Kerala's Heritage And Culture Connect To The Tourism Sector Said By CM Of Kerala

Connect State’s Heritage with Tourism Sector: Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala

Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala, has underlined the need to connect Kerala’s heritage and culture to the tourism sector.  “International and domestic tourists should get the experience of Kerala products, heritage and culture to enhance the sector. This can be achieved only by connecting Kerala’s traditional industries with the sector. Tourism is a gateway to take the state’s history to the world,” he said while delivering the inaugural address of the Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival at Iringal, Kozhikode.

He also presented the State Tourism Awards for 2014-15 at the event. A high powered committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Venu V., Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism, selected 27 winners under three categories for the tourism awards.

Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, who presided over the event, said that the state tourism sector aims to create 4 lakh jobs in next five years.

“With many innovative initiatives, Kerala has already grabbed a space on the world tourism map. The government is planning to identify and develop 79 new destinations in the state apart from creating more model tourism villages. This will be ensured with the help of the co-operative sector,” said the Tourism Minister.

Dr. Venu V., Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism and Mr. U. V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism were among the host of dignitaries at the event.

Click here to view the winners list.

Kerala Tourism Awards Winners Of 2014-2015

Winners of State Tourism Awards 2014-2015

Kerala Tourism has presented the Kerala Tourism Awards of Excellence 2014-2015 to honour Kerala's Best Tourism Service Providers. The awards were presented by Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Kerala.

The list of the awardees:

Marvel Tours won the award for best in-bound tour operator. Crowne Plaza, Kochi, bagged the top award for five star deluxe hotel, while Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel and Spa bagged the best five star hotel award.

Spice Village in Thekkady, has been adjudged best four star hotel and Marari Beach in Alappuzha won the top three star hotel award. Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, took the best heritage hotel award.

Somatheeram Research Institute and Ayurveda Hospital won the award for the best Ayurveda Centre, while Coconut Creek Farm and Homestay at Kumarakom won the best homestay award. The award for the best serviced villa went to Teak Town, Malappuram.

The award for the best hotel manager went to Jaya Chitra of Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort and Sanjay Kaushik of Crowne Plaza, while Munnar Catering College pocketed the award for the best tourism management institute.

The special recognition for new initiatives in tourism for this year went to Joseph K of Malappuram for 'Adventure on Wheels' initiative while Somatheeram Ayurveda Group and The Travel Planners from Thiruvananthapuram won the award for the best use of IT in Tourism.

The Best Adventure Tourism Award went to Kalypso Adventures. Some other awards were the best tourism police award for Sanal Kumar A G; best tourism lifeguard for Mahesan C and best tourism destination for Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Iringal.

Dr K C Krishnakumar, Chief Sub Editor, Mathrubhumi won the award for best tourism related report while Arun Sreedhar, Chief Photographer, Malayala Manorama won  for best tourism photography.

St Xavier's College for Women, Aluva, was adjudged for best tourism club award.

Pushpa Gujral Science City – It Is An Informative Hilarity Centre For Those Who Have Interest In Science

 PUSHPA GUJRAL SCIENCE CITY

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JALANDHAR

Pushpa Gujral science city is located in Jalandhar district of Punjab State of India and it is actually situated at the Jalandhar- Kapurthala Road and contains over 20 different science exhibits, a lake for boating and a huge Dinosaur model. The science themed informative amusement center is named after Pushpa Gujral, the mother of former Indian Prime minister I.K. Gujral.

Being an ancient city with a diverse culture, Jalandhar is a must visit to experience the authentic roots of Punjab, the various temples and eateries located in Jalandhar make it an unforgettable Indian tourist destination.

The biggest project of its kind in Northern India, the Science City has been set up in 72 acres of land in the of heart of Punjab, on Jalandhar- Kapurthala Road. It is intended to inclucate the scientific aptitude & temperament, to fire the imagination and creativity, foster the spirit of enquiry and exploration among the masses, especially in the young minds.

The subject areas covered include physical, applied, natural and social sciences, engineering, technology, agriculture, health sciences, energy, industries, human evolution and civilization, the environment, ecosystems, Jurassic parks as well as frontier areas like space, nuclear science, information technology, robotics and Bio-technology.

it has Space theratre, Digital planetarium, Laser theatre, 3D theatre, Flight simulator, Climate change theatre, Earthquake simulator, Space and aviation, Energy park, Health gallery, Science of sports, Virtual reality, Fun science, Dinosaurs park, Life through ages, Defence gallery, Mobile science bus, Events calender

Pushpa Gujral Science City (PGSC) is located on Jalandhar Kapurthala Road 15 KMs from Jalandhar and 5 KMs from Kapurthala. It is easily accessible through road, rail and air. Airways. 

