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Rath Yatra: When Lord Jagannath literally hits the road

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Nothing can match the religious fervour, sheer size and scale of the Puri Rath Yatra

Puri Rath Yatra stands apart from other festivals because of its mass participation, legends associated with it, religious fervour and simply because of its sheer size and scale. It is the time when Lord Jagannath along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra comes out of his temple abode and literally hits the road for nine days.

During the festival period, Jagannath stay at Gundhicha Temple, a shrine built by a fervent devotee for him. In the process, the Lord grants audience to multitudes including those who are barred entry into the Puri Temple.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosa

Located about three km away from the Jagannath Temple at the end of Bada Danda or the Grand Avenue, Gundicha Temple is named after Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna who built the Puri Jagannath Temple. Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, visits the temple to honour the devotion of Queen Gundicha. The Rath Yatra or car festival marks Lord Jagannath’s trip to Gundicha’s Temple and his stay there.

For lesser mortals, the occasion is an opportunity of a life time. Hindus believe that mere darshan or glimpse of the deity is sure to grant you moksha (salvation). Pulling the chariot or merely touching it confers the blessings of several lifetimes. According to the Skanda Purana, a glimpse of the deities at the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra is equal to attaining the benefits of sacrificing a thousand horses. Sacrificing horses was an immensely priestly deed as per Hindu traditions.

Lakhs of devotees head to the temple town of Puri each year to participate in the Rath Yatra seized with the desire to purge themselves of sins. The festival is held on the second day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in Ashadh Maas (June-July).

Multitudes turn out to join the Lord in his sojourn and keep him company during the days of the festival. It is the only time when non-Hindus can get a glimpse or touch the Lord as non-Hindus are barred from entry into the temple. The archaic law has ensured that even foreign nationals, who have converted to Hinduism, are also barred from entering the temple.

Hindus believe mere darshan or glimpse of the deity is sure to grant moksha

So huge is the rush and joustling among the devotees that people have toppled onto the path of the chariots and lost their lives. Such fatal incidents reportedly led to the coining of the word juggernaut which signifies literal or metaphorical force regarded as mercilessly destructive and unstoppable. Apart from the scores which gather at Puri, millions watch the chariot festival from the confines of their homes.

The chariots are huge wooden vehicles made to resemble the temples. Decorated as per rituals followed for centuries, each of the chariots has a name of its own. While the Lord travels on his Nandighosa, Lord Balabhadra’s vehicle is called Taladhwaja and chariot of Goddess Subhadra is known as Dwarapadalana or the ‘trampler of pride’.

Just to help understand the massive size of the chariots, here are some statistics. Nandighosa, at its height, measures 45 ft and 45 ft broad at the level of its wheels. It moves on 16 wheels, each wheel is seven ft in diameter. Taladhwaja, despite being the chariot of the elder brother, is 44 ft high and has 14 wheels. Dwarapadalana is 43 ft high and has twelve wheels.

It is not only the size that differentiates the three chariots. A golden yellow strip of cloth covers Lord Jagannath’s chariot as he is seen as a manifestation of Lord Krishna. Krishna used to wear Peetambar. Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is adorned with a blue strip while Subhadra’s chariot is adorned with black, which is associated with the Mother Goddess.

Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, visits Gundicha temple to honour the devotion of Queen Gundicha

Tradition also guides the construction of the chariots. New chariots are made each year with wood from specific trees brought from the erstwhile princely state of Daspalla. Hereditary carpenters are entrusted with the task of building the chariots.

Rituals and traditions also mark the start and construction of the chariots. Construction begins on Akshaya Tritiya, among the three and half auspicious days in Hindu calendar. The rituals are held in the presence of the erstwhile King of Puri. The chariots are built in 58 days. The construction process has remained unchanged since the first Rath Yatra held several years ago.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot is made out of 832 pieces of wood, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot uses 763 pieces of wood and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot is made out of 539 pieces of wood.

As the chariots roll out of the temple compound, a mass hysteria seizes the accompanying multitudes. Bhajans, the beat of drums and cymbals, the blowing of the conch; all add to the euphoria.

