Munnar

Accommodation

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West Wood Hotels & Resorts
Munnar , Kerala
Phone - 91-4865-230884, 230885, 230886
Fax - 91-4865-230886
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Royal Retreat
Kannan Devan Hills,
Munnar-685612, Kerala
Ph- 91-4865-230440,231112,231113,
231114, 231115
Contact Now - E-mail

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Hotel Hillview
Kannan Devan Hills
Munnar 685 612, Kerala, India.
Ph : 91-4865- 230567 , 230882
Fax : (04865) 230241
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Las Palmas Resorts
N.H. 49, Devikulam
Idukki - 685613 Kerala,
Ph : 91-4865 264218, 264258, Mob: 09447056421
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Issacs Residency
Munnar, Kerala State, India,
Phone: +91-4865-230501/502/503,
Fax: +91-4865-230265
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Munnar Tourist Home
Munnar Tourist Home
Devikulam Road,
Munnar, Idukki
Kerala 685612
Ph - 91-4865-230353, 230862
Fax - 91-4865-231385
Contact Now : E-mail 1, E-mail2

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Camelot Resort
Munnar P.O., Idukki
Kerala - 685 612
Ph - (91)4865-231195, 230540
Fax : (91)4865-230540
Contact Now -E-mail



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Great Escapes Resorts
Chinnakkanal (Munnar)
Idukki - 685 618, Kerala,
Tel : 00914865 285899, 9446605145, 09447006724
Email1,E- mail 2

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Deshadan Mountain Resorts
Pothamedu, Munnar
Pin 685612
Tel : 0091 4865 232910
Mobile : 94474 59912
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Olive Brook
P. B. No:62,
Pothamedu,
Munnar,
Idukki(Dist.),
Kerala - 685 612,
Tel:91 4865 230588, 231079
Mob: 94470 71076
Contact Now - E-mail 1,E-mail 2

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Forest Haven Resorts
Vattiyar P.O, Mankulam Road
Kallar, Munnar, Kerala,
Ph- 91- 4864-278401
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Sisiram Cottage
1X / 18 A,
M.S.A. Road,
Munnar, Kerala
Pin 685612.
Ph: 91-4865-231908, 91-484-2348352
Mob: 94475-12128
Contact Now - E-mail

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The Siena Village,
Chinnakanal, Munnar-685 618, Kerala,
Tel: 91 4868-249261,249461
Fax:91 4868 -249328
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Munnar

Place: Idukki, Kerala
Significance: A quiet hill Station
Best Season: September to May Picture Gallery

Munnar, also known as the Kashmir of South India is a peaceful hill station with its impeccable beauty has become the most sought after destination for a holiday. Munnar was the erstwhile 'Summer Capital' of the British Government in South India. It is the luxuriant gift of nature to the Western Ghats, the eastern border of Kerala and an adjoining parts of Tamilnadu. The very name 'Munnar' means three rivers and there are actually three of them, confluence of three mountain streams-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala 5000ft above sea level. Munnar consists of vast sloping areas of tea, most of which mostly are owned by Tata Tea. Coffee and cardamom plantations give it a simplistic and smooth appearance. Munnar is a perennial favourite of Indian honeymooners.

Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries and major cash crop plantations cover most of the region. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. At that time, the hill side will appear bluish in colour. This flower bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India-Anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri langurs. Traditions of the British Tea Plantation town are still preserved in this heavenly and un-spoilt hill station.

Places to Visit

Potheamedu (6km from Munnar)
Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the cool mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam (7km from Munnar)
This small hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air . It is a beautiful place with lot of tea plantations. The Sta Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Pallivasal (8km from Munnar)
This is the venue of the first Hydro Electric project in Kerala. It is place of immense scenic beauty. On working days it is possible to visit Hydro Electric project. (Permission should be taken from the electricity department)

Attukal (9km from Munnar)
A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Nayamakad (10km from Munnar)
Located beween Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of scintillating waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and ideal trekking point..

Mattupetty
Driving through the Kodaikanal Rd, Mauttupetty just 13km from Munnar situated at a height of 1700m. Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm. -The Indo Livestock Project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle can be seen here. Mattupetty has a beautiful rose garden. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit time 9 to 11 hrs and 1400-1530hrs. The Mattupetty lake and dam is just a shot distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic sport. The sprawling tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty dam. Speed launch, slow speed boat and motor boats are available for hire. The famous Eco point is very near and this scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here.

