Thursday, June 24, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
KERALA HONEYMOON TOUR
KERALA SPECIAL HONEYMOON PACKAGE 6NIGHTS & 7 DAYS
2N Munnar + 1N Thekkady +1N Alleppey DLX Houseboat +2N Kovalam
3 star Package Cost = Rs.25, 500/- per couple
(Valid up to 30th September 2010)
TRANSPORTATION ON – AC INDICA
ACCOMADATION ON 3* HOTELS – CPAI BASIS
ACCOMADATION DETAILS
2N-MUNNAR - LAS PALMS /WESTWOOD RIVER SIDE HOTEL
1N-THEKKADY – SILVER CRUST/ SIM
1N-ALLEPPEY - SOULDROPS AC DLX HOUSEBOAT
2 N-KOVALAM - SOMA PALM SHORE /SAGARA BEACH RESORT
Package inclusion:
- Accommodation for 2Adults in base category room
- In hotel / resort - CPAI basis ( bed + breakfast)
- In houseboat APAI basis (bed + lunch + dinner + breakfast)
- Transportation with A/C Car (inter hotels transfers, all sightseeing, Toll & parking, drivers Bata & service tax)
Honeymoon Special inclusions:
- 01 night honeymoon special flower bed
- Special Honeymoon Cake at any one destination
- Candle light dinner at Houseboat
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01 – Munnar
Arrive at
Day 02 - Munnar
After breakfast full day sight seeing tour visiting the Mattupetty & Kundale dam, Echo point, Rajamalai sanctuary, Anaimudi peak view etc. Evening explore the tea plantations on their own. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 03 – Thekkady
After breakfast drive to Thekkady .Munnar - Thekkady [100 Kms]the famous wild life sanctuary of the South India , home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. On arrival checks in to the hotel .Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. Overnight at hotel
Day 04 – Alleppey
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey .Thekkady – Alleppey [170 Kms]. Alleppey, quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India, nowhere else will you find, spread out across the center of town, a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which thatch covered country boats punt along leisurely The Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best experienced. Check in to the hotel .Local sightseeing in an around Alleppey / Kumarakom Overnight at Hotel.
Note: REGULAR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF HOUSEBOAT
- Guests can check in at 1230 hrs, start cruise after a short introduction, relax and enjoy the canals and rivers and backwater,
- At 1330 hrs houseboat will stop for lunch , with menu of traditional kerala cuisine( if guest require any special meals like main food in north Indian or food without spice etc, it has to be informed in advance)
- 1430 hrs it will continue its cruise covering beautiful rivers and canals with palm trees and small houses near to it , villages paddy fields, churches, etc.
- 1800 hrs the houseboat will anchor in an isolated area till next day morning 07 30. Most of the time houseboat will stop near the land because , guest can also get a chance to go out and walk along the riverside or villages and come back , Evening Enjoy the Dinner and leave all world behind you and have a good sleep in floating paradise.
- A/C operates in the bedroom from 09 pm to 06 am
- 0630 hrs Bed tea / Coffee will be provided, enjoy the sunrise and breath prolusion free air. Breakfast at 0800 hrs.
- 0900 hrs is the time to check out and end of services in houseboat and leave Houseboat.
- All the safety measures will be in the boat as per Govt. rules
- The cruse time can not be extended from the time mentioned above
Day 05 – Kovalam
After breakfast drive to Kovalam, Alleppey – Kovalam [180 km], this is a famous beach in
Day 06 – Kovalam /
After breakfast -Local sightseeing at
Day 07–
After breakfast departure transfers to
Tour Ends…..
NB: - WE CAN ALSO MODIFY THE ABOVE SAID PACKAGES TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Corporate office
SOULDROPS HOLIDAYS , KERALA
CC 29/683A
OP- POWER HOUSE, SAHAKARANA ROAD, VYTILA ,KOCHI 19,KERALA,INDIA.
