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.