Athirappilly Waterfalls and Vazhachal – the Exquisite Destinations for Newly Married Couples to Celebrate Their Honeymoon

It is always the dream of young females and males of getting hitched with their perfect partner. Even I had many dream about my future better half. As soon as I completed my graduation I started weaving dreams of my married life. Like every girl, I also demanded some ‘special qualities in my better half’. I had once discussed the same with my parents and friends. After completing graduation like every graduate I also started hunting for jobs. I uploaded my resume in several job portals like Times Jobs, Naukri, Monster and so on. I had to wait for a week for getting a call from the firms. Within a couple of weeks, I attended more than 10 interviews and out of them, I got selected in 4 companies. Among them, I selected the best firm where I could develop my technical knowledge. I joined the firm. Over there I had 6 months probationary period. After successfully completing the probationary period my parents started searching for a perfect groom for me and perfect son-in-law for them. Belonging to a Christian family my parents uploaded my profile in the famous Christian marriage portal called Chavara Matrimony. We got many good responses from respected families. On one fine Sunday morning, one family came to see me and my family. The guy was working as a senior mechanical engineer in Bangalore. We talked to each other in private for nearly 10 -15 minutes. We liked each other followed to it our families discussed the function and other important matters. Within a couple of months, we got hitched and I migrated with him to Bangalore. Words are insufficient to express the dazzling beauty of Bangalore. On weekends we used to explore new places. Each place has something new to share with us. Gradually we started to become closer.

Three months passed and one important thing was missing in our happily married life- it was nothing but our honeymoon trip. There was no particular reason for delaying our honeymoon trip. If we do not plan the tour now, we were definite that such trips will not take place in the near future. Therefore we thought planning a wonderful and thrilling honeymoon trip within a month. My hubby handed over the task of finding the perfect destination for our romantic tour. From the very next day, I started to spend my valuable time in front of the system. We had already decided not to select any places from northern parts of India. Therefore the task became a little tedious. I spent more than half a day on the internet. At last, I came across tour packages curated by travel operator called Dream Holidays. They formulate packages for families, newly married couples and also for solo trips. I was impressed with the feedback. I shared the information with my hubby when he returned from the office. He liked the travel partner and we both sat together and started searching an exquisite destination for our romantic trip. In the end, we decided to select the Thrissur district of Kerala for our honeymoon. The district is not only well-known for its cultural beliefs but also for spectacular tourist destinations. We availed of their packages.

We boarded a flight from Kempegowda International Airport to Cochin International Airport. Over there our tour guide was desperately waiting for us. We identified him by his uniform and also he had carried our names in a placard. We kept our luggage in the cab and started our journey. The journey was only 60 minutes. As it was not a peak time we did not face any kind of traffic problem. As per our itinerary, we first reached Chalakudy, a place well-known for its cascading waterfalls. We entered the resort before entering details we pleaded the authorities to provide a room in a tree house. As we hadn’t booked it prior, they were not sure whether there is any vacant tree house. Therefore they asked us to wait for a couple of minutes. Thank god we got the room in the tree house. For time being we kept our bags in the resting room and completed their formalities. Followed to it we savored scrumptious delicacies prepared in traditional Kerala style. As the journey was not tiring soon after lunch we started our exploration.

We first moved to the famous Athirappilly waterfalls. Even though not everyone not has seen the waterfalls with naked eyes, but this place will be familiar to everyone if you have seen the video of the famous song ‘Nannare, Nannare’ from the Bollywood movie called ‘Guru’. Like Aishwarya Rai, even I wished to dance like her. We soon purchased the tickets to enter the waterfalls. Athirappilly waterfalls are also called as ‘Niagara waterfalls of India’. Hats off to the water authority team for maintaining the Athirappilly waterfalls in a good-mannered. We entered the premises of waterfalls. The path was decorated with small pebbles for a comfortable walk. We descended to the bottom of the waterfalls. Over there we saw many tourists hailing from various parts of Kerala came to the place by availing of tour packages with families at cheap price. We sprinkled waters on each other. We really had a wonderful time. From there we moved to Vazhachal.

Vazhachal is known as the twin of Athrippilly waterfalls. The water cascading from great height gave an image of milky water rolling down by hitting on small and big stones. It is this place where Baahubali movie was shot. Over here more than humans it is the monkeys who were guarding nature. They are so crooked that they tried to steal our food. After spending quality time we moved to Thumboormuzhi. Walking through the hanging bridge we reached on the other side of the banks. By the evening we returned to our resort. As per our request, they arranged a tree house for us. It was awesome hours for us to spend a night in amidst of jungle. The next we opened our eyes by hearing the tweeting of innocent birds. We were lucky enough to catch the first rays of sunrise from the tree house. After relishing breakfast we continued our expedition, we visited the famous Sakthan Thampuran Palace, famous temples, Archaeological museums and so on. By the evening we departed back to our hometown by carrying sweet memories of our trip.

Know the 9 Wildlife Parks in Kerala Where Honeymooners will Enjoy Spending some Romantic Time

Honeymoon days are always the best days in any couple’s life. In fact, it plays an important role too as it is the time when two people are going to explore each other and create the foundation for each other’s life. In this very first trip of a couple, they will be having a lot of expectations and dreams. In that case, an astonishingly beautiful place would further add colour and romance to their honeymoon. Because of this reason, Kerala has always been the most picked option for honeymoon packages. The scenic beauty of Kerala will simply make the honeymoon next level. Unsurprisingly, the demand for Kerala honeymoon tour packages is very high in the market. The scope of tourism in Kerala is unmatchable with most other places as there are different types of topographies such as beaches, mountains, backwaters, wildlife etc. However, the wildlife in Kerala is something that is very unique with many endangered animals such as Nilgiri Tahrs, lion tailed masques etc. There are numerous national parks in Kerala which are engulfed in the scenic beauty and quiet enough to give that private time for honeymooners in the lap of nature.

