All that is dear to me exists on the banks of river Periyar downstream the controversial Mullaperiyar dam.

If Kerala promises Tamil Nadu that water sharing will never be an issue, can the issue be solved? Can we have a new dam please, if we can agree that all the water sharing arrangements that exist at present will be continued? If it is so, why can’t Kerala make that clear once and for all?

Why is the old dam still allowed to stand if the stories of leakages are true? Why are some experts saying that the dam is safe while some others say it is not? Why don’t we allow more people to conduct the studies? Why should CRPF guard a dam to protect it from people conducting studies on whether it is a safe structures?

Why do we politicize the matters that need not be politicized? Why don’t we just engage in meaningful dialogue and come to honorable conclusions? Why do we allow our politicians to make political bounties out of inter-state contentions? Why do we allow the emotions of one state to be whipped up against that of another? Why do we let ourselves think that the people of Kerala does not concern themselves with the water shortage troubles of the people of Tamil Nadu and that the people of Tamil Nadu does not worry about the safety of the lives of their countrymen on the other side of Western Ghats? Why do our courts take many decades to decide on inter-state court cases, causing young generations to be raised on the stories of hatred? Why, why, why?

Why don’t we relieve the people who live downstream Periyar of all the torment and the tension that they suffer when the water level increases every year?

Í Fort Kochi hittum við par á veitingastað frá Jersey í Englandi, Tom og Rachel. Þau eru búin að vera að ferðast um Indland í einn mánuð núna og við gátum skipst á sögum og reynslum.

Þau byrjuðu í Delhi og hafa ferðast dálítið um norðurlandið og fóru svo niður með vesturströndinni til Mumbai og Goa.

Tom er endurskoðandi/bókari (accountant) og Rachel er tilvonandi heimavinnandi húsmóðir (með mikinn metnað í þeim efnum)

Við hittum þau nokkrum sinnum í Fort Cochin, borðuðum með þeim á veitingastöðum ofl og ákváðum í kjölfarið, eftir miklar ferðaskipuleggjendaviðræður, að taka eina 4 daga ferð með þeim til Munnar og Piraya. Innifalið í ferðinni var allur akstur á milli, stopp á ýmsum stöðum og gisting í 3 nætur.

Okkur var dröslað á fætur af Anesh, brjálaða sveitta bílstjóra kl 6:30 fyrsta morguninn og við héldum af stað.

Fyrsta stopp var til að skoða og baða fíla á þar til gerðum stað. Innfæddir hafa þjálfað og hugsað um fílana í margar kynslóðir.

Það var slatti af ferðamönnum nú strax þegar við komum á staðinn.

Fyrst þegar fílarnir komu arkandi þá sló hjartað í manni semi-ört. Jafnvel þessir litlu barnafílar virtust risastórir. Þeir stara í augun á manni og það er eitthvað innra með manni sem segir manni að þeir geri sér grein fyrir óréttlæti þrældómsins.

Tom óð af stað og byrjaði að baða fyrsta fílinn á fullu – Helga hafði gaman af þessu en Addi rétt þorði að pota í þann minnsta. Bakteríuparanoian, klígjukenndin og almenna hræðslan var of sterk.

Þegar stóru fílarnir með skögultennurnar komu arkandi þá þagnaði yfir mannfjöldanum og maður heyrði hjartsláttinn í fólkinu við hliðina. Þeir virtust samt vera vel þjálfaðir og maður passaði sig að vera í dálítilli fjarlægð frá þeim.

Við komum síðan við einhverstaðar…

Þegar við komum til Munnar var það mikil tilbreyting að finna ferskt loft og ekki nema ca. 20°C hita úti. Enginn raki í loftinu og maður fann fjallagustinn strjúkast um sig. Það var eitthvað við Munnar sem minnti mann mikið á ísland, ég veit ekki hvort það voru te-ekrurnar, fjallaloftið, bragðlausa kaffi-teið eða það að fara upp í rúm að krókna úr kulda, en eitthvað við aðstæðurnar vöktu með manni dálitla heimþrá.

Næsta dag fórum við og skoðuðum te-verksmiðju. Það var farið með okkur í gegnum allt ferlið við að búa til te og þó það hafi verið ágætlega athyglisvert í 2 mínútur þá var það dálítið eins og að vera í skólaferð í grunnskóla og það er ekki í uppáhaldi hjá öllum í hópnum (*Hóst*Adda*hóst)

Eftir þessar tvær frískandi nætur í Munnar og nokkrar lotur af Adda að rústa Tom í skák, héldum við af stað til Periyar. Periyar er svona “wildlife sanctuary” (sama hvað það er á ísl.) – staður með dýrum – Ferðin tók 3 klukkutíma og þegar við komum var komin grenjandi rigning. Planið fyrir eftirmiðdaginn átti að verða fílabaksferð og daginn eftir átti að vera ferð um Periyar með innfæddum leiðsögumanni að leita að tígrisdýrum, fílum, björnum og slöngum.

Því miður var veðrið ekki hliðhollt okkur og við þurftum að fresta bæði skógarferðinni og fílabaksferðinni vegna rigningar og drullu og við keyrðum því öll, síðasta daginn, af stað aftur og enduðum í bænum Alleppey þar sem leiðir fjórmenninganna skildu. Takk fyrir frábæra ferð Tom og Rachel.

Sorry, þetta eru svo margar myndir og tengingin er ekki góð núna, svo ég nenni ekki að setja eina og eina inn í einu…

The South Indian city Bangalore is blessed with rich culture and topography. It is also one of the most developed cities when it comes to economy. According to archaeological records the history of Bangalore dates back to paleolithic culture. It witnessed the rule of several rulers. They made their individual contributions to the heritage of Bangalore. Amongst all, the Chalukyas were expert in building magnificent temples. Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka and is called the ‘garden city’ of India. It is dotted with several beautiful and peaceful gardens and brilliant monuments.

Attractions:

Bangalore entices a lot of tourists from across the globe with its massive monuments, beautiful temples, sun-kissed beaches, peaceful gardens and stunning palaces. In Bangalore you can see Tipu Sultan Palace and Museum, Lalbagh Garden, ISKCON temple and Vidhan Sauda. If you are inclined towards ancient temples and their ageless beauty, then you must head for Hampi in Karnataka. Some of the famous temples in Hampi are Virupaksha temple, Monolithic Bull, Matanga Tank and Shrines, Varaha temple, Rangatha temple and Veerabhadra temple. Cave temples in Badami are also worth a visit. Mysore, Hassan and Sringapatnam are the other important destinations of Karnataka.

How to Reach Banglore:

Air: The airport at Bangalore connects it with all the major cities in India.

Rail: The railway station at Bangalore is the most important one. It connects Bangalore with major destinations of South India.

Road: A well maintained network of roads connects Bangalore with major cities and important destinations of South India. Karnataka is also connected to rest of the important cities of India by road.

Cuisine:

In Bangalore you will get to relish both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. Each region offers its own special culinary delight. A wide variety of meat, fish and sea food are available here.

Shopping:

In the markets of Bangalore you can buy items like silk saris, antiques, cotton fabric, sandalwood objects, paintings with gold leaf work and stone and wood carvings. Several Government Emporiums are there in Bangalore which offer wonderful handicrafts at reasonable price.

Culture:

Bangalore is famous for its rich culture. Dollu Kunitha is the most celebrated dance of the state. The festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Important ones are Ugadi, Kar Hunnive, Dussehra, and Nagarpanchami.

Accommodation:

Bangalore is dotted with hotels falling into several categories catering to the different budgets of tourists. The Oberoi, Taj Residency, Le Meridien and The Viceroy are most famous accommodation options.

