Malayattor Church – Holy Shrine with Foot Prints of St. Thomas the Apostle

Kerala has number of pilgrim centers and these places are suitable for pilgrim tourism. Most of this pilgrim centers has the history from ancient time and these are important historical monuments and world heritage sites. The presence of different religious communities in Kerala is becoming the cause of the different pilgrim centers here and those are great examples for harmony among the different culture and traditions. Jude Synagogue in Kochi, Malayattoor Church, Sabarimala Temple etc are some examples of great pilgrim centers. All are very interesting spots to tourists from all over the world on their Kerala tour.

Kerala has number of Christian pilgrim centers and Malayattoor, near Kochi is prominent one of them. The Christians from all over India is seeing this center as an important holy spot to visit even once in their life. The Church here established by St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus Christ. The church is located at a hill top with rustic view of surroundings. The scenic Periyar River near the church is a delightful view to the visitors. St. Thomas landed in Kerala in AD 52 and he spread the seeds of the Christian religion in India.

The place, which got his first foot touch, was Kodungallur and from here he went to Malayattoor hill top. There he prayed and he left his foot prints on rock. During his prayer he touches a rock, upon which blood poured from it. The main festival of Malayattoor is on the first Sunday after the Easter Sunday. The day is fixed due to a traditional belief about Sign of Cross, which he made on the rock, kissed it and prayed in front of it. On this particular day a miraculous golden cross appeared at the spot he used to pray. This place is considering as a holy place and named as Kurisumudi.

The pilgrims are sounding the prayer as "O Patriarch of the Golden Cross! Climb we shall, this golden hill!" and climbing to the hill top. This is a great ritual here following from generations to generations. The shrine here is an ancient one in the name of St. Thomas set up on A.D 900. The architectural style of the church is the ancient combination of Greco-Roman style and the decorations and carvings inside the church are incredible. The designs and paintings are that depict the life of Jesus Christ. The church has an ancient pond that was used for baptism purposes and now it is keeping as a pulpit.

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Mamankam – an Encient Festival in Kerala had a Story of Blood

Before the colonial time in Kerala, the history of this cultural heritage was decided by the local rulers and the study of the ancient history about Kerala is awesome. There had been number of ancient festivals in Kerala and now those became a fabulous part of Kerala history. Mamankam is one of them and it was very famous festival held once in every 12 years at Thirunavaya.

The festival started from the clash between the two major Kings in Kerala-Samoothiri and Valluvakkonathiri. Closely following the fall of Thirunavaya, Samoothiri captured Vanneri from Perumpadappu. The Perumpadappu Rajas was forced to shift their capital to Thiruvanchikkulam under Samoothiri's attack. After Thirunavaya was captured, Samoothiri proclaimed himself as the Rakshapurusha and announced that from then on, he had the sole right of conducting the Mamankam festival.

The next Mamankam at Thirunavaya was conducted under the auspices of Samoothiri with great pomp and splendor. 'Chaver' - Now began the custom of sending Chaver soldiers or suicide squads to the festival to dispose off the Samoothiri. These Chavers were sworn soldiers who preferred death to defeat, and who sacrificed their lives to avenge the death of their princes in the Thirunavaya war. The death of the Vellaattiri princes also started a period of intense hatred and war between the two kingdoms which was to last for more than four centuries. Kudippaka or blood feud was prevalent in the society. If a person was killed, it was the duty of the relatives or even the subsequent generations of the deceased to avenge the death.

During the Mamankam festival all other Rajas used to send flags as a symbol of regard to the Samoothiri at Thirunavaya. But Valluvakkonathiri who did not recognize the Samoothiri as the legitimate Rakshapurusha but considered him only a usurper used to send Chavers instead. If these men could kill the Samoothiri, who was protected by thousands of soldiers, the right of Rakshapurusha would have devolved on the Walluvanad Raja. There were four Nair families under Vellaattiri who used to send their heroes to fight and die in the Mamankam festival. Most of these Chaver soldiers had lost their relatives or elders in previous wars with the Samoothiri, and were fuelled by 'kudippaka' against the Samoothiri. 

