Kerala Houseboat Tour – Beautiful Options to Explore Enchanting Backwaters

A houseboat cruise over Kerala backwater is probably the best way to explore the breathtaking beauty of this place. The charm of the glistening Kerala backwater destinations must definitely be explored through the royal Kerala houseboats. You should definitely take a Kerala houseboat tour. A houseboat tour package may be customised to suit your needs and budget. Many tour operators in Kerala will book a memorable tour for you.

Kerala houseboats are one of the prime attractions of the heavenly state of Kerala. There are many type of houseboats available in Kerala. You can book the one you like from a reputed houseboat tour operator. For a memorable holiday experience, you may book either a luxury AC houseboat or a non-AC houseboat. The room sets are different in different houseboats, but all of them offer impeccable services.

The popular Kerala backwater destinations are Alleppey backwater, Kumarakom backwater and Cochin backwater. Here you get a chance to discover the scenic natural beauty on a houseboat cruise. As soon as the houseboat cruise begins, you will feel as if you have been transported to a world of wonderment. The diverse flora and fauna, luxury resorts, beautiful temples, rustic village and other attractions of Kerala are simply wonderful. You will also agree to this after your Kerala houseboat sail experience.

During your holidays in Kerala, you cannot afford to miss the chance of residing overnight in a conventional houseboat. Houseboats are basically country made boats and not even one nail is used in their construction. You will have to see it to believe it. It is a great opportunity where you will get to know other interesting facts about the houseboat. 

Earlier, houseboats in Kerala were used for sending goods from the village to the port and vice versa. However, as time passed, the houseboats used merely for transportation began to disappear. The houseboats faded away into oblivion but were introduced again, with a completely different aim this time. They were now meant to serve as attractions for tourists. They were introduced to popularize Kerala tourism with houseboat cruise as its prime attraction. Today, it certainly is a major appeal of Kerala tourism that draws innumerable tourists from all parts of the world. Not only this, Kerala houseboat cruise has become very popular amongst the newlywed couples and honeymooners too. They love the experience of sharing quality time amidst the luxurious ambience and awe-inspiring beauty.

Well if you want to experience the charm and beauty of these wonderful backwater destinations of Kerala, a tailor made Kerala houseboat tour package from VoyagesKerala will surly caters your needs. VoyagesKerala provide several tour packages and houseboat booking in Kerala, sightseeing tour, etc. Choose one package that cater your needs and enjoy your vacation in this beautiful state of India – Kerala in a delightful and memorable way.

Click here to know more about VoyagesKerala HouseBoat Packages

e-mail: tours@voyageskerala.com
24 Hours Helpline No : + 91 93870 66801

Read More

Munnar holiday tour - An absolutely enthralling experience

Do you wish to get away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life? Do you want to spend your holidays in a place that oozes with spell-binding natural beauty, pristine tranquility and heavenly ambience? If so, let your next holiday destination be Munnar, one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in Kerala. Every year, thousands of tourists, from around the world, visit Munnar to enjoy its picturesque charm & beauty, cool & pleasant climate & its never-before-seen fascinating attractions. So, have a unique & memorable holiday experience at Munnar that you will cherish forever.

Munnar, located at an altitude of 2000 to 2600 m above sea level, is a prominent hill station in Kerala.  This scenic hill station is situated at the confluence of the three mountain streams namely- Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala. Taking a munnar holiday tour is the best way to explore the various aspects of nature. Munnar showcases Nature in all its resplendence - exotic flora and fauna, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful rivers & valleys, luxuriant tea & spice plantations & so on. Your munnar holiday tour would be incomplete with out a visit to some of the most riveting tourist destinations such as Devikulam, Mattupetty, Eravikulam National Park, Pallivasal, Rajamala, Echopoint, etc. These destinations offer a marvelous holidaying opportunity that you have always dreamt of. To make your munnar holiday tour convenient, easy & comfortable, it would be good to book your accommodation in some of the best hotels in Munnar.

