Varanasi - India

     

                

Varanasi (also called Benaras) is one of the most sacred cities in the world today. Mark Twain famously described it as being “older than history”. The history of this city dates back to as much as 8,000 years. Located on the banks of the Ganges (also known as the Ganga) and founded by Lord Shiva, this city has been mentioned in scriptures from the early Vedic period.

The Ganges is viewed as the river of salvation and a symbol of hope making this city magical and overwhelming. Many rituals take place in public on the city’s ghats and the accessibility to the ancient but living traditions is what attracts many visitors to Varanasi. The Ganges is the most important river in the Indian subcontinent and people travel long distances to come to the holy river. Although, the water is now polluted, the sanctity of the river and belief of the people are still the same.

It is not possible to imagine Varanasi without the Ganges and watching the sunset over the river is probably one of the most beautiful sights people see during their trips to the holy city.

Varanasi is also known for its old and beautiful temples including Kashi Vishwanath, Kal Bhairava, Durga Kund and Annapurna. These temples get particularly crowded during religious activities. Apart from the attractions, music and dance also remain important aspects of the history of this city. There are a number of dance festivals in Varanasi and many famous musicians and dancers trace back the origins of their art to this city.

Varanasi has attracted many pilgrims. It was even visited by Buddha after he achieved enlightenment. Pilgrims continue to visit Varanasi to wash away their sins in the Ganges.

There’s a common belief according to which anyone who dies in Varanasi attains instant enlightenment. Hence, many elderly people choose to spend their final days in this city.

Varanasi is home to the first university established in India in 1916. It’s known as the Banaras Hindu University.

  

                                   

Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is about 200 miles away from the capital of the state, Lucknow.

The best months to visit Varanasi are October and March. This is a good time since the temperatures are quite pleasant. The winter months bring in a lot of tourists since that’s when festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm. The summer in the city is really hot and humid so visiting between April and October would not be a good idea.


Nearby Attractions : Mughalsarai, Lucknow, Mirzapur, Chunar

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Barbados.America

Bottom Beach is one of the most scenic and unspoilt beaches of Barbados. It is also one of the top tourist attractions of this beautiful country. An increasingly popular destination for beach weddings, Bottom Bay is also an ideal family vacation or honeymoon destination. From sports, to local culture and cuisine, Bottom Bay has a lot to offer its visitors.

Bottom Bay Beach Map

The verdant stretch of Bottom Bay is known for its soft white sands, the dark blue waters, and the vivid green coconut trees. There is nothing more to see here but the beauty of this serene beach is guaranteed to keep you captivated. The sea is rough and visitors are advised against taking a bath or swimming. The sun is never too strong here. The excellent breeze and the setting is perfect to make you spend many lazy afternoons tanning on the beach. A dainty picnic, some beach sports, and the crashing waves; it is not difficult to imagine why tourists flock to Bottom Bay despite the seeming lack of entertainment options. Turtles are often spotted when the tide comes in.

Shopping at the Six Roads Shopping Complex is fun while you may also enjoy a visit to Earthworks Pottery Gallery. Golf and horseback riding are popular activities in Bottom Bay.

Bottom Bay is a great place for snorkeling but, it is not advisable for novices to venture into the sea. The locals are often willing to rent their boats. Venturing out for sailing is indeed a pleasant evening activity.

Instead of staying at hotels and inns, tourists to Bottom Bay prefer to rent one of the luxurious mansions that overlook the beach. These houses are built to resemble mansions and are built on the cliffs beside the beach. The spectacular views and the breeze makes its an idyllic vacation spot. While there are no hotels in Bottom Bay, there are some excellent accommodation options within two-to-four miles.

The villas at Bottom Bay with their own well-stocked kitchens and larders are another option for a comfortable stay. Most villas have caretakers who are glad to assist with cooking or direct you to local eateries. Alternatively, you may wish to hire one of the local chefs. There are a number of shacks that serve drinks.