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Kerala’s Cultural and Art Events

National geographic magazine is a world famous magazine that supporting nature lovers and travelers in their nature friendly activities and tours. This magazine listed Kerala as a tropical paradise and one of the 50 must-see destinations on the earth. So Kerala is promoting its tourism in a sustainable way and number of tourists is coming here to know about this world heritage site and its diverse culture and arts. The name Kerala came from ‘Land of Keram(means coconut trees)’ and the beauty of coconut farms are incredible. From mountains to sea, from rock to sand, lush greens to bright reds, spicy curries to sweet payasams, calm sleepy villages and so more are the symbolof Kerala’s life style.

So there are number of arts and culture enthusiasts leading the spirit of the society. The cine-literature in Kerala is high and there also have a sound audience to the world cinema. Keralites are ready to enjoy the visuals from any culture and country. Kerala also provided number of experts and artists to the world in film field. International Film Festival of Kerala is an annually conducting event and this is arranging a complete stage to the films from all the part of the world. The event is organized by the State Chalachithra Acadamy of Kerala. Trivandrum and 10 theaters in this cultural city are filling by thousands of critics and audience from all parts of the world in this occasion.

The exclusive and extremely popular competition section of film festival includes world cinema, documents, short fiction, retrospectives, homage’s and tributes. Over the years, the festival created the attraction to the world and increasing number of entries and competitions is becoming tough. This occasion is a golden chance to cultural tourist enthusiasts to study about the society and culture of the different part of the world. Some other art and cultural events in Kerala are Kerala School Kalolsavam, Trissur Pooram, and Boat Race Kerala etc.

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Kerala – The Heavenly Land Found from Depths of Sea

According to ancient myth about Kerala, this is the land that discovered by Lord Parashuram from the depths of the sea and the scientific studies are strengthening one point about this myth that, most of the parts of Kerala was under the sea million of years ago. So this heavenly land from sea is endowed with a wealth of natural bounties that extends from the misty hill stations to the beaches and backwater locations. The palm fringed beaches and backwater locations of Kerala is incredible to view and making compulsory to all for a tour to Kerala.

The socio-cultural background of Kerala is a mix of adopted good sides from the ancient civilizations all over the world and the hospitality in Kerala to other cultures and peoples is very famous. Tourism in Kerala is not always focusing to business and it is mainly interesting to display the specialty of this paradise in front of the tourists from all over the world. Beaches, backwaters, misty hill stations, ancient monuments, waterfalls and natural parks are the common concepts about tourism in the world.

But in Kerala, tourism is finding the meaning beyond these few words by ancient and complete medical system Ayurveda, the festivals displaying color and culture, fresh and tasty dishes, arts and crafts and more. Also Kerala tour presenting a state in India with hundred percentage literacy, which paves the way for education, awareness and eventually, an evolved society. The western culture adoption to Kerala is changed the lifestyle of people. But people here are not ready to give up the basic norms and traditional systems those following from centuries ago.

Ayurveda in Kerala is the main part of Indian medical tourism. This old and complete medical system is extracted from the lifestyle of India on ancient time. So the rejuvenation power of this fantastic medicine is world famous. Yoga and ayurveda is the main goals of tourists to experience from this God’s own country. Several ayurveda resorts and hospitals are here to serve the patients and travelers.

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Arippa - Calm and Peaceful Ecotourism Spot in Kerala

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people". The term ecotourism is popularized in the world with sustainable development programs. The development process for increasing infrastructure of a location will hurt the ecological balance and diversity of nature. But through sustainable development process this destruction of nature can avoid. Kerala, the beautiful state at the southern part of India is now utilizing its great possibility in ecotourism and sustainable development. With the part of it, there formed a number of ecotourism spots, that helping the visitors to be the part of nature and to view the beauty of diversity in nature.

Arippa is one of the ecotourism spot in Kerala that providing great opportunity to know the Mother Nature in close. This is 1000 hectares of forest plantation in a compact area. This is calm and peaceful destination for tourists admits the lush green and shady forest environment and it is the wooded highlands and a part of Western Ghats. Arippa is known for its diverse species of birds and wildlife and is a renowned haunt for bird watchers.

Short treks, bird and wildlife watching, visit to the nearby tribal settlement, outdoor camping in jungle camps etc are the main ecotourism activities for the tourists. Tribal guides are the specialty about trekking through the forest routs. They will lead us through unstoppable adventurous experiences. Jyothismathy is the beautiful KFDC Inspection Bungalow near here serves as an excellent retreat and halting place for visitors en route to ecotourism centres like Palode, Konni, Thenmala, Kallar etc.

