Varkala

Breezy winds covering up the heat is what a person needs in this summer season. If you couldn't find a better place to experience it, then think no further than heading to Varkala. A small town 40 km away from the capital city Trivandrum, Varkala offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors and the place itself holds a steady record for the number of tourists. The reason being the atmosphere and overall ambiance. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.

These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast and are known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. In 2015, Ministry of Mines, Government of India and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have declared Varkala Cliff as a geo-heritage site. This adds an extra point for the topography and overall ambiance of the place. 

My journey to Varkala was rather a 30-minute stay and 2 hours traveling one, instead of a comfy timeframe. However those 30 minutes were well spent and without wasting any second of the scheduled 30 minutes, firstly I made it to the beach and planned on spending 15 minutes and the rest exploring the cliffs. But, I ended up spending an hour on the beach as the time flew by quicker than I thought and I lost track of the schedule. Ignoring the schedule completely, I began walking towards the cliffs. 

 

After making it to the top, I got to see the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hilltop mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala state. Last but not the least, Varkala is known for the infamous 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties. The temple is close to the beach and hence the beach is called "Papanasam", which has holy waters that wipe away the sins. 

Varkala is one among those places which are worth spending your evening. On top of the scenic beach, the temple adds a spiritual essence to the place which welcomes a lot of visitors just because of its traditional and ancient architecture. While you are there, never miss the beautiful sunset and if possible, climb on top of the cliff to experience it. 











Contributed by Sooraj Ram

Cherai Beach - Kochi

It is easier to claim that the Southern part of India houses the best of the best Beaches. You may ask why? Well, you have a lot of big names on the list which goes from the infamous Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to the hidden gem, Perumathura in Trivandrum, Kerala.   What else do we have? When it comes to the best beaches, Cherai always stays in the top 10, as far as I'm concerned. Located at the northern end of Vypeen end, Kochi, Cherai holds the spot for the most visited beach in Kerala. 

Even though the place itself is quite far from the capital city Trivandrum, I stopped by the beach when I visited Kochi last year. Once I got to the place, the first thing that I recognized was that the tides were surprisingly much gentle and I could see kids swimming on the beach without much difficulty. Spread over a range of 10 km, Cherai is undoubtedly the best spot for all those who like swimming and those who wish to experience a gentle breeze on a fine sunny day. 

The main attraction is mainly due to the spectacular atmosphere which holds the active sea and the gentle backwaters on a single frame. Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront and thick coconut groves add charm to this place. Apart from the serene beauty that the beach offers, there is a small children's park on the side and for all those who like adventure sports, they can rent a speedboat or a water scooter to blaze through the gentle tides. Hiring a bike on rent at Cherai is also very reasonable. 

Getting a beautiful view of village life in Cherai is very refreshing and it gives a wonderful experience. Kite Flying is another very interesting activity to do in Cherai as locals are really very fond of it. This activity is so popular that there is an annual kite flying festival celebrated every year with great joy.

Just as the afternoon shine began diminishing, we walked towards to Munamam point where one could cherish the beauty of the beach where the Arabian Sea comes in contact with the gentle backwaters. Moreover, this is the best spot to watch the sunset and sunrise. 

There is a reason why people call Kochi the Queen of Arabian Sea. My trip to Kochi and Cherai beach, in particular, was amazing and I plan on visiting the place more often so that I could plan to watch the Sunrise when I get there next time. 


Contributed by Sooraj Ram

Kasauli - North India's Heaven

It is an outstanding experience to make a trip to Kasauli by Chandigarh Shimla motorway and relax for few days is a mastered weekend getaway with exotic & composed surroundings, along with the great eating choices, not only beside the highway but also inwards the township. At that place, there is multitudinous colouration to catch sight suchlike monkey point, sunset point, sunrise point, Upper mall, lower mall, Dharampur, Barog and many another.

Kasauli is a small-scale town in the province of Himachal Pradesh situated at an altitude of 1,927 m. The town is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. As per a Hindu Mythology, it comes up into presence after Lord Hanuman settled his feet here in order to go along to the Sanjeevani hill. The place where the Almighty actually kept his feet is count to be at a hillock which is 300 m high.

Historically, Kasauli is one of those hillock series that was matured by the British Empire during its extreme duration in India. It is one of those places that, despite its loveliness still has yet to encounter itself prominently on the tourist's chart. In fact, it is really superb for all those who desire to spend some time alone with their family or, for that matter, even themselves.

