kerala wild life

Valathode Hill station - Kannur

Valathode Hill station. Valathode is an enchanting hill station in North Kerala (India) near Kerala-Karnataka border. Standing as tall as about 3,000 feet above sea level, the summit is located about 60 kms from Kannur (Canannore) city and 15 kms from Iritty. North of Valathode is the Kudaku forest. These huge mountains lay spread over land enriched with dense forest. One can go by bus up to Valathode and then 3 km trekking through the mountain till that hill station. The peak offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains beneath it. There are many seasonal waterfalls. Valathode is an ideal spot for adventure tourism as well. There are not many such fascinating hill stations in the regio

Palchuram Falls - Kannur

Palchuram Falls is located 24 km from Iritty in Kannur District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a four step waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Palchuram Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, It is a 2 km from Kottiyoor to Boystown road. It is Kerala's one of good tourist point. The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome. but the waterfalls is worth it. It is located inside the forest. So it is a very good trekking point. You can reach by bus and 2 km walking distance. Root Kannur-42km-Iritty-21km-Kottiyoor-3km-Palchuram. Scroll down for more photos. Don't discard any waste on that place.

Kanjirakolly - Kannur

KANJIRAKOLLY - A BRIEF HISTORY KANJIRAKOLLY- gods'own highland. Situated among the foot hills of Western Ghats, and bordering the Coorge range of Karnataka evergreen forests, Kanjirakolly is a very beautiful village in Kannur district and can aptly be called “GODS'OWN HIGHLAND”. In a broader sense Kanjirakolly- especially before the arrival of the settlers from Central Travancore- was an extension of Manikadave and shares a common history. As the crown of Manikadave, there lays ‘Kurisu Mala’ (mount / hill of the cross) forest in the west beyond which it is Paadan Kavala and other tourism points of Kanjirakolly. It is a location of exotic beauty of unpolluted ranges of the Western Ghats with friendly people. The history of human habitation in this region trace back thousands of years. The Hindus, Muslims and Christians here live in amity and have joined together to improve themselves. The settlers from Travancore form about 70% of the population and have spent their lives to make this land ever so productive and have in these years - since 1948 when their migration began - struggled with nature and produce spices, rubber, cashew nut, vegetable etc. Endowed with the bounteous splendor of nature, Manikadave- the foot station of Kanjirakolly- is located 60km from the district headquarters of Kannur. Distance to Manikadave from neighboring places in km: Iritty16, Ulickal (village panchayat headquarters) -8, Taliparamba (taluk headquarters) - 45. From Kannur we can reach Manikadave via Iritty- Ulikal- Vattiamthode- or Iritty- Ulickal- Nuchiad - Manikadave and from Taliparamba via Payyavur- Nuchiad- Manippara. KANJIRAKOLLY DOWN THROUCH THE AGES:- Before the advent of settlers from Travancore, the only inhabitants of the land comprising the present day Nuciyad, Manippara, Manikadave, Kanjirakolly and adjacent places were a tribal people called Karimpalans. The place, a part of the dense private forest owned by an aristocratic ‘Janmi’ (Landlord) family- the "Karkkat Idam" family of "Nayanars"- and shared a common life style and history. THE NAME "MANIKADAVE" - MYTH AND TRUTH:- The name Manikadave is also spelt “Manikkadavu”/ “Manikadavu”. The myth about the name is related to the story of a “durmurthi” (evil spirit / demon)called “Manikkadachokkaali (also known as Manikkadachokkari) most feared by the aborigines- the Karimpalans. It is traditionally believed that Manikadave and Manippara- the two neighboring villages - got their old names Manikkada and Manipparambu respectively from ‘Manikkadachokkali’ and ‘Mani Bhagavathi or Goddess Mani. Later it was the settlers from Travancore who modified the names to their present day form. The Karimpalan tribe of those days found their livelihood through agriculture, fishing and hunting. They spared the huge trees in the jungle and cleared only the bush and creepers and sow paddy and other seasonal crops. Every year, after harvest, they shifted to new parts of the jungle. Through the dense forest they used to go every day in groups for hunting and fishing and anyone missed from the group was sure to be missed for ever and was supposed to be eaten by Manikkadachokkaali, the ‘durmurthi’. Perhaps the poor tribal might have been killed by some wild animal, but it boosted the scare of the evil spirit always. The Karimpalans believe that there existed a temple of Lord Siva at ‘Manipparathattu’, near Manikadave. But, hurt by the ‘durmurthi’ and quite scared of it, the priests and other officials deserted the temple and even their homes. One day ‘Manippothi’/ Mani Bhagavathi (a goddess of the jungle also called Mani, supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi), appeared at Manipparathattu to save the jungle people from the durmurthi. The goddess chased Manikkadachokkaali until at last it entered a cave at Manikadave beside the present day Manikadave- Kanjirakolly road. The goddess gave the durmurthi strict orders never to cross the face of cave or hurt people any more. To immortalize the memory of her appearance, it is believed, the goddess erected at Manippara two chambers carved out of laterite one of which exists even today withstanding the challenges of the seasons all through. It is now known as ‘kallara’ (‘kallu’= stone, ‘ara’ = small room/ chamber). From the day of its appearance, there began ‘theyam’- a ritual to please the goddess. There was also a “kavu” (a sacred forest) where ‘pattutsavam’ (‘pattu’= song, utsavam= festival) was held for ten days annually to appease ‘kattu pothi (goddess of jungle- another name for Goddess Mani) whose real name, the Karimpala elders say, is ‘Chuzhali Bhagavathi’. Now there is only a single huge and tall tree in place of the former sacred forest to remind us of the ancient festivities. About five hundred meters away from the ‘kavu’, there is a cave on the right side and, during monsoon, a wondrous spring of water on the left. If we walk through the cave for about twenty five meters from its opening or entrance, we see the beginning of an underground stream. THE LAND OF KARIMPALANS:-

