Adventure in Kerala

Backwater Biking & Canoeing :

Kerala is a land of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers. These backwaters with their peculiar landscape has had a distinct impact on the lifestyle of the people who live anong its banks. Kerala's uniqueness lies in these backwaters found nowhere else in the world. They form a beautiful and economically viable feature of kerala. The 41 west - flowing rivers of kerala form the backbone to this magnificent gift of nature. The backwaters are a gateway for the visitor to see first hand the unhurried village life of rural kerala. To live through this beautiful experience, we offer a unique opportunity to go around cycling and canoeing. The journey starts at alapuzha (alleppey), cycle along the paddy fields and villages and canoe through backwaters of central kerala.
Duration - 3 days


Bird Tours :

For the bird watcher, kerala is a dream destination with over 500 species of birds. The bird tours will be of 4 to 8 days duration. The 4 - day journey will take you through the kumarakom bird sanctuary, the periyar tiger reserve, the thattekad bird sanctuary and the chinnar wildlife sanctuary. The 8 day tour will additionally take you through the parambikulam wildlife sanctuary and the wayanad hills to the north of the state. Your accommodation will be in estate lodges, forest lodges and tree houses. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout your journey.

Forest & Wildlife Photography Tours :

For those so inclined, we have a fully guided forest & wildlife photography Tour in the company of experienced guides. The tours can be organised through the forests of the periyar tiger reserve, chinnar wildlife sanctuary, parmbikulam wildlife sanctuary and wayanad.


Hiking & Biking :

The journey will take you to periyar tiger reserve for a 3 - day campint / trekking and bamboo rafting. From then through the mountain paths on cycles to munnar where you will reach after two days and stay at one of the planters bungalows. When you reach munnar you will be transferred to an estate bungalow before proceeding to the mountains for a 2 day camp.
Duration - 7 days

Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the science and Art of living life in a manner useful to society. It has for its objects the preservation of health in the healthy and the restoration of health to the diseased. The word Veda in Ayurveda has been taken by all authorities to imply that it is both a part of and addendum to the great Vedas which have also been admitted by all savants of the West as "the oldest literature of the World". At the beginning of the creation, it is said, Brahma, the creator of the world recollected and created the vedas along with Ayurveda in a book form named Brahma Samhita which is not available today extends over a thousand chapters comprising altogether 100,000 slokas. Brahma first of all taught Ayurveda to Prajapati and who taught it to Aswanikumaras, then to Indra, after him there developed two schools of Ayurvedic science- Athreya School of physicians and Dhanwantari School of Surgeons.

Ayurveda originated in India more than 10,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, from which all other systems emerged. It deals elaborately with measures for healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Besides, dealing with principles for maintenance of health, it has also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of positive health and therapeutic measures relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human beings.

Prime Treatments in Ayurveda :
Some of the prime body treatments and body care in Ayurveda are given as under:-


Abhyangam (14 Days) :
Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, Especially for Diabetic Gangrene etc.


Dhanyamla Dhara (14 Days) :
Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhtthmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints etc.

Dhara (14 Days) :
In this process, some Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7-21 days. This treatment is mainly for Insomnia, Vatha Predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain skin diseases.


Kativasthi :
In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary, This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of nback pain and spinal disorders.


Kizhi (14 Days) :
Herbal leaves and herbes or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

Ksheeradhoomam :
This is formentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis. Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.


Lepanam :
This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part, This is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.

Nasyam (14 Days) :
Herbal juices, medicated oils etc. are applied through nose for 7 to 14 day. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, some types of skin disease etc.


Njavarakizhi (14 Days) :
It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. This is applied by two to four therapist for abut 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This Treatment is for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the Joints, Emaciation of limbs, High blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.


Pizhichil (14 Days) :
In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists i a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Parlysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Wakness and Nervous disorders etc.

Sirovasthi (14 Days) :
Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patients conditions for a period of 7 days. This tratment is highly effective for facial paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases.


Snehapanam (14 Days) :
Mediated Ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoathritis, Psoriasis, Leukaemia etc.

Thalam :
Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ent problems, isomnia, migraine etc.


Udvarthanam (14 Days) :
This is a typical massage with herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments.


Urovasthi :
Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes this is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain

Vasthi (14 Days) :
Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days.This Treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation.


