EDAKKAL CAVES IN THE AMBUKUTHI HILLS IN NORTH KERALA.

Edakkal caves

What kind of people were our ancestors? What kind of lives did they lead? Often, the paths leading to the answers to these questions are as fascinating as the answers themselves. If you would like to walk a little way along one such wonderful path of discovery, one good place to visit would be the Edakkal caves in the Ambukuthi Hills in North Kerala, considered to be one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Inside the cave you will find ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar headdresses, the swastik form, symbols and cave drawings of human figures, wheels, bows, knives, trees and so on.

Similar cave drawings, considered to be 7000 years old, are found only in Stiriya in the European Alps and a few rocky places in Africa. The caves, which are found around 10 km from Sultan Bathery, are two natural rock formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock.

Getting there

By road: Edakkal Caves is situated about 10 km from Sulthan Bathery
By rail: Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 97 km from Sultan Bathery.
By air: Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport about 23 km from Kozhikode

COORG HOLIDAYS BEST PLANNING AND FREE INFORMATION CONTACT EASYGO TOURS COORG +919886788319

Far from the bricks and mortars and bustling city life, Coorg (Kodagu) offers the perfect hideout for the worn out souls. Popularly referred to as the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of most fascinating and beautiful hill stations of the country. It is famous for its sprawling coffee estates, mist covered hills, teak wood forests, trekking routes and white water rafting facilities. An absolutely enchanting ambience combined with gastronomic delights makes Coorg a peaceful refuge of absolute bliss.

Raja’s Seat

Photograph by Wiki commons

Considered to be one of the most scenic spots in South India, Raja’s Seat in the town of Madikeri is the place from where the kings would sit and watch sunsets. One of the finest viewpoints, Raja’s Seat offers a panoramic view of the towering hills and the valleys. Sunsets at Raja’s seat are an enchanting experience.

Raja’s Seat is open from 6am to 7pm with an entry fee of Rs. 5.00. A toy train ride costs Rs. 10.00.

Abbi Falls

Photograph by Pallavi Shah

Abbi Falls is located 8 kilometres from Madikeri in the mountains of the Western Ghats. Nestled between coffee plantations and spice estates, the waterfall descends into the Cauvery River from a height of 70 feet. The best time to visit the waterfalls is in winter when the fall is flooded with water brought by the monsoon.

Madikeri Fort

Photograph by Wiki commons

Built on an elevated land atop Madikeri, Mercara Fort, originally made of mud was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan in stones. In 1812-1814 the fort was once again reconstructed in brick and mortar by Linga Rajendra Wodeyar II. Today the fort functions as the office of the district collector.

Open from 10am to 5.30pm, Madikeri fort remains closed on Mondays. Entry is free.

Omkareshwara Temple

Photograph by Pallavi Shah

Omkareshwara Temple built by Linga Rajendra II in 1820 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple however reflects Muhammadan style of architecture with dome and turrets and like a Muslim dargah, the Shiva Linga is placed near the door. According to the legend the king murdered a pious Brahmin and later built the temple to appease the Brahmin’s spirit.

Omkareshwara Temple remains open between 7am and 6pm. 

Bylakuppe

Photograph by Wiki commons

This is the largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. It has several monasteries and prominent among these are Sera Mey, Great Gompa of Sera Je, Namdroling monastery and Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. The imposing gold-coated statues reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans.

Talacauvery

Photograph by Pallavi Shah

This is an interesting place. Every year at a particular time of the year water flows out from a pond at Talacauvery which is the birthplace of river Cauvery. Located 44 kilometres from Madikeri the place is popular for its natural beauty.  Entry to Talacauvery is free.

Gaddige

Photograph by www.flickr.com user RameshSharma1

Gaddige is the tomb of the Rajas Virarajendra, Linga Rajendra and one of their court priests. The tombs are constructed in the Muhammadan style with dome and turrets.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Photograph by Pallavi Shah

Located near Madikeri, Dubare is a popular elephant training camp. Apart from this it is the home to several species of animals and birds. Spotted deer, sambhar and Asiatic Elephants are commonly seen here. The camp has jungle lodges where guests can put up for the night.

Elephant ride at Dubare Elephant Camp is between 8.30am to 12.00pm. Entry fee to the camp is Rs.20.00 and elephant bathing is Rs.100.00.

Nisargadhama

Photograph by www.commons.wikimedia.org user Rameshng

Nisargadhama is a beautiful island surrounded by Kaveri River 28 kilometres from Madikeri. With thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees Nisargadhama is a charming picnic spot with river-side cottages. It is complete with elephant rides, deer park, children’s park and orchidarium.