It is interesting to note that Munnar was once the summer resort of the British Government. Munnar is, in fact, a tourism destination for all seasons. Every year, Munnar beckons thousands of tourists from across the globe. To make your Munnar holidays an absolutely enthralling experience, do avail the tour packages offered by reputed tour operators in Kerala. Most of the hotels and resorts in Munnar provide excellent accommodation facilities & services that will make your stay a memorable one. Taking your beloved on Munnar holidays is the best way to spend your honeymoon. If you are an irresistible nature lover, embarking on a splendid tour to Munnar will truly re-energize your mind, body & spirit!  While planning your Munnar holidays, contact an established tour operator who offers you various kinds of tour packages and choose any package that suits your comforts & budget.

VoyagesKerala's Munnar Holiday Packages offer you the ideal opportunity to get close to nature. Gushing cascades, lush vegetation and panoramic vistas beckon you on your visit to Munnar.  Avail the best munnar tour packages & experience the myriad charms of this vivacious green landscape - savor the captivating beauty of the land, revel in adventurous activities & get mesmerized by the intoxicating fragrance of tea & spice plantations. A trip to Munnar is sure to soothe your senses, offering you a totally refreshing experience! So, get the best munnar tour packages, pack your bags & head to the eternally beautiful Munnar!

If you are a newly-married couple, you can venture on a fabulous honeymoon trip to Munnar. Munnar, popularly called ‘Kashmir of South', is a perfect retreat for honeymooners. There are a large number of tour operators who offer highly affordable munnar honeymoon packages that cater to your budget & requirements. Munnar's scenic landscapes & pleasant climactic conditions air lends a romantic ambience to the place & attracts plenty of honeymooners. With Munnar honeymoon packages, you can indulge in various sight-seeing & adventure activities such as camping, mountaineering, trekking etc. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Munnar tour now itself!

Get in touch with VoyagesKerala, choose the best Munnar Honeymoon Packages and make your honeymoon trip truly enriching, romantic & memorable!

Click here to know more about VoyagesKeralaMunnar Holiday Package
e-mail: tours@voyageskerala.com
24 Hours Helpline No : + 91 93870 66801

Read More

Kathakali: the Confluence of Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Art

Kathakali, the consummate confluence of dance, music, theatre and visual art, is one of Kerala's prime cultural contributions to the world. The word Kathakali is a combination of two words: ‘Katha' meaning story and ‘Kali' meaning dance. Over the years, Kathakali has evolved into an intricate and highly stylized classical dance-drama form complete with elaborate make-up, luxuriant costumes, detailed hand gestures and body movements, performed with traditional percussion in the background. The striking green countenance of Kathakali has come to symbolize the global face of Kerala.

The origin of Kathakali dates back to the 16th century A.D to two precursor dance-drama forms ‘Ramanattam' and ‘Krishnanattam'. Kathakali has derived a major share of its techniques from these two art forms besides other ritualistic and traditional art forms like ‘Koodiyattom', ‘Ashtapadiyattom' and to a lesser extent, folk arts like ‘Porattunatakam'. ‘Kalaripayattu', the martial art of Kerala has had a significant influence on the body language of Kathakali. Along its evolutionary course down the centuries, many of the rituals and practices unique to these and many other traditional art forms have become integral to Kathakali as we know it today.

The classical elements of fine arts that make up the essence of Kathakali are ‘Natya' (enactment-histrionics), ‘Nritham' (Dance), ‘Nrithyam' (Expressions) while ‘Geetha' (Song/Vocal accompaniment) and ‘Vadyam' (Percussion) play a supplementary role in creating a wholesome theatrical spectacle. Traditionally the stories enacted in Kathakali are adapted from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata though the advent of globalization has led to western classics like ‘King Lear' and ‘Othello' being adapted to give it a global appeal. Though traditionally, Kathakali performances are known to extend throughout the night, shorter versions are the norm these days to cater to today's time-conscious aficionados.

The intricate and elaborate make up of Kathakali, called the ‘chutty' is an entire art form in itself, focusing on enhancing the dramatic element of Kathakali. Various predominant shades are used to symbolize the various ‘Gunas' (qualities) in its characters like ‘Saatvika' meaning Godliness symbolized by green, ‘Rajasic' meaning Violence symbolized by red, ‘Tamasic' meaning evil symbolized by black. A Kathakali performer has to undergo years of intense training to achieve the immense concentration, physical stamina and skill that this art form demands. Its subtle nuances are better appreciated with a basic knowledge of the ‘Mudras' (gestures) and a general awareness of the tale being narrated. The Kathakali recital is a visual and aural treat for the layman and connoisseur alike and and for many it is the true essence of Kerala, Gods Own Country.