Yoni Prakshalanam (7 Days) :
Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.


Special therapy treatments can also be availed in Delhi and Khajuraho besides ofcourse Kerala which is the home of medicines.

Travel Guide

Telephone access code: +91-471

Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 km from the city) has over 30 air links with convenient connections to Colombo, Maldives, Singapore and the Middle East. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights to different parts of the country.

Airline offices:
Airport Authority of India Ph: 2501424
Indian Airlines, Mascot Jn. Ph: 2316870 2501537
Jet Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2721018
Jet Airways (airport) Ph: 2500860
Air India, Palayam Ph: 2310310 2501426
Srilankan Airlines Ph:2471810
Gulf Air, Vellayambalam Ph: 2728003 2501206
Oman Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2728950
Kuwait Airways, Vellayambalam Ph: 2721668
KLM, MG Road Ph: 2462237 2463531
Aeroflot Ph: 2720091
Saudi Arabian Airlines Ph: 2721321
Alitalia Ph: 2571501
Silk Air Ph: 2314142 2314141
Qatar Airways Ph: 2337847

Rail: There are direct trains from Thiruvananthapuram to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India. Railway enquiry Ph: 131

Road: Long distance buses operate from the Central Bus Station at Thampanoor, opposite the Railway Station (KSRTC Ph: 2323886; Thiruvalluvar Ph: 2327756). Short distance buses operate from the City Bus Station, East Fort (Ph: 2463029). Taxi charge: Rs. 4.50 per running km (Non A/c) and Rs. 6.50 per running km (A/c), while Autorickshaw fare: Rs. 3 per running km. The minimum charge for taxis is Rs. 75 (Non A/c) and Rs. 95 (A/c) and Rs. 10 for autorickshaws.

Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.

Art & Culture

Thiruvananthapuram has produced great poets and men of letters from very ancient times. One of the ancient poets was Ayyipillai Asan of Avaaduthura near Kovalam. He wrote the famous work 'Ramakadhapattu'. Mahakavi Kumaran Asan and Mahakavi Ulloor S.Parameswara Iyer were the two outstanding poets from this district. The reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal saw the golden age of carnatic music in Kerala.


Contributions of Thiruvananthapuram district to painting are immense. The Padhmanabha Swamy temple and the Koikkala temple at Attingal have several murals and paintings which are examples of 16th century Kerala paintings. Raja Ravi Varma, an illustrious painter of this district, has contributed substantially to Indian paintings.Some of his famous paintings are preserved in the Sri Chitra Art Gallery.

Tourist Attractions

Thiruvananthapuram and its famous beaches are one of the top tourist destination of Tourists in Inida. It is the capital city of Kerala, the "God's own Country". Thiruvananthapuram is well connected by air, rail and road. There are air links to almost all the countries in the Gulf, besides being well connected to the rest of India. South East Asia is connected through a daily air-link to Singapore.

Thiruvananthapuram is a Railway Division office and an important Railway Station. There are daily trains to Delhi, Bombay, Chennai, and Bangalore and local train services to all points in Kerala.

Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple

Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing

Kovalam

Kovalam is 12kms to the south of Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the finest beaches in India. It has been developed into an integrated seaside resort. The beach complex has many hotels, cottages, yoga centres etc.

Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Ponmudi A pleasant resort at an elevation of 912m above sea level. It is 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and connected by road. There are many tree and rubber estates around the hills.

Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

The Kanakakunnu Palace This palace in the heart of Trivandrum city is one of the most beautiful buildings. The palace and its sprawling grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets. The Museum building is an architectural splendour. The napier museum, the natural history museum, the reptile house and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are in the same complex amidst a well laid out garden and park.

The Science and Technology museum, the Government Secretariat, the Kowdiar palace, the Senate house, are some of the other tourist attractions in the city.

Places easily accessible from Trivandrum

Kanyakumari , the land's end of India is only 87kms from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state.

Varkala is a pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was "One God, One Religion, One Caste". It is only 51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.

Thiru-v-anantha-puram is a three sylable name meaning the abode of the sacred snake god "Anantha". Lord Vishnu of the ancient Indian mytholgy rests on this huge serpent.

This city and district are also popularly known by its anglicised name Trivandrum