serai.

General information about the park:

Area covering the park is 940 kilometer square.

Best season to visit this park is from February to June. 

Visiting hours: morning visiting hours: 6 am -12 noon

                      evening visiting hours: 3 pm- 9pm

Closing : 1 July to 15 October.