To know more about Kathakali and to arrange a Kerala Holiday package, please visit VoyagesKerala.com.

Read More

Alappuzha Beach- Visit This Precious Gem of India

The most beautiful part of theArabian Seain the west, besides a number huge lakes and crisscrossing freshwater rivers, there dwells the Alappuzha beach. It was once a demanding port located near Kerala. The Alappuzha beach is also popularly called as Alleppey beach. It is one of the most admired tourists' spots in this district. From its natural beauty to the pleasing water spots, this beach has everything you wish to enjoy.

 There are many wonderful places to visit in and around this beach. The lighthouse at this beach is also an impressive old structure to tour. There are a few colonial buildings that attract tourists from around the world. If you are a nature lover, then this is the place for you to be, as there are many beautiful gardens close to this beach that you can visit and enjoy the natural beauty.

 The two parks namely theVijayaParkandSeaViewParkare worth visiting. You can bet that your children will enjoy each and every minute spent at these parks. The Alappuzha beach gives you an opportunity to look at a whole new world of immense splendor and liveliness. Its marvelous surroundings give you an opportunity to indulge in a variety of water sports and relax on the warm cozy sands sipping on your favorite beverage.

 You could hire water scooters or a high speed boat. Paragliding is one of the popular sports around here and you would not want to miss out on it.  Boating is other option, where you can take pleasure in and if you are lucky, you also get to see whales playfully swimming in the seawater faraway. Besides all this, there are also many attractions that you might want to explore and make you vacation the most memorable one.

 Alappuzha town is well known for it amazing backwaters. It is an important attractive feature of this beach area. The cruise launches from Alleppey and ends at a jetty, which gives an awesome view of the landscape, gardens, churches, temples, industries and great historical monuments. Some of the famous places to visit in this region are Kuttanad region, Krishnapuram palace, Champakulam church, Chavara bhavan, Bhagavathy temple, Mararikulam and many more.

Reaching Alappuzha beach

 You can reach Alappuzha beach from the Kochiairport by road. It is just at a distance of nearly 85 km. You just need to hire a bus is you are travelling in a group or just by purchasing bus tickets for the number of your people heading towards this beach. You can also buy bus tickets beforehand to avoid last minute hassles. Bus tickets online services are quite easy to operate and offer safe modes of payment. Online bus tickets can be booked from anywhere in the world to this miraculous beach.

 At this picturesque destination, you can spend a memorable time and discover the beauty ofIndiawith your family members and friends. You could not only cross a few nicely constructed bridges, but also pass by well built canals.

 Months of August to March, are perfect to be at this beach and hire houseboats, participate in boat races, relish seafood and much more. The resorts and the hotels are way beyond your expectation, and their accommodation facilities are superb and worth every penny you pay them. 

Contact VoyagesKerala to know more about the Alappuzha beach Holiday Packages. Get10% off on all our Kerala Holiday Packages. Please call 093870 66801

Read More

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Kerala's 'Water Olympics'

It is indeed an Olympics of its own right... Not just a boat race, but sort of a mega sports event featuring gigantic boats alongwith a large team – unmatched in every respect in the whole world... That's the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race of Kerala, South India.

A colorful sports carnival that takes place on the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha (Venice of the East), on Second Saturday of August every year, Nehru Trophy Boat Race is known for its thrilling competition and mass appeal.

The most striking feature of this event is the Snake Boat, locally known as ‘Chundan Vallam' – A huge wooden boat over a 100 feet  in length and with a raised prow adding to its majestic appearance. A Snake Boat can carry around 100-120 rowers.

A little flashback...

Given the name ‘Snake Boat' by the erstwhile colonial powers, perhaps due to its dazzling movement thro' the waters like a snake; this wooden marvel has long been associated with the history of Kerala. During the medieval era when Navy ruled supreme, snake boats played a decisive role in the victory of many local kingdoms that existed in Southern Kerala region.

