God's own city in kerala-munnar

Munnar is located in the Idukku district of Kerala. The city is centered on the Western Ghats at a height ranging from 1,450 meters (4,760 feet) to 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level. The geographical coordinates of the area are 10°05′21″N 77°03′35″E.

The Idukkudistrict is borderedby Pathanamthitta to the south, Kottayam to the southwest, Ernakulum to the northwest and Thrissur to the north and Coimbatore, Dindigul and Then Districts in Tamilnadu to the east. The Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar flow through the district. Anamudi is the highest peak of the area.
Munnar derives its name from the Tamil words 'munnu' means - three and 'aar' means - River hence Munnar means "three rivers". The town has the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly flowing through it thereby contributing to its name.

Munnar also known as Kashmir of South India is in Kannan Devan Hills (KDH) Village in the Devikulam taluk and is the largest Panchayat in the Idukku district. The town was the summer resort of the British Government in South India.

Due to its location and shared boundary, the town has had great cultural influence of Tamil Nadu. About 70% of the population of the town is Tamils.

The area in and around Munnar has an extensive growth of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, pepper, coffee, tea, cloves, ginger and turmeric. In fact Kerala is considered to be the spice capital of the world.

A number of tribes inhabit the area of whom the most noted tribes are Malayarayan, Mannan, Muthuvan, Oorali, Paliyan, Hilpulayan, Malapandaram, Ulladan and Malayan.
A holiday in Munnar makes one forget all the stress and pain of the fast running world. The beauty, serenity and freshness of the valley completely revitalize one's mind and body.
Munnar is a romantic paradise and an ideal honeymoon destination, a place which is the first thought of every newlywed couple. The place synonymously is also a great family holiday place and adventure sports hub. The place is not known for extensive sightseeing but is a place to unwind stress and to spend a relaxed holiday.
Ayurvedic TreatmentThere are many Ayurvedic Treatment centers that offer treatments that are absolutely rejuvenating. Tourists from many other countries come here exclusively to avail these treatments. The therapies are not only rejuvenating but also curing. Ailments of various kinds are effectively cured with oil massages and herbal medicines. There are many luxury Ayurvedic treatments resorts that offer excellent accommodation while one can relax and enjoy the benefits of the treatments.

There are economy and luxury centers based on one's budget where trained professionals give treatments.
TrekkingIt is a more popular and a sport that is done by almost every tourist who visits Munnar. Comfortable walking shoes, water proof warm jacket, woolen / tennis socks, stockings, sunglasses, headgear, water, food, torch, first aid box, umbrella and rucksack are the essentials that one needs to carry while going on this expedition. Local guides and tour operators are available to guide visitors to the right path of trekking.

The main Trekking Points in Munnar are - Anamudi, Rajamala, Meesapulimala, Top Station, Kundala, Devikulam.

The famous Trekking Routes are:Palapetty - Champakad
Karimuty - Inchapetty
Karimuty - Alampetty
Rock Climbing and RappellingRock climbing is very popular in and around Munnar. Sports lovers can enjoy the rock faces and adventurous youngsters can enjoy their venture by rock climbing and rappelling.
The revitalizing rock climbing sessions is conveniently possible with the assistance of the tourism promoters who train and guide the visitors. Walking or bicycling is also a common sport that is enjoyed by visitors. More than a venture it is a pleasure to go for rock climbing in the steep hills and aroma of tea. Proper equipment, water, food, comfortable shoes, first aid box and road map are the essentials for this sport.
Tea PlantationsTea or Chai is one of the highly consumed beverages in the whole world. Munnar and its neighboring areas have huge Tea plantations that produce different varieties of Tea. The endless orchards of tea plantations are absolutely refreshing and leave a lingering fragrance in one's mind and heart. These lush green plantations are major tourists spot for visitors and livelihood for the locals. The climate and the land make it a perfect place for Tea cultivation. Visitors love to visit these plantations and carry back some tea bags.

