Athirapally Waterfalls

The Athirappilly Falls are situated on the Chalakudy River, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and founa are found in the forests of the Athirapilly-Vazhachal area. This area is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world

 

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places - the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' - not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

 

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time.

Theyyam

Kerala has a vast repertoire of folk performing arts, folk songs and folk drama that showcase man’s overpowering rapport with nature and his constant desire for communication with the unknown.

Theyyam ,one of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala has its origin in the northern parts of the state.The Oldest ritual art form,there are about 45 different Theyyams including the Agni Theyyam where the dancers walk on fire

Ambalapuzha Palpayasam

Relish a Heavenly dessert....Get to taste the delicious Ambalapuzha pal payasam(milk and rice pudding) famed all over India for its out of the world taste. Especially made for Lord Krishna, the reigning deity of Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, the secret of its unique flavour is in the slow cooking that stretches to almost seven hours .It is said that if this daily offering is late even a few minutes, the deity gets hungry that his mundu (cloth tied around the waist) loosens and falls to the ground.

Mayilattam

Mayilattam is an artistic and religious form of dance performed in the Temples of Kerala in reverence to Lord Subrahmanya.

Mayilattam performer wears costumes like Lord Subrahmanya travelling on his Peacock and performs specific dances. The performer dances not on his bare foot but on a tall piece of wood attached at the end of his feet. This art requires extensive training and practice

Breathtaking Munnar - A haven of peace and tranquility !

Location : Idukki, central Kerala. 

Altitude : 1600 - 2695 m above sea level. 

 

Munnar,a charming hill station covered with unending expanses of tea plantations, was the summer resort of most European settlers in Kerala for centuries. 

 

Anamudi, the highest mountain peak in south India towering at an altitude of 2695 m above sea level, is part of this hill station. Munnar is ribboned by winding lanes that snake through its tea plantations. 

 

Among the exotic flora found in the rich tropical forests and grasslands here is the Neelakkurinji (Strobilanthus) . This unique plant that blooms only once in twelve years paints the entire Munnar hillside blue. 

 

An assortment of wildlife such as the endangered mountain goat - Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Sambar, 

Gaur and the Lion tailed Macaque are found in the tropical forests around Munnar. 

 

Munnar literally means three rivers and has three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala - meeting at the heart of the town. 

 

There are a number of leisure and adventure activities awaiting tourists at Munnar. 

 

Tea garden Visits: Permission to visit any of the 26 factories of Tata tea Ltd. can be had from the Regional office, at Munnar. 

 

Trekking: Tourists are allowed to go on upto Anamudi. The permitting authority is the Wildlife Warden, Idukki Division, Painavu Tel: +91 - 4865 - 30487. 

 

Cycling: The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Idukki, provides cycling facilities at Munnar. 

 

Getting there: Munnar is at a driving distance of nearly 142 km from Kottayam town. 

 

Nearest railway station : Kottayam about 142 km. 

 

Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport about 130 km away; Madurai in neighbouring Tamilnadu State, about 142 km away. 

Rain in Kerala

Kerala is blessed with plentiful rain, 54% to 85% of which is contributed by the monsoons. Monsoons bring to Kerala two rainy seasons-the southwest monsoon or the Edavappathi, bringing rains during June-September, and the north east monsoon or the Thulavarsham during October to December. 

 

Kerala is directly exposed to the southwest monsoon but also receives rain from the reverse (northeast) monsoon. Rainfall averages about 118 inches (3,000 millimetres) annually statewide, with some slopes receiving more than 200 inches. 

 

The north east monsoon season begins from the middle of October and lasts upto the end of February, though the rain associated with it ceases by December. The total annual rainfall in the state varies from 380 cms over the extreme northern parts to about 180 cms to the south. 

 

The amount of rainfall decreases towards the south almost in proportion with the decrease in altitude of the Western Ghats. July receives the maximum rainfall with all meterological centres recording about 25 rainy days. 

Coorg, The Scotland of India

252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.

Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals.

Coorg is an ideal place for outdoor activities, food and shopping!

Trekking: Coorg has many verdant trekking routes in the midst of forests and hills, and it's best to go in the months from October to February. Some of the known trails are in the hills of Brahmagiri, where you could trek your way to the Irrupa Falls. You could also consider trekking to Pushpagiri, the second higest peak of Kodagu and Tadiandamol (the highest peak).

Golf: Avid golffers can tee off at the 9-hole course of Virajpet.