Nisaragadhama is open from 9am to 5.30pm with an entry fee of Rs.10.00.

Valnur Fishing Camp

Photograph by Pallavi Shah

Situated on the banks of river Cauvery is the Valnur Fishing Camp. It has a wide variety of fish including golden mahaseer and maral. For those enthusiastic about angling, this is a great recreation spot.

Trekking

The topography of Coorg facilitates trekking. However sufficient precautions must be taken while trekking. One must consume plenty of water, food, sunscreen in summers and warm clothes during winter season, hat and flashlight. Trekking alone is not recommended. Trekking for women in a group is also not advisable due to safety concerns.

White Water Rafting

White water rafting is another major attraction for tourists in Coorg. From the rafting base in Ponya Organic Estate trips depart. There are river guides who impart necessary safety instructions before rafts are launched into the river.

11 TOP TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNNAR, TRIP TO KERALA.

11 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Munnar

Planning a trip to Kerala? Here's our list of 11 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Munnar.

The whispering pastures of Munnar embellished with crystalline lakes surely justify Kerala being dubbed God’s own country. Once known as the summer resort of the British and resting about 1600 m above the sea level, Munnar is situated at the convergence of three mountains- Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The town is divided into two parts wherein the ‘old Munar’ features the tourist information center and ‘Munnar’ serves as the main hot-spot that offers bus stations and popular guest houses.

We have cherry-picked some destinations that you should add on to your ‘must visit’ list when you’re in Munnar.

Rajamalai National Park (Eravikulam National Park)

Photograph by www.flickr.com user GoDakshin

The almost-extinct Nilgiri Tahr dwells sound and secure in the sleepy surroundings of Eravikulam National Park, adorned by the Anaimudi Peak. Home to lion-tailed macaque, leopards, Atlas moth, tigers, one-of-its-kind flora and fauna, Neelakurunji flower, etc., the National Park is spread over an area of approx. 97 kms in the Rajamalai hills. Those who find it uninteresting to climb up to Rajamalai hills just to see the rare animal species, they would be stunned by the picturesque landscape that it has to offer. Moreover, trust us you, a lazy stroll along the park would be totally worth it. However the visitors must be prepared for spending a good 4 to 5 hours in the park because buying tickets, sight-seeing, and other activities take time.

Top Station

Photograph by www.flickr.com user genome4hire

If you happen to be in Kerala during winters, there is nothing like Top Station. The fog covered mountains seem to merge the cloud boundaries and it feels as if you’re sailing on clouds. Located at a distance of 37 km from Munnar on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border, Top Station offers great views of Western Ghats. Regular buses and jeeps can be hired at decent prices to reach Top Station which is famous for a seasonal flower Neelakurinji (the strobilanthus that grows once every 12 years).

Echo Point

Photograph by Wikicommons

Located at a distance of 15 kms from Munnar, Echo point falls on your way to Top Station. A small lake set in the middle of rolling hills witnesses loud echoes of friendships and love. Each loud call made from any particular spot on the lake embankment bounces back from the hills creating audible echoes.

Mattupetty

Photograph by www.flickr.com user karmadude

A niche dairy farm with over 100 species of cattle, Mattupetty is located at a distance of 13 Kms from Munnar. A fun picnic spot for some and an interesting sight-seeing destination for others, Mattupetty gives you an opportunity to make a stop at the Kundala Lake and tea plantations. The dairy farm is usually open from 9.00 am to 11.00 am and 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm but you must check the timings online before paying a visit.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Kerala Tourism

Asian Elephants, Sambhar deer, Gaur and giant Malabar squirrel, among others cosily reside at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary which is approx. 60 km from Munnar. A fully guided nature walk through the forest could be interesting proposition for the nature lovers which can be easily arranged with prior permission from the Sanctuary care-taker.

Devikulam

Photograph by www.flickr.com user BoyGoku

Natural views straightaway popped up from the pages of your favourite story book and created the panoramic Devikulam. Your escape into the hustle-bustle free life would not be complete without a stoppage at Devikulam. Relax, rejoice and rejuvenate yourself, that’s what this small-little hill retreat is all about. 7 kms off Munnar, scenic valleys, lush green tea estates, lively lakes, springs and sparkling streams await you. Take leisure walks, click pictures and do take your fishing rod along to try your hands at trout fishing at the Sita Devi lake. Please note that fishing at the lake would require prior permission from the Secretary of High Range Angling Association.

