Nalumanikkattu of Kerala wins SKAL International award for Sustainable Tourism

The SKAL Int'l award committee consists of Tour operators and Travel Clubs from over 85 countries around the world and hence is truly a befitting award for the project at Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala. Everyone likes to sit and relax in an open space in the evening. Imagine doing that on a not so busy roadside amid lush paddy fields with overflowing canals and cool breeze swooping down on you and the sun set making the location a perfect place to unwind. Street hawkers provide hot and steaming local delicacies and snacks made on the spot. Horse rides are available. A make shift shop lends you books to read. Capture the essence of village life and spend some time with nature and it green and clean environment.

Nalumanikkattu wins the prestigious SKAL International Award in Sustainable Tourism

Nalumanikkattu a unique concept for Eco Tourism in Kerala wins this years prestigious SKAL International Award for Sustainable Tourism. The Tourist spot is located in Manarkad-Ettumanoor Bye pass road near Kottayam, Kerala, India. The site runs amid a green verdant paddy field and welcomes the cool breeze in the late evenings. People flock to the roadside benches and seats to while away time and eat some local food prepared hot and fresh on the spot. The project has taken special care to blend the environment and local people with the tourist amenities provided thereby giving jobs and an opportunity to promote the local culture and ethnic food.

Bon Natale Santa Claus Parade with a World record 25000 Santas in Thrissur Kerala India on Dec 27 2014

Bon Natale a first in the world and unique parade of 7000 Santas in Thrissur Kerala India in 2013 is getting bigger with a world record 25000 Santas in 2014. The mega event will be held on 27th D

ec 2014 in Thrissur Swaraj Round. Also will be an Expo named Bon Natale "Splash" at Sakthan Nagar starting from Dec 19th to Jan 05th. A Noah's Ark 200 ft. long and 100 ft. wide will be set complete with animals and biblical theme from the period. Also will be a Christmas Crib competition with Mega Prizes to win. Tourists from around the world will have a rare chance this Christmas in Thrissur to be a part of the 'Bon Natale" Parade.

New Celebrity Wedding Destination Kerala India

Wedding is a elaborate event in life and the Elite class and Super Rich want to make it memorable for a life time. They are willing to shell out millions for a lavish wedding and the destinations are becoming more chic and exclusive for the Jet set. Kerala now offers private and secluded Wedding locations. Be it on a Silver Sand Beach, or on a House Boat anchored in the middle of the calm backwaters or a Jungle lodge in the tropical forests. The Uber Rich Indians and NRI's now prefer Kerala for their dream weddings. The event managers from the Metro Cities now arrange theme weddings in Kerala for their super rich clients. Then there are Westerners who prefer to wed in the local tradition in a Hindu Temple or Christian Church wearing the local attire. Kerala has all the spicy ingredients to bedazzle your dream wedding and Honeymoon.

Wedding Destination Kerala India

Kerala is the new Wedding Destination for Super Rich of the World. The pristine beaches of Marari, Kovalam, Varkkala, Kappad has numerous Seaside Resorts with 5 Star amenities. The Five Star House Boats moored in the Vembanad Backwaters is the epitome of luxury and privacy for Celebrity Couples. Kerala style traditional Hindu, Christian weddings with a parade of Caparisoned Elephants, local musicians and Classical Dance performers give a exclusive look for the Wedding. The Hill resorts have special Honeymoon packages for newly wed couples. Kerala Tourism has also highlighted the emerging "Wedding Destination" trend in the recently concluded Kerala Travel Mart Expo.

Arrow USA shirts for 35 US Dollars in Kerala

Premium Fabrics, Fine Leather and Accessories are sold cheap in Kerala. Thanks to the NRI population working in the Gulf, USA, Europe and Australia. Branded Shirts and Leather goods like Shoes, Belts, Ladies Handbags and Wallets are highly expensive in foreign countries. So the NRI's coming on vacation to India buy loads of these items while returning. The prices are cheap compared to foreign currency prices. Now the tourists from Western Countries also show interest in buying premium shirts, trousers, and suitings from Kerala.

Home Stay in Kerala India

Home Stay in Kerala is a good option for tourists visiting Kerala. The usual Hotel rooms can be swapped for a Home stay where the host family will share their extra space along with homely food. It is a unique chance to experience the culture and lifestyle of rural people and even urban culture in Kerala. The regular tour schedule gets boring sometimes. Home stays offer the view of the countryside and customs and traditions in the region along with local flavours and sight seeing.

Kudumbasree Groups and Women Empowerment in Kerala India

Kudumbasree Units in Kerala run by sometimes illiterate and poor women folk of Kerala are highly successful in earning handsome income and sometimes even exceeding expectations in terms of revenue generation. They are assisted by able Government officials and Micro financing methods. They run Canteens, Health and Sanitation projects for Elite Urban Apartment Complexes, medium sized business units in agriculture, manufacturing of food products etc. Their highly successful format is being studied by Industry and Governments from other countries. Delegates from several Foreign Countries are visiting Kudumbasree Missions to learn this unique format of Women Empowerment through minimum Financial resources.

