Munnar

Munnar Munnar is located in Idukki District, of the Southern State of Kerala in India, is greatly known for its splendid green mountains, Valleys and streams. Munnar is a peaceful hill station. This place is often frequented as a tourist spot. Munnar boasts of unending tea estates covering the hill station. Munnar offers not only the laid-back atmosphere of a quiet little tea town, but also plenty of opportunities to savour nature at its best. Beyond the estates are rich tropical forests which contain wildlife like the Nilgiri tahrs (ibex), sambars, gaurs, elephants and lion-tailed macaques Munnar is located at the confluence of the mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and is surrounded by the wild jungles and is rainy and cold for most of the season. The south India’s highest peak Anamudi which is 2695 metres high is situated in Munnar. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the “Neelakurinji”. This flower that bathes the hills in blue once in twelve years will bloom this year 2006. While in Munnar, one can take part in the conducted tour of a tea factory to witness the process of tea dust being manufacturing, i.e. how a tea leaf is transformed to a cup of tea. Munnar is 133 km from Cochin and 148 km from Kottayam. The hill resort of Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Munnar lies in the God's Own Country of Kerala. Besides being a hill resort Munnar is known a center for tea trade too. There are over thirty teagardens in and around Munnar. Get going on a bicycle at your own pace and unwind. Let the magic of Munnar bewitch you! The hill resort of Munnar derives its name from the fact that it lays at the confluence of three mountain streams. Literally in Tamil Munnar means "three rivers".

Adi Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya is the first among the three acharyas who reformed Hindu religion by giving their own interpretation to the ancient sacred texts. At the time, the vedic texts which have come down to Indians through the ages and only orally studied were the monopoly of a certain class. This knowledge was known as shruti, or learning by careful listening. The vedas were in very old esoteric language were beyond the reach of the common man. The tremendous task of interpreting the true catholic spirit of Hindu philosophy was yet to be undertaken, and the three acharyas, Shankaracharya (c 788 - 820 AD), Ramanujacharya (11th century AD), and Madhwacharya (13th century AD) -- all hailing from southern part of India are credited for the status of present day Hindu thought and philosophy.
© K. L. KamatAdi Shankaracharya
Shankara's arrival on the scene was at a most critical juncture when both Buddhism and Hinduism were fast disintegrating into various sects and cults. Buddha's original teachings were a reaction to the vedic sacrificial extremities. But in the later centuries practices like magic and sexual mysticism crept into Buddhism. Vedic religion was not very different, having given way to superstitious ways, and a large number of rituals. It was Shankara who tried to re-assess and integrate sound teachings of Buddha in the vedic (Hindu) following, and was successful in the revival and reformation of Hindu thinking and way of life.
Shankara was born of poor but pious Nambudiri Brahmin couple in the Kaladi village of the Kerala kingdom. He lost his father early. Shankara has ascetic leanings from the beginning and he wanted to put to use all of the knowledge he could acquire for the better use of the society. He was the couple's only child and the mother resisted her son becoming a monk giving up all worldly life. It took great persuasion on Shankara's part to win her over. He promised attending on her final hour.
He went in search of a guru for further spiritual guidance and studied under Govinda Bhagavatpada, who was a famous disciple of the great saint Gowdapadacharya. Gowdapadacharya advocated monism or advaita. All the learning Shankara mastered was put to use through his brilliant eloquence. Dialetics, logic and semantics were the primary areas of scholarhood in those days, and the only means to achieve supremacy was to argue and win debates in august assemblies of scholars. Shankara argued and won over many great scholars of his time belonging to different faiths. He established that the original teaching of the vedas was that God is one and the study of vedas is the only way to salvation.
At the time Vedic texts were summarized in brief aphorisms. The basic texts of vedic knowledge was preserved in Brahmasutras of Badarayana, a work of First century A.D. This was known as the main composition of Vedanta (literally meaning "End or culmination of Vedas", used sometimes as culmination of Indian thought). Shankara wrote a brilliant and convincing commentary on Brahmasutras which were accepted throughout India. He wrote commentary of Bhagavad-Gita, chief Upanishads and other philosophic works. He is created beautiful compositions in praise of God and Mother Goddess. Vedanta and its interpretation by Shankara is accepted and revered even by modern theologists including Swami Vivekananda and Aurobindo.
Shankara then took missionary work traveling the entire country (what is India today, then consisting of numerous feudal kingdoms). He established four muthas (or monasteries) in the four corners of the Hindu land -- Kashmir in the North, Dwaraka in theWest, Puri in the East and in Sringeri in the South. These institutions are operational till today (year 2003), with innumerable followers upholding Shankara's adwaitism. These muthas and the pilgrims who visited them held India together as one nation for more than twelve centuries! All the heads of these institutions are today known as Shankaracharyas and wield tremendous political power in India. To distinguish these pontiffs from the first preceptor, Shankara is referred to as Adi Shankaracharya or Jagadguru (Universal teacher).
Shankara did not forget his old mother or the promise he had made. Tradition records that he was by his mother's side in her final moments. He then arranged for her funeral, although he himself was an ascetic, "dead" to the world.