If you are planning to tour Kerala on honeymoon packages, you definitely can add a national park or wildlife sanctuary or a forest reserve with your existing itinerary at low prices to savour that unique flora and fauna. You can add the ones near to other tourist spots in your travel itinerary. The best national parks and sanctuaries to spend some romantic time in Kerala are as follows:

1. Periyar National Park

Periyar national park is the pride of Kerala situating in the Idukki district.  In fact, it is also a tiger reserve housing around 40 living tigers. The Park was formed as back as in 1895 when the dam was created. There is a lake flowing through the national park and it is a common sight to see the Indian elephants at the river banks in a playful mood. However, apart from the elephants and tigers, the park also comprises of Gaurs, Wild pigs, Sambar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Dole or Indian wild dog. Periyar National park is also a heaven for bird watchers. Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar hornbill and racket-tailed drongoes are the common birds you can spot here. Tourists who have been courageous enough to go trekking in these dense forests have even witnessed King Cobras and a Pythons. The air is so pure and the environment is so wild as the mountains of Western Ghats stands tall amid the forest. There is also a boating facility available through the lake.

2. Eravikulam National Park

This is one of the most sought after tourist spots in the queen of hill stations, Munnar. It is a home for 48 species of mammals, 133 species of birds, 101 species of butterflies and 21 species of amphibians. It is more popularly known as Rajmalai in Munnar. However, Rajmalai refers to only a small part of the park which is open to the tourists to explore. The park is around 13 km from Munnar town and is present in the Udumalpet road. Nilgiri Tahr is the main attraction of Eravikulam National Park and you will be definitely able to spot a few of them as you trek along the mountains in the park. You can also opt for a safari through the park which is the best way to make the most out of the park. Anamudi peak which is the highest in entire south India is located inside of this park. Although entry to the peak is restricted you can enjoy the beautiful view from the top of Rajamai. It is so beautifully taken care of as plastics are not allowed as well as you have to walk on your foot after you get down from the safari vehicle. Around 700 to 800 Nilgiri Tarhs exist in the park. You can take photographs and even touch them if no security is watching. Nevertheless, there are not many activities to entertain you all day long but if you are a real nature lover you will embrace your trip to Eravikulam National Park forever as the huge mountains and rich vegetation will give you bliss.

3. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary

The queen of hill stations has one more reserve in its feathers and that is the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. It is situated on the Western Ghats adjoining the Tamil Nadu. Rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystem make it fascinating for people visiting here. The forest looks very unique in its way with thorny scrub forests with xerophytes species. Endangered giant-sized squirrels are the highlight of this national park as it is their habitat. It is well known for its wealth of medicinal plants although it receives only less than two months of rain every year. There are many accommodation possibilities available in this place which is perfect for honeymooners especially. Treehouses, log houses and mud houses set deep in the forest will give that thrill of being in nature as well as all the natural beauty that you expect during your honeymoon trip. Interpretation center, two eco – shops, amenity center, inspection bungalow, and cafeteria are also available on its campus to serve the needs of its visitors. The best spots where you can spend some romantic time inside the sanctuary are Kotter riverside, Churulipetty riverside, and Thoovanam waterfalls.

4. Silent Valley National Park

This national park is situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It was, in fact, a paradigm of people’s movement and it is one of the last rainforests in India. The national park was actually declared in 1984 and actually started its operations in 1985. Sairandhri is located in the core zone of Silent valley national park and a jeep safari to this spot is the most important activity here. Coffee and cardamom plantations are a common sight in the national park. You can also witness some tribal settlements in the plantation as they work in the plantations. Although eucalyptus is not generally seen in rainforests, the silent valley national park consists of many eucalyptus trees. Silent valley is also famous for butterflies and moths. You can actually see a lot of colourful butterflies while in the Silent Valley National Park. Lion-tailed masques can also be seen in large numbers as this is its natural habitat. The greenery gets darker and darker as you move forward and it would certainly seem like a great experience for you.

5. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

It is situated in the heart of Kochi city behind the Kochi high court. It is nicknamed as the green lung of Kochi as it plays a major role in purifying the air in the city. An increase in the buildings in the surroundings is making it difficult for the birds in their migrating process. It covers around 2.74 hectares of land. You can spot a variety of birds on your visit to Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Some are migratory while some are residents. There is a shallow tidal lake flowing through it and connects the backwaters by a canal. There are also mangroves and coconut trees in dazzling shades of green. It is the perfect place to enjoy some intimate time with nature. This is especially convenient if your Kerala honeymoon package starts from Kochi. Kochi has a good airport and airfares to Kochi always come with discounts and offers in off-seasons especially.

 6. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

It is a wildlife sanctuary situated in one of the wildest districts of Kerala; Wayanad has four ranges Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty. It is the second biggest sanctuary in Kerala and houses a wide variety of birds, animals and insects and reptiles. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary was established in the year 1973 and is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The forests of Wayanad are moist and deciduous and houses karimaruthi, rosewood, vengal, etc. Dense fog and sound of peacocks is something that is so common in Wayanad. The guides are usually tribals and they are well versed with wildlife. They interpret the signs given by wild animals like the back of their hands. Guzzling waters of rivulets are itself a treat to the eyes but generally, it is not safe to get down from the jeep and wet your legs. As far as the honeymooners are considered they will visit Wayanad to behold the romantic Chembra peak and during that time they can add Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary too to their travel itinerary.

7. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is another name of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and is situated in the Kottayam taluk of Kottayam district. It is a favourite haunt for migratory birds in Kerala. It is spread over 14 acres of land on the banks of Kavanar River. It is a lovely spot to visit when you are visiting the backwaters of Kumarakom. You can couple both the spots together when you are visiting Kerala. There are also paddle boating facility in the sanctuary that you both can explore the Kavani river by paddling your way through the river. The lush green palms and the delicious aroma of coconuts will certainly make your day.

8. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

It is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur and in fact the northernmost one in Kerala. This sanctuary also offers a safari for you to embrace the wondrous creations of nature. The forest is filled with the sweet chattering of birds and that will certainly make your day. Also, the greenness is so deep and rich that your eyes will have that soothing feel. In addition, apart from all other national parks and sanctuaries, this one of the least populated ones and therefore the best for honeymooners seeking privacy. Kannur is also famous for its beaches and Valyaparamba backwaters. So you can come up to the northern part of Kerala and pay a visit to all of this.

 9. Konni Elephant Reserve

Unlike the usual national parks or sanctuaries, this is a bit different as it houses only elephants. It is indeed an elephant training camp. You can come to this reserve which is located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala and have a closer look at the elephants. The reserve offers elephant safaris. You can also opt to bathe or feed the baby elephants and click photographs of it too. There is also a river flowing through the middle of the forest where coracle rides are offered. Coracle rides actually mean bamboo vessels in which around four people can sit and the boatman will sail you through the river. As you sail away you can behold the evergreen forests on its banks. However, when you reach the middle of the river the boatman will give a quick spin to the coracle to make it adventurous too.

Kerala is dotted with national parks, forest reserves and sanctuaries all over it. However, if you talk to tour operators you will get a better idea on the locations and how you can formulate an ideal honeymoon package incorporating wildlife along with other tourist spots. Although there are numerous tour operators in Kerala, Dream holidays are the best among them. You can enjoy a hustle free holiday by joining hands with Dream holidays. So pick up your receiver and speak to their enthusiastic tour executives.

8 Districts in Kerala Which You Should Never Miss

The ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is an intriguingly beautiful place with emerald greenery, flanked by the Western Ghats on one side, west coast of Arabian Sea on the other and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation. According to a myth, Kerala was created by Parashuram who was an ancient warrior sage by throwing his axe from Gokran, near Karwar, Karnataka. Then the sea moved away and a strip of land was formed. It is believed that at that time the fight between Aryans and Dravidians were at its peak and in order to solve that, he created this land and asked Aryans and Dravidians to live together. Historically, Vasco da Gamma was the first known person to land in Kerala in 1498 AD near to Calicut.

In the Indian Peninsula, Kerala occupies the west corner in the southernmost part. The lush green vegetation and tropical climate lure tourists from all parts of the world. In contrary to the small size of Kerala, it is far richer compared to other states in Kerala with forests and rubber, cashew, and coconut plantations and the local people are also well cultured and educated. In fact, the first-ever state to attain 100% literacy was Kerala. The culture and heritage of Kerala are also remarkably bright. Indigenous art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathira, Karalipayattu are adored by people all over the world. Today Kerala tour packages are renowned for backwater housings, the natural beauty of hill stations, seaside beach resorts, health resorts, and the unique cultural activities of Kerala. In addition, Kerala tour packages come at a cheap price too in the market, making it a very suitable place for people wishing to go on holidays with or without family. If you are a domestic tourist, you can reach via air, road or train. By Air, Cochin International airport is the busiest airport in Kerala. However, there are three more international airports in Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram international airport, Calicut international airport and Kannur international airport. All the airports have flights connecting with other states in Kerala as well as other countries. Kerala has a well-maintained network of roads. KSRTC buses are operated by the state government and are a great way to move from one city to another in an economical way. You can check the bus schedules on their official website and even book online. However, there are also private buses. If you are comfortable travelling on a train, Kerala has an efficient railway system with railway stations close to almost all towns in Kerala. The railways also have an official website where you can check out the schedule and do online booking.

There are 14 districts in Kerala and each of them is unique in its own way. Some of them which are famous for tourism are as follows:

1. Alappuzha

Alappuzha is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is covered with a network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. The district is also famous for boat races, house boating, calm beaches and marine products. Alappuzha has Kuttanad region known as ‘Rice bowl of Kerala’. The most beautiful backwater region in Kerala is undoubtedly Kuttanad. This is because the backwaters are lined by palm grove and paddy fields. So while navigating, one can simply soak in the natural beauty of Kerala. Apart from that, you can also visit the lovely beaches of Alleppey. Marari beach in Alleppey was once ranked in the top list of best hammock beaches in the world by a famous magazine.

Reaching Alleppey: Alleppey is well connected by railways. The nearest airport is Cochin international airport. In addition, boat services are also available from many other districts.

2. Idukki

Idukki is a hilly district in Kerala popular for its mountains, valleys, meadows, wildlife, streams, trekking trails, sanctuaries etc. Idukki is also famous for its large tribal population. When you come to Kerala it would be great if you could take a drive through the tribal village as the tribes of Kerala are believed to have unique customs and beliefs.

However, Munnar is considered as the queen of hill stations and is located in the Idukki district. It is one of the highest tea growing areas in the world and most of its hills are engulfed in tea plantations and is very suitable for walking and trekking. Eravikulam National Park or Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a pride of Munnar where you can see some endangered species.

In fact, there are also many other wildlife sanctuaries in Idukki district such as Idukki wildlife sanctuary and the Periyar wildlife sanctuary. Idukki wildlife sanctuary is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district and the other one is located in Thekkady. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is located on the banks of Periyar Lake. It is one of the best places in India to see wild Elephants, lions, deer, tigers etc.

In addition, Idukki also has some lovely waterfall destinations. Nyayamkad is the most famous waterfall spot in Idukki located between Munnar and Rajamala.

Reaching Idukki: Idukki is well connected by roads. The nearest railway station is in Kottayam and airport is Cochin International Airport. However, Idukki shares border with Tamil Nadu and thus Madurai airport and Coimbatore airport are also nearby.

3. Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. Kovalam and Varkala are the most famous beaches in Kerala apt for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. There are also a number of beach resorts that offer you all the luxury needed to enjoy the beaches. These resorts may appear a bit expensive in the peak seasons but if you are visiting in off-seasons you will get to stay at the cheapest of the rates and that will be especially useful if you are looking forward to adding a luxurious resort stay in your honeymoon package in Kerala. The honeymoon couples also can request for a candlelight dinner at any of the beaches and that is going to linger as one of the best memories in your life. Ponmudi which is about 60km from Thiruvananthapuram is a lovely hill station close to the capital city. It is great for bird watching and long peaceful walks. You can also pay a visit to the Neyyar Dam and wildlife sanctuary in Ponmudi. Agasthyarkoodam is yet another hill station around 70 km away from Trivandrum.

Reaching Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram is blessed with a railway station, airport and good roads so reaching there is never a problem.

4. Ernakulum

Cochin which is the commercial capital of Kerala is a historic harbour-city. The city can ignite a lot of curiosity in its visitors with its oozing charms. The best place to visit in Kochi is Fort Kochi which tells tales of different cultures belonging to the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Jews. You can still see the remnants of all these cultures in the city. Dutch palace and the Paradesi synagogue are the best examples. Cherai beach in Cochin is another place where tourists can explore. It is a good beach for swimming. For backwater experience, you can head to Kumblangi which is close to Fort Kochi. Kochi also boasts of some amazing museums such as Maritime museum in Cochin and Indo-Portuguese museum, The Hill Palace Museum, The Museum of Kerala History.

Reaching Cochin: Like Trivandrum, Cochin is also blessed with airport, railway station and roads. However, Cochin also consists of a busy port.

5. Kannur

Apart from having some wonderful beaches, Kannur district is rich in its flora and fauna as well. Aralam wildlife sanctuary is a very fascinating place which is 35 km from Thalassery and 60 km from Kannur town. However, the gem of Kannur district is the magnificent Valyaparamba island which features beach on one side and pristine backwaters on the other. The atmosphere is so serene in Valyaparamba that you will immediately fall in love with it after setting your foot on the island. Valiyaparamba is only gaining popularity and thus it still remains untouched. This especially makes it a charming place for honeymooners as they can quietly enjoy the beauty of nature wrapped in love.

Reaching Kannur: Kannur has its own airport but Calicut airport is also nearby it. You can also reach Kannur via rails and road as well.

6. Wayanad

Wayanad has some of the most majestic mountain ranges in the Western Ghats. Wayanad also has a good climate which is neither too cold nor hot. Pookot lake, Eddekkal caves, Banasura dam are the favourite spots among tourists to spend time. You can go boating in the Pookot lake and Banasura dam while you can have a glimpse into the prehistoric era through the paintings in Eddekkal caves. Kuruva Island is yet another spot to explore in Wayanad where you can dip in the lake and have a great time. However, for the newlyweds, nothing beats the Chembra peak where there is a perfect heart-shaped pond with crystal clear waters. Wayanad is also rich in wildlife and houses some of the best national parks and sanctuaries such as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Reaching Wayanad: Calicut airport and Kannur airport are the closest. However, Mysore airport in Karnataka is just 2 hours away from Sultan Bathery. As far as the railway station is considered again Kannur and Calicut railway station are the nearest. In addition, Wayanad also has a well-maintained road system including spacious hairpin curves.

7. Kasargod

Kasargod is the northernmost district in Kerala and shares border with Karnataka and this obviously has an effect on the way people speaks. The natives of Kasargod speak with a Kannada dialect. The best tourist attraction in Kasargod is the Bekal fort prowling over 40 acres with one by third of it facing the sea. It is a beautiful place of huge historical importance. The deep blue sea from above the fort is quite a treat to the eyes.

Reaching Kasargod: Kannur airport and railway station is close to Kasargod. However, the closest airport is Mangalore international airport in Karnataka.

8. Kollam

Kollam is famous for its Ashtamudi Lake and backwaters. It is one of the best destinations to go a houseboat cruising beholding the sleepy villages on its banks and having some traditionally prepared seafood of Kerala. The honeymooners visiting Ashtamudi can couple it with a stay at the famous floating cottages in the backwaters to immerse completely in its beauty.  Thangassery lighthouse and Thirumullavaram beach are among other tourist attractions in Kollam.

Reaching Kollam: Thiruvananthapuram airport is the nearest airport. Kollam has a railway station of its own and amazing roads as well.

However, when travelling to Kerala it’s always better to talk to a tour operator and come up with a travel itinerary. Out of the many travel operators, Dream holidays have always proved to be master in coining Kerala packages. They have good reviews. In addition, they also enable customization of packages by the customers.

Welcome to the Capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram!

Can you even leave Kerala without visiting Thiruvananthapuram? This district, with its position as the capital of Kerala, is also known under its colonial name, Trivandrum. The place is located in the southernmost tip of this southwestern state of the Malabar Coast. When it comes to India, we have the cheapest travel packages to places like Kerala which has made tourism a thriving business here. Thiruvananthapuram is one such place which is safer and cheap to visit during every season in Kerala at budget prices. There are innumerable places and travel packages to those places which are a help to those who are lured by the common green of all places in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram stands apart being a place that has its beaches, rivers, lakes, paddy fields and plantains. The place is known as a hub of devotees, academics, research, IT and many more. Take a holiday tour to this location in Kerala and with the Trivandrum International Airport, reaching this place is easier now with the fastest transport facility. Put an end to your days of waiting and planning as you can get the help of travel partners these days who will take you to the important and best places during your Kerala tour. If you want to choose from the best travel partners in the field, choose Dream Holidays as they are popular with their packages and guides who know the local places in Kerala the best. By choosing a local operator means you get the benefits of taking the shorter routes and thus saving your time away from the traffic. A visit to the offbeat destinations is another plus point if you choose the ones who know their own home Kerala. There are certain places in Thiruvananthapuram that you should set foot for this holiday.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