Road. Good number of Buses run between Jalandhar and Kapurthala which will drop you at the Entrance Gate of the Science City.

Chhatarpur Mandir - It Is Made By The Mixture Of North And South Indian's Design

CHHATARPUR MANDIR

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NEW DELHI

Chhatarpur is located south of Delhi a small village of yore, now is known more by the divine pulsations of Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir. Founded in the Nineteen seventies by Sant Shree Nagpal Baba, the place has now become a pilgrimage Centre of renown, visited by devotees from all parts of the country, nay the world.

The Mandir precincts offer to the visitors exquisite architecture, a blend of North and South. The enthralling statues of the deities like Maa Katyayani, Maa Mahishasurmardini, Ram-Darbar, Radha-Krishna, Shiv-Parvati, Laxmiji, Ganeshji, Hanumanji etc make one standstill in adoration with extreme admiration of the presence of the divine which is more eloquent than silent.

The special celebrations during Navratras, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami make the temple abuzz with religious fervour to the delight of the devotees congregating in hundreds and thousands. The lungar Prasad distributed in both the Navratras to approximately a lakh visitors daily is a rare sight to see and believe.

The Mandir, spread over an area of approximately 70 acres, has a number of structures, separate as well as combined, dedicated to each deity with large halls for congregation of devotees.

The Shiv Mandir, Ram Mandir, Maa Katyayani Mandir, Maa Mahishasurmaridini Mandir, Maa Ashtabhuji Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Laxmi Vinayak Mandir, Jharpeer Mandir, Markandeya Mandapam, Baba Ki Samadhi, Nageshwar Mandir, the Trident (Trishul), 101 feet high Hanuman Murti etc are special attractions for the devotees and even common visitors.

Visitors to the temple can park their vehicle in the free parking lot in the Dharamshala complex across the road and opposite the main Mandir entrance.

On entering the main temple complex, one can visit the temple of lord Shiva and Maa Parvati and then come to Ram Darbar consisting of (1) the idols of Sankatmochan Hanuman (2) Shri Ram with his divine consort Sita on one side and brother Lakshman on the other with his devotee Lord Hanuman at his feet and (3) Shree Radha Krishna.

Then, after climbing up stairs, a visitor would reach the sanctum of the main deity, namely, Maa Katyayani, a form of Maa Durga.Maa Katyayani had a special appeal to Babaji. At the feet of Maa Katyayani is Lord Ganesha looking at her with devotion and attention and eager to fulfill her every wish.

Mani Chhatarpur Temple , | 1 km from Chhatarpur Metro Station, New Delhi 110074, India

Bolgatty Island - It Has Special Cottages For Honeymooners

BOLGATTY ISLAND

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ERNAKULAM

Near the historic town of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, the commercial capital of Kerala, is the Bolgatty Island. This lush, lovely island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolgatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today, it is a premium hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Hotels & Resorts, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.

India’s only international marina, Kochi International Marina, is situated in Bolgatty. The marina provides berthing facility for 34 yachts and also offers services like water, electricity and sewage pump-outs.

Overlooking the backwater, Cochin seaport, Vallarpadam container terminal and the Arabian Sea is the Bolgatty Event Centre, the venue is ideal for conducting International conferences, Conventions, Exhibitions, Meetings, Wedding receptions and Theme dinners.

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 6 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 33 km

Kumbakkarai Falls - Bathing Here Is A Enjoyment And Also Medicinal Purification Too.

KUMBAKKARAI FALLS

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THENI

The Kumbakkarai Falls are located in the Theni district of the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kumbakkarai Falls is source is River Pamba. It is a feast of nature and yet another tourist attractions for all.

Kumbakkarai falls is located 8 km from Periyakulam and on the foothill path of Kodaikanal. The origin is from the Western Ghats, passes through the rocky zones and pastures to flow down as Kumbakkarai falls.

In the process of long travel the water Falls bring down the goodness of minerals and herbs of the mountain that can cure skin diseases and other related ailments. Bathing here is a pleasure and also medicinal purification too. This is lesser known to tourists.

Very popular with locals and people around the district. This takes a Two Stage fall. The first collects the water in rock recess named after wild life animals. In the second stage river Pamba flows for initial stretch of few kilometers and drops down as Kumbakkarai Falls and it is a perennial source of water.

