Thursday, 15 December 2011

Madayipara(Kannur)



Madayipara is significant owing to its biodiversity as well as history. Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of Kolathunadu.


The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish settlers, is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple, and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extent, form another attraction. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.
With regard to the biodiversity of Madayipara, the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several rare medicinal herbs. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.

Friday, 9 December 2011

Madayi Kavu Kannur




Madayi Kavu, also known as Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Kali Amma in KeralaIndia. The temple, now under the administration of Devaswom Board, was originally under the control of the Kolathiri kings. The temple, situated in Madayi nearPayangadi, is an important site of worship in the Kannur District and Kerala region.The temple is also associated with Mannanpurathu Kavu (Nileshwaram) dedicated to Kali, and Vadukunnu Temple dedicated to Shiva.
Madayiis a small place in Kannur District of Kerala State which is blessed with immense beauty of nature.When one travel’s from Mangalore to Thiruvananthapura on National Highway 17, 170 km away is Kannur District. It is the native place of Goddess ‘Madayikavu Amma’.
Madayi is famous for Madayikavu (Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple) where devotees worship as ‘Madayikavu Amma’.
'Madayikavu Amma', Goddess who is known for her blessings on devotees is worshipped as Mother Kali and it is a belief that any devotee who worship this Goddess with faith will be free from the black magic’s and witchcrafts of the enemies.
The origin of the temple is ancient, and the main deity worshipped here is Madayi Kavu Amma or Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi in the form of Maha Kali.
As per the history the temple existed from ancient time and there are two different stories about the existence of the deity. 565 In one of the stories, Madayikavu Amma who is in the form of Bhadrakali originally was existing in Shiva Kshethara Thiliparambha Rajarajeshwari temple. But, as she was non- vegetarian and could not continue to exist at Thiliparambha Rajarajeshwari temple, she ordered the then King of that region to construct a separate temple in her name. Then ‘Madayikavu’ temple came into existence as per the deity’s wish.
In another ancient story it is believed the people of Madayi were troubled by a demon named ‘Dharaka’ and Madayikavu Amma in the form of Kali killed him and requested Lord Shiva to give a place on earth where people can worship her always. Lord Shiva ordered his disciple Parashuram and as per his orders Parashuram hit the ground with his sword and the sea which made way for a hill was transformed into a “Punya Kshethara’ of mother Kali very popularly known as Madayi Kavu Ammaor Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi.
The origin of the temple is ancient, possibly preexisting Vedic times. The main deity worshipped here is Madayi Kavu Amma or Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi who is Bhagavathi in the form of Kali. The Bhagavathi is worshipped as the daughter of Shiva. Other deities are also present. The temple also contains a Shiva shrine. The Shiva shrine faces East, while the Mata Kali shrine faces towards the West. The Brahmin priests at the temple, known as Podavar Brahmins, belong to a particular sect associated with Kali worship, and are not barred from consumption of meat. A particular aspect of the temple is Kozhi Kalasham, which is the sacrifice of poultry for the goddess which is held in high regard.
The temple was spared from destruction by Tipu Sultan (whose followers destroyed the nearby Vadukunnu Temple). The Madayi Kavu temple was saved from destruction by a Nair warrior, Vengayil Chathukutty Nayanar, who received the title of Nayanar from the temple authorities for his bravery (Sthanaperu). Till this day members of the Vengayil Nayanar family are held in high esteem at the temple.

Vagamon



Vagamonis a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district of KeralaIndia. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metre above sea level.
Kurisumala monastery is a famous hill station and pilgrimage center for the Nazrani Catholics where cross put-up in each sub hill stations. The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill. The area is fully surrounded with Tea estates and lakes. Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms is situated on the hill. The hill dairy farm, managed by the Kurisumalamonks. Vagamon is surrounded by three hills namely, 'Thangal hill', 'Murugan hill' and 'Kurisumala'. Other attractions include Tea estates, pine forests, grass lands, meadows, mist and shola forests, the famous suicide point of ‘Thangal hill’, a peculiar rock formation at Thangal Para, a dairy farm in Kurisumala and the Live Stock Board. Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch.Vagamon is located 39 km from Thodupuzha, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport while the closest railway station is Kottayam. There are many fine resorts available in the surrounding areas with affordable cost for trekkers. This beautiful hill area is located in Idukki district.Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists. One speciality of Vagamon is that you will never get tired of Vagamon as each day or visit will display the varied moods of nature and climatic differences; the mist you can touch, the rain drops, the gentle breeze or the golden hue in December-January which will be greatly rewarding and soothing for you and that can romanticize your mind and thoughts. You can easily be humbled by nature and its a not -so- completely -lost pristine condition here. The trees and shrubs in Vagamon give it an added attraction.

