Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Visiting Kerala, the God's Own Country

Sunset in Alappuzha


Source

Kerala' literally means 'the land of coconut palms'. It is nature lovers' paradise. This beautiful Indian state, with around 600 kilometers of Arabian Sea coast, is a tropical symphony. When you are in Kerala, you will experience a culture and heritage that has thrived since ancient times.

Kerala Map


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons 

International Airports in Kerala
Cochin International Airport
Calicut International Airport
Trivandrum International Airport
Kannur International Airport
Here are some amazing tourist places in Kerala.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this beautiful temple is well-known for its murals. The temple architecture is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Padmanabhaswamy is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" (eternal yogic sleep) posture.
A
Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India
get directions

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
3.30 am
4.45 am
6.30 am
7.00 am
8.30 am
10.00 am
10.30 am
11.10 am
11.45 am
12.00 pm
5.00 pm
6.15 pm
6.45 pm
7.20 pm

Padmanabhaswamy Temple History

The great King of Travancore, Marthanda Varma is said to have done the renovation work that we see today. It was he who dedicated the temple to Lord Padmanabha.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. This golden sand beach is sandwiched between blue water and palm trees.

Kovalam Beach Photos


Marari Beach

This spacious sandy beach is located in in Alappuzha district. It's an ideal place to unwind yourself. Surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep sea fishing are some popular activities here. The weather at Marari beach is warm and humid throughout the year.

Marari Beach


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Marari Beach Resort Contact Number

098471 02030

Munnar

Located in Western Ghats, this popular hill station is well-known for its large expanse of tea plantations, wild life, forests, valleys and mountains. This idyllic hill station is around 1,600 meters above sea level.

Munnar

A
Munnar:
Munnar, Kerala 685612, India
get directions

Munnar Tourism Places
TATA Tea Museum
Blossom Park
Pothamedu View Point
Attukal Waterfalls
Anamudi

Munnar


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Lighthouse Beach

This beach is a blend of charm, allure and adventure. It offers various water sports. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse through a spiral staircase. From the vantage point you will have an excellent view of the coastline.

Guruvayur Temple

Even though many people say that this holy Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, according to the temple authorities the presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu. Located in Guruvayur, this temple is built in kerala architecture style. The presiding deity is worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by the great philosopher and theologian Adi Sankaracharya. People call the diety Guruvayoorappan.

Guruvayur Temple

A
Guruvayur Temple:
Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101, India
get directions

Guruvayur Krishna

Guruvayur Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
3.00 am
1.30 pm
4.30 pm
9.15 pm

Guruvayur Temple


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Periyar National Park

This protected area covers an area of about 777 square kilometers. Located in the Western Ghats, this national park houses animals like tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bisons. Go for a boat cruise to enjoy magnificent views of wildlife, flora and fauna.
A
Periyar National Park:
Periyar National Park, Kerala, India
get directions

Periyar National Park Tickets

Entry fee for Periyar National Park is ₹25 per person for Indians, ₹300 per person for foreign tourists.

Periyar National Park Timings

Periyar National Park is open on all days from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Guided nature walks: From 7.00 am to 10.00 am and 2.00 pm to 05.00 pm.
Border hiking and bamboo rafting: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha is well-known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. People call this city the "Venice of India" because of its many canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons.
Alappuzha's climate is humid and tropical with rain likely throughout the year. Peak travel period is Oct–Feb.
A
Alappuzha:
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
get directions

Athirapally Falls

Located in Thrissur district, this waterfall is formed by River Chalakudy, which originates in Western Ghats. It drops from around 80 feet.
A
Athirapally Falls :
Athirappilly Water Falls, Pariyaram, Kerala
get directions

Athirapally Falls Images


Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Located at around 7.900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the home to the highest tea plantation in the world. Misty views, colonial bungalows, and tea plantations in this hilly haven attract tourists from all over the world. Even though this tea estate is in Tamil Nadu, I am including it here because it is just around 20 miles from Munnar.
A
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Bodinayakanur, Theni District, Kottagudi, Tamil Nadu 685612, India
get directions

