Weekend

Explore Kaudia Forest – A Hidden Treasure At Kanatal, Uttarakhand

kuntala · June 17, 2020

Immersing into an enigmatic flora and fauna is a desire of many wild life enthusiasts. And why will not that be, especially when it rejuvenates and relaxes your body and mind? To experience such an amazing feeling, The place has become seemingly popular amongst trekkers, hikers, nature admirers, wild life photographers and bird watchers.

The forest is a hidden gem of India, adorned with nature’s wonders. The serenity of the place is captivating. It entices you to its core, indulging your heart into its mystic beauty.

Photo of ‘Magical forest!’ by solarisgirl under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Eccentric Beauty of the Forest

The forest unfolds its mystery as you traverse through its lush green plantations and hilly terrains. The majestic pine trees welcome you with their aura of exclusive grandeur. The mountain trails offer an exciting and challenging opportunity to explore the unknown. The wild flowers with their vibrant colours are a treat to the eyes. The sun rays peeping through the forest trees entertain the soul with their dazzle and glaze.

The constant chirping of the birds creates a melodious musical atmosphere inside the forest. The environment transforms into a fairy land, creating a mysterious feeling within the human heart. The dancing of the butterflies along with the balmy breeze further enhances the beauty of the forest. Occasional passing of a squirrel is a common phenomenon in the forest. The musk deer, the barking deer, and boars can also be observed as you venture out on the forest.

Things to do in the Kaudia Forest

Kaudia or Kodia forest offers a wide variety of things to do for the visitors. In fact, it entertains tourists with different interests and preferences for spending a vacation.

The forest is now a popular picnic spot for the tourists. You can carry your food and beverages to spend an entire day with your family or friends. The kids can run around the open spaces inside the forest. Both adults and kids can enjoy a fun-filled day, playing different kinds of outdoor games. It is always good to carry your sports items and engage in sports activities.

Hikers and trekkers will experience a heavenly feeling while moving across the mountain trails. The greenery around entertains the tiring soul. The soothing breeze refreshes the body and the muscles. The valleys and the meadows further add to the stunning experience. The trekking pathway is comfortable and easy to accomplish covering a distance of about 6 km.

Bird watching is quite popular in the forest. Various species of local birds and even some rare species have been observed. It’s a wonderful experience to locate the birds and click their pictures. Watching the birds in their natural habitat is a unique feeling.

If you are not interested in hiking, then you can opt to explore the forest in the Jeep Safaris. The vehicles move around the forest and halt at specific points where you can look for the birds and the animals. There are special photograph zones too, to click some amazing pictures of the panoramic landscape.

The forest is also famous for the natural springs. You can observe them as you trek or traverse through the forest in the Safaris. The springs emerging out of the corners of the hillocks portray an enthralling effect in the minds of the tourists. Photographers can spend ample time in the forest, clicking the astonishing pictures of the exotic flora and fauna.

How to reach the Forest?

To reach the Kaudia forest, it is better to first arrive at Dehradun. The main reason being the city is conveniently linked with the major cities of Uttarakhand and even India. It has the Jolly Grant airport and a railway station. Travellers boarding flights and trains can easily reach Dehradun. From there, you can either board a bus or hire a cab to reach the forest.

The forest is open from 9 AM till 5 PM. The entry fee for each person is INR 20. There are separate charges for the Jeep Safari rides. The best time to visit the forest is during the summer and the winter seasons. Monsoons must be avoided as the rainfall prevents smooth walking across the jungle pathways.

Featured Photo of ‘Valley of flowers’ by Belur Ashok under CC BY 2.0

The Eco-friendly Banasura Hill Resort In Wayanad, Kerala

kuntala · June 3, 2020

Do you wish to be tucked away into the core of Mother Nature, amid tranquillity and serenity? Banasura Hill Resort in Wayanad, Kerala, is the answer to quench your wanderlust desire wrapped in an eco-friendly environment. It is the largest earth resort in Asia, providing a unique opportunity to detox your mind and soul from the acidic effects of daily life. Rippling sounds of streams, splashing waterfalls, lush green mountains and the well-curated garden inside the resort entice nature lovers. No doubt the place is frequented by travellers to spend a vacation enriched with natural beauty and pleasure.

