Kerala Gods own country which was once a summer capital for Britishers in the Southern part of India , now a major tourist attraction of India. The malabar coast , tea gardens , spice parks and the greenery , all in all as a carpet going from Hills to the sea.

Resently Kerala – Gods own country was designated as one of the best destinations in world for Family holiday in a list which included New york city , Iceland , Denmark , Prague , Italy and Macau.

Very few knows that way back in 2000 Kerala was voted as one of the best places in the world for an enthralling leisure experience by National Geographic Traveller.

The proudness which i felt because of this inclusion of Kerala – God Own Country in the best destination list by lonely planet has made me to come up with this blog about the places or the havens of Kerala gods own country.

HAVENS OF KERALA

1. MUNNAR 

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.

This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.

Tea Museum – Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

 

2. KUTTANAD

Kuttanad – also very famously tagged as Rice Bowl of Kerala , an agrarian town known for its rural tourism , just passing by on the roads one can witness the beauty of rice fields on the sideways farmers doing the chores of daily life. Kuttanad possesses a socio cultural fabric , four of main rivers crossing through this town – Pampa , Meenachil , Achankovil and Manimala , give this small town the feature of Rice bowl of Kerala and also as one the main tourist havens of Kerala Gods own country.

 

3. BEKAL

Name Bekal finding its origination from the word Baliakulam – which means Big Palace. Here one can find a Keyhole shaped fort which is the largest and the best preserved fort in the whole of Kerala – The Bekal Fort.

The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location . The beach gets illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists can spend more time at the beach even after the sun sets.

 

4. WAYANAD

A Bio Diverse region spread across 2132 sp kms on lofty western ghats , one of the few districts in kerala that has been able to preserve its pristine nature and beauty. Inhabited by some of the oldest of tribes , yet it holds the tag of being untouched by civilization.

Known for its strikingly scenic beauty , sub tropical savannahs , picturesque hill stations. One of the main attraction being the centre of spice plantation , of which 80% exported to other countries or in a way we can say its the Bowl of Spices in Kerala.

Luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions , thanks to the oldest tribes still inhabiting the inner parts of the jungles. Wayanad is a holistic confluence of wilderness , history and culture.

 

5. KOLLAM

Tagged as the leading trade capitals of the old world , its the countries centre for Cashew production , processing and trading. Extolled by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta once this was the famous port of international spice trade.

To feel the best of Kollam , one has to go through the longest backwater trip on a boat , this 8 hr long trip would take one from Kollam to Allappuzha , giving the enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala.

Backwater boat trip was started by a couple way back some 20 yrs ago , now it has become the main activity of tourism industry of Kerala Gods own country. Now a days even conferences have also started being organised in luxurious big boats.

 

6. ANAMUDI

A 2,695 mtr tall mountain , highest point in India outside the Himalayan range of mountains. Standing tall in Eravikulam National Park , home for the largest surviving population of Asian Elephants , Gaurs ( Not me ) and the Nilgiri Tahrs.

The mountain covered with evergreen forests and inhabited by the endemic flora and fauna and a vibrant avian life is a paradise in the world.

The Green forests of Anamudi is also the source of some large and scenic rivers in Kerala and the adjacent state Tamil Nadu , these rivers give birth to water falls and adding to the picturesque experience of Anamudi mountain.

 

7. PONMUDI

An enchanting hill station, very famous as a weekend getaway for people of Thiruvananthapuram. A must visit place for all those who are interested in clicking pictures of Butterflies , as Ponmudi boasts of having the highest number of different varities of Butterflies.

Narrow winding pathways leading to the top of mountains , trekking in the meadows , and a cool green scenery make this place an ideal place for family picnics and rest holidays.

With its mist covered valleys Ponmudi is fast developing as a hill resort with cottages and dormitory accomodation facilities.

 

8. VAGAMON

A tiny plantation township in Central Travancore , having an overtone of never ending line of lush green hills , breath taking ravines and meandering rivulets.

A perfect tourist place situated at 1200 mts above sea level , surrounded by scenic beauty of tea gardens , murmuring pine forests , small waterfalls and attractive meadows.

