Bekal The environment friendly destination By aathura

What does it remind you when you listen to “Tu hi re, tu hi re, tere bina main kaise….”. Bombay, Mani Ratnam, Arvind Swamy, Manisha Koirala and many more right, but the picturesque location cannot evade your memory. Mani Ratnam’s camera eye captured the charm and beauty of Bekal. It is popular for its pristine location and the scenic backdrop of the historic Fort.

Bekal, the magnificent circular fort is situated on the seashore of Pallikara village in Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala. The fort is maintained by the Archeological survey of India. The Bekal Research Development Corporation (BRDC) has begun developing Bekal as an exotic beach location. It attracts tourists with its Architecture, lush green lawns and the coconut tree lined beaches. The fort appears to have been build up from the seas since 3/4th of the fort is drenched and waves hit the citadel.

History:

Over 300 years old, 131 ft. above sea level, sprawling over 35 acres headland that reaches into the Arabian Sea, the fort was build by Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty of Kumbla in 17th century between1645 and 1660. The work was initiated by Hiriya Venkatappa and completed during the reign of the former. One other claim says that Shivappa Naik captured the fort from Kolathiri Rajas. It was occupied by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1763 AD and later changed hands with the Britishers. Anjaneya temple dedicated to Shree Hanuman finds a place in the fort. Just outside the fort, a grant mosque build by Tipu Sultan (Son of Haider Ali) finds an address. The zigzag entrance, observation tower, the underground tunnels, dredges around the fort and the sea bastions are impressive. The fort has no palaces and was basically build for defense purposes. History sleeps here through the lonely battlements.

Bekal has every ingredient that would go into the making of an international standard beach destination. Initially Bekal was grouped into a lesser-known destination but the breathtaking virgin beaches, an imposing fort of historical significance by the main beach, calm and peaceful ambience, warm friendly enterprising people, acres of beautiful land, holds unlimited promise to make Bekal one of the best known destinations. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a planned eco friendly destination. It has utilized 19 acres of land for the development of the Bekal fort beach.

The steps involved in the beautification processes include installation of sculptures (2 Theyyam structures made of laterate), a hut with wall of murals by Nilambur artisans, illumination of the beach to enjoy the view after sunset, rock garden & children’s garden, sapling plantation, resting facilities and a beautiful walkway through the fort. BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing water park, theme park etc. BRDC is in the process of setting Bekal as Asia’s finest beach destination.

The mesmerizing waves of the sea and the magical winds… make this place a real wonderland. An unmatched experience of the sun, sea and the sand is this shallow beach, which offers, apart from the charm of unexplored nature, spectacular views of the Fort and the swaying palm trees that border the beach.

Get refreshed through these landscapes of Bekal and experience its everlasting beauty.

It's a Spectacular Beach Destination...

One thousand places To visit in Kerala: Part II the hidden beauty of kerala by Prasanna Prabhu

Kottayam:

The beautiful town which has a stronghold of Christian community with many ancient Churches is only 76 km southeast of Cochin is a major trading place of natural rubber in India. With a tropical climate and with a average rainfall of around 1600 mm per year extensive cultivation of rubber trees is seen in vast areas of Kottayam District . One can see small and large plantations even in yards of many houses. Using the resource of rubber a number of small and medium sized companies in and around the town are engaged in the processing and manufacturing of rubber products Kottayam has the pride of being the first municipal town in India to achieved 100% literacy in the year 1989.
The first printing press in Kerala (C.M.S Press) was established here in the year 1821 by a British missionary named Rev. Benjamin Baily.Dates back to 1945 the city also holds the fame of having the first cooperative society of writers, authors and publishers. The city hosts a number of book exhibitions every year. Kottayam is the last rail stop for pilgrims heading to the Hindu holy site of Sabarimala. As Kotayam is near
to Sabarimala, pilgrims from all over India route via this place. Hence pouring a huge amount of revenue to the Southeern Railways and to the state.

