Thekkady

Introduction and history: Thekkady is one of the important, serene tourist attractions in kerala. It is located in Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town called Kumily. The primary attraction of Thekkady is its Wildlife Sanctuary, is Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It was declared as Tiger reserve in the year 1978 and the whole part is spread across 777 square kilometres. It is primarily famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands, where toursists get opportunity to see the natural living of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs. Watching the elephants playing in the lake is one of its unique scene that should not be missed.

What to see and when to go: The Primary attraction of Thekkady as mentioned above is The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from that travellers get an array of beautiful places to taste the nature within few hours of reach. Vandiperiyar, Vandanmedu, Pullumedu, Kumily, Murikkady,Pandikuzhi,Mangala Devi Temple and Chellarkovil are some of the major tourist attractions around the place. Elephant rides, Trekking and boat cruises are offered here, which adds to the tourist’s delight.

Accommodation: Thekkady offers multiple accommodation facilities starting with luxurious resorts which also offer Ayurvedic massage parlours. Apart from them it has multiple hotels offering accommodation at rates ranging from 800 to 5000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: As Thekkady is in the border of Tamilnadu and Kerala, it can be reached both states. Madurai is the nearest Airport and railway junction which is 140 kilometers away. From the Kerala side, Cochin (140 kilometers) and Kumarakom (114 kilometers) are the nearby air and train stations. It is well connected thro’ road with rest of the country starting from Kumily.

Related links:
• Thekkady Tourist information: http://www.thekkady.com/
• Kerala information: http://www.keralagreenery.org/

See also (nearby places): Peermede and Munnar are the nearby tourist attractions to Thekkady. Each of them offer more than a dozen tourist attractions in the nearby locations. Pattupetti,Devikulam,Tattekad,Chinnar,Eravikulam,Rajamalai,Marayoor,Meenuli,Bhoothathankettu, Malankara Reservoir, Chithirapuram hill station, Valara, Cheeyapara and Thomankuthu waterfalls are some of those places near to Thekkady.

Palakkad

Introduction and history: Known as the ‘Gateway of Kerala’ Palakkad is near the Palghat gap of the Western Ghats. Etymologically Palakkad is derived from the words ‘Pala’ and ‘Kadu’ where the former is a tree with sweet scented flowers and the later meaning forest. Beautiful Mountains and trees form its landscape. The place has a rich history that is evident in the many monuments and festivals celebrated here. The Palakkad district borders between Tamilnadu and Kerala.

Places of Attraction and Seasons to visit: Hyder Ali and remnants of Tipu Sultan’s fort are major tourist attractions. There are also numerous dams and canals that serve as ideal picnic spots. Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palakkad fort, Nelliyampathy, Jain temple, Malampuzha garden, Mangalam Dam are some of the major attractions in Palakkad. September to February is the best time to visit this place. Apart from the tourist destinations, Palakkad is also famous for its Wildlife safaris, Trekking, Boating and shopping.

Accommodation: Hotels in Palakkad come to suit all pockets. There are multiple options for accommodation which includes Ayurvedic and Heritage Resorts, Luxury Hotels, Budget Hotels, Economy Hotels, and Guesthouses. The prices range from as low as 100 rupees and can go up to 3000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Coimbatore is the nearest Airport to Palakkad, which is located at 55 Kilometers distance. It has two major railway junctions, which is well connected with all major destinations in Southern railway. Besides, NH 47 passes through it.

Related links:
• Official website: http://palakkad.nic.in
• Tourist information: http://palakkadtourism.org/
See also (Nearby places): Thrithala, Attappady, Dhoni Hills, Kanjirapuzha and Malayalappuzha.

Kannur

Introduction and history: Kannur is located in the western side of Kerala, which has a long history starting from 9th century when Cheras from Tamilnadu re-established their supremacy under Kulasekara Varman. Due to its vibrant trade history, it had connections with Portuguese and Francisco De Almedia was sent from Portugal with specific instructions to erect forts at strategic points during 15th Century and he started constructing the Kannur Fort in 1505 and it was named St. Angelo. After the British conquered India, it played a very significant role in Indian independence moment. Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Shaukat Ali toured the district to carry the message of the Non-Co-operation and Khilaphat Movements.

What to see and when to go: Starting with Fort St. Angelos there are multiple places like Thalassery Fort, Payyambalam Beach Resort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Ezhimala, Malayalakalagramam, Pazhassi Dam, Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu and Moppila Bay are some of the major tourist attractions in Kannur. October to February is the best time to visit Kannur.

