About Kerala A Vacation in Kerala can prove to be the greatest boon in your busy and tension filled life. A Vacation in Kerala is like a prescription to good health and a balanced mind for a healthy life. On a Vacation to Kerala do not forget to go in for the life improving therapies available along with your tour around the beautiful beaches and backwaters.

A Vacation in Kerala can prove to be the greatest boon in your busy and tension filled life. A Vacation in Kerala is like a prescription to good health and a balanced mind for a healthy life. On a Vacation to Kerala do not forget to go in for the life improving therapies available along with your tour around the beautiful beaches and backwaters.

Houseboats and Cruises Aptly termed “God's Own Country”, Kerala is blessed with a natural beauty that has a bit of everything… lush green, tropical forests, gently sloping hills and a culture that dates back to thousands of years in time.

However, perhaps the greatest attraction of Kerala is her exotic backwaters, whose fame has made the state one of the most popular tourist destination in the world. These backwaters are home to a related tourist attraction of Kerala, namely houseboats. Charming and cozy, these Houseboat Cruises in Kerala are one of the greatest tourist attractions of the state.

Houseboats of Kerala Relaxing yet presenting an enjoyable adventure, the houseboats of Kerala are perfectly tuned to provide one of the greatest holiday experiences to the tourist in Kerala. Traditionally used to move Ygoods through the backwater canals and rivers across the towns, these 80-ft long Kettuvallams or houseboats as they are called today are comfortably furnished with an open lounge, one or two bath attached bedrooms and a kitchenette. Added with a staff, who ensure the comforts of the guests of the houseboats, these cruises are also inclusive of meals that showcase some of the delicious specialties of Kerala.

The Major Houseboat Cruises of Kerala

» Alleppey – Alleppey	» Kumarakkom - Alumkadavu
» Alleppey - Kumarakom	» Kumarakom - Quilon (Kollam)
» Alleppey - Kottayam	» Alleppey - Kochi (Thevara)
» Alleppey - Thottappally	» Kochi - Alumkadavu
» Alleppey - Alumkadavu	» Kochi - Quilon (Kollam)
» Alleppey - Quilon (Kollam)

Kerala Ayurveda TourAyurveda Centres Ayurveda in Sanskrit means the science of life. This traditional Science has been handed over through the centuries by ancient physicians who greatly valued health and fitness of the human body. This science is well accepted as a natural and affective way of keeping the body healthy and free of toxins.

True to its name, Ayurveda is 3000 years old. Indian system of medicine prescribes time tested and trusted methods to improve physical and mental activity measurably using botanical preparation is Ayurveda, the 3000 years old Indian system of medicine has global acceptance today. The world health Organisation recognises it as an alternate system of medicine.

Ayurveda is the world's most eco-friendly system of medicine, since it does not use any material unfriendly to the eco-system. Ayurveda is the safest system of medicine as it is practically free from side effects. Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort Located - 58 Kms from Coimbatore and 100 Km from Calicut and Cochin, set amidst 50 acres of lush greenery in Palakkad, Kerala. The resort has 30 exclusive villas, elegantly done landscaping with 1.5 km of waterbody meandering around having colorful fountains and waterfalls. All villas are air-conditioned with satellite TV, direct dial Telephones, refrigerator, attached bath.

Other Facilities:
Swimming pool, Tennis and Badminton courts, Indoor recreations, billiards and card room. All naturally derived or herbal ingredients used in all amenities. The resort has its exotic herbs and vegetable gardens, Yoga & meditation center, fully equipped conference hall and treatment center. The treatments are carried out under the guidance and supervision of well-qualified and experienced Ayurveda Doctors.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Entrance fee for Indian Rs. 25 and Foreigners Rs. 300 - Open 6 am –6pm daily
Thekkady / Periyar is South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. Area is 777 Sq.km, 900 to 1800 m above the sea level with a 26 sq.km artificial lake created by the British in 1895.

It is a home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, Langur, some 750 elephants and an estimated 36 tigers, as well as evergreen and deciduous forests which together account for over 85% of the reserve. The greatest attractions are the herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake to frolic on the waters, along with their young ones.

