Tourinkerala.com

Kerala Extravaganza

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:30:09 +0000

8 Nights | 9 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Alleppey | Thenmala | Kovalam | Trivandrum

Day 01

On arrival at Cochin International Airport / Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer to Hotel in Cochin. Later, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that includes visits to Fort Cochin, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace at Mattancherry and Chinese fishing nets. Return to Hotel and stay overnight.

Day 02

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar, a beautiful hill station in Kerala. On the way, enjoy beautiful landscapes, mist capped mountains and also visit Cheyyapara Waterfalls. Check-in to Hotel on arrival. Relax and go shopping for Munnar tea and spices in the evening.Return to Hotel and stay overnight.

Day 03

After breakfast, explore Munnar’s aromatic tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala Hills, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and other exciting spots. Return to Hotel in the evening.

Day 04

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, home of the Periyar Wildlife Sactuary. Enjoy the famous boat ride on Periyar river to see surrounding wildlife like elephants, samba deers, tigers, gaurs and Nilgiri langurs. Go for an adventurous night trekking in the Periyar forest or watch the traditional Kathakali dance form. Return to Hotel and stay overnight.

Day 05

After breakfast, head to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey for a Houseboat Cruise. Enjoy the panoramic view of Punnamada lake as you cruise through narrow canals, coconut lagoons and paddy fields. Enjoy sumptuous Kerala cuisine onboard with freshly prepared fish and other delicacies. Relax and stay overnight in the Houseboat.

Day 06

After breakfast, drive to Oachira and transfer to Hotel. Later, enjoy sightseeing in nearby Thenmala by visiting Thenmala Dam, Deer Rehabilitation Center, Butterfly Safari, Adventure Zone, Leisure Zone and Magical Fountain. Enjoy boating on the reservoir. Return to Oachira and stay overnight in Hotel.

Day 07

After breakfast, proceed to Trivandrum and check-in to Hotel. Later, visit Padmanabhaswami temple and tour Trivandrum city. Drive to Kovalam and visit Padmanabhapuram Palace & Archeological museum. Enjoy rest of the day at the beautiful Kovalam beach.Return to Hotel in the evening.

Day 08

This day is at your own leisure. Indulge in watersport activities and delicious sea food by the beach or enjoy an Ayurvedic body massage treatment to rejuvenate your senses (on direct payment basis). Go shopping in Trivandrum for the rest of the day. Return to Hotel and stay overnight.

Day 09

Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Kerala Experience

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:20:40 +0000

6 Nights | 7 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Alleppey | Kumarakom | Kovalam | Trivandrum

Day 01

On arrival at Cochin International Airport / Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer to Hotel in Munnar (130 Kms drive). On the way, visit Cheyyappara Waterfalls.Relax and stay overnight in Hotel.

Day 02

After breakfast, explore beautiful Munnar by visiting aromatic tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Rajamala Hills, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and other interesting spots in this hill station. Return to Hotel in the evening.

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

This morning, the Houseboat will transfer you to your resort in Kumarakom. During the day, visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is home to a number of migratory birds like Siberian stork, darter, heron etc. Relax in the lap of nature and enjoy the rest of the day in the beautiful resort.

Day 06

Day 07

Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Irresistible Kerala

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:04:29 +0000

6 Nights | 7 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Alleppey | Kumarakom | Cochin

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

After breakfast, return to Cochin and transfer to Hotel. By afternoon, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that includes visit to Fort Cochin, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Return to Hotel in the evening.

Day 07

Transfer to Cochin International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Captivating Kerala

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:44:11 +0000

6 Nights | 7 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Alleppey | Thenmala | Trivandrum | Kovalam

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

Day 07

Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Splendid Kerala

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:33:11 +0000

5 Nights | 6 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Alleppey | Trivandrum | Kovalam

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Fabulous Kerala

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:21:08 +0000

5 Nights | 6 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Alleppey | Thenmala | Trivandrum | Kovalam

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

After breakfast, head to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey for a Houseboat Cruise. Enjoy the panoramic view of Punamada lake as you cruise through narrow canals, coconut lagoons and paddy fields. Enjoy sumptuous Kerala cuisine onboard with freshly prepared fish and other delicacies. Relax and stay overnight in the Houseboat.

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport / Railway Station.Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Marvelous Kerala

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:07:59 +0000

5 Nights | 6 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Alleppey | Thenmala | Cochin

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Day 06

Transfer to Cochin International Airport / Railway Station. Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Honeymoon Wonders

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:53:20 +0000

3 Nights | 4 Days

Cochin | Thenmala | Alleppey

Day 01

On arrival at Cochin International Airport / Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer to Hotel in Thenmala (110 Kms drive).Relax and stay overnight in Hotel.

