Kerala

Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast. It is named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India. The principal spoken language is Malayalam, but other languages are also spoken. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively.

National Park. Cities such as Palace and the Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demographics, has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for their shopping and traditional theatrical performances. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattancherry Palace, are also visited.

Kerala's cuisine is typically served as a sadhya on green banana leaves. Such dishes as idli, payasam, pulisherry, puttucuddla, puzhukku, rasam, and sambar are typical. Native performing arts include koodiyattom, kathakali, koothu, mohiniaattam, thullal, padayani, and theyyam. Other forms of art are more religious or tribal in nature. However, many of these art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites.

During early summer, the Thrissur Pooram is conducted, attracting foreign tourists who are largely drawn by the festival's elephants and celebrants. Kerala's tourism industry was able to transform the state into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. Kerala's major railway stations are Trivandrum Central, Kollam Junction, Ernakulam Junction, Kannur, Kozhikode, Shoranur Junction, and Palakkad. The state has three major international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode, that link the state with the rest of the nation and the world. Fourth international airport is coming up at Kannur.

Munnar - The beautiful place in Gods own land, Kerala

Munnar is a small town in Idukki district, of the southern state of Kerala in India. The name is most often used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which the town forms a part.

It is located at the confluence of the mountain streams Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. It is surrounded by wild jungles and is wet and cold for most of the season. Though part of Kerala state, Tamil workers brought from Tamilnadu and their successors are now majority in Munnar.

Munnar is referred to as the “Switzerland of India” for its natural surroundings and beautiful Old world architecture. Munnar is famous for its cultivation of tea plants. Munnar is declared as a tourist spot by the Government of Kerala. The tourist season in Munnar is from August to March but is especially marvelous during the monsoons, with little streams all over the place.

Munnar is almost full of tea estates and has thick forest cover. Most of the people work in tea estates and many of them are laborers (to pluck the tea leaves). The majority of the tea estates (approx 27/30) are owned by Tata Tea, one of the Tata Group of companies

Munnar is easily approachable, it is about 150 kms from ernakulam, and is a pleasant drive through winding roads amidst tea gardens. The town has many surrounding tourist resorts.

India Celebrating Navaratri

Navaratri or Navaratra is a Hindu festival. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit; Nava - Nine and Ratri - nights. The following 9 forms of godesses are worshipped during these nine days: Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba or Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika or Chandi, Lalita, and Bhavani.

The festival is celebrated for nine days. The festival begins in Ashad month of Hindu Lunar calender. The 10th dayis celebrated as Dusshera (Vijaya Dushmee), the festival of victory. It is the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama has killed Ravana, the daemon on this day. Hindus burn Ravana and celebrate Dusshera.

All this 10 days you will find a happy dancing mood around India. People in Gujarat, Maharasthraplay Dandiya and Gharbha. Its a treat to watch this dance. Mysore is famous for its royal style Dusshera celebration.

West bengal, is lighten these nine days. Maa Durga is worshipped in various PANDALS created by groups or mandals throughout West Bengal. You have to be there to feel the divinity.
Be there in Navaratri and get blessed my Maa Durga!!!

Bolo Jai Mata Di!!!

India Overview

India (Also known as Bharat, named after the emperor Bharat) is a country in South Asia. It is a land of diverse cultures. Geographically it is the seventh largest country and it is the second most populous country, only next to China. It is also the world's largest democracy.

India got independence in 1947, August 15th from the colonial British rule. India has given birth to many scholars. As a computer lover, I am proud to say that the basis of computer, The Binary Numbers are given to the world by India.

India is mixed with various languages, various religions, various cultures, various food, various dresses. Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism all have their origins in India, while Islam, Judaism and Christianity enjoy a strong cultural heritage having arrived through trade even before foreign invasions, and having reached the subcontinent before European occupation of the region.

The country's population, wildlife, geographical terrain and climate system are among the most diverse in the world. India has a coastline of over seven thousand kilometers and no doubt it has many beautiful beaches to enjoy the dancing waters of Indian Ocean.

India is a land of saints. Many saints are born here. And no doubt it has many heritage temples with breathtaking architecture. India is no doubt a hot destination for the world tourists.

I being an Indian, love India. And I will bring to you on this blog, the beauty of India, its people and its culture.

Proud to be an Indian!!!

Mahesh Jain.