Lord Vishnu in his eternal sleeping position (Anantha-sayanam) lures every typical devotee to this temple as it is one of the most important temples among the 108 Vishnu temples in India. Known as the richest temple in the world, the temple has got a mysterious door where entry is known to be an impossible task. The main entrance to the temple is from its north door and to get there you have to reach the East Fort area of Thiruvananthapuram. The place is open on all days of the week and opens at 3.30 am for the Nirmalya darshanam. Open until 7.20 pm in the evening, people can enter here according to the regular intervals of time. Make sure you follow the dress code, it would be better if women come in saree or avoid pants, and men will have to enter bare-chested and should wear a dhoti or mundu. Take a bath and tie your hair and visit this place with the architecture which is built with a combination of Kerala and Dravidian magnificence with many brilliant murals, paintings, sculptures and pillars. It would take more than an hour to visit this place. Every six years, Murajapam and Bhadra Dheepam rituals happen here for which many people flock in. From the airport, you can reach here by covering a distance of 6 Kilometers and from the railway station, it is just 1 Km away. Add this place to your tour package if this place is not listed.

Hawa Beach:

Don’t get confused if your travel guide asks you if you want to visit Eves Beach in Kovalam, for Hawa Beach is known under this name too. The sight of the palm groves and the Lighthouse beach are the extras you get with a serene promenade through the shores of Hawa Beach. The place offers best sunrise, sunset and moonlit views of nature. Water adventures like surfing, parasailing, and boat sailing can be done here by entering without any cost. Get a trainer if you are that person who wants to try out new things before leaving Kerala. Ask your travel partner to add facilities that aid you with your water sports. Getting the best seafood is an easier option here with many stalls, shacks and restaurants providing the same at best taste and prices. The place is at its best throughout the year and if you are visiting Kerala during winter visit this beach without second thoughts as the climate is the most favourable at this time. Spending at this shore for 2 hours on your trip where you can enter from 7 am to 9 pm should definitely hold a place in your tour itinerary to Kerala. It takes about 30 minutes to reach here from the airport and the railway station.

Napier Museum: 

Yet another place that your travel package needs is the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram if you are visiting Kerala for your vacation. At the heart of the capital city of Kerala lies this masterpiece location which has got the stories of history inside it. The place got its name after Lord Napier, who was the Governor-General of Madras at that time and he gave orders to Robert Fellowes Chisholm, their architect to build this museum as he was impressed by the architectural style of Kerala. Chisholm constructed this museum in the Indo-Saracenic style by blending the Indian and foreign style. The works of Raja Ravi Varma, one of the greatest painters in India and the sword of Velu Thampi Dhalawa, a martyr of the independence struggle in India are the best attractions here. There is a rich collection of sculptures and carvings made of wood, ivory, bronze and stones here along with a great collection of coins of different ages. Now, this place is open from 10 am to 5 pm and can be entered by getting a ticket that costs 30 Rs per person. There is no entry on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons, so make sure that you travel to this place for sure on other days of the week. Visit the zoological park, Sri Chitra Art Gallery and National Heritage Museum too if you hit this place. This is one of the cheapest places that the travel packages should not miss. The airport is at a distance of 5 Kilometers away from here and from the railway station, it is about 3 Kilometers.

Kerala A Complete Versatile Destination of India – Dream Holidays

Kerala owns the title of God’s Own Country which is very much apt. Kerala is blessed with abundance of lush green land, rivers, and backwaters, mountains with rain forests and a long coastal line. The climate of this place also plays an important role in bringing more tourists on Kerala tour packages from Delhi and other cities. Tourism in Kerala is a developing sector. There are several factors in Kerala which attracts the tourists like good places, nice climate, great food and friendly people. Kerala is also known as the land of spices. The vegetation here includes spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger etc which are very famous in international markets. Kerala also exports tea. Another important crop is Coconut. Kerala derives its name from the coconut tree. Kerala means the land of coconut trees. Kerala is situated between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other side. The landscape of Kerala includes a variety of beaches, hill stations, forests, mountains, backwaters, rivers, lagoons, fertile plains etc.

The Coastal Line

The long coastal line of Kerala which runs like a backbone along the length of the state has many beautiful beaches like Kovalam beach, Varkala beach, Alappuzha beach, Cherai beach,Chavakkad beach, Ponnani beach, Kozhikode beach, Muzhapilangad beach, Payyambalam beach, Kasargod beach etc. Kovalam is a beach town in Thiruvananthapuram with several serene beaches which attract many tourists. There are many good resorts on the beaches at Kovalam where you can stay and enjoy the beauty of Kerala coast during your Kerala packages from Delhi. You can also get your adrenaline pumped up by activities like surfing and gliding with the waves or simply take a dip in the blue waters of the calm sea. Varkala beach is a cliff-side beach with good scenic beauty. The cliffs found in Varkala, adjacent to the Arabian Sea are a unique geological feature on the otherwise plain Kerala coast. It is declared as a geo-heritage site and a geological monument by Geological Survey of India (GSI). The Papanasam beach is considered to have holy waters which wash away all sins. Alappuzha beach is a tourist attraction where there is a 150 years old pier which extends to the sea. Cherai beach, Chavakkad beach, Ponnani beach, Kozhikode beach, Payyambalam beach and Kasargod beach are some of the major beaches which line the coastal strip of Kerala. Muzhapilangad beach is the only drive-in beach among these. There you can enjoy a ride in your car seeing the waves and feeling the salt tasted wind on your face.