Thursday, 8 December 2011

Kodungallur




Kodungallur is a municipality in Thrissur District, in the state of KeralaIndia on the Malabar Coast. Kodungallur is located about 29 km northwest of Kochi city and 38 km Southwest of Thrissur, on National Highway 17 (India)Muziris the ancient seaport at the mouth of the Periyar River (also known as Choorni Nadi) was very near to Kodungallur. Kodungallur was the capital of Kulasekhara dynasty (Second Cheras), called Mahodayapuram or Shinkli, who ruled Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu from 9th century to 12th century AD.
Though situated in Thrissur district, the Corporation of Cochin has drafted a Master Plan that aims to develop Kodungallur as the satellite township around the Kochi city.[1] But Kodungalloor has great tradition,culture and being a historical nerve centre of Kerala has got an identity of its own and some people say that it should not be made a satellite town of Kochi city.Moreover,culturally,linguistically and dialectically Kodungalloor is closely connected with Thrissur city, the cultural capital of Kerala.

Anthikad(Thrissur district)





Anthikad is a village in Thrissur district in the state of KeralaIndia.It is in Thrissur Thaluk,Nattika constituency and Anthikad Block.Manalur and Thanyam are the nearest panjayaths. Anthikad is famous for toddy production and paddy fields.Anthikad won`Nelkathir' award for best paddy cultivation in kelara in 2008.Anthikad is known as Moscow of kerala.

pookodu lake waynad




Pookode Lake is a scenic lake in Wayanad district, KeralaSouth India. The lake is surrounded by forests, and boating is allowed. Recent commercial modernisations have removed some of its wilderness charms.
There is a Sree Narayana Ashram near the lake, surrounded by flowering trees and their shades. There was a gallery of painting and sculptures.Now there is only a building there.There is a handicrafts shop near the lake owned by 'Uravu'.From there you can buy variety of household items made of natural materials. cost is a little bit high but the products have good quality.Of them, you can see a rain instrument made of bamboo when tilted raining sound is produced.There are lot of curious items made of bamboo and coconut husk.Herbal medicines, Tribal medicines and spices are also available. you would love to see groups of beautiful Blue water lilly flowers scattered here and there in the lake.Boats are available for rent but visitors are not allowed to touch lilly flowers while boating. Visitors may walk around the lake. There is a children's park and garden nearby.

How to reach there

Visitors coming from Kozhikode should take left deviation from Talippuzha near vythiri .Sign board is there to guide you. Kalpetta is 13 km distant from vythiri. You can pay 50 INR and take a pedal boat for 20 minute ride. Mornings are very beautiful at the lake.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Payyambalam Beach


Payyambalam Beach is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala in India that attracts tourists and local people. It often finds mention in tourism related publications as a beautiful beach. It has now a garden close to it. The beach is just 2 km from Kannurtown.sculpture Mother and Child by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an attractive feature of the beach garden. A part of the garden is specially for children.Many movies have been shot in this location including the Maniratnam movie Alai Payuthe.The Worldspace ad featuring A.R. Rahman was also shot here.Payambalam is the largest and most beautiful beach in Kerala

Payyambalam Beach - One of the most beautiful beaches in the state of Kerala is at a distance of 2 km from Kannur town. This beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best place for a relaxing holiday. A quiet, secluded, beautiful and popular picnic spot of the local people, the Payyambalam Beach holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.
The beach garden, which offers a lovely view of the sea itself is picturesque in its nature. The magnificient landscaped sculpture of mother & child adds to Payyambalam's beauty. Kanayi Kunhiraman, a noted sculptor errected this sculpture.
Location: 2 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.The beach is only walking distance from Fort St. Angelo, it is also an ideal spot to spend your evenings throughout the year.
Quiet, secluded, this beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening. The Payyambalam beach is a popular picnic spot of the local people and holds much potential for development into a tourist resort.
The rest of the land - Kannur - is equally fascinating to explore. Being the cradle of ageless folk arts like Theyyam and folk music , Kannur has always remained a land of ageless charms.
However, if you decide to hide away at this beach destination, your stay should be arranged in the town 2 km away. Comfortable accommodation is available.
Getting there: National Highway 17 passes through Kannur.
Nearest railway station : Kannur, about 2 km.
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, 93 km to the south.