Permitting Authority:» The Wildlife Preservation Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve
» Best season is from September to May.
» Periyar wildlife sanctuary- population
» Flora over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grasses species 143 species of Orchids, the only south Indian conifer pod corpus wallicianus.

Fauna Mammals:Thirty five species including, wild elephants, gaur, sambar deer, bison and wild boar can be sighted from the boats, Nilgiri Thar in the higher rocky areas, the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors, bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat sloth bear etc. Birds 265 species including migrants the hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc..

Amphibians:Frog, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog.

Pisces (fish):The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the masher, the famous and endangered game fish in India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Reptiles:Cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes and the monitor lizard.

Extra activity details in Periyar Boat Ride: The Boat ride is a way to explore the wild life of the animals but now a days boat ride the clients are not enjoying to the level of interest because of too much crowd in the boat, noisy and the boats are very old, only 04 to 05 boats are doing the ferry and 1000 to 1500 people in a day to ride makes the boat ride unexciting one, where as this is one of the main attractions of Periyar.
» Per day five trips for the boat Ride.
» Timing: - 7.am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 2.00pm and 4.00pm
» Cost for the boat ride is 250Rs per person
Jeep Safari: Jeep Safari is the perfect way to explore and enjoy the wild life and you can find many animals on their way routine for food and water, one can do trekking and mountaineering to challenge their fitness. Full day programme jeep safari by jeep (40km) duration at 5.30 am to 6.30 pm including Breakfast, trekking, watching animals, mountaineering, pedal boating, Lunch & tea.
Cost per head 2150 Rs.
Bamboo Rafting: For this activity only 08 people can explore per day and it is a full day programme including Lunch and trekking. » Timing: - 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
» Cost for the Bamboo rafting is 1200Rs- (per head)
Mountain Trekking: The challenging activity for your fitness and to warm your body temperature, along with your fitness excellent opportunity to watch birds, butterflies and other wildlife 04hours programme. Bird watching, viewpoint, watching animals and plants
» Timing: - 7.00 am to 6.00 pm (between anytime)
» Cost : 400Rs (per head)
Natural Walk: The guided day trek is an opportunity to test your fitness, ad the trek leads 04 to 05 kms generally there is definite chance to see birds and wildlife.
» Timing: - 7.00 am to 10.30am, 2.00 pm to 5.00pm
» Cost : - 1000Rs (01 to 05 people, maximum five heads)
Spice Garden: This package offers to visit spice garden around the local villages, tea, coffee, cardamom, Plantation and more than sixty types of spices and Herbal plants around the village.
» Timing: - 7.00 am to 6.00 pm (between anytime)
» Spice Plantation visit: - 300Rs up to 05 Pax
Elephant Ride: The Elephant Ride is the peak of enjoyment not only for the kids but also for the age group of all This is 1/2 hour programme and including for Elephant feeding
» Timing: - 7.00 am to 6.30 pm (Between any times)
» Cost : - 500Rs half an hour, 1000Rs- One hour (per head)
» Elephant feeding: - 50Rs per head
Kathakali Dance Performance: Kathakali dance is a traditional dance form of Kerala. In Kerala, the Kathakali dance form is often known as the King of theater performances.
» Timing: - 07:00PM to 08:00 Pm
» Cost : - 150Rs per person

Kalaripayattu : Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial art of Kerala dating back to almost 2000 years.
» Timing: - 06:00 PM to 07:00 pm
» Cost : - 200Rs per person
» Plantations: Tea, Cardamom, pepper and Coffee plantation surround the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Twelve varieties of spices grow in the neighbouring villages. Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed garlic, staranise etc
» Trekking: Mangaladevi Hills, Mullakkudy, Thannikudi, Vellimala and so on Forest treks are arranged by the forest department
About MunnarMunnar is situated at the confluence of three Mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, Kundala. 1600m above sea level, this hill station is the summer resort of South India. Sprawling tea plantations, Dam, National Park and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station.

Among the exotic flora found in the forest and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018 Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anaimudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anaimudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

In and around Munnar Mattupetty (13 km from Munnar) Situated at a height of 1700 m Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm-the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high Yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm.