Kumarakom :

A pollution free tourist spot which is rated among the top 15 beautiful sites in the world by the National Geographic channel Kumarakom is a cluster of small slands on the Vembanad Lake. The bird sanctuary, forms the main attraction which spreads over 14 acres where many migratory birds come all over the season. A boat trip round the island would be the best way to watch these wonderful birds in a close proximity. The monsoon starts early June and continues till Nov with an average rainfall of 1100 mm per year. The rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated which is further enhanced with a perfectly balanced tropical climate and which is conductive to the growth of all plants and trees. Since this is a very familiar tourist place which attracts all the tourist in and around India who visits Kerala it had become a hub for resorts and hotels to build up their platform over here. Tourist can enjoy a variety of resorts, hotels houses Luxury Villas, heritage rooms, charming cottages, including the 123-year-old colonial bungalow and quaint houseboats, anchored in the private lagoon

Bay Island Driftwood Museum:

The Museum was built by Mrs. Raji Punnoose, which displays a unique driftwood sculptures carved by the roaring sea waves around the Andaman islands which is very old. The museum exhibits many sculptures of marvelous shapes and beauty With a burning desire to uncover the masterpieces of the Nature these sculptures are collected by a brave woman at great risk to her life

Thirunakkara Shiva Temple:

Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Siva is located in the centre of Kottayan town is built in Kerala style architecture. The walls of the temple are painted with many interesting pictures from the epics. Three festivals are celebrated here in this temple namely Thulam (Oct-Nov) Mithunam (Jun-Jul) and Meenam (Mar-Apr) . The main festival Phalguna Utsavam is celebrated during March.Folk arts like Mayilattom, Velakali etc, are presented in the during the festival. Irrespective of the caste and creeds everybody participate in the festival.

Thazhathangadi:

Resting on the banks of the Meenachil river the Mosque was believed to be build by Malik Dinar about 1000 years ago. This is one of the old mosque in India and now it is an important pilgrim centre at Kottayam. The whole mosque is made up of teak wood in a peculiar keralite tradition. Inside the mosque, there is a square courtyard, carved wooden roof, a bathing area and beautiful latticed windows.

St Mary Church (Cheriyapally):

It was built by the Portuguese in the year 1579. Suspended with lamps in the halls and granite pillars with the Portuguese impression. The walls and the ceilings are painted and dyed with in the vegetable colours which depicts the life of Jesus Christ.

Mannanam:

The St. Joseph’s Monastery here is an old institution and an important Christian pilgrim centre situated 8 km west of Kottayyam. This church was built by Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias. The mortal remains of this saintly priest is preserved here. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to the saint every day.

Bharananganam:

Bharananganam is 100-year-old church and an important Christian Pilgrimage centre, located 5 kms east of Kottayam The church here,dedicated to Sister.Alphonsa, the blessed saint of the Catholics, lived from 1916 AD to 1946 AD. The mortal remains of the saint are preserved in a chapel next to the St. Mary's Church.

Changanassery:

Situated 20 kms south of Kottayam town also known as the gateway to High Range(hill resorts) and Kuttanadu (backwaters). Changanassery is a small town with a equally distrubuted population of Hindus, Christians and Muslims There is a British market which was once very famous for spice and grain trade.Most trade were done through canals from Alappuzha and Kottayam in the olden days.

Erumeli :

Erumeli is a small town, 60 kms north east of Kottayam town. Erumeli is the gateway to the Sabarimala temple. Erumeli is a famous place for its Vavar mosque. Vavar was the friend and companion of Lord Ayyappa, the deity in Sabarimala temple. The pilgrims going this way to Sabarimala used to halt here and give offering to Vavar by way of breaking coconuts on a stone by throwing on it. Thousands of pilgrims will join the procession of P etta Thullal which is believed that the re-enactment of the annihilation of Mahishi by Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims will paint their faces with colors and dance to the tune of drumbeats.

Mundakkayam :

Mundakkayam near Kanjirapilly on Idukki border was chosen as a plantation destination for the early rubber cultivation by the year 1900 itself from then the British set up rubber estate in Kerala. Here the main plantation is Natural rubber ,coffee ,pepper , vanilla , and tropical fruits.The high ranges start from here on the Kottayam-Kumary state highway.

Vaikom :

Vaikom the temple town is 40 kms from Kottayam. An ancient Shiva temple located here is very famous and it is believed that it was constructed by Lord Parasuram. It is here that Mahatma Gandhi and others undertook Satyagraha in 1924 against the foreign rule The economy, up until the 90's, here has been predominantly based on agriculture with Coconut and rice being the major crash crops. Fishing is also of importance to the economy here. More recently spices like Black Pepper, Latex have also caught the attention of farmers. The recent software revolution in India has had its impact on Vaikom too, with the establishment of numerous computer training instititues.

Ettumannoor:

It is located 17 km north of Kottayam town, The ancient Siva Temple built in 16 AD is a master piece of the Kerala style of temple architecture. The inner and outer walls of the temple are decoreated with exquisite sculptures and murals depicting scenes from Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Bhagawath Geetha and Sanathana Gopla which are beautifully carved round the shrine.. The annual festival is celebrated for 10 days during (February/March).