Payyanur



Payyanur is a Municipal Town situated at the northern end of Kannur district in North Malabar region of KeralaIndia. This Municipality consists of three administrative villages viz. Vellur, Korom and Payyannur. Other villages are; Annur and Kokkanissery.he place derives its name from the renowned Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple located here. Payyan is an appellation of Lord Subrahmanya and ooru means "the place". Thus Payyanur means the land of Lord Subrahmanya. Payyanur is also well known for Pavithra Mothiram,   Astrology, art forms like Theyyam and Poorakkali, and historical movements like that held at Korom.Payyannur assembly constituency is part of Kasaragod (Lok Sabha constituency)

Payyannur, the name derived from payyan[Subrahmanyan] and uru[land]meaning the land of Lord Subrahmanya. It is so called because here situated the famous temple of Lord Subrahmanya.This include in the three famous temples of Subrahmanya in the Kannur district. The other two are the Peralasseri temple and the Makreri temple.
Here lived several social workers Peeranki Nambeesan,M.K.Raghavan, T.Govindan,Artist Ganesh, Kunhimangalam Narayanan master, famous architect etc.Kandoth in Payyannur is famous for pottery. Theru attained fame by the manufacture of ghadi.


Payyanur is a beautiful piece of land situated on the northern side of the famous Ezhimala Hills in Payyanur in the Kannur district of Kerala state. For more information on payyanur please visit www.payyanur.com. Payyanur famous for Pavithramothiram, Khadi, Subrahmanya temple, Theyyam etc.
payyanur is so important for the famous weavers street from this street .Please add payyanur college also.
Ramanthali Sree Muchilot Bagavathi Temple
Ramanthali [near Payyanur]also came into the fore in 2008 January as a result of the Muchilot Bagavathi Perumkaliyattam.Varachuvaykkal and Kalavaraniraykkal are already over. Muchilot Bagavathi is one of the most popular deity worshipped in North Kerala. There is a practice for suppling food to thousands of devotees in connection with the Muchilot Bagavathi. Another work 'Muchilot Bagavathi' narrates the origin and establishment of Muchilot Kavu in different parts of Kannur and Kasaragod District. Highly decorative figure of Muchilot Bagavathi attracts the minds of devotees and the men of esthetic sense. In Cherukunnu and Kannapuram yearly Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam performed. But in several other Kavus [worshipping place] Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam performing in a gap of 12 to several years like one at Kayyur[near Nileshwar] in Jan 2008 after a term of 47 years. Perumkaliyattam at Muyyam near Taliparamba was a great experience to the devotees in the month of December 2007.


Banasura Sagar Dam





Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979] The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in seasonal dry periods.
The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta, in Wayanad District of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains. It is an important tourist attraction.
In the dam's reservoir there is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. The islands with the Banasura hills in the background provide a spectacular view. The dam has now become a major tourist attraction of wayanad. Boating facility at the dam will help you travel between small islands in speed boats. A small children's park is also present at the dam.
This is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands will be formed in the upstream of the dam when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the Banasura hill will provide a hypnotising sight to tourists.
History
Banasura Sagar Dam consisting of a dam and a canal began operating as part of the Indian Banasura Sagar Project.  It aims at supporting the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and also contributes to the irrigation and drinking water requirements of the people during summer, if there is water shortage.

Aluva Mahadevar Temple






Aluva Mahadevar Temple and sree krishna temple on the bank of periyar river, festival, sivarathri. famous for the pithrutharpana, oblations to the Manes lakhs of people gather there. The other important places are thiruvallam near thiruvananthapuram, thirunelly in wayanad. other one is the varkala papanasom beach.
The temple situates on the bank of Periyar in Aluva of Emakulam district. The famous Sivarathri celebration is the main festival of this temple. The presiding deity is Siva, facing the east. The temple is governing by Travancore Devaswom Board.

