Tirupati balaji temple - Sacred seven hills.

 Tirupati balaji temple : Its also called Tirumala temple and Shri Venkateshwara temple situated on the top of 7 sacred hills of Tirumala in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Tirupati Balaji temple

About this place

            Tirupati Balaji temple is also called Tirumala temple and Shri Venkateshwara temple situated on the top of 7 sacred hills of Tirumala in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Tirumala is the one of the most sacred places for Hindu pilgrimage in addition to tourist destination. Every day, lakhs of the sightseer visit moreover enjoy the beauty of these hills. The seven hills are knows as Edu Kondalu and Sapta girula. The height of hills is 853 meters (2,799 ft.) above sea level. The temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD.                 

  There are thousands of stairs build to reach on the top of hill from the ground. So the pure devotees of the  lord use stairs to climb on the hills instead of using vehicles. Before entering the temple (In entrance gate) there is one counter, they provide coupon for Laddoos (sweet) and wrist band. The size of laddoo is very big as compare to normal Laddoos and free for every visitor. There are many sightseeing and observe the beauty of nature during climbing on the hill. These hills are not only popular for temple but also popular for flora and fauna like Tirumala deer park reserve, View from hill, Green valley view, Lord Balaji flower garden, Sv zoo lion safari, Shri Venkateshwara national park etc. You can observe the many deer are grazing in the reserve park only when you are climbing through stairs. 

How to reach there?

Tirupati temple is located in Andhra Pradesh state, southern region of India. You can reach here by car, train in additional to other vehicles.                                                        1]  By railways line: Tirupati is well - connected by railways line and nearest station is Renugunta junction. If you are travelling from other states of India, reach to the Renugunta station. After reaching to the Renugunta station, there are multitude buses are available for Tirupati. The distance from station to Tirupati Balaji temple is around 33 km.                                     2] By bus and car: Tirupati is well- connected by roadways too. Some agencies provide direct buses from big city to Tirupati like from Mumbai to Tirupati, from Chennai to Tirupati, from Banglore to Tirupati and  many more. So you can reach to temple by car and buses, but the fare of buses are expensive as compare to train.                                                                                       3] By airways: It has one International airport that is Tirupati  International airport around 41 km from the Tirupati temple. After landed on the airport take bus or car for Tirupati.The fare of the bus is 60 to 70 rupees/person and takes 1-2 hours to reach on the top of hill from airport.     

Accommodation  

Tirumala is one of the largest tourist destination of India, so the thousands of people from all over the world come to visit Tirupati. Hence, the facilities of hotel rooms and lodges are available in average price here. The range of hotels and lodges start from Rs500 to 6000/night for 2 persons but the majority of the hotel room are away from the temple because the temple is situated on the top of the hill. The check in time of hotel is at 12 pm and check out time is next day at 11 am. check the availability of room and confirmation after booking the hotel online.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tirupati for tourist in winter seasonal between the month of Nov-Feb. But for Devotees every season is special and auspicious for them to visit Tirupati temple. The temperature in summer season rises up to 42 degree to 45 degree and the climate is very hot at that time. Avoid visiting in summer season, if you not comfortable. You can Tirupati in monsoon season as well and the crowd is less in this season.

Cuisine and restaurant

There are several restaurants are available in Tirupati but food is costly here. And taste the delicious and tasty food in Tirupati. some list of dishes which are popular in Andhra Pradesh.                                       
- Uppindi                                                                                                                                                   -  Medu vada                                                                                                                                        -  Idli sambhar                                                                                                                                          -  Dondakaya fry                                                                                                                                  -  Curd rice                                                                                                                                            -  Punugulu                                                                                                                                             -   Gutti Vankaya koora                                                                                                                       -   Pesarattu                                                                                                                                           - Ulava charu                                                                                                                                          - Akura pappu etc.                                       

Other places to visit

Tirumala deer park reserve :Tirumala deer park is one of the best natural parks in the state offering dramatic landscapes along a wide range of flora and fauna. It is located on the way of Tirumala foot trail (The Shortest route reach to the top of the hill) and around 8 km from the Tirupati temple. This park is covers with fences, so nobody can enter inside the park to disturb the animals.

Anjanadri temple

Anjanadri temple is the statue of Lord hanuman located on the way of Tirupati (Tirumala foot trail) in Tirupati. This statue is huge and wonderful. It is the 9 km from the Tirupati temple. There is only one way to reach to this statue by foot stairs because it is located in the middle of the forest. Near the temple is a map which indicate the direction for the pilgrim. 

Anjanadri temple

Iskcon temple Tirupati

This temple is located in Marri Chenna Reddy colony in Tirupati around 19 km from Tirupati temple. The architecture and infrastructure of this temple is amazing. There is one beautiful restaurant (Govinda restaurant) inside the temple. In the downstairs there is small shopping stalls for book and sweet.  There is the statue of Vishnu near the pond represent the Samundra manthan surrounding the temple.

Iskcon Tirupati temple

Shri kalki Avataram

Ths small statue of Kalki is located on the way of Tirumala (Tirumala foot trail). The distance of Shri kalki Avataram from Tirupati temple is 7 km. You can reach there by foot stairs. Some devotees take rest here after climbing steps of the stairs. Surrounding of the temple is covers with forest.

