Yercaud

The resort town of Yercaud is a lake surrounded by a forest. Located at the centre of the town, the beautiful Yercaud Lake shimmers in the midst of forests of teak, sandalwood and silver oak; expansive plantations of coffee, cardamom and black pepper; and orchards of oranges, guava, and jackfruit. Meandering boats stir the lake to life and the aroma of hot chilli bhajjis (giant green chillies fried in gram flour) and steaming masala (spiced) tea cuts through the cool air.

Situated 4,700 feet above sea level in the Servarayan Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a quiet hill station with largely undisturbed natural beauty. There are no malls or entertainment arcades. Shopping involves fresh horticultural produce and most of the activity is centred on nature via trekking, camping, boating and dirt biking.

Yercaud is famous for its coffee plantations and orange groves. However, one stumbles upon a thrilling diversity of flora and fauna during trips around town. The orchidarium run by the Botanical Survey of India nurtures 35,000 sets of orchids, including 249 rare and endangered species. There is also a rose garden with delightful varieties of the flower. At the silk farm, you can see the fascinating process of silkworms being fed on mulberry leaves and their cocoons turned into silk threads.

You get a mesmerising view as night falls and the city of Salem lights up at the foot of the hills. For a moment, it looks like there’s a glittering sheet of stars both above and below.

Monsoon - The season of rainbows and raindrops keeps it date with Kerala

Monsoon in Kerala is one of the most beautiful times. The cool air, wind and the deluge!  Welcome to a time of rejoicing and renewal. Monsoon is such a phenomenon so invigorating and exalting that it has inspired artists for centuries.

May be it has something to do with charged  particles in the air, may be it is because the fragrance of flowers...The arrival of the monsoon itself is quite magnificent. It comes towards you like an orchestra and, not surprisingly, has inspired some of our loveliest music, ragas which evoke distant thunder and falling rain.

 

Watch how the monsoon bursts lead to streams and rivers all around you.  The season is certainly not to be wasted indoors. The very special season of the year, Monsoon brings everything to you fresh. The washed streets and the fresh leaves seem to smile with you. Monsoons is certainly not getting all packed in rain coats, Monsoons are fun time. Getting wet, splashing and swimming or wading through knee deep waters, sailing paper boats are some little deeds you may indulge in.

You may try out an Ayurveda vacation in the monsoons too. The best way to rejuvenate your soul and replenish your body, Ayurvedic is a great option for monsoons. Monsoon is a season for rejuvenation, when the people take special diet and ayurvedic therapies for rejuvenation and longevity. According to Ayurveda, monsoon is an ideal season to take treatments for various diseases.

Travel with us to enjoy the burst and swell of the rains. As the Monsoon approaches, you begin to feel elated, even slightly intoxicated. Welcome to Kerala -Where the rain is born!

 

Contact Manoj on manoj@bumblebeeholidays.com or+918147087770 for assistance.

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Valparai - Nature at it's best !

Valparai is a popular hill station with lush green tea estates, reservoirs and dams under the Parambikulam – Aliyar Project, is located 65 km from Pollachi and 105 km from Coimbatore. It has rich flora and fauna and is known for its salubrious climate. Unlike Ooty and Kodaikanal that are highly congested with tourist population, Valparai is altogether a different world. Tropical evergreen forests on a sprawling 995 sq. km. and 56 major tea plantations that constitute the backbone of Valparai’s economy make this place unique.

Valparai is the rainiest place of the Tamilnadu state during Southwest monsoon season.

Location:

Valparai is about 64 km from Pollachi and 104 km from Coimbatore.

 

Located in the Anamalai Range of the Western Ghats at 3,500 feet above mean sea level, the forests here is the home for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna. Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and the Vazhachal reserve forests surround Valparai, thus making it a haven to sight wildlife of all kinds. Elephants are common in the periphery town while other animals like Wild Gaurs (Indian Bison), Leopards, endangered Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Langur Monkey, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and rare birds like Great Indian Hornbill, Fairy Blue bird and the Malabar song thrush can be found here.