Horseback tours, cruises, cycling tours, treks – Bottom Bay has all that you may wish for on your vacation. The views from the villas are breathtaking, as most are built on the cliffs adjoining the beach.

·  The locals say that it is one of the best beaches of Barbados.

·  The beach is situated between Cave Bay and Palmetto Bay.

·  The palm-fringed Bottom Bay beach is also popular for its coral cliffs.

·  The waves that wash the shore of the beach are strong and rough. So, swimming may be a challenging task here.

Bottom Bay is located in St. Philip’s parish, on the south eastern coast of Barbados. Bottom Bay is connected with Bridgetown by an excellent bus service. The international airport nearest to Bottom Bay is the Grantley Adams International Airport, only about six miles away. The airport is connected to a number of European and North American cities. Bottom Bay is a 15-minute drive from the airport. Cars rentals and taxis are the easiest means of transportation and are available in plenty. Local chauffeurs are both helpful and courteous. Top Car Rentals and Stoutes Rentals are popular car rentals of the parish.

Barbados receives over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Winters are cool and probably the best time to get here. Summers are never too hot due to the cool north east trade winds. Spring and fall are not distinct seasons in Barbados and rainfall is never too long. Bottom Bay can be visited at any period since the cool shades keep away the scorching sun and pleasant winds do not make it very humid.


Nearby Attractions: King George V Memorial Park, Sunbury Plantation House & Museum, Rugged Point Lighthouse, Bushy Park Racing Circuit, and St. Philip’s Church.

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The Pampas - Argentina

The grasslands of Argentina are known as The Pampas. The name of the area is derived from the word “pampa” that means “a plain without trees”. As the name suggests, the entire region of the Pampas comprises of vast areas of fertile land, and covers the states of Buenos Aires, La Pampa and major parts of Santa Fe and Córdoba.

                    

The landscape of the area is varied and includes forested hills, extended grasslands and salt lakes. The entire region is the mainstay of vegetation in Argentina, and is represented by the symbol of the gaucho (cowboy), which has achieved iconic status in the minds of the residents of the country.

The primary facet of the region is agriculture; the region is renowned for its cattle rearing, and its hospitality. Population wise, it is one of the densely populated regions in Argentina and accounts for more than one-third of the population of the entire country. There is no dearth of tourist attractions in the region and from beaches to modern cities; you will find it all here.

Some of the popular tourist attractions of the region are the Parque National Lihué Calel, which boasts of animals like puma and many guanaco, rhea and native hares, and the cities of La Plata, Luján, Rosario and Santa Fe, all of which are famous for their colonial legacy and historical landmarks.

A tour of the Pampas is incomplete without a tour of Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. Dubbed as the Paris of Argentina, the city can easily be described as the gateway to the country. Furnished with all the modern requisites it offers you a flavor of Europe. The city is famous for its architectural marvels, food, wine and the mesmerizing dance form, the tango. Located near the city is one of the most fascinating natural wonders of the world, the Iguazu Falls.

Overall you are bound to fall in love with the region and your trip to Argentina will be impossible and implausible without a tour of the Pampas.

·  The Pampas are regarded as a grassland biome.

·  They cover an area of 300,000 sq. miles.

·  The local name of these fertile plains is Las Pampas.

                        


The Pampas are spread over the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Uruguay, La Pampa, Entre Ríos and Córdoba, and the southernmost Brazilian State, Rio Grande do Sul. Buenos Aires airport is the nearest airport.

In the summer season, the temperature reaches 30°C. Thus the months of January and February are the best time for water-sport activities, and fishing trips at the Pampas.

Nearby Attractions:   Iguazu Falls, Rio Grande do Sul attractions, and Buenos Aires.

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Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spaning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide,three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," today it is one the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides.

Crossing the strait of the Golden Gate from San Francisco to the Marin headlands for 1.7 miles is the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, easily identified by its International Orange color. Opened in 1937, the bridge was built at a cost of $35 million in principal and $39 million in interest and 11 workers’ lives. The single-suspension span is anchored by twin towers that reach skyward 746 feet, and was once taller than any building in San Francisco. To support the suspended roadway, two cables, each more than 7,000 feet in length and both containing 80,000 miles of wire stretch over the top of the towers and are rooted in concrete anchorages on shore. More than 10 years in planning due to formidable opposition, but only four years in actual construction, the Golden Gate Bridge brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin counties closer together.