Chithirapuram (10km from Munnar)
A small village with sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts. Chithiripuram still reminds us of an old world charm. Home of the Pallyvasal hydel power project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Lock Heart Gap (13km from Munnar)
This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Eravikulam National Park/Rajamala (15km from Munnar)
Eravikulam National Park lures the travellers with its irresistible grace and beauty. The 97 sq km park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk is a home to the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, sambar and the Lion-tailed Macaque. click here to know more ..

How to get there

Air: Nearest Airport Kochi (139km), Madurai(142km) Coimbatore(167km), Kozhikode(287km), Thiruvananthapuram(302km). Daily IA flights to Nedumbassery Airport near Ernakulam from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Goa and four flights from Chennai. Jet has daily flights from Mumbai.

Rail: Nearest Railway Stations Kochi (13km), Kottayam (147km), Madurai(162km), Thiruvananthapuram (302km). Trains that connect Kochi with important cities and tourist destinations in the country are Kerala Express, Trivandrum-Chennai Mail, Nizamuddin-Ernakulam Express, and the Trivandrum Rajdhani Express.

Road: The place is well connected by a well developed network of road transport. Buses run by the KSRTC start from the Central Bus Stand in Ernakulam. One can access Munnar by road from Kottayam (147 km), Thekkady (110 km), Madurai (160 km) and Thrissur (158 km).

Tourist Information Offices
District Tourism Office, Kumily. Ph: 91-4865-322620.
DTPC Information Centre, Old Munnar Ph:91-4865- 530679, 530682.

Tourism

Tourism is travel for predominantly recreational or leisure purposes or the provision of services to support this leisure travel. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2006, there were over 842 million international tourist arrivals.[1]
Tourism is vital for many countries, due to the income generated by the consumption of goods and services by tourists, the taxes levied on businesses in the tourism industry, and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services such as cruise ships and taxis, accommodation such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and other hospitality industry services such as spas and resorts.

Definition

One of the earliest definitions of tourism was provided by the Austrian economist in 1910, who defined it as, "some total of operators, mainly of an economic nature, which directly relate to the entry, stay and movement of foreigners inside and outside a certain country, city or a region."
Hunziker and Krapf, in 1941, defined tourism as "the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity."[2] In 1976 Tourism Society of England defined it as "Tourism is the temporary, short-term movement of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work and their activities during the stay at each destination. It includes movements for all purposes." In 1981 International Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism [3] defined Tourism in terms of particular activities selected by choice and undertaken outside the home environment.
The United Nations classified three forms of tourism in 1994 in its Recommendations on Tourism Statistics: Domestic tourism, which involves residents of the given country traveling only within this country; Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country; and Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country.
The UN also derived different categories of tourism by combining the 3 basic forms of tourism: Internal tourism, which comprises domestic tourism and inbound tourism; National tourism, which comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism; and International tourism, which consists of inbound tourism and outbound tourism. Intrabound tourism is a term coined by the Korea Tourism Organization and widely accepted in Korea. Intrabound tourism differs from domestic tourism in that the former encompasses policymaking and implementation of national tourism policies.
Recently, the tourism industry has shifted from the promotion of inbound tourism to the promotion of intrabound tourism because many countries are experiencing tough competition for inbound tourists. Some national policymakers have shifted their priority to the promotion of intrabound tourism to contribute to the local economy. Examples of such campaigns include "See America" in the United States, "Get Going Canada" in Canada, and "Guseok Guseok" (corner to corner) in South Korea.
Before people are able to experience tourism they usually need disposable income (i.e. money to spend on non-essentials); time off from work or other responsibilities; leisure time tourism infrastructure, such as transport and accommodation; and legal clearance to travel.
Individually, sufficient health is also a condition, and of course the inclination to travel. Furthermore, in some countries there are legal restrictions on travelling, especially abroad. Certain states with strong governmental control over the lives of citizens (notably established Communist states) may restrict foreign travel only to trustworthy citizens. The United States prohibits its citizens from traveling to some countries, for example Cuba.

History

Wealthy people have always traveled to distant parts of the world to see great buildings or other works of art, to learn new languages, to experience new cultures, or to taste new cuisine. As long ago as the time of the Roman Republic places such as Baiae were popular coastal resorts for the rich.
The terms tourist and tourism were first used as official terms in 1937 by the League of Nations. Tourism was defined as people travelling abroad for periods of over 24 hours.