Rath Yatra is the only time when non-Hindus can get a glimpse or touch the Lord

The lord and his siblings stay at the Gundicha Temple for seven days. On their return journey, the trio stops at the Mausi Maa Temple or the shrine dedicated to their aunt. Situated mid-way on the Bada Danda or the Grand Avenue in front of the Jagannath Temple, the Mausi Maa temple is dedicated to Goddess Ardhashini.

According to legend, Lord Jagannath and Balbhadra were left paupers after Goddess Lakshmi left Shri Mandir. Both had to go out begging. During their brief stopover at Mausi Maa temple, the three deities partake of an offering called ‘Poda Pitha’, a kind of pancake favoured by the Lord and generally eaten by the poor.

Another interesting legend associated with Lord Jagannath is that of 17th century devotional poet Salabega. Son of a Mughal subedar and a Muslim by birth, Salabeg turned a Krishna devotee after being severely wounded in battle. Cured miraculously, Salabeg went to Puri. However, he was denied entry as he was a Muslim. So great was his love for Sri Krishna that Salabeg went to Vrindavan to learn more about his favourite God.

Rath Yatras are now organised in several parts of India and also in the West

At Vrindavan, he had the desire to see the Rath Yatra and rushed to Puri. However, on the way he suddenly fell ill. Feeling utterly helpless and realizing that he would not reach Puri in time for the festival, Salabeg beseeched Lord Jagannath to wait until he arrived. Salabeg’s prayers were answered and despite the best efforts of the crowd, Nandighosa did not move until Salabeg arrived. As a mark of respect for Salabeg and his devotion to Lord Jagannath, Nandighosa takes a brief halt each year near his samadhi.

With the spread of Krishna cult, Rath Yatras are organised in several parts of India and also in the West. While such festivals can’t match the ardor, the size and scale of the Puri Rath Yatra, they are an opportunity for devotees to express their devotion.

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Travelling overseas: Tips and advice

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Going on a guided travel tour and you believe you can rest after choosing your package tour operator; then you are wrong. There is no denying the fact that tour and travel operators do take care of your burden by making your travel plans, making arrangements for travel, food and stay and ensuring that you have a good experience.

However, if you lower your guard and do not carefully read the fine print while signing on to the dotted line, then you could be in trouble just as the Chakravorty family from Mumbai found out to their dismay.

It was a long time dream of the Chakravortys to go on a tour of the Europe and for that they selected the market leader in tour and travel operators. After the 15-day tour and spending over Rs six lakh, the Chakravortys feel cheated and short shrifted.

Read on to know more about the things you should remember while making your travel plans.

Read the brochure carefully

Take time out and read the documents given by the tour operator carefully. Do not overlook the fine print and insist on clarification if you do not understand anything. Do research about the places you would be visiting. This will help you seek clarifications from the tour operator and also help plan your stay accordingly. Ensure the deal includes air tickets, hotel as well as transportations.

Get everything in writing

From airport pickups, flights, schedules, hotels and other details, get everything in writing. This would help throw more light on what to expect and prevent the tour operator from duping you under the cover of ambiguity. With most of the communication being carried out over emails, it should not be a problem. Confirm the food that will be served to you while you choose a package. It is often overlooked and you might have an unpleasant surprise on your tour.

Ask for comprehensive itinerary

Right from places you will be visiting, time spent at each destination, means of transport, name of hotels, distances from hotel to city centre and the modes of transport. Do not forget to ask for distances from parking places. The information would come in handy as many old cities and towns of Europe do not allow vehicular traffic into city centre. During their sojourn of Paris, the Chakravortys had to stay about one hour’s drive from the city centre.

Ask for travel insurance

Medical insurance is important. Check with your health care provider and get a good medical insurance cover. It will come in handy in the event of accident or illness in a foreign country.

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Raising a toast at Oktoberfest

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Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the original Munich event, are held in several cities across the world


Oktoberfest, the world renowned Bavarian national festival held annually in Germany, can only be described in superlatives. It is the biggest and liveliest festival which celebrates beer. Though travelling to Munich may not be possible this year, you could still be part of Oktoberfest festlichkeiten (German for festivities) at Pune. Only the venue might be a compromise, the festival is as authentic as it gets with genuine German beer, food and real German music.