Photo of ‘Banasuran Hills’ by Dhruvaraj S under CC BY 2.0

The speciality of Banasura Hill Resort

Spread across an area of 35 acres of land, the essence of the resort is focused on providing a surreal and sublime experience. Mystic views and exotic landscape are the special features of the resort. Combined with luxury and wellness, it serves as a perfect holiday destination.

Located at an altitude of about 3,500 feet above sea level, the resort is an epicentre of eccentric natural wonders. The resort provides all the luxurious and modern amenities that a travel freak desires for relaxation and refreshment. The authorities focus specifically on the hospitality and care for the visitors.

Eco Rooms of the Resort

The rooms of the resort are specially constructed to impart the eco-friendly feeling for the people staying for vacation. The thatched roof of the houses amid the green plantations impart a heavenly and divine experience. There is a log hut beside a pond full of lotuses and lilies. It is an amazing experience to stay at the hut with views of the pond from the balcony.

The resort has beautiful twin cottages with wooden furniture to relax and unwind with Mother Nature. There are several comfortable and spacious earth rooms, offering magnificent views of the beautiful Banasura region, the scenic Nilgiri Hills and the garden.

Things to do in and around the resort

You can visit the Banasura Hills, which is just at a walking distance from the resort. The best way to spend at the hills is to enjoy trekking, hiking and rock climbing. There are few islands nearby which you can explore to nurture our adventurous minds.

The other enthralling place to visit near the resort is Pookode Lake. You can find many tourists visiting the place to enjoy boating or relaxing on the lakeside. You can visit the shops too near the lake for purchasing some gifts, souvenirs or some of the local handicraft items. The Meenmutty waterfalls are also located near the resort. You can stroll along the bottom of the falls and capture some memorable photographs.

The Other Attractions at the Resort

You must definitely enjoy the authentic Ayurvedic spa at the resort. The wellness programs and packages provided are meant to soothe your body and mind. You can opt for a head, face or body massages, done using special herbal oils manufactured in Wayanad. It is a perfect enjoyment and refreshing experience, coaxed into the astonishing beauty of nature.

The GuaDua bamboo restaurant at the resort is one of the best at Wayanad. Equipped with modern dining arrangements, it serves delectable dishes from the Indian cuisine. You can sit at the verandah and enjoy the scenery while savouring your favourite foods at the restaurant.

For people interested in learning the tribal culture and village, the resort provides you with a wonderful opportunity to interact with the local population. You can visit the Kuruchiya tribal village and experience their way of survival, food habits and culture. The tribes are renowned for providing their support to Pazhassi Raja. The Raja was the lion king of Malabar who relentlessly fought against the British. You can visit the cave near the resort where the king used to hide during the war.

How to reach Banasura Hill Resort?

The resort is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is at Wayanad and the nearest railway station is at Kozhikode. Several private and public buses ply from various parts of Wayanad to the resort. You can also hire cabs from airport, railway station and even from various parts of the city to reach the resort.

Banasura Hill Resort leverages environment-friendly resources to provide warm and cosy accommodation for the guests. It maintains a perfect ecological balance, preserving the natural beauty and diversity of the Earth.

Featured Photo of ‘From Banasura Sagar Dam…’ by Kamaljith K V under CC BY 2.0

Karnataka’s First Unique Marine Park At Karwar

kuntala · March 8, 2020

For marine life admirers, there is good news. India is being gifted by an exclusive marine park in the state of Karnataka. The Wildlife Board of the state has approved the park to be set up at Mugali in Karwar. It is essentially an island called Netrani located at the banks of the Arabian Sea.

The island also known as Pigeon Island has been leveraged by the Indian Navy for target practice. But now it has been stopped and soon the island will be beaming with bustling marine life. It will serve as a prominent tourist destination for both the Indian and International tourists. The island is also famous for housing different water sports activities like snorkeling, scuba diving essentially because of its coral reef.

Diversity of Marine Life

There will be about 34 amazing and exquisite species of marine life of dolphins, sharks and whales to observe inside the park. The special ones among them are the Olive Ridley turtles, Bottled Nose and Spotted Spinner Dolphins, Whitetip, Spot Tail and Whitecheek sharks, and Bryde’s whales. All the species will be protected and preserved by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red.

