Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2011

13 August 2011 was the day when the Nehru trophy boat race entered its 59^th year. This year this event was organized with great pomp and fair, in the serene and beautiful location of Punnamada lake, Alappuzha.

Started in the year 1952 in the honor of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru (who visited Kerala after the independence). When he reached there he was welcomed with a caravan of huge snake boats (also known as Chundans). Thrilled with the exciting boat ride, Pandit Nehru decided to award a trophy to the winner of the race. Since then the tradition of Nehru boat race began.

Even this year also this event was organized at a very grand level, with participants coming here from different corners of the country. Quite a big number of national and international tourists came here to witness this event. The cherry on the cake in this year race was the Indian Military, who participated in NBT for the first time.

So finally after so much of hush-bush Devas Chundan of Jesus Boat Club Kollam emerged as the winner.

Kerala Utsavam Guruvayoor

Utsavam is a time of celebrations and feasting that give, the travelers an excellent opportunity, to know about the cultural heritage of that state. Guruvayoor Utsavam in Kerala is one such occasion that attract thousands of devotees from every corner of the world.

Guruvayoor is one of the oldest and most visited Hindu temples of Kerala that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legends when Krishna was going to heaven, he gave an idol of him to Udhava (who gave it to Guru). Guru (teacher of Devas) later established it in Thrissur and constructed this temple. Thus it was called the Guruvayoor temple. Since then every year in the month of February, an annual Utsavam is organized by the temple authorities, to mark the origin of the Krishna idol in the shrine.

This year the Utsavam has started from 16th Feb that will last till 25rd Feb. This ten day fest basically emphasizes on the restoration of divine Chaithanya (means purifying and energizing the powers of Krishna). For whole ten days the entire city is decorated like a bride. Every day huge processions of beautifully decorated elephants are taken out on the city streets. This year the event started with a very interesting elephant race, that also has a religious significance. Because the winning elephant gets the advantage of carrying the deity's idol (the Thidambu) on special occasions for one year. The whole temple is decorated with several lamps and lights offering a real treat for the visitor's eyes.

Along with it many traditional and cultural dance performances are also performed by the trained artists. Most prominent among them is the 'Krishnanattom' performed by the devotees, in which the tales of Lord Krishna's life are enacted. Finally the Utsavam will come to an end with the great feasting.

So what are waiting for pack your bags and come to Kerala to experience this amazing Guruvayoor Utsavam.

Ayurveda In Kerala

                                              

Are you bored of your daily life routines and hectic work schedule? Do you want to rejuvenate your body and senses? If yes then you must visit the beautiful state of Kerala and spend your weekend at the some of the best ayurvedic spas of India. Ayurveda is the best way for refreshing your mind and soul.

Ayurveda is basically an ancient science of medicines, that was used for curing the ailments. Earlier it was believed that Lord Vishnu gave the knowledge of medicines to Rishis, that later developed in this science. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word where Ayur means life and Veda is knowledge. Also known as the “ knowledge of life”. Along with medicines Ayurveda also stresses on yoga and meditation. There are mainly 8 branches of this science namely Kaya Chikitsa, Shalya Tantra, Visha Tantra, Vajikaranam, Shalaya Tantra, Kumar Bhratya Tantra, Graha Chikitsa and Rasayana.

In the recent times ayurveda in Kerala has gained much significance among the national and international travelers. The state government is also promoting it as an innovative manner to boost tourism here. Today patients suffering from different ailments come to this state for treatment from ayurvedic therapies. Ayurveda not only cures the disease but it treats the whole body in a natural way without any side-effects. Kerala because of its climatic conditions is the most preferred destination for a ayurvedic treatments.

You can enjoy an exhilarating ayurvedic session at the various modern resorts in Kerala. They provide excellent services to their guests and have all the exclusive facilities to make your stay comfortable. Some popular resorts of this state for relaxing therapeutic sessions are Somatheeram, Manal Theeram Beach Resort, Keraleeyam Heritage Home and Ayurvedic Resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort etc.

Backwaters Of Kerala

                                           

Want to spend some really peaceful and relaxing holidays, very close to nature? Then plan a trip to the extremely beautiful backwaters of Kerala. One of the most marvelous creations of nature, the backwaters of Kerala will definitely inspire you to visit this state again and again.