If you have an aspiration to tour the town during the off-season (November to February), it is quite likely that you will not come up to across any person for a long while on your walk. However, you will be attended along with your move by the sweetish and comfy sounds of the birds along with the mild rustling of leaves. For those who are quite the opposite and see for sportiness and risky venture at every step, Kasauli will be dissatisfaction as in that location is barely anything to make. At that place, there are several puny attractions inside and around the town that will preserve you more or less active.

Tourist’s attractions

• Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji is a historical Sikh temple is located inwards Gharkhal marketplace on the chief way towards Kasauli, also having a living accommodations station. In addition, the routine devotion, a sustaining program is held every Sunday and Saturday during early morning time. 

• Sunset Point is located around 1.5 km from the motor-coach stand. The Sundown point provides a glorious sight of the close hillside zone, and of plains, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Kalka, Pinjore, Parwanoo, Baddi and Nalagarh all are viewable equally a bird of prey eye view from this intersection point. The Evening hour point has a teeny-weeny eating place which serves freshly processed items for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

• Manki Point This is the altitudinous point in Kasauli, in that place Lord Hanuman is considered to have set his feet while on his path to give the once over for the Sanjeevani buti (herb). About 4 km from the Kasauli bus stand, at its top, is a place of worship devoted to Lord Hanuman and travellers are not allowed to carry bags or cameras inside. The hiking to the temple can be small indefinite amount rigorousness for those who are not in use to mounting.

• Christ Church at walking distance to the bus stand, it was constructed by the British people that founded the town of Kasauli itself. It is made with a superb superstructure the form of a cross. Before, theCatholic Church was famed as the Anglican Church. In 1970, it was brought back under the protection of the CNI (Church of North India) and is presently carry off by the bishopric of Amritsar.

• Timber Trail Resort on two side by side hills and united untidily with a wire car, Timber Trail is a perfect vacation way station. A visitor can relish the ride to and back to the hilltop and move frontward or stop for a time of day at the resort. The spotlight of Timber Trail Resort is Cable Car. The compartment has a capacity of 10-12 people and flies tourer from Timber Trail Resort to Timber Trail Heights, at the distance of 1.8 km and takes tourists to a height of 5,000 feet from 3,000 feet a rise of 2,000 feet.

Staying options

Kasauli is not truly a tramper terminal due to the shortness of affordable settlement. Visit in the forth-period or on working day will retrieve you finer cost. Hotels like Himlay Hotel, Blossom, Kasauli Regency, and Him Darsah Regency are some of those stay options which provide options for tourists to stay within a limited expense.

Chandigarh to Kasauli

Chandigarh to Kasauli is about 60km, by the driveway to the location there are two ways first via Parwanoo and the other one is from Chandigarh via to Dharampur on Kalka Shimla highway and move to left from Kasauli circle. Roads are in good conditions.You can go by bus but no regular bus service is available from Chandigarh.  From the circle frequent road travel services are available.

If travellers are planning for a tour to the city by bus, have to take the bus for Solan/Shimla from sector 43 ISBT of Chandigarh and get the ticket for Dharampur (a small town before Solan District). Moreover, tourists can get numerous buses heading towards Kasauli. Furthermore, tourists with a high budget can hire a cab too.

Shimla to Kasauli

The distance between Shimla and Kasauli is nearly of 3 hours through national highway 5 from Volvo to Himachal roadways buses are providing their services from time to time. Another way to travel is by Taking the train from Shimla to Kasauli to reach nearly in 2 hours. Sonwara is the nearest railway station. It is about 4 km from Shimla airport.

Climate and Ideal time to visit

The Environmental condition of Kasauli is healthy around the year, summertime brings pleasantness and wintertime gentle with infrequent Snowfall. In winter, the temperature can get down just above freeze-drying point when the heavy textile is needed. During summertime, the environmental condition is mild and light woollens or cotton are recommended. The monsoon is particularly pleasing when coltish clouds fall down upon you and the mist surrounds you.

Contributed by Harneet

Shangumugham- A Silent Beach in the heart of the City

Who would expect to see a Beach in the heart of a busy city like Trivandrum? Not too far from Trivandrum International Airport, Shangumukham or Shangumugham is a cozy spiritual destination for all.  Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan - the presiding deity of the city. Moreover, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Devi. This beach is also the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

Keeping all the spiritual significance aside, Shangumugham beach is a cozy place to spend some quality time with your loved ones. With the beach covering the majority portion, there is a small shore for people to hold picnics. Luckily for me, the place is close to my residence and I often visit the beach with my friends. Every time we get there, we always find something memorable to cherish for rest of our life.

Apart from the beach, the main attraction of this place is the 30 m long structure of a Mermaid, known as the "Matsyakanyaka"(which is Mermaid in Malayalam). When we got there, we saw a huge crowd in front of the structure, taking pictures and standing bedazzled by the way the structure is constructed.