Accommodation: Kannur offers very economical accommodation starting with 400 rupees per day. For luxury star hotel accommodations it can go up to 3000 per day. Government promoted guest houses and hostels are available at a very reasonable price.

Mode of transport: Calicut Airport, which is located at a distance of 93 kilometres from Kannur, is the easiest way to reach by Air. Kannur has its own railway station, which is an important junction connecting many neighbouring states. Kannur is well linked by a wide network of roads and can be reached from anywhere in Kerala.

Related links:

• Official Website: http://kannur.nic.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.knr.kerala.gov.in/

See also (nearby places): Aralam Wild Life Sanctuary, Ezhimala, Kottiyoor and Pythal Mala are some of the nearby tourist attractions.

Wayanad

Introduction and history: Wayanad is one of the beautiful tourist destinations situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. The name Wayanad has been derived from the expression ‘Vayal nadu’ - the village of paddy fields. History of Wayanad traces back to Rajas of the Veda tribe, which later Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty and later under Hyder Ali. After hard fought battles with the British it finally came under the control of them, where they made this location for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. This laid the basic blocks for Wayanad finally turning out to be a tourist destination.

What to see and when to go: The natural beauty of Wayanad offers multiple options for travellers to explore this place. Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Cave, Kuruva Island, Lakkidi, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Pazhassi Tourist Resort, Pookot Lake, Sentinel Rock Waterfall and Soochippara Waterfall are some of the important tourist destinations around Wayanad. October to February is the best time to visit Wayanad.

Accommodation: There are hotels available at Wayanad depending on the tourist’s pocket. Multiple government promoted guest houses are available at very economical prices. The accommodation prices at resorts can go as high as 3000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Calicut is the nearest Airport, which is 76 kilometers from Wayanad. It also serves as the nearby railway junction, which is one of the important junctions in Kerala. Couple of national highways connects Wayanad to nearby states Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Taxis can be hired for local travel.

Related links:

• Official Website: http://www.wyd.kerala.gov.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.wayanad.com/

See also (nearby places): As Wayanad is located in border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu multiple nearby places can be visited alongside which includes Mysore (120 Kilometers), Ooty (110 Kilometers), Calicut (90 Kilometers), Bangalore (260 Kilometers) and Cochin (280 Kilometers).

Ranthambore National Park

Introduction and history: Ranthambore National Park was a sanctuary till 1955, after which it was declared tiger preserve site in 1973. Finally, it was made a national park in 1982, due to intrusions from humans that depleted the tiger population. Spread over 392 square kilometres in the district of Sawai Madhopur, which is approximately 130 kilometres from the pink city Jaipur. Although much care is taken to protect tigers, the number of tigers has constantly reduced from 44 in 1982 to 26 in 2005 and in 2008 it does not get any better as it stands a mere 14.

What to see and when to go: The old Ranthambore Fort, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Park, is the major attraction. Travellers can get the ecstatic experience to spot a tiger, by following the pugmarks with proper guidance. Other attractions include plenty of spotted chitals in the golden grass, a huge Barasingha with a pair of magnificent antlers in the shadows, antelopes like: Nilgais, Sāmbhar and Chital. One a lucky day, travellers get to see the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile. The lakes and water holes in the Ranthambore national park are the best places to sight the animals. The best time to visit this park is from October to June.

Things to do: While approaching Ranthambore sanctuary, one can see the green wheat fields and the mustard fields of Rajasthan with the ruins of old forts set atop hillocks surrounded by the yellow haze of mustard. A ride on the Tonga would add more fun to the journey.

Accommodation: There are many accommodation options available at Ranthambore. There are many wildlife resorts near Ranthambore, which offer accommodation ranging from comfortable rooms to luxury tents.

Ankur Resort
Ranthambhore Road
Sawai Madhopur - 322001
Phone : +91 7462/20792, 21257

Hotel Broadway
Agra Road
Jaipur - 302004
Phone : +91 141/641275-79
Fax : +91 141/640576

The Jaipur Emerald Hotel
Near Amarapura Sthan, M.I. Road
Jaipur - 302001
Phone : +91 141/370476, 378682-3

Mode of transport: The nearest Airport is available at Jaipur, from where one can take road journey to Ranthambore National Park, which is 130 kilometres away. Sawai Madhopur is the nearest railway station to reach this place. For local travel Jeeps offer the best mode.

