Kerala wildlife tour

Home to fourteen wildlife sanctuaries located in the Western Ghats, Gods own country-Kerala offers

an exciting wildlife tour experience. Kerala wildlife tour will offer you exciting trek trails covering spice plantations, vanilla, and coffee and tea estates. Some of the sanctuaries worth exploring in Kerala wildlife tour offering a perfect blend of romanticism and adventure for honeymooners are:

Wildlife sanctuaries to visit in Kerala wildlife tour

1)      Located at a distance of thirty kilometer from Thiruvananthapuram is the Neyyar sanctuary. Home to exotic flora and fauna, mountain slopes, the meadows, the brooks and the natural surrounding – this sanctuary contributes immensely towards making the trek adventurous.

2)      Peppara wildlife sanctuary is Located at a distance of fifty kilometer from Thiruvananthapuram. Spread across fifty three square kilometer on the Western Ghats this sanctuary comprises of rich flora and fauna.  Hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations make the Peppara wildlife sanctuary treasure box loaded with precious gems.

3)      Located at a distance of sixty six kilometer from Kollam, the Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary is known for its unique bio-diversity. The sanctuary houses remains of Stone Age and showcase the culture that prevailed then.

4)      Idukkiwildlife sanctuary is Located at a distance of fifty five kilometer from Thodupuzha in Idukki wildlife sanctuary. Offering a lot of excitement and scenic views this sanctuary has a canopy of dense tropical forests and semi evergreen forests. Additionally you will also find deciduous trees and a scenic lake surrounded by the deciduous forests adding to its beauty.

5)      Periyar tiger reserve is famous for its rich bio-diverse spots. A protected tiger reserve this sanctuary is well known across the globe. There are two watch towers that make wildlife viewing an interesting experience.

6)      Located at a fifteen kilometer distance from Munnar in Idukki is the famous Ervikulamnational park. Most of the park attractions are situated in the Devikulam Taluk. The park is known for the Neelakurinji Park that blooms once in twelve years.

7)      Located at a distance of sixty kilometer from Munnar in Idukki, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located on the Tamilnadu border and offers the sightings of elephants, tigers, gaur and several other wild residents.

8)      The beautiful Wayanad wildlife sanctuary comprises of two pockets. Wayanad sanctuary has Muthanga dominating it in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Natural and beautiful looking the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is rich in natural surroundings and mesmerizing beauty.

9)      Chimmini wildlife sanctuary is a dense forest housing a variety of birds and butterflies.  This sanctuary is famous for its innumerable trekking trails.

10)   Silent valley national park is believed to be the only park comprising of evergreen forests. Not a whisper or  chirping of the birds can be heard here and that’s what gives the valley its name – “Silent Valley”

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Kerala wildlife tour package is ideal for honeymooners, leisure travelers and adventure seekers.

Kerala honeymoon

Kerala is known as gods own country for all right reasons. The mesmerising natural beauty of Kerala makes it a perfect destination for honeymoon trip. Kerala honeymoon travel for newly-weds will definitely be rewarding and exciting. There is a lot to explore and discover in Kerala honeymoon tour.

Surrounded by coconut trees, backwaters, beaches, rich flora and fauna, Kerala honeymoon will help you learn about the hidden gems Kerala possesses. You will discover the reasons behind why Kerala is called gods own country

Places to visit in Kerala honeymoon

Kerala has myriad places of attraction that will make your honeymoon tour interesting and memorable. Each of these places comprise of so many attractions and sightseeing locales that your Kerala honeymoon plan will be absolutely rewarding and loaded with lasting memories.

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Munnar is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala and it has attracted travellers from different parts of the globe since time immemorial. From picturesque views of the valley, vast spread of tea plantations to adventure activities, Indo Swiss live-stock project and more- all make this naturally romantic destination a place worth visiting in Kerala honeymoon.

