Author: nikoadmin

Tripadvisor has announced the winners of the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Destination Award. Kochi emerged as the top trending location on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor has announced the winners for the different categories like trending choice award, recognizing traveller loved destinations and emerging awards. The awards are based on positive reviews and ratings of the travellers in Tripadvisor over the last year.

Kochi topped the list of 25 tourist places in the world of trending location. The port city of Kerala has earned the bucket-list status by the huge spike in reviews, ratings and traveller interest in Tripadvisor over the last year. Kochi is followed by Luzon in the Philippines and Porto in Portugal respectively.  Trending and emerging destination award are determined using an algorithm which measured the increase in positive Tripadvisor traveller review ratings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions, and an increase in booking interest and searches across destinations worldwide. While Kochi topped the list of the top trending destination, Kaliningrad in Russia top the list of top emerging destination in 2020.

Earlier, Lonely Planet the famous travel magazine has listed Kochi as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2020. Fort Kochi as National Geographic Traveller must visit place in 2020.

Munnar is one of the favourite destination spots in India. Known as Kashmir of South India, Munnar is famous for its scenic beauty.  Munnar means three rivers and it rises from three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It is situated at around 1600 meters above sea level. The temperature of Munnar ranges between 5 °Celsius to 25 °Celsius during winter and 15 °Celsius to 29 ° Celsius during summer. Munnar is rich in its flora and fauna. Neelakurinji blooms every twelve years in the hills of Munnar making it a sea of blue, it has bloomed in 2018 and you can experience the next blue carpet in Munnar hills on the year 2030.

Munnar is famous for its sprawling tea plantations making it an ideal hill station. The highest peak of South India Anamudi also belongs to Munnar. Here we are exploring some options of Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park National Park is a 45-minute drive away from Munnar. The Park is rich with flora and fauna. It is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. It was handled by Kanan Devan Hills produce company before 1971. The control was taken over by the Government of Karnataka in 1971 and it was declared as a national park in 1978. The Eravikulam National Park is the home for the endangered species, Nilgiri Tahr.  This park is also home for several endangered species such as rare butterflies, animals and birds. It is a great place for trekking and offers a view of tea plantations. You can also see the Neelakurinji flower carpet once in every twelve years here.

Anamudi Peak

The highest peak in south India, Anamudi means “elephants forehead”. You can go for trekking with the permission of forest and wildlife authorities of Eravaikulam. This is also known as “Everest of South India”. 

Mattupetty

Mattupetty is located 13 km from Munnar town. Situated at a height of 1700 above sea level. It is a perfect relaxation place for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One can sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature on their travel by boat. Mattupetty is also known for the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project which is known for the different high yielding cow breeds.

Tea Museum

Munnar is famous for tea plantations, which played an integral part in attracting tourists. Its legacy on tea plantations made Tata tea plantation to open a tea museum. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar. You can witness the whole tea processing here. You can also see the growth and history of the tea estate. Another major attraction of the tea museum is the tea tasting room where you can taste different varieties of tea from different regions.

Palivasal

Palivasal is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala. Its scenic beauty makes it a great picnic spot. Blossom Park is located near Palivasal hydroelectric project.  This park expands over an area of 16 acres and is home to several flowering plants. 

Top Station

Top Station is the highest point in Munnar. You can enjoy the scenic view of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu from here. It is one of the important spots where you can see the blossomed Neelakurnji. It is also famous for tea gardens. You can also interact with the tea pickers and get a taste of regional tea.

So, don’t miss to add Munnar to your travel list. It is one of the beautiful places in the God’s Own Country. You can also get the best Kerala tour packages to Munnar.

Kerala has been acknowledged for its rich culture and tradition. The art and dance forms of the state holds a special place for making it a tourist hub. God’s own country has different dance forms. The native dance forms were derived from the earlier folk dances.  Each dance is unique in the way of presentation. Here we are detailing the different dance forms of Kerala. 

Kathakali

It is one of the famous classical dance forms mainly performed in Kerala. It is a perfect combination of music, dance and drama. Kathakali means story play. The dance form is generally performed by men. The costumes of  Kathakali includes headgear, special ornaments, swirled skirts etc. This dance form use hand and facial expressions to explain the story. The act depicts the epics stories of Hindu Puranas like Mahabharata, Ramayana etc. The vocals of Kathakali is in Sanskritized Malayalam form.  The act symbolises the fight between good and evil.

