Thursday, 1 September 2011

Papanasam Beach, Varkala Kerala : Location, Details, Information, Introduction, How to reach, Climate, Major Attraction, Shree Janardhana Swamy temple, Hotels, Best time to Visit


Location
Varkala is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, about 50km north of Trivandrum and is home of the popular Papanasam Beach. Also, the Samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru is situated in this town and hence has become a place of pilgrimage.

How to Reach
By car
Varkala is linked by state and national highways to all the major cities in Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
By Air
The nearest International Airport is Trivandrum.
By bus
State Transport Buses are available from Trivandrum. Bus service available from Varkala to many parts of South Kerala and Kanyakumari
By train
Varkala is also connected by Rail Network. If coming from Trivandrum and Cochin, the better option will be coming by Train. Almost all trains passing by stops at Varkala. From Varkala Railway Station, Taxis and Auto Rickshaws can be hired. Papanasam Beach is around 5km from Varkala Railway Station.( Rs 40/50 by Auto Rickshaw)

Climate
Average temperature in Varkala in Celsius.
Summer(Humid): Mar - May: 25°c-33°c / Summer Max: 35°c.
Monsoon(Cloudy): Jun-mid - Sep: 21°c-27°c / Winter Min: 15°c.
Winter(Pleasant): Sep - Feb: 22°c-28°c.
Rainfall: 310 cm.
Introduction
The beach makes a good choice for those willing to escape from their hectic work schedule and spend a few days in perfect relaxation. When compared to the other beaches, Varkala beach is much quieter and free from the madding crowd. Nothing can be more enthralling than lazing out in Varkala Kerala and enjoying the scenic views with Kerala backwater.
Varkala beach in Kerala includes a wealth of attractions for the tourists to explore. Located close to the beach, there is a mineral spring with medicinal properties. In fact, people across the globe consider this to be sacred and come here to drink and bathe in the same. Also referred to as Papanasam Beach, it is also believed that by taking a bath here, one can get rid of his/her sins. Another attraction located close by and worth noting is the Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple. Besides, a natural cure clinic is also located at an arm’s reach from the beach.

The lush green landscaped surrounding the beach deserves a mention as well. Be it the rocky cliff ends or the un-spoilt sandy stretches, everything about this beach is enticing. The difference between the sea, sand and cliffs adds to the striking sight of the beach. Beach lovers with an eye for scenic beauty cannot help but praise the breathtaking view of the sun sinking into the sky similar to that of a ball of molten gold.

Besides being a tourist hub, it also makes a great pilgrimage destination. The formerly mentioned Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is frequently visited by devotees round the year. Millions of devotees make it a point to plan there visit here and offer 'Vavu Bali', to show respect to their near and dear one who have left for the heavenly abode.

Major Attraction
Shree Janardhana Swamy temple.
It is 2000 years old. Varkala has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and many Hindu's still visit Varkala to this day, for this very reason. The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.

Sivagiri. Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), saint, social reformer, philosopher and leader of Ezhava community, made Varkala his headquarters. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim centre here.


Nature Care Centre. Papanasam.
East West University of Brahmavidya. Established by Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, Disciple of Nataraja Guru.
Narayana Gurukula. Established by Nataraja Guru.
Varkala Tunnel. Built by the British in 1880.
Fishing Hamlets of Anjengo and its British Fort.
Coir Processing Centres. In the Backwaters of Akathumuri, Kadakkavur.
Edava Beach . Beautiful and serene beaches where you can bask in the sun and salubrious climate. In fact Edava beaches are yet to be explored by the tourists. If you go further towards Kappil you will find blue lagoon, where sea and backwaters running parallel divided by a more-than-one km of straight road. There is also an estuary that connect the sea with the backwaters here.

Best Hotels in Varkala
  • The Gateway Hotel,Varkala
  • Deshadan Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Karthika Plaza Resort,Varkala
  • SS Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Varkala Marine Palace,VarkalaSea Pearl Chalets,Varkala
  • Green Palace Seaside Hotel,Varkala
  • Anandan Tourist Home,Varkala
  • Blooming Bay Beach,Varkala
  • Preeth Resort, Varkala,Varkala
  • Panchavadi Beach Resort,Varkala
  • Eden Garden,Varkala
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Marayoor, Idukki District of Kerela Location, Information, Details, Climate, Best time to visit, Major Attraction around Marayoor, Tourism in Kerela


Location
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with natural sandalwood forests and is located in the Idukki District in the state of Kerala in India. Marayoor is located at about 42 kilometers north of Munnar while you drive through Udumalpet to go to Munnar. The name Marayoor is said to have derived from the word ‘mara’ which means hide in both malayalam and Tamil, then ‘Ooru’, a village, that is, meaning, an hidden village.