Beer is the preferred beverage but wine and other non-alcoholic beverages are also served

The Oktoberfest will be held at the Pune Race Course during the Derby Weekend, starting October 12. The three-days of the festival will witness traditional tapping of the beer keg and performance by German bands besides a host of activities. Horse races, which were part of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, would help recreate the feel and flavour of the festival.

To help the uninitiated, Oktoberfest began as festivities to mark the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Munichers were invited to attend the festivities and the later on it became a calendar event. The festival has been held continuously except during the Great Wars and during calamities. About six million people visit the fair ground during the 16-days of the festival in Germany.

Over the years, the response to Oktoberfest has grown immensely in India. Pune would be the venue for the fourth time. The cosmopolitan culture and easy pace of life in Pune forms the perfect backdrop for the celebrations. The fact that Pune is home for German companies like Mercedes and Volkswagen, has also played a crucial role in pitching of the festival tents for the fourth time in the city.

Bavarian men dressed in Lederhosen and women in Dirndl add to the festive atmosphere

Like the festival held in Munich, Pune event would be inaugurated with the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest Beer. Revellers can drink as much beer as they can and bite into  German food while they nurse their drinks. Bratwurst, traditional German sausages flown in from Germany, and other German food would be available to lend that authentic Oktoberfest feel. Punjabi, Maharashtrian and North Indian dishes would also be served.

Though known as the beer festival, wine would also be available. A variety of wines mostly from the wine region of Rheinland Pfalz would be served. German wines may not be the first thing that comes to mind, the Silvaner Selection white wine and Dornfelder red wine are held in high regard by connoisseurs.

German band die Vagabunden will play traditional Oktoberfest songs in order to create the typical Munich Oktoberfest atmosphere.

The fizz of beer, men and women dancing to the beat of Ein prosit (traditional Oktoberfest folk song) and the smell of turf, you would not be way off the mark if you scream Ich bin ein Municher.

Oktoberfest is known as the largest Volksfest (people’s fair) in the world

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Oktoberfest: An excuse to get drunk

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Oktoberfest, the Bavarian national festival, is the biggest and liveliest festival which celebrates beer

Bacchus, n.: A convenient deity invented by the ancients as an excuse for getting drunk.

Ambrose Bierce, the eminent American journalist and satirist, came to my mind as I witnessed the shenanigans of the jet-set at the fourth Oktoberfest held recently. I was left wondering about the rationale for holding Oktoberfest in India. I believe the latitudes and longitudes are as important as the festival itself. Certain things can’t be recreated. It’s like holding the Goa carnival in Chennai or the Baisakhi in Thiruvananthapuram.

Traditionally, Oktoberfest beers which have approximately 6% alcohol content are served at the beer fest

When offered a chance to attend the Oktoberfest, my happiness knew no bounds. I had visions of sitting in a grand tent which could match the grandest of the Hippodroms of Munich, compete with the ablest of men in downing barrels and barrels of pure German beer. My flight of fantasy didn’t end there. I dreamt of dancing with madchens dressed in dirndls and singing Oktoberfest songs at the top of my voice. My spirits kept primed by endless supply of beer and other choice beverages – I was already intoxicated with the hopes of unadulterated debauchery.

Oktoberfest began as festivities to mark the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Munichers were invited to attend the festivities and later on it became a calendar event. Term it nostalgia, longing for the fatherland or just as Bierce said, the German firangs want to get drunk. So they decided to recreate Oktoberfest in Pune.

I put my doubts on the backburner as soon as I entered the venue. The omens were good and I was stamped with an image of a mug full of fizzing beer at the entrance. If the mug comes can the beer be far behind. Alas! If only dreams come true.

The most awaited event, the tapping of the beer barrel, was made a mockery. I had hopes of some illustrious personality doing the honours. There was neither any barrel nor any luminary. Instead, the lead singer of the German band wore a bag of beer to simulate a beer belly. His fellow musician, the trumpeter, then jammed a tap into the lead singer’s stomach and opened the tap to drain a litre of beer.