Visiting Time 09:00 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 15.30. Rate Rs. 5per head The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity.

Echo Point (15 km from Munnar)On the way to top station, at a spot on the lake embankment, amid some hills, every loud sound is echoed manifold by the surrounding hills— the spot is called Echo point which also offers panoramic views. It is an excellent place, especially for young travelers to disembark for a while, yell out and we can listen our own voice coming back.

Tea Museum (inside the city)This museum highlights some very interesting facts and figures about the growth and development of tea plantations in Munnar. An important landmark of Munnar, the tea museum houses old photographs, machinery, curios and other artifacts that have been used since ancient times.

The entrance charge will be 50Rs per person and the museum is closed on all Mondays and Government holidays Bhoothathankettu surrounded by evergreen forests of teak and bamboo is an area of pristine beauty. According to legend, when demons were trying to construct a bund on the river, Lord Siva came in the disguise of a rooster and announced daybreak by crowing loudly. Hence they were forced to abandon their work and the natural obstruction to the flow of the river seen today is attributed to the demons.

Kodanad situated in the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar, Kodanad is one of the largest elephants capturing centres in south India. Elephant specially trained for Safari are provided with saddles for riding by tourists. Raja mala (17 km from Munnar) the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Thar, Raja mala, is 2695 m above sea level. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat (Hermitragas Hylocres), which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.

The Nilgiri Thar are today reduced to small herds, which are found in the Eravikulam-Raja mala region. The total number of Nilgiri Thar in Raja mala is estimated at 1000.In the early morning and evening Nilgiri Thar can be seen in the area. Closed on all Mondays and Government holidays Marayoor (40 km from Munnar) this is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees Suryanelli the lake and the tea plantations this hill station is just 40 minutes from Munnar is a major tourist attraction.

Excursion From MunnarThere are many places to see near Munnar. Though Munnar is itself a beautiful place, the excursions from Munnar take you to lesser known places around, which are mostly unexplored by tourists. Munnar excursions are an ideal way to get away from the maddening crowd. Devikulam 07 km south west of Munnar Devikulam is situated at a height of about 188 m above the sea level and it is a centre of tea plantations. It has a lovely little lake, known as Sita Devi Lake, which is a popular picnic spot.

Attukal: Located at a distance of about 9 kilometers from Munnar, Attukal provides beautiful scenery of stunning waterfalls and lush green hills. Attukal is usually visited for trekking excursions.

Chithirapuram: Chithirapuram is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Munnar and has a world of its own. Chithirapuram still exudes an old world charm with its old styled bungalows, cottages and tennis courts. It is famous for its tea gardens and Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project.

Pothamedu: Pothamedu is situated at a distance of 6 kilometers from Munnar. This lush green area is famous for its cardamom, tea and coffee plantations. The zigzag mountainous roads make an excellent place for long walks in the lap of nature.

Idukki Dam (55kms from Munnar): The Idukki Dam is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in the southern part of Kerala. This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.

Trek to Meesapulimala : Meesapulimala is the second highest peak in South India. Around 25 kilometers drive up to Silent Valley estate through the Kanan Devan Hills tea plantations and scenic beauty valleys etc…, The trek will be through the Shola grass lands, Pine forests, valley of Rhododendrons etc...

» Duration : 7-9 hours» Top station valley trekAround 29 kilometers drive up to Yellapetty estate through the Kanan Devan Hills tea plantations, villages, Mattupetty, Echo-Point, Kundala Dam etc…, and the trek will be through the tea plantations, dense shola forests, mountain ridges, shola grass lands, etc…,

» Duration : 5-6 hours Kolukkumalai Jeep safari, tea trail and Orthodox Tea Factory (1935) visit Kolukkumalai is the highest tea growing estate in the World. Drive through the Kanan Devan Hills tea plantations and scenic beauty valleys, Lock heart gap, spice plantations etc…, Would be a wonderful experience of the jeep drive through the tea plantations jeep able rugged road and can have close look to the spectacular country side and the rural Tamil people who is working in the tea plantations with warm smile, also can visit one of the oldest tea factory – in this tour there is a chance to walk as much as we want.