PH: 0484 6468883, MOBILE: 098465 38883, 092495 38883,092494 78883
Reservation no: 092495 38883,
E-mail:souldropsholidays@gmail.com,mail@souldropsholidays.com
Chat:souldrops_holidays@yahoo.co.in,
www.souldropsholidays.com
HONEYMOON KERALA PACKAGE
KERALA SPECIAL HONEYMOON PACKAGE 4NIGHTS & 5 DAYS
2N Munnar + 1N Thekkady +1N Alleppey DLX Houseboat
3 star Package Cost = Rs.18, 500/- per couple
(Valid up to 30th September 2010)
Package inclusion:
- Accommodation for 2Adults in base category room
- In hotel / resort - CPAI basis ( bed + breakfast)
- In houseboat APAI basis (bed + lunch + dinner + breakfast)
- Transportation with A/C Car (inter hotels transfers, all sightseeing, Toll & parking, drivers Bata & service tax)
Honeymoon Special inclusions:
- 01 night honeymoon special flower bed
- 01 nig ht Badam Milk in the room
- Special Honeymoon Cake at any one destination
- Candle light dinner at Houseboat
- Honeymoon Special Surprise gift
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01 – Munnar
Arrive at
r hill stations in India .On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 02 - Munnar
After breakfast full day sight seeing tour visiting the Mattupetty & Kundale dam, Echo point, Rajamalai sanctuary, Anaimudi peak view etc. Evening explore the tea plantations on their own. Overnight stay at Hotel
Day 03 – Thekkady
After breakfast drive to Thekkady .Munnar - Thekkady [100 Kms]the famous wild life sanctuary of the South India , home to nomadic tribes of wild elephant, boar, deer, the great Indian tiger and more. On arrival checks in to the hotel .Evening go for boat cruise in the lake to watch wild animals. Overnight at hotel
Day 04 – Alleppey
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey .Thekkady– Alleppey [175 Kms]. Alleppey, quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India, nowhere else will you find, spread out across the center of town, a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which thatch covered country boats punt along leisurely The Kerala backwaters consist of a complex network of lagoons, lakes, & canals and are best e
xperienced. Check in to the hotel .Local sightseeing in an around Alleppey / Kumarakom Overnight at Hotel.
Note: REGULAR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF HOUSEBOAT
- Guests can check in at 1230 hrs, start cruise after a short introduction, relax and enjoy the canals and rivers and backwater,
- At 1330 hrs houseboat will stop for lunch , with menu of traditional kerala cuisine( if guest require any special meals like main food in north Indian or food without spice etc, it has to be informed in advance)
- 1430 hrs it will continue its cruise covering beautiful rivers and canals with palm trees and small houses near to it , villages paddy fields, churches, etc.
- 1800 hrs the houseboat will anchor in an isolated area till next day morning 07 30. Most of the time houseboat will stop near the land because , guest can also get a chance to go out and walk along the riverside or villages and come back , Evening Enjoy the Dinner and leave all world behind you and have a good sleep in floating paradise.
- A/C operates in the bedroom from 09 pm to 06 am
- 0630 hrs Bed tea / Coffee will be provided, enjoy the sunrise and breath prolusion free air. Breakfast at 0800 hrs.
- 0900 hrs is the time to check out and end of services in houseboat and leave Houseboat.
- All the safety measures will be in the boat as per Govt. rules
- The cruse time can not be extended from the time mentioned above
Day 05 – Cochin
After breakfast proceed to Cochin Airport / Railway station for onward journey
On the way city tour & shopping depending upon the departure time.
Tour Ends…..
ANY CLARIFICATION PLEASE CAL- 092495 38883 – TOUR MANAGER
NB: - WE CAN ALSO MODIFY THE ABOVE SAID PACKAGES TO SUIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
Corporate office
SOULDROPS HOLIDAYS , KERALA
CC 29/683A
OP- POWER HOUSE, SAHAKARANA ROAD, VYTILA ,KOCHI 19,KERALA,INDIA.
PH: 0484 6468883, MOBILE: 098465 38883, 092495 38883,092494 78883
Reservation no: 092495 38883,
E-mail:souldropsholidays@gmail.com,mail@souldropsholidays.com
Chat:souldrops_holidays@yahoo.co.in,
www.souldropsholidays.com
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
KOZHIKODE-CALICUT SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Sightseeing Highlights:
Mananchira Square is the heart of Kozhikode and surrounds Mananchira tank which used to be the private bath of the Samuthiris. The renovated square today houses important structures such as Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall, Jama'atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque, the oldest in Kerala.