Horse races were part of the original Oktoberfest in Munich

Despite the sad attempt to recreate Oktoberfest, the crowd was excited. The excitement fuelled by litres of Radeberger and Erdinger that the crowd had being downing since the start of the event.

The crowd couldn’t be blamed considering the fact that authentic German beer was being served. The German rice beer was great and was only outdone by the wheat beer which left an amazing aftertaste. There was also non-alcoholic beer, juice and even green tea being offered. Green tea, though not a traditional Oktoberfest beverage, was to humour the health conscious.

Oktoberfest is not the place for counting calories or practicing restraint. You eat and drink and dance to the crazy music; reason and logic can go take a break.

The menu was not-very-elaborate and the prices could have given cardiac arrests, if alcohol had not lowered the lucidity levels of the revellers. The Indian food table remained undisturbed. While crowds hovered around the non vegetarian section, the veg had to contend themselves with pizza. I skipped the vegetarian and Indian section and tried to enjoy some unrestrained gluttony.

The German band die Vagabunden was the only saving grace of the whole event. It played Oktoberfest classics and after every performance encouraged the people to Prost! (toast). The band even played a mean version of Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock.

I believe I have my answer for the rationale for celebrating Oktoberfest in India. It is elementary my dear Watson. You don’t need a reason to drink beer. Just as the eminent English poet Lord Byron said,Man, being reasonable, must get drunk; the best of life is but intoxication”.

Over the years, the response to Oktoberfest has grown immensely in India


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Kala Ghoda Art Festival: Where art and culture rule

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Kala Ghoda Art Festival: Where art and culture rule

Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai’s historic precinct, is alive and pulsating with activity. Reason is not hard to guess; it’s the time for the annual Kala Ghoda Art Festival. The festival, this year, offers a lot in terms of art, theatre, dance, literature and food.
In its 15th year, the fest has grown leaps and bounds in terms of visitors and participants. Huge crowds turned out to watch the festival on the first weekend. My sincere advice: Plan your trip on a weekday as it might give you a better chance to observe the installations and other works of art.
Unlike previous years, security has been increased and can be seen in the form of frisking by security staff and metal detectors.
The first thing you notice is the huge camera with few posters of Bollywood celebrities; a tribute to 100 years of Hindi Cinema. The horrific Delhi gang-rape case also found creative expression in the form of a broken doll house with newspaper reports of crimes against women.
The first weekend of the fest was packed with people clicking pictures, admiring art. Some families had also arrived to have a jolly time posing with the installations.
The art fest started off on February 2 and goes on till February 10.

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Kolkata: Weekend Getaways

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Kolkata is famous as the City of Joy but metropolitan Bengalis also aspire for breaks to escape from their daily life of addasmishtis and politics. And what do Calcuttans do? With several beachespilgrimage and heritage towns, wildlife and nature parks located within a 500 km radius, Calcuttans are spoilt with choice.

Travel.india.com lists some of the most popular options.

Konark

About 495 km from Kolkata, Konark is famous for the Sun Temple, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. Venue of the renowned Konark Dance and Music Festival which is one of the oldest cultural festivals in India, Konark gets its name from Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning the sun.

Also known as the Black Pagoda, the 700-year-old Sun Temple has been declared a World Heritage Site and it an architectural marvel. Most monuments in Konark are beautiful examples of Odisha’s architecture and it rich culture. Considered one of the best beaches in the country, Konark beach is popular for its golden sand and the annual Magha Saptami Mela

Bodh Gaya

About 480 km from Kolkata, the sacred city of Bodh Gaya in Bihar is known mainly for its association with Lord Buddha. The wandering prince Siddhartha sat down to meditate under a Bodhi Tree and it is here that he attained nirvana.