Shri Kalki Avataram

View from hill

The scenery and the mountain looks amazing from the top of the Tirumala. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking. It is very close to Tirupati temple around 3.6 km. You can enjoy the beauty of the nature during climbing on the hill. When the sun sets over the hill, its red light hits the mountains in dazzling way. 

Veiw from hill

 

Akkagarla Gudi

Akkagarla Gudi is located on Tirumala down Rd on the way of Tirupati. The distance between Akkagarla Gudi and Tirupati is about 3 to 4 km. This is the another entrance of the temple for Tirupati way. It is a small temple situated on the Tirumala hill and connected to highways. 

Akkagarla Gudi

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Most beautiful beach in Kerala- Alleppey beach.

 Alleppey beach: Alleppey or Alappauzha beach is most beautiful tourist destination in Kerala, situated in southern region of India.

Alleppey beach

About this place

           Alleppey or Alappauzha is popular for house boating, backward water as well as clean and beautiful beaches. It is situated in southern part of India in Kerala. Alleppey beach is a most famous tourist destination of Kerala and has an old pier which extend to sea s over 151 years old. The charms of Alleppey have allured visitors since the time of immemorial as the place has almost everything to delight the heart of a traveler.  Local people also organize Alleppey beach festival, sand art festival and many more. The place itself is fantastic as well as there are house boating and rent the boat for trip. The local people come to the beach for jogging, walking in the morning and small children enjoy to make sand castle during evening.     

          This beach is crowded during seasonal time due to the tourist come to visit here, for riding boat in backwaters and kids play football, volleyball, basketball in the evening. These houseboats now come lined with the state -of- the art luxury and elegant services such as furnished bedrooms, embellished living rooms, modern toilets, a kitchen and also a balcony to enjoy the views and to give you a unique experience of the remarkable backwaters of the Kerala. The sun looks beautiful and amazing during sunset time. There are many pine and coconut trees on the other side of the beach. Restaurant and resort are available near the Alleppey beach. Besides an old lighthouse that stands nearby, is also a considerable attraction. 

How to reach there?

Alleppey beach is situated in western region of Kerala, India and very close to Arabian sea. It is 156 km from Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala and 83 km from Cochin International airport.  

                                     From other state(Domestic) to Alleppey

If you are travelling from other state of India to Alleppey beach, reach to Alleppey station which is the nearest railways station from Alleppey beach. It takes 5 minutes from station to beach. You can reach to Alleppey by car and buses too. The station of Alleppey is small, so the train halt for 3 minute and there are very few direct trains to Alleppey.

                                     From other country(International) to Alleppey
There is no any airport ( International or domestic) in Alleppey but the nearest airport are Cochin International airport around 83 km and Thiruvananthapuram International airport which is 156 km from Alleppey. There are two option available for tourist to reach Alleppey by train, bus and car after landed on airport.  So you can take bus (Government state bus) or train from Cochin International airport to Alleppey, if you landed on Cochin. It takes 2-3 hours from Cochin to beach by train. If, you are travelling by bus use Government state bus instead of private bus.

Accommodation

         Alleppey beach is most popular for tourist destination in Kerala, India so there is no problem of accommodation. From cheap to most expensive hotels and lodge are available here. The rate of lodge and hotels start from Rs300-7000/ night for 2 persons. So the lodges are cheaper than hotels, but you not get facilities of hotels in lodge like restaurant or food, entertainment and free Wi-Fi etc. The rate of hotels increases during seasonal time and it is difficult to get good hotels room in cheap price. So check the availability of hotels online and confirmation letter after booking the hotels and lodge. The check in time of hotels is at 12 pm and check out time is next day 11 am. Carry photo I'd card (Aadhar card, pan card, driving license, passport etc) for check in hotel.

Cuisine and restaurant

The food of hotels( where you book room) are expensive as compare to local restaurant. To save the money prefer local restaurant for food. There are many famous and delicious food of Kerala as well as other part of India like masala dosa, idli sambhar etc.

Some dishes of Kerala like

• Sadhya
• Puttu
• Appam
• Dosa
• Idiyappam
• Malabar biryani etc.

   Season to visit

The best time to visit Alleppey beaches in winter season between in the of month of Dec and March.  There are high tides and the level of sea increases during monsoon season, so avoid to visiting in rainy and summer season. And it is risky to visit in monsoon. The temperature rises upto 36 degree during summer season, and this is not good time to visit Alleppey beach.

  

Other places to visit

Amaze world 

This is the amusement park for kids to play and spend a time with family.  It is just 600 m from Alleppey beach and there is entry fee for this park between 5-10 rupees/ person. You can do activities like pedal boating, photography as well. The ticket for pedal boating is 50 rupees.

Alleppey pine forest

This fine forest is located in Kunnupuram and 400 m from Alleppey beach. It is called  mini pine forest and another tourist attraction near the beach for photography, shooting and spending time with family and friends.

Alleppey beach resort

There is one beautiful resort near the beach around 1 km. You can book this resort and enjoy sea view and night sky here. Sunset look very beautiful from the balcony of resort. The rate of room are too expensive between Rs1000 to 1500/ person. They provide free WI-FI, free parking, air-conditioned and laundry service.