Women Empowerment in Kerala India

Kerala's 'Kudumbasree' is a highly successful model for Women Empowerment. Females from rural and backward communities are able to become a member of the group through a very small amount and build their business and flourish and earn handsome income. The Kerala Government extends all support and guidance for this unique project. Interested people from all over the world are coming to Kerala to study and implement the model in their respective countries.

Kerala Wild Life and Tiger Reserve forests

The Undisputed King Cobra of Kerala India

Flying Squirrel in Nelliyampathy and Gavi Forests of Kerala India

Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala India

A Selphy with the Tiger is a NO NO..!! You will be incredibly lucky to spot even the majestic Tiger in the wild. Yet Periyar Tiger reserve in Kerala offers a unique chance to spot a Tiger for the lucky few with a brave heart.

Peacock and Purple Hen in Kerala

Kerala is home to the majestic and regal bird Peacock. Also it is home to several species of migratory birds from far off places like Siberia and Europe. The wet lands, backwaters and vast 'Kole'paddy fields in Kerala are a Winter home for these birds. The fish and other aqua creatures provide ample food and the warm climate makes Kerala a favourite stop over.

Nilgiri Thar or Mountain Goats in Munnar Kerala

Munnar is famous for its mountain goats called 'Nilgiri Thar' which are seen on high cliffs and grasslands of Eravikulam National Park. They are a highly endangered species and prefer to live in the cool and high altitudes of Munnar and Himalayas.

Flying Squirrel in Kerala Forests

Kerala blessed with some verdant greenery and deep jungles are home to several wild animals. The Black Panther and the endangered Mountain goat 'Nilgiri Thar" are seen in the wild in Kerala's dense jungles. Wild Elephants, Bison, Deer, Black Monkeys, Lion Tailed Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Leopards, Tigers, Fox, Wild Boars, Peacock, Bear and Wild Dogs.

Hornbill and Humming birds in Kerala

Jungles of Kerala are home to several species of birds. Ornithologists from every corner of the world flock to this tropical paradise to study and research on rare species of birds. The forests of Silent Valley and Parambikulam are home to some rare species of birds.

Deer in Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary

Deers are common in Kerala forests. They are seen in herds and generally can be seen on a road trip through the Kerala Forests.

Cobra one of the most poisonous snakes in Kerala

Cobras can be spotted in Kerala. They are highly poisonous and swift in their movement. The "V" shaped mark on their hoods are the identifying marks. They are generally seen in dry and moist bush and foliage and in the jungles. They even foray into Rice fields to prey on Rats and other rodents.

Bison in Kerala Forests

Bison are big wild buffalos and roam freely in the wild in Kerala, India. There are several hotspots for Bison in Kerala. Wayanad, Nilambur, Nelliyambathy, Parambikulam, Sholayar, Bison Valley near Munnar are favourite places where Bison can be spotted. They are very ferocious and sometimes attack vehicles and people coming in their way.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary Kerala India

Thattekkad near Malayattur, Kerala India is a beautiful Bird Sanctuary with a large lake and forest strip that attracts several rare species of birds. The presence of jungles and water body gives the birds a perfect getaway to feed and nest.

A Challenger to the Anaconda from Kerala India the King of Snakes King Cobra

This heavy weight snake is a real danger to any living being. The highly poisonous King Cobra seen here with a snake loving human being.

King Cobra of Kerala India

Kerala is home to several Poisonous snakes and King Cobra is one of the most recognised species. Snakes of several meters in length are caught sometimes.

Friends of King Cobra in Kerala India

King Cobra, the most poisonous snake on the planet roam freely in the shola forests and countryside of Kerala, India. The most revered snake with its majestic pose and poise is watched with fear and awe. Some individuals in Kerala like the one seen here is highly recognised for their special skills to catch this "King" of Snakes. They have special skills to woo the snake into their hold. The highly venemous snakes are generally caught from households and other settlements and later released into the wild by the forest officials.

Waterfalls in Wayanad Kerala India

Wayanad is home to numerous water falls big and small; famous and low profile. The hill district bordering the western ghats is the origin of many waterfalls. Tourists enjoy the pristine environs and the salubrious climate.

Thusharagiri Waterfalls in North Kerala India for White Water Rafting

Thusharagiri falls in North Kerala is famous for White water Rafting. The place was in limelight when an International event took place there for white water rafting. The grand rapids in the river are challenging to the most experienced hands in this adventure sport.

Thumboormuzhi Reservoir in Kerala India

Thumboormuzhi Reservoir near Chalakudy enroute to Athirapilly is a beautiful spot with the Chalakudy river blocked in the region to flow over man made spill over walls. The water gushes over the wall during the Monsoon to race downstream packed with deadly force that will pound the rock into sand.

Thenmala Dam in Kerala India

Thekkady Lake in Kerala India

Thekkady Lake in Idukki district of Kerala is a major tourist attraction and millions of tourists flock to this lake and take a boat ride to get a glimpse of wild animals on its banks. Elephants, deer, tiger and bison are seen taking a dip or drinking water from the lake. The Lake in the Periyar Tiger reserve is a must see location.

Soochippara Waterfalls in Kerala India

Soochippara Waterfalls is another gorgeous falls in the forests of Kerala.