Laverne Holidays

27/09/2016

17/08/2016

Elavizha(Ilavizha) Poonchira

Plan a trip to the mesmerizing Elaveezha Poonchira which is a beautiful valley located in the Kottayam district in Kerala. Surrounded by stunning hillocks, this beautiful tourist spot is ideal for trekking. Many people choose this picnic place to enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset. Travelers can enjoy unexplored landscape during their trip to this majestic tourist destination. If you are passionate about trekking and love to enjoy the scenic nature, simply plan a trip to the majestic Ilaveezha Poonchira.

Situated approximately 3000 feet above sea level, Ilaveezha Poonchira is nestled at the base of three captivating hillocks near Kanjar named Mankunnu, Kudayathur Hill and Thonippara. As an exotic trekking spot, a lot of adventure enthusiasts choose this spot to spend their weekend or holidays. You will certainly appreciate the cool breeze, misty ambience and scenic nature of this wonderful trekking location.

Picnickers will get beautiful views of the Malankara Dam from Elaveezha Poonchira. In the local language, Ilaveezha Poonchira means the valley where leaves don’t fall. Since there are no trees in the valleys of this picnic spot, Ilaveezha Poonchira is literally a place where no chances to fall leaves. Even if any leaves fall at this place, the wind carries them away.

Travelers will get enthralled by the views from the top of Ilaveezha Poonchira. The best time to visit this delightful picnic spot is from September to May. The beautiful valley of Ilaveezha Poonchira will get filled with water and form a charming lake during monsoon season. Visitors can enjoy amazing beauty of nature during this time at this tourist destination.

There is a myth related to Ilaveezha Poonchira. The great Pandavas had stayed at this destination in disguise and their wife, Draupadi came at the lake to take bath. Attracted by her beauty, some devas tried to watch her and Lord Indra built hillocks by heaping flowers to prevent them from watching her while taking bath.

The native people believe that Ilaveezha Poonchira is the hermitage of Agastya Maharshi and he still lives there. The Akshayapatra of Panjaly is hidden somewhere in this place which is protected by the great saint. There is an ancient Krishna temple also in this picnic spot.

Ilaveezha Poonchira is almost 48 kilometers away from Kottayam and nearly 36 kilometers from Idukki. Visitors will get a clear view of Malankara Dam from this picnic spot which is only 7 kilometers away. Some nearest places of interest include Vagamon and Thommankuthu Waterfalls. You can take buses either from Erattupetta or Palai to reach Ilaveezha Poonchira. Plan a trip to this mesmerizing picnic spot to enjoy the scenic nature and a bit of trekking.

13/08/2016

പുന്നമടയുടെ ഓളപ്പരപ്പിൽ വിസ്മയങ്ങൾ തീർത്തുകൊണ്ട് ജലരാജാക്കന്മാർ മാറ്റുരയ്ക്കുന്നു. ആലപ്പുഴയെ ആവേശത്തിലാഴ്ത്തി വീണ്ടുമൊരു ജലോത്സവം. ഈ വർഷത്തെ നെഹ്റുട്രോഫി മത്സര ജലോത്സവത്തിനു തിരിതെളിയുന്നു. ഏവർക്കും കിഴക്കിന്റെ വെനീസിലേയ്ക്കു സ്വാഗതം.

08/08/2016

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most colorful water sport in Kerala, is conducted at PUNNAMADA LAKE in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August every year and this prestigious cultural event of Kerala has been attracting people from all over the world. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a festival for the people of Alappuzha. Though it is a festival,what stands apart is the sportive spirit among the participants of the race.
Even though innumerable number of boat races are held in Kuttanad and several parts of Alappuza every year, Nehru Trophy Boat race is a class of it's own and has gained a popularity that no other boat race in Kerala can boast of.

The trophy named 'NEHRU TROPHY' is awarded to the winner of the boat race.The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Punditji are inscribed above his signature.
"To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin".

This aquatic festival fosters a sense of unity,fraternity and sportsman spirit and attracts the largest number foreign tourists for any boat race of it's kind.

A Flashback:

In the year 1952, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore - Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha from Kottayam the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats, gave him a roaring reception. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner.
This trophy was later christened, 'Nehru Trophy'. The first race was an ‘impromptu’ one held in honour of Panditji. On that occasion Ten Snake boats were present and Nedubhagam Chundan won the race. In 1953 the boat race was not conducted. In order to commemorate the occasion every year "Nehru Trophy Boat Race" is conducted in all splendor by the Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society.
Many different kinds of country-boats like Iruttukuthy, Veppu and Churulan also participate in the race; women and students also compete in the events over a distance of 4850 ft. The beautiful scenery of the race area together with the exciting snake-boat race, will ever remain a cherished memory for the onlookers.

The presence of high dignitaries and distinguished personalities has enhanced the fame of the NTBR over the years. This prestigious water carnival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002.In fact Nehru Trophy Boat Race has enabled Alappuzha to achieve prominance in the World Tourism Map.

06/08/2016

Bekal Fort, Kasaragod

Kasaragod is a beautiful town poised at the Northern extreme of Kerala State.16 km south of the town on the National Highway, is the largest and best preserved fort in the whole of Kerala, bordered by a splendid beach. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort- built in 17th century - offers a superb view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which were occupied by huge cannons, couple of centuries ago.

Near the fort is an old mosque said to have been built by the valiant Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Built by the rulers of the ancient Kadampa dynasty, the fort changed hands over the years to the Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Tipu Sultan and finally, the British East India Company.

Today, the Bekal Fort and its surroundings are fast becoming an international tourist destination and a favourite shooting locale for film makers.

04/08/2016

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Wealth of Periyar Forests
Flora:Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus wallichianus, grows in the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Fauna:
Mammals: More than 60 species are found here which includes the Asian elephant, Tiger, Indian bison, sambar deer, Indian wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, Smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas whereas the endangered lion tailed macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the bonnet macaques and Nilgiri langur can be seen foraging from the trees near the boat landing. Malabar giant squirrel is omnipresent.

Birds: 265 species including migrants. The Malabar grey hornbill, The Indian pied hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, many species of drongos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, the spectacular Malabar trogon, etc can be seen near the boat landing.

Reptiles: Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian monitor lizard.

Amphibians: Frogs like the colorful Malabar gliding frog, fungoid frog, bicolored frog, many species of toads, and limbless caecilians.

Pisces (fish): The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-coated otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve.

Watch Towers: There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife.

30/07/2016

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Accommodation facility for tourists at Kovalam ranges from five star hotels to budget hotels and the choice of food is available at restaurants and cafeteria ranges from Continental varieties to South Indian tastes.

29/07/2016

Mysore
One of South India’s most famous tourist destinations, Mysuru (which recently changed its name from Mysore) is known for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings. Its World Heritage–listed palace may be what brings most travellers here, but it’s also a thriving centre for the production of premium silk, sandalwood and incense.