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Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala is now a world famous ecotourismspot and the uncrushed nature by human is the main thing that is supporting the ecotourism development in - blogReaction

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – An Incredible Peep Parlor of Biodiversity

Kerala is now a world famous ecotourism spot and the uncrushed nature by human is the main thing that is supporting the ecotourism development in this traveler’s paradise. The lap of the greenish nature in this God’s own country is always welcoming the tourists from all corner of the world. The Western Ghats of Kerala is the main set up for ecotourism activities at this southern state in India. Peppara wildlife Sanctuary is a great contribution to the ecotourism achievement in Kerala

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the artificial lake created by Peppara dam across Karamana River and this area is declared as wildlife sanctuary on 1983. This sanctuary is a dense forest and safe home to wide variety of wild animals, plants and birds.  Palode reserve forest and Kottoor Reserve forest are the part of it. The topography of this wildlife sanctuary in Trivandrum district is quite hilly. Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows.

A boat ride through the scenic lake is providing great view to the biodiversity in this lush greenery. A variety of wildlife is populating the sub tropical and tropical evergreen forests. This dense evergreen is also home to homing and migratory birds and butterflies. Tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc are making rich this sanctuary with biodiversity. The bird species that including water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are the specialty here. Also moth and butterflies are present here. The tribal settlements in this sanctuary are also coloring the human life at the lap of Mother Nature.

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Sabarimala - A Pilgrimage Tour Spot of Muslim Hindu Harmony

Pathanamthitta distict in God’s own country Kerala is also known as the ‘Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism’ of the State. The number of ancient temples is present here that made this pet name to this area. Pilgrimage tourism in the Pathanamthitta district is a rather enriching experience as the districts abounds in places of religious worship and significance. Not only temples and number of old mosques and churches also have been built in close proximity.

Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is one of the most revered Hindu worship place in India is located here. Sabarimala is said to be the sacred adobe of Lord Ayyappa.  This holy shrine is the part of dense forest and the travel through this forest to the shrine is giving great experience. The forest is the safe home to various wildlife species and it is also a part of Western Ghat Mountain Ranges.

Vishu Vilakku, Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the main occasions in this temple and this time the temple and around are finding a big sea of pilgrims from all over the India. The traditional routes through the forest to this temple are famous for the scenic splendor and mythological value. The reaching to Ayyappa temple is very challenging through these traditional routes. Undulated hilly terrains, lusting green thick forests, freely moving wild animals and creatures, easy feasting perennial streams, twittering of bird fauna and amazing varieties of flora make the Sabarimala a marvelous destination for nature loving tourists.

Sabarimala is also a great example to religious harmony. This is because of there is a shrine dedicated to a Muslim Saint, Vavaru Swamy and all the pilgrims firstly coming to this Muslim shrine before going to Ayyappa Temple. The pilgrims must take 41 days austerities before staring pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Women of age above 14 years and below 50 years are not allowed in this shrine.

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Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A Heaven of Rare Herbs

Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is setting up an excellent canvas of exotic flora and fauna to the tourists to Kerala. It is an exotic ecotourism spot in Kerala covered with 12000 hectares of rich vegetation around the artificial lake created by huge Neyyar Dam. It is an ideal gene pool reserve of tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests. Mullayar and Kallar are the two rivers to water this rolling greenish and various species.

Agasthyamalai is the peak in this sanctuary and famous in the name of wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly colored orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.

Agasthya Mountain is also known as Agasthyakoodam and is also the second largest peak in south India. This peak is in the form of a sharp cone and a heaven of rare herbs and medicinal plants. Agasthyakoodam has great position in ancient myths of India and this mountain is highly respected by Hindus as well as Buddhists. Hindus believe this mountain was the home of sage Agasthya who first brought and popularized the Vedic religion to South India. Agastya is considered to be one of the seven ‘Rishis’ (Saptarshi) of Hindu ‘Puranas’. Buddhists think that Agastya Mountain is the abode of Bodhisatva Avalokiteswara.

This ecotourism spot is providing facilities of crocodile watching, boating and trekking. The medicinal garden here is a great collection of wide variety of medicinal plants using in Kerala Ayurveda, some of them are stronger to heal even harmful diseases. The safari at Lion Park is more adventurous and is also an opportunity to watch homing and migratory birds. Boat rides can do to at least two of six islands in the Neyyar Reservouir. Trekking to Agasthyamala peak is allowable only at April May months.