Malampuzha Retreat Centre

This serene spiritual retreat is located around 7 kilometers from Palakkad. It is for those among you who are interested in things like spirituality, Self realization, meditation, etc.
I liked the practical approach these people have for spirituality, meditation, etc. They do not bore you with long lectures. They take you through the process and allow you to experience the benefits.
Here you can learn techniques to relax your mind and body completely; to connect with the Source of peace, joy, bliss, wellness and prosperity in your heart.
They do not take money because they believe that spirituality should not be sold. People here are warm and welcoming.
A
Malampuzha Retreat Centre:
SMSF Spiritual Retreat Centre, Chembana, Kava,, Malampuzha, Palakkad,, Kerala 678 501, Tel: +91-491-
get directions

Kerala Food
Idiyappam with curry
Erissery (pumpkin and lentil stew)
Puttu And Kadala curry
Appam With Ishtu (stew)
Ela Sadya
Parippu curry (Dal curry)
Dosa ghee roast with Kerala style Sambar
Idli Sambar
Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (spicy chicken fry)
Kerala style prawn curry

Stay Safe

Avoid wearing gold ornaments. Carry minimum cash; Kerala has more than 9,000 ATMs. Do not smoke in public places.
Avoid getting into arguments with strangers. Never hug or kiss in public places. Try to reach your hotel before 7 pm.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Travel precautions during COVID-19 outbreak

COVID-19 is not to be taken lightly because it has killed many people worldwide. So if the authorities in your region have recommended lockdown, stay home.

After the lockdown is eased and you have to travel to fulfill professional commitments or due to emergencies, remember these:

  • Perform hand hygiene, which includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose it immediately. Perform hand hygiene.
  • Do not touch nose or mouth.
  • Wear a mask whenever you are outdoors.



Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Thursday, March 5, 2020

10 Popular Hill Stations in Kerala

Kerala is a state in South India. Known as God's own country, Kerala is located between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats.
Western Ghats have converted around half of Kerala into highlands. The state has more than 40 peaks above 1,500 meters above mean sea level.

Hill Stations in Kerala

Many hill stations in Kerala attract tourists from all parts of the world. Here are some of them.

Munnar

This hill station is located in Idukki district. It is well-known for its tea plantations, forests, flora, fauna, valleys and mountains.
It is around 1,600 meters above sea level. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India (2,695 meters), is in Munnar.
The best time to visit Munnar would be October to November and from January to May when it is comfortably cold. There may be occasional rains which will give a misty experience of Munnar.

Munnar Images


Munnar is famous for its medicinal plants and herbs.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

June to September.

Thekkady

Thekkady is well-known for its unending chains of hills, dense evergreen forests, spice-scented plantations, savanna grasslands, and elephants. It is a town in Idukki district. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located here.

Thekkady Images


Thekkady Forest Treck


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Vythiri

Located in Wayanad district, this hill station attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all parts of the world. It is around 700 meters above sea level.

Vagamon

Located in Idukki district, this hill station is well-known for its hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls. It is around 1,100 metres above sea level. It has three hills: Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala.

Vagamon Photos



Paithalmala

Located in Kannur district, this hill station is around 1372 meters above sea level. A trek of around six kilometers will take you to the peak. Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Vaithalmala.

Paithalmala Weather

Paithalmala has significant rainfall for most part of the year, with a short dry season. Its climate is considered to be Am according to the Köppen-Geigerclimate classification. The average annual temperature in Paithalmala is 21.4 °C.

Peerumedu

Peerumedu is around 915 meters above sea level. It is well-known for its beautiful trekking trails. Here you will find tea gardens, streams, green forests, beautiful hillsides and much more.

Nelliyampathi

Cloud-caressed peaks of Nelliyampathy hill ranges attract visitors from all parts of the world. It is located in around 60 kilometers from Palakkad. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is in between Nelliyampathy ranges and Annamalai Hills.

