Glimpse of India and its Culinary Delights

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SPECIAL ITINERARY FOR KERALA

Spice Tour 

           ( A Healthy Holiday )

 

 

A synopsis of Kerala

 

 

Sea , Sun , Spices and Ayurveda. A combination that can turn you onto the road of healthy living. Banish aches and pain , burn off excess fat , rejuvenate and be willing to take long strides for many decades more.. Ayurveda , the ancient Indian Science of good healthy living. It’s a medical science 600 BC old. It depends on natural herbs and plants to correct body’s humours – Vata , pitta and kapha. This science believes in treatment of not just the affected part but the whole body. The Health clinics of Kerala provide treatment for many of these common maladies through simple, but specialized treatment. What we call the “ Health Rub”-natural oils and herbs are rubbed into the body by hand or foot pressure and infused through steam and oil baths that rejuvenates body functions and organs, retards ageing process of sinews and tones up physical being by opening pores in the skin. A massage can take 60-90 minutes and herbal oil or steam baths 30-60 mins, depending on the individual conditions. Even chronic ailments viz., rheumatic diseases, arthritis, nervous disorders, musculo-skeletal ailments etc.  Kerala’s location is appropriate due to its climate.

 

Spices in India ( most of the spices come from Kerala )

 

Spices are defined as “a strongly flavored or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, obtained from tropical plants, commonly used as a condiment”. In ancient times, spices were as precious as gold; and as significant as medicines , preservatives and perfumes. India – the land of spices, plays a significant role in the global spices market.

No country in the world produces as many kinds of spices as India with quality spices come from Kerala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spices and herbs are good not only for our taste buds but also for our health. They supply calcium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C , carotene and other antioxidants. For instance fresh parsley has been linked with cancer prevention due to its antioxidant content and spicy food is much more appealing than a vitamin pill. Besides herbs and spices don’t have any kilojoules or fact, so you can eat them to your heart’s content.

 

 

 

 

                        

 MAJOR SPICES GROWN

 

Cardamon, Casia, Chilly, Cinnamom, Clove, coffee, curry leaves, Cashew, Vanilla,  Ginger, Greater Galanga, Kokam, Pepper, Tamarind, Tea and Turmeric.

 

 

 

Day 01 Cochin     On arrival at Cochin airport / railway station, you will be met, assisted and transferred to the hotel. Cochin is the gateway to God’s own Country Kerala. Cochin is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala. Afternoon ( 5 PM ) drive to a Kathakali dance theatre location to marvel at the extensive makeup the dancers / artists wear on them. The painting done on their face is extensive and takes more than 60 minutes and sometime more. Enjoy a wonderful dances show there. Return to your Hotel for a sumptuous Kerala cuisine dinner. Overnight in Hotel.

 

Day 02           Cochin     This day after breakfast transfer to the Motor Boat Jetty and board the boat to cruise on the sea later get off for local sightseeing of Old Cochin, visiting  Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Bolgatty Palace, and Willingdon Island. Later see the Chinese fishing nets. These nets , a glory of the past, silhouetted majestically against the sunset.

 

Later drive to Mrs. Nimmy Paul – Cooking classes. Mrs. Nimmy conducts cookery classes. She teaches guests the nuances of traditional Kerala recipes. She is also a food consultant to writers, chefs and magazines.  Overnight in Cochin

 

Day 03 Cochin – Munnar    This day after breakfast check out and drive to Munnar (132 Kms north of Cochin ) , a famous hill station in Kerala known for its tea estates. On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight in Munnar.

 

Day 04 Munnar     This day after breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing in and around  Munnar, see some spectacular sights  including Mount Carmel, the first Catholic Church in the high ranges, Mattapetty Lake, cattle breeding centre, Top Station-the topmost point in Munnar and Devikulam-a small hill station.

 

Later visit Tea Factory, Munnar is essentially a tea town. The tea plantations have now been taken over by the TATA Tea Company. The visitor is greeted with miles and miles of unending tea plantations on entry into Munnar. TATA Tea, consisting of estates mainly in Munnar, is a dominant player of Tea. The other important tea estates of Kerala are Harrison Malayalam, Michael’s Tea, Brooke Bond, AVT tea.