Kanjirakolly - Kannur

KANJIRAKOLLY TOURISM ZONE- AN INTRODUCTION:- Set against the back drop of the undulating evergreen hills and valleys, Kanjirakolly is an emerging tourism centre in Malabar, Kerala. Endowed with the bounteous splendor of nature, the village of Kanjirakolly is located 67km from the district headquarters of Kannur. Distance to Kanjirakolly from neighboring places in km: Manikadave-7, Iritty23, Payyavur (village panchayat headquarters) 15, Taliparamba (taluk headquarters) - 45. From Kannur we can reach Kanjirakolly via Iritty- Ulikal- Vattiamthode- Manikadave or Iritty- Ulickal- Nuchiad - Manikadave and from Taliparamba via Payyavur- Kunnathurpadi- Padankavala. KANJIRAKOLLY TOURISM PROMOTION "Valley Life Research and Development Initiative" (Reg. No.244/05),( 80G-12-CIT/KNR/06-07) is a charitable trust working among the rural, especially the tribal, people of Kanjirakolly and other neighboring hill areas of Kannur District, Kerala State, South India. We, in association with “Kanjirakolly Gramina Tourism Club” organized under the DISTRICT TOURISM PROMOTION COUNCIL, Kannur, are engaged in ecotourism promotion activities through the KANJIRAKOLLI TOURISM VIKASANA SAMITHI, our frontal organization and the pioneer in highlighting the ecotourism prospective and potential of Kanjirakolly hill tourism zone, and also try to convert tourism promotion efforts into a people’s movement. To achieve this goal, Kanjirakolly Tourism Vikasana Samithi works as a union of various 'tourism promotion organizations' set up and promoted by 'VALLEY LIFE'

Mangalavanam- Kerala Trip

proposed management plan development of infrastructure, habitat consolidation and protection Construction of a semi permanent structure between the first and second gate in the PA for nature education programme. Construction of a ticketing counter, class including electricity and water supply. Landscaping and planting on either side of road between the bridge on the Salim Ali road and PA entrance gate with indigenenous tree species. Renovation of the existing guard station in the PA Consolidation of boundary with permanent cairns habitat improvement programme Augmenting the natural growth of mangroves. Cleaning and maintenance of the existing pond with in PA. Augmenting with tree species on the terrestrial ecosystem in the surrounding area of the mangrove in the PA. Eradication of exotic weds. development of database, research and monitoring Conducting bird survey annually. Conducting soil and water quality analysis Conducting study on flora and fauna. Year round monitoring and documentation of avian fauna and other vertebrates in and around the PA. Developing a database of biodiversity in the PA Regular monitoring of vegetation change, birds and animal population, nesting of birds, siltation in the pond. Publicity education and awareness programme Conducting one-day natural study camps. Purchase of binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, laptop, LCD projector etc. Construction of two watch points Formation of natural trail / broad walkway between the two watch point. Erecting hoardings, sign boards, palm lets, broachers etc.