Cheruthoni:

The area surrounds Iddukki arch dam and Cheruthoni dam. The Idduki Arch Dam is the solitary Arch Dam in India. The area is scenic and greenic.

Moolamattom:

Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha. Asia's biggest Arch Dam of 555 feet height proudly standing between the two mountains - 'Kuravanmala' (839 meters) and 'Kurathimala' (925 meters ) is just 43 kms from Idduki district. The underground power house of Idukki Hydro Electric Project is situated here. Visitors allowed to enter the Power Station with permission from Kerala State Electricity Board.

Perumedu:

Peermedu, a plantation town 75 km away from Kottayam. Peerumedu has various sorts of plantations, such as, tea, coffee, cardamom, vanilla and rubber. Peermedu and surrounding areas are ideal for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Summer Palace of the royal family, is located here. It is on the way to Periyar Wildelife Sanctuary.

Kuttikkanam:

Kuttikkanam, a land even unto this day not fully explored is situated near Peermedu. Kuttikkanam is also a plantation town where most of Resorts are located. Peermedu Development Society run Sahyadri Ayurvedic Pharamaceutical Factory and Treatment Centre. In and around Kuttikkanam, there are numerous tourist spots, which can match the wildest fantasies of the beauty seeking nature lover.

Vandanmedu:

Vandanmedu is located 25 km from Thekkady in Idukki district at an altitude of around 4000 ft, It is one of the largest producer and also one of its biggest auction centers of cardamom in the world.

Kumily:

Kumily is a hill town which forms the border between Kerala and Tamilnadu is just 4 km from Thekkady. This forms the entry point to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Kumily is a spice centre, almost all shops here stock spice . Many hotels and resorts are available with a resaonable price.

Thekkady:

Established in 1934 in an area of 777 sq km, Thekkady Wild Life Santuary is located in Idduki district. The Periyar Wild life Sanctuary is rated as one of the 18 hot spots in the world in bio-diversity. The man made Periyar lake is at a height of 615 m covers 10 Sq miles and was formed by the British in 1895 which also forms a source for tourism. The lake is an important source of water not only for human being but also for many wild animals that inhabit the sanctuary.The best chance of sighting occurs during the hot months of March to May when water holes have dries up and the animals are forced to visit the lake.

Boat curises on the lake which last for 2 hours and depart from the jetty early morning. This early trips usually providing the best chance of viewing animals since, animals come to the lake to drink water. Its tropical rainforests present world’s most ancient and complex environments. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deers, gaurs, antelopes, variety of reptiles and birds of numerous species. It is mandatory to have a guide. Most of the guides are poachers turned. The poachers were roped in as protectors as part of eco-tourism and rehabilitation. Periyar is also the paradise of bird watchers. Best quality of black, white and green pepper, fenugneek, nutmerg, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, coriander and cloves are avilable in a reasonable price over here.

Munnar:

Munnar literally means three rivers, is also know as “ The Scotland of India”. It is situated at the confluence of three mountatins streams. Stands at 6,000 ft it is the highest town in Kerala. It is sorrounded by Peaks of upto 8000 ft. Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates The tea plantations here are the contributions of British. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar Commercially it is completely dominated by the Tata tea company who now own all the plantations in the area.
Munnar produces most of the country’s tea. Tourists can witness the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing.The main bus station is located in the town cenre, but all Munnar’s better hotels are found all the way. The weather is extremely cold during winter. Munnar is famous for its own NeelaKurinji Flower which spreads like a blue carpet once in twelve years.

Eravikulam National Park:

The famous sanctuary near Munnar is accessible by road, just 4 Km from the Munnar. The park is spread over 97 sq. km. Once it was British planters hunting preserve It is situated at the crest of Anaimalai range. It has the largest Population of Tahr existing in the wolrd now. Other animals which are normally seen are Sambar, Barking deer, Gaur, giant Malabar Sqyirel,lion tailed Monkeyetc. Tigers and Pather are among the rare seeing animal. It is known from a survey that only about 40 Bengal tigres are seen here.The rare species of flower which grows only after every 12 years named NeelaKurinji grows here.

Anamudi:

Anamudi at 2,695 meter is the highest peak in South India rises 15 miles north of Munnar. Standing on the peak, one could see the complete view of the Munnar very clearly. This is the peak of, tranquility & adventure. Very much liked by trekkers. January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December are considered to be the best months for trekking.

Devikulam:

The beautiful hill station filled with lake and tea plantations. It is located 16 Km from Mummar. It is bellived that Goddess Sita once bathed in this lake. Thus derived the name Devikulam

Tea Museum and Tea Processing:

The Tea Museum is run by the Kannan devan Hill Platntatino since 1880. The museum uncovers the history of tea industry in Munnar. The museum has several collections of artistic objects and historic photographs and furniture. Also one can see the tea processing and the delicate art of tea tasting.