Nelliyampathy Photos


Ponmudi

Malampuzha

This hill station is around 7 kilometers from Palakkad. It is famous for its spiritual retreat, the Malampuzha Retreat Center. If you are interested in things like God realization, meditation, Self Realization, etc, this place is just right for you.
Malampuzha Retreat Center offers you many opportunities to refine yourself, to rejuvenate, to evolve spiritually. Here you can learn techniques to completely relax your mind and body.
You can learn meditation, which helps you to release yourself from the hold of the past and to connect with the Source (of bliss, peace, joy, health, prosperity, etc) in your heart.
I admire the scientific and practical approach these people have for things like spirituality and meditation. There are no boring lectures. They teach you simple and immensely effective techniques and allow you to experience their benefits.
Malampuzha Dam, suspension bridge, cable car ride, Fantasy Park, Japanese garden, Yakshi statue of Kanayi Kunhiraman, Shabri Ashram, Christin Brethen Church and Madurai Veeran Temple are other places of interest in the region.
A retreat was for always the few, who needed to retreat from everyday life, and retire in seclusion to introspect, meditate, brood over one's inner condition etc. The purpose was to re-enter normal everyday life refreshed spiritually to face life with a renewed sense of purpose, to restore balance to one's life.
— Chariji

Malampuzha Dam

Lakkidi

Located around 700 meters above sea level, Lakkidi is a wonder of nature. It is a small village in Ottapalam Taluk in Palakkad district.
It is atop the Thamarassery ghat pass. This lusciously green hill station is the entry point to Wayanad district. You will find many resorts in this region.

Things to Pack for Your Hill Station Trip

Things
T-shirts
Jackets
Sweaters
Windcheaters
Mufflers
Socks
Leg warmers
Walking shoes
Snow boots (if needed)
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Polarized glasses
Pullovers

Safety Tips

Do not use public transport as it will be overcrowded. For traveling around, I suggest cabs with drivers.
Download Google maps and apps like translators, etc. They help you navigate to any destination in Kerala.
Ensure that your hotel or resort is under CCTV surveillance. Reach your hotel before 10 pm. Avoid street food.
Avoid gold ornaments and too much cash. There are other safer alternatives and ATMs. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Malenadu: A Nature Lover's Paradise

A Playful Elephant in Sakrebyle Elephant Camp


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Malenadu means hilly region. It covers the slopes of Western Ghats in Karnataka. This region receives plenty of rainfall (1,000 mm –3,800 mm) every year. Here are some incredibly beautiful tourist attractions in Malenadu.

Agumbe

This high-altitude village, a traveller's delight, is surrounded by mountains of Western Ghats and lush green tropical forests. It stands at a height of 830 meters above sea level and is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. It is located in Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district and covers less than 3 square kilometers.
Agumbe is famous for its biodiversity, serene landscape, trekking trails and natural beauty. It is known as the Cherrapunji of South India because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest in India. The population of this village is less than 500. You can enjoy a quiet country life here.
This wonder of nature is home to rare species of medicinal plants like Myristica, Listsaea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia and Ficus, which is why it is also called "Hasiru Honnu" which means green gold.
The beauty of this small hamlet will delight you. Sunset Point, Jogigundi Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls are, as one local said, "famous Agumbe places to visit".
This enchanting village was the setting of Malgudi, the fictional village from R. K. Narayan’s book, ‘Malgudi Days’. The house of the protagonist Swami, which was shown in the TV series based on the book, still stands at Augumbe. People call it Doddamane. It is more than 100 years old and is located in the main street of the village.
Mangaluru Airport (94 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Udupi railway station (55 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Agumbe from the airport and the railway station by KSRTC bus or cab.
Agumbe Weather
Agumbe is in a rainforest region. It has warm and humid tropical climate. Under the Köppen system of climate classification Agumbe is an 'Am' climate, which means, a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit this wonderful village is between November and January.