Angling: Valanoor is the backwater of the river Cauvery. It draws fishing lovers from all over India. You can try and catch the famous mahaseer and the best season is from October to May.

White Water Rafting: There are few good camps around Coorg that offer rafting down the Cauvery river. For some fast paced action, visit the Upper Barapole River to the south of Coorg in Brahmagiri. The best time for rafting is from mid-June to mid-September.

Food: Coorgi cuisine is famous and unique, especially for non-vegetarians as it is based on game meats, pork and other delicious ingredients. Popular dishes are pandhi (pork), koli (chicken) and yarchi (lamb) spiced with pepper, kokum, bamboo shoot, red chilly, bembla curry, kadumbuttu, noolputu, voti and excellent coffee.

Shopping: Some of the popular items to buy are coffee, honey, spices, cardamom, pepper, pineapple papads and oranges ( season). Coorgi silk saree are also very famous and they have a different style of wearing them. 

Fairs & Festivals: Schedule your visit to coincie with one of the colorful festivals of the region. The festivals of the Kodava community are largely around agriculture military activities. 

The 'Festival of Arms - Keilpoldu' is held in the months of June to September. During this festival the weapons are polished and worshipped before resuse.

Cauvery Shankaramana is based around the river Cauver is held in October. 

The harvest festival 'Puthar' is celebrated in November or December. The festival is accompanied by folks songs and dances, performed by the different villagers at their temples. 

 

Essentials

Getting There

Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)

Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)

Road: The Mysore - Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.

 

Co-ordinates: 12.25 N, 75.44 E

 

Best Time To Visit: April to November

Kerala Beaches

Kerala beaches are known for its exquisite beauty, imposing surroundings and serene environments. Kerala beaches are prime tourist destinations in Kerala. These beaches are known for Ayurvedic massage parlors and traditional Kerala style cuisines. Mouth watering sea foods are available in these beaches. The beaches in Kerala are attractive with swaying leaves of coconut trees lined up in the coastal lines. 

Important Kerala beaches are Kovalam, Kappad, Marari, Varkala, Chawaram, Beypore, Alleppey, Cherai and Bakal beach. All these beaches have many infrastructure facilities for entertaining stay and vacation experiences. All these beaches are suitable for many water sports activities, especially swimming. 

 

Guruvayur Temple

Introduction 
Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Everyday, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized. 
The Guruvayur Temple is unique, as it is not built in the typical South Indian style of temple architecture. For example, its architecture is not massive or grand but simple in keeping with the style of Kerala houses. Its four gateways lead to the main gopuram (where the idol is installed), protected by a slopping terracotta roof made of Mangalore tiles. Again, in true Kerala style, the temple owns 36 mighty elephants that live at Punnathur Fort, 4 km north of the temple. 
History 
According to the Narada Purana, Brahma Himself was installed here. Serpents are mythically related to the famous Guruvayur temple. There is the myth that at the end of the Dwapara Yuga, the heir of the Pandavas, Parikshit, died bitten by Takshaka, the king of serpent. It was because of a curse by the son of a sage. Parakshit's son, Janamejaya, vowed to take revenge and started a sarpa yagna (snake sacrifice). Fearful of his certain death, Takshaka pleaded with Indra to save him. Indra sent Brihaspati, who requested Janamejaya to stop his yagna and Janamejaya yielded. However, he was soon afflicted by a virulent form of leprosy. Then sage Athreya asked him to take refuge in the temple of Guruvayur and worship Lord Krishna. 
It is believed that King Sutapas and his wife, being childless, worshipped Lord Brahma who handed them the idol now installed at Guruvayur to worship. Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared in His entire splendor and promised to be born as their child. 
Lord Krishna was born as their son. After He left the earth for his heavenly abode, the holy port city of Dwarka was submerged. Guru, the preceptor of the gods and his disciple, Vayu, God of Winds, saved the idol. After a long quest for an appropriate site, they entered Kerala and met Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. He led them to a beautiful lake full of lotuses, the present tank, Rudratirtha, beside which Shiva and Parvati waited to welcome them. The idol was duly installed by all of them. The temple and the place came to be known as Guruvayur, a reverential and semantic reference to the sponsors, Guru and Vayu. 