Wayanad has emerged as a green destination ideal for those seeking an eco-tour destination. Wayanad has proven to be a land of hidden beauty that’s being discovered and recognised gradually all over the world as one of the best destinations to be visited in Kerala honeymoon. Surrounded by undisturbed and natural beauty, Wayanad has a large spread of natural beauty that will instantly rejuvenate your mind body and soul. From resorts built without disturbing the natural ambience to treehouse stay options- everything to do and enjoy in Wayanad is a unique experience.

Kumarakom is a sleepy town and it earned a lot of fame for housing the Ayemenem village that hit spotlight in Arundhati Roy’s best seller “God of small things”. IT might be a serene and silent place but it is a perfect honeymoon destination in Kerala. The natural quietude this place offers is something newlyweds will need after the hustle and bustle of marriage preparations. The Kumarakom sanctuary is known for housing the migratory birds that make for an interesting watch for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Alleppey and KUmarakom are two dominant places that offer you a beautiful and serene backwater cruise experience. Both the places carry a façade that’s clean, undisturbed and true to nature. The lagoons, coconut grooves and swaying palms of the towering trees make the backwaters look mind blowing. Alleppey and Kumarakom have been two prime regions attracting tourists from different parts of the globe to experience honeymoon in Kerala.

Thekkakdy is an ideal place for honeymooners to experience both adventure and wildlife. Well known for the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Thekkady offers you the sight of wild gems like the elephants, Tigers, Sambars, Gaurs Leopards and more.

Things to do in Kerala honeymoon

The things you can do in Kerala honeymoon trip are plenty. You can head out for shopping, plan some adventure trek, enjoy backwater cruises, try canoeing or rowing so n and so forth.

Plan a trip to the Kerala backwaters

Over the years the backwaters of Kerala have earned so much fame that it continues to attract tourist from across the globe. With increase in number of tourist inflow every year all measures have been taken to maintain the natural faced of the backwaters to offer you the experience you deserve to feel when you sign up for one these backwater cruises.

What to expect

BE assured depending on the package and days you choose to cruise on the backwaters of Vembanad you as a honeymoon couple will be greeted with   Fresh cut tender coconut/ fruit juice / sweet

·         Some houseboat depending on the ratings offers you fresh wet towels to instantly refresh

·         A beautifully set room to create the perfect romantic ambiance   Special toiletries to pamper you

·         The rooms come with air-conditioning, comfortable beds and adequate lighting

·         A beautiful dinner on the deck with special table set up for newly weds

o   A candle light arrangement

o   Special gourmet preparation by the chef

o   A scrumptious dessert or cake to pep up the honeymoon feel

o   You can request for a special slow dance with some apt music to make your honeymoon special. You might need to check for this arrangements feasibility beforehand though

What to carry

Houseboat cruises will involve a lot of activities pertaining to water. You can be prepared with

·         Comfortable cotton clothing’s as air-conditioning in most star rated boats operate from 9:00am to 6:00 pm only.

·         Carry comfortable shoes or flip flops

·         The houseboat is equipped with natural means to ward of insects and mosquitoes but there is no harm in carrying an extra mosquito repellant cream

·         Carry a good hat and sunglasses to enjoy the picturesque view of the lake and avoiding the hide and seek of the seeping sunlight

·         If you plan on taking a canoe ride off into the canals and lagoons carry a camera that’s water resistant so you can capture some of the beautiful and unbelievable scenic charisma of the lake

·         IF you decide to use a paddle boat on your own than you’d need to carry your paddling suit and preferably a GPS. Make sure someone knows where you are heading off to.

·         IF this is your first time on a backwater cruise and you are not sure if you might feel sick, carry some quick pills for motion sickness or nausea.

·         Most dishes prepared in Kerala call for coconut oil however with increase in global tourists the use of coconut oil so if you are adventurous you can try out the authentic tasting Kerala dishes or be safe and go for the regular cooking oil you are used to.

Safety

The tourism board in Kerala takes extra care to provide protection to tourists especially those considering houseboat cruises hence the tourism police and boat associations make sure all safety measures are on board the houseboat. Nearly 3 to 5 staffs are always available on board and are responsible for the management of all things on board.