A five centuries old temple of Goddess Thadagai Nachiamman is near the falls and visited by devotees in large number. Due to the long journey of the waters, they acquire healing and medicinal powers, to cure skin and other minor ailments.

The Kumbakkarai Falls are lesser to known to the tourists, while being quite popular amongst the locals. The source of the waters of the Kumbakkarai Falls is the River Pamba.The tourists who visit these falls enjoy bathing under the healing waters. The Kumbakkarai Falls remain perennial throughout the year and the water currents are fierce during the rains. The height of the Kumbakkarai Falls is up to 400 meters!

The temperatures at the Kumbakkarai Falls remain low even in summers and the weather can be quite chilly during the winter months! There are many temples on the way to the Kumbakkarai Falls from the nearest town. The nearest railway station and airport to the Kumbakkarai Falls is at Madurai.

Rann Utsav - Visitors Get Experiences About The Hospitality Of Kutchi People

RANN UTSAV

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KUTCH

1st November, 2016 to 20th February, 2017

Rann Utsav is a celebration of life, festivities and culture of Kutch and Gujarat. It is a landmark bestowing grace and elegance where the world gathers for more than 2 months. A riot of colour sprinkled on the barren lands, Rann Utsav offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse traditions and the generosity and hospitality of Kutchi people.

The picturesque “White Desert” is waiting to welcome you. On a full moon night during Rann Utsav, the region wakes to an endless cycle of dance, and where century old traditions are revived in a celebration.

The colorful fairs held near the beach or the banks of a lake swings one with the spirit of festivity, fervor and flamboyancy while the organized tour around Kutch is an ideal occasion to be part of the region and experience the zeal and uniqueness of the people through a celebration of life!

Rannutsav hosts activities such as Horse Rides, Camel Safaris to Bird Watching,Pool Table,Table Tennis,ATV Riding,Paramotoring, Archery,Giant Chess, Net Cricket, Bicycle.Tourists visiting Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav will surely enjoy remarkable moments.

On popular demand, it has been decided to commence the Rann Utsav during the festive season from 1st November, 2016. As on date,the  formation of the White Rann has taken place in some sections and as a part of the natural process it will take a few more weeks for the White Rann to emerge in its full majestic splendour all over.  A general  disclaimer is already there on the respective booking sites. However, in case of any inconvenience, prospective tourists are advised to get in touch with the Operators or Gujarat Tourism.

Interesting facts

Kutch or Rannutsav, a unique manifestation of varied cultural ethos of the region is known for the ethnic flavor and celebrative zest. This festival provides an exclusive opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans and craftspeople, assorted array of folk music and performances, mixed representation of culture and communities, along with a vast diversity in ecology. All this and much more describe and define Kutch and the people.

History

A seasonal salt marshland situated in the heart of the Thar Desert with Gujarat on one side and Pakistan’s Sind province on the other, the district spans about 7,505.22 square kilometres (2,897.78 sq mi) and is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The Great Rann of Kutch, the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands at the southern fringe, makes up for some 30,000 square kilometres of white lands, sweeping the Gulf of Kutch at one end, and the seat of the great Indus Valley Civilization on the other, falling in southern Pakistan.

A cradle of craftsmanship, Kutch is known for its exquisite variety of weaving, patchwork, block-printing, bandhani, tie-and-dye, rogan-art and other ethnic styles of embroidery, pottery, wood-carving, metal-crafts and shell-work. The variety emerges from the enchanting terrain that provides a perfect backdrop to an extra ordinary fair. Perhaps because the landscape is so white and ochre, even a hint of colour adds a fascinating element to the rustic life of Rann.

The Online Booking sites are:   http://rannutsav.net and whiterannresort.com

Navagraha Temples Are In And Around Kumbakonam And Thanjavur District Of Tamil Nadu

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES

Believers in astrology and the influence of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil Nadu as a Great Destination. Indian Astrology believes that the planetary positions of the nine planets in a geocentric orbit determine the strength and weaknesses of a life, and how it takes its course Nava means Nine and Graha means Planets. Navagraha temples devoted to the Nine Celestial bodies, with incarnation of God for each of those nine planets are found in and around Kumbakonam and Thanjavur District.