Periyar wild life sanctuary

Kerala Wildlife Sanctuaries

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers every year. Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat.

The forest here, slopes into the manmade lake at the bottom of the hill. This lake serves as the waterhole for the animals and they come here to drink or take a dip. Elephants, Gaur, Sambhar and even tigers can be spotted here.

There are boat services which takes the visitor around the lake. The best season to visit the park is between October and June. Spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats, the Periyar sanctuary is located 137 km from Madurai.

Although an excursion on the splendid artificial lake is the standard way to experience the sanctuary, you can also walk around with the local guide in a small group. Wild Elephant herds come to the lake to frolic in the water.

Other attractions of the sanctuary are the Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Tigers, Leopards, Malabar Flying Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses, etc. There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood Pigeons, blue-winged Parakeets, White bellied Tree Pies, laughing Thrushes and Fly Catchers.

Kalaripayattu in kerala

Kalaripayattu - Mother of all Martial Arts

'Kalari' is a school of martial arts derivative of the Sanskrit word 'Kholoorika' meaning military training centre and 'payattu' the fight. It is a form of martial arts practiced by Hindus. It is believed that sage Parasurama who built temples along south India introduced this art. There are historical evidences of Kalari dated back to the 12th Century and historians believe that it is the oldest form of martial art in the world. Kalarippayattu training is imparted inside the Kalari (Coliseum), which is rectangular in design and always aligned, east west, with idols of all the presiding deities of the art at each corner of the Kalari. . The deities and the Gurus are worshipped before the beginning of the practice with all rituals and singing of hymns as in a temple. This art includes seven shasthras (sciences) like Vastu, Jyothi, Marma, Ayurveda, Asana, Tantra and Mantra. The pupils are trained in self-discipline and physical culture.Initially the student body is toned pliable, agile and versatile by regular massage by feet and hands with medicated oil. Then trained to wield Kuruvadi (short sticks), spear, dagger, sword, shield, etc. The most advanced course of training is wielding of 'Urumi' a thin springy three-meter long double-edged sword worn around the waist locked like a belt. It can be drawn unwound in a flick of a moment when required. It is highly lethal for an adept wielder can aim it to swirl around the neck of the opponent and, at the slightest jerk, the head will roll on the floor of the arena. Flying feats, daring onslaughts and dodging with dexterity are the ways in combat. Defensive and offensive strikes with lightning speed are its peculiarity. There are customarily eighteen 'adavu' (tricks) in this warfare. Seventeen, fighting with all the weapons one by one, the eighteenth being 'Poozhikkadakan', a feat producing a cover of whirlwind of dust around the combatant by stamping the earth and swift circular movement to camouflage him from the opponent and to take him by surprise with sudden retaliatory death blow.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda
in Kerala, Kerala Ayurveda Ayurveda is most important us in now a days.
IntroductionAyurveda is a Sanskrit word, derived from two roots: Ayur, which means life, and Veda, means knowledge. Knowledge arranged systematically with logic becomes science. Ayurveda medical system, which was evolved in India, is around the 5,000 year old.
Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh you, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health. It has its root in ancient Vedic literature and encompasses our entire life, the body, mind and spirit.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy the entire cosmos is interplay of the energies of the five great elements Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are combinations and permutations of these five elements that manifest as patterns present in all creation.
Vata, Pitta and Kapha: the Three Doshas