Tourist Attractions 
Kaladi is an important pilgrimage center since it was the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, one of India's foremost philosopher-saints. He preached the monistic or advaita philosophy. He played a major role in saving the Hindu religion from the ritualistic and superstitious state to which it had degenerated. 
Sri Shankaracharya's life has been marked by several miraculous exploits. He is said to have diverted the course of the River Periyar, which was 1½ km away from his house so that his aged mother could have her daily bath in the river without having to walk the distance. Even today, one can see an uncharacteristic turn in the river towards the Sringeri Math believed to be the site of Shankara's house. The shrine is situated on the right bank of the river and is a large partly open structure. There are two major shrines: one is dedicated to Sri Shankar acharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba, guardian deity of Sringeri. 
The name Thrissur is derived from Tiru-Shiva-Perur meaning 'the town with the name of Lord Shiva'. The reigning deity, Lord Shiva, resides in the Vadakkunath Kshetram Temple, on a hillock right in the center of the city. 
Punnathur Kotta, 4 km away, is an ancient fort that houses 40 elephants. 
Chavakkad,, 3 km away, has a pleasant beach and mausoleum of Haridross Kuttee, lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. 
Palayur, a kilometer away from Chavakkad, is the site of an ancient church believed to have been found by St. Thomas, the apostle. 

Fairs & festivals 
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look. 

How to reach 
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Kochi, 90 km away. 
BY RAIL - Thrissur, just 29 km away, is the nearest railway station. 
BY ROAD - Several state-owned and private buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Thrissur and Guruvayur. Bus connections are also available to all the important towns of Kerala as well as neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 

Where to Stay 
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guruvayur. 

Guruvayur Temple

. Introduction 
Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Everyday, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized. 
The Guruvayur Temple is unique, as it is not built in the typical South Indian style of temple architecture. For example, its architecture is not massive or grand but simple in keeping with the style of Kerala houses. Its four gateways lead to the main gopuram (where the idol is installed), protected by a slopping terracotta roof made of Mangalore tiles. Again, in true Kerala style, the temple owns 36 mighty elephants that live at Punnathur Fort, 4 km north of the temple. 
History 
According to the Narada Purana, Brahma Himself was installed here. Serpents are mythically related to the famous Guruvayur temple. There is the myth that at the end of the Dwapara Yuga, the heir of the Pandavas, Parikshit, died bitten by Takshaka, the king of serpent. It was because of a curse by the son of a sage. Parakshit's son, Janamejaya, vowed to take revenge and started a sarpa yagna (snake sacrifice). Fearful of his certain death, Takshaka pleaded with Indra to save him. Indra sent Brihaspati, who requested Janamejaya to stop his yagna and Janamejaya yielded. However, he was soon afflicted by a virulent form of leprosy. Then sage Athreya asked him to take refuge in the temple of Guruvayur and worship Lord Krishna. 
It is believed that King Sutapas and his wife, being childless, worshipped Lord Brahma who handed them the idol now installed at Guruvayur to worship. Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared in His entire splendor and promised to be born as their child. 
Lord Krishna was born as their son. After He left the earth for his heavenly abode, the holy port city of Dwarka was submerged. Guru, the preceptor of the gods and his disciple, Vayu, God of Winds, saved the idol. After a long quest for an appropriate site, they entered Kerala and met Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. He led them to a beautiful lake full of lotuses, the present tank, Rudratirtha, beside which Shiva and Parvati waited to welcome them. The idol was duly installed by all of them. The temple and the place came to be known as Guruvayur, a reverential and semantic reference to the sponsors, Guru and Vayu. 

Tourist Attractions 
Kaladi is an important pilgrimage center since it was the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, one of India's foremost philosopher-saints. He preached the monistic or advaita philosophy. He played a major role in saving the Hindu religion from the ritualistic and superstitious state to which it had degenerated. 
Sri Shankaracharya's life has been marked by several miraculous exploits. He is said to have diverted the course of the River Periyar, which was 1½ km away from his house so that his aged mother could have her daily bath in the river without having to walk the distance. Even today, one can see an uncharacteristic turn in the river towards the Sringeri Math believed to be the site of Shankara's house. The shrine is situated on the right bank of the river and is a large partly open structure. There are two major shrines: one is dedicated to Sri Shankar acharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba, guardian deity of Sringeri. 
The name Thrissur is derived from Tiru-Shiva-Perur meaning 'the town with the name of Lord Shiva'. The reigning deity, Lord Shiva, resides in the Vadakkunath Kshetram Temple, on a hillock right in the center of the city. 
Punnathur Kotta, 4 km away, is an ancient fort that houses 40 elephants. 
Chavakkad,, 3 km away, has a pleasant beach and mausoleum of Haridross Kuttee, lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. 
Palayur, a kilometer away from Chavakkad, is the site of an ancient church believed to have been found by St. Thomas, the apostle. 

