Monday, March 17, 2008

KERALA: WILD LIFE SANCTURIES

Kerala is bestowed with a rich repertoire of natural bounty - mountains & hills, rivers & lakes, backwaters & shoreline. It is natural for Kerala to be home to many national parks and sanctuaries. The enchanting green forest with its rich flora and fauna makes Kerala a much sought after wildlife destination in India. The numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala will add that extra bit of excitement when you holiday in Kerala.Nestled in the lush forests of the Western ghats in Kerala are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks.

The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries / National Parks in Kerela :
Peppara Wildlife sanctuary
Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary
Shenduruni Wildlife sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary
Idduki Wildlife sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Silent Valley National Park
Eravikulam National Park

Main animals in the sanctuaries of Kerela are :
Elephants, gaur, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars, sloth bears, leopards, lion tailed macaques, Nilgiri Tahrs, langur, malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger,panthers, spotted deer, grizzled giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises, wild dogs, civet cats, The Atlas moth, bonnet, macaques, Loris, mongoose, foxen, bears, barking deer, pangolins, bison, bears etc..

The Reptiles found in the sanctuaries of Kerala are :
Cobra, Viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, bicoloured frogs, crocodiles, varanur pond terrapins, cane turtles, star tortoises, geckoes, skunks, chameleons, spectacled cobras, pythons, green keel backs, rat snakes, vine snakes, monitor lizards etc...

Main birds seen in the sanctuaries of Kerela are :
Water fowl, Cuckoo, Owl, Egret, Heron, Water duck, Migratory Siberian Duck, Jungle fowls, Mynas, Laughing thrushes, Black bulbuls, Peafowls, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, The hornbill, Stork, Raptor, Darter, Cormorant, Grackle, Cluster, Indian rollers, Common snipes, Crow pheasants, Jungle nightjars, Kites, Grey drongos, Malabar trogons, Llarge pied wagtails, Baya sparrows, Grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, Robins, Jungle babblers, Sunbirds, Peacocks, Crimson-throated barbets, Bee-eaters, Shrikes, Fairy bluebirds, Grey-headed fishing eagles, Black winged kites, Night herons, Grey hornbills, Malabar hornbills and more than 253 additional species including migrant birds..

Main flora in the sanctuaries of Kerela are:
Teak, maruthu, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo, neem, nanjanathi, sandal, dendrocalamus, marythu, vaka, mulluvenga, elavu.


AUTHOR: SMITHA A.T

KERALA: INDIA'S CONFIDENT INDUSTRIAL DESTINATION


Kerala, among all Indian states, is a high level destination for industry, international trade and commerce. The main attractions of the states are
¨ For selected investments, Kerala is India’s no.1 state in many ways
¨ It has the highest density of science and technology personnel in India.
¨ Three airports
¨ People with a logical and analytical frame of mind
¨ Easily trainable manpower, including women
¨ Good health care facilities and awareness
¨ A highly developed banking and financial sectors. give more profit
¨ Very large producer& exporter of spices
¨ A great tourist destination
¨ Strategic Locations
¨ Easy Accessibility
¨ Excellent Communication Network
¨ Highly Skilled Manpower
¨ World class Infrastructure
¨ Total support
¨ Low operating cost
¨ India’s most advanced society
Kerala is well known for its traditional industries. These industries include coir, cashew, handlooms, handicrafts and bamboo. The traditional industries are one of the major sectors, which give employment to more than one million people in Kerala. It has already become one of the leading commercial and trading centers in India. The state offers unparalleled attractions as a base for business developments point to a new era of growth and opportunity for companies operating in Kerala. Rising costs in the Far East and other world markets have also further highlighted Kerala as a good choice for both commercial and industrial sectors. Core competency areas like electronics and software bio technology tourism agriculture food processing minerals petrochemicals and so on make Kerala one of the least-cost producers in the global economy. Kerala is indeed the industrial destination of the future. With intrinsic advantages; Kerala offers immense opportunity for investment in the IT industry.
The state is located midway through the international trade corridor connecting Europe and the Pacific Rim. Kerala has become India's model state in many ways. It has the highest density of science and technology personnel and the highest number of skilled productive manpower in India. Kerala offers an excellent communication network including a dedicated satellite earth station. There are Three International Airports and an International Seaport with container cargo handling facility. There is extensive Rail and Road network. Kerala provides outstandingly good health care facilities proven by India's highest life expectancy and lowest infant mortality. In short, Kerala is a breeding ground for success.
With its 29 million people, Kerala is India's most advanced society in terms of education, literacy and health. In fact, Kerala has the highest physical Quality of Life Index too. The age old wanderlust of the people of Kerala has taken them to virtually every nation on the face of this earth. In the process, the state is one that is in tune with today's world, in every sphere of day-to-day life - truly international in outlook and flavor.
AUTHOR:SMITHA A.T

Friday, March 14, 2008

KERALA: ' THE KINGDOM OF BEACHES'

Beaches are invaluable assets of our Country. Most of them are very attractive and capture everyone’s mind. Kerala is at the top in attracting tourists with its beautiful beaches. Kerala being a narrow state through out the length it has many number of beaches in all the districts except three. The entire 900-kilometers coast line of the state is magnificently dotted with sensuous beaches, rocky promontories and swaying palm groves. The delectable fresh sea-food, interesting sites and friendly people are enough to impart perfection to one’s holiday. Some of the most important beaches are as follows
THE KOVALM BEACH
The important Beach resort of Kerala has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches.It is a strip of golden sand lying side by side between the serene blue waters of the Arabian sea and the rich greenery of coconut palms with high rock promontory and a calm of blue waters. You can enjoy the rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy and body-toning massage. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.
THE SHANGUMUGHAM BEACH
This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvanathapuram airport and Veli tourist village
THE VARKALA BEACH (PAPANASAM BEACH)
The Varkala beach is a sea side resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. This is a holy beach , known as ‘papanasini’ meaning , that which desroys sins. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Mineral water springs gushing out from these cliffs are well known for their medicinal property . There is a nature cure centre adjacent to the beach. Worship at the ancient ‘Janardhana swami’(Vishnu) temple and pay homage to Kerala’s saint and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.
THE ALLEPPEY BEACH
Alapuzha or Alleppy beach is located in the state of Kerala in Southern India ,with the Arabian sea on the west and vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. It has a long sandy beach . The beach here is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala’s landscape.
THE CHERAI BEACH
This pretty beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. It is 45km from Eranakulam city.
THE THANKASSERI BEACH
The Thankassery Beach is 5 Km from Kollam town. This seaside village of historic importance has ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century.
THIRUMULLAVARAM BEACH
The Thirumullavaram Beach is 6 Km from Kollam town. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
THEVALLIKKUNNU BEACH
It is in Malppuram District . A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here.
THE KAPPAD BEACH
Kappad is 16km from Calicut, the historic beach where VASCO DA GAMA landed on the 27th of May 1498. A pleasant ,calm beach , locally known as Kappaakadavu, is studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves.
THE MUZHUPPILANGAD BEACH
The Muzhuppilangad beach is 15km from Kannur. Black rocks protect this long beach from the currents of the deep, making its shallow water a swimmer’s paradise. It is the only drive-in beach in Kerala , which is about 4km long. This is a calm, serene secluded and less explored destination. A drive on the golden sands of the shore is a not- to- miss experience.
THE PALLIKARA BEACH
The Pallikara beach is 1 km from Bekal Fort . This enchanting beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
THE KANWATHEERTHA BEACH
Kanwatheertha Beach is 3 Km from Manjeswaram. A large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
AUTHOR: SMITHA A.T