 

Quick Facts:

• Altitude: 3,500 feet
• Weather: 0ºC to 30ºC
• Annual rainfall: 350 – 500 cm
• Languages spoken: Tamil, Malayalam & Basic English

The Scenic drive:

 

Getting to Valparai from Pollachi is a scenic drive as the route is laced with several stunningly beautiful spots. Dams, Waterfalls, Valleys and Temples provide a visual treat for the tourists. It is a paradise for Botanists, Zoologists, Ornithologists, Environmentalists and casual visitors. You can have fun with activities like Trekking, Night Safari, Wildlife/Nature photography or just by relaxing in an estate bungalow.

 

Accommodation

 

Valparai is just a small town with very limited food and accommodation options. Please contact Manoj on +918147087770  or manoj@bumblebeeholidays.com for assistance.

 

 

Hotels

 

There are only a couple of decent hotels that meet the requirements of tourists. Please contact Manoj on +918147087770  or manoj@bumblebeeholidays.com for assistance.

 

Cottages

Cottages stays are becoming common in Valparai. Lot of residential homes are being rented out on a daily basis. Some of them offer excellent view of the tea estates.

Plantation Bungalows

Those who are interested in staying within the estates can consider plantation bungalows. Though they are more expensive than a hotel room or cottage, the experience is unforgettable and must be tried at least once in your lifetime. These British built ancient bungalows are located in the middle of several acre tea plantations and offers luxurious accommodation. As there are very few plantation bungalows in Valparai, early booking is advisable.

 

Food

Non-Vegetarian

Valparai town has got few decent restaurants and several roadside fast food centers offering cheap and yummy non-vegetarian food.

Pure Vegetarian

It will not be a problem for vegetarians who are not worried about having food in a place that also serves non-Veg meals.

However, pure vegetarians may find difficulties because there is only one pure-Veg mess in Valparai town, which is run by an elderly couple. Still if you are not satisfied, there are lots of bakeries in town.

Home Cooked Food

Each and every plantation bungalow has got a caretaker who will also be your cook during your stay. Both Veg and non-Veg meals will be prepared and served on request.

Places to See:

 

Nallamudi Poonjolai Viewpoint is 15 km from Valparai and is located in one of the private Tea estates, Nallamudi estate.  One must walk for about 1 km inside this estate to reach this viewpoint. On your way, you may see fresh elephant dung, Pugmarks & droppings of Leopards and Bears that visit here regularly at nights.

Nallamudi Poonjolai offers an excellent view of Anaimudi peak (the tallest peak in south India located in Rajamalai National Park near Munnar), several waterfalls, tribal settlements and a valley that is over 1000 feet deep.

Sholayar Dam – 25 km

Sholayar Dam is located 25 km from Valparai town, on the way to Chalakudi. It is one of the longest dams and the second deepest dam in Asia with a depth of 160 feet. Parambikulam reservoir receives water from Sholayar. Athirapally Falls is about 60 km from Sholayar.

Sholayar Dam 1

Sholayar Dam 2

Chinnakallar (Lawson) Falls – 13 km

Chinnakallar falls is located 13 km from Valparai and it falls only behind Cherrapunji in recording the most rainfall received in India. One must drive and then walk through deep forest to visit this place. Wild animals including leopards and wild elephants inhabit this place after 5 p.m.

Balaji Temple – 12 km

Balaji Temple is situated at a distance of 12 km from Valparai town and is owned by Peria Karamalai Tea & Produce Co. Ltd. This temple is covered by mist most of the time and experiences much more cooler weather than the rest of Valparai, due to high-altitude. Poojas are performed regularly, similar to that of Tirupati lord Venkateswara temple. It would be a great experience to sit on the temple’s marble floor, feel 360° of chillness and the silence of nature. A children’s park and a garden are also located adjacent to the temple. This is a must visit place in Valparai.

