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Desire of a romantic honeymoon vacation

bespokeindia — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 17:53:34 +0000

The desire of a romantic honeymoon vacation conjures images of solitary walks on a beach, watching the sunset together and a candle lit dinner overlooking the waters. Quintessence of honeymoon can only be enjoyed in the secluded and quiet destinations and one such destination can be found in Kerala, filled with exciting escapades, recreation and romance. Kerala honeymoon offers the couples many adventure packed prospects for a great honeymoon that will last a lifetime. With its captivating beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, compelling milieu, its hidden and exotic destinations and much more, Kerala by no means fails to mesmerize.

There are many striking places in Kerala which are still untouched by commercialization. One such virgin beauty is Wayanad that lets a couple elope from the modernized world to enjoy the nature Wayanad; a hill station, located among the mountains of Western Ghats. Its capped mountains, green meadows of valleys, water springs and crystal clear waters charm every one. Wayanad is known for its wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar dam, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Meenmutty Falls, Chembra hills all these places give a Midas touch to Wayanad.
Honeymoon couples can choose from riveting villas and resorts to stay during their Kerala honeymoon holidays. So if you want a private and totally relaxing honeymoon, and then have your wish granted, come and enjoy the mesmerizing experience of nature’s greatest gift-Wayanad.

Visit www.bespokeindiaholidays.com to avail best economical Kerala packages.

A mesmerizing drive away from Salem, in Tamil Nadu

bespokeindia — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:00:54 +0000

As a rule, hill stations are crammed with tourists, so where can one find his ‘peace’ in a hill haven and still, escape from the touristy crowds? Yercaud, a mesmerizing drive away from Salem, in Tamil Nadu, also known as poor man’s Ooty, is your own little private space. A paradise of lakes and forests, Yercaud is a treasure house for those who like the earth painted green.

As a summer retreat, Yercaud is unparalleled, when sunshine shows its restorative powers as a disinfectant, interspersed in a tapestry of winking flora and fleeing fauna.

Given its colonial background, Yercaud is dotted with beautiful row houses, like ants moving in files that speckle the entire hills. Yercaud is famous for coffee and pepper in much or less the same way, Ooty and Kodaikanal are famous for tea. For those who prefer the open spaces, there are any number of touristy distractions like old castles, parks, caves, view points, botanical gardens, forests and lakes, to work up an appetite for a typical Madrasi dinner.

Rather mysteriously, some people are coy about describing Yercaud as a hill station. The undulating drive up to Yercaud punctuated by trademark curves and dips is sufficient to debunk this myth. If you are traveling on a misty morning when visibility is near zero, you get the eerie – and enchanting – experience of getting lost in the clouds. If this is not hill station territory, then nothing is. Perhaps, this could be Yercaud’s punch line?

A day in Yercaud works like a tonic for a lifetime of memories. The place is picture perfect for lazy strolls along pine-shadowed pathways that shyly hide their delights till they turn, past sun-soaked meadows, and with a plethora of local treats on-the-go, are enough to walk off your lunch.

Yercaud is also not pricey – perhaps that’s why it is humbly described. Escape the tourists. Welcome to Yercaud. And find your own holiday.

Located: 35 kms from Salem
How to Reach: One hour by bus from Salem
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Alappuzha backwaters is its beautiful Kuttanad region

bespokeindia — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:47:10 +0000

If nature is the only thing you need to recuperate, backpack to Alappuzha and experience a remix of your life and the elements playing in the background to Nature’s very own symphony.

A million experiences await you here. Now that’s an exaggeration. But one does lose count. Backwater cruises, snake boatraces, palaces, farm tours, eco-tours, boathouse, paddy fields, coconut groves, cashew plantations, parks, waterbodies, bird sanctuaries, trekking pathways, winding walkways, bazaars, ayurvedic centres, health destinations, churches, temples, museums, pictureseque canals, lagoons, beaches, fairs, …. It’s a bit like counting sheep.

Every holiday is a break, while an Alappuzha holiday is a breakaway! Break away from the humdrum, the routine, and the normal, for an experience that has the flavor of the east. Or rather, the Venice of the East, as Alappuzha is called.