In the physical body, Vata (composed of Space) and Air (the subtle energy associated with movement). It governs breathing, blinking, muscle and tissue movement, pulsation of the heart, and all movements in the cytoplasm and cell membranes. In balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility. Out of balance, Vata produces fear and anxiety.
Pitta, made up of Fire and Water, expresses as the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pitta promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pitta arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.Kapha is formed from Earth and Water and is the energy that forms the body's structure bones, muscles, tendons. It provides the "glue" that holds the cells together. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.
According to Ayurveda, there are seven body types which are mono-types (Vata, Pitta or Kapha predominant), dual types (Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha or, Kapha-Vata), and equal types, (Vata, Pitta and Kapha in equal proportions). Every individual has a unique combination of these three Doshas. To understand individuality is the foundation of healing according to Ayurveda, "The Science of Life".
Ayurveda and Kerala
Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 14 days)This is a complete rejuvenation therapy comprising of synchronized special massage, Herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil etc. This health program is directed towards improving the vitality. It will also go on long way to tone up the skin and improve complexion. Body Immunisation( Duration: One and a half hours/day for 07 to 21 days)This therapy is carried out after consultation with Ayurveda Doctor. It differs from person to person. This package consists of Panchakarma (05 elements) Therapy. This Therapy is directed towards strengthening the immune system in order to achieve ideal health. This therapy enhances the bodies' ability to develop immunization within itself to prevent common seasonal diseases. ( Duration: One hour per day for 07 days)This package comprises of synchronized massage followed by herbal steam bath. This is meant for improving body resistance, improves the eyesight, inducing deep sleep, reduces high blood pressure and elimination of impurities in the system etc. Body slimming( Duration: one hour per day for 07 days)This package is deep massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts, mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.Panchakarma Therapy( Duration: 02 Hours a day for 07 to 14 days)The package contains the famous Panchakarma [05 therapies] and some of the sub therapies. It is a total and integrated health pack meant for both the healthy and the sick. Therapies include synchronized massage, herbal steam bath, Njavarakizhi, Pizichil Sirodhara etc. followed by Panchakarma therapy.Click here for Ayurveda CentresPizhichil( Duration: 14Days) In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness. Click here for Ayurveda CentresNjavarakizhi( Duration : 14 Days)It is a therapy by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. Two to four masseurs apply this for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.Click here for Ayurveda CentresDhara(Duration: 14 Days)In this Treatment, herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, Vata predominated diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases. Vasthi( Duration: 14 Days) Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum daily for the period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.
Shirovasthi(Duration: 14 Days)Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head and other Vata originated diseases.
Udvarthanam( Duration: 14 Days)This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity (excess fat) and certain rheumatic ailments. Click here for Ayurveda Centres
Abyangam( Duration: 14 Days)Special type of oil massage, in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic Gangrene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremes

Onam Festival in Kerala

Kerala festivals Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long history and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness. Onam FestivalOnam is the most famous festival of Kerala. All Malayali's irrespective of religion celebrates it. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug-Sept). It is the harvest festival of Kerala. Legend states that Onam is celebrated as the home coming of Mahabali, the king who ruled over Kerala in the age of plenty and was pushed down to the infernal regions (Patala) by Lord Vishnu in the form of Vamana

Onam is celebrated as a national festival of Kerala. It synchronizes with the tourist week celebration, which starts formally on the day of Atham asterism. The image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) is installed in every Hindu home during the Onam season. Children go around collecting flowers and decorate them in the front portion of the house in various designs and patterns. The most important days of the Onam festival are Uthradom and Thiruvonam days. On the latter, a grand feast is held in every home. Onam also provides an occasion for family get-together among the Keralites. It's a perfect example for the religious harmony of the state.

This is a typical keralite festival of boat races. It is held in August in the Punnamada Kayal, which commemorates the visit of former Prime Minister, Late Jawaharlal Nehru to Alleppey. Similar boat races are held also at Aranmual and Champakulam, which has a religious significance. The later commemorates an episode involving the idol of Sri Krishna, which was lifted from Kurichi by the Chempakasseri Raja's men for consecration in the Ambalapuzha. The idol had to rest in the house of a Syrian Christian at Chempakulam. Therefore, even today the flag and coir rope required for the Chempakulam boat race is supplied from the local Kallurkad Church.Boat races and processions at Ambalapuzha,in July - Nehru Trophy boat race in the month of August- Boat races at Thalavady in Alappuzha, Kumarakom,- Mannar, Aranmula, and Thiruvandoor near

Honnemaradu water falls

If your plan for this year’s vacation has not been finalized yet, you can definitely opt for a rendezvous in the hill stations of Karnataka. Among the many water bodies that grace the Western Ghats of India you can choose the Honnemaradu Karnataka. Honnemaradu in Karnataka is located in the Shimoga district which is about 25 kms from Sagara towards Jog Falls. Situated on the back waters of the Sharavathi River, Honnemaradu is famous for being the home to a wide variety of water sports. The shimmering waters under the blue firmament will cajole any water sports lover to venture into the lake and enjoy the adventures sports. Windsurfing, coracling, canoeing, kayaking and scuba diving are the various water activities people participate in when visiting Honnemaradu.

Traveling to Honnemaradu can be an exciting experience. A few days away from the pent up city life is sure to unleash extra energy in you when you come vacationing in Honnemaradu in Karnataka. Nestled in the greenery of the Western Ghats in a widely spread area of 50 km by 80 km that houses the lake, the reservoir is exclusively for those looking forward to have fun with water sports.

The Lake gives you immense opportunity to enjoy the water sports. Wind surfing and rafting can be enjoyed thoroughly amidst the beauty of the nature surrounding it. The spectacular sunset and sunrise views are surely not to be missed while visiting Honnemaradu.

For a trip to Honnemaradu in Karnataka book a tour with indianholiday. Log on to indianholiday.com to know more about Honnemaradu in Karnataka.