Vehicles are not allowed near the temple’s entrance and visitors must walk uphill for about 500 m through the narrow estate road. This road offers stunning views of tea estates that are frequented by Elephants and Gaurs (Indian Bisons) at nights. The temple is highly protected with barbed wire and uniformed estate men. Use of mobile phones and photographic equipments are strictly prohibited.

 

 

 

 

Siddhi Vinayagar Temple – 3 km

Siddhi Vinayagar Temple is located 3 km from Valparai and is owned by Jayashree Tea Industries. The deity is carved out of a single piece of white marble.

Lower Neerar Dam – 14 km

Number Rock (Vagamalai) – 15 km

Koolangal River – 4 km

Other Places along Pollachi – Valparai Road

• Aliyar Dam
• Monkey Falls
• Loam’s View Point (9th hairpin bend),
• Tiger Valley (27th hairpin bend)
• Poonachi Falls
• Carver Marsh View Point

Other places that require prior permission from the Forest Department

• Valparai Grass Hills
• Manamboli Powerhouse and Watch Tower
• Kadamparai Dam and Powerhouse
• Upper Aliyar Dam
• Meenparai

Details

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Nallamudi Poonjolai Valley View – 15 km

Munroe Island, Ecstatic South India _ Kerala

If you want to feel the natural beauty of South India, Munroe Island of Kerala can obviously become the best spot to enjoy that. Visiting the island for the very first time one can easily fall in love with this place. Named after the British resident Colonel John Munroe, Munroe Island has the most exciting back water surrounding, to offer you a splendid holiday experience amidst the grandeur of nature.Kerala,popularly known as ‘God’s own Country’ is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.Also the backwaters in Kerala is famous for its natural beauty, greenery,Ayurveda and mouth watering dishes.

History

Munroe Island is the combination of eight tiny islands situated in Kollam District, Kerala. During the year 1800 and onwards when British supremacy in South India was gradually increasing, they decided to settle in Munroe Island, as a part of ruling the South India comfortably.

Natural Surrounding and main attractions

Situated at a distance of 25 km from Kollam by road, Munroe Island is formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River. And one can easily reach this island through rail, road and inland water transportation system. As we all know South India is famous for providing back water experience and eco tourism, Munroe Island is also no exception. In addition to that this Island can give you the opportunity to watch Coir retting process, Coir Weaving, Fishing, and Prawns Feeding done by the dwellers of the island and also to watch various Migratory Birds, Narrow canals and attractive water ways, Coconut farms on the lake shore, Lagoons, Kandal plants and the beautiful Tiny Islands of PATHUPARA (2 acres i.e. 8,100 m2of land surrounded by Kallada river) and others.

How to Get there

The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,which is well connected  globally.Munroe Island is 71 km by road from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) air port.Kollam Railway station is the nearest famous railway station and is connected to all parts of India. Munroe Island  is situated at a distance of 25 km from Kollam by road.So anytime after reaching  Thiruvananthapuram or Kollam you can take a taxi and reach the scenic backwaters of Kollam.

 

 

Lodging facility

Home-stays are the most attractive stay facilities.House boats are also available which will take you for a one day trip including one night in the serene backwaters In the islands of PATHUPARA, house available for staying. Visitors can stay there as many days as they wish. The calm and quiet atmosphere of the entire island is ideal for any kind of tourist and especially for the writers and composers. You can also become a part of it.

More Details

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Andaman & Nicobar - Emerald Islands !

A bird's eye view shows this cluster of 350 small and large island as small, green speaks staggered on the vast blue waters. Situated midway between India and Burma, in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were at one time inhabited by various tribes which strongly resisted any efforts at civilization. some of these tribes are perhaps among the oldest tribal communities in the world, and tourists are prohibited from establishing contact with them. Owing to prolonged isolation they are somewhat hostile and are also under the danger of catching infection from outsiders.