In Munnar we can see the Assam variety of tea plants. Regular pruning keeps its height to a more manageable 4 to 5feet tall. It has an economic life of 40 years with regular pruning and plucking. Remaining day free for individual activities. Overnight in Munnar.

 

 

 

Day 05 Munnar – Alleypey : A 4 hours drive from Munnar will bring you to the scenic spot of Backwaters of Kerala. Arrive and check into the exotic 5 star deluxe Houseboats. Enjoy hot lunch on the deck of the Boat. Later relax and set on the cruise towards Kollam ( British called 

it as Quilon ) – am Old Sea Port on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. Persians , Arabs , Greeks and Romans traded here.  A relaxed dinner -( cuisine (Veg / Non Veg ) prepared by chefs using various spices and Herbs.  Overnight in Houseboat.

( A beautiful option also in offer while driving back from Munnar – We can drive to Athirapally We stop here and spend time ( 2 hours or so )  at the beautiful Water Falls ( a place where the recent Hindi film – directed by famous Director Mani Ratnam , RAVAN was shot. )  There is an exotic resort as well, where one can go for refreshments etc or to relax. )

 

Day 06 :  We rise up in the morning to see a breath-taking view around and beautiful locale to relax and enjoy. Continue cruise through various beautiful hamlets. The boat can stop through any of the Villages around for the members to alight and see the interiors, take a walk. Over night on Houseboat.

 

 

Day 07  :   Kollam / Thekkady (Periyar)        This day after breakfast check out and drive to Periyar (200 kms). Periyar is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India Sprawling across 777 sq. kms of luxuriant green, rain drenched tropical forests, this tiger reserve renders a chance to spot exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. The sanctuary is centered around a large artificial lake,

formed by the dam across the Periyar River. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free for individual activities /shopping of spices.

 

This day proceed for an exciting boat cruise in the afternoon  (Optional – not included) around the lake Periyar. You can see herds of wild animals bathing on the banks or quenching their thirst. You can also watch interesting species of birds.

 

Later Enjoy The Visit To Spice Plantation.

The spice plantation in Thekkady is one of the major spice plantations in Kerala. The spice plantations in Kerala are captivating farms to wander in, since different spices are cultivated in different sections of each plantation. There are various kinds of spices cultivated in Thekkady. The most abundantly found spice in Thekkady is pepper. But there is a variety of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves on the slanting slopes of the spice plantation in Thekkady. Overnight in Thekkady.

 

 

Day 08 Thekkady – Kumarakom      This day after breakfast drive to Kumarakom (135 kms). Kumarakom is Kerala’s heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, and paddy fields, inter- linked with hundreds of winding canals. On arrival check in at the hotel.

 

Relax and have lunch in Hotel. Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on the biggest lake in Asia – The Wembanad Lake.

 

 

 

Note : Houseboat Cruise only during the day until 5.30 PM.  This is to assist the Fishermen who puts their fishing nets  in the back waters during the night )

Day 09 Kumarakom – Varkala :  Morning after breakfast drive to Varkala. On arrival transfer to hotel. Varkala is a small seaside town in Kerala, has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since the 12th Century. To this day, the eight-hundred year old Janardhana Temple remains a popular pilgrimage spot. Varkala is also blessed with an unspoilt, golden beach, lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Visit the Portugese church of Anjengo dated to the time of occupation, which maybe the Elanchoros of the geography of Ptomempee (2nd century A.D.). Also visit the English Fort constructed in 1695 A.D. by the English ‘East India Company’, which play an important role in the war of Mysore in 18th century. Night stay in Varkala.

 

This place is ldeal for an Ayurvedic massage treatment or one can relax on the golden beach here enjoying the sun. The Ayutvedic massage / Oil treatment is supervised by qualified doctors of Ayurveda. Overnight at your 5 star deluxe Hotel on the beach.

