Keralas,
breathtakingly green land, dotted with coconut palms, lagoons, kettu
vallams (boats), sunny beaches and waterfalls, offer a soothing and
festive mood. Lush plantations rise from the sea and sweep the
entire state in verdant glory swathing the countryside; the only
interruptions to this expanse of green are the azure backwaters
along which coconut palms soar to the skies; the culmination to this
natures magical spell is in the upward fling of the hills,
where tea and coffee plantations nurture the greens to a denser,
monsoon washed terrain.
.In this entrancing
state, a mere strip of south-western India, hugged by the coast on
one side, by hills on another, a fascinating voyage of discovery
awaits you. Disarming hospitality of the locals and intriguing
ethnic lifestyles unchanged for centuries; herds of elephants
leading giant processions; exotic handicrafts and seafood
preparations fresh from the Arabian Sea; cosmopolitan cities where
the past is always within reach, and small towns where time has
stood still; all this and more, makes this journey through Kerala an
ideal holiday that provides an ample opportunity to experience an
ancient, but, progressive civilisationCOIR VILLAGE RESORT, THRIKUNNAPUZHA
This exquisite resort is situated at, a small Island lying along the
backwaters of Allepey and Kollam. Coir Village is a Heaven ideal for
anyone who wish to escape from the stress and strain of the day to
day life. Nature finds her ultimate expression in this beautiful
lagoon, surrounded by soft whispering lakes and greenery. A ride in
the Bullock Cart, the ancient official transporting vehicle of
Kerala, a visit to the bustling and colorful local bazaar or simply
a walk through the traditional and typical Coir village to witness
traditional lifestyles are some of the several possibilities of the
place.PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK, THEKKADY
This wildlife sanctuary is one of the 16 Project Tiger Reserves in India.. Today, Periyar is undeniably, one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world. There is probably no sanctuary in the world where elephant behavior can be watched in such absolute comfort and safety. The total
population
is about 800. From the lake we can get as close as 20 meters to
watch placid groups feeding, bathing and mud slinging. Periyar also
provides an option for a short trek inside the forest. The bird life
comprises of darters, cormorants, kingfishers, great hornbills (the
great Malabar hornbill) and racket-tailed drongoes. The reptilian
population boasts of monitor lizards, that can be spotted basking in
the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore, especially in the cooler
months. Pythons, king cobras, flying lizards, flying squirrels,
flying snakes and to top it all, flying frogs are the other
inhabitants of this amazing sanctuary. There are a few fascinating
tribal villages around the Periyar, primarily the Manan and Oorali
tribes. The Manans are ace fishermen, and a few of them still
indulge in the traditional, if dangerous, practice of collecting the
honey of large and deadly hill bees. The Ooralis build tree
dwellings, though not as residences, but watchtowers to keep wild
pigs, and elephants from ruining their crops.POOVAR ISLAND RESORT, POOVAR ISLAND
Unspoilt
and miraculously unexplored, Poovar Island is a rare Adam and Eve
find in Southern Kerala. Enveloped by the most serene backwaters,
and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach. Poovar is
truly a window into paradise. Time stopped a few decades ago. The
tranquility is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds. The
area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of
species of spices, exotic flowers, complete with banana and coconut
groves.The Poovar Island Resort is a mix of floating cottages, and conventional accommodation. Floating units are constructed on hollow lightweight concrete hulls. They are air conditioned and fully equipped with all modern amenities. Poovar Island Resort is built with a keen eye on not disturbing the local ecology and highlighting local resources. Besides soaking in nature, and the hammocks and the beach, Poovar offers several possibilities. Cruise to a neighbouring fishing village in 2 minutes. Alter course, and visit a centuries old martial arts village. Kerala is the birthplace of a unique martial art form. The traditional lifestyles here provide the experience of a natural museum.
BACKWATER CRUISE ON HOUSEBOAT
The
material that go into the making of houseboat are all local and
Eco-friendly; bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats carpets
etc. The main wood used is "Anjali ". The Houseboat
provides all comforts - Beds, a kitchen, western toilets and an
upper deck. Traditional lanterns are used as lights. The cuisine is
of traditional Kerala flavour along with the local Specialities -
delicious fish and prawns. Cruising on a boat through remote tribal
villages along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb
experience. Sensational in its own silent way, the cruise takes you
along snake boat docks, friendly cheering villagers, coir (Jute)
making communities, toddy (local spirit) shops, fishing nets pitched
for the day's catch, bunded paddy fields and manual canoes of
different sizes criss-crossing each other. The experience enables
you to reach beautiful untouched areas.