A routine for most tourists celebrating their getaway to nature’s abode in Kerala is the famous houseboats that parade that backwaters of the Allapuzha or Alleppey. This is why Alleppey is nicknamed as the ‘Venice Of The East.’

The backwaters are bounded by greenery and a picturesque surrounding with tall and lean coconut trees that sway with the wind. The Backwaters in Kerala are a chain of serene and captivating lagoons and lakes. And, the famous houseboats are an exclusive getaway from the mainland to the ripples of the backwaters.

For those of you wondering whether a boat would have the amenities to accommodate you for a day, just relax and read ahead.
These boats have way more amenities than you’d think. Here’s a list of what you can expect in a houseboat: hot water, generators, comfortable beds, multiple bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, air conditioning, delectable cuisine throughout the day. Now, a royal list of amenities that you can enjoy as you float through the breathtaking backwaters of
God’s Own Country.

It’s not just the experience that you would enjoy, the trip is made even better with the scrumptious meal they serve on board. They serve fresh seafood platter. Marinated in the aromatic spices and seasonal herbs, the variety of fish is prepared in different styles and served with rice, mashed tapioca and some vegetables. Savouring this meal is a whole different experience to cherish as your boat moves and the view of the picturesque backwaters are in motion.
The backwaters accommodate tiny islands with small houses. These islands often have some local toddy shops where you can get the authentic and traditional alcoholic drink of the state. Tourists enjoy the affair of the alcohol, the fried fish and the boat ride through the waters of Kerala under a star-studded sky. This is an experience you must try. Your view and the perspectives of the nature would just get much better with the exotic getaway on the houseboat. Do visit Alleppey and explore for the best deal you can get for your holidays. Enjoy!

Nelliyampathy is a hill station located 60kms from Palakkad town. This lesser-known destination with cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic hill range is a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m.

The road to Nelliyampathy runs through the dense forests of Western Ghats and is known for its hairpin curves and the marvellous view. To the west of these ranges is Kesavan Para, a vantage point with views of nearby tea plantations. Further west is the Pothundi Dam which was built in the 19th century. To the northeast is the Seetharkundu viewpoint, with beautiful waterfalls that add to the range.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with boating facilities and is a pleasant picnic spot especially for families. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a green carpet that extends to the horizon. It also provides a splendid view of the Palakkad Divide, a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats, bringing into view parts of Tamil Nadu.

Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at different points along the way, as one goes up the Nelliyampathy hills. Most estates here are quite charming which often has a magnificent bungalow from the British era. Most of these estates were converted into private properties following the end of the British rule.

Not far from Palagapandy, a popular town amongst the tourists and commoners, is Seetharkundu, where one can enjoy a fantastic view of the valley, and an additional attraction is offered by a scenic 100 m high waterfall. One can walk or go by jeep from Palagapandy to reach Mampara; another viewpoint at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjacent hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife like Indian gaurs, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a bird-watchers’ paradise.
This chilling destination is a great choice to spend a weekend away from the scorching heat of the tropical summer,

This charming destination in the district of Ernakulam is popular among tourists within India and from across the globe. Fort Kochi is an old town of trade for the Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and the Arabs.

A journey to this offbeat town is a time travel to a couple of centuries back. This town has architectural and cultural reminiscents from the yesteryears.
The archaic churches and the synagogue in this little town showcase a marvel of historical architecture and distinguish the significance of religion in the bygone era and the 21st century. With houses and villas that adorn the streets of this fascinating town, it looks as if each house has a thousand glorious tales to share. The windows, the doors, the yard and the colour of the paint represent the western style and you could easily fool your mind to think you are in quaint old street in Portugal or Netherlands.

The marvels of the town are vast. The Chinese fishing nets are rather famous in Fort Kochi. These impressive nets are a legacy from Chinese traders from the fifteenth century. Each net requires at least 4 people to operate. Most tourists and photographers flock down here at sunset to capture the scenic photos of the net set it a natural tone against the sun.

Another major attraction for the folks visiting this town is the cafes. To entertain and please the guests, the cafes are set in the calmest colours and oddly basic furniture with its walls decorated with antiques and souvenirs. The food is mostly continental in the cafes while some restaurants also serve the authentic Kerala cuisine with delicious seafood on the menu.

The streets also have some offbeat shops with a variety of products ranging from spices to clothes to jewellery, all with a distinct scent and hue that reminds you of the glory and culture of Fort Kochi.
So, when you plan your visit to Fort Kochi, plan it for a week. Enjoy the offbeat town slowly as you take in the history, culture, traditions and all that is left behind by the West and Orients. Savour the delicacies and the quirkiness of the streets. Enjoy the life in Fort Kochi as one among them.