Hill stations of Kerala

Some of the famous hill stations of Kerala are Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Ponmudi, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Idukki, Peerrmedu, Malampuzha and Mattupetty. Munnar is an ideal place to relax and unwind yourself. Take a break from your busy life to enjoy its unparalleled shades of green and nice climate. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers, located at an elevation of about 1600m above sea level. The rolling tea-planted hills and the mist above them together make a lifetime memory indeed! Thekkady is yet another excellent destination for Kerala honeymoon packages. It is blessed with lush flora and diverse fauna. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to many elephants. You can enjoy elephant safari and boat ride in Periyar lake. You can go for trekking also there. Ayyampuzha, Gavi, Athirapally, Charalkunnu, Malayattur, Kalpetta, Thiruvambadi, Malakkappara, Vithura, and Ranipuram are some among the lesser known hill stations of Kerala. Though these places are less explored by tourists, they are like pristine beauties of nature, waiting to be discovered!

The Greener side – Rain Forests

Kerala is blessed with lush greenery and a varied wildlife. There is many reserved forest areas and protected biospheres in Kerala. There are more than twenty- five popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary etc are some of the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala you can visit during your Kerala travel packages. Each one has its own specialties and set of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary are famous for the variety of migrating birds visiting them every year from distant lands. Eravikulam National Park, Silent valley National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park and Pampadum Shola National Park are also situated in the protected forest areas of Kerala and are home to many species of birds and animals.

Mountains and Peaks

The Western Ghats stand taller as the eastern border of Kerala. They play an important role in bringing the monsoons in abundance to Kerala. Aanamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India. The peak of Aanamudi is at an elevation of 2,695 meters, and a topographic prominence of 2,479 meters. Palakkad Gap is a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats with an average elevation of 140 meters and a width of 30 kilometers. The districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta also have many big and small mountains. Some of them can offer you a good trek.

Rivers of Kerala

There is a network of 44 rivers across the land of Kerala. Among these, 41 flow to the West to join the Arabian Sea and the other 3 rivers flow in the eastern direction. These rivers are the blood line of Kerala which provides water for drinking, irrigation, power generation and agricultural needs. Bharathapuzha (Nila), Periyar, Pamba, Kabini are some of the major rivers of Kerala. There are many dams constructed in the rivers for irrigation purposes. There are many hydroelectric power stations as well.

Backwaters and Lagoons

Alappuzha is the land of backwaters. It is known as the Venice of the East for its beauty. Houseboats and smaller boats are available in Alappuzha. You can choose any kind of boat and enjoy a ride through the back waters. Snake boat race is conducted in the name Nehru Trophy Vallam Kali every year where snake boats compete against each other for the title of the fastest boat. Kuttanad, Kumarakom, and Pathiramanal are among the favorite destinations in Alappuzha. Canoeing or Kayaking or a simple boat ride, whichever you prefer you can experience in Alappuzha. There are many salt watered lakes and fresh water lakes in Kerala. Vembanad lake, Sasthamkotta lake, Ashtamudi lake, Pookkode lake, Vellayani lakes are among the freshwater lakes of Kerala.

The fertile Plain lands of Kerala

The fertile plain lands of Kerala are ideal for cultivation with the right amount of rainfall and other favoring factors. The main crops cultivated in Kerala are spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric etc. The staple of Keralites is rice. You can find acres of paddy fields in areas like Palakkad and Kuttanad. Other agricultural lands are used for food crops like tapioca, coconut, vegetables, regional fruits like jackfruit, plantain, mango etc. There are many estates or plantations with money crops like rubber, areca nut, coffee, tea beetle leaves etc.

The Rich Culture

The rich culture and the varied heritage of Kerala are worth exploring on your Kerala honeymoon packages from Delhi. There are many religions in Kerala like Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and they all thrive in mutual respect without any conflicts. The main festivals in Kerala are celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of caste and creed. Onam, the harvest festival, is the national festival of Kerala. Other major festivals are Vishu, Eid-ul-fithr, Christmas, Thiruvathira, Bakrid etc. In addition to these, there are many regional festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Aatukal Ponkala, Nenmara Vela and other festivals related to temples, mosques, and churches across the state.

The art forms of Kerala include Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottan Thullal, Koodiyattam, Chakyarkoothu, Thiruvathirakkali, Kerala Nadanam, Margam Kali, Chavittu Nadakam, Oppana, Duff Muttu, Kolkkali etc. Kerala has also contributed well in the fields of literature and film industry with many gifted authors, artists, musicians and actors.

Kerala Cuisine

Kerala cuisine is famous for its flavors. Keralites love vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties. Kerala Sadya, which is served on a plantain leaf, is famous for its number and variety of dishes. Non-vegetarian delicacies like beef roast, mutton chops, chicken varieties and seafood varieties are also very well known among tourists.

Districts in Kerala

There is a total of fourteen districts in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod are the fourteen districts of Kerala. Each district has its own unique specialties. Kerala is celebrating its 60 years on November 1st, 2016. Kerala was formed as a state on November 1st, 1956. The official language of Kerala is Malayalam. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala.

Exploring Wayanad’s Wilderness with Kerala Packages

A romantic honeymoon trip is a great way to kick start new marriage. A honeymoon should be celebrated in a romantic place where the couple can get completely lost in each other. Kerala honeymoon packages are an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience for honeymoon couples. Wayanad, Lakkidi, and Vythiri are some among the sought after honeymoon destinations. The bewitching waterfalls, enchanting forests and misty mountain ranges of Wayanad and Lakkidi are the perfect destinations for the honeymoon couples on Kerala tours. In Kerala, you can plan a quick weekend honeymoon to a luxurious month-long vacation and still find it awesome! ­­­In case you have more time to spend, you can also plan for a Kerala trip. Kerala tour will be the most memorable gift to give to your new partner. Kerala honeymoon from Delhi includes many beautiful places in Wayanad district like Vythiri, Lakkidi and other places in the district. Wayanad is blessed with lush greenery and nice climate which together makes it the perfect honeymoon destination for newlywed couples. You can choose from a wide range of luxurious resorts in Wayanad. Vythiri Resorts, Vythiri Mist Resort, Vythiri Village, Wild Plannet,  The Windflower Resort & Spa, Robin Hills Resort, Peter’s Coffee Creek, Wayanad Silver Woods, Agaraharam Resorts, God’s Land Resort etc are some of the popular resorts where you can enjoy your honeymoon holidays there.