 

 

 

Indian legend traces the name Andaman to a derivation of Hanuman or Hanuman the Monkey God of the epic Ramayana, who is said to have used these islands as stepping stones on his way to Sri Lanka, to save Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama.

 

 

 

Modern history perhaps dates to 1789 when Lord Cornwallis, the British Governor -General commissioned a survey of the islands.

 

 

 

Later, after the First War of Independence in 1857 the British established a penal colony here and Andamans and Port Blair, the capital, came to be a dreaded word. For, known as 'Kala Pani' of 'Black Water', the city was the site of the Cellular Jail - a panel colony where political prisoners were banished, perhaps never to be seen again.

 

 

 

During world War II, the Japanese occupied the Islands and held them from 1944-1945. The Andamans today present a totally different picture. Some tribes have opened up, and the British rule is no more. The islands are now fast becoming an attractive holiday destination-for the anthropologist and the beach lover.

 

 

 

The Islands are a living museum of planet earth. Dense rain forests, and canopies of luxuriant green branches host a variety of birds, insects, and all kind of life. There are beautiful tropical flowers and orchids. The jungles shelter about 242 species of birds, 46 species of mammals and 78 species of reptiles comprising the wild cat, iguana, green lizards, deer, wild pig, goats and a wide variety of snakes.

 

 

 

The water are clear and beautiful, and the beaches at Corbyn's Cove, Wandoor, Jolly Boy and Cinque offer an excellent sea for swimming. Numerous other beaches are open to holidayers out to enjoy water sports. Tourists can surf, ski, scuba dive, snorkel, sail, fish or just enjoy the sea, the sun and the sand. For the more adventurous, deep-sea diving unfolds precious treasures of corals, vegetation, sponges and fish life.

 

Climate : Summer (March to June) - Warm Monsoon (July to August) - Warm and Humid Winter(November to February)- Chilly to Very Cold

 

Clothing : Summer - Cottons Winter - Woollens

 

Languages spoken : Indigenous languages, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali & English.

 

Best Time to visit : October to April

 

For travel contact us at : info@bumblebeeholidays.com

 

Website : www.bumblebeeholidays.com

Mysore Dasara

Mysore Dasara , the state festival (Nadahabba) of Karnataka,India is celebrated for 10 days. Dasara or Vijayadashami, the last day of Navaratri is a jubilant festival to mark the conclusion of Mysore Dasara festival. Mysore Dasara 2010 starts on October 8th and ends on October 17th. In 2010, it marks the 400th year of celebrations. Mysore Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the Astadasha Shakti peetham (18 popular Shakti temples). Da...sara celebrations in Mysore were started by the Vijayanagar Kings the 15th Century. The Wodeyar’s of Mysore continued the Dasara festival in 1610 at Srirangapatna.

The procession of elephants (Ambari), exhibitions of handicrafts and artifacts, air show, wrestling competitions, Jambu Savari, Food mela, etc are the most popular events and celebrations of Mysore Dasara. This festival culminates on Vijayadashami at Bannimantapa with Banni tree puja (botanical name of Banni Tree – Prosopis spicigera).

For customised tour solutions visit www.bumblebeeholidays.com

Silent Valley National Park

Location: 40 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, North Kerala.

Attractions: Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.

 

The Silent Valley National Park with an area of 90 sq km is located in the Northeastern corner of Palakkad district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the North and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the South.

The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park. Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger.

Perhaps, nowhere else can one find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals, over a 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths and other fauna like the Ceylon Frogmouth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-tailed Macaque.

The River Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills, from an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through the deep forest. The River Kunthi never turns brown and is always crystal clear, perennial and wild.

The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than from any other surface. This cools the atmosphere, helps easy condensation of water vapour and thus causes the summer rains. Visit Bumblebee Holidays

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 80 km.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore (in neighbouring Tamilnadu State), about 55 km.

 

For more info on custom tours reach us at info@bumblebeeholidays.com

Entrance of Silent Valley National Park

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