Friday 29 January 2016

9 Wildly Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala


A drive or a trek along the mysterious dense forests of Kerala would open up new avenues of adventure, richness and mystique, making you wonder whether there is any end to the kaleidoscope of attractions that the land has to offer.



The varieties of forest dwelling species in Kerala are a photographer's delight and a trekker's paradise. A safari along the inner veins of the jungle would reward you with a glimpse of the eluding deer or mighty elephants, and sometimes even the monstrous gaur. Venturing deeper inside the jungle would bring to your view the more ferocious beasts of the cat family.

Kerala is home to 13 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks, and in this article we would discuss 9 of the ‘wildest’ ones. Innumerable wildlife lovers and photography enthusiasts come from everywhere in the world to spot the exotic flora and fauna of the forests in Kerala.

Following is a list of 9 wildly popular wildlife destinations within the state.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary


A delightful and enchanting experience awaits you!

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady town is a land of mesmerizing beauty and it culminates when you catch a glimpse of the endemic flora and fauna. You can trek or take a jeep safari down to the pristine waters of the Periyar Lake, which forms the main watering point for animals, small and large.

If you sit quietly and wait, you can glimpse a herd of elephants or gaur making their way down to drink water. Meanwhile, you can watch the sambhar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur, flying squirrel, krait, woodpecker, viper, grackle, kingfisher and other birds. Patience is the key, if you want to see the animals. And of course, silence!

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary



Hugely wild, tread with caution!

Located on the north of Marayoor town of Idukky district, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary has documented a name for itself, thanks to the presence of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrels. If you are lucky, you can see some Mugger crocodiles and Indian Star Tortoise.

Other animals you can easily spot on a trek are gaurs, elephants, spotted dear, Nilgri Tahr and Bonnet Macaque. On a trek within the forest, the sandalwood trees will lure you with their enticing smell while the cascading waterfalls mesmerize you with their sheer beauty.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary


Nature awaits your arrival, all clothed and decked in mesmerizing greenery!

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chittur Taluk of Palakkad district is proud to be recognized as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Home to 268 varieties of birds, 124 types of butterflies, 16 species of amphibians, 39 species of mammals and 61 species of reptiles, a trek through the enchanting forests of Parambikulam would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. Along the way, you can enjoy the charm of mystic valleys and picturesque peaks.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary


Indulge in the thrill of being in the midst of the untamed!

Muthanga and Tholpetty sanctauries form the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and are important components of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is well known for its 'Protect Elephant' project and its rich collection of more than 216 aviator species including babbler, painted bush quail, black woodpecker and pariah kite. The forest is mostly covered in semi evergreen trees and moist deciduous teak trees.

Eravikulam National Park

Observe the intrinsic beauty of the rolling plateaus!

In the Idukki district, along the mighty Western Ghats, lies the Eravikulam National Park. This sanctuary is well known for its thriving collection of Nilgiri Tahr, a once endangered mountain goat.



It is said that the sanctuary houses more than 132 species of birds, an impressive collection of mammals like Indian Muntjac, Indian porcupine, small clawed otter, leopard, tiger, jackal and Nilgiri Langur.  Eravikulam sanctuary is divided into three main zones and they are fiercely protected by the forest department, so tourists are allowed only into the tourism area and not the buffer or core areas.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary


Delve into ‘pristine wilderness’!

Peppara can be easily accessed from Thrivananthapuram. The forest surrounds the catchment area of the Karamana River and is the natural habitat of wild dogs, panthers, wild boars, lion tailed macaque, tigers and of course elephants, and interesting varieties of aviator life.

The forest has moist mixed deciduous, tropical and semi-evergreen trees. The thick forests, rocky terrain and undisturbed streams add to the mysterious, magnetic quality of these forests.

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary



Marvel at the abundance of nature in the form of flora and fauna!

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is an incredible mix of semi-evergreen, evergreen and moist deciduous trees. A trek along these trails would take you into a different and mesmerizing world of incredible beauty comprising of flowers, birds and of course, wildlife.

Southern Birdwing and Blue Mormon- two of the largest butterflies in India, are found here. Located in Thrissur district, the sanctuary boasts of an abundance of sambhars, elephants, gaurs, Malabar squirrels and sloth bears.