» Duration : Full day tour Chinar wildlife sanctuary safari, through the Anamudi shola National Park, “The biggest shola forest in India” A wonderful drive through Kanan Devan Hills tea plantations, villages, Mattupetty, Echo-Point, Kundala Dam and a spectacular drive/walk through the Anaimudi shola National Park, where you can see the real nature, birds’ life, tree fern grown like a palm tree etc…, after this 8 kilometer drive/walk we will enter in a beautiful countryside of the Tamil people where you can see the vegetable cultivations, rice, and Sugarcane cultivations, Muniyara “the historical hermitages” etc…, this drive will take you up the Kerala Tamil Nadu border to the Chinar wildlife sanctuary and we will have 2 hours’ trek through the Sanctuary and back to Munnar through Marayoor Sandal wood forest

» Duration : Full day tour Treks/Hiking near Munnar Most of the treks in and around Munnar will start with tea plantations and will be through grass lands and some shola forest patches etc…

» Duration: 3-5 hoursRoad Distance from Munnar to Different tourist centres

» Kodaikanal	195 km
» Thekkady	120 km
» Kumarakom	170 km
» Allapuzha / Alleppey	200 km
» Kozhikode	289 km
» Cochin	140 km
» Idukki	60 km
» Theni	105 km

Kerala Fair & Festival TourIn kerala, life is a celebration. A close look at the kerala calendar will reveal that this is a land where the festivals never end, adding to the magnificance of the festivals of kerala are fleets of caparisoned elephants, mounted by men holding white plumes swaying in the air the - most breathtaking of kerals's visual wonders.

While there is no dearth of festivals in the state, the excitement speaks during the season of onam, exemplified in the legendary boat races and the week - long festivities, understandably, all these celebrations take place with a lot of fanfare. Onam Onam is the annual harvest festival of kerala. Celebrations are on for ten days, beginning with the atham day of the malayalam month chingam. Alleppey Boat Race - Alleppey Alleppey, the centre for backwater cruises in Kerala, offers an out-of-this world experience. Supporting its claim as the 'Venice of the East', is an extensive network of canals which, passing through the town, provides its lifeline.

Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, each year. This competition - the Nehru Boat Race - takes its name from India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru who inaugurated it in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake-boats, each manned by over a hundered oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous draw with the tourists and the local population alike.

How to reachAlleppey is 64 kms from Cochin & 154 kms from Trivandrum-Cochin is connected on air route with Bombay, Madras, Bangalore & Delhi, Trivandrum is connected with Bombay, Delhi, Madras & Colombo.

The Great Elephant - March - Kerala » Delightful blend of Onam, Trichur Pooram and all that is gracious and ceremonial in Kerala the land of mysterious backwaters and swaying palms, the Elephant March is an absolutely unique and magnificent extravaganza never to be found anywhere else in the world.
» The Elephant March, organised by the Tourism Department of Kerala, is a package tour created especially with the foreign tourist in mind.
The activities start right at Cochin, the nearest airport 74 km away from Trichur. The stars of the show, the gentle disciplined elephants welcome each visitor with a garland as one alights from the aircraft.
» After the night's rest, the party moves to Trichur early in the morning. There, the festivities start at the Thekkinkad maidan where the 101 participating caparisoned elephants decked out in their ceremonial regalia and topped by gay parasols line up in restless anticipation. The elephants are worshipped in a 'Gaja Pooja', accompanied by the distinctive temple music of bugles and conch shells.
» In the afternoon the tourists are taken on an elephant ride through the beautiful Kerala countryside. After a day's sightseeing and shopping at Cochin, the activities move to Alleppey. The fourth day is spent in watching the snake boat race and cruises to Quilon.
» The venue of the fifth day is Trivandrum. Another elephant show is held here with a smaller number of elephants and traditional music of five instruments, much like the Trichur Pooram festival.
» Much merriment is garnered from features like feeding the elephants, being garlanded by them, tug of war with an elephant, elephant race, elephant acrobatics, etc. Displays of Kalaripayattu the traditional Kerala martial art and performance of Indian dances. The grand finale is a seaside barbecue dinner and fireworks display.