How To Reach
By road: Marayoor is 40 km from Munnar and 55 km from Idukki.National Highway NH 49 passes through Idukki district.
By Rail :Nearest railway station: Aluva railhead, which is 120 km away. Ernakulam railhead is 173 km away.
By Air : Kochi international airport, about 150 km away.
Access
Marayoor is one of the main towns in the district of Idukki. This place can also be accessed from Pollachi / Palani in Tamilnadu and from Munnar. Tourists can find a good number of accommodation facilities at Marayur or in Munnar.

Temperature
Winter (can go down to 8 oC)
Summer (can go up to 30oC)

Introduction
It holds a lot of nature’s blessing to be unfolded before its visitors.It’s also a unique place where tourism meets adventure. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit. By travelling either from Marayoor to Munnar or from Munnar to Marayoor, one can feel the enchanting beauty of nature’s blessing to be remembered for a life time.

The enchanting beauty of Marayoor offers diversity in every aspect of the land and its culture. Hamlets, rocky hills, rivers, brooks, cave temples, sugar cane fields, waterfalls, stone coffins, sandal wood and bamboo forests are all in store for the visitor. It is the only place in the state with a natural growth of sandal wood trees. The rare Neelakurinji flower is native to this region.

Major Attraction in Marayoor
The road from Rajamala to Marayoor is flanked by lush green tea estates. There are occasional waterfalls. Then comes the sandalwood forest. The air is cool and one comes under the rain shadow area. A major tourist spot is the Muniyaras, or the stone coffins, which date back to the Neolithic period.

Sandalwood forest
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest.

Muniyaras
The muniyaras or stone coffins date back to the Neolithic period. The legendary wanderings of Rama and Sita and the Pandavas are clearly depicted here.

Neelakurinji flowers
The rare Neelakurinji is native to this region. Neelakurinji is an exotic flowering plant that paints the hills blue when it blossoms once every 12 years.

Thoovanam waterfalls
The spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls provides venue for adventure and romance. Visitors will enjoy the beauty and freshness of this ideal picnic spot.

Children’s park
A children’s park formed under the canopy of a single banyan tree spreads across a hectare of land and is really a wonderful sight. The Rajiv Gandhi national park nearby is also a prime attraction.
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Malshej Ghat Hill Station near Mumbai Details, Unformation, How to Reach , Beauty, Major Attraction, Best time to Visit, Shivneri Fort Details, Information




Malshejghat is in Pune, Maharashtra. This hill station is known for its special attraction for trekkers, hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers. Malshejghat is at an altitude of 700m above the sea level. Malshejghat is a beautiful hill station with wooded countryside and colourful bird and animal, rugged mountains, historic forts, high-plateau forest houses, resorts and sanctuaries and venerated rivers all around.



The best time to visit is between August and September. At this time of the year, the hills are clothed in a soothing shade of mint green and the weather is cool due to the monsoons. Known for its misty tops and ice cold cascades at this time of the year, the site is a very popular weekend getaway for most of the city's residents at that time of the year. It has got number of waterfalls and the greenery is just awesome during the monsoons
The site is home to hundreds of different kinds of flora and fauna especially the avian population such as quails, rails, crakes, flamingos and cuckoos.

Places to see in Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is also home to hundreds of different flora and fauna. Be there during the months of July- September and you will find yourself surrounded by thousands of pink flamingoes doing their mating dance at the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, a long bund located 4 km from the Flamingo Hill resort and 2-3 km from Khireshwar. Drive a bit further from Khireshwar village and you will find yourself at the base of the 4,671 ft Harishchandragad Mountain. Trek uphill (if you are brave enough) for a wonderful view of the Harishchandra, Rohidas and Taramati peaks and the majestic horseshoe shaped Konkan Kada valley. Also on the top is the Harishchandragad Fort, a huge plateau and the 11th century Harishchandreshwar Mandir dedicated to Shiva, Vithoba, Rakhumani and Ganesh. When at the top find and follow the nearby Mangalganaga Stream and you will come across the Kedareshwar Cave where you can pay your respects to a huge shivling surrounded by a pool of icy cold water.



Malshej ghat is situated in Pune district near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. It is at a distance of 154 km from south Mumbai towards northeast and 130 km north of Pune. The nearest railhead is Kalyan near Mumbai. To go to Malshej ghat by road from Mumbai, take NH3 to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad or take state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhare to reach the ghat. To go to Malshej ghat from Pune, take NH50 (Pune-Nasik highway), turn left at Narayangaon and pass through Junar. State Transport buses are cheaper and available from Kalyan, Karjat and Pune at regular intervals.

Shivneri fort, where Shivaji was born, is 40 km from Malshej ghat.
Not far from the fort is Nane Ghat that offers lovely views of the Konkan Plateau and the Jivdhan Fort which is famous for trekking.
A few kilometers from Malshej Ghat are the Asthavinayak temples of Ozar and Lenyadri (35 km) and Bhimashankar - an ancient pilgrim center famous for the Jyotirlinga of Shiva.
Note: Landslides are frequent during the monsoons so be careful while driving. Otur, 36 km and Murbad 50 km away are the nearest towns where one can get some medical aid and public telephones.

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