This dance form is known for its uniqueness. We can distinguish the characters by the makeup itself as it differs according to the shades of the character. The category includes Paccha, Kathi, Kari, Thaadi, Minukku etc. Paccha (green)is used for characters like Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, Shiva, Nala, Arjun, Yudhishthira etc. As these characters are considered as noble they are given the same makeup i.e their lips will be painted in coral red along with green face makeup. Some evil characters also have green makeup to represent their excellence but will have red colour in any form(like dotted line or dots) to denote the evil nature. Thaadi is used for characters with an evil streak like Ravana. Usually performed in the temple premises Kathakali is one of the major tourist attractions of Kerala. So if you are planning to visit Kerala don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique art form.

Mohiniyattom

One of the native dance form of Kerala. Mohiniyattom means Mohini’s dance, it is solo women dance. Mohini is considered as Lord Vishnu’s avatar. This dance form is considered as a mix of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam. The art form is described in the Natya Shastra. Mohiniyattom includes Carnatic way of singing and acting through the play. The song is in Manipravalam, a Malayalam-Sanskrit hybrid. It is said that Mohiniyattom originated in the 6th century. The costume of Mohiniyattom is plain white or off white sari embroidered with the gold layer, it looks very similar to Kasavu saree. The dancer uses limited jewellery without any head mask. It is one of the eight dance forms included in the Sangeet Natak Akademi.   

Thirvathirakali

Thirvathirakali is one of the popular group dance forms performed during the festive season.  It is usually performed on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month Dhanu(December-January), the birthday of Lord Shiva. This dance is performed by women to attain marital bliss. The sinuous movement is done by a group of 8 or 10  members with “nilavilakku” in the centre. The costume includes Kerala traditional kasavu saree with simple ornaments along with fresh jasmine in the head makeup. 

Ottamthullal

The dance form introduced by Kunchan Nambiar in the 18th century. Ottamthullal is performed by a solo dancer with green makeup and decorated colourful costumes. The performer narrates a story based on mythology. Kunchan Nambiar has crafted the art in such a way it consists of comedy element in it.  It is developed in the Malayalam language. Simple language usage and comedy elements made Ottamthullal very popular among the local audience. It is considered as one of the most popular dance forms.

Kerala is well known for its culture and tradition. This century-long tradition has made Kerala, a state of rich heritage. Here we are listing the popular Kerala festivals. 

Onam :

Onam is the national festival of Kerala. It is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, the great ruler of Kerala. The festival gives a message of Truth, Integrity, Peace and Honesty. As per Hindu mythology, the Asura King Mahabali was ruling over three worlds and Devas want to defeat him. King Mahabali was a good ruler to his subjects and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Upon on the request of Devas, Lord Vishnu took Vamana(dwarf boy) avatar asked for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed to his wish and Vamana covered the whole three worlds in just two paces. Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Lord Vishnu was pleased with devotion and grant a boon to visit his subjects once in every year. Onam is celebrated as King Mahabali’s forthcoming to Kerala. People of Kerala celebrate the festival with pomp and Onasadya, the delicious grant meal. Onam mostly falls in the month August or September and celebrations will start with the Atham asterism on the Malayalam month calendar Chingam.

Vishu :

Vishu is celebrated in the month April, it is celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month Medam. This auspicious festival is considered as the starting of the new year. The main ritual of this festival is Kani Kanal to bring a prosperous upcoming year. Elders give” Vishu Kaineetam” to younger ones.

Christmas:

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in Kerala in its traditional way. Celebrations start a week before Christmas, with shopping, decors, lights, etc. On Christmas Day, Christmas feast will be prepared on households.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram is one of the popular Kerala festivals . It is held in Thekkinkadu Maithanam near Vadakunathan temple. Popularly known as “Poorams of all Poorams”, this festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam (April-May). Thrissur Pooram is known for its colourful fireworks that lit in the festival night.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the famous festival of Muslims to celebrate the arrival of the Holy Quran from Allah. It is a month-long festival with prayers and fasting of food to purify the soul and bring close to Allah. This season of fasting ends with Eid-Ul-Fitr and is celebrated for three days.

Easter

Easter is celebrated as the resurgence of Jesus Christ. Since Kerala has a high population of  Christians, so Easter is celebrated with much zeal as in other countries. It starts with lent, a fast kept by giving up your favourite food. People break the fast on Easter day and celebrate the whole day with fervour.   

Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea has a lot more about than its scenic beauty, historic touch and the streets. The city is known for its spice trade since 3000BC. It is also popular for its special flavoured dishes. We can see special native dishes all over Kerala. You may have read our recent blog about must-try dishes on your Kerala trip. Kerala has a special dish range like Kappa, Puttu, Poratta etc. Even each region has its own special dishes like famous Thalassery Biriyani, Kozhikodan Halwa, Karimeen Polichathu etc. Kochi, the economical capital of Kerala also has a special range of popular dishes. If you are planning for a special trip to Kochi here we are listing the top native dishes of Kochi. 

Pazhampori and Beef Roast

One of the famous native food of Kochi, known for its unique combination. Pazhampori or  Banana fritters is a delicious evening snack available in Kerala. This unique combination with a beef roast with layered onions make a delicious snack combo. This hot combo is a must-try dish on your visit. 

Porotta and beef Curry

Another famous dish of Kochi which is a key attraction for the local people. Porotta and beef curry is one of the favourite dishes of Kerala. Porotta with chicken curry is also delicious combination.  There many restaurants which serve this delicious dish. You can also try Porotta with any other vegetable dish if you are a vegetarian. 

Kappa and Meen Curry

Kappa is the traditional food of Kerala.  We can find different varieties of Kappa dishes in Kochi. This Yummy delicious Kappa with Meen Curry is the favourite dish of Keralites and tourists. So don’t forget to try this dish on your trip to Kochi.

Biriyani

Biriyani is one of the favourite Indian foods. In South India, we can find Hyderabad, Malabar, Ambur, Dindigal etc.types of biriyani.  Kochi is famous for special Manjali and Pandaris biriyani. Don’t miss the special flavour of this biriyani.

Karimeen Pollichathu

The traditional dish of Kerala made of Pearl Spot fish. This dish is prepared using Karimeen a fish found in backwaters. The marinated fish with varieties of spices is wrapped and baked in plantain leaves. This wrapped dish will get all the flavours of the leaves which makes it extra delicious. 

So if you are visiting Kochi don’t forget to try these dishes. Book your budget hotels in Kochi for your visit to Kerala.

Ayurveda is one of the most used alternative medicine methods in the Indian subcontinent. It is said that this medical practice was established in India over the centuries.  Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means the knowledge of longevity and life. It is considered as the treatment for the prevention of disease. Ayurveda world considers this universe is composed of five elements i.e. sky, wind, earth, fire and water and the same way the human body consists of these five elements. Thus the Ayurveda treatment follows the tridoshas which is considered as life energies. The Tridoshas of Ayurveda are Vata, Pitta and Kapha and says that balance in tridoshas helps in improving health.

Kerala follows Ayurveda as a mainstream medical practice. Ayurveda is also known for its wellness treatment. Many visit Kerala for the Ayurveda treatments, especially on Monsoon’s (the month of Karikkada) as it is the best time for the Ayurveda treatment. This helps to detoxify, boost immunity and rejuvenate yourself. 

Kerala has its own legacy on Ayurveda. There many medical practitioners who are excellent in Ayurveda. So, if you are planning to visit India don’t forget to experience Kerala Ayurveda.

Fort Kochi, a place touched with history and culture with a well preserved colonial style. This place is one of the best tourist spots in the world. Recently it got listed in National Geographic Traveler’s must-visit place in 2020. The beauty of Fort Kochi is really mesmerizing and is associated with history. Fort Kochi is the main tourist’s spots in Cochin. Major attractions of  Fort Kochi includes Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese fishing nets, Indo Portuguese Museum, Vasco da Gama square, St Francis Church, Fort Kochi beach, Dutch Cemetery, Fort Emmanuel etc.

This territory in Kochi was one of the major attractions for the Portuguese and the Dutch. The place is known as the trading centre of both. Even now we can see the influence of their rule in Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi was gifted to Portuguese by the Raja of Kochi and thus it became the trading hub of the Portuguese. The territory was under the Portuguese for almost 160 years. During the Portuguese rule, they have built Fort Emmanuel, named after King of Portugal which was later destroyed by the Dutch. But the remains of the Fort Emmanuel is still present here. We can also see the Indo-Portuguese museum which helps to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian art heritage. Dutch also left their legacy behind here and followed by the British.  Both Portuguese and Dutch culture can be seen in the building infrastructure and lifestyle.  

Visit Fort Kochi and experience her mesmerizing beauty, you can also explore the events like Cochin Carnival and Kochi Muziris Biennale here. 

 

Kerala is one of the most favourite destinations spots in India. God’s own country is ready to welcome the New year. If you are planning to celebrate this New year delightfully and cheerfully, then Kerala is the best option for your New Year occasion.  Kerala has a variety of tourist attractions like houseboats, backwaters, hill stations and beaches. Here we are listing the best places to visit in Kerala. 