 

 

Day 10 Varkala  to Trivandrum    : A short drive brings you to the Trivandrum International Airport. Hence you may program your day in Varkala according to your International departure timings.

 

 

 

Tour Concludes

 

Includes :

 

Accommodation in standard rooms in Taj Group Deluxe Hotels / Resorts or equivalent in all places except while on Backwater Cruise Deluxe Houseboats and Mahindra Resorts in Munnar.

 

Daily Breakfasts


All meals during Houseboat Cruise


All transport by AC Mini Coach


All sightseeing with English Speaking Government Approved guide


Boat Cruise on Wembanad Lake in Kumarkom

 

 

One Bottle water / Soft drink daily during drives.

 


 

All taxes

 


 

Not Included :

 


 

Any personal nature expenses

 


 

Tickets / Boat ride in Periyar ( Thekkady )

 



Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh State of India

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This is a small town which was set up by the Chandela Hindu Rajput dynasty and was their cultural capital between the 10 – 12th Century. There were 80 temples built within an area of 20 square kilometers and took around 200 years to finish. Now around 25 such temples are existing. Since the Chandela Kings never lived here and hence we do not find any Forts / Palaces here.

Amazingly there were no mortars used to construct these temples and there is a special interlocking balance which holds them.

One do not find any carvings inside these temples and on the exterior one can see beautiful and exquisite small figures of humans carved in the stones and such carvings are all over the exterior of the temples. These temples are grouped into eastern , southern and western blocks.  There is a great misnomer that the human figures in various Kamasutra position making love are deities where as it is not at so !  The couples making love are only a 10 % of the entire lot of carvings on the exterior of the walls on these temples. In fact the carvings depicts the lifestyle of common people during that period such as one can see figures of women putting make up, farmers, potters etc etc.

Before entering the temples , he or she must leave their own sexual desires or preferences outside and then enter. In a way it also shows how strong and clean hearted those people were that even after seeing those erotic love making couple outside, people worshiped their deities inside the temples with a clean and clear mind which was full of reverence and prayers.

But yes, you will certainly find the beauty of eroticism on the carvings which depicts female nymphs who are generously contoured , high breasted and broad hipped and in some of the carvings you will find couples making love in various positions and depicts real kamasutra and I must say they are divine. The best form of love making is seen here and the most important aspect is that you find them on the walls of a temple which is considered to be absolutely sacred. Any person while entering a temple is supposed to have pure heart and mind before entering a temple in India even now ( 2012 ) …sex is the last thing one should have in mind !

These carvings show such explicit form of love making act which proves that sex was considered to be extremely normal without an iota of inhibitions even during the times between 950 AD.

 

Khajuraho temples are about 600 + kilometers from New Delhi in Central India. It is easily accessible by rail , road and air too. The best way to go there ( which I opted for ) is to take a fast train from Delhi for 2 hours and reach the Tajmahal City – Agra. I visited the Agra 16 times and find the TajMahal exquisite and interesting everytime. From Agra to can drive by Car to Gwalior- 2 hours  ( I will write about this place later ) and then drive from here to Orcha ( Will discuss this also later ) and stay overnight in the gorgeous Orcha Resorts which on the banks of the Betwa river. The Chandela Kings also had their rule here and you find exquisite temples and a robust Fort.

Next day you drive for another 4 – 5 hours by Car and arrive in Khajuraho.

We spent two days here and kept seeing the temples and the carving with my little binoculars ( you need them to see the carvings as they small and high on the walls of the temples ) …they were so attractive. I was aw-struck by the simplicity and finesse.  I stayed at one of those beautiful Hotels there and also later went to see one of the jungle sanctuaries – Pench which is close by from Khajuraho….

Durga Puja in India

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Goddess Durga is one who is worshiped all over the Country. But the celebration which is associated in Bengal state of India for 5 days of worshiping not only Goddess Durga but also Lord Ganesh , Goddess Saraswati , Goddess Lakshmi,  God Kartik is one of the greatest festival in Bengal and also now in all those cities where people from Bengal reside.