Lakkidi – Lake, Plantations, and Bamboo Rafting

Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad district. Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. Lakkidi is situated 700 meters above mean sea level, atop Thamarassery ghat pass. The nearest town is Vythiri, just 5 km from Lakkidi. Pookot Lake and the Sight-seeing point on Ghat road are nearby tourist spots. The viewpoint is very famous here and many tourists stop by to take pictures. There are a number of tourist resorts within 5 km from Lakkidi for the tourists on Kerala honeymoon packages from Delhi. The soaring mountain peaks, plentiful vegetation, and the gurgling brooks are appealing to the tourists. A panoramic view of the deep valleys of Wayanad, with its winding roads, is quite overwhelming. Three km from Lakkidi is the Pookot Lake which is the natural freshwater lake and one of the rare reservoirs of water in Wayanad.  The lake is surrounded on all sides by meadows and hills. You can enjoy a romantic boat ride in the lake with your partner.

A few kms from the Lake is the Chembra Peak and the love lake. This is a very popular trekking trail for honeymoon couples and family tourists. The love lake comes in the middle of the trek and is a beautiful site surrounded by greenery. The lake always has water in it and is in a heart’s shape and hence called the love lake! The misty mountains make it a perfect romantic spot for taking photos on your Kerala tour packages from Delhi. Bamboo rafting at Kuruva islands is another popular sport to enjoy while in Lakkidi. The island will remind you of the medieval days as it is totally uninhabited except for the birds, reptiles and some monkeys! Kuruva Island is a perfect spot to unwind in nature and for bird watching. Another interesting place to visit in Lakkidi is the Chained tree which is believed to be haunted! The tree has historic importance though it is worshipped for totally different reasons. It is believed that the British killed the tribal young man who showed them a shorted way to reach the other part of the forest and he was killed so that the soldier could take the credit for the path. This youngster’s spirit is believed to be bound to the tree using the chain and nail.

Wayanad – Caves, Temple Remains, and Waterfalls

Wayanad is a beautiful hilly region in the Western Ghats. Wayanad is bestowed with lush green dense forests, lofty ridges, deep valleys and beautiful lakes. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and camping if you and your partner love to take up some adventure together. Both of you can just escape into an arcane world tucked away in the hills of Wayanad and get lost in the beauty of nature. Feel the cold breeze that rushes over rivers and forests, experience the wind rustle your hair and the kiss of mists clinging to mountains. Experience nature at its best here on your Kerala packages from Delhi! You will dwell in perfect harmony with nature wrapped in the lush embrace of a tropical rainforest, pristine and unexplored yet. Wayanad will be the perfect destination for your honeymoon because it just feels like a fairy tale place. You can really experience the magical touch of Mother Nature. The cool mist and the calm surroundings will make you and your partner relaxed. You can enjoy all the beauty of the lush forests and gurgling streams, together. Let the bond of your marriage grow stronger each day and let the perfect honeymoon be the wonderful start of it.

While in Wayanad, you can visit the Edakkal Caves which has some stone-age carvings and pictures. It is a perfect spot to enjoy some adventure and rock climbing during your Kerala packages. There are many ravishing waterfalls also near Wayanad that you can enjoy during your sightseeing. Do not miss Soochippara falls and Kanthappara falls while in Wayanad. The best experience will be the wildlife safari on an elephant or a jeep. That’s the perfect way to enjoy Kerala’s nature in raw elements. There are many remains of old Jain Temples also nearby. Some of them were destroyed by Tippu Sultan and used as his weapon warehouse. Pazhassiraja’s museum and tomb are other places of historical importance in Wayanad. When you are in Wayanad, you can also visit the Banasura Sagar Dam. The Dam and the catchment area are very beautiful and the sunset there is truly romantic. Do not miss the chance to visit the beautiful Kabani River and Neelimala viewpoint that are popular tourist destinations in Wayanad. The hardcore adventure enthusiasts will enjoy the trek to Pakshipathalam caves.

Kerala – God’s Own Country

KERALA owns the title of God’s Own Country which is very much apt. Kerala is blessed with abundance of lush green land, rivers, and backwaters, mountains with rain forests and a long coastal line. The climate of this place also plays an important role in bringing more tourists on Kerala tour packages from Delhi and other cities. Tourism in Kerala is a developing sector. There are several factors in Kerala which attracts the tourists like good places, nice climate, great food and friendly people. Kerala is also known as the land of spices. The vegetation here includes spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger etc which are very famous in international markets. Kerala also exports tea. Another important crop is Coconut. Kerala derives its name from the coconut tree. Kerala means the land of coconut trees. Kerala is situated between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other side. The landscape of Kerala includes a variety of beaches, hill stations, forests, mountains, backwaters, rivers, lagoons, fertile plains etc.

Districts in Kerala

There are totally fourteen districts in Kerala. Each district has its own unique specialties. Kerala is celebrating its 60 years on November 1st, 2016. Kerala was formed as a state on November 1st, 1956. The official language of Kerala is Malayalam. Thiruvanathapuram is the capital city of Kerala.

