Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr

Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species of mountain goat. These unique animals inhabit grasslands at an elevation of 4000 to 8000 feet in the southern Western Ghats and can climb steep hills and cliffs. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Due to hunting and poaching its total population was about 100 at the turn of the 20th century. Nearly half (around 600-700) of the world population of this extinction-prone mountain goat is found in Eravikulam National Park, This animal was photographed at Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park, 45 minutes drive from Munnar, Kerala. 

Alleppy (Alppuzha)

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey

Alleppy (Alppuzha)

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India.This town is considered to be the oldest planned town in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the town is the first of its kind along the Arabian coast. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon. Backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Usually the house boats start from the boatyard at around 12 PM every noon and ends their journey in the next day morning. During that time the water transport covers maximum areas in Alleppy and touches Kumarakom and comes back to the Alleppy boatyard next morning.

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India. The fete is in the books of records for maximum number of participants in a team event.

Apart from Backwaters some other attractions in Alleppey are Alappuzha Beach, offering one of the most beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Edathua Church, Champakulam Valia Palli, Krishnapuram Palace also attracts lot of tourists. Coir is the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha.

Ayurveda in Kerala

Ayurveda 

Ayurveda originated from India and is mentioned in the Vedas- the sacred Hindu scriptures. Ayurveda , which dates back to 6000 years,  is an ancient medical therapy which is recognized worldwide. The word “ayurveda” has been coined by the conjunction of two Sanskrit words, "ayur", meaning life and "veda", meaning knowledge. The word together means the knowledge of life.

Ayurveda is an art that rejuvenates your inner self with a process of growth, maintenance, and decay. Its aim is to provide guidance regarding specially designed treatments, food and lifestyle so that health can be optimized and illness healed. In Ayurveda, the process of “ayur” is considered as a combined state of body, senses, psyche and soul. According to Hindu mythology, it was Lord Bramha, who laid the foundation of ayurveda, which slowly descended to earth.  As Ayurveda has a divine origin, it is considered as holistic science that is blessed by God.

Apart from being known as God’s Own Country, Kerala is also known as the land of Ayurveda.  For centuries, Kerala has also pioneered health and medical tourism in India and has attracted international attention in this segment. The idea of health tourism is mainly concentrated on Ayurveda. Ayurveda is not just about good physical health. It is a therapy that promises holistic wellness. The culture of Kerala is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures. It is composite and cosmopolitan in nature and is an integral part of Indian culture. Ayurveda has been practiced in Kerala and even today this system of medicine is still practiced with complete dedication.

So, while visiting Kerala, give your soul and body a soothing experience.

Chinese Fishing Nets, (Cheena vala).

Chinese Fishing Nets, (Cheena vala) 

Chinese Fishing Nets, Kerala. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for an unusual form of fishing — shore operated lift nets. They are mostly found in Kerala. Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter are suspended from ropes of different lengths for keeping everything in balance. It was earlier thought that the nets might have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Recent research shows that these were introduced by Portuguese Casado settlers from Macau.