Pilgrimage

The history of European tourism can perhaps be said to originate with the medieval pilgrimage. Although undertaken primarily for religious reasons, the pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales quite clearly saw the experience as a kind of holiday (the term itself being derived from the 'holy day' and its associated leisure activities). Pilgrimages created a variety of tourist aspects that still exist - bringing back souvenirs, obtaining credit with foreign banks (in medieval times utilising international networks established by Jews and Lombards), and making use of space available on existing forms of transport (such as the use of medieval English wine ships bound for Vigo by pilgrims to Santiago De Compostela). Pilgrimages are still important in modern tourism - such as to Lourdes or Knock in Ireland. But there are modern equivalents - Graceland and the grave of Jim Morrison in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
During the seventeenth century, it became fashionable in England to undertake a Grand Tour. The sons of the nobility and gentry were sent upon an extended tour of Europe as an educational experience. The eighteenth century was the golden age of the Grand Tour, and many of the fashionable visitors were painted at Rome by Pompeo Batoni. A modern equivalent of the Grand Tour is the phenomenon of the backpacker, although cultural holidays, such as those offered by Swann-Hellenic, are also important.

Health tourism

Health tourism has always existed, but it was not until the eighteenth century that it became important. In England, it was associated with spas, places with supposedly health-giving mineral waters, treating diseases from gout to liver disorders and bronchitis. The most popular resorts were Bath, Cheltenham, Buxton, Harrogate, and Tunbridge Wells. Visits to take 'the waters' also allowed the visitors to attend balls and other entertainments. Continental Spas such as Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) attracted many fashionable travellers by the nineteenth century.
It could be argued that Britain was the home of the seaside holiday. In travelling to the coast, the population was following in the steps of Royalty. King George III made regular visits to Weymouth when in poor health. At the time, a number of doctors argued the benefits of bathing in sea water, and sea bathing as a widespread practice was popularised by the Prince Regent (later George IV), who frequented Brighton for this purpose.

Leisure travel

Leisure travel was associated with the industrialisation of United Kingdom – the first European country to promote leisure time to the increasing industrial population. Initially, this applied to the owners of the machinery of production, the economic oligarchy, the factory owners, and the traders. These comprised the new middle class. Cox & Kings were the first official travel company to be formed in 1758. Later, the working class could take advantage of leisure time.
The British origin of this new industry is reflected in many place names. At Nice, one of the first and best-established holiday resorts on the French Riviera, the long esplanade along the seafront is known to this day as the Promenade des Anglais; in many other historic resorts in continental Europe, old well-established palace hotels have names like the Hotel Bristol, the Hotel Carlton or the Hotel Majestic - reflecting the dominance of English customers.

Winter tourism

Winter sports were largely invented by the British leisured classes, initially at the Swiss village of Zermatt (Valais), and St Moritz in 1864. The first packaged winter sports holidays took place in 1902 at Adelboden, Switzerland. Winter sports were a natural answer for a leisured class looking for amusement during the coldest season.
The Fun Ski & Snow Festival, which has been organized annually by Korea tourism organization since 1998 and participated by about 10,000 tourists from Asia, is one of the most successful winter tourism products in Asia. The festival provides a variety of events such as ski and sled competitions, ski and snow board lessons, performances and recreational activities. Majority of the event participants are foreign visitors who come from countries with a warm climate that have no snow. The event offers them opportunities to enjoy winter and winter sports in Korea. In addition, southern South American countries making up the Patagonia region in Chile and Argentina attract thousands of tourists every year. Skiing is extremely popular in the mountainous areas.
Mass tourism
Mass travel could only develop with improvements in technology allowed the transport of large numbers of people in a short space of time to places of leisure interest, and greater numbers of people began to enjoy the benefits of leisure time.
In the United States, the first great seaside resort, in the European style, was Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Long Island.
In Continental Europe, early resorts included Ostend (for the people of Brussels), and Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais) and Deauville (Calvados) (for Parisians).