Related links:
• Official Website: www.ranthamborenationalpark.com

See also (nearby places): Mansarovar lake, Surwal lake, Pali Ghat, Rameshwaram Ghat, Kandhar Fort, Amreshvar Mahadev Temple, The Ranthambore Fort and Ganesha Temple.

Kanha National Park

Introduction and history: Located in Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the India’s finest tiger reserves. It is spread more than 940 square kilometres, which is surrounded by the buffer region of about 1005 square kilometres, in a horse shoe shaped valley bound by the spurs of the Mekal range the park presents a varies topography. It is said that the name Kanha may have been derived from kanhar, the local term in the clayey soil in the valley bottoms, or from Kanva, a holy man who lived there in a forest village.

What to see and when to go: Jungle safari is the adventure is the major attraction for travellers. During the safari one can come across Tiger, Leopard, Barasingha, Cheetah, Samber, Wild Dog, Jackal Hyena, Bear, Bison, Blue Bull, Four horned antelope, Barking deer, and Langoor. For ornithologists, Kanha offers over 200 species of migratory as well as resident birds to be explored. The best time to visit this park is between October and June.

Things to do: Major tourist attraction is the “wild tiger”. Every second tourists can come across this awesome creation. The Bamni Dadar, known as sunset point, is another major attraction that should not be missed.

Accommodation: As you are on safari, forest rest houses are available at Kisli and Supkhar. Also, there are log huts at Khetia and private lodges around the Park where one can meet his accommodation and dining needs.

Accommodation
For bookings at any of the following, contact:

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pench, Nagpur.
Tel.: 0712-524727

Also:

Field Director,Pench Tiger Reserve,Seoni M.P.
Phone no. 07692-223794, 222169
Email penchtr@bom6.vsnl.net.in

Manager Bison Retreat Rukhad Dist Seoni,
Phone no. 07695-246429
Lokmat bhawan vardha Road Nagpur
Phone no. 0712-523374

Mode of transport: Kanha National Park is easy to access by railways, roadways and airways. The nearest airports and railheads are at Jabalpur and Nagpur. One can also reach this place through road. The nearest bus terminus is at Mandla in Jabalpur. For local travel jeeps are available, provided by authorities. To get real wild experience elephants are available on hire to take travellers around.

Related links:
• Official Website: www.kanhanationalpark.com

See also (nearby places): Khajuraho, Orcha, Gwalior, Bandhavgarh National Park and Pench National Park, Jabalpur, Mukki , Raipur.

Houseboats In Kerala Backwaters

Introduction and history: Kerala backwaters, also known as God’s own country, are a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas of forty-five Rivers that drain into the Arabic Sea. The houseboats are called as ‘Kettuvalam’ in Malayalam, which means stitched boat. These Kettuvalams are influenced by Chinese design, were initially used for transporting huge quantities of heavy materials and soldiers from one place to other. However, present-day houseboats are meant to take tourists on sightseeing tours in the extensive backwaters of Kerala. The houseboat has a living room, a sunbathing deck, and bedrooms with attached European style bath and a kitchen. The boat has solar lamps and fans. The natural beauty and scenery of the God’s own country can be enjoyed by cruising on the houseboats comfortably with natural AC and without any disturbances of TV and mobile phones.

What to see and when to go: The exotic routes that are ferried by Houseboats are within Alleppey and also from Alleppey to Kumarakom, Kottayam, Thottapally, Allumkadavu, and Quilon. The best time to visit Kerala would be in the months of October to March. Usually people used to avoid June and July due to heavy monsoons. Mentioning that, Monsoons are also an ideal time to go for nice and warm massages.

Things to do: Other than exploring the country side, lush paddy fields and palm coconut groves on your Alleppey houseboats cruise, travelers can check out several species of birdlife at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, explore scenic landscapes and rejuvenate at Ayurvedic massage and treatment resorts.

Accommodation: The tariff for houseboats ranges from an hourly base of minimum charge of 350 rupees and goes up to 5500 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Nearest airport to Alleppey is Kochi (54 kilometers). It is well connected to major cities of Kerala like Cochin, Kottayam and Quilon (Kollam). There are ferries available to Alleppey from Kollam to enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters and reach the destination. Alleppey is connected by a number of interconnecting roadways to different parts of South India. National Highway 47 passes through Alleppey town.

Related links:
• Website: www.keralahouseboat.org
• Website: www.thehouseboatskerala.com

See also (nearby places): Kuttanad, Pathira Manal, Champakulam Church, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Synagogue, Bolghatty Island, Willingdon Island, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumily, Murikkady, Vandanmedu, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, The Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery, Kanyakumari.