The celebration goes on 5 days with great Pomp and show. Every morning and evening special prayers sessions are conducted , everyone buy new clothes , have lunch at the place of worship which happens in a community Center. Huge idols of the God and Goddesses are installed and millions of Indian money is spent in Cultural activities. People and artists perform each evening and entertain people who collect every evening. The celebration brings all together in this busy times these days….It is amazing to see this festival of Durga Puja.

After 5 days, the idols are immersed in the nearest river.

That is the end of the Puja celebrations and each year during the month of October , one can see and enjoy this festival in almost all North Indian Cities.

Goddess Durga

Durga Puja

Deepaavali or Diwali Festival in India

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In my own opinion , the very existence and significance of this festival is to bring among people a feeling of utmost joy, dis-engagement from daily routine life where-in one is in a mad rush for work , work and work to compete , to upkeep and for many to earn their living. This festival brings in a lot of enthusiasm , love , enjoy , laugh , eat good food, meet each other and exchange gifts or sometimes simply giving away gifts ( the feeling of joy in giving and not taking ) , lot of prayers while visiting temples and also dressing up in new clothes.  People forget everything and only get immersed in cleaning , painting their homes and decorating it with numerous oil lamps , colored electricity bulbs all across ….what a sight it is during the Diwali evening which goes on 3 days and ends up with ” Bhaidooj ” {sister bless their brother with a tika ( a spot made of vermillion and sandal wood paste ) on their forehead and pray for his safety, success and good life }

Since Diwali is a festival of decoration with lights, the essence is that ” I will shove the darkness away from my life and bring Light and only Light and brightness. The light is also a ray of hope for good in my life”

History of Diwali

Each and every person who has a Indian decent must be aware of our great epic – Ramayana. It is a story of Lord Rama , A God for all of us who exists always in our minds and daily life. A man of courage, perseverance , high principles, Moral and all these are great inspiration as well for all of us.

The epic is a great narration of life and times of Lord Rama and this epic also clearly proves that what is in your destiny will happen for sure. He married Sita by winning her in a competition in which the groom was supposed to break a bow ( bow and arrow ). A number of royal contenders were there but no one could even lift the bow, leave aside breaking it. Lord Rama picked it up and easily broke it…it was like magic ! Hence , my saying. Sita was in his destiny and so they became one. In our lives too , it so happens that you meet strangers , like each other , fall in love and live together….how it happens ? It is destiny…! No one knows anyone in this huge world but we meet , come together…

Rama’s Father was the Kind of Ayodhya Kingdom ( This ancient city still exists in North Central India ). He had 3 queens and from all 3 , he had children. Rama was the eldest among them and was also the dearest.  When they grew up, Rama was to access the throne but his step mother was not in favor and hence forced her husband to send Rama to exile for 14 years! Lord Rama complied. There was a disaster – His father died due to this great sorrow , one of younger brother accompanied him and no one was willing to access the throne as all the siblings wanted only Rama to be the King…how ideal they were.

After spending 14 years ( these 14 years were also full of happenings and has a long story in itself —I will discuss that later ) , when Rama , his wife Sita and his brother returned to Ayodhya, there was celebrations, jubilant citizens welcomed Rama back and entire Ayodhya Kingdom was lit with oil lamps. THIS WAS DEEPAWALI or in short DIWALI….a time where there is only celebration.

From that day, India has been celebrating Diwali as a festival of light , happiness and wishing prosperity to all. Even to this date, people forget their work , meet each other and exchange gifts , offer sweets and illuminate their homes with as many oil lamps as they can.