The Coastal Line

The long coastal line of Kerala which runs like a backbone along the length of the state has many beautiful beaches like Kovalam beach, Varkala beach, Alappuzha beach, Cherai beach, Chavakkad beach, Ponnani beach, Kozhikode beach, Muzhapilangad beach, Payyambalam beach, Kasargod beach etc. Kovalam is a beach town in Thiruvananthapuram with several serene beaches which attract many tourists. There are many good resorts on the beaches at Kovalam where you can stay and enjoy the beauty of Kerala coast during your Kerala packages from Delhi. You can also get your adrenaline pumped up by activities like surfing and gliding with the waves or simply take a dip in the blue waters of the calm sea. Varkala beach is a cliff-side beach with good scenic beauty. The cliffs found in Varkala, adjacent to the Arabian Sea are a unique geological feature on the otherwise plain Kerala coast. It is declared as a geo-heritage site and a geological monument by Geological Survey of India (GSI). Alappuzha beach is a tourist attraction where there is a 150 years old pier which extends to the sea. Cherai beach, Chavakkad beach, Ponnani beach, Kozhikode beach, Payyambalam beach and Kasargod beach are some of the major beaches which line the coastal strip of Kerala. Muzhapilangad beach is the only drive-in beach among these. There you can enjoy a ride in your car seeing the waves and feeling the salt tasted wind on your face.

Hill stations of Kerala

Some of the intriguing hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Ponmudi, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Idukki, Peerumedu, Malampuzha and Mattupetty. Munnar is an ideal place to relax and unwind yourself. Take a break from your busy life to enjoy its unparalleled shades of green and nice climate. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three rivers, located at an elevation of about 1600m above sea level. The rolling tea-planted hills and the mist above them together make a lifetime memory indeed! Thekkady is yet another excellent destination for Kerala honeymoon packages. It is blessed with lush flora and diverse fauna. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to many elephants. You can enjoy elephant safari and boat ride in Periyar lake. You can go for trekking also there. Gavi, Malayattur, Athirapally, Charalkunnu, Thiruvambadi, Malakkappara, Kalpetta, Vithura, and Ranipuram are some among the lesser known hill stations of Kerala. Though these places are less explored by tourists, they are like pristine beauties of nature, waiting to be discovered!

The Greener side – Rain Forests

Kerala is blessed with lush greenery and a varied wildlife. There is many reserved forest areas and protected biospheres in Kerala. There are more than 25 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that are quite popular among the tourists. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary etc are some of the wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala you can visit during your Kerala honeymoon from Delhi. Each one has its own specialties and set of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary are famous for the variety of migrating birds visiting them every year from distant lands. Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Silent valley National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park and Mathikettan Shola National Park are also situated in the protected forest areas of Kerala and are home to many species of birds and animals.

Mountains and Peaks

The Western Ghats stand taller as the eastern border of Kerala. They play an important role in bringing the monsoons in abundance to Kerala. Aanamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India. The peak of Aanamudi is at an elevation of 2,695 meters, and a topographic prominence of 2,479 meters. Palakkad Gap is a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats with an average elevation of 140 meters and a width of 30 kilometers. The districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta also have many big and small mountains. Some of them can offer you a good trek.

Rivers of Kerala

There is a network of 44 rivers across the land of Kerala. Among these, 41 flow to the West to join the Arabian Sea and the other 3 rivers flow in the eastern direction. These rivers are the blood line of Kerala which provides water for drinking, irrigation, power generation and agricultural needs. Bharathapuzha (Nila), Periyar, Pamba, Kabini are some of the major rivers of Kerala. There are many dams constructed in the rivers for irrigation purposes. There are many hydroelectric power stations as well.

Backwaters and Lagoons

Alappuzha is the land of backwaters. It is known as the Venice of the East for its beauty. Houseboats and smaller boats are available in Alappuzha. You can choose any kind of boat and enjoy a ride through the back waters. Snake boat race is conducted in the name Nehru Trophy Vallam Kali every year where snake boats compete against each other for the title of the fastest boat. Kuttanad, Kumarakom, and Pathiramanal are among the favorite destinations in Alappuzha. Canoeing or Kayaking or a simple boat ride, whichever you prefer you can experience in Alappuzha. There are many salt watered lakes and fresh water lakes in Kerala. Vembanad lake, Sasthamkotta lake, Ashtamudi lake, Pookkode lake, Vellayani lakes are among the freshwater lakes of Kerala.

The fertile Plain lands of Kerala

The fertile plain lands of Kerala are ideal for cultivation with the right amount of rainfall and other favoring factors. The main crops cultivated in Kerala are spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric etc. The staple of Keralites is rice. You can find acres of paddy fields in areas like Palakkad and Kuttanad. Other agricultural lands are used for food crops like tapioca, coconut, vegetables, regional fruits like jackfruit, plantain, mango etc. There are many estates or plantations with money crops like rubber, areca nut, coffee, tea beetle leaves etc.

The Rich Culture

The rich culture and the varied heritage of Kerala are worth exploring on your Kerala honeymoon packages from Delhi. There are many religions in Kerala like Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and they all thrive in mutual respect without any conflicts. The main festivals in Kerala are celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of caste and creed. Onam, the harvest festival, is the national festival of Kerala. Other major festivals are Vishu, Eid-ul-fithr, Christmas, Thiruvathira, Bakrid etc. In addition to these, there are many regional festivals like Thrissur Pooram, Aatukal Ponkala, Nenmara Vela and other festivals related to temples, mosques, and churches across the state.

The art forms of Kerala include Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottan Thullal, Koodiyattam, Chakyarkoothu, Thiruvathirakkali, Kerala Nadanam, Margam Kali, Chavittu Nadakam, Oppana, Duff Muttu, Kolkkali etc. Kerala has also contributed well in the fields of literature and film industry with many gifted authors, artists, musicians and actors.

Kerala Cuisine

Kerala cuisine is famous for its flavors. Keralites love vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties. Kerala Sadya, which is served on a plantain leaf, is famous for its number and variety of dishes. Non-vegetarian delicacies like beef roast, mutton chops, chicken varieties and seafood varieties are also very well known among tourists.