The main attraction of the region is the Mahabodhi Temple which is built around the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha had meditated. It was built in the 7th century and has been renovated multiple times till the 19th century. The main statue of Lord Buddha depicts him in meditation and the shrine here is shaped like the original stupa that was built by Ashoka. The Bodhi tree itself has in a way been immortalized to honour it for giving Lord Buddha the ideal place to meditate. The main statue of Lord Buddha is 80 ft high and made from red granite and blocks of sandstone.

Bishnupur

About 140 km from Kolkata, Bishnupur is famous for its medieval terracotta temples. Built by Malla Kings, the town gets its name from Lord Vishnu and the town has witnessed a glorious past with amazing architecture and handicrafts native to the region.

The terracotta temples were built by the Malla Kings after they faced an acute shortage of stones to build temples. The result was a beautiful blend of bricks, terracotta and a unique curved roof style known as Bangla roof. Rasmancha is believed to be the oldest pyramid tower shaped monument in the town which was built to accommodate deities that were brought during festivals.

Dakshineshwar

About 12 km from Kolkata, Dakshineshwar is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kolkata. Bhavatarini, the presiding deity in the temple is a form of Goddess Kali and means ‘she who liberates her devotees from the ocean of existence’.

Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, it is where saint-philosopher Ramakrishna Paramhansa initiated his spiritual journey. Swami Vivekananda chose to live as an ascetic here and worshipped Goddess Kali to change his fortunes after his father’s demise.

Sunderbans

About 100 km from Kolkata, the largest delta in the world is found at Sunderbans. It consists of 10,200 sq km of mangrove forest that spreads over to Bangladesh as well. Over 38,500 sq km of the forest in West Bengal has been declared a national park. The forest gets its name from the abundant Sundari tress in the region.

During peak season, it is advisable to make advance reservations and you can also book a safari through the park to get a chance to witness a tiger in the wild.

 

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Travel tips: Four steps to beat the heat during summer

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Heat, dust and excessive exposure to sun can damage the skin

Traveling during summer can play havoc with your health if precautions are not taken. With the increase in temperature levels and the intensity of the heat, it could also seriously affect your health. Here are a few tips to take care of yourself during summer.

Skin care

Shorts and capris, polo shirts and sleeveless are the preferred apparels during summer for the comfort they provide. However, they have their own disadvantages as it leaves large parts of the body exposed.

Use sunscreen lotion to cover your exposed parts like hands and legs. Applying sunscreen lotion can save you from getting a two tone skin texture on your face, arms and legs.

Sunscreens aren’t very expensive and most of them dry up quickly so you need not have to wipe your hand to use your phone afterwards.

Sunscreen lotion should be used to cover exposed parts like hands and legs

Wear a hat or a cap

Wearing sun glasses is most often a style statement or to hide traces of a hangover. Contrary to popular perception, wearing sun glasses doesn’t help protect your eyes. In fact, due to the dark shades, you need to open your eyes wider to let more light enter your eye which can lead to higher threat to the eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Prevent damage to your eyes by wearing a hat or a cap.

Clothes

It’s that time of the year when half-shirts and loose fitting clothes are ideal. Cotton and linen fabrics of pastel shades are best suited as they are comfortable, don’t absorb much heat and breathe.

Wearing a hat or a cap can prevent damage to eyes

Drink up

Keep drinking fluids to avoid dehydration. You’ll be surprised to know how much water you lose just by sweating.

Water is the best option but keep a packet of ORS with you if you plan to travel. These small, inexpensive packets can be bought from any medical or general store.

The post Travel tips: Four steps to beat the heat during summer appeared first on Travel India.

Weekend holiday destinations from Chennai – Part 2

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Madurai

Madurai

From hill stations nestled high up on the Nilgiri hills, imperial capitals to plantation country, there are weekend getaways from Chennai.

Madurai

About 456 km south west of Chennai, Madurai is popularly known as known as Athens of the East. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, the city is located on the banks of Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. The city is renowned across the world for the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is the geographical centre and the fulcrum around which the daily life of the locals revolves.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal

About 515 km southwest of Chennai, Kodaikanal often called ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ was established in 1845. You can visit the Berijam Lake, stroll through the pine forest, witness the sunrise or visit the old boathouse. There are a few temples, lakes and a few points where from where you can see panoramic views of the countryside. Kodaikanal can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from April to June and from September to October.