CSI Christ Church

Photograph by www.flickr.com user sourabhmassey

Travellers with a proclivity for the quaint old-world charm must visit the old stone church adorned with stained glass window panes and brass plaques safeguarding the memories of tea planters. Operated under the supervision of the Church Mission Society, the Church was built in the year 1910 and is frequented by all kinds of visitors from around the world for the sheer peace it offers.

Marayoor

Photograph by www.flickr.com user madpai

An intoxicating brew of culture and class, Marayoor is popular for its naturally flourishing sandalwood plantations. It also boasts a sandalwood factory operated by the Forest Department. Marayoor is equally renowned for its caves embracing relics from the New Stone Age civilization.

Tea Museum

Photograph by www.flickr.com user Marcin Wichary

A place widely known for its tea plantation does require a masterpiece preserving the legacy. The Tea Museum in Munnar does exactly the same. It preserves and showcases some of the finest and most interesting aspects on the beginnings and progress of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges. Opened a few years back by Tata Tea, the Museum features photographs, curios, and equipment; all of which narrate stories about the origins and development of tea plantations in Munnar. Located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, the Museum is worth a visit while you’re in Munnar.

Atukkad Waterfalls

Photograph by www.flickr.com user kabils

Flowing smoothly amidst hilly terrains and jungles, Attukkad waterfalls are located at a distance of 5kms from Munnar. Nature lovers would love get down there to enjoy a few refreshing showers.

Chithirapuram

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

Home to ancient bungalows, cottages, playgrounds, and courts, Chithirapuram is enveloped in an old world charm. Located at a distance of approximately 10 km from Munnar, the town is also popular for its tea plantations.

SUNDARBANS THE WORLDS LARGEST MANGROVE FOREST, TIGERS SWIM IN THE SAME RIVERS AS DOLPHINS.

On the coast of the Bay of Bengal is the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. Here, tigers swim in the same rivers as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. This unique landscape is constantly under threat as sea levels rise and humans hunt illegally and clear trees for firewood.

Madikeri (Karnataka), Dubare is a popular for elephant training camp.

Located near

 Elephant rides at Dubare Elephant Camp are between 8.30am to 12.00pm. You can experience bathing elephants here for as low as Rs.100.00. Know more about this place.

GOKARNA IS A RIGHT PLACE TO SET YOURSELF FREE AND LAZE AROUND,

Gokarna Beach 

Gokarna Beach is the close to Gokarna town and is reachable by road. The way up to the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic one, with the rocky mountains and Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian sea on the other.

Gokarna beach brings the panoramic beauty of sea banks, those who are looking for least lavishness with most space idled out, Gokarna beach offers the same, with only the sun, the waves and the seagulls for company. This quiet beach is a popular attraction among many frequent travelers. One can enjoy a pretty good bath in this sea beach, a hippy paradise with drums, hammocks and guitars.

Half Moon Beach, Gokarna

Half Moon beach is a smaller and lesser-known stunning beach near Gokarna. Half moon beach and Om beach are separated by a cliff, in which one can experience a wonderful climb along the sea face. There is one hut on this beach, which also turns into a paddy field in the monsoon season. Classical Indian village-like huts are spread over a small area bordering the beach.

One can enjoy a bath under the stars by drawing water from a well in this beach. This beach is splendid and one can spent a few nights in the hammock hung between palm trees near the beach, it will be supernatural.

This beach is ideal for swimming. Though no water sports are available, but activities like Volleyball, Canoes, Paintball, Paddleboats, Cabins, Camping are available here

Kudle Beach, Gokarna

Kudle Beach is about a twenty-minute walk from Gokarna. To get to Kudle, take the conduit that starts on the south side of the Ganapati Temple. The path goes uphill and then drops down to Kudle Beach, a gorgeous, kilometers-long white sandy beach bordered by palm trees.

At this beach there are simple huts and beach-side eating places. You need to bring your own bedding. There are huts which are offered very cheap, just big enough to sleep in and to store a backpack. At full moon, one can walk from Kudle to Paradise beach without a torch!

Only expert swimmers can swim here.

Om Beach, Gokarna

It is marvelous beach to pay a visit. The beach got its name because it is shaped like the auspicious Om sign, a spiritual Hindu symbol. Om beach is the only naturally Om shaped beach. It is considered one of the most important places for fulfillment spiritually, physically and emotionally.

There are some really basic huts and some chai shops to eat at. Many Indian pilgrims visit Om beach on holidays to see the sites. Water sports activities on the beach provide wonderful experience to the visitors, the activities including surfing, skiing and banana boat cruises are available and can be arranged under the supervision of qualified and experienced instructors.