The backwaters experience in Alappuzha, takes you through a bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of beautiful lakes, rivers, lagoons, canals, and innumerable rivulets.

One of the distinct features of Alappuzha backwaters is its beautiful Kuttanad region, known for its innumerable waterways and lush green surroundings of paddy fields. So unique are the lush landscape of Kuttanad backwaters that a houseboat trip is simply irresistible.

Thousands of tourists take a boat to experience Alappuzha – living it out on a luxurious houseboat on the serene backwaters serenading Kuttanad, through palm-fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of lush paddy fields and the unique tiny hamlets lined up all along the edges of the waterways. Spot a variety of water birds and wild animals on the edges of the canals and see villagers engaged in coir making and waving at you as you pass by.

And during the festive Onam season in Alappuzha, all roads – or should we say, rivers – lead to the annual Snake Boat Races. The Nehru Trophy is Alappuzha’s very own version of IPL, with giant snake boats racing jaw to jaw, egged on by an enthusiastic crowd as colorful as cricket’s cheergirls.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha.

Every holiday is a break, while an Alappuzha holiday is a breakaway

bespokeindia — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:15:38 +0000

If nature is the only thing you need to recuperate, backpack to Alappuzha and experience a remix of your life and the elements playing in the background to Nature’s very own symphony.

In Alappuzha, the land of sun, sea, sand, beaches and lakes, coastal coves and cashew plantations, churches and palaces, you suddenly discover that amidst all the cornucopia and clutter, you are alone, with your own me-time. You and only you. It’s a trip that you didn’t bargain for, you didn’t pay for, and you didn’t know about.

A million experiences await you here. Now that’s an exaggeration. But one does lose count. Backwater cruises, snake boatraces, palaces, farm tours, eco-tours, boathouse, paddy fields, coconut groves, cashew plantations, parks, waterbodies, bird sanctuaries, trekking pathways, winding walkways, bazaars, ayurvedic centres, health destinations, churches, temples, museums, pictureseque canals, lagoons, beaches, fairs, …. It’s a bit like counting sheep.

The backwaters experience in Alappuzha, takes you through a bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of beautiful lakes, rivers, lagoons, canals, and innumerable rivulets.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha.

A tree-house experience is virgin, unexplored, and totally drawn from nature

bespokeindia — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:40:30 +0000

A holiday is a time to be what you are not, and do what you haven’t. How about a boot-camp in a tree-house? In Wayanad, Kerala, it’s the hottest holiday option. A tree-house experience is virgin, unexplored, and totally drawn from nature. Surrounded by swathes of coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom plantations, bathed in aromatic scented blossoms, the hottest address in Wayanad is yours for keeps: on a tree-top in the deeps of a tropical rainforest. To get to your “house” you use an indigenous cane-lift. This lift is a far cry from the Otis you use at home; it is a large cane basket acting as a suspension bridge that takes you to your Tree-House, 86 feet above the ground.
To explore the open spaces, you use the hanging rope bridge that connects one tree to another. Solar power, organically grown vegetables, and kerosene-lit lamps, color you green. The tree houses are made of wood, coir mats, hay straws, bamboo poles and built in a cottage style, but are well equipped with modern facilities and amenities like beds, bathrooms with running water and shower. Every room is a room with a view that’s a treat for your eyes.
And for your eternal delight, Nature displays in full bloom, a never-before seen variety of bees, trees, mosses, plants, butterflies, birds, flora and fauna, domesticated and wild, humming, buzzing and singing, in an orchestra performed to perfection, for an Audience of One.
The menu is North-Kerala, and prepared and served in centuries old fashion. To work off your lunch and develop an appetite for a more scrumptious dinner, you have a range of walking and hiking trails, boating, and a guided tour of the forest. Wayanad is about doing nothing, to derive everything about a great holiday.
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Tiger Land – Jim Corbett National Park

bespokeindia — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:30:19 +0000

If you’re planning a holiday in the greenbelt of India, there are hundreds of parks competing for your dollars, but we suggest one that will not only be great value for money, but also ideal for creating “us time” for you and your beloved ones. Nestled in the foothills of Himalayas in the lyrically named Uttarakhand, is a wildlife paradise celebrated worldwide for tiger sightings in particular. Though in India, the park is known by a western name, viz. the Jim Corbett National Park, established 1936, and named after Jim Corbett, a great hunter turned conservationist.