Royal Southern Hotel

Considering the different tastes and needs of different travelers, Royal Southern Hotel offers great accommodation options to the discerning traveler. Conveniently located, the hotel is in close proximity to various tourist attractions of the city. The famous Rock Temple of Trichy is not very far off from the hotel. Covering an area of 5 ½ acres, the hotel is ideal for both business travelers and holidaymakers. The hotel is located some 1 ½ km from the airport and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. It is one of the best economy hotels in Trichy.

Accommodation

The hotel has 62 fully furnished guest rooms inclusive of 18 villas, which are comfortable and elegant. Open the windows of the rooms and you can treat your eyes to the beautiful and arresting surroundings. All the guest rooms are decorated beautifully, offering a pleasant environment to the guests. The rooms offer modern amenities and facilities to ensure the guests a comfortable stay.

Dining

The on site multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel offers its guests the best service with a variety of dishes, from the traditional to the international ones. Guests can savor Chinese, Continental and South Indian delicacies in the wonderful ambiance of the restaurant. The hotel also has a well stocked bar.

Cup n Saucer: A 24 hour coffee shop offering a variety of snacks.

Bar-be-cue: An ideal place by the poolside for relishing delicious dinners.

On the Rocks: A bar where guests can refresh themselves with a variety of drinks.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel is equipped with meeting rooms, which are well equipped with modern facilities to satisfy any demands.

Recreation Facilities

Guests can enjoy their leisure by indulging in recreational activities like swimming and indoor games. Guests can also go for local sightseeing around the city.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Local Sightseeing
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Savoy Hotel

Combining contemporary facilities with traditional elegance, the Taj Savoy Hotel is the perfect accommodation option for both business travelers and holidaymakers. Perched on a rising hill, the hotel is no less than a wonderland with traditional cottages surrounded by beautiful and colorful flowers. Stay at one of the cottages and wake up to the sight of mesmerizing scenic beauty, which will refresh you completely. The colonial style cottages of the hotel were built between 1829 and 1865. The hotel belongs to the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, offering the best of facilities and services to make your holidays delightful.

Accommodation

The hotel comprises of 40 centrally air-conditioned cottage rooms inclusive of 6 suites. The elegant decor of each guest room creates a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Standard Rooms: The rooms are well furnished and offer modern amenities like a fireplace, international direct dial facility, TV with satellite channels.

Garden Facing Rooms: Offering refreshing views of the garden full of flowers, these rooms are well appointed to ensure a comfortable stay to its guests.

Suites: Luxuriously appointed, the suites offer old-world charm.

Dining

Enjoy a dazzling variety of Indian and international dishes at the multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel. The Lobby Lounge is an ideal place for relishing different varieties of tea and snacks. The Canterbury Bar offers amazing cocktails and drinks.

Commercial Facilities

The conference hall and meeting rooms of the hotel are the perfect settings for hosting business meetings or social gatherings. All modern facilities are available for the smooth functioning of the events.

Recreation Facilities

The hotel offers several recreational facilities for keeping their precious guests entertained. Recreational facilities available are health center, table tennis, lawn tennis, billiard table, horse riding,swimming pool, nature walk etc.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Hotel Fisherman’s Cove

Offering state-of-the-art facilities and warm hospitality, hotel Fisherman’s Cove is a lovely property. The privileges offered to guests at the hotel make their stay unforgettable. The hotel is a popular beach resort of Mahabalipuram. Originally the hotel was a Dutch Palace, later converted into a heritage hotel. Located by the sea, the hotel offers fascinating views of the beautiful surroundings. The rooms of the hotel offers breathtaking views of the wonderful beach.

Accommodation

The property has 88 centrally air-conditioned rooms, which are well furnished with all modern amenities. The rooms can be categorized into:

Standard Rooms: These rooms are nicely furnished and offer facilities such as TV with satellite channel, channel music and direct dial facility.

Cottages: Beautifully decorated, the cottages offer a great accommodation experience. Each cottage has a private sit-out and garden where you can enjoy the evenings with your loved ones. Some of the cottages offer fabulous views of the sea.

Luxury Sea-facing Cottages: Spacious and luxurious, these cottages offer world-class facilities and services. Each cottage is equipped with a private Jacuzzi for its valuable guests.

Dining

From a peaceful ambiance to mouth-watering cuisines, Hotel Fisherman’s Cove has everything you could possibly want from a good multi-cuisine restaurant.

Seagull: A multi-cuisine restaurant offering great food and great views of the sea.
Bay-View Point: Delicious Coromandel Coast Specialties offered at this eating outlet.

The Anchor Bar: Enjoy a variety of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers and tasty snacks.

Upper Deck: A wonderful Mediterranean restaurant.

Machan: A fabulous place for hosting social gatherings.

Commercial Facility

The hotel has a business center and boardroom to cater to the needs of the corporate guests.

Recreation Facilities

Various recreational facilities offered by the hotel Fisherman’s Cove are a swimming pool, catamaran rides, traditional fishing, nature walks, tennis, cycling, badminton, Ayurvedic massage and other indoor games.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Whether you are on a business trip or on a vacation, hotel Taj Garden Retreat offers you quality time in the beautiful city of Madurai. The striking feature of the hotel is its location. It is perched on the Pasumalai hill, and offers breathtaking views of the entire city. Sprawling over an area of 62 acres, the hotel boasts of lush green gardens and a refreshing environment. Easily accessible from various parts of the city, the hotel is located at a distance of 15 km from the airport. The world-class hospitality offered at the hotel will make your stay pleasurable.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 50 guest rooms, categorized into standard rooms, old world, superior rooms and deluxe rooms. Whether you stay in one of the deluxe rooms or standard rooms, the facilities and amenities will make your stay memorable. All the rooms are decorated in a colonial style reflecting the rich heritage of Karnataka. The rooms offer mesmerizing views of the heavenly surroundings. The interiors of the rooms provide a visual treat to the guests.

Dining

Treat your taste buds to the delicious Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines at the multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel. Brighten your evenings with your favorite drink at the well stocked bar of the hotel.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel houses an elegantly decorated conference hall. It includes contemporary features which are necessary for hosting hassle free meetings.

Recreational Facilities

Start your day with some exercises at the health center followed by a dip in the swimming pool. A pampering Ayurvedic massage at the Ayurvedic center of the hotel is truly rejuvenating. Indoor games facility is also available.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Hotel Taj Garden Retreat

Treat yourself to a very special accommodation experience at the Hotel Taj Garden Retreat in Coonoor. Set amidst the enchanting mountains, the hotel offers a wonderful environment to its guests where they can relax completely. This great property was originally built in the year 1857, still retains its old-world-charm. The hotel is located at an elevation of 6500 feet in the Nilgiris, one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. This is the place where you can enjoy the beauty of Coonoor at its best. The hotel offers picture-perfect views of the heavenly surroundings consisting of green valleys and rolling mountains. All the tourist attractions of Coonoor are easily accessible from the hotel. Located just a few minutes drive away are the Sim’s Park and the Golf course.

Accommodation

The hotel provides air-conditioned guest rooms and apartment style suites with modern facilities. The rooms of the hotel are elegantly decorated with fine furniture and paintings. The hotel has 13 standard rooms, 6 deluxe rooms, 10 superior rooms and 4 suites to cater to the different needs of the various guests.

Standard Rooms: Superbly appointed and cottage-like, these rooms have a lawn in front.

Superior Rooms: Spacious and beautiful, these rooms are well equipped with modern amenities as well as a lawn in front.

Deluxe Rooms: Includes separate sitting and dressing areas, a lawn and other modern facilities.

Dining

Guests can dine at the multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel for an exceptional culinary experience. With a fabulous seating arrangement, the Hampton Bar of the hotel offers a variety of wines and liquors to delight its guests. The local cuisine of Karnataka is also served at the restaurant.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel has conference hall and meeting rooms, which are ideal for hosting meetings, conferences and parties. Every need of the guests is taken care of perfectly.