Interesting Details of the First Marine Park in Karnataka

A total stretch of length 6 km extending along the Arabian Sea coast to the International sea waters has been reserved for the Marine Park. A total of 1 crore budget has been sanctioned for conserving and protecting marine life and the wild forest life. The objective is to preserve the wonderful aquatic flora and fauna of the region, transforming the place into a scintillating tourist spot.

Fishermen can continue fishing in the area near the coast without any restrictions. The authorities are also planning to focus on Eco-tourism at the Marine Park due to its immense benefits and are expecting the initiative to be promoted considerably by the State government of Karnataka.

Things to do at the Marine Park

Many of us are now quite aware of the marine life details, their names and their mode of survival. You can learn about the different species of marine animals, the shape of their bodies, their food habits, their survival techniques, and their life span. There will be opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving if you want to watch marine life in close proximity.

The Marine Park will not only present the unique marine life but keep you entertained with its entertaining water sports activities. You can even enjoy the coral reef of Netrani Island. Coral Reefs are an interesting feature of marine life and present an amazing experience to the visitors.

Best time to visit the Marine Park

Once the Marine park starts functioning, the best time will be to visit the park between December and January when the sea is calm and the weather is also pleasant. You can enjoy marine life and engage in sports activities with ease and comfort.

How to reach the Marine Park?

You can reach the Marine Park easily by all the three modes of transportation – air, rail, and road. If you are travelling by flight, then the nearest airport is at Dabolim in Goa. From the airport, you can hire a cab and travel a distance of 97 km to reach Karwar with a travelling time of 2 hours.

If you are travelling via train, the nearest railway station is at Karwar only. So it is comparatively easy to travel from the station to the Marine Park. Private and public bus services are also available from different parts of Karnataka like Gokarna, Madgaon, Bangalore, and others. Bus services are available from some of the major metro cities of India like Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Goa. Local transport services are available in plenty like autorickshaws, cars, and even bicycles.

Karwar is a scenic place adorned with nature’s pristine greenery and astonishing beaches with golden sands. Encircled by the casuarina trees, the place is heavenly and divine presenting calmness and serenity off the coast of the majestic Arabian Sea. It is a photographer’s paradise and a delight for the nature admirers. The mystic beauty and the panoramic landscape enthralls the mind and enchants the human soul. The advent of the Marine Park will further enhance the magnificence of the place. It will soon be transformed into a magical place, alluring millions of tourists every year. Karnataka will surely be gifted with one of the entertaining and prestigious tourist destinations in India. The Marine Park will serve as a popular weekend getaway where you will be able to enjoy with family and friends at close proximity of a lively and energetic marine life.

Let us all keep our fingers crossed and wait for the first exotic Marine Park in the state. Karwar, “The Queen of the Konkan Coast”, is waiting to create memories among the people of all generations and genders. Kids will especially be acquainted with the lively and vibrant marine life accompanied by the breathtaking coral reef. It will be a wonderful experience to watch the biodiversity of marine life and its organisms. It is extremely important to preserve marine life and the coral reefs to maintain the ecological balance of the earth. Our environment stays protected reducing many natural hazards. Hence kudos to the State Government of Karnataka for adopting the initiative to construct the marine park at Karwar and preserve the sea animals and plants from being destroyed. The initiative will be beneficial for mankind as well as the world ecosystem.

Featured Photo of ‘DSC08909 – Jelly Fish’ by Dennis Jarvis under CC BY-SA 2.0

Aruvikkara Dam – A Splendid Picnic Spot In Kerala

kuntala · January 29, 2020

Tourists visiting Kerala seldom miss out to visit the beautiful beach of Kovalam. Situated on the banks of the River Karamana, it is slowly gaining prominence as a preferred weekend getaway for the locals as well as the tourists visiting Kerala. The dam was essentially constructed to provide water for irrigation and farming to the adjacent villages.

The dam is currently the main reservoir of Thiruvananthapuram providing water for various purposes. It is an incredible experience to walk along the sides of the dam, enjoying the sparkling waters and the tranquility of the place. People also prefer a drive from the capital city to the dam to spend a day in the vicinity of the beautiful views of the dam.