Mangalavanam- Kerala Trip

fauna Though the extent region is comparatively small, a large number of birds and other faunal elements were reported from the PA. In a recent study revealed that a total of 6 species of mammals ( Indian flying fox- Pteropus giganteus, painted bat- Kerivoula picta, three striped palm squirrel – Funnambulus sublineatus, house rat- Rattus rattus, bandicoot rat- Bandicota indica, and otter Lutra sp. ). Two species of amphibians ( Limnonectes limnocharis and Bufo melanostictus), and seven species of fishes ( Anabas testudines, Aplocheilus lineatus, Etroplus maculates, E. suratensis, Monopterus fossorius, Rasbora daniconius and Sarotherodon mossambica). Mangalavanam is primarily a bird refuge. A bird survey conducted recently in the month of May 2006, and found that 194 birds belonging to 32 species. The total number of bird species recorded so far from the area is 72. During a study conducted on 2006, it is recorded 17 species of butterflies in the PA. 51 species of spiders belonging to 40 genera and 16 families were recorded from the PA. This represented 27% of the total families reported from India.

Mangalavanam- Kerala Trip

forest type and species The total extent of 2.74 ha. of declared as Protected Area consist of a small pond with its edges covered with mangrove vegetation and the surrounding area with other trees species that can grow costal region. It is reported that 17 true mangrove species and 23 semi-mangrove species occur in the state. The true mangrove and mangrove associate species that exist in the sanctuary are Avicennia officinalis , Rhizophora mucranata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichus aureum are the species of conservation importance. Of the recorded species Acanthus ilicifolius is considered to be Endangered and Rhizophora mucranata as a Vulnerable according to IUCN.

Mangalavanam - Kerala Trip

Mangalavanam significance of the area Mangalavanam area is important from the point of environmental conservation for a number of reasons. The very existence of such a unique vegetation patch amidst a bustling city like cochin itself is significant. Mangroves with a unique combination of specialized plants and animals are known for its fragile nature. They play an important role in stabilizing the land along the coast and margins of backwaters. These specialized ecosystems accommodate a variety of marine and freshwater organisms as their nursery and feeding grounds. Despite human pressures of various kinds from all, the remarkably high utilization of this habitat by wetland birds for breeding is another fascinating aspect of Mangalavanam. Such an area in the midst of the bustling activities of the city is very vital as a haven for the avian and other flying creatures. For academic and ecological reasons it is imperative to conserve the area to prevent it succumbing to multifarious pressures from the sprawling city of Cochin. One of the important mangrove sites, in the port city of Cochin that currently protected and can developed for education, conservation and aesthetic purposes. A natural coastal habitat enduring the rapid pace of urbanization and more lucrative land use. A piece of serene wilderness at close proximity for the urban public. A haven for large number of wetland birds in the middle of the sprawling city. A site where migratory species visit seasonally. Nesting places for hundreds of avian colonial nesters.

Mangalavanam Kochi- Kerala Trip

the green lung of kochi The Mangalavanam Bird sanctuary, the green lung to the city of Kochi, is a patch of natural greenery comprising mainly of mangrove species in the small tidal wetland. It has been declared as a protected area on 31st August 2004. Mangalavanam gained importance because of the mangrove vegetation and due to the congregation of breeding birds. Mangalavanam area is situated in the Ernakulam district in Kerala 900 59’ 13.4” N latitude and 760 16’ 26.1” E longitude. A shallow tidal pond occupying part of the sanctuary has the periphery covered by dense growth mangrove vegetation and is connected with Cochin backwaters by a feeder canal. The mangrove serve as a shelter for birds both resident and migratory. Currently the area under protection is only a small patch of greenery with a tidal wetland with an extent of 2.74 ha. The administrative control of the sanctuary is with Wildlife Warden, peechi and then to Assistant Wildlife Warden, Peechi - Vazhani wildlife sanctuary.