A Tiger Reserve, the Jim Corbett Park has a nice historic ring to it. Originally known as Hailey National Park, it was established to save the Indian Tiger in particular, apart from several other wilds from extinction. Now of course, the tigers are roaring and rolling in fine health!

The oldest national park, Jim Corbett spans an area of 1,288 sq ft, and is located between Terai region and Himalayas, and covers the twin districts of Nainital and Pauri. The altitude here ranges from 400 to 1,200 meters above mean sea level. The park’s wet and dry grasslands, rugged mountains and plains and its 110 species of trees with shrubs, bamboos and creepers is ideal foil and fodder for most of the species of wild animals and birds.

Jim Corbett National Park’s Green Estate: A bewildering variety of flora and fauna, over 50 species of mammals, 530 species of birds, 25 reptile species, Sal trees across nearly 70 percent of the area accompanied by Pipal, Mango, Rohini and Haldu trees, and Elephant grass.

Park’s Main Residents : Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Black Buck, Sambhar, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Grey Mongoose, Ghoral, Cheetal, Wild Dog, Jackal, Monkey and Langur, and the famous Indian Python. Ramganga river which flows through the park is harbors crocodiles, otters and Mahaseer fish.

Birdwatcher’s paradise: Corbett National Park is home to almost half of the bird species found in India. Parakeets, Orioles, Bulbuls, Doves, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Owls, Bee Eaters, Finches, Forktails and many other rare species of birds can be spotted here throughout the year.

Which is the best time to visit the park?
Regulars would say anytime (!) but the park remains closed from mid-July to October due to monsoons, which means November to June is your ticket to this heavenly green.

The recommended way to explore the wildlife and escape from the tourists is through safari rides – either on an elephant or on jeep. Just imagine sitting plump on the comfy and extra-large back of an elephant wading through dense forests, deep valleys, and rough terrain, and you get the picture. Rather than surround sound, tune into Nature’s very own jugalbandi and we guarantee you, you’ll get up and dance!

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park

Air: The nearest airport is Phoolbagh airport in Pantnagar, 50 km away from Jim Corbett National Park.
Rail/Road: Ramnagar is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 51km from the Corbett National Park. It is connected by trains from Delhi, Varanasi and Lucknow. The Ramnagar main bus stand is connected by buses from cities like Lucknow, Agra and Delhi. Ramnagar is 145 km from Lucknow, and 300 km from Delhi.

Jim Corbett Park’s biggest draw at is of course tiger sightings. Those tiger moments that stay in your memory for ever are quite simply priceless and beyond description. Our advice: Just say grrrrrrr to that and roar.

For tourist who like their holidays served with a dose of laziness, enjoy timeless afternoons lazing and laking around fishing in the park, in Mandal, Ramganga, Kosi, and Kothari rivers. Stacks are available on hire. Resorts also arrange all type of equipment for fishing and angling trips here.

Walking is not allowed in the park but you can go trekking in the forest reserves around the park. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and cloth’s natural earth colors. And keep shhhhhhh. Don’t disturb the animals in their backyard.

Distance from New Delhi: 270 km; Dehradun: 265 km.