You can additionally call and check with the boat management beforehand of all the safety measures, facilities and amenities that are available on board including confirming the route you would be cruising.

After all you are planning a romantic honeymoon cruise to enjoy a pleasant ride and romantic stay safety and security check will only keep you and your better half safe and sound on your honeymoon cruise on the backwaters of Vembanad.

Fort Kochi - Cochin tour packages

One of the most beautiful things about Fort Kochi is that it is so accessible and easy to explore. In order to explore the quiet town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot or a bicycle. The island of Fort Kochi is soaked in with historical monuments and places of interest. One needs to relax and should have a lot of time to explore the colonial town. At every corner of Fort Kochi, something amusing awaits the visitor. The footprints of a bygone era are clearly visible throughout the town and it’s hard to miss it. The town offers a tremendous blend of new and old, the colonial and modern.

A short walk on the K. J. Herschel Road gives one a glimpse of Fort Immanuel. Fort Immanuel once belonged to the Portuguese. The monument symbolises the strategic alliance which existed between the Maharaja of Cochin and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom the fort is named. Fort Immanuel was built in 1503 and reinforced in 1538. Further down the road, one comes across the Dutch cemetery. The cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is currently managed by the Church of South India. The tombstones in the cemetery remind the visitors of those Europeans who left their homeland to serve their respective monarchs. Not far from the Dutch cemetery is yet another colonial structure – The David Hall. The Dutch East India Company erected the structure around 1695. The hall is dedicated to the legacy of Hendrik Adriaan van Reed tot Drakeston, a renowned Dutch commander. Hendrik is more admired for his monumental book on the flora of Kerala namely Hortus Malabaricus. Even though Hendrik Adriaan van Reed tot Drakeston’s legacy is clearly visible throughout the hall, David Hall is named after David Koder, a later occupant of the building.

Just a few minutes away from David Hall is the ancient and famous Thakur House, which has an imposing presence in the locality. It is a monumental structure reminding the visitors of the colonial era. The building is simply astounding. It was formerly known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow and it was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British rule. The present day renovated Thakur House belongs to the Thakur and Company, a famous tea trading firm.

If one enjoys relaxed walks in the evenings, The Church Road is the place to be. The cool breeze from the Arabian Sea is quite refreshing and invigorating. The sea is not far from the Church Road and in between the sea and the Church Road is the famous Cochin Club. The Cochin Club is home to an impressive library and to a collection of a number of Trophies. The club is set in a beautiful park and still retains the old world charm. Not far from the Cochin Club is the Parade Ground. The Parade Ground is spread across four acres. This is where the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British had once conducted military parades in colonial times. St. Francis Church is in the vicinity. This is the oldest European church in India and it has passed through many phases ever since the Portuguese built it in 1503. Now the church is under the control of the Church of South India. St Francis Church is also famous for being the Church where the famous explorer Vasco da Gama was buried. The site of his burial is still on display.

Another attraction on the Church Road is the Bastion Bungalow. The Bastion Bungalow is a majestic mansion. This wonderful structure is an Indo-European style building that was built in 1667 and is named after its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the Old Dutch fort. These days the Bastion Bungalow is the official residence of the Sub Collector.

 Quite near the Bastion Square is the Vasco da Gama square. The square is a narrow promenade, which is an ideal place to relax a little. The Vasco da Gama square is punctuated with stalls full of delicious seafood, fast-food and tender coconuts. The Chinese fishing nets are a sight to behold. These nets had been erected here between AD 1350 and 1450 by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Tourists find the lowering and raising of the Chinese fishing nets particularly interesting. In the vicinity of the Vasco da Gama square is the Pierce Leslie Bungalow, a charming mansion. The Pierce Leslie Bungalow once had been the office of Pierce Leslie and Co., coffee merchants of yesteryears. The bungalow is reminiscent of Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. It’s famous for its waterfront verandas and skilfully contoured exteriors. On the adjacent street is the Old Harbour House. The Old Harbor House was built in 1808 and owned by Carriet Moran and Co, renowned tea brokers. Nearby the Harbor House is the Koder House, the magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company in 1808. This structure shows the transition from colonial to Indo-European style of construction. The Princess street is not far from Koder house. The Princess street is renowned for the number of shops selling fresh flowers and for the European style residences on either side of the street. The Loafer's Corner is also not far from Princess Street. This is the traditional hangout for the outgoing and fun loving people of Kochi.