Alleppey lighthouse

It is one of the oldest lighthouse on the south-west coast of india located in ccsb road, civil station and 450 m from Alleppey beach. There is entry fee for museum and to enter inside the lighthouse and get access to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the sea view. And there is beautiful garden near lighthouse.

Udupi Shri Krishna temple

This temple is situated in Thondankulangara around 3.8 km from Alleppey beach. Sacred and ancient temple in Alleppey and dedicated to Lord Krishna. Must visit this temple too. The unique feature of the temple is that the deity is worshipped through the silver-plated window with nine holes.

Panoramic sea Resort

This resort is near the Kadalpalam and 70 m from the Alleppey beach. You can enjoy the facilities here, like outdoor pool, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking and Ayurvedic treatment. Most of the resort here are costly because of tourist spot. Hardly you get rooms below the Rs1000/night here.

Tips and trick to save money during travelling

  Follow the instruction which are given below:

1. Mode of transport: Use local train and government state bus instead of using Ola, rent car, auto rickshaw etc. the railways line is not connected in hilly area like Munnar, so there is one option to reach there by bus.
2. Hotels and lodge: The rooms of lodges are cheaper than hotels room. The hotels rooms are expensive because they charge for breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking and other services. Prefer lodge room and local restaurant to save money.
3. Be alert from fraud, cheaters and robbers: Its often happen with new tourist because they visit first time in that places. If you are confused regarding transport, restaurant and hotels or any other problem ask local people like shopkeepers, vendors, bus driver or conductor.

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Mathura : The birth place of Krishna ( Incarnation of lord Vishnu).

 Mathura : The birth place of supreme lord Krishna and performed their childhood past times with cowherd boy and Radha.  

Kusum sarovar

About this place 

 Mathura is the name of district located in Uttar pradesh state of India.  It is situated in northern part of India and 161 km from Delhi. Yamuna river is very close to Mathura flow from northwestern part of India to Northeastern part of India. This river is very sacred for the local people and Hindus in Mathura. Mathura is sacred place for Hindu and every year thousands of  tourist visit this place from all over the world. Mostly this place is famous for ancient temple and beautiful architecture which is very fascinating to the visitors. Here the Krishna ( Incarnation of lord Vishnu) had perform their childhood past times with their cowherd boys and Radha 5000 thousands year ago in Vrindavan ( 9.5 km from Mathura). Every day Krishna and cowherd boys along with their cows  used to go to the forest near Yamuna river for grazing the cows take bath in  that river. There are many monkeys in the Vrindavan and sometimes they snatch your goggles and if you have any food packets in your hand.  You can also visit Goverdhan hill in Mathura which is also very sacred place and observe many monkeys on that hill. There is the interesting story behind the hill. When there was heavy rainfall caused by the Indra in Vrindavan Krishna lifted the Goverdhan hill for 7 days 8 night to save the cowherd boys and their family.  The distance of Goverdhan hill is around 25 km by their circumference. This hill lies in 2 state Uttar pradesh and Rajasthan . The major portion of this hill lies in Uttar pradesh and small portion in Rajasthan. There are many famous and ancient temple like Shri Shri Krishna Balram temple , Shri Krishna janmasthan temple, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev temple , prem mandir, Shahji temple , Shri Radhavallabh lal temple etc. 

How to reach there ?

Mathura is well connected by roadways and railways. It is not directly connected with airways but the nearest airport are Agra and Delhi. Agra is very close to Mathura as compare to Delhi. The distance from Agra to Mathura is 55 km.  You can reach to the Mathura junction by train , If you are travelling from other part of India. You can also reach to Mathura by car or any private vehicles . If you are travelling from other country reach to Agra or Delhi airport. It  takes 1 hours to reach Mathura from Agra by train. You can book your train ticket before 2-3 month in advance otherwise you will not get reservation ticket in Tatkal.

Where to stay?

Mathura is the tourist places so there are many hotels are available in cheap price. Ac/non ac rooms are also available.  The range of hotel from 1 star to 5 stars holels are available in Mathura. The price ranges of hotels will be Rs 500- 2500 per night for 2 person. You can book your hotel online . During the seasonal time , it is difficult to get hotels room. So you can check availability of hotel online. The check in time in hotel at 12 pm and check out time next day at 11 am.  If you are reached to hotel before 12 pm , so you have to wait till 12 pm because they are not allow in hotels room before 12 pm. 

Cuisine and restaurant

Most of the restaurant are available in hotel where you booked your room , if the restaurant is not available in the hotel them prefer outside restaurant. Mathura is situated in northern part of India so is famous for north dishes like Aaloo dam, kachori and jalebi, Makhan mishri, Khaman , dhokla and poha, Mapau, Rabri, ,Ghewar, Bhalle papdi, Gujiya, Bedhai, Tehri etc . These are the delicious food in Mathura . Mathura is also famous for Peda. So you can taste and enjoy this food when you are visiting this place.

Time to visit

Mathura is the sacred place , so you can visit any time but the best time to visit in this place in winter between november to march.  The temperature drops below 20 degree and very cold  in winter season. You can carry sweater and blanket during travelling. It is very hot during summer season . The temperature ranges from 40-43 d/c durimg summer. So it is not good time to visit in Mathura. Avoid to visit Mathura in rainy season. 