Fort Kochi 

Fort Kochi is one of the most happening places during New year. The main attraction in Fort Kochi during the New year is Cochin Carnival. Cochin Carnival starts from 25th December to 1st of January. The carnival begins with parade, games and ends with the burning of the huge statue of Papanji in the midnight of 31st December. Fort Kochi is located in Ernakulam. 

Alleppey

Alleppey, the backwater destination of Kerala is the best places to enjoy your vacation. Known as the Venice of the east is the favourite destination spots of tourists. Cruising through houseboat in the backwater is an amazing experience. Alleppey is also known for its vast number of canals and beaches, you can also experience this during your journey to Alleppey.

Munnar 

The Kashmir of South India, Munnar is the best hill station in India. The scenic beauty of Munnar is overwhelming, you can see the hills covered with tea plantations, waterfalls and a variety of flora and fauna. You can see the tea processing while visiting Munnar tea museum. Munnar is known for its scenic beauty with lush green hills by cool climate. Other main attractions include Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and Mattupetty dam.

Kumarakom

Located at the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is also known for its backwaters. You can experience the houseboat travel in Kumarakom. Along with backwater, we can see a wide range of migratory birds. So if you are planning a trip to Kumarakom then don’t forget to visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, the popular bird watching spot in the world. Another main attraction of Kumarakom is the variety of foods. Kumarakom will be one of the best choices to welcome this new year.

Are you ready to welcome 2020? Make this new year memorable by visiting Kerala. You can choose your hotels now, you will get the best hotels in Kochi near to Cochin International  Airport and easily accessible to all destinations. We have listed the best destinations in Kerala, just pick the right one, celebrate your New Year and make it memorable.

 

 

Christmas is the festival where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival is celebrated all over the world by passing a message of share and care. People welcome Christmas with twinkling stars and lights. Kerala one of the best tourist spots in the world. Christmas is one of the major celebrations of Kerala. It is celebrated with Christmas cakes, stars, light and decorated crib. Kerala is known for its beautiful churches and cathedrals, it will be decorated with stars and lights throughout the Christmas days. You can see thousands of people gathering in the churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

 Kochi, the gateway of Kerala is known for the special Christmas celebrations. We can see the shop are filled with Christmas decors. Christmas is a great time to visit Kochi, as it being the shopping hub of Kerala. Kochi also celebrates Cochin Carnival and Santa Cruz Basilica feast during the time of Christmas. The month of December is very happening for the tourists visiting Kochi. Kochi Muziris Biennale and Cochin Carnival are held during December. Kochi Muziris Biennale is the largest exhibition in India and Cochin Carnival is the biggest and colourful celebration held at Fort Kochi during the last week of December. 

So if you are planning for a trip to Kerala, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Kochi and enjoy the beauty of Christmas celebration in Kochi.  

 

 Kerala is rich in its tradition and it is reflected in the souvenir items of Kerala. Here we are listing the top 5 souvenirs.

Aranmula Kannadi :

The famous Kerala souvenirs made up of the metal alloy mirror. This mirror is made in Aranmula, a town in Pathanamthitta. It is believed that to have Aranmula Kannadi in the household brings prosperity, wealth and luck. It is one among eight objects in ashtamangalya set which is used in auspicious occasions like marriages etc. The metals used in the alloy is kept as a secret in Vishwakarma family. The mirror has received the geographical indication tag(GI). It is said that the mirror is associated with Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula. So if you looking for an auspicious object from Kerala don’t forget to choose Aranmula Kannadi.

Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram :

The ring made in Payyannur, a town in Kannur. The golden ring has a unique structure with a knot shape in the middle of the ring. The ring is said to bring prosperity and luck to the owners. It is said that Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram should be only worn on the right ring finger.

Nilavilakku :

Nilavilakku the traditional lamp of Kerala is one of the best things you can shop from Kerala. You can see two types of Vilakku in Kerala mainly Nilavilakku and Thukkuvillakku. Nilavilakku is the lamp which can be kept on the floor and Thukkuvilakku, the lamp which can be hanged. Mainly it is lit in Hindu households and temples, but it is also considered auspicious to light the lamp in socio-cultural programmes.

Kerala Sari :

Kerala Kasavu Sari is the special sari wore by the Keralites on special occasions. Commonly called as set saree and set mundu, this is pure cotton handloom saree. Kerala saree is of white beige colour with a wide golden border.

Spices :

Kerala is known for its spices. Different types of spices are available in Kerala like Pepper, Cardamom, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, etc. Spice market in Kochi is very famous for hand-picked spices.