Just north of the Loafer's corner, is the Santa Cruz Basilica, the historic church built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1984, it was declared a basilica by Pope John Paul II. This particular location is a busy area with a number of streets and buildings in the near vicinity. The Burgher street and the Delta Study, a heritage bungalow built in the year 1808 and now functioning as a high school are not far. The Rose street and Princess street are also around the corner. Near Rose street is the famous Vasco house, believed to be the residence of Vasco da Gama. This traditional and typical European house is one of the oldest of Portuguese residences in Kochi. A short walk over to the Ridsdale Road leads to the VOC gate, the large wooden gate facing the Parade ground. The gate was built in 1740. The VOC gate gets its name from the monogram (VOC) of the Dutch East India Company on it. Close to the VOC gate is the United Club. The United Club was once one of the four elite clubs of the British in Kochi. Now, it serves as a classroom for the nearby St. Francis Primary School.

At the end of the Ridsdale Road is the Bishop's house. The Bishops house was built in the year 1506. In colonial times it had been the residence of the Portuguese Governor. It is set on a small hillock near the Parade Ground. The facade of the Bishops house has large Gothic arches and other gothic influences. The building was acquired by Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin.

Fort Kochi is an intriguing place. The feel of an era bygone is still lingering in the air. The sights are mesmerising and the town is bustling with life. Pleasant surprises await tourists at every nook and corner. A trip to Kerala is just not complete without a stay at Fort Kochi.

Periyar River, Ayyappancoil tour packages

A well-known wildlife sanctuary in Southern India, Periyar is a well-known tourist spot located in Idukki district of Keralawith a vast spread of 780 square meters. Periyar offers a natural and serene terrain that appeal to the nature lovers and adventure seekers. The enchanting flora and fauna of Periyar region leave a lifetime experience of excitement and exhilaration.

Peiyar attracts several tourists mainly on weekend getaways. Periyar serves as a major stop from where you can head off to beautiful hill stations of Munnar, Devikulam and Peermede. For adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts Periyar wildlife sanctuary is the place to be at. The tiger reserve at Periyar is one to visit mainly.

The priyar wildlife sanctuary is one hotspot destination for an enthralling holiday experience especially because it is open and ever inviting even during the monsoon seasons which are not the case with most other sanctuaries. September to April is the best months to plan a trip to Periyar.

Periyar witnesses mild summers and it is also the best time to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary and Tiger reserve. During the mild summer months Periyar sanctuary and tiger reserve becomes a haven of rare species of animals and birds. These hidden residents come out during the summers making for a splendid watch by the adventure enthusiasts.

Periyar is home to a large number of wild elephants and tigers. But besides these wild beasts, Periyar also offers a charming and soothing to the eye kind of serene environment that rich in bio-diversity

Periyar is also a land of various spices. For tourists a tour of the spice plantations is another adventure pack that’s a must try. The vast varieties of exotic spices add to the reasons why Periyar is a sought out place. On the slopes of the Western Ghats you will find a vast variety of spices being grown i.e. - pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and anise.

The local economy mainly thrives on the spice trade at Periyar. While at Periyar be assured to be captivated and lured to its intriguing beauty by the fragrance of the surroundings and the aroma of the spices.  The aroma can be so tempting that you mighteven end up buying these spices even if you do not know how and where to use it.

The spices grow in abundance here and they make for very interesting take away gifts in Periyartour package. Periyars increasing popularity has resulted in several niche theme based resort setting up base and offering comfortable stay and other conveniences for their deserving visitors. Periyar is without an element of doubt an adventurous getaway destination that will offer serene, tranquil and mind blowing locale with a lifetime of memory that can only be experienced and not described in words.

