Kerala - God's own country

Gently swaying palms, gleaming white pristine beaches, endless captivating stretches of meandering backwaters and lots of happy friendly folks. The list is infinite when it comes to describing Kerala’s myriad charms. Aptly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, the destination is an indescribably beautiful place and is best explored during the months of November to March.

Cruising along the Kerala Backwaters...

Like countless other travellers, I feel that the biggest highlight of a Kerala trip is to cruise the backwaters on a houseboat. The experience is all the more merrier if you are on a romantic outing. In fact, everything about Kerala spells pure bliss. Be it simply gorging on scrumptious South Indian cuisines or drinking in the natural wonders of game filled lush forests, huge tranquil rice paddies, or the softly rolling green hills – Kerala slowly grows upon the senses and finally enraptures one completely.

Mouthwatering Cuisines from Kerala

Rice paddies of Palakkad, Kerala

The vast tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala

Kerala is also as much known for its exquisite temples as for its abundance of virginal natural beauty. Some of the most famous ones that I was lucky enough to see include Thirunelly Temple,  Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ochira Temple, Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, Thiruvalla Temple, and the jungle temple of Mangla Devi. Even if you are an atheist, the temples are worth a visit for their aesthetic beauty and architectural genius.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

To make the most of your Kerala trip, make sure that you indulge in some alternate therapy like ayurvedic treatments, naturopathy, panchakarma, siddha, spa therapy, and yoga classes. I promise that the experience is worth much more than what you spend and will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. My personal favourite centre for such therapy was learning Hatha Yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta  Dhanwantari Ashram.

The famous Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Treatments of Kerala

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram

Wish you a great Kerala trip. Will be back soon with stories of another fabulous destination to be shared.

- Pinak Shome

]]> http://blog.ixigo.com/2012/03/bingo-i-found-heaven-on-earth-in-kerala.html/feed 0 http://blog.ixigo.com/2012/03/1st-march-2012.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=1st-march-2012 http://blog.ixigo.com/2012/03/1st-march-2012.html#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:13:40 +0000 kshitigarg http://blog.ixigo.com/?p=1450 Guten Morgen (Good Morning in German) iXiGoers! Wishing for a day full of the innocent colors of life same as this picture!

Guten Morgen (Good Morning in German) iXiGoers! Wishing for a day full of the innocent colors of life same as this picture!

Image Source

Suresh Raina (L) stands next to Virat Kohli as he celebrates reaching his century during their Tri-series one-day international cricket match against Sri Lanka.

Image Source

Seems like its supposed to be a 'holy' morning! bună dimineaţa (Good Morning in Romanian) iXiGoers!!

Image Source

As the sun shines through, the pastures seem greener.... this one's for a greener and brighter day ahead to all iXiGoers!

Photograph Source – Google Images

Mysterious curved Pine Trees

The curved pines, of which there are about 400, were planted around 1930 are surrounded by a larger forest of straight growing pine trees. One of the explanations for the curvature says – that these trees were allowed to grow for seven to ten years before being held down in what is thought to have been some kind of human mechanical intervention. Speculationas to what the trees may have been intended for ranges from use in making bent-wood furniture, the ribs for boat hulls or yokes for ox-drawn plows. However, before they could be harvested, the outbreak of the Second World War interrupted the plans of whoever was growing and tending the grove, leaving their plans a mystery.

Lakshadweep: The air strip on Agatti

The Lakshadweep archipelago consists of 36 major islands, coral reefs, coral atolls and several smaller islands. The coral reefs add unique charm and color to the islands, thus enhancing their natural beauty. It is the perfect destination for those who want to explore nature at it’s best. It captures your imagination like no other place, making sure that you come back here again and again. One of the most important things about this place is – its rustic charm which is still preserved. With an old-world charm and traditional lifestyle, the place offers an interesting insight for its visitors.

Lakshadweep: View of Bangaram from the flight

Talking about the tourism in Lakshadweep, it is a rapidly growing industry that is playing a vital role in shaping the overall development. The main tourist attractions of Lakshadweep are the beautiful islands that attract hundreds and thousands of visitors from all across the globe.

Lakshadweep - Amazing beach resorts!

When it comes to shopping, Lakshadweep offers somewhat limited but attractive options for the guests. You can have some impressive local handicrafts made from oyster-shells, seashells, tortoise shells and coconut shells. If you are an avid lover of chunky jewellery, you will surely not be disappointed as there are several local markets from where you can get your favorite stuff.

Lakshadweep: Folk dance performances at Kadmat

Coming to the local attractions in Lakshadweep – Kavaratti Aquarium, mosques of Kavaratti, Tuna Canning Factory, Buddhist Archaeological Museum and the Tomb of Hazrat Ubaidullah form the quintessential part of your travelogue. Some other off-beat destinations include – Minicoy, Kalpeni, Bangaram, Agatti and Kavaratti.

The place is a paradise for water sports lovers with a full-fledged Water Sports Institute located at Kamat Island that offers facilities for activities like Yachting, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Water Skiing, Scuba Diving, Wind Surfing and Canoeing.

Lakshadweep: Underwater Diving

Come and discover all this and more at a place with which you would surely fall in love with!

- Jigyasha Prasad

Weekend plans on the roll... For now lets start the last of the week's working days with a Good Morning! - śubh prabhāt (Hindi)

Photograph Source – Google Images

A smiling morning....the perfect way to start the day... goeie môre (Good Morning in Afrikans) iXiGoers!!

Photograph Source – Google images

Let there be light, let there be education.... with this beautiful message, we wish all iXiGoers - pagi yang sangat baik (a very Good Morning in Indonesian).

Photograph Source: Google images