Planet	Temple
Surya (Sun)	Suryanar Koil
Chandra (Moon)	Tingaloor Koil
Chevaai (Mars)	Vaitheswaran Koil
Budhan (Mercury)	Tiruvenkadu
Guru (Jupiter)	Alangudi
Shukran (Venus)	Kanchanoor
Shani (Saturn)	Tirunallar
Rahu	Tirunageswaram
Ketu	Keezhperumpallam

  

1. Suriyanar Koil : This temple 21 Kms from Swami Malai and 58 Kms from Thanjavur, believed to have been built by Chola King Kulothunga I in 1100 AD, is dedicated to Lord Suriyan [Sun] . Suriyan is believed to bestow health, success and prosperity. The Pongal Festival is celebrated as Harvest Festival and Thanks giving to Lord Suiyan.

2. Thingalur : It is 18 Kms from Thanjavur on the Thiruvaiyar – Kumbakonam route. This temple is believed to be existing even before 7th Century and it is one of the Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Chandran [Moon] in the planetary formation. Chandran is said to be the reliever of Stress and Sorrow.

3. Vaitheswaran Koil : It is 90 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Chdiambaram. This temple is dedicated to Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Sevvai / Angaragan [Mars] in the planetary formation. Lord Angaragan is believed to bestow Valour, Victory and Strength. The Devotees take dip in Sidhamirtham Tank as the water in tank is said to have the curative powers for various skin ailments and also believed that a visit here removes all the obstacles in the delay of marriages for both men and women.

4. Thiruvenkadu : It is near Mayiladuthurai. This is one of the Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Budhan[Mercury] in the planetary formation. This temple has reference in Valmiki Ramayanam too and believed to be over 3000 years old. Lord Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.

 Suryanar Koil

5. Alangudi: This temple is 36 Kms from Thanjavur and dedicated to Lord Guru [Jupiter]. He is also called as Brihaspathi. He is worshiped by students for their excellence in education, fine arts and wisdom. This temple attracts a large number of devotees when Jubiter transits one Zodiac sign to another. It is believed that Goddess Parvati was reborn on the banks of Amrita Pushkarani, a divine tank within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.

6. Thirunallar : It is 90 Kms from Thanjavur and 35 Kms from Mayiladuthurai and nearer to Karaikal.. This temple is dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn]. He occupies the most important position in the planetary position. Anybody who worships him is believed to be relieved from curses, spells of ill luck and diseases. Legendry King Nala is said to have been relieved of all obstacles due to malefic influence of Saturn. Of the holy tanks around the temple , Nala Theertham is one of the important tanks where all the devotees take a holy dip to get relieved of all misfortunes and afflictions.

7. Kanchanur : It is located 57 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Mayiladuthurai . This temple is dedicated to Lord Sukran [Venus] whose duty in the planetary position is to solve problems related to love, marriage, beauty and comforts. This temple is maintained by Madurai Adhinam located at Thiruvavaduthurai. It is also called Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri and Agnisthalam. Sukran is believed to be prayed by men folk for the well being of their wives.

8. Thirunageswaram : It is 6 kms from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District. This temple is dedicated to Lord Raghu. The legend says the Serpant Adi Sesha , Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Lord Siva here. This locality is identified with champakaranya. Devotes throng this temple to get relieved of Naga Dosham.

9. Keezhperumpalam : This is a Siva temple located close to Poompuhar and Lord Kethu is enshrined within this temple. The legend records that Kethu worshiped Lord Siva here. Rahu and kethu are believed to have associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva Churn the Milk Ocean(Paar Kadai).

Yercaud - It Is Not As Much Of Expensive Than Either Kodaikanal Or Ooty

YERCAUD HILL STATION 

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TAMILNADU

Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 4970 feet , on the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, located in Salem District of Northern Tamil Nadu. Because of the abundance of Trees and that happened to be near the Lake made the locals to call this area as Yeri – Kaadu meaning Lake Forest.

Later on the name turned out to be Yercaud and it is also called as Jewel of the South. Yercaud Taluk spreads in an about 382.67 Sq.km area which includes the Reserve Forest also. While rest of this region, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats welcomes all with its cool climate.

 The temperature never rises above 29⁰C and does not drop down below 13⁰C degrees. Yercaud is less expensive than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikanal.

This hill station is an enchanting destination which can be explored during a romantic honeymoon, family vacations, or while vacationing with friends or colleagues.

A part of the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud has several hills and bountiful areas to explore. Some of the best places to visit in Yercaud are filled with natural beauty and abundance of flora and fauna, making this sleepy hill station a mesmerizing and enthralling holiday destination.

Some of the best places to visit in Yercaud are Emerald Lake, Anna Park, Lady's Seat, Shevaroy Temple, Small Lake, Bear's Point, Pagoda Point, Killiyur Falls and Botanical Garden. Yercaud is a picturesque hill stations on the Eastern Ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable experiences. The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, which is situated at a height of 5326 feet.