The Main Attractions of the Aruvikkara Dam

The key attraction of the Dam is the sunrise and sunset. The golden rays of the sun reflecting on the sparkling waters of the dam spread a delightful aura in the adjoining environment. It is amazing to gaze at the shimmering clear waters, a perfect photogenic situation to witness at the place. You can sit and relax or go for a casual walk around the dam during the dawn and the dusk to enjoy the beautiful view of the rising and setting sun.

For the religious minded and the architecture lovers, you must visit the Bhagavathi Temple. The temple is built to worship Goddess Durga. It is frequented by the locals to offer their prayers to the powerful Goddess and seek their blessings. The architecture of the temple is simple and well maintained by the Archaeological Department. Built on the top of a rock, the ancient temple is considered holy and divine.

Near the Aruvikkara dam, there is an artificial waterfall that further enhances the beauty of the place. The sprinkling waters of the fall creating a melodious sound is a treat to the eyes and ears. It is a perfect spot for a selfie with family and friends.

You can go for a walk along the calm Aruvikkara village nearby. It is a lovely experience to observe the small huts and the simplicity of the villagers. The purity in the air is refreshing, creating a soothing effect on the mind and the soul.

Things to do at Aruvikkara Dam

Unwind yourself into the panoramic view of the landscape to rejuvenate your mind and soul. You can go for boating along the waters to enjoy nature’s stupendous beauty. For swimmers, it is an ideal place to dip into the cool and calm waters of the dam. The lush greenery around is a photographer’s delight. The soothing breeze in the air and the chirping sound of the birds cast a magical spell around. You can immerse yourself into the ethereal charm of the place for relief from the busy city life.

Another important activity tourists love to do at the dam is feeding the fishes. The fish come above at the surface of the water to gulp the food. The devotees arriving at the Bhagavathi temple treat it customary to feed the fishes and consider it a sign of honesty and good work. You can find many tourists also joining the devotees in feeding the fishes.

You can also visit a zoo and a sanctuary preserving crocodiles nearby if you are interested in wild life. Both places are well protected and maintained. Kids would especially love being at the zoo and watch their favourite animals and birds. The other places to visit nearby are an Ayurveda ashram and temples of Sree Padmanabhasvamy and Ganapathy.

There are various options for food and beverages in the nearby food stalls and restaurants offering local dishes as well as delicacies from different Indian cuisines. You can savour your tongue and quench your desire from the eateries. For shopping lovers, the place will not leave you disappointed with the number of shops selling souvenirs and other gift items for your near and dear ones.

Best time to visit Aruvikkara Dam

The best time to visit Aruvikkara Dam is during the monsoons starting from September till March. The dam overflows with river waters filling the air with its gushing sound. It is a glorious experience to watch the dam during the rainy season accompanied by the sparkling greenery around drenched with the rains. The weather is also comfortable and pleasant with the balmy entertaining breeze prevailing in the atmosphere. You can enjoy swimming happily amid the flowing waters.

How to reach Aruvikkara Dam?

The nearest airport and railway station are located at Thiruvananthapuram, situated at a distance of 23 km and 16 km respectively from the dam. You can hire a cab or auto-rickshaws available from both the airport and the railway station to reach the dam. Buses are also available in abundance from the East Fort bus stand. If you want to travel from any other parts of the state then you can hire a cab, ride your vehicle or board public and privates buses to reach the dam.

Traveler’s Tips while planning for a visit to the Dam

It is advisable to visit the Aruvikkara Dam during the weekdays since weekends are crowded with picnic goers and locals visiting the temple
Wear light cotton clothes as the weather in Kerala is not chilling
Wear comfortable walking shoes as a walk along the dam is the best way to enjoy the place
Carry water bottles or buy from the nearby shops to keep yourself hydrated
Do not forget to carry your swimming attire and accessories as you must not miss out dipping in the calm cool waters
Carry an extra set of clothes for change after swimming

Aruvikkara Dam is one of the unexplored places in Kerala and an offbeat location to enjoy nature’s beauty and calmness. The prominent Wellington Water Distribution project has its headquarters at the dam premises. if you want to stay overnight near the dam, you can try the guest houses run by the Kerala government authorities. The dam is an excellent place to spend your vacation within the pristine beauty of Mother Nature.