Image by ManojK via Wikimedia Commons

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary



A dense canopy of greenery lends a treat to the eye!

Idukki has a wildlife sanctuary between Periyar and Cheruthoni. Rich in natural greenery with an enchanting canopy of deciduous trees and tropical ever-green forests, the sanctuary with its hidden treasure of flora and fauna is a must-visit. You will find poisonous snakes like cobra, viper, kraits  and many more, birds like grey jungle fowl, bulbuls, woodpeckers, Malabar grey hornbill, flycatchers, and so on.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

One-to-one with the famed mighty king of the jungles!

One of the main attractions of visiting Neyyar sanctuary, nestled between Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu, is the lion safari park where you can closely observe the mighty lions in their natural habitat. Neyyar Dam also boasts of a huge repository of natural herbs within its fold.

Neyyar sanctuary is quite unique from other wildlife sanctuaries, not only because it is small, but also because you have full chances of seeing a lion as it is a guided park. Other activities include boating, visiting crocodile park, children’s park, and so on.

This article is just a glimpse of the wild adventures that await you in the popular wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. Be sure to include a visit to at least one of these places in your next travel itinerary!

 For more info open Paradise Holidays, Cochin - a Kerala based tour operator.

Go to Europe and Experience the excellence of Europe!


A landmass with incalculable marvels, Europe is unquestionably the primary decision of every yearning vacationer. With its rich society, awesome individuals, fascinating traditions, and mouth watering cooking styles, Europe is without a doubt the most looked for after destination where there are possibilities for everybody. Also, the landmass is overflowing with the excellence of its rich administration in expressions, society, move or more all the celebratory state of mind that is omnipresent crosswise over Europe. For the individuals who are nibbled by the travel bug, Europe will be the ideal destination and it coaxes them with baiting ponders. Give us a chance to examine the absolute most brilliant destinations crosswise over Europe.



Athens
The city of Athens rest late, and it is the spot where vote based system woke up first. This Greek capital is a glorious destination for voyagers and it offers them horde shocks joins with antiquated and in addition advanced joys. Athens is the most seasoned city in Europe, and it offers looks of its rich history as well.

Paris
Tenderly known as 'City of lights', Paris is sentimental city with complex miracles. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower will be the principal names that emerge on our psyches when we consider Paris and Lac De Villedon. Be that as it may, this French capital is pressed with numerous other delightful shocks. Bistros that are so addictive, intriguing night life, mentally profound exchanges, craftsmanship addictive individuals… it's the ideal opportunity for you to investigate.

Norway
Any visit without going by Norway may not be finished. This city is overflowing with common miracles and its shockingly wealthy nature will keep any traveller inspired. This rich nation is home to numerous excellent characteristic destinations. Most likely, Norway is an unquestionable requirement visit destination with its one of a kind national parks, common scenes, excellent valleys, and intriguing individuals.

Ireland
Ireland is unmatched in its one of kind miracles. The destination will make any visitor hypnotized with its mystically alluring seashores, ocean bluffs, mountains and appealing towns. Ireland likewise bears rich leftovers of an intoxicatingly rich social history.

Switzerland
Switzerland is an absolute necessity watch destination in Europe known as the late spring and winter sports heaven. The snow capped crests and noteworthy mountains add more excellence to this prosperous nation. Switzerland whiskers different amazements as grand urban communities like the cosmopolitan Geneva Zürich, Basel and Lausanne.

Italy
Italy is magnificence with an exceptional awareness. Any explorer who needs to investigate the great Europe can't overlook Italy and its complex miracles. Italy baits voyagers with its fascinating destinations, cooking styles, best wall paintings, painting and one of kind fine arts.

In any case, the miracles of Europe never end. There are numerous alternatives for a fascinating traveller who needs to investigate the magnificence of Europe. Europe, without uncertainty, is the best destination on the planet that offers fluctuated and reviving touristic encounters for the explorers. Truth be told, the miracles of Europe can never be understood. Furthermore, Europe is similar to a kaleidoscope; it is a shocking bundle of various things for various people.