Yercaud is known for its plantations majorly of coffee, orange, jackfruit, guava, cardamom and black pepper. The forests of Yercaud have an abundance of sandalwood, teak and silver oaks. From wild animals like bison, deer, foxes, mongooses, snakes, squirrels to birds like bulbuls, kites, sparrows and swallows can be found in these forests.

Summer Festival celebrated in Yercaud in the month of May is a special attraction. This festival is marked by a 7-day exhibition of flowers, dog shows, boating races and a village fair.

By Air

Tiruchirapalli Airport, distanced by about 163 km is the nearest airport that operates certain flights, much to the delight of frequent flyers. Landing at the Tiruchirapalli Airport, tourists can avail the services of a hired taxi to reach Yercaud.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Salem (36kms) and Salem Town (33kms). Also there are direct trains to Yercaud from Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

By Bus

Yercaud is 190 km from Coimbatore, 220km from Bangalore and 357kms from Chennai and is well connected to all these cities through an efficient road network system. Many buses pass through Yercaud on their way to and from Salem, which is a mid-size industrial town.

Weekend Tour - Ahmedabad To Dwarka

AHMEDABAD-DWARKA

Located in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, Dwarka is one of the most valued religious destinations In India because of the great temple of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish temple also known as the Jaggat Mandir is a popular Hindu temple devoted to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here by the name of "King of Dwarka' or "Dwarkadhish". The place attracts lots of people from around the world who holds faith in the divine creature.

At Tour My India, we offer a weekend tour to Dwarka from Ahmedabad. Our Ahmedabad Dwarka Weekend Tour will take you on an incredible journey to attain sanctity and peace. With our weekend tour to Dwarka, you will be visiting the famous Dwarkadish Temple, Bet Dwarka, Nageswar Mahadev temple and the Bala Hanuman Temple where you can listen to the prayers and chants offered to the Lord. So, be a part of our splendid tour and have a great weekend ahead.

Day 01: Ahmedabad – Jamnagar - Dwarka

In the morning, we will drive to Dwarka. En-route visit Jamnagar and the Bala Hanuman Temple.

The Bala Hanuman Temple is a holy place honoured by the devotees of Lord Ram. It is one of the famous temples acknowledged for the nonstop chanting of Jai Ram or Shri Ram. The chanting started in 1964 and since then it has never stopped. Thus, the temple has got a place for in the Guinness Book of World Records for this record. People here chant Lord Ram's name in shifts, 24 hours a day.

After visit the temple, we will continue our drive to Dwarka. On arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening, we will attend Aarti and Darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple. An overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 02: Dwarka – Bet Dwarka - Dwarka

We will visit the Dwarkadhish temple for morning Aarti and Darshan early in the morning. Later, we will return back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Jetty to board the boat for Bet Dwarka.

Bet Dwarka, also known as Bet Shankhoddar, is just 5 kms from Okha Junction in sea and Okha is again about 30 kms from Dwarka. The place is believed to be the one where Lord Krishna lived with his family when he ruled at Dwarka. It is also the place where Vishnu slew the demon Shankhasura. Tourists visit the Krishna temple here that holds a major religious significance.

Later, we will return to jetty by boat and drive back to Dwarka. En-route, we will visit the Nageswar Mahadev temple. The Puranas mention 12 Jyotirlingas or columns of light representing Lord Shiva, who manifested himself in that form in different parts of India. This shrine of Lord Shiva near Dwarka is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Further, we will continue our drive to Dwarka. On arrival, check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Dwarka – Ahmedabad

In the morning, we will visit the Rukmani Temple – Temple of Lord Krihsna's wife. Later, we will return back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we will leave for Ahmedabad. On arrival at Ahmedabad, we will drop you at your own desired location.

End of the services

No. of Pax (Per Person Cost)	Budget Hotels	Deluxe Hotels	Luxury Hotels
02 Pax	INR. 9415	INR. 10105	INR. 11485
04 Pax	INR. 6468	INR. 7158	INR. 8538
06 Px	INR. 5040	INR. 5730	INR. 7110

The Above Cost Includes:

·         Accommodation as per the itinerary

·         Daily breakfast

·         All the ground transport and sightseeing by exclusive vehicle

·         Driver allowance

·         Toll tax

·         Parking

·          

The Above Cost Doesn't Includes:

·         Any other expenses not mentioned under includes items

Note: Package not valid during Festivals and long weekend.

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