Kerala Trip

Kerala Trip- Holiday Makers Trivandrum www.keralatrip.in mail@keralatrip.in keralareisen@gmail.com Tel: 0091 9400350309 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CODE: KERALA TRIP-PACKAGE NAME : ESSENCE OF SOUTH (08 Nights and 09 Days) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kovalam-03 Night | Kumarakam-01 Night | Thekkady-01Night | Munnar-02 Night | Guruayoor-01 Night. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 01 Arrival At Trivadrum and Trasfer to the Hotel in Kovalam. After Noon Free at Kovalam beach. Over night Stay at Hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 02 After Break Fast Local sight seeing in Trivandrum which includes–Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Museum, Zoo, Art Gallery, and Veli Lagoon.. Evening Free at Kovalam beach. Over night Stay at hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 03 After Break Fast Proceed to Kanyakumari for day excursion. Kovalam to Kanyakumari 2 hours drive required. The important places to see in and around Kanyakumari will be Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram Temple, Vivekananda Temple. Lunch at Kanyakumari and after sun set coming back to the hotel at Kovalam. Over nigh Stay at Kovalam. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 04 After Break fast Proceed to Kumarakom. (Kovalam to Kumarakom 4.5 hours drive is required. Check in the hotel at Kumarakam/Houseboat.) After Noon Cruise in the Vembanad Lake. Over night Stay at the hotel or Houseboat. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 05 After Break Fast Proceed to Thekkady. Kumarakom to Thekkady 05 hours drive is required. Check in the hotel at noon time. After Noon Plantation walk and evening free for shopping. Over night Stay at the hotel ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 06 After Break Fast Proceed for the Boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. Noon Check out from the hotel and leaving to Munnar. (Thekkady to Munnar 04 hours drive is required.Check in the hotel) After Noon Munnar local sight seeing which includes Pothamedu view point and Pallivasal water falls. Over night Stay at hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 07 After Break fast Local sight seeing in Munnar which includes Mattupatty Dam, Echo point, Kundale Dam and Top station in the morning session. After Noon Proceed to Rajamalay where you can see the rare mountain goat called Nilgiri Tahr. South India’s highest peak Anamudi is located there. Evening Free for shopping. Over night Stay at the hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 08 After Break fast Leaving to Guruvayoor. Munnar to Guruvayoor 06 hours drive is required. On the way visit Athirapally and Vazhachal water falls, the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya at Kaladi. Evening Check in the hotel near the Sree Krishna Temple at Gurvayoor. Proceed to the temple and Elephantcamp. Over night Stay at the hotel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAY 09 After Break fast Dershan at Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple proceed to Trichur Railway station or Cochin Airport for departure. The distance from Guruvayoor to Trichur Railway station will be 30 Kms and to the Cochin Airport will be 70 kms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more details contact: KERALA TRIP www.keralatrip.in keralareisen@gmail.com

Kerala Trip

Monsoon The Monsoons in Kerala do not take the pattern of incessant rains continuing for weeks. Virtually it rains for a few hours with sunny interludes. Occasionally the rains might stretch on for a few days but the respite of sunshine is never far away. People look forward to seeing the sun peep through the wet palm fronds and rain drenched green. These golden interludes provide an equilibrium to life's natural flow. Kerala has mainly two rainy seasons. The Southwest Monsoon that arrives in the month of June is called Edavappathy, as it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar. Mid October witnesses the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. In the Malayalam calendar this month is called Thulam and hence the name Thulavarsham meaning the 'The Rains in Thulam'. Now the gathering rain clouds are from the Bay of Bengal. These bearers of rain hurry to Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold. The art forms of Kerala demand the utmost dedication and training. These native art forms require complete control over each nerve of the body. As part of this training the artists undergo ayurvedic therapies. Special herbal oils and medications are applied on the body of the artist during the Monsoon time to ensure muscle flexibility and dexterity of movement. As nature recoups with the rains, it is rejuvenation time for humans too. According to Ayurveda, Monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. www.keralatrip.in

Kerala Trip: Munnar -Kerala Trip

Kerala Trip: Munnar -Kerala Trip: Nilgiri Tahr The Nilgiri Tahr scientifically named ‘Nilgiritragus hylocrius’ is a caprine ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills an...