Fairs & festivals 
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look. 

How to reach 
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Kochi, 90 km away. 
BY RAIL - Thrissur, just 29 km away, is the nearest railway station. 
BY ROAD - Several state-owned and private buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Thrissur and Guruvayur. Bus connections are also available to all the important towns of Kerala as well as neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 

Where to Stay 
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guruvayur. 

Guruvayur Temple

Introduction 
Guruvayur, aptly called the Dwarka of the South, is one of the most significant pilgrimage centers in India. The idol of the famous Sri Krishna Temple here is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. Everyday, endless waves of men, women and children pour in for darshan (audience) of Lord Guruvayur (Lord Krishna). Besides pilgrims and tourists, brides and grooms with hundreds of guests flock here daily to get their weddings solemnized. 
The Guruvayur Temple is unique, as it is not built in the typical South Indian style of temple architecture. For example, its architecture is not massive or grand but simple in keeping with the style of Kerala houses. Its four gateways lead to the main gopuram (where the idol is installed), protected by a slopping terracotta roof made of Mangalore tiles. Again, in true Kerala style, the temple owns 36 mighty elephants that live at Punnathur Fort, 4 km north of the temple. 
History 
According to the Narada Purana, Brahma Himself was installed here. Serpents are mythically related to the famous Guruvayur temple. There is the myth that at the end of the Dwapara Yuga, the heir of the Pandavas, Parikshit, died bitten by Takshaka, the king of serpent. It was because of a curse by the son of a sage. Parakshit's son, Janamejaya, vowed to take revenge and started a sarpa yagna (snake sacrifice). Fearful of his certain death, Takshaka pleaded with Indra to save him. Indra sent Brihaspati, who requested Janamejaya to stop his yagna and Janamejaya yielded. However, he was soon afflicted by a virulent form of leprosy. Then sage Athreya asked him to take refuge in the temple of Guruvayur and worship Lord Krishna. 
It is believed that King Sutapas and his wife, being childless, worshipped Lord Brahma who handed them the idol now installed at Guruvayur to worship. Eventually, Lord Vishnu appeared in His entire splendor and promised to be born as their child. 
Lord Krishna was born as their son. After He left the earth for his heavenly abode, the holy port city of Dwarka was submerged. Guru, the preceptor of the gods and his disciple, Vayu, God of Winds, saved the idol. After a long quest for an appropriate site, they entered Kerala and met Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. He led them to a beautiful lake full of lotuses, the present tank, Rudratirtha, beside which Shiva and Parvati waited to welcome them. The idol was duly installed by all of them. The temple and the place came to be known as Guruvayur, a reverential and semantic reference to the sponsors, Guru and Vayu. 

Tourist Attractions 
Kaladi is an important pilgrimage center since it was the birthplace of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, one of India's foremost philosopher-saints. He preached the monistic or advaita philosophy. He played a major role in saving the Hindu religion from the ritualistic and superstitious state to which it had degenerated. 
Sri Shankaracharya's life has been marked by several miraculous exploits. He is said to have diverted the course of the River Periyar, which was 1½ km away from his house so that his aged mother could have her daily bath in the river without having to walk the distance. Even today, one can see an uncharacteristic turn in the river towards the Sringeri Math believed to be the site of Shankara's house. The shrine is situated on the right bank of the river and is a large partly open structure. There are two major shrines: one is dedicated to Sri Shankar acharya and the other to Goddess Saradamba, guardian deity of Sringeri. 
The name Thrissur is derived from Tiru-Shiva-Perur meaning 'the town with the name of Lord Shiva'. The reigning deity, Lord Shiva, resides in the Vadakkunath Kshetram Temple, on a hillock right in the center of the city. 
Punnathur Kotta, 4 km away, is an ancient fort that houses 40 elephants. 
Chavakkad,, 3 km away, has a pleasant beach and mausoleum of Haridross Kuttee, lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. 
Palayur, a kilometer away from Chavakkad, is the site of an ancient church believed to have been found by St. Thomas, the apostle. 

Fairs & festivals 
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look. 

How to reach 
BY AIR - The nearest airport is Kochi, 90 km away. 
BY RAIL - Thrissur, just 29 km away, is the nearest railway station. 
BY ROAD - Several state-owned and private buses as well as taxis regularly ply between Thrissur and Guruvayur. Bus connections are also available to all the important towns of Kerala as well as neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 

Where to Stay 
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guruvayur. 