In Britain

The pioneer of modern mass tourism was Thomas Cook who, on 5 July 1841, organized the first package tour in history. He arranged for the rail company to charge one shilling per person for a group of 570 temperance campaigners from Leicester to a rally in Loughborough, eleven miles away. Cook was paid a share of the fares actually charged to the passengers, as the railway tickets, being legal contracts between company and passenger, could not have been issued at his own price. There had been railway excursions before, but this one included entrance to an entertainment held in private grounds, rail tickets and food for the train journey. Cook immediately saw the potential of a convenient 'off the peg' holiday product in which everything was included in one cost. He organised packages inclusive of accommodation for the Great Exhibition, and afterwards pioneered package holidays in both Britain (particularly in Scotland) and on the European continent (where Paris and the Alps were the most popular destinations).
He was soon followed by others (the Polytechnic Touring Association, Dean and Dawson etc.), with the result that the tourist industry developed rapidly in late Victorian Britain. Initially it was supported by the growing middle classes, who had time off from their work, and who could afford the luxury of travel and possibly even staying for periods of time in boarding houses.
The Bank Holidays Act 1871 introduced a statutory right for workers to take holidays, even if they were not paid at the time. By the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the tradition of the working class holiday had become firmly established in Britain. These were largely focused upon the seaside resorts.
The spread of the railway network in the nineteenth century resulted in the growth of Britain's seaside towns by bringing them within easy distance of Britain's urban centres. Blackpool was created by the construction of a line to Fleetwood, and some resorts were promoted by the railway companies themselves - Morecambe by the Midland Railway and Cleethorpes by the Great Central Railway. Other resorts included Scarborough in Yorkshire, servicing Leeds and Bradford; Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, catering for the inhabitants of Bristol; and Skegness, patronised by the residents of the industrial East Midlands. The cockneys of London flocked to Southend-on-Sea, mainly by Thames Steamer, and the South Coast resorts such as Broadstairs, Brighton, and Eastbourne were only a train ride away, with others further afield such as Bournemouth, Bognor Regis and Weymouth.
For a century, domestic tourism was the norm, with foreign travel being reserved for the rich or the culturally curious. A number of inland destinations, such as the English Lake District, and Snowdonia appealed to those who liked the countryside and fine scenery. The holiday camp began to appear in the 1930s, but this phenomenon really expanded in the post-war period. Butlins and Pontins set this trend, but their popularity waned with the rise of overseas package tours and the increasing comforts to which visitors became accustomed at home. Towards the end of the 20th century this market has been revived by the upmarket inland resorts of Dutch company Center Parcs.
Cox & Co, the forebear of Cox & Kings were in existence from 1758 largely entwined with the travel arrangements for the British Army serving around the Empire. While acting as 'agents' for various regiments, they organised the payment, provision, clothing and travel arrangements for members of the armed forces. In the 19th century their network of offices contained a banking and also travel department. The company became heavily involved with affairs in India and its Shipping Agency had offices in France and the Middle East.
Other phenomena that helped develop the travel industry were paid holidays:
• 1.5 million manual workers in Britain had paid holidays by 1925
• 11 million by 1939 (30% of the population in families with paid holidays)
NGOs and government agencies may sometimes promote a specific region as a tourist destination, and support the development of a tourism industry in that area. The contemporary phenomenon of mass tourism may sometimes result in overdevelopment; alternative forms of tourism such as ecotourism seek to avoid such outcomes by pursuing tourism in a sustainable way.