Famous place in Mathura

  Shri Shri Krishna Balram temple :  This temple is located in Vrindavan just 10 km                       from  the Mathura. This temple is also famous in Mathura. You can reach to this temple by                     bus, jeep and car. It's takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach to  the temple. 

 Kusum sarovar : This sarovar is very near to Goverdhan hill around 6.3 km. The distance                  from sarovar to Mathura is around 24 km and 21 km from Vrindavan. You can reach to this                   sarovar by E-rickshaw and car. It's take 30 minutes to reach to the sarovar. This is the beautiful               sarovar and there is the story behind that sarovar. Radha and Krishna had perform their past time             5000 thousand year ago. Radha and her friends were used to go this sarovar to pluck the flower. 

Barsana : The birth place of Shrimati Radharani. The distance between Mathura and Barsana is around 42 km. Bus and car are available and takes 1 hours to reach to Barsana. There is the wonderful palace of Radharani.

Radharani Palace ( Barsana) 

Pawan sarovar : This sarovar is aslo very fascinating for visitors. This sarovar is 9.9 km from Barsana and 55 km from Mathura. Nand baba (father of Krishna ) were used to take bath in that sarovar. So you can reach to this sarovar by local vehicles and private car. It's take 10 minute from Barsana by car.

Pawan sarovar

 Shyam kund and Radha kund : This 2 kund are situated side by side. Shyam kund is created by Krishna when he was 8 to 9 years old and Radha kund is created by Radha itself. There is the interesting story behind that kund. When Krishna kills the demon Dhenukasur in the form of cow to save the cowherd boys. After hearing this incident Radha said to Krishna " you kill the cow and done a sin because cow is our mother,  So you have to take bath in 7  holy rivers then you will free from this sin. After hearing the instruction of Radha,  Krishna  created this kund called Shyam kund. Radha has took the side of demon Dhenukasur , she also did sin. So the Radha also created kund. 

Radha kund

Shyam kund

Goverdhan hill :  Goverdhan hill is located in Aanyor and 25 km from Mathura.  The distance of this hill is 25 km by their circumference . The most important thing is that devotees of Krishna do Parikrama here and takes 7-8 hours to complete parikrama. You can reach to the hill by car and local vehicles. There are many monkeys surrounding the Goverdhan hill.

Goverdhan hill

 Kansa Quila : There are famous and old Quila where the Kansa used to stay . This Quila is  located on the bank of yamuna river .It is just 2.8 km from the Mathura and takes 10 minutes by car and E-Rickshaw to reach to the Kansa Quila . Kansa is the maternal uncle of Krishna.

Prem mandir : This temple is also famous in Mathura  located in Bharatpur around 2 km from the Mathura.  It is probably one of the most attractive built , carved, displayed temple in north India. More than 10 colours of different lights are placed all around the temple in such a way that the temple looks to be built in that coloured stone and this changing colour.

Raman Reti Gokul : Raman Reti is situated in Gokul and 13 km from the Mathura. Reti means sand and thus in the sand of this sacred place is blessed by the lotus feet of Krishna. It is believed that at this place lord Krishna during his childhood used to play with Balram and cowherd boys.

Potra kund : This kund is located in Govind nagar just 1.7 km from the Mathura. You can reach to this kund by E-rickshaw from Mathura. It's a large step well , just opposite to Krishna Janmasthan.  Krishna used to take bath in that kund.  

Shri Shri Krishna Balram temple ( Vrindavan)

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Kundale lake

Kundale lake : Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills in Devikulam taluka.

Kundale lake

About this place

Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills  is located in Devikulam taluka. It is located at a height of 1700 m above the sea level. This place is popular for boating and natural beauty.  One can try different types of boating like Pedal boating, Row boating , Kashmiri shikkara boating and speed boating . Horse rides and balloon shooting games are also available in this area . The entry fees for pedal boating is Rs 300 for 2 person. The lake is as blue as sky and the atmosphere is convent quit . The lake is so beautiful  that both the color of the water and the color of the sky are same. The rising sun cause a division of arm fly to swarm into the air. The scene is so glorious that it look like a heaven.  This lake is surrounded by  lush green mountain , green valleys and majestic landscapes from all sides . People love to see Cherry garden here , that blossoms twice in a year and make the surrounding of lake  even more attractive . However, the famous Neela kurunji flowers, which bloom once in 12 years and change the green valleys of Kundala into refreshing blue. It is just around 24 km from Munnar hills station. One can see many things in the surrounding of this lake like green valleys , tea garden , waterfall , eucalyptus and pine trees etc . The boating is another major attraction at this glorious lake.

How to reach there ?

This lake is does not directly connected with railways and airways. So it is well connected by roadways and you can reach to Kundale lake by bus and car because it is located on hilly area.
Kundale lake is situated in Kannan Devan hills in Idukki district of Kerala. The village of Kannan Devan hills  is located in Devikulam taluka. It is located at a height of 1700 m above the sea level.
This lake is surrounded by mountain so only one ways to reach the lake i.e Roadways. If you travelling from other parts of India. Ernakulam is the nearest railways station to reach to the Kundale lake. The distance from Ernakulam station to Kundale lake is about 147 km and it's takes 4 to 5 hours to reach to the lake by bus and car.  You can reach to Cochin international airport , if you are travelling from other country or not comfortable in  the train. The distance from airport to Kundale lake is around 129 km and get direct bus from airport to Kundale lake. It takes 4 to 4.30 hours to reach to Kundale lake. You can also see many other tourist spot on the way of Kundale lake.