It wasn't until half past five when the crowd began turning up in huge numbers to witness the sunset. Unlike most of the places where I've seen the sunset, Shangumugham had a packed crowd on a perfect Sunday evening. Even though the place was packed, we were able to get a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.

Now that we have got an indoor stadium near the beach, we now plan on spending our weekends playing badminton on the court and watching the spectacular sunset after we finish playing. Also, for all those who try hard to find their inner peace, Shangumugham is a perfect place to visit. In addition to the beach, the temple and church hold the spiritual significance.



Having said that, Shangumugham is a perfect place to visit if you find it hard to travel far seeking an excellent beach to spend some quality time. Even though the place itself is not remote, it still remains one of the finest tourist spots and no doubt it will still remain one.

Quick facts

1. How to reach – Frequent buses to the beach are available.

2. Nearest town – Veli

3. Nearest railway station – Trivandrum, 8 kilometers away  

4. Nearest Airport – Trivandrum, 2 kilometers away

5. Places to stay – Ideal for one day trip, but if you plan to visit in the long run, the rooms can be easily found in Trivandrum, which is just 8 km from the beach. 

6. Best time to visit – There is no specific time for visiting, you can visit anytime.

7. Things to do – Sculpture of the famous "Matsyakanyaka" is just 100 meters from

the beach. Temple dedicated to Goddess Devi is a perfect place for finding the spiritual mood. Moreover, Valiyathura church is at a walkable distance as well.

8. Is it Child-friendly - Yes

Contributed by - Sooraj Ram

Veli – Where the Lake meets the Sea

Being surrounded by water on one side, Kerala is a place to visit if you are in need for a place that, not only is worth taking a swim but also worth experiencing the breathtaking views. Veli is one such place which offers a perfect place for those who like to take some time to appreciate the beauty of nature. Located not so far from the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum, Veli is a beautiful village that is a home for one among the finest places for boating and picnicking.

Having spent almost a year taking a trip around the coastal strip of Kerala, it took me a while to reach Veli. Once I got there, I was told that Veli Tourist Village is an integral part of Veli tourism. After handling the entry formalities, the first thing that grasped my interest was the huge sculpture of Conch. The sculpture is so big that a person can see it from a faraway point.
The place holds almost 10 to 15 sculptures, including the smaller ones. Out of these 15, the conch is the centre of attraction. The surroundings are green and are well maintained by the tourism faculties. After the massive conch, I walked across the place to see other sculptures.

As I walked towards the horizon, I get to see the floating bridge. Similar to the one you see on the internet, floating bridge is a nice little path to get past the land and move towards the shore. This connecting bridge is a fascination among the children and also a perfect place for those who wish to take a good retro style sunset picture with their loved ones.

Moving on, after safely walking across the bridge, the next thing that blew me away was the amazing Floating Restaurant. Just when I was a bit tired walking around and taking pictures, Veli floating restaurant run by KTDC offers a wide range of palate from which, I would highly recommend the South Indian cuisine. It's nothing like experiencing South Indian cuisine in South India.

Half past 5, it was the perfect time for me to find a place to watch the sunset. I got into the lagoon where one could clearly distinguish the lake and sea. Separated by a small yet beautiful line of rocks, I was fortunate enough to grab a spot near the reef to experience the sunset. Unlike most of the places I get to experience the sunset peacefully in Veli. After taking a quick dip in the Veli Beach, I wrapped my trip with a walk across the Golden sand beach.

Veli is a perfect spot for all those who seek to kill time by immersing themselves into the depths of the peaceful and beautiful nature. With a wide range of choices for people to pass time, as far as I'm concerned Veli tourist village is the best spot for picnicking and get-together parties. Moreover, the floating restaurant also offers a vacant space for people to host private parties. So, if you are planning a get together party, do it in style and posh by renting the Restaurant. Their service is top notch and I guarantee you that you will get to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

Quick Facts about Veli –

1. How to reach – Frequent buses to Veli are available from Trivandrum.

2. Nearest town – Veli

3. Nearest railway station – Trivandrum Railway Station, about 8 kilometers far  

4. Nearest Airport – Trivandrum International Airport, about 2 kilometers away

5. Places to stay – Ideal for one day trip, but if you plan to visit for a long run, then rooms can be easily found in Trivandrum, which is just 8 km from Veli. 

6. Best time to visit – There is no specific time for visiting, you can visit anytime.

7. Things to do – Take a walk across Veli strip and get to see the massive conch sculpture and pass the floating bridge. Boating and other water sports can be experienced and at last don’t miss the sunset.

8. Is it Child-friendly - Yes