Tuesday 23 April 2013

Festivals of Kerala....colors galore!!




Almost all of the local festivals in Kerala include at least one richly caparisoned elephant. Elephants carry the deity during annual festival processions and ceremonial circumnambulations in the Hindu temples. The temple elephants are decorated with gold plated caparisons ("nettipattam"), bells, and necklaces. People mounted on the elephants hold tinselled silk parasols ("muttukuda") up high, swaying white tufts ("venchamaram") and peacock feather fans ("alavattam") to the rhythm of the orchestra.


 

uru making / ship building in Kerala


Beypore in Kozhikode district is the major centre for making urus in Kerala.The name uru is associated with the traditional ship building culture of Kerala. The art and science of making these ships came from the Arab world. Centuries ago, Arab traders traced their way to the spice-scented shores of Kerala. And after coming to know about the availability of good timber in the forests of Kerala and also the presence of skilled craftsmen in ship building, the Arab merchants began to place orders for constructing dhows (urus) . It demands hard labour and the dexterous hands of craftsmen to build an uru. This seagoing vessel is made of wood and is built by joining planks of good quality timber.
visit our page for more info!

http://www.athiraholidays.com/historical_tourism.html

Monday 23 April 2012

Cultural Tourism

Kerala has a rich culture which was mellowed by centuries-old rich heritage. Culture and heritage are pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state's performing arts like Kathakali, the rustic Theyyam, the unique martial art form of Kalarippayattu, all which envoke awe and wonder in those who witness them.

If you are one of those art lovers who want to experience art and culture in first hand do get in touch with us and avail our special packages where we provide you with tailor-made itineraries that suit your preferences.

http://www.athiraholidays.com/cultural_tourism.html

Kerala and its backwaters

Kerala has its own charm. It has the unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought - after tourist destinations in Asia.

Kerala's long stretch of backwaters offer the visitors, traditional cruises with night stay on houseboats providing chance to witness the village life all through.

The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meet the seawater from the Arabian Sea. The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala.

So, if you have been longing for a relaxed holiday, where you and nature become one, Kerala’s backwater cruising would be most ideal. Do feel free to contact us anytime in order to enjoy our special backwater tourism packages.

Friday 13 January 2012

Friday, January 19, 2007

Elephant Safari in Kerala, God's Own Country!


We have been organizing Elephant Safaris for guests visiting Kerala (India) from overseas. These guests included nationals from Europeon countries mainly.Recently we arranged safari for couples from UK & Germany through northern part of Kerala,giving two day programmes. The guests enjoyed the journey throughout waving hands to the villagers curiously vewing the walk. We have done such safaris for half a dozen teams earlier. Selection of walking routesis based on the programme/itinerary the guests wish to follow. These safaris can beorganized anywhere in Kerala provided elephants are available; towards this, prior information(say, months notice) would be required. Meals are arranged enroute and night stays at village houses. The guests are provided with village houses only for overnight stay, with minimum facilities. Bath rooms are not attached with bed rooms, may be open roof with side covers are best suited for the atmosphere. Dinner and breakfast enjoyed along with members of the host-family . All care and attention taken to provide the best behaved friendly elephants for the journey. The mahoutsare well trained to handle any situation.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

An Experience to Remember for Staff of athira holidays


athira holidays recently took their staff/representatives from Cochin, Trivandrum, Calicut, Bangalore and Chennai on a tour of North Kerala. The visit included places like Adyanpara, in Malappuram Dist. and Kalpetta in Wayanad Dist.

Adyanpara waterfalls is a sight to experience. The River, Kanhirapuzha, has crystal clear water flowing towards Chaliyar River and on to Arabian Sea. On one side of the River is Rubber Plantations and the other is a thick forest with approx. 12,000 acres in area. The staff members enjoyed their sumptuous lunch served on river-side sitting on rocks spread all over! Some had a good bath in natural ponds created by nature at various places in the River.

To have a look around the neighbourhood:

From Adyanpara one can undertake trekking towards Meenmutty water falls, a good trek of about 8 hours, enjoying food enroute and crossing streams and climbing over rocks/hilly areas and thick forests. One should be prepared to spend the night in open
or tents near the misty area created by wind out of the falling water at the foot of Meenmutty waterfalls. Meals are prepared and served there sitting around the Camp fire.

The trekking party can be accompanied by local tribals and an efficient guide. Recently
A team of athira holidays senior executives had taken this trip to experience themselves.

Adyanpara is 14 kms away from Nilambur, 90 kms from Calicut (Kozhikode) and 200 kms from Cochin, 140 kms from Mysore, 110 kms from Ooty. Nilambur is in between Ooty and Calicut, or Mysore and Calicut.

Nilambur has itself created a spot in Tourist Map of Kerala by holding on to the Oldest Teak Plantations called Canoly’s Plot. Nilambur also has Teak Museum inviting tourists as well as students to have a look at the various level of growth of a teak tree or plant.

Nedunkayam, 10 kms away from Nilambur is where the rain forests flourish. There is a wooden Rest House built by the Britishers. An elephant taming centre is just across the River here. While staying at the Rest House one may come across wild animals roaming around.

Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Ambalavayal, Kuruva Dweep (Island), Begur, Thirunelli etc. in Wayanad District attracts high flow of tourists from within India as also from abroad. It has everything that a Hill station is known for – cool climate and nature’s bounty! Resorts, hotels, homestays and tree-houses are available for night-stays.

It was an experience for the staff to explore and help sell to prospective guests of God’s Own Country!