Recreation Facilities

The Taj Garden Retreat pleases its guests by offering various recreational facilities such as a health center, tennis court, shopping arcade and nature walks.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* health center
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool
* Secretarial services

Chola Sheraton Hotel

Luxurious aura, beautiful decor, comfortable rooms, up-to-the-mark hospitality, excellent service – such is the charm of Chola Sheraton Hotel in Chennai. With its state-of-the-art services and facilities, the hotel never fails to please its guests. Offering style and comfort, all the guest rooms of the hotel are inviting. The architecture of the hotel is simply marvelous. The hotel ensures its guests the best of facilities and services. The hotel meets the needs of both business travelers and holidaymakers. The hotel belongs to the ITC Hotels Limited, one of the fastest growing chain of Hotels. The hotel is located only 10 km from the airport and is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

Accommodation

The hotel provides 100 great guest rooms and suites with all modern amenities. The refined atmosphere and interior decoration of the rooms make the hotel a hit with its guests. The rooms fall into different categories such as standard, Duplex and Luxury suites.

Dining

Guests can look forward to a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes and refreshing drinks at the multi-cuisine restaurants of the hotel. Both Indian and International cuisines are served at the restaurants. Sagari, the rooftop restaurant provides excellent Chinese dishes. Cafe Mercara is ideal tasty snacks and confectioneries.

Commercial Facilities

For business conferences or parties, you can completely rely on the conference room cum banquet hall at the Chola Sheraton Hotel. The hall has a capacity of accommodating around 100 guests at a time. The hotel also has two meeting rooms, which are smaller than the hall.

Recreation Facilities

The hotel offers great recreational facilities such as swimming pool, beauty parlor, shopping arcade, barber shop, health club and Ayurvedic massage.

Facilities and Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* health center
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool
* Ayurvedic Center
* Secretarial services

Hotel Radisson

Hotel Radisson caters to both business travelers and holidaymakers by combining stylish guest rooms and suites with superb facilities and services. The hotel is known as one of the best five star hotels in India. The hotel has been honored with the Carlson’s President Award for three consecutive years. It is located at a 10 minute drive from the Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Airport. Marina beach, one of the famous attractions of Chennai, is located only 14 km from the hotel. It is a heritage hotel with marvelous architecture.

Accommodation

Enveloped in elegance and comfort, the rooms and suites of the Radisson hotel are decorated with rich wood and stylish contemporary furnishings. There are 101 guest rooms in the hotel, all well equipped with modern facilities. The hotel offers a choice of queen bed or twin beds, and smoking or non-smoking room. The comforts of the rooms will make you feel at home. The decorations of the rooms are a treat to the eyes.

Dining

The multi-cuisine restaurant and the other eating outlets at Hotel Radisson offer a fresh and delicious selection of food and beverages amid a wonderful ambiance.

The Grand Cafe: It is a poolside restaurant where you can relish a wide variety of cuisines.

The Great Kebab Factory: It is a favorite haunt of guests who love to gorge on kababs and sea food.

Baker’s Corner: A wide variety of pastries and cakes, which are simply mouth-watering are served here.

Gallop: An English Polo Club where drinks are served in style.

Commercial Facilities

With an accommodating capacity of 250 people, the conference center of the hotel is modern, stylish and spacious with a functional layout. The center can also be used for trade displays, exhibitions, private dinners or cocktail functions. The center is well equipped with high-speed Internet access, teleconferencing, video conferencing facilities and audio-visual facilities.

Recreational Facilities

Whether you wish to enjoy swimming, games, spa, jacuzzi, exercise in the health center or shopping, hotel Radisson has it all.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* health center
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool
* Ayurvedic Center
* Secretarial services

The Taj Coromandel Hotel

Being one of the best luxury hotels in Chennai, The Taj Coromandel Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a luxurious environment to make your stay a memorable one. It is an ideal base for business as well as leisure travelers. The hotel is synonymous with luxury, which can be clearly seen in its interiors and various amenities. The hotel is conveniently located at a distance of 15 km from the airport, 7 km from the railway station and 8 km from the bus stand. The ambiance and decor of the hotel are simply mind-blowing.

Accommodation

The hotel has 205 guest rooms inclusive of 22 suites, which fall into these categories:

Standard Rooms: Well appointed rooms with all modern amenities.

Taj Club: Fashioned in a perfect style, the Taj Club is the best accommodation option for the business travelers. The amenities and services include complimentary airport limousine transfers, private check-in at the Club desk, in-room fax, personal safe and a complimentary bottle of wine. Guests are also offered complimentary tea/coffee throughout the day and cocktails during the Cocktail Hour at the Club Lounge. Guests can also use the exclusive meeting rooms of an exclusive Business Service Unit on the Club Floor.

Executive Suites: They are luxuriously appointed with excellent facilities.

Club Suites: Spacious and luxurious, with all the modern amenities.

Presidential Suites: Highly luxurious two bedroom suites, with separate dining and dressing areas, and bathrooms with Jacuzzi.

Dining

The hotel boasts of amazing restaurants and bar, which serve excellent food and drinks.

Match Point: A 24-hour coffee shop, which serves International cuisine.

Fort St.George: A bar where you can refresh yourself with drinks.

Lobby Lounge: Just the place for savoring a wide variety of tea.

Southern Spice: Serves delicious South Indian cuisine.

The Patio: Known for serving excellent Continental cuisine.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel comprises of a well equipped 24-hour Business Center with 2 office rooms, 2 meeting rooms and 1 boardroom. The poolside area is also available for hosting parties.

Recreation Facilities:
Guests can indulge in various recreational activities which include swimming, health center, spa, Ayurvedic center.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* health center
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool
* Ayurvedic Center
* Secretarial services

Cape Festival

Celebrated with great pomp and show, Cape festival is one of the most important festivals of Tamil Nadu. This festival is celebrated in Kanyakumari, which is an amazing tourist destination. The three sides of this heavenly place are surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. During the Cape Festival, Hindus bathe at the confluence of the three oceans, as it is considered sacred. The festival is celebrated over a period of three days, marked by wonderful cultural programmes. The Cape Festival is celebrated during the month of October.

Car Festival

Unique in its concept, Car Festival is celebrated every year at the Kaliyaperumal Temple in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. Stretching over a period of 10 days, the festival falls in the month of March/April. During the festival six beautiful chariots of the four different temples are adorned with flowers and flags, and then sanctified with the idols of the Gods. Irrespective of religious backgrounds, devotees draw the chariots around the village Nagara Pradakshinam for three days. On the fifth night , a mini car festival is organized, where the idols are taken out in decorated cars. On the ninth day of the festival special poojas are performed.

Karthigai Deepam Festival

One of the oldest festivals of Tamil Nadu, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the star Krithigai is on the ascendant. This festival of lights usually occurs on a full moon day. The month of Karthigai holds great significance for the people of Tamil Nadu. The legend goes that in this month, Lord Shiva, with his divine power created Lord Muruga. The Shivalinga placed in the temple here is Agni Linga. During this festival, people light small lamps, respresenting the Agni Linga. The festival is celebrated in Tiruvannamalai where people come from far and wide to attend the festival. The Deepam is lit in a huge metal vessel with a capacity of 2,000 liters of ghee. The vessel is 5.5 feet in height and 5 feet in diameter. The wick of the Deepam is made out of 30 m ‘Ghada’ cloth, which is burnt with 2 kg of camphor on the night of ‘Karthigai Pournami’.

Kavadi Festival

The most important ritual of the Kavadi Festival is to carry the ‘Kavadi’, a decoration embellished with flowers, up the Palani Hills. During the procession the devotees sing devotional songs and dance to the rhythm of drums. According to tradition, the dance is performed only by men. They dance while balancing a pole – with pots suspended on either end – over their shoulders. These pots are filled with milk or coconut water. This religious dance is performed in the honor of Lord Murugan, the second son of Lord Shiva. The devotees offer ‘Kavadi’ to the Lord to overcome all obstacles in life. Some devotees also offer Agni Kavadi to the Lord, a tough feat where devotees walks through the bed of burning coals with the kavadi slung over their shoulders..

