Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Thirumalai Nayak Palace was built by Thirumalai Nayak, one of the greatest of the Nayakkar Kings of Madurai, with the help of an Italian architect in 1636. The palace is a classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The main palace has a rectangular courtyard flanked by tall arcades each with their own distinct carvings.
viewpoint to Bodi
Ramakalmedu is a popular nature destination situated along the Thekkady-Munnar road in Kerala. It is known for its green hills, fresh mountain air, and amazing vistas. This hilltop offers panoramic views of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Teni on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Ooty is the most popular hill station in South India, lying in the Nilgiri mountains in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 2500 meters, Ooty is poetically called the “Queen of Hill stations Picturesque.” Dense jungles, huge inviting lakes, towering mountains, lush greenery and rambling tea gardens make up the landscape. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
snake boat race
What is now known as the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is held every year at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha on the second Saturday in August, was first held to commemorate the visit of the Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952. Around 16 boats take part in this fiercely contested event that attracts an enormous number of spectators annually. Continue reading
Lantana
Lantana is native to the American tropics but is now naturalized throughout India. A widespread invader, this plant has taken over large tracts of land. Lantana is an evergreen, strong smelling perenial with stout recurved prickles. It is commonly used in home and public gardens as the flowers and subsequent fruit attract butterflies, moths and birds. The leaves and stems are also used in traditional medicines. Continue reading
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated after the conclusion of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Ramadan is always in the ninth month of the lunar year, so the date it falls in the calendar year varies. During this time Muslims abstain from eating and drinking throughout the day, and spend time in prayer to purify the body and soul. The onset of the festival is indicated by the sighting of the crescent Moon on the Western horizon. Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Located at 5000 ft above sea level, Munnar hill stations were the summer resorts of the British administration in South India. Although famous for tea plantations flowering trees and plants thrive in Munnar and the surrounding region. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The publishers of the most recent edition of the Lonely Planet India place Kerala’s backwaters as second only to the Taj Mahal in their “must do” list of the country. The houseboat experience is partially the reason why. Traditional Kettuvallom are thatch-covered barges built to carry rice and other commodities through the waterways that once formed the lifeline of Kerala’s transportation systems. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Kovalam beach is covered with coconut palms, and framed by the headlands that rise steeply above the shore. The crescent shaped beaches of Kovalam are an international tourist attraction. With  golden sands, miles of shimmering sea, and picturesque beaches it is no wonder that this beautiful place is one of Kerala’s most popular destinations. Continue reading
Cardamom Plantations
Cardamom is popularly known as the “Queen of Spice” and is one of the important commercial crops found in the high ranges of Kerala.  The best quality cardamom grown in and around the Idukkki District is the species Mysore Cardamom. Continue reading
Hill Clerodendrum
Hill Clerodendrum is an aggressive colonizer commonly found on hills and forest clearings. The pink-centred and white flowers are sweet scented in the evening but oderless during the day. Long-tonged Hawkmoths are the primary pollinators. Continue reading
Chakkayappam (jackfruit dumplings) is a popular seasonal and authentic snack from Kerala. The main ingredients and preparations for Chakkayappam are a smooth paste made from chopped Jackfruit flesh incorporated with rice flour, grated coconut and jaggery mixed together to prepare a dough. This dough is then wrapped in fresh green bay leaves shaped into cones and steamed. The flavour of bay leaves and jackfruit together creates a deliciously unique taste. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The lush paddy fields of Kuttanad are referred to as the “Rice bowl of Kerala”. It’s one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. This one-time prosperous trading and fishing centre is today a world renowned backwater tourist destination.  Continue reading
The Arum Lily is one of the world’s most iconic and widely known plants. Native to Southern Africa, these long-lived flowers have been described with adjectives from the poetic: such as elegant, secretive, exotic, and expressive, to the mundane: decorative. Continue reading
Photo credits: Anuraj
Theyyam is based on a traditional belief system, and is a self-contained world without obligations to caste, community, society and religious faith. Fire has a major presence in many Theyyam myths. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Dedicated to Lord Shive, Gangaikondacholapuram Temple was built by Chola Emperor Rajendra Ist between 1012 to 1044. The structure is a replica of the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and was built in commemoration of Rajendra’s victory through the kingdoms of northern India to reach the Ganges. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith
Ochira, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, is famous for the Parabrahma Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Ochirakkali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the battlefield, commemorating the historic battle fought between the Kayamkulam and Chempakasseri soldiers. Continue reading
Photo credits : Ramesh Kidangoor
The Sunflower is an annual plant and its name is derived from the image and shape of the flower, which depicts the Sun. Sunflowers are also an important source of food. It’s oil is valued as a healthy vegetable oil, making it a popular agricultural crop in south India. Continue reading
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea plants are strong-growing plants with an enormous range, from dry Mediterranean regions to the cool, wet climates found in hill ranges of the India’s Western Ghats. Continue reading
Citron daylily
Daylilies are considered to be extremely straightforward to grow, even for the most inexperienced gardener. The fragrant lemon-yellow flowers of this species are ideal for night owls, as the small flowers do not open until late afternoon and bloom through the night. Continue reading
Organikos 