Pedestrians including wheelchair users and bicyclists can go on the sidewalks of the bridge during daylight hours but roller blades, skateboards and roller skates are not permitted. There are vista points on both north and south sides of the bridge with parking lots. 

From downtown, take #38 Geary Boulevard to Park Presidio and transfer to #28 northbound to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re taking Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco, the #10, #70 or #80 lines will take you to the bridge.

For additional information, routes and schedules, please visit the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Golden Gate Transit  sites.

                

Passion. Ingenuity. Danger. Triumph. Learn why the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and hear incredible stories about the challenges and dangers that workers had to overcome to build the Bridge on personally guided 45-minute tours.

The 2013 tour season runs April 1–Oct. 6, 2013. Tours are offered seven days per week, six times per day (10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm)

Please plan to arrive at the Bridge at least 30 minutes before your tour time in order to find parking and obtain audio equipment. Tours leave promptly and tickets are not refundable.

Advance tickets at www.goldengatebridgetour.com or (877) 349-7625. Walk-up tickets are sold at the Round House, subject to availability. 

The Golden Gate Bridge has lost 7,500 tons (in weight) since it opened in 1937.

It is estimated that 5,000 - 10,000 gallons of paint are used to repaint the Golden Gate Bridge each year.

Three babies have been born on the Golden Gate Bridge. All of them have been boys.

The name came from the fact that the Golden Gate Strait (named by John Fremont) is the entrance into San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

International Orange was selected as the color of the bridge because it provided visibility in the fog for passing ships and also because it was a color that fit in naturally to the bridge’s setting and the surrounding land area.

The bridge has only been closed three times due to weather since it was built; all three times due to high winds gusting close to or over 70 miles per hour.

The bridge has also been closed for visits from dignitaries President Franklin D. Roosevelt and President Charles de Gaulle of France and also on its 50th and 75th Anniversaries.

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Belize Barrier Reef - America

The reef consists of carnivores called polyps, which prey on small sea creatures that float by catching them with twinging tentacles. These multi-colored corals are eye-catching. Other organisms found in the reef include 500 species of fish, 45 hydroids, 65 scleritian corals, and 350 molluscs along with a great diversity of sponges, marine worms and crustaceans.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with a wide variety of sea life, including plants and animals like coral fish and invertebrates. Much of the sea life has yet to be explored or discovered. Visitors can explore the reef, the cays, the atolls, and the caves on their trip out to the Belize Barrier Reef.

As the reef is under threats due to the oceanic pollution and several other factors, measures are being taken by the concerned authorities to protect the reef. Within the Belize Barrier Reef are several protected zones, like the Great Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole, and Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve.

You need to either hire a boat or choose to travel in a water taxi for Barrier Reef tours. Always remember to take an expert with you for safety purposes.

People visit Belize also because it is dotted with several archaeological sites of one of the world’s most mystic civilizations – the ancient Maya. You can climb up the stairs to visit the tall stone temples that offer 360-degree views of the forest or descend deep into natural caves to see the places where the Mayan kings preformed sacrifices.

The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system's seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species.

The reef extends from the border with Mexico to the north, to near the Guatemalan border to the south. The Belize submarine shelf and its barrier reef, represent the world second largest reef system and the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean area. Outside the barrier, there are three large atolls: Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef.

Between the mainland and the barrier reef is an extensive offshore lagoon which increases in width and depth from north to south. In the north, water depth averages 2-3 m over a flat, featureless bottom 20-25 km wide. South of Belize City, the shelf gradually deepens forming a channel between the mainland and the outer platform, reaching a depth of 65 m in the Gulf of Honduras.