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Dubrovnik: Why should you visit it this summer

The city of Dubrovnik is located in the far south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, with a world famous harbor. Its total population is about 40,000 inhabitants. Dubrovnik is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1979. As once the capital of the Republic of Ragusa, the city achieved a high level of development and education, particularly during the 15th and 16th century. In 1897 the first hotel in Dubrovnik opened its doors and from there on, tourism started to grow, and is now a big part of Dubrovnik's economy and wealth.



Dubrovnik, aerial view

According to CNNGo, Dubrovnik is among the 10 best medieval walled cities in the world, and is known for its medieval atmosphere, combined with Mediterranean flair. It is not surprising that HBO recorded their world famous medieval-fantasy series "The Game of Thrones" there. Because of its medieval touch, Dubrovnik is the ideal place to medieval series, like "The Game of Thrones".  This town has a strong focus on freedom, so it is not surprising as well, that Dubrovnik was the first town in Europe to abolish slavery and the trade of slaves in 1416.



Imperial Fort on the hill Srdj

When you climb "the hill" Srdj in Dubrovnik, there is the famous Imperial fort. Build by Napoleon, who considered Dubrovnik to be a great strategically location, this Fort is not only a must visit sight, but also a place of legends and myths. Even in the modern era, this fort resisted the invaders from Serbia and Montenegro. After the war, the fort was reconstructed into a museum and a monument all in one. Since 2008, the fort is hosting an exhibition about Homeland War, which is visited by many people from all around the world.

Dubrovnik is not only a place famous for its culture and history, but also a town famous for its amazing coast. There are several things which you can do in Dubrovnik, but with its Mediterranean climate and clear blue sea, Dubrovnik is simply perfect for taking a bath at the ivory white and enormous big beaches. Even though, there are a few hotels, which have a private beach, almost every beach in the Dubrovnik area is a public beach, and is accessible for everybody.



Beach near the famous city walls

Dubrovnik has also a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment. Starting on July 10th and ending on 25th of August the 66th Dubrovnik Summer Festival is an institution in Dubrovnik and an overwhelming experience. Dubrovnik is, with its influences from renaissance and baroque culture and colorful history, just predestined to host this successful and well attended festival. The good organization and hospitable Croatians are also the reason, why you should visit this summer festival. The summer festival offers classical music, as well as dramatic and graphic arts. The program consists of dramatic plays, classical music concerts and paintings exhibitions. The Orlando Award is given every year to the best performances in music and drama.



A scene from the opening of Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Also, another good leisure activity is chartering a boat in the harbor of Dubrovnik and sailing into the sunset, just like the old discoverers and navigators did. There are many small islands in Dubrovnik area, which are easily to reach, but complex and beautiful to discover. The nature on the Elaphiti Islands is untouched and unique thanks to its variation and diversity. Especially the landscape of these wonderful islands is definitely worth a visit.



Elaphiti Islands

Dubrovnik is a city which can offer its visitors an experience of a lifetime. On one hand, you can sail to those untouched islands and enjoy the amazing fauna, on the other hand, you can have an overwhelming experience by attending the summer festival in Dubrovnik. You can also just walk through its medieval streets and feel like an honorable knight. Because of all these and uncountable other activities, Dubrovnik is definitely a must-visit this summer.

Monday 1 June 2015

Three good reasons why you should visit Rimini

When people in general think in a trip to Italy they always plan to visit Venice, Tuscany, Rome and maybe few others famous places like Lake District or Amalfi Coast, but often forget the gorgeous Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna, of which Rimini is the definitely the “capital”.

Here there are few reasons why you should plan a week or more in the area




The history

As all Italy also in Rimini you can find heritage of the Roman history basically everywhere. One of the most stunning piece of history is the famous Tiberio’s Bridge, that was built over two thousand years ago and was strategic in connecting the north of Italy with the central coast. Even more amazing is that the bridge is still used daily by hundreds of cars and it survived two world wars.

Another very interesting “piece of history” is the recently discovered House of the Surgeon that is is right in the Centre of Rimini and has been converted in a nice museum. Going through this ancient house we can have an idea of the daily life Romans were living and also of how doctors were operating at that time.

The countryside

Rimini boast not only a very nice and easy to access beach but a gorgeous and hilly countryside. Few kilometers away from the beach we can find a hilly countryside and small town with a stunning view and some small restaurant that offer the best and genuine traditional food. In addition, don’t forget the Repubblica di San Marino, 30 kilometers away from Rimini, that is one of the smallest country in the world and has a beautiful middle age castle from where you can see all the Romagna and down up to the sea side.