Sweet Meat Street starts from Mananchira Square and is famous for the local sweet, mithai theruvu available in various colours. CVN Kalari Centre is known for the ancient martial art, Kalaripayattu. On the Kappad Beach, there is a small stone monument to commemorate Vasco da Gama's arrival in India. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple is a celebrated 16th century shrine and attracts pilgrims round the year. Pazhassiraja Museum & Art Gallery, 5 Km from the town displays antique bronzes, coins, megalithic relics, murals and paintings by acclaimed artists of Kerala. Krishna Menon Museum has an entire section dedicated to V K Krishna Menon.
Kozhikode Beach is known for its amazing sunset views. There is an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium are other places to visit on the beach. Another beach is Beypore Beach, 10 Km from Kozhikode. The traditional boat-building yard is a must visit. Thusharagiri Waterfall is a scenic spot 48 Km from the town.
Other Activities:
The Kallai River and Elathur and Canolly Canals offer options to experience the backwaters of Kozhikode. For shopping visit S M Street. Must buys from Kozhikode include the famous coloured halwa; banana chips, Kerala spices, bell metal artefacts, muslin and handloom cloth. Kozhikode is also a gourmet paradise offering the best of Malabar cuisine. Moppila Biryanis, arikadaka (a concoction of mussel and rice flour, cooked in a shell) and muttamala (egg pudding) are a must eat here.
Kozhikode or Calicut as it was known to the Europeans was where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. It was earlier visited by the explorer Marco Polo in 1320 AD who talked about the 'Great Province of Malabar'. Kozhikode was once the capital of the powerful sea lords known as Zamorins or Samuthiris, and till date is a prosperous centre of trade and commerce. The idyllic setting, with the Arabian Sea on the west and Wayanad Hills on the east, has made it a popular tourist destination over the years. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and ayurvedic medicines.
PALAKKAD SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Heritage Sights:
There is a rich mix of historical, cultural and religious places in and around Palakkad. Visit the old granite Palakkad Fort built by Hyder Ali, and see the fine wood work and stone sculptures in the ancient temple at Thiruvalathoor (10 km). Kottayi (15 km) is home of the doyen of Carnatic music the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. At Kollengode (19km) the Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and Poet P.Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are a must visit.
Dams:
The beautifully landscaped gardens and dam at Malampuzha (10Km ) is a good outdoors spot. Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi (30 km) is the birthplace of poet Kunchan Nambiar and is also famous for its dam. There are other spectacular dams at Kanjirapuzha and Siruvani (48Km).
Wildlife:
The Silent Valley National Park (40 km) is the sole surviving evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges and has unique flora and fauna. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km) is also home to rare animals and Kannimari, the oldest teak tree in the world. It offers boating and cruising facilities at the Reservoir.
Other Activities:
Malampuzha has an aerial ropeway across the garden, a telescope tower, boating and fishing facilities, a swimming pool, fresh water aquarium and a snake park. Fantasy Park (10 km) is a good spot for children. At Dhoni (15 km) you can go on a 3-hour trek from the base of Dhoni Hills to the waterfall at the reserve forest area.
As you head towards the west coast of India, you cut through the Western Ghats near the Palghat Gap to enter Kerala. Palakkad, the forest (kadu) of sweet scented Alstonia flowers (pala), greets you with its green paddy fields, coconut-lined skies and red earth. With an approximately forty kilometre stretch separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Palakkad is probably the biggest mountain pass in the world.
Enriched with mountains, forests, valleys and rivers, this land is home to a rich flora and fauna. Historically, it dates back to the Paleolithic period; several megalithic relics have been found here. More recently, the Perumals and then the Utayavars ruled for several hundred years. In 1757, the Raja of Palakkad invited Hyder Ali of Mysore to free the land from the Zamorin. Haider Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan stayed on to rule the region until Tipu ceded all his Malabar territories to the British following his defeat in 1872. Palakkad was part of the Madras Presidency until Independence.
THRISSUR SIGHT PLACES
Thrissur offers a wide choice of natural, cultural and religious places to explore. Among the natural locations stands the 80 ft high Athirapilly Waterfalls, 63 kms from Thrissur in the Sholayar ranges. Just 3 kms further, near the dense forests along the Chalakudy river is the Vazhachal Falls. You could also visit the largest elephant park in the world at Punnathurkotta Elephant Sanctuary with its elephant race and feast for elephants.