Natyanjali Dance Festival

Dedicated to the Lord of Dances, Lord Shiva, Natyanjali Dance festival begins on the day of Mahashivaratri. The celebration stretches for 5 days. The most appealing feature of the festival is the dance performed by the devotees who have long perfected the art. The dance is simple mesmerizing, and attracts plenty of people from across the country. This festival is the perfect platform for dancers to showcase their talent. Participants from across the country come together during the festival. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm especially in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated in the month of February.

Pongal Festival

Pongal is one of the most famous festivals of Tamil Nadu. It is a harvest festival, equivalent to a thanksgiving event, celebrated in January every year. It is a four day festival celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu with gaiety. The word Pongal means ‘boiling over or spill over’. The tradition of boiling over of milk in the clay pot is observed during the festival. This act is considered very auspicious by Tamils. The first day of the festival is called ‘Bhogi festival’, which is dedicated to Lord Indra. The second day is marked with the worship of the Sun God. The third day of the festival is for giving thanks to the cattle who are decorated with flowers. The fourth day is known as the Kannum Pongal day, when bull fights are organized. During the Pongal festival, an interesting dish is made with rice, jaggery and ghee.

Tea & Tourism Festival

Tea and Tourism festival is a one-of-a-kind festival in Tamil Nadu. It is a three-day stunning festival celebrated in Ooty in the month of January/February. It is organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A wide variety of tea is available at one place during this festival. You can taste and then buy the flavor that you like. If you are a tea lover, you must not miss this festival. Here you can also taste the delicious delicacies of South India. Cultural programmes are other attraction of the Tea and Tourism festival of Tamil Nadu.

Each festival in Tamil Nadu has its own unique importance and flavor. If you get an opportunity to attend any of the festivals, then grab it without giving it a second thought. You will surely enjoy yourself!

Shore Temple Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Over looking the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temples are the beautiful temples which were constructed at the sea shore in the 8th century. There were other temples which were also built at the same time at the sea shore but only the Shore temples could stand the test of time. They were carved in granite and their architectural beauty is simply praise worthy. Their architecture is of Dravadian style. Located in a small village in Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram, Rajasimha constructed them during their rein.

Shore Temples are one of the UNIESCO World Heritage Sites and are famous for their intricate carvings. There are three temples, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu which was built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two are devoted to Lord Shiva that were constructed by Narasimha Varman II. The temples have domes which were built gracefully. The moment you enter the Shiva Temple you will be welcomed by the two carved twin Dwaraka Palaks(guards). The shrine enshrines Shivalinga figure that is a little damaged. The beautiful sculptures depicting the images of goddess Durga, Narshima, Lord Shiva, his consort goddess Parvati and their sons Skanda and Ganesha draw attention of the tourists.

The Vishnu temple enshrines the enchanting statue of Lord Vishnu. The lord elegantly lying down on the floor makes the statue different from the statues of other Gods. The huge temple is enveloped by mandaps and compound walls.

Covelong Beach

Dreaming to spend some time in a picture-perfect environment, come to Covelong Beach. Covelong is a five star beach resort in Tamil Nadu, which attracts tourists from across the globe. Located at a distance of 40 km from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Covelong is the best place to see fishing activities. The beach is bestowed with palm trees and white sand. The billowing breeze at the beach will leave you with a refreshed spirit. The place has its own glorious history associated with the Nawab of Carnatic who built the ancient port of Covelong. Interested in sports activities? You will get the opportunity at this beach. Wind surfing, swimming and other interesting activities can be enjoyed here. Also visit the nearby ancient fort, churches and mosques.

Elliots Beach

A visit to the Elliots Beach in Tamil Nadu will rejuvenate your spirit in an unmatched manner. The beach is known for its clean surroundings and offers an opportunity to relax in a peaceful environment. It is located towards the south of Marina Beach. The beach is dotted with fast food joints, small stores and a few shrines. It is a wonderful picnic spot. Many tourists come here for holidays and take back home golden memories. It is perfect for enjoying long walks in a pleasant ambiance. It is locally known as ‘Bessei’.

Kanyakumari Beach

Blessed with sheer natural beauty, Kanyakumari Beach is a heavenly tourist destination. It is located at the southern tip of India, where three seas-the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet. One of the attractions of the beach is its multi-colored sand which looks awesome. One of the major attractions of the Kanyakumari Beach is the Vivekananda’s Rock, which is a huge stone arising from the sea. It is believed that Swami Vivekananda once meditated on this rock. There is a statue of Swami Vivekananda on the rock, which was built in his honor. The view of the Sangam, a bathing ghat, at the beach is truly astonishing, as it is the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Gandhi Memorial, Government Museum and Swami Vivekananda Kendra are the nearby attractions.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram is a perfect blend of beauty and history.Untouched and beautiful, the Mahabalipuram Beach attracts tourists from all over the world. Enjoy nature in its pristine beauty at the beach and relax in the lap of Mother nature. The golden sand, cool breeze and the sun kissed palm trees invite you for a wonderful experience. Admire the pleasant surroundings of the beach and keep aside your worries for a few days. Also explore the nearby attractions of the Mahabalipuram Beach.The Rock Cut Temples should not be missed, as they are architectural marvels. The fabulous sculptures add more beauty to the interiors of the temples, leaving you mesmerized.

Marina Beach

Irresistibly desired—such is the charm of the famous Marina beach of Chennai. It is the second largest beach in the world and is largest in Asia. Take a stroll at this sandy beach and refresh your body and soul. This beach was revamped in the year 1880 by the then Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone. Today it is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Chennai.

Rameshwaram Beach

Renowned as an important pilgrimage center of South India, Rameshwaram is a beautiful village. It is this pious place where Lord Rama offered gratitude to Lord Shiva. Equally beautiful is its beach, which is popularly known as Rameshwaram Beach. The sea at this beach is quite calm and offers exciting opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Amazing marine life such as algae, starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges, sea cow etc can be seen here. If luck favors you, then you can get a glimpse of dolphins at the beach. Also pay a visit to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is located nearby. The history of the temple dates back to the 17th century. The striking features of the temple are its 1200 huge granite columns, 54 m tall gate-tower and attractive corridors. Agnitheertham is the holy place where Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva, to atone for killing Ravana.

The Tall Trees Hotel

Offering warm hospitality and comfortable accommodation, the Tall Trees Hotel is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. The hotel is surrounded by cardamom groves and tea and spice plantations. Breathe in aromatic air and treat your senses with the picturesque environment. The hotel is the best place for nature lovers who want to spend some quality time in peace. The main attractions near the hotel are the famous Marayoor Sandalwood Forest and the Eravikulam National Park. The Park houses the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Tourists from across the world come here to see the endangered species. The hotel is easily accessible from various parts of Munnar. Plan a stay at the hotel to enjoy Munnar at its best.

Accommodation

The hotel provides 19 luxury, deluxe and standard cottages that are facilitated with modern and comfortable amenities for an enjoyable stay. There are three luxury cottages, each of which has two bedrooms, one living room/dining room, two bathrooms and two spacious balconies. The Deluxe cottages have a single bedroom with all the other features as that of the luxury cottages. The standard cottages have one bedroom, one attached bath, one living room and a spacious balcony. All the cottages are equipped with facilities such as hot and cold running water, attached bath, TV with satellite channels, AC, mini bar, work desk, safe deposit box, sprinklers, direct dial facility, tea/coffee maker etc.

Dining

The multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel not only serves amazing culinary delights but also offers a beautiful ambiance. The restaurant is glass-roofed and the entrance to it reflects the traditional aristocratic architecture of Ancient Kerala. Dine at the restaurant to savor cuisines like Indian and Continental. Local dishes of Kerala are also served here.