Top ten honeymoon destinations in Kerala

A popular tourist destination Kerala continues to be a favorite holiday zone for different kinds of travelers.There is so much to do and explore that you will want to return to this beautiful paradise over and again. Kerala has been declared as an all-rounder place by many frequent travelers. However it has been voted as the best romantic honeymoon destination for newlyweds or second time honeymooners.

Top ten honeymoon places to visit

 Munnar has been the prime honeymoon hill station in Kerala attracting many newlyweds for time immemorial now. Despite maddening tourism and inflow of people from across the globe, Munnar might have become an old place with extremely old facade but there is still a lot of magnificence remaining about the place that continues to attract mainly newlyweds to its misty evenings and chill mornings.

Alleppey or Alappuzha is a prime tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey tourism development cooperative society was the first to start a society as such in Kerala. Home to the gigantic snake boat races Alleppey is known mainly for its lagoons that resemble a mirror. The palm fringed canals, the hide and seek of the sun rays through the swaying palms, the rural life on the banks of the lake and more make Alleppey a desirable place to tour. For honeymooners the houseboat cruises on the tranquil backwater of Vembanad Lake simply sums up the reason why Alleppey is one of the best honeymoon destination in Kerala.

The back water cruises only get more romantic as you head to an extended cruise of the houseboat to Kumarakom. Besides its famous wildlife sanctuary and the Ayemenem village described in Arundhati Roy’s best seller “God of Small things”- Kumarakom’s natural appeal is another reason why it lures honeymooners and leisure travelers form different parts of the world.

A houseboat cruise between Kollam and Alleppey is the longest stretch but also the most beautiful and romantic one.

Wayanad hills have lured honeymooners not just to witness its tranquil surroundings but its untainted image. The land of Wayanad remains true to its original form and tourism activities take place keeping the natural form of the land in mind hence you get to visit a virgin land with all things beautiful even if you come back for your second moon.

The shallow beaches of Kovalam have been a favorite with honeymooners for a long time. Holding each other hands, taking a long walk into the sea without the fear of high tides is what has made it a favorite with leisure and honeymoon travelers in Kerala

A leisure cruise From Alleppey covering Kottayam, Thottapally, Kolam and Kumarkom will simply add toppings to the dessert. The long honeymoon cruise route through Kottayam & Thottapally make for another interesting destination in Kerala.

For adventure honeymoon the wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady will offer you all the excitement and exhilaration you seek from your tour.

The romantic Marari beach is another romantic destination in Kerala for honeymooners

Vagamon hills male for another splendid honeymoon destination in Kerala

Kumarakom - Best Backwater resort in India

The state of Kerala is endowed with such tremendous natural beauty that tourists are constantly attracted to it. There are so many towns and interesting tourist destinations that tourists are spoilt for options. One such destination is Kumarakom. It is a famous tourism destination not far from the city of Kotayam which is just 16 km away. Kumarakom is well known for its backwater tourism. All this backwater tourism is set up in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the country and the largest in Kerala. Kumarakom village basically consists of a group of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. It is part of the Kuttanad region. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is the favourite haunt of migratory birds. Ornithologists will just love to spend time in the bird sanctuary. It is spread across 14 acres and is home to a number of avian species such as Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork. These birds flock the sanctuary during season and tourists are especially fascinated to watch these birds.

Kumarakom is also home to a diverse species of flora and fauna. Apart from the bird sanctuary, there are other places of interest too. The Vembanad Lake is home to many marine and freshwater fish species. It is teeming with life and species such as Pearlspot, known as Karimeen locally, and shrimp are found here in abundance. The bird sanctuary and the Vembanad lake make Kumarakom a very beautiful place and a major tourist destination. The climate in Kumarakom is balanced and tropical. Both the south west and the north east monsoons bring rains to the region. The weather is conducive for tourists throughout the year, although some might not prefer the rainy months.