International

Increasing speed on railways meant that the tourist industry could develop internationally. To this may be added the development of sea travel. By 1901, the number of people crossing the English Channel from England to France or Belgium had passed 0.5 million per year. Shipping companies were anxious to fill cabin space that was under utilised.
For example, P&O found that the majority of their passengers for India and the Far East joined the ship at Marseilles. Consequently, they marketed holidays based upon sea trips from London to Lisbon and Gibraltar. Other companies diverted their older ships to operate cruises in the summer months.
However, the real age of international mass travel began with the growth of air travel after World War Two. In the immediate post-war period, there was a surplus of transport aircraft, such as the popular and reliable Douglas Dakota, and a number of ex military pilots ready to fly them. They were available for charter flights, and tour operators began to use them for European destinations, such as Paris and Ostend.
Vladimir Raitz pioneered modern package tourism when on 20 May 1950 his recently founded company, Horizon, provided arrangements for a two-week holiday in Corsica. For an all inclusive price of £32.10s.-, holiday makers could sleep under canvas, sample local wines and eat a meal containing meat twice a day - this was especially attractive due to the continuing austerity measures in post-war United Kingdom. Within ten years, his company had started mass tourism to Palma (1952), Lourdes (1953), Costa Brava (1954), Sardinia (1954), Minorca (1955), Porto (1956), Costa Blanca (1957) and Costa del Sol (1959).
These developments coincided with a significant increase in the standard of living in Britain. Further, the contribution of affordable air travel in combination with the package tour enabled international mass tourism to develop. The postwar introduction of an international system of airline regulation was another important factor. The bilateral agreements at the heart of the system fixed seat prices, and airlines could not fill blocks of empty seats on underused flights by discounting. But if they were purchased by a tour operator and hidden within the price of an inclusive holiday package, it would be difficult to prove that discounting had taken place - even though it was obvious that it had!
Another significant development also happened at the end of this decade. The devaluation of the Spanish peseta made Spain appear a particularly attractive destination. The cheapness of the cost of living attracted increasing numbers of visitors. Mass package tourism has at times been an exploitative process, in which tour operators in a country with a high standard of living make use of development opportunities and low operating costs in a country with a lower standard of living. However, as witness the development of many tourist areas in previously poor parts of the world, and the concomitant rise in standards of living, when there is equality of bargaining power, both parties can gain economic benefits from this arrangement.
Spain and the Balearic Islands became major tourist destinations, and development probably peaked in the 1980s. At the same time, British tour operators developed the Algarve in Portugal. The continuing search for new, cheaper, destinations spread mass tourism to the Greek Islands, Italy, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, and more recently Croatia.
For someone living in greater London, Venice today is almost as accessible as Brighton was 100 years ago. Consequently, the British seaside resort experienced a marked decline from the 1970s onwards. Some, such as New Brighton, Merseyside have disappeared. Others have reinvented themselves, and now cater to daytrippers, the weekend break market or business conferences.

Recent developments

There has been an upmarket trend in the tourism over the last few decades, especially in Europe where international travel for short breaks is common. Tourists have higher levels of disposable income and greater leisure time and they are also better-educated and have more sophisticated tastes. There is now a demand for a better quality products, which has resulted in a fragmenting of the mass market for beach vacations; people want more specialised versions, such as 'Club 18 -30', quieter resorts, family-oriented holidays, or niche market-targeted destination hotels. As well, people are taking second short break holidays.
The developments in technology and transport infrastructure such as jumbo jets and low-budget airlines have made many types of tourism more affordable. There have also been changes in lifestyle, such as retiree-age people who living as a tourist all the year round. This is facilitated by internet purchasing of tourism products. Some sites have now started to offer dynamic packaging, in which an inclusive price is quoted for a tailor- made package requested by the customer upon impulse.
There have been a few setbacks in tourism, such as the September 11, 2001 attacks and terrorist threats to tourist destinations such as Bali and European cities. Some of the tourist destinations, including the beach resorts of Cancún have lost popularity due to shifting tastes. In this context, the excessive building and environmental destruction often associated with traditional "sun and beach" tourism may contribute to a destination's saturation and subsequent decline. Spain's Costa Brava, a popular 1960s and 1970s beach location is now facing a crisis in its tourist industry. On December 26, 2004 a tsunami, caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake hit Asian countries bordering the Indian Ocean, and also the Maldives. Tens of thousands of lives were lost, and many tourists died. This, together with the vast clean-up operation in place, has stopped or severely hampered tourism to the area.
The terms tourism and travel are sometimes used interchangeably. In this context travel has a similar definition to tourism, but implies a more purposeful journey. The terms tourism and tourist are sometimes used pejoratively, to imply a shallow interest in the cultures or locations visited by tourists.
Sustainable tourism is becoming more popular as people start to realize the devastating effects poorly planned tourism can have on communities. Receptive tourism is now growing at a very rapid rate in many developing countries, where it is often the most important economic activity in local GDP.
In recent years, second holidays or vacations have become more popular as people's discretionary income increases. Typical combinations are a package to the typical mass tourist resort, with a winter skiing holiday or weekend break to a city or national park.

Books on Ayurveda

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The Complete Illustrated Guide to Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing
Tradition by Gopi Warrier, Deepika Gunawant (Paperback - August 1997).
..
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The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity
by Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha (Paperback - June 1998).
..
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Heaven's Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda Way
by Miriam Kasin Hospodar (Hardcover - April 1999).
..
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The Handbook of Ayurveda : India's Medical Wisdom Explained
by Shantha Godagama (Paperback - May 1998).
..
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Ayurveda and Panchakarma
by Sunil V. V. Joshi (Paperback - September 1997).