For history buffs there is the Kerala-Dutch style Sakthan Thampuran or the Vadakkekara Palace and the Kudakkallu, the over four thousand year-old umbrella rocks of Chiramanangad. It is said that when aristocrats died they were cremated and their ashes placed in earthen urns with umbrella rocks placed over them as landmarks. The Archeological Museum and the Art Museum are a repository of ancient wood carvings, metal sculptures and jewellery. Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, founded by the Poet Vallathol Narayana Menon to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kathakali and Mohiniattom is worth a visit.
The Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple at Chavkkad, 29 kms West of Thrissur, the Mummiyur temple a kilometre away, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its wall paintings and exquisite sculpture, and the Vadakkumnathan temple, built in classical Kerala style of architecture are temples worth visiting.
Festivals:
The Thrissur Pooram in the Vadakkumnathan temple is an annual affair held in the months of April-May. Other festivals are Kodungallur Bharanti, Bharani utsavam, Kodungallur Thalapoli, Koodalmanickam utsavam Arattupuzha Pooram; Palayur palli perumnal or the feast of the Palayur church; and the Id ul-fitr (Ramzan) and Id ul-Aza (Bakrid) celebrations at the A.D. 629 erected Cheraman Juma Masjid.
Activities:
For those looking for some activities, it’s a great place for picnics and to feast your eyes on some colourful festivities. The amusement park at Vilangankunnu hillock or picnics at Peechi Dam (20 kms from Thrissur town), or at the Chavakkadu Beach is a great option. The Zoo at Thrissur is a good place for children.
Thrissur literally translates as Thiru-Shiva-Perur or the city dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the cultural and spiritual centre of Kerala, offering an array of festivals, historical and natural sights as well as religious experiences.
Located at sea level in the eastern part of Kerala, it is bound on the south by
Eranakulam and Idukki, Palakkad in the East, Mallapuram in the North and to its West, a short 54 kms away, lies the Arabian Sea. The district, fed by the Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur and the Ponnani rivers which all flow from the Western Ghats to meet the Arabian Sea, is interspersed by waterfalls, dense forests and isolated beaches.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
WAYANADU SIGHT SEEING PLACES
Bansura dam is towards the north west of Kalpetta. Bansura dam is considered to be the largest earth dam in India. The dam extends to a wide area with crystal clear waters. Undisturbed and engulfed amidst the hills, Bansura dam is an absolute beauty and is an exceptional dam.
It is a very ideal place for picnic as it is surrounded by the bounty of nature and the low sound of the clear water gives a feeling of freshness. In fact, when the dam is full, the landscape portrays a picture of upstream formation of the dam and is a mesmerizing sight to visitors.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary :
is located at Mananthavady which is 20 km from wayanad. This is adjacent to the Western Ghats. Begur National Park is the best places of visit in Wayanad as it gives an absolute pleasure amidst the green lush. Mostly all the existing trees possess exceptional medicinal values.
The Wildlife Sanctuary has animals such as deer, tigers, elephants, leopards, boars, etc. Varieties of birds are also of great attraction to the visitors.
The appropriate season to visit is during December to May.
Edakkal cave:
is 25 kms from Kalpetta and just 3 kms from Ambalavayal. This is a crevice for about 96 ft in length and 22 ft width. A fissure was created due to a rock splitting due to natural weathering. The depth of the crevice and the fissure is nearly 30 ft which gives an appearance of a cave to any observer.
There are human and animal figures carvings on the rock walls depicting pre-historic period and civilized people. The caves can be approached by 1km trekking trail starting from Edakkal. The best visiting hours are morning.
A striking Jain temple,:
dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami represents one of the saints belonging to the Jain faith is situated just six kms from Kalpetta. This temple is in the wayanad district and is commonly known as Tippu’s fort. This is prominent as Tippu’s fort because Tippu used this place for storing ammunition. Hence, it gains the name sultans battery.
This is believed to have constructed during the 13th century and served as an essential centre for commercial activities. It is 24 km for Kalpetta, and now the beautiful pillars are almost ruined yet convey an air of secrecy.