Commercial Facility

Business travelers can use the conference rooms or meeting rooms, which are equipped with modern facilities. Social gatherings and parties can also be organized at the hotel.

Recreation Facilities

Indulge in various recreational activities at the Tall Trees Hotel. The various recreational activities available are trekking, mountaineering, camping, picnicking, cycling, jogging, library and card room. Ready for some adventure!

Facilities and Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort

Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort is a wonderful property offering astonishing views. It is ideally located at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthipuzza, Nallathanni and Kundala. The hotel is located 22 km from Munnar, atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. Munnar is a heavenly tourist destination with beautiful lakes, lush green tea gardens and immense natural beauty. The hotel is only 3 hours drive from Cochin International Airport. It is a fusion of beauty and comfort. The Indo-British architecture of the resort looks stunning. The resort offers a warm welcome to both business travelers and holidaymakers.

Accommodation

The Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort offers 93 spacious and luxurious rooms fitted with modern facilities. All the rooms are beautifully designed and furnished to ensure a comfortable and pleasurable stay to the guests. The magnificent views of the rolling hills and tea gardens from each room of the resort are a treat to the eyes and soul as well. Some of the in-room facilities are hot and cold running water, attached bath, TV with satellite channels, AC, mini bar, work desk, safe deposit box, sprinklers, direct dial facility, tea/coffee maker etc.

Dining

The restaurant of the Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort is a beautiful and tranquil place to dine at. It specializes in Indian, Chinese, Continental, Mexican and authentic regional dishes. While relishing some mouth-watering dishes you can enjoy arresting views of the hills and lake.

Conference Facilities

The resort offers finest of facilities and caters for anything from social gatherings or parties to corporate events, conferences and business meetings.

Recreation Facilities

For the adventure buffs, Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort has a lot to offer, such as mountain climbing, rappelling, camping, boating etc. If you are not too adventurous, then enjoy putt golf, badminton, archery, table tennis and pool. Kids can also have a great time as the hotel offers some activities for kids as well —video games, a tree house, a doll house, scrabble, carom etc. The Ayurveda Health Center at the hotel is the best place to get rid of stress and fatigue. The effect of the massage is truly magical!

Facilities and Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Water sports
* Health center
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool
* Ayurvedic Center
* Baby Care
* Secretarial services
* Shopping arcade

Whispering Palms Lake Resort

Whispering Palms Lake Resort offers a warm welcome, beautiful ambiance and great facilities and services to make your stay in the hotel a pleasant one. It is located in Kumarakom, on the bank of the Vembanadu Lake, the happening tourist destination of Kerala. The architecture of the hotel reflects the traditional architectural style of Kerala. It seems as if a village has been set up for guests to experience the real flavor of Kerala. Backwaters in the backdrop add more beauty to the hotel ambiance. The hotel is located at a distance of 16 km from the Kottayam railway station. You can reach the hotel by taking a one-hour speedboat ride from Cochin, Kerala.

Accommodation

The property offers perfect accommodation option with 42 well-appointed cottages to suit the needs of the guests. The room facilities include hot and cold running water, attached bath, TV with satellite channels, AC, mini bar, work desk, safe deposit box, sprinklers, direct dial facility, tea/coffee maker etc.

Dining

Dine at the beautiful multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel and enjoy lip-smacking cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental and the local dishes of Kerala. The sea food offered here will surely tantalize your taste buds. Pay a visit to the hotel bar and enjoy a wide variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.

Commercial Facilities

In case you plan to host a business meeting, Hotel Whispering Palms Lake Resort provides a well equipped conference room.

Recreational Facilities

The hotel arranges for exciting recreational activities. Backwater cruise is an interesting activity you can indulge in. Pay a visit to the Kumarakon Bird Sanctuary, which is a bird’s paradise. Here you can see a wide variety of birds . The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March. Don’t miss the Sunrise and Sunset cruise on a Kettuvallam, a houseboat. There is an Ayurvedic center at the hotel where you can go for a rejuvenating massage or a treatment. Any kind of disease can be cured by the ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda.

Facilities and Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Conference room
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* water sports
* bird watching
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service
* Swimming pool

Coconut Lagoon Resort

Offering courteous service and comfortable accommodation, the Coconut Lagoon Resort is a heritage hotel in Kumarakom. Located in the backwaters of Kerala, the hotel belongs to the CGH Earth Group Enterprise. Its wonderful location among the palm trees on the eastern shore of the beautiful Lake Vembanad deserves mention. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings, which are a treat to the eyes. This place is the best bet for those who wish to spend their holidays in perfect peace. The hotel is located 90 km from the Cochin International Airport and 14 km from the Kumarakom railway station. The famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located near the hotel.

Accommodation

The hotel features 50 guest rooms that fall into different categories. The rooms are divided into 14 heritage mansions, 28 heritage bungalows and 8 private pool Villas. The Mansions have 2 storeys while the others are single level cottages. All the guest rooms are well equipped with modern standard amenities to ensure guests a comfortable stay. The private pool villas have traditional Kerala style bathrooms with open roofs. The room facilities include AC, TV, direct phone dialing, channel music, attached bath, mini bar, work desk, safe deposit box, smoke alarms, sprinklers etc.

Dining

Guests can start their day with a delicious breakfast served at the restaurant at Coconut Lagoon Resort. Apart from a variety of Indian, Continental and Chinese dishes, you can relish traditional Kerala cuisine. The open-air fish outlet serves very tasty fish preparations. The beautiful restaurant is built in the form of a typical Kerala hut, which perfectly compliments the surroundings. Sip your favorite drink at the in-house bar of the hotel. The restaurant is the oldest structure at the hotel and is owned by a prominent Malayalee family living in a nearby village.

Commercial Facility

The hotel has a meeting hall fitted with modern facilities such as computers with Internet access, photocopiers, projector etc.

Recreation Facilities

The hotel offers several recreation facilities to its guests. For adventure freaks, there are water sports facilities. For guests interested in complete relaxation, Ayurvedic massage is the best option. Various types of Ayurvedic massages are administered at the Ayurvedic Center of the hotel using herbal oils. Steam therapy,Yoga and meditation are the other options for relaxing the body and the mind. The hotel also organizes Sunset cruise, backwater cruise and a visit to the bird sanctuary.

Facilities and Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Ayurveda Center
* Conference rooms
* Swimming pool
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Safe deposit box
* Parking
* Activity center
* Luggage storage
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Water sports
* bird watching
* Backwater cruise
* Wake up service

Hotel Taj Malabar

Occupying a fascinating location on the Wellington Island, Taj Malabar Hotel is a popular five-star hotel in Cochin. It offers picture-perfect views of the magnificent Cochin harbor, and excellent accommodation to both corporate and leisure travelers. Known for its facilities and services, the hotel invites you to a wonderful stay. The hotel is located only 15 minutes drive from Kochi Airport.

Accommodation

The hotel has 108 rooms including Heritage ring rooms, Executive suites and Deluxe suite, overlooking the sea. There are Heritage rooms with a Victorian touch. The windows open out to spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Some rooms offer fascinating views of the waterfront, harbor and of the sunsets. All the rooms are furnished with modern amenities.

Dining

Many dining options are available to the guests at Hotel Taj Malabar. Dig into authentic Thai food at Thai Pavilion. The 24-hour coffee shop ideally located on the waterfront, offers Indian, Continental and local cuisines. Rice Boat, a unique restaurant set in a boat. not only serves delicious seafood, but also provides beautiful scenery. Dolphin’s Point is another interesting place in the hotel where seasonal barbecued delicacies are served. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Mattancherry bar, serves a wide range of cocktails, and Keralite, Thai and International snacks. There is also a bar by the pool. The multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel serves Indian, Continental and Chinese food and seafood delicacies.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel has three conference halls, fitted with all the modern facilities where conferences or business meetings can be held without any hassle. The hotel also houses a business center with two small meeting/board rooms. Four banquet halls are available for social functions. Social functions can also be organized on the lawns, under the sky.

