Kerala - A Famous Monsoon Holiday Destination

India is gifted with many charming touring locations. In that Kerala is considered the most charming and captivating state of all states in India. It's area which has an unmatched beauty and can't be in comparison with any touring destinations from the globe. The natural elegance of Kerala is captivating and soothing to the eyes. Kerala tour deals are demanded for its amazing backwaters, houseboats, untouched beaches, splendid hill stations and charming natural splendor.

Kerala Food 

Seafood and traditional vegetarian meals are the most popular Kerala food items.Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish), Malabar Chemmeen (Prawns) Curry and Alleppey Fish Curry are among the most celebrated Kerala recipes, while the Sadya (vegetarian feast) is served to guests at weddings, childbirth and festivals etc.  Coconut oil and local spices dominate Kerala cuisine.

Kerala Attractions 

Houseboats, Kalarippayattu (traditional Kerala martial art form) and the boat races are the main attraction of Kerala. Houseboats are made entirely from wood and coir without any metal! Kalarippayattu performers can be watched in action in Kalaris or the martial arts training schools.  The Nehru Trophy in August is boat racing’s most coveted price. It is held in the Punnameda Lake.

Kerala Activities 

Visiting the beaches, the backwaters, and undergoing chikitsa (Ayurvedic rejuvenation) are top tourist activities in Kerala. Kovalam, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Alappuzha are internationally renowned beaches in Kerala. Visiting the backwaters in Kuttanad, Kumarakom and Thiruvallam is an encounter with nature redefined. There are Ayurveda centers in Nedumangad, Poovar, Vizhinjam and Kovalam that one can visit to have oil massage and other treatments

Adilabad - Known as the Cotton City

Adilabad is the northernmost district of Andhra Pradesh state with four rivers flowing through it. It is also known as the ‘City of Cotton’, because of the booming cotton trade in the town-centre. It was originally known as Edulapuram and it was ruled by the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal as well as the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties. The district is famous for its pilgrim points and handicrafts. Half the district is under forest cover and the tribal peoples as well as the folk handicrafts of Adilabad draw many tourists from all over the country. There are also many interesting wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls in the district.

The name of the town has been derived from the medieval Bijapur ruler, Adil Shah. Other rulers included Chalukyas, Rashtrkutas, Yadavas, Kakatiyas and the Bahmanis. The Gond rajas of Sirpur and Chandrapur also ruled Adilabad. From the mid-thirteenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries, the Gond Kings held power over Adilabad. Some of the rulers also constructed minor forts in the area.

The Gonds’ contribution to the district was evident during the insurrection against the British rule, when Ramji Gond led the Rohilas and Gonds in their many hostilities against the repressive British rule. Komaram Bhim, a hero of the tribal populations who led the struggle of his people against the Zamindars. He is a legend in the town and is best remembered for his guerrilla warfare against the rapacious landlords. Modern day Adilabad is a remarkable fusion of Telugu and Marathi cultures. 

Bitra Island - The Smallest and Beautiful Place in Lakshadweep

Bitra island is the smallest and the least populated island in the Lakshadweep about 260 kms. off Kochi in Kerala. Its total land area is incredibly small, extending only upto 0.1 square kilometres! Nevertheless the lagoon area measures an impressive 45 square kilometres. It is the largest lagoon in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It can be accessed by both air and sea. The unique feature of this island is that its temperature remains mostly warm throughout the year; in the range of 28-32°C. However the humidity levels are high; over 70%. Also it is an area of very heavy rainfall with over 21 mm having been recorded on a single day.

This island was once known as Tree Island because of the heavy undergrowth and shrubs. Initially, many birds were the only year-round residents on this island as the acute lack of drinking water made human settlement impossible. Continuing human activity in the form of game and egg hunters interfered with the birds’ habitat. With the increased awareness of the picturesque islands along with the improved amenities and transportation facilities, a small group of residents from southern Indian states made Bitra their home. Majority of the population in Bitra is Islamic.

Yavatmal - Known for Hilly Tracts

Yavatmal of Maharashtra is a town renowned for its farmer population and hilly tracts of land. In fact, the name of the town means ‘mountain row’. Interesting historical names of the town include Yavatecha Mahaal and Yot-Lohar.

It was the main town of the Deccan Sultanate of Berar. From the rulers of Ahmednagar, it was ceded to the Mughals. After the death of the last Mughal emperor, Yavatmal was taken over by the Maratha rulers. Raja Raghuji Bhosale then became its ruler. Later, the British rulers annexed the kingdom. It was initially recognized as a part of central India but when Bombay state was formed, Yavatmal was included in it and subsequently it became a part of Maharashta. Yavatmal is located about 440 mts. above sea level. It is in proximity to Chandrapur, Amravati, Parbhani and Akola districts. It has mostly a hot and dry climate with winters that stay moderately cold. Apart from the humongous output of cotton, Yavatmal also produces jowar and wheat. Many famous clothing brands have set up their production centres in Yavatmal. It is well connected by air, rail and road, being located on Maharashtra State highway No. 6 which runs between National Highway Nos. 6 & 7.

Chandrapur - Known for Wildlife Park and Ancient Temples

Chandrapur district of Maharastra is located between the Wainganga and Wardha river basins. Situated on the banks of the Irai river, Chandrapur is also known as the ‘City of Black Gold’ because of its numerous coal mines. It draws a fair number of tourists from all over the country due to its proximity to the wildlife park and because of its many ancient temples.