White Water Rafting in India

bespokeindia — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:23:29 +0000

White water rafting is not for the chicken-hearted. If that sounds like a let down for some, the good news is, we can have a change of heart if the place is safe, right and offers plenty of opportunities. But white water rafting tours to India is even better, because you can leverage the adventure with a dose of spirituality or fun ‘n frolic.
For the first, dive into Rishikesh, the abode of the gods no less, and for the latter, it’s a hop across to Goa, India’s original international destination, i.e. Dandeli, ensconced in the northern tip of Karnataka. At 1,800 feet above sea level, and serenaded by thick tropical rain forests, Dandeli is blessed with excellent climate throughout the year giving a well-deserved respite to the weatherman, from fussy tourists! (We are a fussy lot, let’s admit it!).
White Water Rafting for the uninitiated means cruising down the gushing waters of river in an inflatable rubber raft. India is one of the best white water rafting destinations in the world. White Water Rafting or river running in India is mainly confined to the northern rivers which flow from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayas. River running calls for a triumph over the swift swirling rivers and a trip down a river can be a great way to see the countryside. Rivers such as Ganga, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Indus and Barahmputra offer many rafting stretches which are ideal for both professionals as well as amateur rafters. Its rushing waters gushing through densely forested mountains and steep gorges offer matchless thrills for rafting.
The Kali River which flows through fourteen kilometers in Dandeli offers multiple opportunities to paddle through numerous, exciting technical class 3 rapids. There are many great fun rapids to be found in these incredible surroundings. The beautiful surroundings are home to a wide range of wildlife, including a flourishing bird life, in particular several species of very rare hornbills, monkeys, elephants, wild boars, sambar deer, crocodiles, giant squirrels and even leopards and black panthers.
Rishikesh is the other popular watering hole for white water rafting enthusiasts in India. A religious pilgrimage town, Rishikesh in the heart of Uttarakhand, houses many ancient temples, shrines, and offers holiday courses in Yoga and Meditation, Ayurvedic Spa Center, and the like, apart from white water rafting experiences for the adventurous traveler.
For the religious pilgrim as well as the adventurous tourist, Rishikesh, is the starting point of destination. It can also be divined as a major river rafting site from where the amateur as well as professional would love to start his rafting trip in India.
Rishikesh offers a range of experiences from easy rapids for beginners to difficult stretches navigated by expert rafters.
You can never understand the exhilaration of shooting the rapids one minute, while taking in some of the world’s most exciting and breathtaking scenery the next, until you have tried it.
The rafting area from Shivpuri to Rishikesh covers 6 major rapids, and they are creatively named, viz. sweet sixteen, marine drive, three blind mice, cross fire, roller coaster and golf course.
River rafters see breathtaking scenery, get great exercise, and experience terrific adventure. There are lots of places in India where you can enjoy river rafting.
Rafting tips
Rafting is a sport that you enjoy while sitting down. So, you don’t necessarily need to be in a tiptop shape.
Remember to dress up in synthetic materials including wool and polyester. This will keep your body warm during the river rafting trip.
While you are setting off on your rafting adventure, don’t forget to take along necessary medications, if any. These medications may include inhalers, bee sting kits, insulin etc.
Normally, people above 14 years of age can go on a white water rafting trip. The best season for White Water Rafting depends on the adequacy of water volume and the recommended months are March-June and September-November.
Equipment required for river running is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, disposable camera, swim suit, nylon shorts, tennis shoes, wind-proof jacket, towels, a hat and antiseptic cream.

Places to stay:

Dandeli:

Jungle Lodges: Bison River Resort
Resorts: Kali River Lodge, Hornbill River Resort, Riveredge Paradise Resort.

Distance:

From nearest airport in Hubli: 85 km
From nearest airport in Goa: 145 km

Rishikesh:

Camps: Camp Ganga – Sarovar Hotels; Mercury Himalayan Explorations (MHE) Beach Camp (14 km from Rishikesh); Leopard Beach Tented Camp (16 km from Rishikesh); High Banks Himalayan Retreat (16 km from Rishikesh);

Distance:

From New Delhi: 227 km
From Dehradun: 43 km
From Haridwar: 24 km

Top Summer India Destinations

bespokeindia — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:08:11 +0000

You don’t need a travel advisor to tell you holidaying in a desert is simply not done, but you need a travel connoisseur to debunk a few misconceptions about summer destinations. Like the myth that India is too hot to handle in summer. Indians though know better. That’s why summer holidays is almost synonymous with a tour to the hills and parks, and sea, sand, sun, and surf. Go Goa it is, for millions of summer tourists, and for those who prefer green holidays, the hugely popular picks are Munnar, Bandhavgarh National Park, and for hillside destinations, you can’t find a better place than Shimla (or Simla)
MUNNAR