Wayanad Monsoon Carnival-2010

The Wayanadan Monsoon is back. 
And again, it is time for splashing in the rains.When clouds dance in the skies, Monsoon winds blow from the seas, Gentle woods start dancing to rainy tunes, And columns of mist start fly down, Down, from heavens to meadows, Wayanad Tourism Organisation (WTO) has announced the second edition of Wayanad Monsoon Fest—

<b>Wayanad Carnival: Splash 2010</b>
The three-day carnival would begin on July 9. 
The first edition of the carnival in 2009 had proved in adorning the international tourism calendar with WTO signature. 
The rain lovers across the globe gathered in this abode of greenery, to celebrate the rain carnival. They revelled in rain, enjoyed the mud football, amazed in the charm of classical art-forms and embarrassed by the rustic feel of agrarian games.

Wayanad is one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Kerala, a dream destination in the domestic tourism circuit. For a discerning traveller the jungle district is also acclaimed as one of the best bio-diversity destination.

The Wayanad monsoon carnival had already brought the attention of the ‘global tourism’ in to the monsoon rains of the green spot -Wayanad!. 

Here the welcoming mist started caressing mountain cliffs, dales, falls and leaves, And farmers trot back to nests from fields to take a break from the toil, and to receive the guests, And when sky bless earth with eternal love of life, It is time to pack your bags to Wayanad, where the jungle meets the country–the crown on ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala to celebrate the festival of rains. 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Alappuzha 2010

The Nehru Boat Race is Kerala's most looked forward to sporting event, and attended by participants and tourists from across the state's borders. Held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August every year, the event took shape after such an affair was organised in honour of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his visit to Kerala in 1952. Prime Minister Nehru enjoyed the thrill of being part of the snake-boat race, and announced a rolling trophy to the winner.

The snake boat or 'chundan vallam' ploughs through the lake's waters, gaily decorated with flags and silk parasols. Traditionally, these snake boats were used in battle and measure between 60 to 65 metres. The snake-shaped boat has the capacity to carry more than a hundred passengers.

During the race, each snake boat has 95 oarsmen, five 'amarakkar' or controllers, and ten 'nilakkar' or cheerleaders. Vanchipattu, or songs with very catchy beats are sung by about ten singers on board, keep the boatmen's spirits high. These beats have devotional and mythological themes.

Apart from the snake boats, other country boats like the Iruttukuthy, Vaipu and Churulan also participate in the race. The Iruttukuthy boat is designed primarily for night transportation and speed. The Vaipu was designed as a service boat for other boats at war, with one end higher than the other, and a capacity of 40-45 persons only. The Churulan has a similar capacity, but stands out because of its circular shape.

The 4850 ft long Boat Race invites participation from women and children in equal measure. Preparations for the event start months in advance, commencing with lubrication of the vessel with sardine oil. Practice sessions for the participants begin months ahead, who also undertake certain vows before taking over the oars.

About Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient, highly comprehensive system of medicine based on a holistic approach rooted in ancient Indian culture. 
We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really, Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. 
Most of the formal systems of Ayurveda were codified in two texts, the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita around 600 BC. 

According to Charaka, ""The three-body, mind and soul - are like a tripod, the world stands by their combination; in them everything abides. It is the subject matter of ayurveda for which the teachings of ayurveda have been revealed." (1.46-47, Charaka Samhita) 

Facts and Figures - State : Kerala, Location : Munnar

Munnar is situated in the Eastern part of the state of Kerala, 1600 m above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. 

Climate : The minimum temperatures during winters can get as low as 0 degree Celsius. The maximum of 25 degree Celsius is reached during summer. 

Average Annual rainfall : 110 inches 

Languages spoken: Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English. 

Best time to visit : August to March.

India Wildlife – A Perfect Destination Who Love Adventure

When it comes to meeting the desire of tourists while visiting India, the country has everything to offer ranging from rich culture, history and spirituality to magnificent sceneries and wildlife sanctuaries. For the people who are enthusiastic about the wildlife, an Indian wildlife tour is the best sought option to experience the adventure and the splendid beauty.

India has an affluent as well as assorted wildlife preserved in the varied sanctuaries all over the country. While visiting wildlife sanctuaries in India, tourists will get an opportunity to have a glance of distinguished species of mammals and birds. The royal tigers, numerous reptiles, amazing peacocks and giant elephants add to the beauty of the wildlife sanctuaries. With such diverse varieties to be seen here, it would not be wrong to say that Indian wildlife is becoming one of the most liked tourist destinations attracting numerous tourists from all over the world.