Recreation Facilities

When it comes to recreation, the hotel offers a lot of options such as backwater cruise, trekking, fishing, white water rafting, golf, bird watching, swimming, shopping, etc etc.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Ayurveda Center
* Conference rooms
* Bar
* Swimming pool
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Cultural programmes
* Village tour
* Activity center
* Cyber cafe
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* water sports
* Fishing and bird watching
* Backwater cruise

If you wish to have a unique experience, then plan a stay at the Brunton Boatyard Hotel. It is a four-star hotel known for its wonderful architecture, highly influenced by the early Dutch and Portuguese architecture. It is located in the historical city Cochin, Kerala. Marvelous architecture, elegant decor, beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodation and delicious cuisines – the hotel is truly a home away from home. The hotel was commissioned on the 18th of August 1999, and though building is new, it gives the impression of an old colonial building of Cochin with simple lime washed walls, sloping tile roofs and terracotta floors.

Accommodation

There are 26 rooms in the hotel – 4 deluxe suites and 22 standard rooms. The rooms are done up elegantly and little footstools are provided with to help guests climb into the antique four postered beds. The room facilities include air conditioner, TV with satellite channels, locker, coffee maker, direct dial telephone, DVD, hot and cold running water etc. All the rooms are sea facing, offering guests an opportunity to wake up to a picturesque scenery.

Dining

At the multi-cuisine restaurant of the hotel you can relish a diverse array of cuisines such as Portuguese, Dutch, British Raj, Arabic, Kosher and Indian. The traditional dishes of Kerala and seafood are also served here, and various delicious snacks are available round the clock. You can also enjoy an assortment of cocktails at the Hotel bar. Your dining experience at this hotel will live on for long.

Commercial Facilities

Conference halls and meeting rooms are available at the hotel. They are equipped with all modern facilities.

Recreation Facilities

Enjoy swimming, or relaxing Ayurvedic massages and treatments, read a book in the library or indulge in the the special cooking sessions, organized especially for guests.

Facilities And Services

* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Ayurveda Center
* Conference rooms
* Bar
* Swimming pool
* Currency exchange
* Bar
* Acceptance of major credit cards
* In house laundry
* Free Parking
* Village tour
* Activity center
* Cyber cafe
* Doctor on call
* 24 hour room service
* Jacuzzi
* car on rent
* Secretarial service on request

During your stay at Hotel Brunton Boatyard you will get an opportunity to sample different cultures at one place.

Hotel Punnamada

Hotel Punnamada, a luxury hotel in Alleppy reflects the ancient architecture of Kerala. It is located on the banks of the Punnamada Lake, offering guests a wonderful place to stay in during their visit to Kerala. Sprawling over an area of 10.5 acres, the hotel has a water frontage extending over a kilometer. Picturesque surroundings, cool breeze and peaceful environment are all there for the asking.

Accommodation

Hotel Punnamada has 25 cottages inclusive of 4 suites. The various accommodation options available are the standard villas, duplex villas and lake view villas – the choice is yours. The interiors of the rooms are decorated in a traditional style reflecting the rich heritage of Kerala. Each villa opens into a well-manicured private garden. The standard villas also have their own unique charm. Each room has its own different setting and decoration. The cottages have bathrooms with an in-bathroom garden.

Commercial Facilities

The hotel has a perfect conference room with all modern facilities such as a LCD projector, Internet facility etc.

Dining

Dining at the Choola restaurant of Hotel Punnamada is a great pleasure as it serves traditional cuisine, special seafood cuisine and other tasty dishes. The restaurant has an open-air bar where you can enjoy your favorite drinks. There is also a 24 hour coffee shop in the hotel.

Recreational Activities

You can enjoy many recreational activities in the hotel. The hotel has a health club, a swimming pool, facilities for water sports, a library, a shopping arcade, a beauty parlor. You can also go fishing, sightseeing or on a backwater cruise. Trips to private islands are also organized by the hotel.

Facilities and Services

* 24 hour room service
* Multi-cuisine restaurant
* Ayurveda Center
* Conference rooms
* Bar
* Swimming pool
* Foreign exchange
* Bar
* Separate Children’s pool
* In house laundry
* Hot and cold running water
* Backwater cruise
* Safe deposit
* Internet
* Doctor on call
* Channel music
* TV with satellite channels

Alleppy Hotels

Alleppy is dotted with a wide range of hotels, as it is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions of Kerala. Also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppy attracts tourists from across the globe. The hotels in Alleppy offer hospitality in plenty. From Heritage hotels to budget hotels, Alleppy has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation. The finest Heritage and Ayurvedic Resorts in Alleppy are Emerald Isle Heritage Villa, Tharavad Heritage Resort, Alleppy Backwater Resort, Lake Palace Hotel and Coir village Resort are a few First Class Resorts in Alleppy. The hotels in Alleppy are a perfect blend of traditional ambience and modern amenities. Apart from basic modern facilities, most hotels in Alleppy offer blissful Ayurvedic massages.

Recommended Hotels in Alleppy are:

* Lake Palace Resort
* Hotel Punnamada
* Keraleeyam Heritage Hotel

Cochin Hotels

Blest with beauty and harmony, Cochin (now Kochi) in Kerala is one of the most important seaports of India. Accommodation is never a hassle at Cochin. Depending on your budget you can choose from a wide range of hotels in the city. It boasts of several business and leisure hotels. Some of the famous hotels in Cochin are Taj Malabar hotel, Taj Residency, White Fort Hotel, Fort Heritage Hotel, Abad Atrium Hotel, and Trident Hilton. These hotels in Kochi offer comfort, and serve amazing Continental, Syrian, Christan and local culinary delights. The Ayurvedic centers at hotels offer blissful Ayurvedic treatments and massages that rejuvenate both the body and the soul.

Recommended Hotels in Cochin are:

* Hotel Brunton Boatyard
* Fort Heritage Hotel
* Hotel Taj Malabar

Kollam Hotels

Kollam is a mesmerizing destination of Kerala with breathtaking backwaters and beaches. Tourists from across the globe come here for a pleasurable holiday. It has many renowned hotels with well furnished rooms and suites offering modern facilities such as attached bathroom, running water, television with cable connection, Internet connection, telephone with direct dial and room service. One of the most famous hotels in Kollam is Hotel Aquaserene, which reflects Kerala in its true sense. Its typical Kerala architecture is simply elegant. It overlooks the backwaters and evokes a sense of bliss. Plan a stay in one of its heritage cottages, built on islands. There are many other hotels in Kollam to suit all types of budgets.

Recommended Hotels in Kollam are:

* Hotel Aquaserene

Kovalam Hotels

Kovallam is a wonderful tourist destination of Kerala, offering plenty of tourist attractions. Various hotels and resorts, from Five-Star Hotels to Three Star and Budget Hotels, are available in Kovalam. There are several Ayurvedic Heritage Hotels that offer Ayurvedic treatments and massages. Some of the famous hotels are Hotel Leela Kovalam Beach Resort, Hotel Surya Samudra, Manaltheeram Beach, Taj Green Cove and Harmonia Beach Resort.

Recommended Hotels in Kovalam are:

* Hotel Leela Kovalam Beach Resort
* Taj Green Cove Resort And Spa
* Surya Samudra Beach Resort

Kumarakom Hotels

Rich in flora and fauna, Kumarakom is the perfect destination to spend some time with Mother Nature. Playing an important role in Kerala Tourism, Kumarakom is worth a visit. The hotels and resorts in Kumarakom are located in striking locations offering an enthralling experience to the tourists. There are several beautiful hotels in Kumarakom. Coconut Lagoon Resort, Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort, Hotel Taj Garden Retreat, Whispering Palms Lake Resort, Raddisson Plaza Resort Kumarakom, Kumarakom Lagoon Resort and Backwaters Ripples Resort are a few to name.