The pride of the northern district of Kasargod is Bekal. An old town adorned with the tall, green trees amidst quaint buildings, Bekal is widely famous for the seventeenth-century architectural marvel of a fort, The Bekal Fort.

The fort is set against the backdrop of the alluring beaches kissed by the waves of the Arabian Sea. The dark brick stoned structure covers 40 acres of land across the Arabian Sea, the Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala. The fort was built to showcase strength and defence. Undoubtedly, it still symbolises its might and shield. The fort’s architecture has a zigzag entrance and trenches around it. Built on the sole purpose of defence, the fort houses no palace or mansion in its premises. The Bekal Fort has some quite interesting features including a water tank with steps and a tunnel opening towards the south.

The fort has a keyhole-shaped high structure, more like a viewpoint. The viewpoint is rather grand in the way it’s set. It lets you soak up in the excitement and bliss in the sight of the fascinating coastline and the nearby towns of Kanhangad, Pallikkara, Bekal, Kottikkulam, and Uduma. The fort also boasts a high observation tower, that is led by a magazine for keeping ammunition, which was formerly used for placing cannons during the times of war.
The majestic Bekal fort, for several reasons including its location, might and beauty, has witnessed several rulers over the last three centuries from Indian Royal dynasties to Colonial rulers.

The fort is also rather famous for its appearances in several Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam movies. The most famous portrayal of the fort was in Mani Ratnam’s Bombay. The mood set in the fort by the lovers on the screen and divine music of A R Rahman has given us an everlasting picture to reckon with.

Keep in mind that the best time to visit Bekal Fort is during the evergreen monsoon treats of Kerala. Your day would be blessed if you stay and witness the breathtaking sunsets that takeover the horizons of the restless Arabian sea.

Idukki has yet another unexplored treasure called Anchurili. This lesser-known destination which is located at an elevation of 755m (2477ft) above mean sea level has been gaining popularity amongst the adventure seekers.

The name Anchuruli comes from the five small islands that are shaped like five vessels immersed upside down. Anchuruli, therefore, translates to five vessels.

The prime attraction of the destination is the 4km long dark tunnel from Erattayar through which water flows from the dam at Erattayar. The tunnel is surrounded by evergreen dense forests of the Western Ghats and the wild animals that habitat it. The tunnel is a sweet spot during the summertime is you can enjoy a stroll through the tunnel when there is no steady flow of water. You can also spot wildlife in their natural habitat that makes your stroll more exciting.

The scene is rather different during the monsoon. The Anchuruli Tunnel becomes quite a pleasant sight as the water gushes through it to reach the reservoir.
Tourists can make the best of their picnic as with activities like fishing and trekking at Anchuruli. You can get the details and permission from the forest office in the village. The area is rather dangerous and unrestricted for tourists which have also led to several fatal accidents in the past. Therefore being cautious during your visit would be ideal and safe.

Islands that are shaped like five vessels
immersed upside down. Anchuruli, therefore, translates to five vessels.

An iconic destination of fantasies and legends, the Jatayu Earth Center near Kollam is an intriguing case of how our mythologies shape our destinations. At the core of this exceptional stone themed nature park is a mammoth statue of the legendary Jatayu from the ‘Ramayana’. A visit to this park will leave you breathless in the wonder of the beauty and marvel of the sculpture and the view from atop.

The myth of this place has its roots to Ramayana. Owing to its history and legend, this place was transformed in recent years to an eco-tourism destination. The gargantuan statue was sculpted by a famous stone carver and producer Rajiv Anchal who had constantly contributed his hard work and ideas into a creation that took years to complete.

Though the principal feature of the Jatayu Earth Center is the compelling statue of the bird, Jatayu, that dominates the hill. Standing 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet tall, this is the largest functional bird statue on the planet. Owing to the legend of the bird, the structure has a 15, 000 sq ft room inside to showcase the Ramayana Theme with the help of a 6D theatre.

The Jatayu Earth Center is worked around the statue of the mammoth bird, and it envelops four hills.

The first hill, known as Jatayuppara in Malayalam, is the tallest rock with a height of 1000 feet. The Jatayu sculpture is made in this rock.
The second hill, known as the Adventure Rock, hosts a series of adventure activities in and around this rock.
The third hill, known as Aanappara, has more activities around the rock. It has a zip line, sky cycling, night tent, campfire, moonlight dinner with live music, live kitchen etc.
The fourth hill, known as Adukkalappara, hosts activities which include Siddha rejuvenation in natural caves with accommodation and herbal garden. A helipad is also made closer to this hill.

The cable cars that take you uphill to the sculpture are a great attraction as they can accommodate up to eight people at once. These Swiss cars give you an amazing perspective as you float over the hill to the highest point of the slope.
Plan your next day out here to enjoy both the marvel of the sculpture and adventure at the hills of Jatayu Earth Center.