As far as for those who love trekking , its an ideal place for them as they can across the chain of three hills , The Thangal hill , The Murugan Hill and the Kurisumala hill. The three hills are also considered sacred by Muslims , Hindu and Christians respectively.

Kurisumala Hill also inhabits the little dairy farm of Kurisumala monks , which is also a not to be missed site of Vagamon.

 

9. ALLEPPEY

Coming to the end , Alleppey , but being on end doesnt negate its importance infact for me its the main infact the never never to be missed location of Kerala Gods Own Country.

Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet “Venice of the east”. These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake – boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition – the Nehru boat race takes its name from India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake – boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

 

Very soon i would be on the road driving from New Delhi To kerala gods own country , bringing more of information about Kerala and above all the enchanting pictures of Kerala – God Own Country.

Till that time if anybody wishes can plan their tour by me …. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently  I am living with my daughter and my husband as an expat in Luxembourg  since past three years .Though earlier i have lived in UK for more than one year ,the experience of living in this part of Europe is totally different .

During our stay in Luxembourg we have visited many other European cities and countries,I would like to share my experience as a tourist and traveler with you .

Starting with the country I am currently residing is Luxembourg or the Grand duchy of Luxembourg as it is known is founding member of European Union .It is a tiny country sized 51 by 32 miles sharing its border with Germany ,France and Belgium .Whenever we go for a drive we do take our passport along as it just take you a 40 mins drive to cross the border be it France, Germany or Belgium just  40 mins and you are in different country.  Beside sharing border Germany and France also share the status of being official languages .Luxembourg has three official language Luxembourgish, German and french .With 44.5% of its total population being foreign nationals and large number of people commuting daily from the neighbouring countries  its is perfect example of globalism and internationalism .It has world largest per capita  income and one of the richest country in the world (which can be felt while living here) . Nobody would believe , but this small country, though size of it is like a part of my place New Delhi , back in India.

Its land locked , its small , yet extremely picturesque and above all its not at all boring. Famous for its castles and case mates, its is a treat for a nature lover with many natural trails for trekking and hiking .Its a vibrant country with events and celebration happening throughout  the year .

India’s every state has its own airport even some major cities are also having their own ,they are busy with many flights connecting them to different parts of world . There is no direct flight to Luxembourg from any other part of the world except some of the  European countries which make the travel time for people like us a bit longer .What  really amuse me that without having direct flights to any other part of world except Europe still it is ranked Europe 5th busiest airport .Some people use it on very regular basis if not daily then deffinately 2 or 3 days a week for their work purpose .It usualy takes no longer than 2 hrs to reach any other European country from here (A delhi -mumbai flight), I personally have used this airport for different destinations its a very small and quite ,offer some fantastic food and coffee joints and you can buy best of European chocolates ,make up perfumes ,accessories .

Coming to the second part of this small country , and for coming to it this time its the railway network, backbone of any country, we were taught as students how railways was introduced to our country by the Europeans.

Gare centrale or central station of Luxembourg is situated south to the city center and very near by my home. All trains domestic as well as international stops here . It has direct services to its neighboring countries from line 80 , Germany, France and Belgium which further connect it to different part of Europe .

The original railway station was built entirely from timber, and was opened in 1859. The position of the new station on the south bank of the Pétrusse, away from the original built-up area of the city, was on account of Luxembourg’s role as a German Confederation fortress. The first connection to the city proper came in 1861, with the construction of the Passerelle Viaduct.

The old wooden station was replaced by the modern building between 1907 and 1913, at the height of an economic boom, fuelled by iron from the Red Lands , this was the time when Luxembourg started as an economic boom for whole world. The new Station has been designed on MoselleBaroque Revival style that dominates Luxembourg’s major public buildings.

Its imposing Clock Tower can be seen from a considerable distance.

Don’t get confused , though i was also surprised when i saw it for first time , it very much look like netherlands which is exactly the same but with a darker blue  French Flag also have same colour but in vertical pattern. Indian flag is also tri colour but with different colours.

In my following blogs i would be writing more on life ,culture places to visit events,seasons,celebrations in and around Luxembourg and also about my trips to different European destination ………