The nearest big town to Munnar is Ernakulum which is about 120 km away. Ernakulum is the district headquarters of Ernakulum district and is a major commercial hub.

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A Picturesque way to Badhrachalam

"Papi kondalu" or the "Papi Hills" are series of mountain range that are located in Rajahmundry in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu Mountain range runs along River Godavari, one of the largest and vivacious rivers in India. The mighty river narrowing and passing with twists and turns along the Papi Hills is every visitor's delight. Papikondalu mountain range spreads over a vast area, covering about three districts of East Godavari, West Godavari and Khammam Districts.

To get the real essence of Papikondalu, one has to go for the boat journey either from Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam. There are small motor boats with capacity of five including the rider or River Streamers carrying about fifty to sixty people. The journey takes about 8 hours and the adventure begins the moment you step on to the boat. The ups and downs of the river water, the drifting sand, the cool breeze, small fish that can be spotted in the clean water and the fresh air from the Papikondalu Hills, give you one of the best experiences to travel.

Come any season except summer, these hill ranges offer one of the best places to visit in AP in terms of scenic beauty, variety of animal, bird species, which are found here.

The flooding river (especially during rainy season- July to September) gives you a thrilling experience to travel. Sometimes the increased water level in the river makes the boat journey precarious. It is the skill and experience of the local sailors, who makes your journey most memorable.

There are several sights that fall on the way like Perantalapalli and Pattiseema that are must-see. Several tribal communities have made their dwellings on these hills whose main occupation is agriculture, fishing or handicrafts-making. If you are a real adventure lover with a group of more than five and not with elderly people, one of the fascinating things you can do is camp at the river side overnight. You can carry your tents, fishing rods and eatables, go trekking the hill towards dusk and spend time at the riverside. You can then start the onward journey the next day. This would be one of the thrilling, exciting and best adventure you can have, but at your own risk.

On the same route, there is another small but interesting place called "Pattisam". Pattisam is a small island that is famous for the temple of Lord Veerabhadra, a warrior of Lord Shiva's army. The village is said to be named as "Pattisam" after one of the weapons of Lord Shiva.

All in all, the view of the never ending Papikondalu all along and all through your boat journey truly ignites a desire to visit again.

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Visit Cool Beaches this Hot Summer

 Ramakrishna Beach

Deriving its name from the Lord Ramakrishna, this beach is commonly called as RK Beach and is one of the happening places in Visakhapatnam. Many recreational places like Submarine museum, Visakha Museum, Aquarium, War Memorial, statues of eminent personality and many more are all lined up along this beach.

 Rushikonda Beach

This beach is about 10kms from Visakhapatnam and is an ideal place for holidaying. The AP tourism has 12 cottages overlooking the beach and has good restaurant. There are also some private resorts nearby with restaurant facilities. The clean beach and facilities for wind surfing and swimming attracts many visitors.
Dolphin s Nose: From the beach you can see a huge rocky head land 358mts above sea level extending out into the sea and resembling a Dolphin s nose. There is a light house on these rocks that can direct ships about 65kms away. It s an eye-catching landmark in the city.

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Chinna Tirupathi of Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is adorned with many temples of Lord Venkateshwara, the most popular being Tirupati. "Dwaraka Tirumala" or "Chinna Tiruapti" is yet another prominent temple of Lord Venkateshwara situated near Eluru, the head quarters of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.

Dwaraka Tirumala holds a prominent place among the temples of Andhra Pradesh from a very long time. There are two temples in this place - one that of Lord Venkateshwara and another of Mallikarjuna (Lord Shiva) situated on a hillock. This hillock resembles Anantha, the divine serpent and it is said that Anantha is blessed to bears Lord Shiva on his hood (as the temple is on the hillock) and Lord Venkateshwara on his tail (as the temple is down the hillock). This amazing fact speaks volumes about the harmony between Saivism and Vaishnavism. Both the temples - Mallikarjuna Temple and Venkateshwara Temple hold equal prominence but the temple of Lord Venkateshwara receives more limelight.