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Thekkady Tour and Accommodation in Exotic Thekkady Hotels

Welcome to Thekkady in Kerala one of the world most fascinating reserves in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. With and area of 777 sq. km, which is covered by the thick evergreen forest, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is home to tiger today since the time it was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its scenic surrounding and the geo-morphical diversity, the beauty of the wildlife sanctuary attracts tourists, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all the nook and corner of the world. The artificial lake which is also known by the name Periyar Lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar sanctuary enhances the beauty of the place. Here many of the tourists on their visit to Periyar come to enjoy the boat cruise to see the varied species of birds and animals in the sanctuary roaming freely all over. Truly speaking it is the only sanctuary in India, where you can see the wildlife animals from the very close quarter which gives you the unique experience of Thekkady tour in Periyar.

Looking at the increase in the visit of tourists day by day, several hotels and resorts have come up in an around Thekkady to provide excellent accommodation facilities and services so that they have a pleasant stay throughout their journey in Thekkady. Thekkady hotels and resorts are known for their standard services and the accommodation facilities they provide are simply make tourists to extend their stay in Thekkady for some more time. You also have wonderful opportunity to enjoy the exotic beauty of the Thekkady resorts as the accommodation facilities and services provided by them are truly indefinable. Here experience the cultural beauty of Kerala and their great hospitality which makes Kerala the sought after tourism destination in the world, Thekkady being the most visit destination on their visit.

During your stay you will have a unique experience which will savor you for lifetime and keep your visit to Thekkady evergreen. Apart from the hospitality, Thekkady is blessed with amazing beauty and greenery which are seen to be believed.  Here one can enjoy and explore enigmatic attractions which are scattered in an around Thekkady. The sanctuary water towers, Kumily, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar, pullumedu, Kuttikanam, Peeru Hills, Pattumala, Vagamom, etc are some of the major highlight which tourists can see and explore on their visit to Thekkady in Kerala, India. Truly speaking visit once to Thekkady and you will love to come to this exotic place in Kerala blessed by the superb beauty of nature time and again.

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Manali the Heart of Himachal Tourism | Before It's News

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Kerala School Kalotsavam – Be a Part of the World’s Biggest Youth Festival

Kerala, God’s own country is also a country of diverse festivals and celebrations. The goal of these all festivals are to display the mutual harmony among people and kerala’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. The festival time of Kerala is favorite time to the visitors and tourists from other parts of the world. Kerala School Kalolsavam is not only a festival and here joints and competite the talents of the young generation of Kerala .Kerala School Kalolsavam is the largest art youth festival in the world. The organizational set up from school level to state level for the conduct of Kalolsavam is monitored by Education Department of Kerala.

In 1956-57 this art festival started and its now a great occasion to the students in Kerala to express themselves in front of a large number of viewers from all part of Kerala and it is a golden chance to tourists to see the various art forms in Kerala and India. The inspiration to the Kerala School Kalolsavam is the Inter-University festival at Delhi and at the starting of school festival, programme was scheduled for one day and there were 200 participants only. But now the number of participants increased to above 10,000 and this is a 7 day festival. Decorative main stage is accommodating thousands of viewers. Also delicious breakfast, mid day meals and supper are arranged for nearly 10,000 participants.

First time introduction of Kalolsavam, there had only less number of items in competition. After that, gradually opened the doors for other traditional art forms in Kerala culture. Kathakali music, Mohiniyattom, Aksharaslokam, Margomkali, Kuchipudi, Yakshaganam, Band display, drawing and writing items, Mono act etc is some of the items on this big stage. The Proclamation rally, that displaying colorful decorations, stills and art forms is a prelude to the Kalolsavam and announcing the starting of huge festival.

The festival has a foolproof system to encourage thousands of students in various Art and Literary forms in each academic year. The student who is attaining more points in competition is rewarded by Kalaprathiba (for boy) or Kalathilakam (for girl). Kerala School Kalotsavam is a Kaleidoscope of Kerala's young talent in the field of Art and Literature.

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Aralam Sanctuary – Visit a Bonsai Model of Nature’s Care

Aralam is one of the smallest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, located at the western slopes of Western Ghats. It established in 1984, it adjoins with the State Farm in Aralam at kannur District. Aralam sanctuary is a bio-rich forest range that populated with 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus trees. Diverse plant and animal life is the specialty here and the highest peak in this area is the Katti Betta, scaling to a height of 1,145m. The hilly terrains and evergreen forest teeming with various species of flora and fauna set the stage for some delightful outdoor activities for tourists.

