Agasthyakoodam The Best Trekking Place In Kerala

Agasthya Mountain is the best place to go trekking In Kerala.  It is one of the beautiful mountain area and this place has been decalred as a reserved forest area by the government recently.
Agasthya Mountain is also referred as Agasthyakoodam and is located about 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram,Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890mts above sea level and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains.It is 60 Kms North East of Trivandrum.The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.The mountain lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala (in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram District) and Tamil Nadu (in Tirunelveli). The perennial Thamarabarani River originates from this hill and flows into the Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu.
Agastya Mala is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. The Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthya. There is a full-sized statue of Agastya at the top of the peak and the devotees can offer pujas themselves. Agasthyar was a sage of Dravidians and is considered to be one of the seven Rishis (Saptharshis) of Hindu mythology. Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthyar.Its height is approximately 1890 meters. Numerous unusual aromatic plants with curative values and exclusive birds are found here.In fact, Agasthyakoodam in Kerala is a bird watcher’s paradise. The best time to enjoy a tour to Agasthyakoodam is from December to April, and after procuring the necessary permission one can also indulge in some trekking in the hills.

Agasthyakoodam, a legendary herbal mountain near Neyyar Dam, 20 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram, has a hoary history as the home of Siddha medicine. Agasthyakoodam is considered to be the abode of sage Agasthya, the foremost among the Siddhars who developed the Siddha medical system.Agasthyakoodam and its surrounding Western Ghats, 1500m above sea level, constitute the hot bed of bio-diversity. Eight percent of the plant species found here is endemic to this region.

Things to remeber:
1) To visit the Agasthyakoodam, we have to get the prior permission from the forest department. The permission is given only between January to mid April.So the trip should be planned accordingly. Need to contact the forest officer and provided the necessary information to them and after scrutinizing the docs, they will give the permission.

2) Should carry food items like bread, biscuits, banana and other snack items.

3) Should carry a minumum of 2 litre water and a powerful toarch.

4) BP patients and heart patients should avoid the trip.

5) It is not advisable ladies to trek due to their security reasons.

6) Better to have 3 days in hand for the entire trip.

7) The overall trekking (walking + trekking) is around 28 KM


                      
   How to Reach Agasthyakoodam, Kerala?
Rail: Thiruvananthapuram central
Rail: Thiruvananthapuram central, at a distance of about 8 km
Air : Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km away

Grand Kerala Shopping Festival 2011-2012

The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) is a unique shopping fiesta that redefines the very essence and enjoyment of shopping. Kerala the southernmost State in India, popularly known as 'Gods Own Country' has always been a favourite for travelers and tourists from around the globe across the ages.

The ever-inviting borders of this land never leave you empty handed once you traverse them. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival, the signature shopping festival of Kerala, is yet another fascinating event that stands testimony to this fact.

The festival, managed by Government of Kerala, is on its fifth edition, which starts from December 1, 2011 and concludes by January 15, 2012. Fresh enterprises, mind blowing offers and exciting prizes - both for shops and shoppers - make GKSF the biggest shopping extravaganza in the country.

Guaranteed prize for each and every single purchase in the form of scratch 'n' win coupons and gift vouchers. Mega prize up to 101 kilogram of gold is also for the taking. Furthermore this year, GKSF will be providing 100% VAT refund for the consumers from outside Kerala. GKSF welcomes you all to get hold of this amazing opportunity to savour the new experiences in shopping.

Ayurveda treatments In Kerala

Besides Panch karma we provide authentic ayurvedic treatments on package basis for Rejuvenation, Obesity and Weight shedding, Skin ^ Beauty care, Body Purification,Body Immunization & longevity, Stress management etc and on itemised basis as prescribed by our physicians for ailments like Arthritis, Psoriasis, Sinusitis, spondylitis, Back ache, Knee joint pains,nervous disorders, Insomnia, Constipation, Parkinson's disease. Frozen shoulder, Tennis elbow etc. Details will be available on request.

The list of various other treatments available here is given below:

   Abyangam

Abhyangam is a popular body massage in ayurveda. The word abhyanga itself means to massage.

Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the needs for about 45 minutes per day for 14 days. It is very useful for obesity, diabetic gangrene (a condition developed due to lack of blood circulation in certain parts of the body). The Massage is done with a combination of specially prepared Ayurvedic herbal oils and applied all over the body stimulating the vital points. This is very good for the general health of the skin and prevents early aging and relieves muscular aches and pain. After the massage herbal steam bath is also given. Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way abhyangam massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power. To massage is to exercise the nervous system. 