Even in Krita Yuga (the first of the four Yugas as per Hindu Philosophy) the temple was famous attracting many devotees.

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World famous Kanakadhurga Temple, India

Vijayawada is famous all over the world for the temple of Kanaka Durga, also called as Sri Durga Malleswara Swami Temple. The Kanaka Durga temple is situated on Indrakeeladri Hills of Vijayawada. Kanaka Durgamma as the locals call is the presiding deity and is said to be the Goddess of power, riches and goodwill. The temple is said to be the second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh and equally popular as Tirumala.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

The deity in the temple is considered very powerful as it is said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). The great saint Sri Sri Sri Sankara Bhagavatpadulu (Adi Shankaracharya) visited this temple in 8^th century and installed "Sri Chakra" at the feet of the goddess.

Kanaka Durga temple was constructed during the rule of Moghal rulers where the Moghal Emperor Thanisha, with the assistance of his Ministers Akkanna and Madanna, managed the temple. Their head quarter was based at Kondapalli during that period.

Inside the main temple premises, you can see sub-temples of Lord Sri Malleswara swamyvaru, Sri Nataraja Swami temple located on North East corner of Goddess. Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swami temple is located on North side of main temple.

There are inscriptions of different dynasties found in the temple. Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller visited this temple. Thousands of devotees from various parts of the state and city visit the temple especially during Dussera festival in the month of September/October.

The nine days of Navarathri (in the month of September-October) is celebrated with great pomp. The goddess is decorated in nine different forms on each day- Balatripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahishasuramardini and Raja Rajeshwari Devi. On Vijaya Dasami day, the tenth day, the deities are taken in a swan-shaped boat, beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers, around the Krishna River. This event is popularly known as "Theppotsavam".

Other interesting legends: There are some more interesting legends related to this temple and Goddess. When Indrakeeladri came in the way of River Krishna all the Gods requested the hill to give way to the river so that it merges with the sea. Keela obeyed and gave a small passage for the river but River Krishna occupied more place than necessary. Not only this, the river also took along with it a part of the hill four miles downstream to Yanamalakuduru, where it is called "Thelukonda" or "floating hillock".

It would be interesting to note that the nose-ring of Goddess Durga is never removed in this temple. As per the legends, Goddess Durga once borrowed the nose-ring of Krishna and did not return it. Krishna took a vow that by the end of Kaliyuga it would take back the nose-ring by raising its level to the hill top.

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Kolleru Lake, Eluru

Kolleru forms the largest shallow fresh water lake in Asia. The Kolleru Lake situated about 15 kms from Eluru is a nature's paradise. Kolleru Lake is the best place for nature lovers and for people looking for peace and tranquility. Kolleru Lake is located between the delta of Godavari and Krishna Rivers and functions as a natural flood balancing reservoir between these two deltas. The lake supports about 63 species of fishes, fresh water turtles and other amphibians, apart from being a habitat for many migratory birds that forms Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. Kolleru Lake is said to be one of the very few breeding sites of Grey Pelican. The water in the lake comes from the two seasonal rivers- the Budameru and the Tammileru, besides 30 inflowing drains and channels. Kolleru Lake attained a status of Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Standards) in November 2002.

The Kolleru Bird Sanctuary, that covers about 673 square kilometers of marsh land, is situated adjoining the lake. For those interested in bird watching, Kolleru Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit as it is a home to many migratory birds from Australia, Siberia, Egypt and Philippines. If you want to be a part of this nature's wonder, visit Eluru between November and March when the birds like Open Bill Storks, painted Storks, Glossary Ibises, White Ibises, Teals, Pintails, Shovellers, Red-Crested Pochards, black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks, Winged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks, Pigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants and many others make Kolleru Lake their destination. You'll be wondered but there are about 2 lakh birds that visit this lake every year during these months.

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