Books on Ayurveda

*

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Ayurveda: The Ancient Indian Healing
Tradition by Gopi Warrier, Deepika Gunawant (Paperback - August 1997).
..
*

The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity
by Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha (Paperback - June 1998).
..
*

Heaven's Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda Way
by Miriam Kasin Hospodar (Hardcover - April 1999).
..
*

The Handbook of Ayurveda : India's Medical Wisdom Explained
by Shantha Godagama (Paperback - May 1998).
..
*

Ayurveda and Panchakarma
by Sunil V. V. Joshi (Paperback - September 1997).

Ayurveda and Kerala

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (Jun - Nov) are the best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. Even today, Ayurveda is widely practiced in Kerala, due to its rich traditional heritage and medicinal herb abundant around the Western Ghats. Click here for Ayurveda Centres

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Ayurveda Packages - Rejuvenation Packages

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Rejuvenation Therapy
( Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 14 days)
This is a complete rejuvenation therapy comprising of synchronized special massage, Herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil etc. This health program is directed towards improving the vitality. It will also go on long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion.

Body Immunisation
( Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 21 days)
This therapy is carried out after consultation with Ayurveda Doctor. It differs from person to person. This package consists of Panchakarma (05 elements) Therapy. This Therapy is directed towards strengthening the immune system in order to achieve ideal health. This therapy enhances the bodies' ability to develop immunization within itself to prevent common seasonal diseases. Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Body Sudation
( Duration: One hour per day for 07 days)
This package comprises of synchronized massage followed by herbal steam bath. This is meant for improving body resistance, improves the eyesight, inducing deep sleep, reduces high blood pressure and elimination of impurities in the system etc.

Body slimming
( Duration: one hour per day for 07 days)
This package is deep massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts, mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.

Panchakarma Therapy
( Duration: 02 Hours a day for 07 to 14 days)
The package contains the famous Panchakarma [05 therapies] and some of the sub therapies. It is a total and integrated health pack meant for both the healthy and the sick. Therapies include synchronized massage, herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil Sirodhara etc. followed by Panchakarma therapy.
Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Ayurveda in Kerala

Introduction

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, means knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. Ayurveda medical system, which was evolved in India, is around the 5,000 year old.


Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh you, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health. It has its root in ancient Vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy the entire cosmos is interplay of the energies of the five great elements Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements that manifest as patterns present in all creation. Click here for Ayurveda Centres

Vata, Pitta and Kapha: the Three Doshas

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In the physical body, Vata (composed of Space) and Air (the subtle energy associated with movement). It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta, made up of Fire and Water, expresses as the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.

Kapha is formed from Earth and Water and is the energy that forms the body's structure bones, muscles, tendons. It provides the "glue" that holds the cells together. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

Anchuvilakku

(22 km from Kottayam)This stone lamp post, a typical example of Kerala architecture, was built near the Changanacherry boat jetty by the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalawa. The Changanacherry market, one of the largest in Kerala, was also established by him. The five lamps on this post are lit using kerosene.

Anayirankal

(22 km from Munnar) It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirankal Dam is surrounded by the Tata Tea Plantation and evergreen forests. It is an ideal picnic spot.

Kuttikanam: A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush, green hills.

Thrissanku Hills (4 km from Peerumede, 1/2 km from Kuttikanam): The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this an ideal spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

Peeru Hills (4 km from Peerumede; 1 km from Kuttikanam): This idyllic hill station is a favourite haunt of trekkers and picnickers. The hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who spent his last days here. The Mausoleum of the saint, the summer palace of the royal family and the residence of the Diwan situated nearby are all worth a visit.

Grampi (5 km from Peerumede; 10 km from Vandiperiyar): Grampi is also known as Parunthupara (eagle rock) because of the panoramic view from its high peaks. Rocky plains, lush hillsides, forests, trekking trails and picturesque views lend charm to this destination. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee plantations.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

30 km from Bekal, this 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. A crocodile at the temple pond, said to be 150 year old is a major attraction.

Jain Temple

There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern bank of the Manjeswar River.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor

(45 km from Kasaragod)located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Siva Temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD).