 

Ooty

Ooty

Ooty

About 550 km southwest of Chennai, Ooty or Ootacamund is also known as the Queen of the Hill Stations. Ooty is known for its scenic vistas and rolling tea estates. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in the country. A ride on the toy train, boating in the Pykara Lake and fishing are some of the activities that you can do in Ooty. Ooty is a destination that can be visited all through the year, however, October is considered a good time for visit. Summers are pleasant, winters are cold, and monsoons are beautiful.

 

Munnar

Munnar

Munnar

About 570 km southwest of Chennai, Munnar is popular for its pristine natural beauty, salubrious climate and unspoiled charm. Munnar has an extensive stretch of tea and cardamom plantations.

Munnar is a good place to hang in your boots and chill. Soak in the scenic views and unwind. If you seek adventure in life, Munnar offers both soft and mountain trekking. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries around Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and the process involved in brewing tea leaves. Munnar can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit is between August and May.

Coorg

Coorg

Coorg

About 580 km west of Chennai, Coorg is a hill station that is known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and also ‘Kashmir of the South’ due to its majestic beauty and cool ambience. Nestled among lush green of the Western Ghats, Coorg offers unmatched beautiful vistas.

There are a few off-beat activities to do in Coorg like visiting the Dubare Elephant Training Camp, Veerabhoomi and Gaddige along with a couple of wildlife sanctuaries. Coorg can be visited all through the year however October to May is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor visits. June to September is good for short trips and indoor activities.

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Top 5 monsoon destinations in Kerala you must visit

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kerala monsoon 1

God’s Own Country, Kerala does look like it has been blessed by God, during monsoons. Being the first state to receive monsoons, Kerala transforms into a green heaven. Majestic mountains covered in clouds, gushing backwaters, coconut trees swaying to the tunes of the cold breeze, such magical sights can only be witnessed in Kerala. And this is exactly what we call a perfect getaway spot. Here are the top 5 monsoons getaways in Kerala that we think you must visit.

Ashtamudi

Keral-Monsoon-destinations-Ashtamudi1

About 76 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, the town gets its name from the octopus-shaped lake which also serves as gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Ashtamudi with its numerous home stays and resorts makes it an ideal spot for lazy vacations.Sit by the banks under coconut groves and watch the lake transform into a bustling waterway during the day.

Rainy season is the best time to opt for Ayurvedic treatment and Ashtamudi is the best place for it.  You can either go for Kerala oil massages or pamper yourself with an entire package, which will surely leave you rejuvenated.

To spend romantic moments with your better half ,take a ride on any of the Kerala house boats. This should be a must-visit.But, make sure to check with house boat operators in advance since many do not ply during the rains.

If you are looking for some activity, then head to the boat building yards at Alumkadavu, the Maharaja’s palace at Thevally or visit the town of Kollam. But we suggest, just sit by the lake side and enjoy life on the slow lane, munching on konju varathathu (prawn fry) or Karimeen pollichathu (pearl-spot fry).

ALSO READ Places to visit around Ashtamudi: The largest backwater in Kerala

Mattupetty

Mattupetty

Lesser-known than the hill station of Munnar and Vagamon, Mattupetty perched high in the Idukki hills is ideal to enjoy the rains. With continuous rain and you may be forced to stay indoors and that can get gloomy. However, if you are planning to spend romantic and quiet moments, no better set up than this. Sit indoors, sip a hot cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful view outside.

Take leisure strolls and watch the entire region covered under a carpet of green with white waterfalls cascading.

ALSO READ Monsoon in Kerala: 5 reasons why it’s the best time to visit God’s own country

Kovalam

Kovalam

Kovalam is the one of the most famous beaches in Kerala and one of the best in India. Though a very popular winter vacation spot, Kovalam is spectacular during the rains. Long walks on the beach, eating the fresh seafood prepared by the locals and enjoying Ayurvedic massages are some of the activities that you can do. Check out for any surfing activities during the monsoons as Kovalam is one of the best surfing spots in India.