Dhara (Thakra Dhara, Siro Dhara)

It is a process by which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc are allowed to flow on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin diseases.
In Thakra Dhara, after giving head massage medicated Buttermilk is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff, Psoriasis, hypertention, Diabetes, hair loss and other skin complaints. This gives head very cooling action and generates sleep.
In Siro Dhara, after giving a good head massage herbal oil is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in relieving stress and strain and generates sleep. Maintains hormone balance.

 

Avial Bands in Kollam

     Avial Bands coming to Kollam,Kerala for Kollam Fest 2011 in 4'th December night
Avial is an Indian alternative rock band from Trivandrum, Kerala, India. The band is named after the popular South Indian dish Avial. The band consists of Tony John (vocals), Rex Vijayan (guitars), Mithun Puthanveetil (drums), and Binny Isaac (bass). The band's music is a fusion of native folk music from Kerala and Alternative Rock. The band was formed in 2003 in Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum) in Kerala, and focussed on rock performances only in Malayalam language.

Kollam(Quilon ) - Best Tour Place In Kerala

             
Kollam Also Known as Quilon one of the best place in kerala. the city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake On the Arabian sea coast.location about 63 kms of north of the capital city trivandrum.Kollam is the 5th largest city in kerala.Kollam is also known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing and also known southern gateway to the kerala backwaters.
  One of the main attraction in kolam is "Kollam Beach".Kollam beach offers a full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats. 

Pogo TV fame Rob coming to Kollam

Pogo TV fame Rob coming to Kollam,Kerala for Kollam Fest 2011 in 10'th November.

About ROB

Like a lot of kids, I used to love to draw. When other kids would be enjoying and reading the stories, we had to study in class; I'd be busy illustrating them, telling the same story in pictures.

We used to have cousins over a lot during summer vacations. To keep them busy and entertained I'd draw characters for them to color. Soon I was creating my own superheroes.

When school was over and I was preparing for medical entrance examinations, one of my friends told me he intended to apply to Art College and make art his profession. That got me thinking. I bought myself a prospectus for the same college and sat for the exam. I managed to clear the exam and from that moment onwards there was no looking back.

Kollam Fest 2011 Programs

Event Inauguration
Hon. Vice President Hamid Ansari inaugurates the event on 10^th November 2011.

National Exhibition
National Exhibition will have participation from different industry domains, Defence aero Space ministries and Tourism departments. International cultural programs and dazzling shows like live statue will be the highlight.

Cultural Programs
A platform for the countries foremost artists coming together to showcase their talents

Big ticket Star Nites
A star studded event with participation from Bollywood, Sandalwood, Tollywood, Collywood & Mollywood.

Traditional-Ethnic Arts Festival
Organize arts festival with a estranged national art forms by having folk lore fest, presenting ethnic other art forms, et al.

Seminars
Hosted and participated by News makers in the country and across the globe.

Entertainment and amusement
National / International programs, high voltage amusement kiosk for the kids and for the youth.

Magic Fest
The best of India's screen magicians together with the magicians of international reputes will present their master pieces.

Film Fest
World famous movies will be premiered along with Molly-wood's best. A green carpet ceremony for the Who is who of the film industry is the highlight. The event will associate by Kerala State Chalachitra ( Film ) academy.

Drama Fest
The fest aims to constitute an award in the name of the late Renowned actor O.Madhavan for the best professional theatre group in Kerala.

Book Fest
Festival of Festivals words smith masters of all lines. Book releases, book reading and signing session with celebrity authors will be the part of this. Will be showcasing national / international publication houses. Book launches, Book reading sessions, with celebrity authors, Awards will be constituted for novel, Poetry and criticism. The state library council will be the co-sponsor.

Art Gallery
Fest is the huge canvas for painters and photographers. Eminent Indian painters will brush and color their works in the festivals zone. The works will be curated and exhibited in the fest art gallery.

Photo gallery
Page 3 Shutterbugs, professionals, men of crafts, come together and bloating up the beauty of Kollam. Photographs taken by the celebrities will also be exhibit in the same. 

Kollam Fest 2011 start november 10

Kollam Fest 2011 which is scheduled to commence on 1st November is an annual festival of the kind, attracting a vast majority of Keralites and hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists to Kollam. The Kollam Corporation,the District Adminstration and the public of Kollam are going to make the one month long Kollam Fest a trend setting one.The class cultutral programmes in the evenings are sure to make the fest entertaining and memorable.

Kollam Fest is destined to be the signature event in Kollam for year 2011 as well as the years to come. Kollam Fest aims to showcase our rich Culture & Heritage, Tourism potential, Investments for the new ventures, et al through the month long gala event.The fest aims to constitute an award in the name of the late Renowned actor O.Madhavan for the best professional theatre group in Kerala.