Amrithamedu

Amrithamedu, popularly known as Kurisumala is a pilgrim centre as well as a trekker’s delight. Peerumedu is the nearest major town from which you can approach Amrithamedu.

During Easter, pilgrims climb the ‘Stations of the Cross’, which would require a pilgrim to cover 14 points, with each point having a cross denoting various phases of Jesus Christ’s last journey. During the course of the trek, when one reaches the third cross, a good stretch of Peerumedu becomes visible, which is indeed an enjoyable sight. One can also see tea estates in the distance and also the rolling Kokkad hills.

As one proceeds further up, the surrounding landscape soon becomes more and more breathtaking. Once the climb reaches the ninth cross, one would step on to a plateau and the mist that engulfs you at this place is quite an experience. This is Amrithamedu, the highest point in Kuttikkanam region.

For avid trekkers, the nearby Madamakulam, located towards the northern side of Amrithamedu is worth a visit. It is a natural pond, formed at the foot of a waterfall. The pond is encircled by big boulders and is surrounded by dense woods.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 75 kms from Peerumedu.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 kms from Peerumedu.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum

Location:12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district.

Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Attractions : Rare 2nd century artefacts.

The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum in Wayanad, has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.

Getting there : Sulthan Bathery, the nearest town, is about 98 km from Kozhikode city.There are frequent bus services between Sulthan Bathery and Kozhikode.

Nearest railway station : Kozhikode, 97 km from Sulthan Bathery.

Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 120 km from Sulthan Bathery.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

(15 km south of Alappuzha)Built in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are on display on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. Ottanthullal, a satiric art form originated by the poet Kunchan Nambiar, was first performed on the premises of this temple.

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple

(12 km from Tirur): One of the famous Hanuman Temples in Kerala and also dedicated to Sree Rama and Baratha. Special Pooja: Neyvedyam

Alappuzha beach

Location: Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala.

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children's park with toy train and bicycles.Timings: Open from 1500 - 2000 hours. Entrance fee: Rs. 2 per person; Free entrance for children below 5 years. Boating charge: Rs. 10 for ten minutes. Video permit: Rs. 25; Camera permit: Rs. 5.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Alappuzha - Aquatourism

With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers criss crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Pathiramanal (Backwater)
This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only by boat.

Boat races
Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August) Alappuzha Tourism Boat Race (9th January) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of Midhunam - July) Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day - August/September) Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September).

Alappuzha

Area: 1414 sq. km

Population: 21,05,349(2001 census)

Altitude: Sea level

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater area is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A land of vast lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Akkulam Tourist Village

Location : About 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.

Attractions: A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.

(Open 1000 - 1900 hrs) A picnic spot with boating facilities, Akkulam is a place children flock to. It has a well equipped children's park and a paddle pool. There is a swimming pool for adults too. Ph: 2443043

Timings and rates:

Boat rentals: (Open 1000 - 1830 hrs), Safari boat: Rs. 250 for 21 people; Pedal boat: Rs. 60 for four persons; Rowboat Rs. 40 Entrance: Children's park (Open 1000 - 1930 hrs): Adults: Rs. 5; Children: Rs. 3 Swimming pool (Open 0600 - 1830 hrs): Adults: Rs. 20; Children: Rs. 10; Swimming suit compulsory.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram, about 10 km from the tourist village.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram international airport, about 7 km from the tourist village.

Agasthyarkoodam

Location :70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions :Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.

Adyanpara

Located in the Kurumbalangode village of Nilambur taluk, Adyanpara is famous for its waterfalls and the splendour of its lush surrounding jungles.

A cruise through the canals of Alappuzha

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.
Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.
Let the canal network be at any part of the Vembanad Lake, the chances of one coming across some of the inspiring and interesting vistas on and along the canals are very high. This could come in the form of panoramic paddy fields; coconut lagoons; pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch fish etc. Among other common sights that one would come across during the cruise are isolated islands; men on country boats engaged in fishing and shepherding their ducks to new pastures, cargo being moved in huge boats called rice barges or Kettu Vallams and school children being ferried across the canal.
During the cruise, one would also be able to drop in at some villages to check out the techniques and procedure involved in coir making. Also, if interested, one may try any of the wayside eateries serving ethnic food, especially fish delicacies, and also toddy, the natural beverage produced from coconut trees.
So get set for a memorable cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Because this could be just the beginning of your many cruises on the canals and backwaters of Kerala. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station:Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 Kms