Kerala Trip

Kadammanitta Patayani Start date: 14-04-2012 End date: 23-04-2012 Venue: Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta district. Come April visit Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta district and enjoy the spirit of a magnificent ritualistic art form that is rooted in the soil of legends and myths. Patayani is such an annual ritualistic festival celebrated in Bhadrakali temples of Central Travancore that astonishes the audience with its splendid theatrical values. Kadammanitta is famous for the Patayani performance at the Devi temple which is a burst of colour, energy and passionate devotion. The festival is celebrated every year from the first day of Malayalam month Medam (Aries) to the 10th day, called the Pathamudayam. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 30 km from Pathanamthitta. Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 105 km from Thiruvalla. Disclaimer In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs. We have calculated the festival dates based on these. But there can be changes in the dates according the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. As such, these should be considered only as approximate dates and have to be confirmed with the local authorities.

Kerala Trip

Ayurvastra Clothes which claim to cure even some forms of cancer, unbelievable isn't it? Yes there is no need for you to take all those routine medicines to bring down the level of your high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatism, arthritis or psoriasis. If you still are not ready to take this convince yourself by getting Ayurvastra - garments that ensure better health and long life. Ayur in Sanskrit means Life and Vastra means garments. The method used in the production of Ayurvastra is purely based on Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity. Ayurveda which sprouted in the pristine land of India, some thousands of years ago, is the oldest healthcare system in the world. It combines the profound thoughts of medicine and philosophy. The Ayurvastra garments are made out of yarns of organic cotton fabric infused with organic herbs and medicinal plant extracts that promote health and cure special diseases depending on the blends of herbs and oils included in it. Ayurvastra is devoid of any toxic chemicals and irritants and is absolutely organic and bio-degradable. The clothes are bleached in cow's urine, which has many medicinal values. In the science of Ayurveda gomuthram (cow's urine) is identified to be highly beneficial in balancing an individual's doshas (basic constituent's of an individual's physiology). The colours are obtained from the herbs used and not from any artificial dyes. The roots, flowers, leaves, seeds and barks of hundreds of herbs are used to make these colours. The clothes are then dipped in the dyes in a controlled temperature and environment. Several experiments have been conducted to ensure the effectiveness of Ayurvastra and it has been proved that a marked improvement had been witnessed in patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis and rheumatism after using bedding, rugs and towels made from Ayurvastra for one month. They are also used in the treatment of a broad range of diseases such as diabetes, skin infections, hypertension and high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, and even some forms of cancer. Ayurvastra helps to restore the balance within the body's systems and reinforce the immune system. Ayurvastra cloth is often used for sleepwear, bed sheets, towels, and meditation clothes. Coir mats are also made of this method for which the fibers are soaked in Ayurvastra dyes and then woven into mats. Nowadays Ayurvastra cloth is also used to make sarees, churidars and similar outfits.

kerala trip

Gavi Eco Tourism To live in harmony with the quintessence of nature is something that we all crave for. If same is the case with you then don't hesitate to spare a few days at Gavi where nature is at its unadulterated best. Listed as one of the must-see places in India and one among the leading eco-tourism centres by the renowned tourism major 'Alistair International' Gavi, a tranquil, beautiful and pristine forest is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. The affluence of flora and fauna in Gavi makes it an extraordinary experience for tourists from all over the world. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. For deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, research students and the like Gavi often serves as a base camp. If you are seeking solitude then you can loiter in the tranquil environs of Gavi. Otherwise you can go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Valley View one of the viewpoints at Gavi, gives you a spectacular view of the deep ravine and the forest below. None would like to miss a chance to see the endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque that are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. The 320 species of birds makes Gavi a fairytale world for twitchers. Not just this you will be also welcomed by animals like tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, Mouse deers, different species of monkeys and many more. Kerala Forest Development Corporation has recently initiated Gavi Eco-Tourism, a project that has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is designed in such a way as to cater to people with a quest for adventure eco-tourism. Currently Gavi Eco Tourism hosts memorable wildlife and Jungle experiences in the most remote and virgin areas. The involvement of the local populace in the project as guides and cooks not only provides a livelihood for these people but it creates a sense of awareness among the people on conservation of nature. In order to maintain the beauty of the wilderness, visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and snacks, which further adds to the eco-friendly ambiance of the place. The project aims to reconnect the people with primeval nature.