Recommended Hotels in Kumarkom are:

* Backwaters Ripple Resort
* Coconut Lagoon Resort
* Whispering Palms Lake Resort

Munnar Hotels

Munnar is a land of lush green hills, beautiful lakes, mysterious forests, tea, coffee and spice gardens and much more. A trip to Munnar will surely take you to a wonderland where you can enjoy nature at its best. Accommodation is never a problem in Munnar. Each of the hotels in Munnar has their own charm. Some of the great hotels and resorts in Munnar, where you can plan your stay are Club Mahendra Lakeview Resort, Edsaaery Easterned, Tea Country, Siena Village, Windermere Estate, Fort Hotel Munnar Estate, Tall Tree Resort Estate and Hotel Blackberry Hills Estate.

Recommended Hotels in Munnar are:

* Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort
* The Tall Trees Hotel
* Windermere Estate Hotel

Thekaddy Hotels

Designed beautifully and elegantly, the hotels in Thekaddy welcome tourists to a wonderful stay. A wide variety of hotels ranging from budget to luxury are available here. The restaurants at Thekaddy Hotels specialize in delectable local delicacies, and sea food which is simply mouth-watering. Some of the best hotels in Thekaddy are The Spice Village Hotel, The Taj Garden Retreat Hotel, Hotel Carmelia Resort, Muthoot Cardamom Country Resort, Silver Crest Resort, Hotel Elephant Court and Lake Palace Hotel.

Recommended Hotels in Thekaddy are:

* Lake Palace Hotel
* The Spice Village Hotel
* Muthoot Cardamom Country Resort

Trivandrum Hotels

Trivandrum is a sea-side town of Kerala, blest with several tourist attractions. Plenty of hotels have come up in the town, as tourists simply love this place. The hotels and resorts in Trivandrum speak volumes about the beauty and simplicity of Kerala. Providing great in-room and other recreational facilities, hotels in Trivandrum fall into various categories. Some of the best hotels are Poovar Island Resort, The Muthoot Plaza Hotel and Fortune South Park Hotel.

Recommended Hotels in Trivandrum are:

* Fortune South Park Hotel
* The Travancore Heritage
* Poovar Island Resort

Alappuzha Beach

Located in the mesmerizing district of Alappuzha (Alleppey), Alappuzha beach offers an awesome experience to the visitors. Over the years it has become a popular beach, with many tourists flocking to it from various parts of the globe. For history buffs, the pier which is 140 years old is no less than a treasure. Alappuzha Beach is dotted with lagoons, huge lakes and many fresh water rivers, which invite you to a blissful, relaxing holiday. The Beautiful sandy beach punctuated with wonderful palm groves is also blest with the Vijaya Beach Park with a great entertainment facility for the visitors—boating. Another attraction here is the nearby lighthouse.

Bekal Beach

Bekal Beach has emerged as a popular choice for tourists. It is located on a headland stretching for 35 acres to merge with the Arabian Sea. The Bekal Fort located near the beach can allure anyone. In fact, it is the largest, well maintained fort in the entire state of Kerala. Situated in the Kasargod district (the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beaches), the Bekal Beach greets its visitors with picture perfect locales. Here you can enjoy an amazing ambiance and stroll along the shimmering sand under dramatically swaying palm trees. Make your evenings memorable by treating your eyes to breathtaking sunsets at the beach. The view of the fort from the beach is a sight to behold. The credit of developing this beach into a popular tourist destination goes to the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation(BRDC). Bekal beach is popularly known as a “virgin territory”— a place which offers Kerala at its best.

Beypore Beach

Occupying a prized place in the history of Kerala, Beypore was once an important trade and maritime center. It is also known for its boat building industry. Today it is one of the must-see tourist destinations of Kerala. It is a paradise for beach lovers. It is located 10 km south of Kozhikode at the mouth of the Chaliyar river. A visit to the Beypore beach is incomplete without a look at the boat building process. The boat builders of Beypore earned fame for manufacturing the Uru, boats used mainly by Arabs for overseas trade in the past. The Khalasis – traditional boat builders of Kerala – have long perfected the art of boat building in a unique style. Another attraction here is the stone pathway jutting 2 km into the sea. The beach of Beypore is not only clean but beautiful too. It offers an exquisite experience to the visitors seeking perfect beach holidays.

Cherai Beach

Endowed with an impressive location, Cherai Beach is a treasure trove for tourists. It borders the Vypeen island of Kerala. This wonderful beach has the sea on its western side and the backwaters on the east, making it a big hit with tourists. Its beauty is one-of-a-kind, and can be clearly seen in its thick coconut groves and artistic Chinese fishing nets. This clean and shallow beach is located in the Cherai village of Ernakulam district of Kerala, and stretches over an area of 15 km. Here you can treat yourself natural beauty and enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Glimpse of Dolphins at this beach is an added attraction. A visit to the Cherai Beach will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Dharmadam Island

Dharmadam Island Beach is the best bet for those looking to soak in the pristine beauty of nature. Located 8 km away from Thalassery in Kerala, this Island beach attracts many a tourist from across the world. It is a small island in the Arabian Sea, presenting a perfect environment for relaxation. Occupying an area of 5 acres, Dharmadam Island Beach is a private property and permission is required for entry. Pay a visit to this island and you are bound to return spell bound. The scenic beauty, green vegetation and sun- kissed sand of this island gives real pleasure to the tourists. During low tide the water surrounding the island becomes very shallow, and gives adventure freaks an opportunity to walk to the island from the beach. How exciting!

Ezhimala Beach

Pamper yourself at one of the famous beaches of Kerala – Ezhimala Beach. Its beauty attracts the attention of even the most jaded travelers. It is a peculiar beach located atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286 m. The hills here are gifted with rare medicinal herbs. Carved stone pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave are the other attractions located at the foot of the hills. A Naval academy is being developed here. This place is blest with pleasant climate throughout the year, so you don’t have to time your visit to this mesmerizing beach. It is a peaceful beach, offering a mind-blowing experience to visitors.

Fort Kochi Beach

Hard to resist, the Fort Kochi Beach offers an amazing combination of lush green vegetation, sun, sand and sea. Renowned as a famous beach of Kerala, it is located only 12 km away from the Kochi city. Originally it was a fishing village which later became the first European township in India. This is the beach to visit if you want to enjoy phenomenal ambiance. Flanked by palm trees, this beach offers an interesting opportunity to take a stroll in the historic fort. Chinese Fishing nets can be seen here. Beautifully designed and complicated in operation, these nets are Chinese in origin. The nearby attractions of Fort Kochi Beach are St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica and Mattancherry palace.

Kappad Beach

Kappad Beach is an outstanding beach with historic importance. It is locally known as Kappakadavu. This is the land where about 501 years ago, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed and discovered India. The beach has a stone monument commemorating the landing of Vasco da Gama. It reads “Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, 1498.” Studded with rocks, Kappad is the gateway to the Malabar Coast. The uniqueness of the Kappad beach lies in the presence of a rock which bulges into the sea. This rock houses an ancient temple which is still held in high esteem by Keralites. Kappad Beach is a perfect amalgamation of history and beauty.