Origin of Nehru Trophy Boat Race...

In the palm-fringed, water-logged areas of Alappuzha and Kuttanad, various models of wooden boats were the prime vehicles of transportation since ancient times. The 1st Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Kerala (which was Thiru-Kochi State, then) in 1952. In the honour of Prime Minister, the first unofficial Snake Boat Race was conducted. Out of several contestants – each featuring a snake boat with 100 odd teams – a team named ‘Nadubhagom Chundan' came first.

Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed by the fast paced boats and their oarsmen's skills; that he insisted on a ride on the winning boat, soon after the race. He was given a rousing ceremonial farewell in the Snake Boat. Later, Nehru donated a Silver Trophy (a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus) with his signature. Thereafter, people of Alappuzha began to organize and conduct Snake Boat Race every year, in the fond memory of the then-Prime Minister. This soon came to be known as ‘Nehru Trophy Boat Race'.

Over the years, the Nehru Trophy race has grown to be the most competitive and popular of all the boat races in Kerala. For the people of Alappuzha / Kuttanad, this is more like their national festival. Organizing and conducting this event is a matter of pride and joy for them.

The preparations for this celebrated occasion begin several weeks in advance. Snake boats are smeared with sardine oil for smooth passage through water ... Very best oarsmen are selected ... Then, under the supervision of the senior-most oarsmen, vigorous practice sessions commence ...

Each snake boat accommodates 100+ rowers sitting in two rows and 5 other oarsmen. There are other group of people standing in between; singing the ‘Vanchi-pattu' (boat songs with hymns) which gives a rhythm for the rowers to charge forward, all-together.

This synchronized way of rowing needs long and devoted training and inherent aptitude. Team work is so important that even a silly neglected act of one participant can lead a boat to lose the race.

During the preparations, each ward in the village and rich individuals takes their turn in feeding the would-be participants, which each & everyone does proudly. All folks, whatever be their religion / status, stand as a single entity to make the approaching race a grand success.

On the day of the Snake Boat race, the venue ‘Punnamada Lake' will be brimming with excitement. Hundred-Thousands of people, locals & tourists, assemble to watch the race.

The 1400+ meters long water-race-course is divided into various tracks for the conduct of this competition. As the race starts, these big water vessels rip through the tracks, resembling quick snakes... Oarsmen splash the oars in unison with the rhythmic chants of ‘Vanchi-pattu' and drum beats... The backwaters get ‘electrified' ... Spectators go wild with frenzy ...

As the boats race to finishing point, the atmosphere will be beyond words !!!

Unparalleled in thrills, Alappuzha's (Kerala) most important sports event is now regarded as the greatest water sport show in the world.

Read More

Kerala : The Culture and The Curry

Kerala is a gateway to paradise. The state offers an enthralling experience with its captivating landscapes, mind blowing backwaters, majestic hills, wildlife parks and sanctuaries, tea plantations, and last but not the least, its stunning sun-kissed beaches. With the hordes of tourists and travelers visiting Kerala for spending holidays, Kerala tourism is rising at great strides. Apart from an excellent getaway to nature, Kerala tourism is also redefined as Kerala Health Tourism, Kerala Backwater Tourism, Kerala Culture Tourism, Kerala Beach Tourism, and many more. 

Kerala takes pride in being one of the oldest civilizations on the face of the earth. Historians suggest that Kerala culture is a blend of numerous civilizations, varied customs, practices and beliefs as a result of interaction of Indian as well as overseas cultures. A variety of performing arts such as Koodiyattom, a type of drama or theater and UNESCO-listed human heritage art; Kathakali, a dance drama that depicts ancient epics; Kerala natanam, a popular offshoot of Kathakali; Koothu, a light-hearted comedy performance similar to modern-day stand-up comedy; Mihiniyattam, the dance of the enchantress which is a choreographed performance by women accompanied by music and vocalizations, and many more art performances are unique to Kerala.

The Kerala culture is reflected in its festivals, pilgrimages, literature, music, traditional performances, customs, practices and cuisine. Variety and uniqueness of Kerala's culture may be experienced by being a part of its annual ten-day festival known as Onam. During Onam, a host of colorful sports, cultural programs and rituals are organized. Celebrated at the end of August or beginning of September, the festival is a complete reflection of the rich culture that Kerala boasts of.