The history of the city extends to the mythological age of Dwapar Yuga during which a King called Raja Chandrahasa named it Indupur and later the name of the town was changed to Chandrapur or the City of The Moon.  The name of a Gond King, Khandkya Shah is attributed to the development of the city in the later medieval ages. During the Bristish rule, the name of the town was changed to Chanda and it was continued to be known as such until its name was changed to Chandrapur in the 1960s. However, the name Chanda is still used to refer to the city in local parlance.  

After the last descendant of the royal family died without an heir in the mid-nineteenth century, the kingdom was considered to have lapsed to the British Crown. Since then, the extent and boundaries of the district have undergone several changes. Today the town has witnessed marked growth.

Chandrapur has a population of roughly 3 million people. The old city is a walled section. The town is well connected by road and rail. Because it is on the way from Chennai to Delhi, there is a lot of movement of trains through Chandrapur.

The tourist season is from August to January, after which the climate remains hot and dry. There is very little humidity in the city. The monsoon begins from June and annual rainfall is about 1400 mm. The temples and other historic constructions like forts etc. are the main tourist attractions. The town is also an important camping ground for tourists interested in participating wildlife excursions in the adjacent Tiger Park.

The half dozen rivers flowing through the town have been the mainstay of its economy. More than ten dams have been constructed in and around Chandrapur in the last few decades to meet its irrigation and power needs. Dances such as the Adivasi, Gusadi, Gondal, Tamasha and Keertam are all popular forms of folk arts in Chandrapur. The town has seen rapid industrialisation and commercial development in recent times.

Saputara - An Unexplored Location in India

The most charming and striking hill station; Saputara is a diamond in the garland of Sahyadri mountain ranges and the solitary hill station in the Gujarat State. The peaceful and relaxing little town is positioned at an average altitude of 1,000 meters approximately above the sea level with an agreeable and amiable climatic condition in 365 days if a year. It is the best place for people, who are in search of a place of rejuvenation and regeneration, to give more meaning to their budget holidays by adding glory. Saputara is a magnanimous place with many picturesque images that pamper our mind.

The literal meaning of Saputara is, ‘home of serpents’, and it is evidently tinted by the installed icon of a snake on the shoreline of the River Sarpagana, which surges through the Saputara town. The snake’s icon is adored by the ethnic groups of the region, particularly in celebrations like, Holi festival. The another myth of the place is that the Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya in Tretha Yug, spent his days of deportation levied by his father Dasharadha for 11 years in the forests of this place. The place with spiritual and historical background, is very good place to utilize your budget holidays to breath the holy air.

The hill station entertains the tourists from all over the country as well as all over the world with its developed hill resort which is equipped with facilitiesthat are required for the tourists who are there to celebrate their budget holidays. Vansda National Park, Purna Sanctuary, Sunrise Point are some of thespots, must not be missed out by the visitors of Saputara. Boating in the lake of Saputara, is really an amazing event that gives chance to view the greeneryof the surroundings very closely.

Cheap Holidays in India - Kochi

Kochi the former Cochin is a vivacious city and it was the hub of spice trade through many centuries. Since the prehistoric period this place was visited by Greeks, Jews, Chinese, Romans and Arabs. Kochi is located on the south-west coast of the Indian cape in Kerala state. Kerala is renowned for its glory as ‘God’s Own Country’. The incredibly picturesque and most charming Kochi is a must see place for those who go Kerala state to spend their budget holidays. An Italian traveler Noccolo Da Conti and a Chinese Voyager Ma Huan hailed about Kochi in the books they wrote in 15^th century.

After the great damage of Kodungallur (Cranganore) port in a huge deluge, Kochi became a hub for trade and commerce. Kochi is also called as the gateway of Kerala. It is a perfect destination for the tourists who want to spend their weeklong family vacations in south India. Kochi has multi cultural influence thorough out the history affected by British, Dutch, Arabs, Portuguese and Chinese. They have left an ineffaceable mark on the progress of Kochi. After Mumbai, Cochin or Kochi is the significant city on Indian west coast and is an important industrial and commercial center of Kerala.

Kochi is connected with all major cities in the world by its international airports and seaports. The beautiful city Kochi is edged by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats on west and east respectively. As it is nearer to the equator, the sea and the mountains supply affluent feel of fair climate. Many surrounding village and towns have been merged into the Cochin and emerged as a great city Kochi. Now the new city Kochi consists of Cochin, Kochi fort, Ernakulam including many other towns and villages. Many of the tourists visit this place to spend their group holidays by exploring the immeasurable prettiness of Kerala. It is one of the ‘50 greatest places of a lifetime’ of travelers, the program presented in National Geographic channel and was given top three rating in tourist places by World Travel & Tourism Council.

The famous tourist places in Kochi include, Backwaters of Kochi are a group of lakes and ponds; Marine Drive, a popular place a scenic walkway visited by local people; Fort Kochi, hub historical and tourist attractions; Hill Palace is a museum of relics of the glorious past. Formerly it was used as an office for administrative purposes by Kochi Rajas; Mattancherry Palace formerly know as Dutch palace exhibits the hand drawn pictures of Kochi Rajas; Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; Jewish Synagogue; Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica church built by Portuguese; Bolgatty Palace; Kochi International Marina; Willingdon Island, Museum of Kerala History, St. Francis Church and the Pallipuram Fort.

Air, road and rail; all the three means of transportation facility are available for tourists to reach Kochi. And it is connected by NH17: Kochi to Mumbai, NH47A: Kundanoor Junction to the Willingdon Island, NH47C: Kalamassery to the Vallarpadam International Container Terminal, NH47: Salem to Kochi and NH49: Kochi to Dhanushkodi via Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Rail and flight facilities are available from all the major cities of India.