Aims and Objectives :
Aims to set up a museum for heritage, art and cultural. Raise a beneficial fund to help cancer patients. To create an aid project for the rehabilitation of helpless old age women. Invite investment in tourism and trade sector. Convey Eco-friendly message to lives

Organizers :
Under the tutelage of The Honourable chief Minister of Kerala and the Honourable Leader of Opposition and Honourable Ministers of Kerala Under the leadership of worshipful mayor of Kollam Corporation and the respected council members are the organizers of the event.

The Concept :
The event property has been conceived by the best in the business be it veteran Show Biz/ Theatre personalities, Cultural event organizers or the Government officials who have a proven track record in organizing path breaking events in the state as well as in the country.

About Alleppey, Map and Destinations

   Alleppey,also known as Alappuzha one of the main tourist place in kerala .A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon . It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Malayalam is the most spoken language. Hindi, English and Tamil are also widely spoken in the town.
            Backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in India. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin towards north and Quilon to the South. Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India.
Apart from Backwaters some other attractions in Alleppey are Alappuzha Beach offering one of the most beautiful views of the Arabian Sea, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Edathua Church, Krishnapuram Palace also attracts lot of tourists.Coir is the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha.The Coir Board was established by the Central Government under the provisions of the Coir Industry Act, 1955. There is also a Coir Research Institute functioning at Kalavoor.
Alleppey Tour Package

Kerala Backwater Package

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.
A glide in a “Kettuvallam” (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land.

The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of various types crisscross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala’s rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god’s own country.

Honeymoon in Kerala backwater

                   
                                             The houseboats provide an extra advantage to the honeymooners, who enjoy the bliss of nature and the comforts of a luxury hotel. The houseboats offer exclusive honeymoon packages to the couples and the newly weds. It is even more memorable when you have your better half. You wake up to the breath taking beauty of nature and then sail to beautiful destinations at the same time. The largest stretch of Kerala backwater is between Vembanad and Kumarakom.

Houseboats in Kerala backwaters

The houseboats are large all-wood vessel, which have the traditional name of the “ketuvalloms” or houseboats. Today, this is a vibrant industry with a large workforce depended solely on the prospects of tourism. Meeting up to the world standards, the houseboats are equipped with modern facilities and as large as a hotel suite. You have the opportunity to dine, drink, relax, enjoy a massage, or watch the beauty of the place right from a room. The rooms are often air-conditioned, have fire safety equipments, a general manager, cook, and chefs. The houseboats provide amenities like ayurveda massage, beauty treatments, and dining extravaganza.

Kerala backwaters Tourism

Kerala is undoubtedly blessed with a unique feature called the backwaters. Kerala backwater is a broad stretch of waterway that is a lasting source of livelihood and tourism for the state. Other than being the rippling beauty surrounded by the tall palm and coconut trees, the backwaters in Kerala is the reason that draw thousands of domestic and international tourists every year. You feel elated by the green surroundings, the small villages, and the vibrant people up for work. The sunset is a beautiful sight hard to miss during your visit to the state. While the serenity calms you down, the journey remains the most spirited one. In a wink of an eye, you are transported to a paradise that leaves you craving for more. You suddenly have your self, set to explore the inner beauty of the land while you relax in a houseboat.

Houseboat Tourism In Kerala

Houseboat Holidays offers boat-house tours and backwater holidays in luxury house boats in Alleppey, Kerala. Houseboats in Alappuzha & Kumarakom backwaters present excellent tourism options to enjoy scenic wonders of Kerala

Kerala, truly called as the Gods own country is located at the southern part of the Indian peninsula. This land of greenery, Kerala is one among the top tourist locations around the globe by virtue of its climate, geographical specialties and above all, the people with a high level of hospitality. The climate here in Kerala is serene and the air is soothing. The land, Kerala is famous for many things like inland back water cruises, kathakali, the classical dance drama, Koodiyattom, Kalaripayattu, the martial arts and its varied cultural heritage and tradition.
The most important attraction for a tourist visiting Kerala is obviously, the inland water-ways, lakes, lagoons etc. All these lakes are navigable and a houseboat or boat house journey through this lakes is a memorable
experience. One can enjoy the beauty of the greenery on both sides in Kerala with paddy fields and other, feasts for your eyes while on a cruise in the houseboat (kettuvallam). The Kerala house boats (kettuvallams) are also made in the traditional Kerala style architecture and a houseboat journey is going to remain in your memory for the rest of your life.