Viewpoint in Agumbe


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Jog Falls

This wonder of nature is created by River Sharavathi. It is the second highest (253 meters) plunge waterfall in India. Also known as Gerosoppa Falls and Joga Falls, it is located in Shimoga district.
Here the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the breathtakingly beautiful Jog Falls.
Raja pours in one unbroken column. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet Raja. Rocket shoots downwards in a series of jets. Rani is a quiet fall over the mountain side.
Hubli Airport (130 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Talaguppa Railway Station (13 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Jog Falls by KSRTC bus or cab. Visit between July and December. Last time when I visited this place, I remember staying in a hotel in Shivamogga.

Jog Falls Video

Kodachadri

This mountain peak (elevation: 1,343 meters), which is located in Shivamogga district, is a natural heritage site. Whether you are an avid trekker or a first-timer, trails in Kodachadri offer amazing trekking experience.
Kodachadri Trek Guide
Kollur (37 kilometers) is the nearest town to Kodachadri. I suggest that you take a jeep from Kollur to Kodachadri. The vehicle will drop you at the Kodachadri peak jeep stand or near the Kodachadri Information Bureau point. From there trek for around 2 Kms to reach Kodachadri sunset point; it may take approximately 40 minutes.

Sunset at Kodachadri


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Sringeri

Sringeri is a hill town in Chikkamagaluru district. Adi Shankara, a great Indian philosopher and theologian, the person who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, established the first maṭha (Sringeri Sharada Peeta) here.
Located on the bank of River Tunga, Sringeri is famous for its temples and natural beauty. Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sri Vidyashankara Temple and Parshwanath Jain Temple are temples that you must visit while you are here.
There are many valleys and waterfalls around this beautiful town. Any time is good time to visit Sringeri, which can be reached by KSRTC bus or cab.

Sringeri Peetham

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri, which is located in the Chandra Dhrona hill ranges, is the tallest mountain (elevation:1,930 meters) in Karnataka. It stands majestically above the rest of the Western Ghats.
This apex of Karnataka is in Chikmagalur district. The 4-km-trek-trail here attracts many adventure tourists. The starting point of this trek is known as Sarpadari. The trail winds through ridges, hills and grasslands.
Mullayanagiri got its name from a temple at the summit, which is dedicated to an ascetic named Mullappa swamy, who is supposed to have meditated at a cave near the summit.
The mountain is around 20 kilometers from Chikmagalur. You can reach here by bus or cab. Me and my family enjoyed our drive to this wonder of nature. Visit between September and February.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Chickmagaluru district (around 38 km northwest of Chikmagalur), this wildlife sanctuary is a protected area and a Project Tiger, tiger reserve. Spread over 492.46 square kilometers, it is famous for its various flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is encompassed by the hill ranges of Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri. More than 120 species of trees grow here. Visit between October and February.

Tiger at Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

This wonderful forest camp for captive elephants is located in Shivamogga district. This popular ecotourism center offers you an opportunity to look at huge tuskers from close quarters.
You may visit Sakrebyle Elephant Camp on any day during the year between 8.30 am and 11.00 am. It is around 14 kilometers from Shivamogga, which is well-connected by rail and road.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is an island (formed by River Tunga) in Shivamogga district. It houses more than 5,000 birds, including darters, median egrets, cormorants, maiden egret, pied kingfisher, wooly neck stalk, night herons and open-billed storks.
Migratory birds travel from all parts of the world to this beautiful bird sanctuary during the month of May for breeding purposes. Birdwatching, trekking and boat riding are popular activities here. Visit between July and October.

Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari

Opened in 1988, this safari covers an area of around 620 acres. It is around 10 kilometers north-west of Shivamogga, in Shivamogga-Sagar Road. It is actually a rehabilitation center for tigers and lions rescued from circuses.
Any time is good time to visit this safari, which houses tigers, lions, leopards, Indian jackal, crocodile, python, deer, sloth bear and various migratory birds. It is open between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm; and 2.15 pm and 5.00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and national holidays.
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Monday, February 10, 2020

7 Famous Krishna Temples in the World

Krishna Temple in Udupi


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | 

Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, is a major deity for people following Hinduism. For his devotees, Krishna is a name of the original, unique Supreme Person, the source of all that exists.
This widely revered divinity is the focus of many devotional cults. Mahabharata and Bhagavata are the basic sources of Lord Krishna's mythology.
Many temples are built worldwide to honor and worship Krishna. Here is a brief overview of some of them.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi

This sacred temple, which is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, is built around the prison cell where Krishna was born. It is the most revered temple of Lord Krishna. I have felt the holiness of this temple during my visit sometime back.
The temple was first built by Krishna's grandson Vajranabha. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times. The temple that you see today was built in the 20th century.
Pieces of history recovered from the temple complex are displayed in a museum located nearby.
A
krishna janma bhoomi temple:
Mathura - Deeg Marg, Near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India
get directions

Krishna Janam Bhumi Mathura Timings

The temple is open between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm daily.

Krishna Janam Bhumi Photo


Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Located in Udupi, Karnataka, India, this temple is in Dravidian architecture. The temple resembles a living ashram, fostering daily life and devotion. Udupi, which is known as the Mathura of South India, is the birthplace of Sri Madhwacharya, founder of Dwaita philosophy. I experienced serenity and joy during my last visit to this temple.
The Krishna idol in the temple, which is is carved out of Shaalagrama Shila, was installed in 13th century CE. The unique feature of this temple is that here Krishna is worshipped through a window with nine holes, which are known as Navagraha Kitiki. The temple opens at 5.00 am and closes at 9.00 pm.
Mangaluru Airport (59 kilometers) is the nearest airport to Udupi, which is well-connected by rail and road. You can reach the temple from the airport by bus or cab.

Sri Krishna Temple Udupi Timings

Puja
Timings
Nirmalya Visarjana Puja
5.30 am
Ushakala Puja
6.00 am
Akshya Patra Gopuja
6.15 am
Vishwaroopa Darshana
6.20 am
Panchamritabhisheka
6.30 am
Udvartana Puja
7.00 am
Kalasha Puja
7.30 am
Teertha Puja
7.40 am
Alankara Puja
8.30 am
Avasara Sanakadi Puja
10.30 am
Mahapuja
11.00 am
Chamara Seva
7.00 pm
Ratripuja
7.30 pm
Rangapuja
7.40 pm
Utsava
8.00 pm
Thottilu Puja
8.30 pm
Kolalu Seva
8.40 pm
Ekanta Seva
8.50 pm

Krishna Temple in Nepal

Krishna temple is the most important temple in Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur, Nepal. It was built in the local variety of Shikhara style known as Granthakuta.

ISKCON Temple Bengaluru

Built and managed by ISKCON in 1997, this huge cultural complex is in North Bengaluru. It houses the deities of Radha and Krishna. ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is dedicated to propagating Krishna Consciousness worldwide. This temple is an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture.

ISKCON Temple Metro

The nearest metro station to ISKCON Temple is Sandal Soap Factory station (Green Line).

ISKCON Temple Bangalore Timing
Weekdays
7.15 am to 1.00 pm; 4.00 pm to 8.20 pm
Weekends
7.15 am to 8.30 pm

Sri Krishna Balaram Temple

Located in Sunnyvale, CA, this temple is an initiative of India Heritage Foundation. It was built to create a place where religion, knowledge, arts, music and culture meet.
A decent temple in bay area.
— Sharath Ramachandra

Arulmighu Parthasarathyswamy Temple

This temple is in Triplicane, Chennai. This 8th-century-temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. It is sacred for Vaishnavites. In fact it is the 61st Divya Desam in 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams.

Krishna Mandir

Located in Patan, Nepal, this temple is built in the shikhara style, imported from India. Beneath its 21 golden pinnacles are three floors. The first floor enshrines Krishna, the second Shiva, and the third Lokeshwor.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)