Kerala backwaters are basically a very well inter-connected waterways, that consist of several rivers, lagoons and small tributaries. This amazing eco-system is created by the fusion of the fresh water of rivers with the salt water of the Arabian sea. They also play an important part in the daily lives of the local people.

The best way to explore the charisma of these backwaters is to take a houseboat ride. These houseboats are called kettuvallams in the local language and are an important mean of earning for the people of this state. They are actually like small floating hotels that have all the modern facilities to make your holidays a memorable affair. They have well furnished bedrooms. Along with it they also have a sun deck and a private balcony from where you can enjoy the mesmerizing grace of backwaters. In some houseboats you will also find attached guest-rooms. All the kettuvallams have a crew of three members including a chef, cabin assistants and driver. You will be served the local delicacies of this state, specially the sea food for which Kerala is so famous.

Cochin, Kollam, Kumarkom, Kasragod, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram are some popular destinations to go on a backwater rendezvous, where you can feel the serenity and tranquility of the these backwaters. The best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala is in the months of December-March. While on a tour of backwaters enjoy an exciting Alleppey boat race and Great elephant march held in the month of January.

Kerala Tourism

If one is in search of a paradise where they can spend their holidays in the nature's lap away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities then Kerala is an ideal destination. The wonderful experience of peace and serenity can only be found in God's Own Country. In other words one can call Kerala a heaven for holiday-makers.

Beach Tour
Kerala has some of the most beautiful beaches of India. Travelers here can easily laze on the golden sand, under the bright sun while sipping the fresh coconut water. The lush green palm trees and the turquoise blue water of the Arabian Sea allures travelers from all around the world. Alappuzha, Varkala, Kovalam, Marari and Fort Kochi are some of the most famous beaches of Kerala.

Backwater Tour
Travelers from every corner of the world come to Kerala to relax in the peaceful environment of its backwaters. They present a scenic view of serenity and a tranquility of nature. A ride of the houseboats (kettuvalloms) will make your Kerala tour complete. Kumarkom, Kollam, Cochin, Alappuzha and Kasargod are some of the well known backwater destinations of Kerala. These backwaters of Kerala add a pristine grace to this land.

Hill Station Tour
The hill stations of Kerala offer a splendid view of elegant and tranquil nature of this state. They are immensely beautiful and offers a relaxing break to the travelers. The lush green valleys and the cool atmosphere often inspire tourists to come here again and again. Munnar, Devikulam, Wayanad, Ponmudi, Attapaddy and Vagamon are some of the most visited hill stations of Kerala.

Wildlife Tour
Kerala is truly a heaven for the wildlife enthusiasts. A rich wilderness experience awaits the nature lovers all across the state of Kerala. Here one can see a wide range of different species of animals and birds. Periyar national park, Kumarkom bird sanctuary, Eravikulam wildlife sanctuary and Aralam wildlife sanctuary are the most famous wildlife reserves of Kerala. They are an ideal place to watch the animals in their natural habitat.

Pilgrimage Tour
Experience the spiritual world of Kerala by visiting the several temples that are located in this state. They are a wonderful architectural marvels and reflect the rich traditional heritage of Kerala. Guruvayoor, Sabrimala, Kalpathy, Thiruvalla and Aramula are some of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of this state.

City Tour
See the cultural heritage of Kerala by visiting its colorful cities. They are a symbol of its traditional past and offers a lot of options to the tourists to explore the various attractions of this state. Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Calicut, Munnar etc are some of the major cities of Kerala.

Ayurveda Tour
Rejuvenate your senses and your body with the various ayurvedic therapies available all across Kerala. Ayurveda is an ancient science of treating various ailments. In this the treatments are done in a natural way. In the recent time more and more tourists are visiting the state of Kerala to cure their ailments with the science of nature. These days ayurvedic treatments are becoming more and more popular among the foreign travelers. One can enjoy the ayurvedic therapy sessions at several health resorts.