Featured Photo of ‘Aruvikkara Dam’ by Jyothish Kumar P.G under CC BY-SA 2.0

Poovar Island – A Scenic Place In Kerala

kuntala · January 28, 2020

Kerala, God’s own country, is gifted with one of the spectacular beaches and beautiful villages frequented by innumerable tourists from various parts of the world. Poovar is one such stunning village embellished with enigmatic beauty. Located at the coasts of the River Neyyar, it is the residence of the fishermen community of Kerala. The village is easily accessible from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala and Kovalam. The serenity of the beach resort is now a traveler’s paradise with its crystal clear backwaters and the golden sand beach.

The Origin of Poovar Village or Island

The River Neyyar starts from the hills of Agastyakoordam, located very near Thiruvananthapuram. It flows through an approximate distance of 56 km to finally meet the mighty Arabian Sea. At the confluence of the river and the sea, sand and mud form an estuary which has resulted in the stunning Poovar Island.

Main Attractions of the Poovar Beach

The uniqueness of the Poovar Beach lies in the amalgamation of a pristine lake, the sparkling river backwaters, the tranquility of the beach and the sea. It is a rare sight which you will not witness in many travel destinations. The experience is incredible as your eyes stretch across the horizon observing the incredible beauty of nature. You can engulf the beauty more by riding on a rowing boat or a motor boat across the glittering waters.

You can opt to stay overnight at the resorts near the beach and spend a relaxed time in the close vicinity of the calm atmosphere. The resorts provide good views of the beach, backwaters and the Arabian Sea. You can even meditate at the shores of the lake and transform your minds into a world of divinity. It is a charming experience, away from the anxieties and tensions of daily life.

The beach is super neat and clean, an ideal place to immerse into the beauty of Mother Nature with family and friends. If you want to spend a quiet weekend or vacation then the Poovar beach is perfect, away from the crowded city life. A key attraction of Poovar Island is the backwaters. It is a delight for the bird watchers as the place is the residence for the local and migratory birds. Birds like herons, kingfishers, cranes, Brahminy Kites, the Cormorant eagles.

Activities to do in Poovar Beach

The Kerala government permits a few adventurous water activities at the beach. Since the waters are calm and the beach is serene, the best activity is swimming. Surfing, kayaking or snorkeling are not conducted by any private companies or government officials. So if you are looking for the only adventure then you may not find it here. It is a place to relax and engage your mind into the magnificence of nature. However, the Kerala government is planning to start paragliding at the beach. Y

Birdwatching is the best activity done at the beach. The air is filled with the chirping sounds of the birds. It is great to watch the water birds wading and diving across the waters to catch fish.

Best time to visit Poovar Island

The best time to visit the Poovar island is during the monsoons. The months between September and March are the ideal for visiting the island. The weather is pleasant and comfortable with greenery prevailing everywhere. The humidity is less for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the island and the beach.

How to reach Poovar Island?

The island is accessible from the prominent cities of Kerala by road. You can hire a cab or travel by private or public buses to reach the island. The nearest railway station is at Thiruvananthapuram and the airport is Trivandrum International Airport. From both the railway station and the airport, cabs are available for hire to reach the island.

Traveler’s Tips before planning for a visit to the Poovar Island

Wear light cotton clothes to enjoy the soothing breeze of the beach
Do not forget your swimming attire and accessories or you will miss relaxing in the calm beach waters
Wear sunglasses and hat and apply sunscreen lotions for protection against the sun rays
Carry beach sandals to walk comfortably on the beach
If you are a vegetarian then you must carry foods with you as the restaurants mainly specialize in nonveg dishes

Poovar Island is a perfect weekend getaway amid the scintillating beauty of the panoramic landscape. The mystic scenery enchants the mind and soul. If you are visiting Kerala, then you must not miss the beautiful Poovar Island. We often crave to spend a silent few days in the vicinity of nature. The regular humdrum of life snatches away the peace and calmness in your lives. Poovar Island will offer you refreshment and peace with its enthralling beauty. You can immerse yourself into the scenic marvel of nature for a perfectly tranquil environment.

Featured “Photo Of sky – sea – sand – backwaters – boat – bird – trees – island” By { pranav } Under CC BY 2.0