Kerala Trip

Souvenirs of Kerala To carry your memories of a place, its culture or heritage, in a little piece of art and beauty, is what souvenirs are for. But what if you have spent your holidays in an exotic destination like Kerala where art, craft and culture are experienced at their best. There is no doubt that you will demand something unique to take along with you from God's Own Country. The souvenirs of Kerala not just reflect its culture and history but they flaunt the skills and craftsmanship of the traditional artisans here. When their veteran hands move intimately over the raw materials, be it the distinctive bell metal or the rough and tuff coir, coconut shells, wood, clay or cane, there emanate before you a wide range of fascinating and unique handmade items. Aranmula Kannadi the unique metal mirror made by the craftsmen belonging to a particular family in Aranmula is the most popular among the souvenirs of Kerala. The science behind this metal magic is a secret among the members of this particular family which they have been passing from one generation to the next. Miniature forms of Kettuvallam (rice barge), chundan vallom (the snake boat of Kerala), nettipattam (caparison of elephant), nettoor petti (traditional jewel box) are also quite popular. The bell metal products of Kerala are of high demand in the world market. Nilavilakku and para (traditional measuring vessel) are the most sought after among them. Replicas of mural paintings and the paintings of Ravi Varma, the renowned artist of Kerala, would be a great adornment for any living room. Ayurvedic clothes, taupe shawl medicated with ramacham (vetiver), and aromatic cotton bed-sheets are very popular among tourists from abroad. Handicrafts made from coconut shells, clay and wood are also in high demand. It requires great skill and expertise to shape a sturdy material like coconut shell and one would be amazed to see these artisans design products like vanity bags, wine glasses, pen holders and the like with it. Coconut husk, though little attractive in its natural shape and texture, in the hands of these craftsmen turns into a beautiful Buddha bust, fearful cheetah or a smiling monkey. Culture Shoppe, the official agency to promote souvenirs of Kerala Tourism, has recently started exclusive outlets in the sale. The outlets function at Hotel Mascot, the flagship hotel of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Keralam Museum at Park View and the Punnamada houseboat terminal in Alappuzha. So next time if you come to Kerala, don't forget to pick a wonderful mementos.

Kerala Trip - Ashtamudi

Ashtamudi Backwater Stretch The solace of solitude, the comfort of composure if this is what you need then don't hesitate to pay a visit to the backwater stretches of Kerala where you will be freed from the fussiness of everyday life. The labyrinthine network of the backwaters of Kerala is composed by countless brackish lagoons, lakes, canals, rivers and inlets. Within this convoluted labyrinth lies a palm shaded water stretch deemed as the second largest and deepest wetland ecosystem - the Ashtamudi Lake. The name Ashtamudi itself reflects the topography of the lake, ahsta means eight and mudi means coned. This lake with multiple branches is situated in the Kollam district and is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. About thirty percent of historic Kollam town is embraced by Ashtamudi Lake. Kollam was a leading trade capital of the old world from the days of the Phoenicians and Ancient Rome As soon as you enter into the lulling backwater stretch of Ashtamudi Lake you will be welcomed by the coconut groves and palm trees interspersed with villages. The lake with and its life has been a muse and inspiration for many writers and artistes. Like a mother nurturing her children the lake spreads amid the villagers providing them their source of livelihood in fishing and coconut husking. Chinese fishing nets called cheena vala indulged in their daylong meditation are a familiar image of Ashtamudi Lake. One of the most enticing experiences you wouldn't want to miss in Kerala is the eight-hour long extraordinary backwater cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha that will give you an intimate experience of the backwaters of Kerala. The meandering journey winds through lakes, canals and water bound villages, and gives you a complete exposure to the beauty of the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake. Daily ferry services to Alleppey (Alappuzha) are available and boats operate to all villages located in the canals of the backwater system. The estuary of Ashtamudi shelters innumerable species of life which includes different varieties of mangroves, more than 50 species of avifauna and 40 species of wetland-dependent birds. Not just these, more than 26 species of butterflies have been identified whose brilliant colours bedeck the estuary to resemble a paradise.