Monday, 5 December 2011

Arattupuzha Pooram



The Arattupuzha Pooram, one of the major festivals of central Kerala, will be held at the Arattupuzha Sree Sastha temple on Thursday. The Arattupuzha Pooram is described as the ‘greatest Devamela in the world.’ Pooram celebrations include processions carrying idols (‘thidambu’) of 23 deities, including Thripayar Thevar, Oorakathamma Thiruvadi, Cherppil Bhagavathy, Chathakudam Sastha, Anthikad Bhagavathy, Thottipal Bhagavathy, Pisharikkal Bhagavathy, Edakkunni Bhagavathy, Ayyunnil Bhagavathy, Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy, Kaduppassery Bhagavathy, Choorakkottu Bhagavathy, Poonilarkkavil Bhagavathy, Kattupisharikkal Bhagavathy, Chakkamkulangara Sastha, Kodannur Sastha, Nankulam Sastha, Sreemattil Sastha, Nettissery Sastha, Kalloli Sastha, Chittichathakkudam Sastha and Medamkulam Sastha. The idol of the deity of the Arattupuzha Sastha temple is taken to the Thottipal temple. It is brought back after the Thottipal Pooram to the Sastha temple around 4 p.m. Routine temple rites and ‘Sreebhoothabali’ are then performed.

Sunday, 4 December 2011

Mayyil (kannur)


Mayyil is a census town in Kannur district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 20 km away from Kannur Town. Valapattanam River is one border of this panchayath. Mayyil panchayath is included in Irikkur block and Taliparambu assembly constituency.The following temples r seen here
  • Velam maha ganapathi temple
  • Chekiyattu sree darmashata temple
  • Chekiyattu sree maha vishnu temple
  • Nechikottu kavu
  • Chalagottu kavu
  • Arimbra Subhramanya Temple

Vazhani Dam


Vazhani Dam  is a good picnic spot.:It is situated 23 km from Thrissur city, Kerala.
It has a length of 792.48 metres. The project was completed during the year 1962.
It is one of the biggest clay dams. Vazhani dam and its garden is a splendid spectacular view. It is one of the tourist attraction of Thrissur district.The water is used mainly for irrigation and drinking purposes. The Vazhani dam is an integral source of water for the people of Thrissur district..
Impounds :Vadakkancherry Puzha.

Saturday, 3 December 2011

Kanhangad

 

Kanhangad  is a town and a municipality in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 28 km from the district headquarters of Kasaragod. Bekal Fort is a 300-year old fort, one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala and lies 10 km north of Kanhangad. The fort is believed to have been built by Ikkeri Shivappa Nayaka. A Hanuman temple is located at the entrance of the fort. The construction resembles the Portuguese fort at Kannur St.Angelo's Fort.Kanhangad is the part of Kasaragod district, the northern most portion of Kerala. Having borders with Karnataka the land is home to distinctive culture with a smooth bend of Kerala and Karnataka traditions, culture and language. A cosmoplitin culture has developed here from ancient times due to the connections with people from other countries for trade and commerce. Kasaragod is basically a Multi-Linguistic Culture that has added to the tourist ttactions here. Malayalam, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu are widely spoken languages.
The are is the home for various destinations of tourist, religious and cultural importance. Kasaragod is the one of the most beautiful land scape in Kerala with 11 rivers, forts, beaches, hills and backwaters. 
KANHANGAD is the major city of the northern-most district of Kerala,at Kasaragod Dt,. The district was formed on May 24, 1984, which known for coir and handloom industries. The name "KASARGOD" is derived from the word kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (kanjirakuttom). Once It was one of the trade center for Arabs & Portuguese ...
Even now, "Thalangara Toppy" (
Cap wear by muslims) "Urru" (Wooden made Boat) are famous and well exporting items to the Arabian countries.
Fishing is a prime source of livelihood.
The district has water, forest, and mineral resources. It is flanked by the forest-covered Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. Demarcating the north and the south are two rivers the Talapadi and the Trikaripur. Grey rocks and barren land amidst dense vegetation as well as calm lagoons visible through the coconut palms along the coastal bet lend this district a rare and distinct beauty. Kasaragod, having a 77 km coast line, is well known for its tobacco production. Places like Chithari, Pallikkara, Ajanoor, Punjavi, Kuniya, Kallyott, Pulloor, Periya are producing tobacco bulkly.