Kanthapara falls:
is located towards the south east of Kalpetta. Kanthapara falls is at a distance of 22 kms from Kalpetta and 8 kms from Meppadi east. This is another significant and charming waterfall at about 30 mts height. Comparatively it is smaller that the sentinel rock falls.
It is not a frequently visited place and so its surrounding environment yet offers a pleasure. It accounts for a comfortable hike from the main road. Kanthapara falls is also an apt place for picnics amidst the luring beauty of the nature. It is extraordinarily silent and gives a feeling of absolute freshness.
Kuruva Island :
is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.
Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature.
Padinjarathara DamArchitectural :
Padinjarathara dam is nearly 25kms towards the northeast of Kalpetta in the wayanad district. This is situated in the north of Kerala. The picturesque scenery is very attractive and the ... (more) Padinjarathara dam is nearly 25kms towards the northeast of Kalpetta in the wayanad district. This is situated in the north of Kerala.
The picturesque scenery :
is very attractive and the Banasura project is the principal earthen dam in India. This also stands as the second largest in Asia. Situated in the center of gorgeous mist clad hills with a unique wildlife sanctuary makes this place a heavenly abode. The flowering trees cannot be compared elsewhere. This enchantment works like a fascination among visitors who cannot resist admiring this beauty. The peaceful clear waters are an authentic place for picnics. ParaglidingShopping
Pazhassi Raja tomb:
is a memorial of the Pazhassi Raja who was seen as the lion of Kerala. He had a command over the entire regime. Pazhassi raja organized a guerilla type of warfare against the British in ancient days and he is remembered for his valor. In remembrance of him, the mortal remains rest in the Pazhassi raja tomb. Pazhassi raja tomb is situated in the wayanad district at Mananthavady. He was cremated in 1805 after the warfare against British east India Company.
A park is sited in memory of Pazhassi raja. He was a prominent figure as he was the earliest to revolt against British and adapted guerilla techniques.
The Soochippara waterfalls :
are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. This place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.
The pool sited below the falls offer a great opportunity for swimming, bathing, water rafting, etc. another attraction is the tree top huts presenting a distinct vies of the western ghat valleys and the shining shallow waters of the spring. Such a scenic beauty cannot be ignored. Swimming is advisable.
RAMESWARAM SIGHT SEEING PLACES
At the centre of the town, lies the Ramanathaswamy temple, one of the most important temples in the south of India.
Besides the main temple, other attractions include Agnitheertham and Dhanushkodi, so named after Lord Rama's bow, which has a nice bathing pool and one of the nicest beaches in this area.
There are also pristine beaches in Olaikuda and Pamban.
Besides being a pilgrimage centre, Rameswaram Island also has several places, which are ideal picnic spots. One can also explore the fishing hamlets around Rameshwaram
Other Activities:
A visit to Adam's bridge, which is the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connect Sri Lanka to India. It is also the spot of the mythological bridge build by Rama.
Bird watching is also possible here with flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds migrating to the Rameswaram Island during winter.
The Kurusadai Islands west of the Pamban Bridge are also of great interest to marine biologists as a marine reserve. One can buy a number of handicrafts and locally produced items from all over the town but especially around the temple.
Known as the Varanasi of South India, Rameshwaram is a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus, for both Shaivaites and Vaishnavites. It lies on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, at the tip of the Indian peninsula. It is a major historical and cultural centre and is considered as the mythological place from where Lord Rama built the bridge to Lanka.
MADURAI SIGHT SEEING PLACES
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE :
Madurai One of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage, the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple is located at the heart of the city and is the hub of the religious and cultural life of the city. Built by Kulasekara Pandya in the pre-Christian era, the temple was in ruins before it was rebuilt by Tirumalai Nayak. Spread over six hectares, the temple is an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture. The temple has four entrances to it and its gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls) are covered from top to bottom in a profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The southern gopuram, which is about 48.4-metre-high is the most spectacular of all gopurams, and has over 1,500 sculptures. You can even climb the gopuram to get a panoramic view of the city. The sculpted pillars in the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the princess was actually an incarnation of Parvati who came to earth to honour a promise. Shiva came to Madurai as Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, and the two ruled over the kingdom for many years. The spot from where they left for their heavenly abode is where the temple now stands. It is believed that the Sangam litterateurs decided the merit of the literary works presented to them at Portamaraikulam (literally, the golden lotus tank). The manuscripts that sank in the tank were dismissed while those that floated were considered great works of literature. The two presiding deities are seated at Oonjal Mandapam on the western end of this tank. The deities are worshipped every Friday on a swing. Next to this is the Kilikootu Mandapam (hall of parrots) where some beautiful sculptures as well as parrots that chant the name of Meenakshi can be seen. The shrine dedicated to the goddess is just beyond this hall and entry is restricted only to Hindus. Within the temple is located an art gallery. The gallery contains beautiful stone and brass images and some fine examples of South Indian scripts and friezes.
TIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL:
Madurai About 1 km from the Meenakshi Temple lies the palace of Tirumalai Nayak. Constructed in 1523, this Indo-Saracenic building was originally four times as large as it is today. Swarga Vilasam, which served as the audience hall, is the most remarkable part of this palace. Its dome, which lies beyond a huge courtyard and rises to a height of 20 metres without any support, is a magnificent example of the engineering skills of its builders. You can also watch the sound and light shows on the life of Tirumalai Nayak and the story of Silappathikaram (a Tamil classic) here.
THE GANDHI MUSEUM :
Madurai Housed in the old palace of the Rani Mangammal and dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the museum provides a historical account of India’s struggle for independence. A bookshop in the premises of the museum offers a good collection of books on Gandhi.
KOODAL AZHAGAR TEMPLE :
Madurai Two kilometres to the west of Madurai is located the Koodal Azhagar Temple, an ancient Vaishnavite temple. The temple has a statue that depicts Lord Vishnu in three poses—sitting, standing and reclining—one above the other.
VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM :
Madurai Five kilometres east of the Meenakshi temple is a tank called Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. At the centre of the tank is an idol of Lord Vinayaka or Vigneshwara installed on a platform. The tank was built by Tirumalai Nayak in 1646 and is connected to the Vaigai River by underground channels. The tank is also the site of the annual Teppakulam float festival conducted in the month of January-February.
PAZHAMUDHIRSOLAI :
Madurai Located on a picturesque wooded hill, Pazhamudhirsolai is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
KANYAKUMARI SIGHT SEEING PLACES
The distinction of being the southern-most tip of India draws thousands of tourists to this town. Although Kanyakumari Beach isn't safe for swimming, the spectacular stretches of sands and the amazing sunrise and sunset views are the reasons enough to draw tourists. The famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which protrudes into the ocean is one of the most visited attractions. Regular ferry services to the famous rocks where Swami Vivekananda meditated, are available. Another famous monument is the Gandhi Memorial, built over the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before immersing them in the waters. The architecture of the memorial resembles an Orissa temple. The Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Other famous temples in and around the town are Alvar Tirunagari Temple dedicated to Lord Adinatha, where saint Namalvar attained enlightenment under a tree; Temple of Goddess Bhagavati and the Temple at Suchindram. Padamanabhapuram is 45 Km from the town and is known for its fort which encloses a beautiful palace and a temple. The Government Museum has a good collection of old coins, tribal artefacts, bronze sculptures and wooden carvings. Olakkay Aruvi and Thirparappu Water Falls are a few outdoors attractions near Kanyakumari.
Other Activities:
People from all corners of the world visit Kanyakumari to see the sunrise and sunset at the same beach. The beaches are clean and boast of multi-coloured mineral sands which are unique to this small town. Things to buy from Kanyakumari include handcrafted trinkets, seashell art, palm leaf drawings, conches and straw hats. Haggling is permitted so do get yourself a good bargain.The coast town of Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin lies at the southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. It has been an important centre for art, religion and trade for centuries. Flanked by hills and paddy fields on one side and the ocean on the other, Kanyakumari is the 'Land's End' of India. Beautiful beaches with multi-coloured sands, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and ancient temples with a rich architectural heritage make this coastal town a popular tourism destination. Kanyakumari literally means a virgin and gets its name from the Kumari Amman Temple. Legend has it that the princess Kanya Devi, one of the many forms of Goddess Parvati was supposed to marry Lord Shiva. But due to his inability to turn up on the auspicious time, the wedding never took place and hence the name, Kanyakumari.