The Kerala food is unusual which offers some of the most sumptuous tastes on earth. Keralites are gourmets with a difference. The cuisine is usually hot, spicy, aromatic and flavored. Use of coconut is an integral part of the cuisine. It is used either chopped or grated to garnish the dishes. Coconut milk or paste is used to thicken gravies and its oil is used for cooking. Rice is the staple diet. A typical lunch or dinner may consist of rice, seasonal vegetables cooked in coconut oil with different spices for flavor, dal, seafood curry and a sweet dish as dessert. Seafood is taken almost with every meal. Fish like sardines, tuna, rays, and crabs, mussels and oysters are taken with unique preparations. Apart from meals, different snacks such as banana chips, murku, shakaruperi and many types of halwa are consumed any time during the day.

Kerala Tourism offers a variety of tourism options in Kerala. From wildlife tourism to medical tourism and Pilgrimage tourism the state offers everything. The Kerala Tourism and archaeological department have taken good steps to preserve state's archaeological remains and uphold its rich culture. With the provision of stat-of-the-art facilities by travel agencies like VoyagesKerala, transport departments and hotels and resorts, thanks to Kerala Tourism, the God's own country is more charming, more comfortable and more rewarding for that mesmerizing holiday experience.

Read More

Make Your Love Remarkable With Kerala Honeymoon Packages

 Honeymoon! The word is very special in the life of the newly married couples. Its brings joy, feeling to share with love and pleasure, feeling to introduce yourself to your beloved in a romantic way and lot more. Everything should not be disclosed as it is the matter of privacy and the wonderful time couples enjoy being together. Couples mostly choose destination which is blessed by nature, tranquility and serenity so that they enjoy time together in a romantic and memorable way. If you are looking for such destination, I would surely suggest you to visit Kerala lovingly called God's Own Country. Situated in the south western part of India along the azure Arabian Sea amidst the Western Ghats, this beautiful strip of land is globally famous for its awesome tourism and fascinating charm. It is fondly referred as Honeymooners Paradise.

Having awarded several awards by the National Geographic Travelers Magazine, Kerala has left its mark on the world tourism map. Its is now one of the Top Ten Paradise of the World, Top 50 must visit destinations of the world, Green Paradise on Planet, etc. Well planning a honeymoon holidays in this beautiful state of India will truly be an experience of lifetime. Choose one tailor made Kerala honeymoon package and take your beloved to this green paradise on earth and celebrate your honeymoon in a romantic and memorable way.

Here romance is in the air of the hill stations, romance is in the pristine water of the backwaters, romance is in the whistling waves of the beaches, romance is in the green woods of the wildlife parks and sanctuaries, romance is in the exotic flora and fauna, etc. Infact all these have made Kerala Paradise for Honeymoon couples. Well if you want to enjoy the charm and aura of these astounding beauty of Kerala tourism, you can made it happen by availing tailor made Kerala honeymoon packages from Voyages Kerala, a Govt of India Approved Tour company.

VoyagesKerala is very concerned about the satisfaction of the clients and they keep in contact to assist clients if any difficulties or problem arises during the trip. More of all they provide all the assured services promised on your Kerala honeymoon package so that they enjoy their time in a profound environment with much comfort and luxury. Honeymoon is all about luxury, comfort at the same time share romantic moments together to treasure memorable memento to cherish the evergreen moments for lifetime.

Well Voyages Kerala also give you valuable information and they give you flexibility to customize the tour package according to your need, preference and choice. So no need to worry at all, you can pick up the most beautiful destinations according to your choice so that you enjoy truly the holidays of lifetime, honeymoon in Kerala.

Beside all, Kerala is visited by tourists and honeymoon couples from all the nook and corner of the world. It has now become the icon of honeymoon destination where couples lose themselves in the beauty of nature to romance and celebrate romantic time with love and pleasure.

Please call +91 -93870 66801 or email at tours@voyageskerala.com

Website  - http://www.voyageskerala.com/
HoneyMoon Packages - http://www.voyageskerala.com/honeymoon_packages.html
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VoyagesKerala.India

Read More