Alappuzha - It Is Referred To As The Venice Of The East

ALAPPUZHA

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KERALA

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.

Of late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.

DTPC Houseboat Pre-paid Counter

For booking houseboats, travelers can make use of the Houseboat Pre-paid Counter 'Trusted Service, Trusted Rates' managed by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

Tourist can make advance booking by transferring INR 2500/- to the account of the DTPC and send email to dtpcalpy@yahoo.com. Travellers should check in advance the availability and also the rate of the houseboat. Then only they should deposit the amount in bank. The houseboat rates vary depending on the number of rooms in the houseboat. 

Before transferring the amount, traveller should first contact the Houseboat pre-paid counter

Contact details

Alappuzha - House boat pre-paid counter - +91 477 2238170
DTPC Office: 09400051796, +91 477 2253308 , +91 477 2251796,
DTPC Secretary - 09447483308

The account number of DTPC is A/c 10150100253203, Federal Bank, Mullackal Branch, Alappuzha. Bank code is FDRL 000001015.

Nearest railway station: Alappuzh

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

Annual Feast In St.Andrew's Forane Church At Arthunkal For Devotees

 ARTHUNKAL PERUNNAL

Start date: 10-01-2017

End date: 20-01-2017

Venue: St. Andrew's Forane Church

Location: Arthunkal

District: Alappuzha

The Arthunkal Perunnal (perunnal meaning feast) is the annual feast of St. Sebastian held in the St. Andrew's Forane Church at Arthunkal in Alappuzha. The event sees devotees from across the state throng the church to participate in the feast which is held in January every year. 

One of the main events during the feast involves a ceremonial procession wherein the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out from the church to the beach and back. Another intriguing event is the ceremony on the final day when devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. 

By Air

Cochin International Airport, about 85 km

By Train

Cherthala, about 8 km; Alappuzha, about 22 km

Lakshman Temple - It has A Holy Idol Of Vishnu Brought From Tibet By Chandella Rulers

LAKSHMANA TEMPLE

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KHAJURAHO

Lakshman Temple is located in Khajuraho town of chattarpur district of the Madhya Pradesh state of India. This temple stands facing the Varaha and Devi mandaps. lt is one of the three largest temples of Khajuraho and the Western Group and is considered to be the earliest (c. AD 954) to have been built by the Chandella rulers.

Lakshmana temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built from 930-950 AD during the reign of King Yasovarman of the Chandella kingdom. It houses a sacred image of Vaikuntha-Vishnu brought from Tibet.

Though the temple is one of the oldest in the Khajuraho fields, it is also one of the most exquistely decorated, covered almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon.The main shrine of the temple, which faces east, is flanked by four freestanding subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform

The temple faces the east and is dedicated to Vishnu, by a rather inappropriate name of Lakshman, the brother of Ram, the hero king of the epic poem Ramayana. The temple is as tall as it is long, measuring approximately 25.9 metres in lengtlh.

The lakshman Temple stands like a gaint mountain of stone at the centre, and is unique in khajuraho for its four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of its rectangular platform. Each Subsidairy shrine has a little porch, band of scultpure along the esterior walls.

The large erotic sculptures adorning the main body of the temple are placed, as in all the other temples in Khajuraho, on the south and north sides, between the two balconies. On the south side (also seen from the staircase of the Matangeshvar Temple) the top panel depicts a bearded god, identified as Agni; beneath is the figure of the divine bridegroom walking in procession accompanied by musicians. Belo, on the lower panel is Shiva with his top-knot still secure, embracing his wife Parvati and sharing a passionate kiss that has lasted a thousand god years!

The temple has only one entrance on the east side, Set at the top of the stairs. The porch has a pretty toran or stone garland above the entrance. Cemented along the porch wall is the Challdella stone inscription found in the vicinity of tlhe temple. The inscription, written in AD 954, records that Yashovarman, the seventh Chandella ruler, constructed a temple to Vishnu and was succeeded by his son Dhangadeva. It is therefore assumed that Lakshman Temple was built just before AD 954 

By Air

Khajuraho is having a domestic airport known as City Airport Khajuraho. It is located at 2 Km south of Khajuraho town.

By Train 

Most important railway station for Khajuraho is Khajuraho Railway Station which is just 5km from Khajuraho Town. Their is direct train for Khajuraho Railway Station (UP Sampark Kranti Express) for Khajuraho. It is the only train, at present from New Delhi to Khajuraho.

By Bus

Khajuraho city is very well connected by Jhansi, Orchha, Satna, Katni, Bandhavgarh, Chattarpur etc. Usually tourists arrive at Jhansi Railway Station by train and take taxi car to travel to Khajuraho, via Orchha or directly. From Jhansi, Khajuraho is just 200kms.04:00hrs. 

Feeling Rich In Shikara Boat In Hydel Tourism Of Kerala

HYDEL TOURISM

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 KERALA

Ever wanted to cosy into a shikara, glide through placid waters in abandon, be surrounded by nothing but lush greenery and stick you head out to enjoy the spectacular natural environment?

No, you needn’t head off to Kashmir to enjoy the scenic splendour in a shikara. All these and more are on offer in the many hydel packages of the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre, a subsidiary of the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. (KSEBL). The following are the hydel packages in the Munnar circuit.

Trout Lagoon/Kundala Dam

The dam at Kundala is Asia’s first Arch Dam and the lake formed by the dam here offers opportunities for boating. Atop the dam, you will get a panoramic view of the lush green surrounds. Boating facilities include pedal boats, Kashmiri shikara boats and rowing boats. Ringed by hills and lush valleys, with the majestic dam forming the backdrop, a ride in the lake can work wonders for your soul.

Dew Valley Boating Center/Sengulam Dam

This is the latest dam site in Munnar which is already creating ripples in the tourism circuit with its boating centre which offers myriad boating opportunities in natural surrounds. Glide through this pristine lake in pedal boats, speed boats, pontoon boats and large boats. Those charming visuals that pass by you will last a lifetime. A Games Corner and Fish Spa are also present here.

Elephants’ Abode/Anayirangal Dam

Yet another scenic spot in Munnar is the Anayirangal Dam.  This majestic reservoir ringed by tea plantations and evergreen forests promises splendid views of nature. Wade through the crystal clear waters of the lake in a boat, let the cool mountain air envelope you, and just be.?

Hydel Park, Munnar

This nature park set amidst the woods promises a plethora of activities such as nature walking, adventure trails, boating in the serene waters, watching migratory water birds or just reveling in vast stretches of lawn.

Sun-Moon Valley, Mattupetty

Set against the Mattupetty Dam is this dollop of heaven. The Mattupetty Dam is frequented by many wild animals and birds. Once here, immerse in water sport activities like boating in speed boats, pontoon boats. Other activities include buggy ride, a games corner, food courts, 6D Studio etc.

Echo Point

13 km off Munnar is the Echo Point. Activities are aplenty here with a games corner, and boating center. The verdant hills and evergreen trees provide opportunities for trekking and nature walks.

For Details

Ph: +91 471 2514209

Mob: +91 9447640600