It is the perfect destination for the people who love the natural world of flora and fauna that exists in these sanctuaries along with the adventure lovers. Various Indian wildlife destinations offer the visitors to travel around and discover the jungle animals dwelling in their natural home.

The India wildlife tours can offer the tourist with some of the most adventurous trips where they can climb on the mountain or experience the rapids of rivers. They can have an amazing experience where they will have nothing except for water and a raft that is surrounded by the immaculate mountain fields and the forests along with the splendid waterfalls.

Hiking, trekking adventures and safaris are the best ways of exploring the wildlife areas. It is necessary and advisable to take a tour guide along while going in for hiking and an adventurous trip. There are millions of acres of wildlife reserves that are spread over in various national parks as well as wildlife sanctuaries with the most popular ones situated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

There are nearly five hundred sanctuaries and national parks that are a home to the variety of species of birds and animals. Some of the famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries include the Ranthambore National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Kanha National Park, Corbett National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park. The tourists can enjoy the jungle safari to catch the view of the diverse species of birds and animals in their natural habitat.

Ranthambore is one of the most famous national parks that are spread all over the country. It is renowned for the huge population of the tigers that are found here. Safari gives the opportunity to the tourists a chance to watch the splendid tigers. Kaziranga National Park is also one of the well known parks that are situated all over India. It is well known for the distinct species of animals and birds. Out of the variety of species, most popularly found are the one horned rhinos. The other wildlife species that are found in this national park are the panthers, bears and tigers. There is also a wide range of birds that are found in the forests and also includes the migratory birds.

The India wildlife tours along with the Himalayan mountaineering adventure gives a chance to the tourists to experience the magical Himalayas along with visiting the country’s wildlife reserves.

International Kite Festival,Kappad

Known for its backwaters, coconut palms and lush greenery, Kerala is now set to woo more tourists by hosting a three-day international kite festival starting May 1 at Kappad beach in Kozhikode district.

Top kite-flyers from 10 countries, including India, will display their talents in flying kites at the Kappad beach for three days.There would be two participants from each country besides 10 teams from various parts of the country which would have five members each and the total number of participants would be 70.

A kite that would be flown there would cost anything from Rs.25,000 upwards. The materials for making kites would be supplied free of cost. Kites that are going to be flown would be of various sizes and shapes and they would be as big as a two-storey building.

Thrissur Pooram Festival Kerala

Thrissur Pooram (Festival) is called 'the pooram of all poorams'. It the biggest or the best of all poorams. The Thrissur pooram, is celebrated every year, on the pooram day, in the month of Medam (mid-April to mid-may) month as per the malayalam calendar. While all poorams have a huge influence on surrounding neighborhoods and towns, few other festivals require their active involvement. Thrissur town plays host, for 36 hours from the wee hours of the pooram day, to one of the most largest collection of people and elephants. The richly decorated elephant, as seen during the Thrissur pooram, is now globally recognized, and its association with Kerala. On the pooram day, fifty (50) or more elephants pass through the very center of Thrissur town, the Vadakkunnathan temple. The main features of the pooram festival are these decorated elephants with their nettipattam (decorative headdress), beautiful craftedthe kolam, decorative bells and ornaments etc. Add to this the panchavadyam, the rhythmic beating of the drum, and what would be a cacophony otherwise is turned into an organized but spontaneous symphony. The fireworks display in the early hours of the next day, rival shows held anywhere in the world, without even using many of the modern and newer pyrotechnics.

Cochin - 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'

Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Cochin was once the major center of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.

Reaching Cochin Cochin is well connected by air and Rail from all major cities in India.

Places to see

St.Francis Church Built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is India's oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 but later the remains were taken to Libson, Portugal.

Chinese Fishing Nets These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) (Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Fridays)

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Mural Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu Legends are a real attraction. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.

Jewish Synagogue
(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs and 1500 - 1700 hrs- closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The Dutch rebuilt it in 1664. The main attractions include the hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Chandeliers, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
(Open 0900 - 1200 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs- closed on Mondays)

10 Kms from Kochi, Hill palace was the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family and was built in 1865.

Excursions from Koch

Kalady
The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century.

Kodanad
Kodanad is one the largest elephant training centers in South India. 

Athirapally Water Falls
The cascading falls are enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal picnic spot.