Delicacy Tour
Tickle your taste buds with the fantastic taste of several tasty delicacies that are available in the state of Kerala. A true delight for the foodaholics Kerala offers a variety of tasty cuisines to the travelers. Most of the cuisines of Kerala are made with coconut and spices. Idli, dosa, sambhar, boiled rice, kaalan and the sweet rice dish payasam are the famous cuisines which the tourists can try while visiting Kerala.

Kerala Tours helps you to plan the most memorable holidays of your life.

South India Tourism

The Southern Part of India is very calm and immensely beautiful. The exotic beaches, serene backwaters, magnificent temples and amazing wildlife are like a jewel in its crown. South India is very popular among the newly married couples. The scenic landscapes of the hill stations and the lush green forests and tea plantations make South India an ideal place for spending some memorable holidays. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry are the most popular states of South India.

Beach Tour: One word that describes the beaches of South India is the nature at its best. A walk on the golden sand, under the bright sun, in the cool breeze while sipping on the coconut water is like a dream come true. They are the most treasured destinations of South India. Marari, Kovalam and Varkala in Kerala, Marina and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Bhatkal and Karwar in Karnataka and Ramkrishna and Rishikonda in Andhra are some of the most well known beaches of southern part.

Wildlife Tour: A true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, South India offers many opportunities to the travelers to take back some really cherished memories. Here one can see the true beauty of nature through the different species of flora and fauna. It is a perfect place to watch the wild animals in their natural habitat. An absolute bird watchers delight are the Kumarkom Bird Sanctuary in Kerala and Raghunath bird sanctuary in Karnataka. These are the best places to watch migratory as well as local birds. Beside these one can also visit Periyar, Wayanad, B.R Hills and Bandipur Sanctuaries.

Heritage Tour: The historical monuments and heritage of South India are a symbol of the rich and traditional Indian Civilization. They are a reflection of the Indian glory and colorful past. Hampi temples and Mysore Palace in Karnataka, Golconda Fort and Charminar in Andhra, Arjuna's Penance in Tamil Nadu and Fort Kochi and St Francis Church in Kerala are the best examples of the South Indian Heritage.

Pilgrimage Tour: South India is a holy land that comprises of several temples, churches and mosques. Triupati Balaji temple located in Andhra Pradesh is the most famous Hindu pilgrimage of India. It is also the richest God of the World. Along with it Sabrimala and Guruvayoor temples in Kerala and Meenakshi temple of Tamil Nadu also attracts devotees from every corner of the globe. The Churches of Puducherry are also worth noticing.

Delicacy Tour: Taste the delicious cuisines of this land and make your South India tour complete. Tickle your taste buds with the mouth watering delicacies like Dosa, Sambhar, Idli, different varieties of Sea food and above all the dishes made of rice.


Ayurveda Tour: No tour of South India is complete without a relaxing therapy at some of the best ayurvedic centers. It helps in relaxing the mind and the body and keeps us fresh. Kerala has some of the best spas and medication centers of South India where travelers can easily relax their senses after so much of traveling. Some 5-star hotels also give their guests ayurvedic therapies in there world class spas.

Adventure Tour: South India is the most preferred destination for the adventurous water sports. Water skiing, para-gliding, sailing, houseboat cruises and scuba diving attracts sports enthusiasts from all around the world. The turquoise blue water of the Arabian Sea, the rivers and the backwaters are very ideal for trying these sports. The beaches of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the hottest hub for them.

Backwater Tour: To experience the nature very closely visit the serene backwaters of Kerala. They are the best getaways to escape the maddening crowd of the cities. Enjoy a peaceful ride of the houseboats also known as Kettuvalloms. They have all the modern amenities to make the stay of the tourists comfortable. They are also very popular among the young honeymooners.

Hill Station Tour: South India is blessed with immense scenic beauty which is reflected in the cool and the serene environment of its hill station. Globetrotters from every part of the world come here to enjoy their holidays in the lap of the nature. Munnar and Idduki in Kerala, Coonoor and Ooty located in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, Coorg in Karnataka and Araku valley in Andhra Pradesh are some of the most famous hill stations located in the Southern part. To enchant your senses visit the mesmerizing hill stations of South India.

Visit South India and experience the best and the most memorable holidays of your life.