Let’s take a detour of each of these. Munnar is everything for everybody. A hot destination in God’s own country, Kerala, and celebrated as the Kashmir of South, Munnar is a honeymooner’s paradise, ideal for trekking, has breathtaking and luxuriant jade tea plantations, verdant hills, lovely lakes, refreshing air, offers unique nature walkways and trails in enchanting and aromatic coffee plantation area, tea factories, water sports and water-tourism viz. boating and cycling and para-gliding, each one better than the other to chill out and getaway from the summer blues.

Munnar is dotted with places that are teeming with tea, coffee and cardamom plantations that cast a magical spell on trekkers, hikers, and eco-tourists.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Actually, you will get to see a sneak peak at the jungle kingdom itself, viz. tigers, leopards, gaurs, chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Dholes, nilgais, wild boars, chinkaras, sloth bears, rhesus macaques, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels, among others. The most popular denizen of bandavgarh is the Royal Bengal tiger (Panthera Tigris). Go on a open jeep safari to explore the national park and see the tiger prowl in its natural habitat. This national park boasts of having the highest tiger density in the world — which means that the chances of spotting a tiger over here is 99% guaranteed.

Apart from its royal and rustic four-legged inhabitants, Bandhavgarh National Park is also a bird lover’s paradise.There are more than 200 species of birds and one can spot various species of kingfishers, hornbills etc.

SHIMLA

Summer in Shimla is sure to shimmer forever for travelers from the world over. Shimla is blessed with everything – historicity, tranquil and serene climate, naturally soothing ambience, five star and budget comforts, the world’s greatest landscapes of the Greater Himalayas, and of course, its celebrated toy train.

Steeped in history, Shimla was once the summer capital of the British and is a dream getaway. A paradise on earth, Shimla unveils the ecstasy of nature away from the hubbub of the city life.

The best way to do Shimla is to “discover” it by taking the toy train from Kalka. The 92-km distance takes five delightful, adventurous and exciting hours and takes you through 102 tunnels, 87 bridges, and at 2076 metres from sea level. And now, fasten your belts – for there are around 900 sharp curves, and the sharpest curve is something like 48 degrees! And there is plenty breaks to reboot the journey – at its 20 stopovers along the route!

KURSEONG

And then Kurseong. Someone somewhere, at sometime, someplace, has had a taste of Kurseong. Even right now, right here. That world famous tea you are sipping could very well be from Kurseong: Home to the costliest and the best teas in the world. The internationally known Castleton, Ambotia and Makaibari tea gardens in Kurseong produce the most delicate aromas of all black teas known to mankind.

Though small, Kurseong is lush with its walkways, cool mountain breeze, awesome views of the Himalayas and the supremely serene plains of Siliguri, in addition to tourist spots like its heritage churches and forest museums.

LEH

We have all heard people say Kashmir is verily, Paradise on Earth, and a holiday in Leh is proof that this is no hype.

Located between the world’s two of the highest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and Karakoram, this idyllic and calm hill station sits in supreme serenity amidst beautiful landscapes, inexperienced valleys, gorgeous lakes, snowy peaks. Take a deep breath, breathe in the delicate air and breathe out all of your stress and tension! Some of the famous treks in Leh-Ladakh are Manali Ladakh, Indus valley trek, Manali-Leh, Markha valley trek, Pahalgam-Suru valley, the Great Salt Lake trek, Padam-darcha La, etc. Leh is also spirituality personified, with its rich, historic and varied Buddhist Monasteries, of which the Shanti Stupa, situated exterior the town is a must-see.