Where to stay?

Limited hotels are available near the Kundale lake due to located in hilly area. So the rate of hotels is high. Book your hotel one month in advance before going to Kundale lake. The range of hotels start from Rs 1000 -5600 per night for 2 person. Book and check the availability of hotels online. 

Restaurant and cuisine

A couple of food stalls and restaurants near the lake , serves fast food like dosa , noodles, sandwiches, omlette, and soft drink.

Other tourist place

You can also visit this places like

Thoovanam waterfall 

Thoovanam waterfall is situated in Keezhanthoor village in Kerala .This waterfall is located deep inside the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and is an ideal place to enjoy the sights of wild life and trekking. The best time to visit Thoovanam waterfall during monsoon and just after monsoon.  It is just around 69 km from the lake and takes 2 to 3 hours to reach to Thoovanam waterfall by bus and car .

Chithirapuram view point 

Chithirapuram view point located in Chithirapuram hill town and just 34 km from Kundale lake. You can reach to Chithirapuram view point by bus and car and takes 30 minutes to reach to the point. The view point of Chithirapuram is very beautiful and surrounded by mountain. The cottage rooms are big and clean.

Sandalwood forest 

Sandalwood forest is situated in Marayoor town in Kerala. It is just 65 km from the Kundale lake and takes 2-3 hours to reach to sandalwood forest. This is also good place for tourist attraction and you can also see wildlife animals and plants in the sandalwood forest. This forest look more beautiful during monsoon . You can also feel the beauty of mother nature.

Echo point 

This echo point is situated in Kannan Devan hills of Idukki district . It is just 7.7 km from Kundale lake and takes 5 to 9 minutes to reach to echo point by bus and car. To see the Echoponit , you should buy ticket at the counter.  You can also observe many shops near the Echo point like fruits stall , tea stall , spice and Chocolate shops etc. There is tiny river between the magnificant mountain . There is also boating in the river

Rhodo valley 

Rhodo valley is situated in Kannan Devan hills of Idukki district . Rhodo valley is one of the amazing place on the way to Meesapulimala .It is just 32 km from the Kundale lake and you can reach to Rhodo valley by bus and car. This place is good for trekking and hike is really beautiful . Many wildlife animals reside in this valley like elephant , tiger , Panther, snakes etc.

Lakkam waterfall 

Lakkam waterfall is located in Marayoor near Eravikulam National park. It is approximately 50 km from the Kundale lake and takes 1 to 2 hours to reach to the Lakkam waterfall by bus and car. The best time to visit this waterfall after monsoon and the beautiful cascading flow of water from the cliff makes it very appealing. 20 rupees is the entry fees to visit this waterfall.  There are lots of monkeys near the waterfall.

Pampadum Shola national park 

This place is situated in Vattavada village in Kerala and it is just around 12 km from Kundale lake .  you can reach to Pampadum shola national park by bus and car. Forest department has built some houses to stay in the forest . A beautiful log cabin surrounded by mountain and forest . The temperature falls upto the 10 degree during winter.

Wonder valley adventure and amusement park 

It is located in Chithirapuram village in Munnar . The distance from Kundale lake to Wonder valley adventure and amusement park is about 38 km. The entry fees is costly here i.e around Rs 1000 per person.  You can do activities like Crossing the bridges , net climbing , go under waterfall , water zorbing , zip climb jump , arcade games 12d movies etc.

Dream land fun and adventure 

It is situated in Chithirapuram village in Kerala and 39 km from the Kundale lake. You can also do activities here like 12D, virtual walking , virtual coaster , water balloon , 360 degree etc. The entry fees is  Rs 1000  and 1600 each person. The Rs 1000 for fun events and Rs 1600 for adventure games.

Mountain view -kodaikanal 

Mountain view is situated in Kottakamboor village on the Munnar road. The distance from Kundale lake to Mountain view is about 23 km and you can reach to Mountain view by bus and car . Mountain view is first place towards Dolphin nose. It is sloopy and risky path .... very dangerous and skidy. The best to visit in the winter season.

Sengulam dam

Sengulam dam is situated in sengulam reservoir near Anachal and 40 km from Kundale lake. This dam is surrounded by mountain . A beautiful small garden is nearby the dam . It is a quite tourist spot. You can also enjoy variety of boating experience like Kayaking , speed boating , pedal boating etc .  The cost of speed boating ride is Rs 900 per person . The fish spa is also available here.

Cheeyappara waterfall 

Cheeyappara waterfall is located on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National highway between Neriyamangalam in Ernakulam district  and Adimali in Idukki district . This waterfall is about 66 km from Kundale lake. It is a beautiful waterfall and some small shopping centre available near it.  The best time to visit after monsoon .

Kuthumkal waterfall 

This waterfall is situated in Kuthumkal village in Kerala and 53 km from the Kundale lake . You can reach to Kuthumkal waterfall from Kundale lake by bus and car. It's wondeful spot during the monsoon . The adventurous can try scaling the cliff to the mouth of a cave , natural and inhabited by bats. The cave is wet slippery and dark , with streams and narrow regions.