The approximately 450 sand and mangrove cays confined within the barrier and atolls range in size from small, ephemeral sand spits to larger, permanent islands capable of sustaining human settlements.

A total of 178 terrestrial plants and 247 taxa of marine flora has been described from the area. There are over 500 species of fish, 65 scleritian corals, 45 hydroids and 350 molluscs in the area, plus a great diversity of sponges, marine worms and crustaceans. The area harbours a number of species of conservation concern, including West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and American crocodile. 

The West Indian manatee population (300-700 individuals) is probably the largest in the world. Several bird species of conservation concern are found in the cayes and atolls. Major seabird and waterbird colonies include those of the red-footed booby (3,000-4,000 individuals) on Half-Moon Caye, brown booby on Man O'War Caye, and common noddy on Glover's Reef. Other noteworthy breeding birds are the brown pelican and the magnificent frigate bird. The Belize coral reef ecosystem is distinctive in the Western Hemisphere on account of its size, its array of reef types and the luxuriance of corals thriving in such pristine conditions. 

The are several unusual geophysical features including the nearby contiguous shelf edge barrier reef, the complex maze of patch reefs and faros in a relatively deep shelf lagoon, the unusual of reef types in a small area, the presence of atolls, and the large offshore mangrove cays.

Shell middens at Mayan sites along the coast and on the cayes provide evidence that the reefs were used for fishing some 2500 years ago. Between 300 BC and AD 900, the coastal waters were probably used extensively for fishing by the Mayans, and trading posts, ceremonial centres and burial grounds were established on the cayes. With the decline of the Maya civilization, the reef's resources probably went largely unused for a number of centuries, although early Spanish explorers used the cayes to repair their boats and collect fresh water. 

By the early 17th century, the coastal water of Belize had however become a heaven for pirates and buccaneers, largely from Britain, who looted Spanish and British trading ships and survived on the abundant marine resources available. Subsequently, many of the pirates, as well as Puritan traders from the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua, settled in the cayes, becoming fishermen and plantation owners. Since then, there have been a number of waves of immigration into the coastal area, including the Garifuna people, immigrants from Mexico, and most recently North Americans and other foreigners who have been lured by the beauty of the reef and its surroundings and have taken up residence in the cayes.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the third largest coral reef system in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the New Caledonia Barrier Reef.

The Belize Barrier Reserve System is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

This outstanding natural system has been found to possess 178 terrestrial plants and 247 taxa of marine flora.

           

The Belize Barrier Reef is located off the Belizean coast, and the nearest city to the reef is Belize City. The nearest international airport is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, about 30 minutes from the city center.

Belize is a popular destination for visitors from North America and Europe during the dry season from November to April. The dry season is also high season, however, meaning that hotels and attractions will be busy and more expensive. Hurricane season in Belize is especially rainy from July to October and most tourists stay away, so if you don’t mind the rain you could get some great bargains if you visit Belize at this time.

Nearby attractions: Altun Ha, Caracol, Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye and Old Belize.

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Purnululu National Park - Australia

Situated in Western Australia, in the East Kimberly region, Purnululu National Park is one of the most visited and enthralling geological landmarks in the state as well as the country. The Purnululu National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers and is home to varieties of flora and fauna. The park also features some rare and endangered species like rainbow bee-eaters, nail-tail and rock wallaby.

The major attraction in the Purnululu National Park is the Bungle Bungle Range, which is spread over 45,000 hectares. It comprises of a hidden world of gorges and pools and as you move further you can see fan palms clinging to walls and crevices in the rocks. The range ascends 578 meters above sea level and is situated 200 to 300 meters above a woodland and grass covered plain.

The Purnululu Park boasts of a rich historical heritage. It is a site that reflects the aboriginal culture of Australia. The entire region features many aboriginal burial sites as well as aboriginal art, and it was inhabited by the aboriginal people, especially during the wet season, when plant and animals are abundantly found in the park.