GOA

Now, we come to the part that you have been eagerly waiting for: Goa! Goa by moonlight, its night life, and beach life, is the ultimate romantic’s fantasy come true. Ever tried a sundown sipping beer at a beachside café, gazing at the blue skies, enveloped by sea, sand, and surf, the waves kissing your feet, the wind whispering a venturesome tale, and only you and the moon, and no one else?
Apart from its beaches, one can opt to visit its heritage churches, have a bike ride and explore the area or go to surrounding places to be in greenest jungles of India. If you have one place in India you cannot miss, Go Goa, period.

Bandhavgarh National Park

bespokeindia — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:53:34 +0000

Take a dipstick poll anywhere, anyplace, anytime on why people visit forests and the answer would invariably be: To sight a tiger. There are parks and parks, hundreds of them around the world, but only in a handful of them do you actually get to see your tiger moments.
Now for the real thing. There is only one place where you have got to be UNLUCKY NOT TO SPOT A TIGER.The Bandhavgarh National Park. Where tiger sightings are routine, and do not call for a roll of the dice. No wonder this former game reserve is the haunt of wildlife photographers, and wildlife aficionados. The Bandhavgarh National Park is why the plight of the Royal Bengal is today breaking news.
White Tiger country Bandhavgarh is nestled inside the Vindhya hills of Madhya Pradesh in an area of 168 sq miles (437sq kms). There are 3 ways you can do a safari inside Bandhavgarh National Park, to discover the wonderland of the big cat: With your own transport, on authorized 4-wheel drives run by the locals, and taking an elephant ride.
Bandhavgarh has several other reasons to be celebrated in history. Legend has it that Lord Rama, hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, stopped at Bandhavgarh on his way back to his homeland after defeating the demon King Ravana of Lanka. It is the land of Kabir, the enlightened 16th century saint and Tansen. The Bandhavgarh Fort finds mention in the ancient books, the Narad-Panch Ratra and the Siva Purana. The oldest signs of habitation are the caves dug into the sandstone, near the fort. Several of these contain Brahmi inscriptions dating from the 1st century BC.
The religious folk never fail to take a walking trail in the Bandhavgarh Fort, which is actually a journey through time. First stop, you find Shesh Saaiya, a unique 35 foot (11 meters) long statue of reclining Vishnu carved around the 10th century, from whose feet the Charanganga is said to flow. The Fort also has a towering statue of Narasimhan (half man half lion) 22 feet above the ground, a carving of Barah Bhagwan (the boar incarnation), and a small temple enshrining a large image of Vishnu in his fish avatar.
Bandhavgarh is also home to wild species like Chinkara, Muntjac, sambhar, nilgai, chausingha, wild boars, the rhesus macaque, the black-faced langur, as well as the occasional jackal or fox. Drives can also reveal jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, ratels, and a variety of other mammals. Bandhavgarh attracts many migratory birds in the winter months, including the birds of prey like the steppe eagle and a variety of wildfowl.
Bandhavghar reveals itself differently at different times. Early morning, it is like a thriller voyage, while the afternoon rendezvous is a remix of the thrills and spills. The evenings see the shadows growing taller, and the cacophony of birds growing louder in the trees. Nights see feverish activity – and there’s a veritable jugalbandi: the the twigs crackling in the bonfire in the resort lawn, combined with a distant rumbling roar deep in the heart of the forest and the calling of the jackal, and the silhouettes of the trees against a starlit sky.
So backpack to Bandhavgarh to take home a lifetime of tiger shots and exciting thrills ‘n spills. Explore a dense forest trail, listening to the alarm calls of a langur sounding the warning of an approaching tiger. Feel the chill in your spine and your tongue going dry, as you see breathless, through a tapestry of trees, a faint image of yellow and black stripes crossing the terrain yonder.

Tourist hotspots in Bandhavgarh National Park
Sidhababa – The Holy Meadow; Chakradhara – The Sprawling Meadow; Gopalpur – for bird watching; Shaiya – statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven hooded serpent; Bari Gufa – the biggest man made cave of the reserve dating back to tenth century; Bhitari Bah – foresty place with a plethora of medicinal herbs; Three Cave Point – Archaeological remains of past; Rajbahera, the Bandhaini Hillock View – watch out for the storks, vultures and herds of chital, samber and wild pigs; Mahaman Pond – watering hole surrounded by bamboo clumps, is an ideal place to watch a variety of flora and fauna.
Around Bandhavgarh Park
Village Tala – a glimpse at the humble dwellings, the mud clustered houses, the elders smoking hookahs sitting on a cot, and at rural life where the pace of life is measured by the rhythm of the seasons; Bhamera Dam; Gharpuri Dam; Chenchpur Waterfalls.