Nemmara




Nemmara is a predominantly rural village in the Palakkad district of the state of Kerala in India.It is situated on the Trissur Pollachi route. From here, one can go to Tamil Nadu via Kollengode and Govindapuram to reach the town of Pollachi. The district headquarters is 30 km away. Nemmara is the entry point to Nelliampathi, which is situated 30 km away. Pothundi Dam is 9 km from Nemmara on the way to Nelliampathi.Ayalur is a village near Nemmara which is well known for Temples and festivals like "AYALUR VELA" and "RADHOLSAVAM".Ariyakode is yet another beautiful village in Nemmara which is blessed with scenic paddy fields and huge rocks.This place has been a major location for many cine shooting too. Nemmara and Vallangi form the two parts of this village.Nemmara, a small village in the Palakkad District of Kerala state, southern India is known far and wide for its 'Vela' festival known as Nemmara-Vallangi Vela.The Vela is a festival celebrated in the villages of the Palakkad and Thrissur (especially in Talappilly Taluk) districts in summer, after the harvest. The prominent crop in this area is rice. After the harvest, the fields are empty and dry, and this is the time for the Vela. The Nemmara Vela is celebrated on a grand scale, equalling the famous 'Trissur Pooram'. The festival is believed to be the birthday of the presiding deity of the village temple or the memory of a major event like the killing of a demon by the goddess.

The Vela is a festival celebrated in the villages of the Palakkad and Thrissur (especially in Talappilly Taluk) districts in summer, after the harvest. The prominent crop in this area is rice. After the harvest, the fields are empty and dry, and this is the time for the Vela. The Nemmara Vela is celebrated on a grand scale, equalling the famous 'Trissur Pooram'. The festival is believed to be the birthday of the presiding deity of the village temple or the memory of a major event like the killing of a demon by the goddess.
The Vela falls on the 20th day of 'Meenam', the month in the Malayalam era (2nd or 3rd of April). Two competing groups, Nemmara and Vallangi, have their own temples plus a common temple, the Nellikkulangara, where the two groups can mingle. The festivities start ten days earlier than the actual day of Vela, with the hoisting of a flag (Kodiyettam), in the respective temples. Natives are not supposed to leave the village once the flags have been raised.
The Nemmara group starts its Vela from the Mandam or Vela Mandam and the Vallangi from the Siva temple. There are 11 to 15 elephants for each of the two groups. These elephants are decorated and to the accompaniment of percussion instruments, are paraded through the main thoroughfares of the town. In the evening, these groups reach the Nellikulangara temple. There is an area of empty fields here, enough to accommodate a large crowd.
The festival attracts a lot of people not only from nearby, but also from the neighbouring districts of Trissur, Malappuram and from Tamil Nadu. The Vela is also an occasion for family reunions. People of the villages settled elsewhere, make it a point to attend the festival. People celebrate this event as a whole without any discrimination of caste/religion.Some foreign tourists are also usually seen. Many TV channels broadcast the festival live.
Another attraction of the festival is the Aana Pandal which is an arch-like structure, where the caparisoned elephants remain for some time. The 'Pandal', fully decorated with coloured electric lamps, give out different light patterns when switched on. Both groups keep the design of the illuminations a secret. The switching on of the 'Pandal' on the previous day of the festival is a grand occasion for the local people.
The finale of the festival is the fireworks display. It is a magnificent show, with both sides vying to get the upper hand. New techniques are tried every year to bring out the best performance. The quality and quantity of the fireworks are discussed by the people for many days after the event.
Nearest Airport: Kochi or Coimbatore Nearest railway station: Palakkad or Trichur or Kollengode. From Kochi Airport: travel to Trichur - 30 km, take a taxi to Nemmara or by bus from Trichur bus stand to Nemmara - 48 km.

From Coimbatore Airport : By Taxi or bus to Palakkad - 60 km.

From Palakkad: By taxi or bus to Nemmara, 28 km.