Cinnamon garden spices plantation 

This garden is located in Karadippara village in Kerala and 37 km from the Kundale lake. Just  Rs 100 and you will get a tour and presentation of several spices and medical plants growing here. You can also taste new fruits like cocoa , passion fruits etc.

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Munnar hills station

Munnar hills station-Munnar is the most beautiful hills station in India.This hills station is located in Idukki district of Kerala.

Pallivasal (Munnar)

About this place
Munnar is the most beautiful hills station in India and it attract many tourist from all over the world.
Many tourist are visit Munnar in the winter season to take delight .There are many exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests .  Nature's is so beautiful when the sun rises and set in between the mountain in Munnar , so colorful and so cheering our minds to make us so energetic. The Moon light in the night on a full moon day is so wonderful and amazing. Munnar hills station is located in Idukki district in Kerala  of the southwestern India. It is situated  at around 1600 m (5200 feet) above mean sea level in the western ghats mountain range. Munnar hills station is approximately 278 km from Thiruvananthapuram city which is the capital city of Kerala. Tea plant will be seen everywhere and tea factory will also be seen. It is a most beautiful tea town in Kerala. This hills station is also famous for film shooting. Many shots of famous Bollywood movies like Chennai express are taken from Munnar. Hollywood movies like "life of pi" is also shot here.  Munnar is also called "kashmir of the Kerala". This area is famous for tea and coffee , you can also buy it from Munnar.

How to reach there?

Muvattupuzha bus stand

Munnar hills station is covered with mountain ranges at around 1600 m above sea level.  This hills station is approximately 278 km from Thiruvananthapuram city which is the capital city of Kerala. is hills station is not directly connected with railways and airways. It is well connected by roadways. If you are travelling from different parts of India to visit Munnar hills station reach to Ernakulam junction railway station by train which is the nearest station from Munnar . The distance from Ernakulam junction to Munnar hills station is around 124 km. You can get direct bus from Ernakulam bus stand to Munnar hills station . So there are few direct bus from Ernakulam to Munnar. Otherwise you have  to change 3-4 bus to reach to Munnar. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Munnar from Ernakulam by bus. The fare of bus from Ernakulam junction to Munnar is 100-120 rupees. If you have car then it is easy for you to reach to Munnar. If you are travelling from other country reach to Cochin International airport. There is the direct bus from Cochin to Munnar which is just around 104 km. It takes 3 to 4 hours from airport to Munnar.

                                                       Direct bus

                              Ernakulam junction  → Munnar 

                                                       Indirect bus
Ernakulam junction →Muvattupuzha → Kothamangalam → Adimali →Munnar


Where to stay?
Munnar hills station is the tourist place and it attract tourist from all over the world .  So you can option to pick cheap hotels to expensive hotels in Munnar. From 2-5 star hotels are available here. The price of hotels start from 600-6000 rupees per night for 2 person. The check in time in hotel at 12 pm and check out  next day at 11am. You can book and check availability of hotels online . Book a hotel 1-2 month before leaving to Munnar. Sometimes the hotels are full during vacations. The food of hotels are more expensive as compare to local restaurant because of hilly areas.


 Season to visit
The best season to visit Munnar in winter between the month of Nov-march. Avoid to travel in  summer season due to hot climate. The temperature reach upto 36 degree in summer .


Restaurant and cuisine
You can taste varieties of Indain food especially Kerala dishes. The western food  are also available in some restaurant. But the food is very costly in Munnar. These are the famous food in India like Idali sambhar , curry ,appam, masala dosa etc.

Other tourist place
There are many other attractive places near Munnar. This places is also good to visit during munnar trip like.

Mattupetty dam

1.  Attukad waterfalls
2.  Kolukkumalai tea plantation
3. Pothamedu view point
4.  KFDC floriculture centre
5.  Tea museum
6.  Mattupetty dam                                      
7.  Nayamakad waterfall
8.  Eravikulam national park
9.  Anamudi
10.  chokramudi peak
11.  cowboy peak
12.  Sengulam dam
13.  Munnar rose garden                          
    
14.  Hanging bridge
15.  Scenic spot

Attukad waterfall

Attukad waterfall  is also famous for tourist destination in Munnar , ideal for trekking and picnics. It is located in Idukki district of Kerala. Attukad waterfall is very close to Pallivasal spice jungle resort around 3-4 km . The height of waterfall is about 100 feet. You can reach to Attukad waterfall by bus or autorickshaw. It takes 13 min to reach waterfall by auto rickshaw.

 Kolukkumalai tea plantation

 Kolukkumalai tea plantation is located in Moolakadai village in Munnar. It is just around 6.4 km from Pallivasal. Kolukkumalai is the world's highest elevation tea plantation at 8000 feet. This place is also most beautiful scenic destination. Every year lakhs of people come to visit here. This place is more crowded during vacation. The view of tea garden is amazing during the sunrise.

Pothamedu view point

This place is covered with green mountain and hills. It is popular for trekking and hiking. Pothamedu view point is 5.6 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort. The best time to visit it early in the morning.
The pothamedu view point looks so wonderful and amazing in the morning. You can also hear the sound of Attukad waterfall  from pothamedu view point in the rainy season.