Paradise Beach, Gokarna

This is one of the most beautiful beaches near to Gokarna, smaller and lesser known, but equally great for a bit of sunbathing and swimming. The Paradise beach, also known as Full Moon beach, is not inhabited by human. It is accessible only through sea by boating or forest by trekking through it.

This is a perfect place for anybody to spend the leisure times. Paradise beach can be utilized for all type of beach activity as the water is calm and the beach is so clean. Open restaurant with seafood specialties and Barbeque are available in this beach.

It is ideal for swimming, but no water sports are available.

Kerala, world renowned as the God’s own country is one of the top ten places to visit before kicking the bucket, according to National Geographic magazine

About Kerala Tourism

Kerala, a small state in South India is a lush green narrow strip of land sandwiched between a 600 kilometres long coastal line and the majestically high Western Ghats. Bordered by the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and South, and Karnataka to the North, and Arabian sea to the West, Kerala is known for its unique terrain comprising of mountains with tea plantations and cardamom estates, backwaters and the coconut grooves on its shore, acres of plantations of different spices, and highly developed villages and serene cities. Kerala is famous for its unique cultural aspects, be that in dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Chavittunadakam, or in literature, famous as the land of Kumaranasan, or Arundhati Roy in the modern times. Being the most literate state in India, the development indices of the state are more compared to the highly developed western nations than to other states of India. The unique culture of Kerala also assures that there is peace, even when the region has all kinds of diversity, be it in religion, or in political beliefs. Elected as one of the 50 places to visit before one dies, and as one of the “ten paradises of the world” by the National Geographic Magazine, people flock to Kerala for different tourist alternatives, be it the ayurvedic spas, the religious monuments of the religions of the likes of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and the old relics of Jain and Buddha beliefs, or the terrain options ranging from majestic high mountains, pristine sandy beaches, lush green backwaters, or the pitch dark tropical rain forests. Kerala tourism offers everything to each and every visitor.

Kerala is divided into Malabar, Central Kerala, and Travancore.

Malabar Region

Malabar, famous for its historicity, opens up a different way of life to the visitors. Its heritage, food, and historic monuments make it one of world’s most historically important unrecognized sites. The city of Kozhikode, or Calicut, famous as the site where the imperialism in India began, with the coming of Vasco Da Gama, belongs to the Malabar region. This clean and friendly city is also one of the oldest trading hubs of the world. Other places to visit in Malabar are Kannur, Wayand, and Bekal.

Central Kerala

Central Kerala is mainly famous for the city of Kochi, a major harbour known as the Queen of Arabian sea. Kochi, considered as the capital of Kerala tourism, is an ecumenical city with a high standard of living as well as a place that offers much to a tourist, be it in sight seeing or in shopping. Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala is also in Central Kerala. Culturally important monuments like Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahithya Akademi, Lalitha Kala Akademi, and Muziris, are all in Thrissur. Moreover, Thrissur is famous for its jewellery, chit funds, as well as a centre for banking. Food basket of Kerala, Palakkad is also in Central Kerala. A visit to Thrissur during Thrissur Pooram will change your mind for the better and your opinion about tourism in Kerala will change for the best.

Travancore

Travancore can be divided into Northern, where the backwaters and famous churches are, Central, where the high ranges of Kerala are and Southern region, where the capital city of Trivandrum and the world famous Kovalam and Varkala are. Northern Travancore is famous as the writing house of Kerala as the city of Kottayam, that has the highest number of printing presses and highest number of publications are in this region. Kumarakom, the land of backwaters is also in this region. Alappuzha, the Venice of the east, a place famous for its natural maze of canals is also in this region. Central Travancore is famous for Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar Tiger Reserve and a few other Kerala tourism options. Southern Travancore is where Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is. A city famous for its beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, historical monuments like palaces, Padmanabhaswami Temple, and educational and research institutions, Trivandrum is a must see place to visit to get the fullness of Kerala tourism. Other famous city in Southern Travancore is Kollam, famous for the cashew and coir industries.

Kerala is a large region and it is better to select cities to visit rather than plan a pan Kerala tourist visit. Kerala has a unique climate and has 8 months of monsoon rain. It is advisable to carry and umbrella throughout the year. Summer is between March and May, Monsoon between June and September, and winter between mid October and January. Kerala is well connected by road, rail and air (3 international airports in Trivandrum, Kochi, and Calicut). Main port of Kerala is Kochi.