There are arrangements for camping at Walardi or Kurrajong. However, the camping facilities are limited in the park. You can obtain necessary commodities like petrol, water and other essential things from Turkey Creek. Turkey Creek is a three-hour drive from the park. If you are interested in camping in the area, then it will be advisable to bring food and other essential commodities. You can also opt for private camping grounds that offer accommodation and other facilities, but then you have to book in advance if you wish to stay in these camping grounds.

Update: Due to fire, the Purnululu National Park is closed. The park along with the Walardi campground will reopen on April 1, 2014 while Kurrajong campground will open for the next season on May 1,2014.

·  The park was included in the UNESCO World heritage List in the year 2003.

·  The national park spreads over an area of 239,723 ha.

·  There are 298 vertebrate species in the park.

Purnululu National Park is located in Western Australia, about 300 km south of Kununurra. You can enter the park by air or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. By air tours leave from Kununurra, Halls Creek or Warmum (Turkey Creek).

The park opens during the dry season only – generally from April through November (dates vary according to conditions).

The park opens from Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.

he entry fee, camping fee and other fee varies every year. You can check the fee charged from October 2013 in detail at their official website.



Nearby Attractions: Cathedral George and Bungle Bungle Range.

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Qutub Minar - Delhi, India

In 1198 AD, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak built the Qubbat-ul-Islam Mosque to the northeast of the present  Qutub Minar.  In 1199, Qutub-ud-din Aibak raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. Some people believe that it was used as a tower by the muadhdhins to call the faithful to prayer.

However, only the first storey was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor and son-in-law, Illtutmish(1211-36 AD). The two circular stories in white marble were built by Firozshah Tughlaq in 1368, who used marble to face the red-stone. Its projecting balconies with inscriptional decorative bands on different storeys heighten its decorative effect.

With a height of 72.5 m and 379 stairs, it is the highest stone tower in India. It is also one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi’s recognised landmark.

       

There is an Iron Pillar in the Qutub Minar complex that bears an inscription in Brahmi script. The inscription reads that the pillar was constructed as a Vishnudhvaja on Krishnapada hill in memoriam of a mighty king named Chandra.

The Qutub Minar suffered damage due to earthquakes and lightning strikes on various occasions. Thus, it was renovated from time to time by various rulers.

The Minar has a tilt of just 60 cm from the vertical which even though it is safe, yet needs monitoring to avoid weakening of the foundation of the monument due to rainwater seepage.

Prior to 1981, the general public were allowed access inside the monument. However, an accident of rare seriousness (the death of 45 people in a stampede following power cut in the tower on 4 December, 1981) led to the authorities forbidding the public access to the interior section.

In 1993, the Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

From a base of 14.32 m it gradually narrows to 2.75 m, at a height of 72.5 m.

The tower is covered with beautiful and striking carvings, and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran.

Located in Mehrauli, Newdelhi, India. The Qutub Minar is just 10.8 K.ms away from Indhira Gandhi International Airport.New Delhi Railway Station is just at a Half hour drive from the Qutub Minar.You can take a call taxi from the airport and railway station to reach theQutub Minar.The monument is well connected by a fine network of roads.You can also choose to travel in a bus as sevaral private and goverment buses offer sound connectivity.Qutub Minar is the nearest station on the Delhi Metro.

         

The Qutub Minar is open throughout the year. However, the months of October through March are the best for visiting Qutub Minar as the weather is pleasant during these months.

The visiting hours of the Qutub Minar are from sunrise to sunset.

For Indians the entry ticket costs Rs. 10 while for foreigners it is Rs. 250. Children under 15 years of age are allowed free entry.

Nearby Attractions: Ansal Plaza, Qila Rai Pithora, Moth Ki Masjid, Garden of Five Senses, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art and INA Market.

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Kumarakom - South India's Venice

Kumarakom situated 13 K.ms away from Kottayam is a sleepy little village on Vembanadu  Lake in Kerala. It offers wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experience. The bird sanctuary  spread across 14 acres is safe home for many migratory birds like Siberian stork, wild duck etc. They live with other birds in flocks such as darters, herons, egret, waterfowls and cuckoos are fascinating sight for the visitors.