 KFDC floriculture centre

It has many varieties of plants and flowers. KFDC floriculture centre is very close to Mattupetty dam. The entry fees is 50 rupees for per person to visit KFDC floriculture centre. This floriculture garden is maintain by the kerala government . This garden is 9.3 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort and takes 20-25 minute by bus or car . If you are visiting Munnar don't  forget to visit this garden.

Tea museum

This museum is located in Nullatanni village in Munnar. This museum is 4 km from KFDC floriculture centre . you can reach to tea museum by bus ,car and autorickshaw and its takes 15-20 minutes to reach museum by autorickshaw. you can also see a varieties of tea powder and leaf in this museum. Tea shop are also available , you can buy tea powder from this museum.

 Mattupetty dam

This  place is also very beautiful  and very attractive and it also good tourist destination . Mattupetty dam is located on Munnar highway 12 km from tea museum . You can reach to Mattupetty dam by bus , car and jeep and it takes 30 minutes  to reach dam from tea museum. Mattupetty dam is a water reservoir to irrigate tea plantation throughout the Munnar. This dam is covered with beautiful mountain and hills.

 Nayamakad waterfall

Nayamakad waterfall  is located in between Munnar and Rajamal and very close to entrance of Eravikulam national park. The water cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres.  The enchanting surrounding makes an excellent trip and trekking point. It is 15 km from Pallivasal spice jungle resort and takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach Nayamakad waterfall by bus or car.

Eravikulam national park

This national park is located at high altitude and wide spread. Eravikulam national park is famous for its wild goats. You can book your ticket online to avoid queue at counter. The climate and natural beauty are very attractive for tourist. This park is very close to Nayamakad waterfall about 290 metres . By walk you can reach to Eravikulam national park from Nayamakad waterfall.

 Anamudi

Anamudi is lies on the border of Devikulam taluka of Idukki district in Munnar. This is the highest mountain in Kerala and encounters with wildlife such as elephants, boars and bison etc. Anamudi is the highest peak in western ghats in kerala , having an elevation of 2695 metres. It is 23km from Pallivasal and takes 1 hours to reach Anamudi.

 Chokramudi peak

Chokramudi is also good for trekking located in Idukki district.The entrance fees is Rs 400 (Indian) and Rs 600 (Non Indian) for per person.They also provide you  a biscuit and water bottle before trekking . It is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet. The scenery and views are awesome. It is 9 km from the Munnar town and takes 15 to 20 minute by bus and car. It will take 2-3 hours to climb on the top.

Budget
The budget of your trip will be 1000-16000 rupees for 2 person for 5 day 4 night including hotel stay , bus and train ticket , food . If you are visiting  other tourist place  use government bus to save money because autorickshaw and jeep overcharges you. Often they charge more , if you are new in that area or tourist. So always ask to the local people or shopkeepers  regarding  travelling .

Tea factory

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Athirappilly waterfall is best place to visit in Kerala

Athirappilly waterfall is best place to visit in Kerala-Athirappilly waterfall is situated in Athirappilly panchayat of Thrissur district in Kerala.It originates from Western ghats to Solayar ranges.

Athirappilly waterfall

About this Place

Athirappilly waterfall is situated in Athirappilly panchayat of Thrissur district in Kerala on the Chalakudy river.It is also known as Niagara falls of India. This waterfall originates from Western Ghats to Solayar Ranges. Athirappilly  waterfall is the 10th largest waterfall in India. The height of waterfall is 25 m or 80 feet and it very close to dense green forest. There are many wildlife animals like Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard , bison, sambar and lion -tailed macaque and wild birds also seen in this forest like great hornbill , Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill and the Indian grey hornbill. The place is popular for film shooting like famous Bollywood movies  Bahubali, dil se , Raavan etc . Some South Indian movies like Ponnapuram kotta , punnagai mannan vanadevatha , paiyaa are shooted here . Many shots of famous Bollywood movies like Bahubali are taken from here. Have to go downstairs to see the waterfall but 10 minutes will have to walk. You can't go too close to waterfall because fences are there and the guard does not let go.  You can take a bath here. Many monkeys will also be seen here and sometimes they snatch the  food packets of the tourist . About more than 7 millions tourist visit this waterfall every year.

How to reach there?

Chalakudy bus stand

If you are travelling from other part of India by train , you can reach to Chalakudy station for athirappilly waterfall. There are only 2 ways to reach the Athirappilly waterfall by government state bus and car. This  waterfall is not directly connected with train and airways because it is located in dense green forest and height of 80 feet.  Chalakudy is the nearest railways station to reach the Athirappilly waterfall . The distance from Chalakudy station to  Athirappilly waterfall is about 32 km. First have to go from station to the Chalakudy bus stand . There is the direct bus from Chalakudy bus stand to Athirappilly waterfall. The fare of bus ticket will be 30-40 rupees. If you are travelling from other country reach to the Cochin international airport. You can reach to Chalakudy station from Cochin  by train or bus which is about 51 km. It takes 1-2 hours to reach Athirappilly waterfall from Chalakudy bus stand.

Where to Stay?

Many hotels are available but  far from the waterfall which is about 15-17 km but few hotels are available near waterfall about 2-3 km. The range of hotels start from 720-5000 rupees per night for 2 person. Check the availability of hotels online during seasonal time ( rainy and winter). The rate of hotels is high in seasonal time. The food is expensive in some hotels as compare to local restaurant mostly in hilly area .