This is an ecotourism spot in Kerala that providing enjoyable trekking and picnic facility to know the care from nature. This is the safe home to various birds and animals including elephants, sambar, bison, leopard, boar, deer, jungle cat and different species of squirrels, the Aralam Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. To watch the animals and to feel the taste of cool and fresh air there has arranged an overnight stay in the forest watch tower.

Chavachi and Meenmutty are the two famous waterfalls here those attracting number of tourists here for their remarkable vacation. Meenmutty is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 meters. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest.

 The forest watch tower from Aralam sanctuary is giving a panoramic view to this water falls. Trekking from Valayanchat to Meenmutty covering a distance of 14 km is another interesting pursuit to visitors. The Aralam River is watering this lush greenery and is another picnic spot and providing an unforgettable experience at the river side.

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Eravikulam National Park – A World of Endemic Species

Eravikulam is a golden gift to the nature of Kerala and it is a wildlife sanctuary that is a safe home to unique species of animals, plants and birds. It perched 7000 ft above from sea level and breathtaking in its size and diversity of flora and fauna. Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered and rare mountain goat species had found the safest eco system for their withstanding. This is the only land that presenting Neelakurinji bloom once in twelve years and that bloom paints the hills and valleys with violet intensity.

Eravikulam is the part of Kerala’s famous hill station Munnar. The misty hills and cool amiable climate in this area is making this place is favorite to the honeymooners and vacationers from all the corner of the world. This hill station was a favorite summer station for British in colonial time and coffee, tea and spicy plantations are increasing the radiance of its nature. Anamudi is highest peak in south India is located at this national park and nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for trekking expeditions and wildlife spotting.

This is a famous ecotourism spot in Kerala and trekking and other activities are limited to the tourism zone that is approachable by vehicles and is a high altitude of rocky precipice. The view of valleys and streams from here is fabulous and offers a satisfying trip for trekkers. A good pastime is the Lakhom Falls Trail involving a one-day trek from the waterfall to Pakkumarathery where trekkers can have a look at the Anamudi Peak and opt for an overnight stay at the Log House. The Park area also offers excellent opportunities for Rainbow Trout angling.

Five numbers in 25 species mammals those found here are endemic to the Western Ghats. Atias Moth is the largest of its kind in the world is one major attraction here. Large variety of orchids and balsams are including in the rolling grasslands at the upper parts of the valley.

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Parambikulam – A Sanctuary of World’s Tallest and oldest Teak Trees

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a heaven of tranquil greenery boasts of the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation. This plantation is also the home for the world’s tallest and oldest teak tree believed over 350 years old. Parambikkkulam wildlife sanctuary is located on the lap of the majestic Western Ghats and near Tamilnadu border.

There are some peaks in this sanctuary very suitable as adventurous tourism spot. Karimala Gopuram and Vengoli are the favorite spots for visitors and those lucky even get to see endangered Nilgiri Tahrs(Mountain Goats). Three dams are the unique feature e of this Sanctuary and those are interconnected with tunnels, channels river courses and canals. Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Perivarapallam dams are creating a deep freshwater ecosystem and adding diversity to this sanctuary.

This is a famous ecotourism spot in Kerala bestowed with rich flora and Fauna, Parambikulam is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. While deer, sambar and gaur roam around in the Vayal area, deep inside the Sanctuary can be seen lion tailed macaques, slender loris, king cobras, the royal Bengal tiger, cane turtle and the Nilgiri marten; as also 250 species of birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, great pied hornbill and the Peninsular Bay owl. The Sanctuary's spectacular floral diversity - seen in the 285 species of endemic, rare and endangered flora, 1320 species of flowering plants, including 70 species of orchids, about 50 endangered medicinal plants - makes it ideal for nature lovers as well.

Number of attractive ecotourism activities are arranged here for tourists and those help to get back them to the hands of Mother Nature during the holiday time. Camping out in the forests, watching the animals from the safety of the watch towers, boating, bamboo rafting and row boating in the reservoir, bird watching etc are the main arrangements. Parambikulam is a main hill station in Kerala with many peaks and valleys and offering an assortment of soft or tough adventure in your travel and vacation.

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