                    

The beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut trees comprises with water ways and canals adorned with white lilies enchants the tourist from world over. The land is famous for it's painstakingly hand craft each exquisite piece still made in a traditional way. VemanadLake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Chemeen (Prawns), the Konju (Tiger Prawns) and Karimeen.

When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. 

That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom. Kumarakom  the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more. 

As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space.

Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation   and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage,  yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam, blooms the tourist and the local people.

Kumarakom enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.

Boat races

Backwaters host many special events during August to September. The electrifying races by carved wooden boats set the backwaters on fire. Boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades. 

                 

Usually a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 - 125 oarsmen who row in unison to the fast rhythm of thevanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish.The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.

A calendar of the snake boat races of Kerala from July to September.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race,   Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali , Payippad Jalotsavam, ,  Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Other boat races held during Onam (August / September):

ATDC Boat Race, Alappuzha, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Pulinkunnu, Neerettupuram Boat Race, Kumarakom Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Kavanattinkara Boat Race, Kumarakom Arpookara Vanitha Jalamela, Kottayam Mahatma Boat Race, Mannar, Thazhathangadi Boat Race,Kottayam, Kottapuram Boat Race, Kodungallur and Kumaranasan Smaraka Jalotsavam, Pallana.The Indira Gandhi Boat Race (held on the Ernakulam Lake during the Cochin Carnival in the last week of December ) The 'Nehru Trophy Boat Race' named in honor of the late Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, is the most exciting of all the boat races. It is held on the second Saturday of August. During the 'Onam' festival, many boat races including the spectacular Aranmula boat-race are conducted in the Alappuzha region..

Places of Interest: Around Kumarakom

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls Located 18km from Kottayam town, 2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom  is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat fromhere. 

This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Kottayam

Kottayam is an ancient town famous for its churches, especially the 700 years-old churches, the Cheria palli ('small church') with exceptionally lovely paintings over the altar and the Valia palli('Big Church') perched on a picturesque hillock over a small cluster of houses. In the St.Mary's Church Kuravilangad built in 355 AD there is an old bell which bears a hitherto undeciphered inscription. 

The mortal remains of the blessed Alphonsa and the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Mary's Church at Bharananganam and the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam respectively. Thousands gather at these holy shrines during festive occasions. Pala town and Kanjirappally, nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centers of rubber plantations. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple 12 km north of town, has exceptionally beautiful wall paintings and sculptures inside the temple. In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. 

Erumely
This is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus and Muslims. Sree Dharmasastha Temple here is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala alight here.

Aranmula - Pathanamthittaa

50km from Kottayam, Aranmula is the site of the splendid Onam festival boat races, usually in early September. These races unlike the more sporting  Nehru Trophy  race  at Alappuzha in August are essentially religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants  with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. Aranmula is also the centre of bell metal mirror crafts.

Vagamon

Vagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level is a trekker's paradise. It is an ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows and valleys. Other attractions: Thangal Para, Indo-Swiss project, Kurisumala Ashram.

Elaveezha Poonchira

Elaveezha Poonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hills.


Vaikom

40km from Kottayam, famous for the Shiva Temple. The festival in November-December, last for 12 days and the 'Panchavadyam' is an important musical performance

How to Reach?

Video Courtesy : Kerala Tourisim

Kumarakom  in Kerala, South India is just a few miles (16 km) from the nearest city, Kottayam. As entry point to India; you can fly to Mumbai (Bombay) or Chennai (Madras). There are daily flights to Kerala where, as entry points, you have a choice of three international airports - Kochi (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut) and  Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). 

         

By Road
From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty. From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 175 Km (approximately 3.30 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. From the Calicut International Airport it is 180 Km ride to Muhamma.. 

By Rail
From Bombay, Madras or Bangalore, you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead, just 16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin, you could also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route (enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom.

By Water

If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.If you have arrived at Cochin International Airport, perhaps you might prefer a ride through the backwaters to Alleppey. There are many boat services offered at Kochi.

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