Day 02

After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Thenmala by visiting Thenmala Dam, Deer Rehabilitation Center, Butterfly Safari, Adventure Zone, Leisure Zone and Magical Fountain. Enjoy boating on the reservoir.
Depart Thenmala, proceed to Alleppey and check-in to Hotel.Relax and stay overnight in Hotel.

Day 03

After breakfast, head to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey for a Houseboat Cruise. Enjoy the panoramic view of Punnnamada lake as you cruise through narrow canals, coconut lagoons and paddy fields. Enjoy sumptuous Kerala cuisine onboard with freshly prepared fish and other delicacies. Relax and stay overnight in the Houseboat.

Day 04

Transfer to Cochin International Airport / Railway Station. Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Honeymoon Delights

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:25:29 +0000

3 Nights | 4 Days

Cochin | Munnar | Cochin

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Transfer to Cochin International Airport / Railway Station.
Return home with beautiful memories of Kerala.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:30 +0000

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat play/game, but can be translated to boat race in English. The most popular event of the race is the competition of Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats). Hence the race is also known as Snake Boat Race in English. Other types boats which participate in various events of the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam and Kochu Vallam.

History of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India visited Kerala in 1952. He was given a roaring reception by the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words are inscribed.

To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin. Raju Vadakathu 2004-2006 was a three time winner for the race. He is now retired from theis position as Captain.

The 100-120 feet long canoes made of a forest wood locally called “Aanjili thadi” carrying 90- 110 rowers which moves like a snake through the channels (hence the name), is an eye catching sight for any tourist. The Chundan Vallam also has the record as “the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose” .
Kaarichaal, Chambakulam, Nadubhagom, Paayipaadu, Kaavalam, Alapaatu, Aanari, Cheruthana, Aayaparambu, St.George, Jawahar thaayankari, Vallamkulangara, Valiya Divanji, Sri.Ganesh, Paarthasarathy, Ambedkar and Pattara are the name of popular snake boats who participate in the Chundan Vallam category.Palliyodam or Royal Canoe of Aranmula is the other type of Snake boat.

Time for celebrating the Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Each year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on the second Saturday of the month of August.

Boat Categories

CHUNDAN VALLAM (SNAKE BOAT)

The boats of Kerala are categorised and named as per their shapes, sizes and purposes. The Chundaanvallam is so called because of its pointed prow. The term snake boat indicates the shape of the stern which resembles the raised hood of a snake. The front end of this type of boat will be tapering in shape and the rear end will be highly elevated from the water level. It has a length of about 60-65 meters and a capacity to carry over a hundred to hundred and ten people during a race. The stern is majestically caparisoned and decorated with a flag and brass ornaments. Silken parasols are arrayed along the entire length of the boat. There will be almost 95 oarsman, 5 Amarakkar (Controllers) and 10 ‘Nilakkar’ (persons supposed to enhance the vigour and enthusiasm of the participating oarsman). It has the semblance of a snake, while advancing in a competition and hence became popular as snake boats. These boats were the traditional battle vessels of Kerala.

CHURULAN VALLAM (RACE BOAT)

The Race Boats “churulan vallams” are boats having a capacity to acommodate about 45 persons and are designed as passenger boats.The ends of these types of boats are shaped as a Circular ring (Churul in Malayalam).

VAIPU VALLAM

‘Vaipu’ vallams are boats having a passenger capacity of about 40-45 persons. One end of the boat is always higher than the other end. These boats were originally meant to prepare food for the other vessels during war.

IRUTTUKUTHY/ODI

Iruttukuthy or Odi type of boats are designed for transportation during the night. The shape of the boat is suitable for speedy journey. The width of the boat is so designed as to avoid friction with water while moving. In olden days these boats were supposed to be used for piracy works.

VANCHIPATTU (SONG OF THE BOATMAN)

These highly rhythmic songs were created to keep up the spirit of the boatman. These songs were so framed and sung as to keep pace with the movement of the oars and to keep alive their devotional, mythological and rustic life styles. Every snake boat has about twenty-five singers with their traditional percussion instruments.

We provide complete tour packages for enthusiastic travelers that include accommodation (house boats / hotels), air tickets, comfortable dedicated cars, sight seeing facilities etc at very competitive rates.

How to reach Nehru Trophy

Kochi Airport is 54kms away from the Alleppey and Trivandrum Airport is at 154kms distance from Alleppey. Travelling to Alleppey by Train is too easy, it is connected to major cities like Kottayam, Cochin, Chengannur and Changanassery. By road Alleppey is connected is interconnected by a number of roadways of South India. One can also reach Alleppey from Cochin by backwater.

Watch Nehru Trophy Boat Race Video

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