Shanjehanabad , which is known as Old Delhi now

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The very name – Shajehanabad means the Abode of Shahjehan who was one of the greatest Moghul Emperor who ruled with style and who possessed a tremendous artistic sense which can be explicitly seen across North India including Agra and Delhi. Since the space  in Agra and Lohore was less for him and his realm to attend to his subjects, he decided to choose this place and fortified it with a wall which enclosed 1500 acres ( Unit Acre is approx. 4000 Square Meters ) of land with exquisitely built several gates to enter inside…viz., The Kashmere gate, Nigambodh Gate which led to the North Eastern side towards the Nigambodh Ghat on the Yamuna River ), Mori Gate, Kabuli gate, Lahori Gate, Ajmeri Gate , Delhi Gate and Turkmaan gate. All these gates still stand with their past glory and add a tremendous glory to this walled city – Old Delhi.

Shahjehan’s brilliance created a genre of gorgeous buildings which stands with all their might and grandeur even today and are well maintained by a Government agency. My saying cannot be testified just by seeing photos of these monuments now , but by visiting them.

Initially the sprawling Red Fort was built which contained courts, gardens and also a worship place – Masjid. With the population growing , he built the magnificent Jama Masjid overlooking the Red Fort and called the Chief / Head called the Imam from Bukhara city in Uzbekistan and was named as Bukhari whose descendants are still the Imam of this biggest Masjid ( Mosque ) in whole of Asia. At one time thousands of devotees can offer Namaaz in this grand mosque. It was not only a mosque nut also housed a madarsaa ( Teaching place ) for children.

The third major building that Shahjehan built was the Fatehpuri Masjid which stands just very close to the Red Fort on the oldest road of India – the Chandni Chowk Silver Street. It was built in the name of one of his wife – Fatehpuri Begum as she was from Fatehpur.

As I said earlier in this small note, photos are not enough , one must see them to feel the glory and grandeur and the intricacies built within.

Some pictures :

 

 

Chambal Wild Life Sanctuary

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India is replete with beautiful wildlife sanctuaries and parks but here I would like to take up a few and discuss them one by one in various posts. Chambal Sanctuary is one of them. It is very conveniently located as it is just 70 km south of  World famous tourist spot – Agra. Its a 400 km stretch of the river Chambal with ravines on both sides covering more than 1000 sq miles of area.  This serene and beautiful sanctuary is the habitat for approx. 300 marsh crocodiles and 1200 ghariala , 8 species of turtles, smooth coated otters. The most attractive feature of this Sanctuary are the Gangetic river Dolphins that are surviving here only. To show you around smart naturalists are available who speak well and have good knowledge of the flora and fauna. A 4 hour cruise on the river is pretty enjoyable and soothing as well….the serenity , almost no pollution , away from the hustle and bustle of city life gives perfect relaxation. It also  offers great opportunities for wildlife photographers and shooting a river dolphin cajoling in the water is a great. Due to its proximity from Agra , one could easily drive down for a day visit or could also stay here for 2 nights at the gorgeous heritage accommodation called the Chambal Resorts. Such stays would bring opportunities to explore the ravines, do nature walks, or go for a small safari riding a horse.

Special dinner with bonfire in the resort could be memorable.

Generally speaking , a trip here would be very pleasing and relaxing and interesting for wildlife lovers and also for those who are not very passionate about wildlife as a trip here is completely different and brings one close to nature.

Shantanu

 

Visit to Ranthambore

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I had visited one of favorite wildlife parks – Ranthambore a few times. The best approach I liked was via Jaipur from Delhi. One can also drive via Agra and Bharatpur making necessary halts in these two places and finally arrive at Jaipur for 2 days stay. Bit of a shopping in Jaipur and then head for Ranthambore. A pretty smooth drive for 4 – 5 hours. If you want luxury , Vanya Vilas is the best resort and they have their private open jeeps that are allowed in the jungle and you may be lucky to get a better trail to tread in the jungle. The other resorts are also very good and have that tranquil ambience one needs away from the hustle and bustle in daily life. I always loved the early morning and late afternoon game viewing which are the best timings for Tiger viewing and excellent for shutter bugs ! I think Ranthambore gives the best opportunity to see and photograph Tigers. Must stay there for 3 nights, I can bet you will definitely spot a tiger and quench your greed with some exotic photographs of a Tiger or maybe Tigers ! Happy Journey and Happy Holidays.