Time to visit

The best time to visit Athirappilly waterfall in winter and rainy season between July to March. Avoid in the summer season for visiting waterfall because the water level of Chalakudy river is decreases. and the temperature varies from 31 to 36 degree in the summer season .The  water level of river is high  in the winter and rainy season and its also look more attractive.

Attractive places

There are many attractive places near the Athirapilly waterfall like:
1] Charpa waterfall  [ 3.4 km from Athirappilly waterfall ]
2] Vazhachal waterfall [ 5.3 km from waterfall ]
3] Illithodu eco tourist spot [ 35 km from waterfall ]
4] Sholayar reserve forest [ 26 km from waterfall ]
5]Abhayaranyam kaprikkadu ecotourism [ 40 km from waterfall ]
6] Valara waterfall [ 81 km from waterfall ]
7] Ezhattumugham prakriti gramam [ 15 km from waterfall ]
8]Paniyeli  poru rapids [ 40 km from waterfall ]
9] Kodanad elephant training centre [ 40 km from waterfall ]
10] Thumboormuzhi hanging bridge [  15 km from waterfall ]
11] Thottapura view pont [ 34 km from waterfall ]

Charpa waterfall

Charpa waterfall is also originates from Chalakudy river and it located enroute to Vazhachal .This waterfall is  about 3.4 km from Athirappilly waterfall and takes 9-10 minutes to reach waterfall from Athirappilly. The best time to visit in between  the month of november and march. You can enjoy the view from the roadside.

Vazhachal waterfall

This waterfall is just 5.3 km from the Athirappilly waterfall . You can reach to Vazhachal waterfall by bus, car and autorickshaw. It takes 13 to 15 minutes to reach waterfall from Athirappilly. This waterfall is so wonderful and the way to the waterfall is so green with fresh air where you can spot elephants and moneys. You can also observe the herbal garden and ayurvedic plants near this waterfall.

Illithodu eco tourist spot

It is located on the bank of the periyar river in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is just 45 km from Athirappilly waterfall and takes 1 -2 hours to reach Illithodu eco spot from Athirappilly waterfall by bus. This place is also attract tourist for adventure and wading. There is no hotels surrounding the Illithodu tourist spot .

Sholayar reserve forest

Sholayar reserve water is just 26 km from Athirappilly waterfall and takes 1 hours to reach that forest by bus. Forest is very dense and have many wildlife animals.The sholayar dam have two reservoirs. The upper Sholayar dam is accessed by tourist and it is located in Tamil nadu whereas , the other is located in Kerala called as the lower Sholayar dam. This dam is surrounded by Sholayar forest.

Abhayaranyam kaprikkadu ecotourism

It is the small zoo in the forest and rescuing elephants and deers. Different varieties of tree and plants can be observe in that zoo. The entry fees is Rs 30. This zoo includes kids corner , coffee shop, tree house, butterfly park , elephant corner and deer park. This place is also good to visit and spend some time with family . It is around 42 km from Athirappilly waterfall.

 Ezhattumugham prakriti gramam

It is located in Ayyampuzha in Kerala. This place  is also very attractive to tourist. The calmness  of the gently flowing water and the closeness to nature. You can also take bath in that flowing freshwater. The bridge across the river is very beautiful.  To visit this place you must buy ticket.  It is about 15 km from Athirappilly waterfall and takes 30-40 minutes reach to that river.

Paniyeli  poru rapids

This beautiful river is located in Ernakulam district of kerala. It is sutuated in dense forest and often elephant come to drink water from this river. And you can take bath in that river. Entry fee is  Rs 30 for visitors. You can also buy natural honey from counter. It is just around 56 km from Athirappilly waterfall. The best time to visit in monsoon season.

Kodanad elephant training centre

Kodanad elephant training centre , one of the largest elephant training centre in Kerala. This is another tourist place to visit in Kerala. The visitors can visit daily during the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. and entry fee is Rs 30 per person. It is about 42 km from Athirappilly waterfall . You can reach to Kodanad elephant training centre by bus.

Thumboormuzhi hanging bridge

This hanging bridge is located in Ayyampuzha on Chalakudy river. The bridge near to butterfly garden. The best time to visit in monsoon season. It is just 15 km from the Athirappilly waterfall. There is the entry charges to visit hanging bridge. The view from the bridge is fantastic and good spot for a family outing.

Thottapura view pont

This view point is around 34 km from the Athirappilly waterfall .  It is situated in between Vazhachal and Valparai .You can reach to Thottapura view pont from Athirappilly waterfall by bus and car. You can also see elephants and moneys fromThottapura view pont. This place is also good to visit .

Restaurant and cuisine

Veg and non veg Restaurant are available near Athirappilly waterfall. You can try South Indian food like:

 * Sadhya

* Puttu
* Appam
* Idiyappam
* Dosa sambar
* Malabar biriyani
* Kerala beef fry etc.

Budget of trip
The overall of your trip budget if we including travelling cost(only domestic), hotel stay, food will be 9000 -15000 rupees for 4 days 3 night for 2 persons. To save money use government state bus during travelling. There is the entry ticket for tourist before entering in the waterfall 40 rupees for each person  and 5 rupees for single luggage charges. Avoid taxi, auto and other vehicles except Government bus during travelling. 

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