The nightclubs

Rimini is definitely the Italian capital of nightlife with some of the best clubs of Europe and some of the Top Ten clubs of the world. Some are located in the nearby Riccione, a small town few kilometers south of Rimini. Just to mention few: Cocorico, Baia Imperiale, Velvet, Altromondo Studios and the list goes on and on. Another place which young ones and night lovers don’t want to miss is Aquafan a theme park that at night transforms in a huge club with the famous Foam Party that host some of the world top dj like David Guetta or Gigi D’Agostino.

The food


A thing that cannot miss in our visit to Italy is of course the experience of enjoying very tasteful food and wine. Emilia Romagna (the region where Rimini is) of course has a lot to offer. The area is well know for Red and White wine like Trebbiano, Sangiovese and Pagadebit that grown in the nearby area. There’s a lot to eat with these wines but something very typical is the Piadina wich is a simple thin and round bread that can be served with prosciutto, salami and cheese.



Variety of accommodation

Rimini has the right accommodation for all prices. Here you can find super cheap one star hotel, but always neat and with a familiar hospitality, to the 4 star luxury hotel that offer all kind of entertainment and accessories. It is possible also to rent a vacation home for a more private and secluded holiday. For information and the best deal on accommodation I found helpful www.riminibeach.it an on line resource about Rimini and all the Riviera Romagnola.

Friday 15 May 2015

Reasons to stay secure in hotels while travelling

While booking hotels, always see to the security position of the hotel before checking on the rates and amenities. Like if there is a police station nearby, the location of the hotel, is it a safe place to walk in the dark, if they have 24 hour call desk, if there are security guards and surveillance cameras fitted in and around the premises of the hotel.

Things to do before leaving for a trip

While leaving home for a vacation, make two copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and other important documents front and back. One should be given to your family and other should be carried with you in person carefully. Always have an eye on your baggage and your wallet while travel.

What to see in a hotel while booking a room

Choose a hotel that has modern electronic guest room locks. See if each room has a dead bolt lock and a peephole Elevators in parking garages should not lead the guests to the floors but rather to the lobby.

Best hotels have honest staffs that do not give out your name or room number to ensure safety of their guests. But it does not always happen like this. Names do get leaked out. So ask the front desk personnel not to call out you room number aloud or divulge your details without your prior knowledge.

Avoid ground floor rooms as it easy for thefts to take place. Robbers find it easy to break in the ground floor rooms. Ask for rooms between third to sixth floors for best security reasons as suggested by experts. In case of fire breaks, fire engines find it easier to reach these floors in comparison to the rest.

What should you do to be safe in a hotel room?

o Always verify the person ringing the bell at your hotel room door. Don`t answer till you verify the details and call the front desk to get matters clarified on their staff.

o Keep your credit card from the gaze of others especially in check in counter. Collect it immediately after use to prevent any misuse.

o Keep the room keys carefully and do not display it openly for security reasons and to prevent theft of any sort.

o Once you enter your suite, it is important to ensure safety by locking the door always when inside and when outside too. Make use of all the locking facilities available in the room for total safety.

o Avoid entertaining strangers into your hotel suite for any reasons. It is best to talk to them if necessary from outside the room and never opt to get them inside your place of stay. It can prove to be highly dangerous and pose security threat. If any problem persists, call the front desk for help.

o If any window or doors or sliding doors are connected to other rooms, by chance, then ensure it is closed or locked.

o Avoid display of cash or valuables at any time in your stay at the hotel. It is best to put them in in room safe or in your luggage carefully locked.

o When returning late at night after sightseeing or any other vacation activity in the hotel premises or outside, keep a close watch on the surroundings, take the main entrances always and stay at well-lit places to keep danger at bay.

o If you notice anything suspicious, bring it to the notice of the hotel staff or those in authority to be ensure safety.

o Take time to see where the nearest exit is or fire extinguisher is to handle emergencies efficiently, while at a hotel. Best hotel booking will ensure you of high quality security and safety standards to meet emergencies of any kind, which will be otherwise impossible to find in mediocre rentals.