If you are in the best of your mood, then the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the vacation spots of Shankhumugham and Veli are also situated close by for you to explore.

ALSO READ 5 offbeat places in Kerala that are calling out to you

Alappuzha

alappuzha

Often called the Venice of the East, the capital of backwater tourism in Kerala is located about 53 km south of Kochi. The 18th-century town still retains vestiges of its past when it was a major trading port of the Travancore princely state.

Stroll down the alleyways of Alappuzha, eat at is many restaurants which serve the freshest catch of the day, take a trip to the beach or visit its museums – there are lots to do in Alappuzha. A boat ride on the Vembanad Lake shouldn’t be missed but do check out with the boat operators as many do not operate during the rainy season.

Alappuzha resorts also offer Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages and monsoon is the perfect time for some holistic health treatment.

Alappuzha is situated close to the resort town of Kumarakom, which is also famous for its bird sanctuary.

NOW READ 15 photos that prove Kerala is the best family destination

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Have interesting travel photos you’d like to share with us? Send photos from your travels to travel@corp.india.com, don’t forget to mention where you’ve shot the picture and get a chance to be featured on our website! So what are you waiting for? Hurry!

Have something to add to this story? Post your comments in the discussion board below; we will be thrilled to hear from you!

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Top 5 monsoon attractions near Mumbai for nature lovers

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There is something magical about the rains that can instantly lift our spirits. The pitter-patter of raindrops, the cover of green and the cool breeze after months of heat. And if you are someone who loves to be in nature’s arms, monsoons are the best time to be out and admire nature’s bounty. Luckily for Mumbaikars, there are several monsoon attractions not too far away from the city. Here’s our list of top five monsoon attractions.

ALSO SEE 5 offbeat monsoon getaways from Mumbai you can visit this weekend

1. Malshej Ghat

Malshej_Ghat_Maharashtra_India

Malshej Ghat, located about 125 km northeast of Mumbai, serves as the gateway connecting Ahmednagar with Mumbai. Very popular during the rains, its easy accessibility attracts many picnic-goers. Waterfalls, greenery and mist-laden peaks enhance the beauty of Malshej in the rains. Head to Khireshwar popular for its lake that attracts flamingos during summer or wander in the forests surrounding it. Malshej attracts a lot of trekkers during the rains. A climb up the steps of the Harishchandragad Fort is a fun-filled experience.

2. Mulshi

Mulshi

About 150 km southeast of Mumbai, Mulshi Dam attracts a lot of revelers especially during the rains. If you love adventure, you can embark on a trek in the Pagota and Hattihant Hills. The Mulshi Lake is a good place to enjoy boating or angling. Mulshi is also great for soaking in nature’s beauty and enjoying the lakeside view.

ALSO SEE How to reach Mulshi from Mumbai by road

3. Lohagad

Lohagad-summer-trek

About 98 km southeast of Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort can be reached by road. However, a trek from from Malvali past the small villages and seasonal streams adds to the fun. A paradise for trekkers, the trails of Tikona and Tung Hills are simply amazing. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the fort from where you can see Duke’s Nose, Pavana Dam and the summit of the Tikona and Tung Hills.

ALSO SEE 8 best monsoon treks in Maharashtra

4. Karla Caves

Photograph courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Photograph courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

If you love a dose of nature and history, visit the Karla Caves near Lonavala. These rock-cut Buddhist shrines date back to 2nd century BC and are also believed to be one of the oldest. The caves boast of a large prayer hall dating back to 1st century BC and has sculptures of men, women and animals. The monument is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India. The green cover around the caves and a small waterfall in the rains further enhance its beauty.

5. Kamshet

kamshet

Kamshet is most popular for its adventure sports but the monsoon may restrict a few activities. However, the scenic beauty of the place is reason enough to visit it. Surrounded by hills and tiny villages that add a rustic feel to the place, Kamshet is simply breathtaking in the monsoon. When here, see the Vadivale Lake or go trekking to the Kondeshwar Temple. Raikar Farm is another attraction where you can stay at a dairy farm.

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