The mainstay of the local economy is fishing, agriculture and tourism. The balanced climate of Kumarakom is conducive to cultivation. The place has abundance of mangrove forests, coconut groves and paddy fields. Fruits like Banana, Mango, Tamarind, Jackfruit, Ambazhanga, Chaambenga, Peraycka, Aathaycka and Pineapple grow here in abundance. Coffee and cocoa plantations too are found here. Yam and colocasia are cultivated too. The canals of Meenachi River and the interspersed waterways are tapped for irrigation. The construction of the Thanneermukkam bund has ensured that connection between the backwaters and the sea is cut off. So the tidal movement of the water in the canals has stopped and it is not as salty as it used to be in the olden days when the water in canal moved in and out with the sea water. Since the waters are pretty much stagnant these days, it has caused the growth of water hyacinths forming a beautiful green carpet studded with lilac flowers.

Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are the religions practiced in Kumarakom. There a number of churches, temples and also a Jumma masjid in the town. Fish is a staple food in Kumarakom as in most parts of Kerala. Small boats called vallam and gill nets are used for fishing. The most sought after varieties of fish in the region are the black clam, Pearl spot and shrimps. Tourists can even get a boat ride on these fishing boats. Especially honeymoon couples will love these boating trips.

Kumarakom is world famous for its boat races and houseboats. There are a wide variety of houseboats and the place is renowned the world over for the top notch house boat experience on offer. Most of the houseboats are used for tourists these days but special boats known as Kettuvallam is used by the locals to go fishing or to transport goods. Most of the tourism in Kumarakom mainly revolves around the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake. There are several luxury and budget resorts lined up on the shores of the lake. These resorts provide tourists with facilities for boating, yachting and fishing. Such trips offer tourists with panoramic views of the lake. The Bird Sanctuary can also be approached by water by use of canoes. These trips are carried out by local fishermen at the entrance of the sanctuary. Dawn and dusk are the best time to visit the sanctuary. Even though the bird sanctuary timings are between 6 AM and 6 PM, its best to avoid the afternoon sun.

The annual Kumarakom boat race attracts millions of tourists from across the country and around the world. The boat race happens around Onam festivities. Over one thousand oarsmen in boats of all sizes and shapes participate in the event. The most sought after race is the Iruttukuthi in which 50 oarsmen row each boat during a race. The races are conducted in the canal near the central market place. All these races are contested in order to win the Sree Narayana Ever Rolling Trophy. The Taj Garden Retreat, the biggest and most modern tourist resort in Kumarakom is set up in a Victorian two storied bungalow which was built by Alfred George Baker in the year 1881. It is built on huge pieces of Teak rafters. The bungalow was the house of the Baker family for four generations spanning over a 100 years. The bungalow along with the bird sanctuary and the lake are places of interest for tourists from all over the world. The Bungalow still has a grand, imposing presence and is a silent reminder of an age gone by. Its design and architecture are simply spellbinding. Kumarakom has recently been declared as a special tourism zone (STZ). Tourists will just love spending a few days in Kumarakom. An enchanting backwater destination that Kumarakom is, it offers tourists many other leisure options. Apart from the premises of the lake, boating and fishing facilities are also available at the Taj Garden Retreat. Then there is also Waterscapes, a backwater resort developed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Waterscapes has independent cottages built on stilts and it is set amidst coconut groves and offers panoramic views of the backwaters.  Holiday packages involving houseboats and traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences and tourists, especially honeymoon couples should make use of such packages.

Kumarakom is accessible by road from Kottayyam which is 16 km away. The nearest airport is the Cochin International airport which is 94 km away. Kottayyam is also the nearest rail head which is just 13 km away. There is also a waterway leading to Kumarakom from Alappuzha. Intercity bus services are abundant and a ride from Kottayyam to Kumarakom should take about half an hour. Pre paid cabs can be hired from the Cochin Airport. The awesome beauty and tremendous landscape of Kumarakom are just hard to describe in words. Such beauty must be experienced in person. Anybody visiting Kerala should definitely include Kumarakom in their itinerary.