Kovalam

bespokeindia — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:47:11 +0000

If you had only one place to visit as a tourist, what would that be?
A tough question that has a million answers. How can one choose that one in a million?

If ever you have set foot on Kovalam, you know where you want to go.

A hippy idyll, fishing paradise, ozone territory, supremely serene, divinely beautiful, and heavenly land of sun, sea, sand, and surf.

Just chill with coconut beer (toddy) and you would sooner than later be adding up your own Kovalam concoctions!

Cool Kovalam is a pint-sized picture perfect tropical beach wooed by thousands of tourists 24/7/365, never mind the Kerala monsoon. Celebrated as the paradise of the south in God’s own country, Kovalam is nature’s very own packaged dose of ozone, UV and a uniquely Indian experience.

A few minutes drive from the State capital, Trivandrum, Kovalam meaning grove of coconut trees, is true to its name; the crescent-shaped beach village offers an endless sight of coconut trees seamlessly merging into the horizon.
Kovalam offers enough to walk away your scrumptious lunch and build up appetite for an equally delicious dinner. If you love seafood, Kovalam is your soul mate, specially the range of grilled seafood delicacies like lobsters, king prawns, and kalamari, fresh from the seabed.

Kovalam is also universally popular as a health hub. A wide range of Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

As beaches go, Kovalam is not only beautiful, but also safe. The sea here is pacific and shallow, the sand clean white, and water azure. One can walk into the sea for about 100 metres without losing ground. The coves are also said to be very safe for swimming, and so hugely popular with tourists who love water-sports.

Eye-witness reports say that at Samudra, the northern part of the beach, time stands still, so keep a tab on your watch, lest you be timed out of the tour! With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. The soothing sea breeze caresses the sea waves, against a backdrop of gently swaying coconut trees.

The light house beach on the southern side offers an amazing sight of the Vizhinjam mosque, while the sight of fishermen setting out for sea in the middle of the beach, is a spectacle to behold. Their sheer energy and enthusiasm to challenge the elements for their daily dose of fish is to be seen to be believed.

Beautiful patches of coral reefs dot the seascape and the underwater views in particular during snorkeling, are nature-in-bath. Once out of the waters, the clean white sandy beach will tempt you no end to idle away on the sands and get yourself a body tan. If you are the sort who wants to push the experience a little more, check out any one of the Ayurvedic massage centres and indulge in a rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic therapies.

Kovalam’s surroundings too are bathed in natural beauty and splendor, just the sort of places to reboot the touristy holiday. There are awesome palaces and forts, museums, resorts, tourist villages, fairs and much more to keep you on the ball.

To cite but one example, the Gramam, the Kerala Village Fair gives you a snapshot of vintage Kerala life in the forties, a jog away from Kovalam beach. Within a few minutes of losing a thousand calories (if you are going by foot), you are well into the cusp of a down-time travel to a bygone era. Tucked deep in an old world style-hamlet, are a bewitching line of traditional houses, where groups of village artisans are at work, creating amazing curios, exquisite handicrafts and costumes. And when your legs ache and hunger strikes, it’s time for another discovery of culinary India, mouthful by mouthful: Kovalam’s very own exotic seaside delicacies, the famous tandoori seafood from Lakshadweep, the north-east Indian cuisine that is a cousin of Chinese, and so on and so forth.

Apart from the sun and sand beaches, Kovalam also has the Anchuthengu Fort, Napier Museum, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Kuthiramalika Palace Museum.
As you wind down the trip, it’s time for thanksgiving – to the Maharaja of Travancore, who was the first to bring Kovalam to the public domain. Let us say cheers with coconut beer!