Kappil Beach

Kappil Beach offers spectacular views and a memorable experience to the travelers. Located in the district of Alapuzha in Kerala, it is clean and shallow. It is the place where you can rejuvenate your soul in the lap of mother nature. It stretches along for more than 25 acres of land. In its beautiful surrounding you can thoroughly enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Dolphins are commonly seen here. You might get lucky! It is a wonderful beach where tourists from different parts of the world come to spend pleasurable holidays. A visit to Kappil village will acquaint you with the traditional life style of Kerala, which is simply great.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach

Famous for its golden sand and beauty, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is one of the fascinating beaches in Kerala. The company of swaying palms, sun-kissed sand and mesmerizing waves will transport you to a different world altogether. Located 11 km from Kannur, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is the perfect place for leisure holidays. The evenings at this beach are marked by mind blowing Kathakali dance performances. Attracting huge crowds, the performances showcase the uniqueness of a beautiful state, Kerala. Kathakali is the famous dance-drama of Kerala which is known for its elaborate makeup and beautiful costumes. For accommodation, a wide range of resorts are available at the nearest town Kannur.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is a beach town offering immense pleasure and excitement to its tourists. The town is located on the western coast of India, about 16 km from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Kovalam means ‘a grove of coconut trees’. A spate of coconut trees swirling on the rhythm of wind, the invincible waves rising from the womb of the sea, the blue sky, local fishermen casting net and houseboats floating on the waters describe the beauty of Kovalam. The town attracts a lot of Indian and foreign tourists. read more..

Marari Beach (Mararikulam)

Marari Beach is a fabulous beach, where sand, sea and sky beckon you to enjoy nature at its best. Marari beach gets its name from ‘Mararikulam’, one of the local fishing villages in Kerala. Marari offers a wonderful experience to the travelers who come here to spend time in the lap of nature. Here you can enjoy the wonderful backwaters also. The scenic beauty of the beach will leave you enchanted. You can indulge in various activities at the Marari Beach such as backwater cruise, visits to the traditional coir-making units, surfing, para-sailing, swimming and playing a game of volleyball. A trip to Marari Beach will offer you a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with its simple yet rich culture. The best time to visit the Marari Beach is from October to May. You can also enjoy an Ayurvedic massage at the beach.

Padinharekara Beach

Surrounded with the finest coconut groves, Padinharekara Beach is a popular tourist attraction of Kerala. This beach is also known as Padinjarekara Beach and is well known for its natural beauty. If you want to relax in the peaceful environment, then this is the beach you should head for. Its exotic appeal lies in the beautiful view of the confluence of the rivers Bharatha, Tirur and the Arabian Sea which it provides. Its clear white sand and the swaying palm trees have their own ‘feel’ and ‘appeal’. Padinharekara Beach is considered a ‘virgin territory’ enveloped in sheer natural beauty. The climate of this beach is pleasant throughout the year.

Pallikere Beach

A visit to Pallikere Beach is quite overwhelming! It is located at a distance of 1 km from the Bekal Fort in Kerala. Watch the beautiful tides come in, soak in the sun or make castles on the sand, there is so much to enjoy here. The view of the fort from the beach is simply breathtaking. Rejuvenate yourself at the Pallikere beach by indulging in various recreational activities. The beach is sprinkled with coconut palms and dense bushes. Tourists from across the globe flock to the Pallikere Beachfor a beach holidays.

Payyambalam Beach

Dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves at the Payyambalam Beach, and enjoy your beach holidays to its fullest. Locally known as the beach of Kannur town, Payyambalam Beach is a wonderful spot for relaxation. It is located near Kannur town and attracts a lot of tourists. It is the perfect amalgamation of beauty and serenity. Kanyayi Kunhiraman’s huge landscaped sculpture of mother and child erected in the finely manicured garden at the beach is quite fascinating. Payyambalam Beach is truly worth a visit!

Shanghumukham Beach

Known for its picturesque sunsets, Shanghumukhan Beach is visited by a large number of tourists from far and wide. It is located 8 km from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The prime attractions of this beach are the matsya kanyaka, an indoor recreation club and a restaurant designed in the form of a starfish. Various lip smacking dishes are offered in the restaurant. Reaching the Shanghumukham Beach is never a problem, as it is located adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The best time to visit the Beach is from October to May.

Somatheeram Beach

A vacation is a time for rejuvenation of the body and the soul. Somatheeram Beach is the perfect place for vacations as it offers a lot to tourists. Here you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, but can also pamper yourself with blissful Ayurvedic Massage. It is a home to the first beach resort in India. Located only 21 km from Trivandrum City, Somatheeram Beach is a diamond in the crown of Kerala. Ayurvedic beach resorts near the beach welcome you to an experience of a lifetime. Ayurvedic resort, scenic beauty and amazing cuisine make the Somatheeram Beach an enchanting tourist destination.

Thangasseri Beach

Stretching up to 3 km, Thangasseri Beach is the perfect amalgamation of beauty and history. It is located only 5 km from one of the most beautiful towns of Kerala, Kollam. It is dotted with wonderful historical sites, which will leave you mesmerized. The beach is located in Thangasseri village, which was the abode of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession in the 18th century. The main attractions of this beach are the old Portuguese and Dutch forts and churches. A visit to them will transport you to the bygone era. Another attraction is the Thangasseri Lighthouse, which was built in 1902. It is 144 feet in height and is used for guiding fishermen and navigators lost at sea. The best time to visit Thangasseri Beach is from February to November.

Thirumullavaram Beach

Providing tranquility in plenty, Thirumullavaram Beach should be a part of your tour itinerary when you travel to Kerala. It is located at a distance of 6 km north of Kollam town in Kerala. Tourists from across the world throng to this beach for rejuvenating their spirits. Peaceful and blissful, this beach is the best bet for those who want to spend some quality time with nature. Take a stroll on the golden sands, click pictures, enjoy swimming, feel the cool breeze across your face, everything is fun at this beach. Reaching the beach is never a problem as it is well connected by road. Take the plunge!

Vallikunnu Beach

Steeped in matchless beauty, Vallikunnu Beach welcomes tourists from far and wide to experience the true essence of nature. It is located at Vallikunnu in Malappuram district of Kerala. The memories of your trip to this beach will remain etched in your mind forever. A beach resort tucked away in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction of this beach. It offers a picturesque view of the surroundings. If you are interested in wildlife, visit the nearby Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. Beautiful birds flitting from tree to tree and chirping away to glory will add more excitement to your holidays.

Varkala Beach

The epitome of beauty, Varkala Beach is one of the most famous beaches in South India. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found lining the Arabian sea. Such cliffs are a unique geographical feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast. The areas around these cliffs are dotted with a number of water spouts and spas. This 3 km long beach invites you to enjoy a life-time experience. Another attraction of Varkala is the presence of the natural water brooks. The water of these brooks are endowed with medicinal properties. Sunset and Sunrise cruises are often arranged by the local fisherman.

Varkala is an important Hindu religious center. Janardanaswamy temple (3,500 year old) an important Vaishnavaite shrine of Hindus located in Varkala. A great Ayurveda treatment center where you can go for a rejuvenating massage is also available here. Varkala Beach is a big hit with tourists. Have a memorable and pleasurable holiday at the famous Varkala Beach.

FUENTE | abc.es

Un equipo de geólogos ha encontrado un nido de huevos de dinosaurio de hace más de 65 millones de años en un pueblo al sur del estado indio de Tamil Nadu, según han confirmado los medios de comunicación del país.
“Encontramos entre una capa de tierra y otra varios cúmulos de huevos de dinosaurio así como huesos de sus cuerpos. Concretamente, cada cúmulo contenía hasta ocho huevos”, explica el geólogo de la Universidad de Periyar y líder de la expedición, M. Ramkumar.
El tamaño de los huevos oscila entre los trece y los veinte centímetros de diámetro y estaban ‘escondidos’ en nidos de cerca de 1,2 metros de ancho, apunta este estudio realizado entre dos instituciones indias y alemanas.
Concretamente, estos nidos se encontraban bajo polvo procedente de erupciones volcánicas. Estos indicios han llevado a los expertos a plantearse que un fenómeno de estas características fue el causante de la desaparición de estas especies.
Además, tras descubrir varios huevos sin incubar en estos nidos, sospechan que los dinosaurios acudían a esa zona específicamente a criar. De momento, estos yacimientos se encuentran acordonados con el fin de evitar saqueos.