Mattupetty:

Mauttupetty is just 13km from Munnar situated at a height of 1700m. Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm. -The Indo Livestock Project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle can be seen here. Mattupetty has a beautiful rose garden. Visitors are allowed into three of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. The Mattupetty lake and dam is a very beautiful picnic sport. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty dam. The famous Eco point is very near and this scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here

My Dear champakkulam

Champakulam is the place where I spent most of my childhood. It was my mother's house and we lived there for many years.

Champakkulam is in Aleppy district. It is A beautiful place, full of palm trees, rivers and paddy fields. The river Pampa flows through the village, splitting it into two. currently it is connected, by road to aleppy and kottayam.

The Champakkulam in my memory is a small village. It didn't have any roads. So the only way to connect to the main land was by boat. Also people used "vallams"( boats without an engine) to travel from place to place through the canals and paddy fields.(When paddy is not cultivated, paddy fields become filled with water)I still remember when I, then a boy of 11 years, fell unconscious due to some reason, I was "hurried to a hospital" in a vallam. When i reached the hospital after one hour, I myself regained consciousness.

We had two schools, St. Mary's High school and St. Thomas U.P. School, hardly half a kilometer from my house. Still we used vallams to travel to the school.

We had a temple nearby, The small Ganapathy temple, which we consider as our own ganapthy. We would go there and pray to him for anything and everything.
Also we had our family temple, pulikkakvu, nearly two kilometer's from our house. we used to go there once in a while, Also by a "valavarayan" vallam, which is a medium sized vallam, with a tent like covering so that the sun and rain will not affect the travellers. Families had different types of vallams, starting with the tiny kochuvallam, to the large kettuvallams. Also we used to visit the kallampally krishna temple, which is also nearby.

Champakulam have a great church, Called Champakkulam valia pally, which is centuries old. Also there are some smaller churches.

THe most important festival of our land is "Champakkulam boat race", which is conducted every year. We used to assemble in the banks of the river and watch the spectacular race.

Champakkulam had two hospitals, one a private mission hospital run by dedicated sisters,and another a government hospital. Due to the healthy nature of my family members, and me we had an account book in the hospital. In case of an emergency, the patient may be taken in a boat to the Alappuzha medical college.

Champakulam had one small printing press, a small cinema hall and one barbershop.

For the people of Champakkulam, the worst enemy was the flood that came regularly and destroyed everything. River Pampa will bless the village for weeks when there will be water everywhere. We enjoyed the rain and floods because we could convert large copper vessels used for boiling paddy into vallams and travel through the landscapes under water.

Now Champakkulam has changed much. Road facility is there, the theater has vanished, and people can go to nearby towns in buses and cars for purchase. The old schools have also been upgraded. So it a small town now, but it has still not lost its village charms.

Kerala Dishes:The delicious Mampazha pulissery : by refeedha Rahiman

Mampazha pulissery (Ripe Mango Pulissery, Mambazha pulissery, Mambpazha pulisery) is actually a delicious cuisine, we prepare it during Vishu season (April,May)because it needs ripened mangos, It has a sweet, spicy and sour taste.One of the main item in Vishu Sadhya.We usually eat it with Rice

For preparing Mampazha Pulissery, first peel the ripened mangos and put it in a cup of water. Add chilly powder, turmeric powder and salt and boil it. After that grind coconut with small onions, geera, garlic. After boiling the mangos, add the ground coconut paste. After two minutes, add a cup of thick curds into it, take it out from the fire when it bubbles. Seasoning it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, dry red chilly and fenugreek seeds in coconut oil

Arabikkatha:Movie review

Arabikkatha is a movie which is totally relavant in todya's social situation.Arabikkatha tells the story of Cuba Mukundan(Sreenivasan), a true believer of Marxian ideolagy who is a communist to the core.He is so principled that he even initiates the removal of his own father (who is accused of some fraud) from the party.

Under certain circumstances Mukundan has to leave for Gulf for a living. There he encounters the real life problems and learns what life is.He also falls in love with a chinese girl.

The movie tells the story the unexpected events he face when he returns home.Shivaji Guruvayoor acts as comrade Karunan, the villain.Chinese actress Chang shumin plays the role of the girl he loves.

Nedumidi,Indrajith,Jayasurya, Jagathy and Salim Kumar plays their parts well in the movie.The songs written by Anil and Bijil are good. This Lal Jose movie is suerly a superHit
For movie reviews visit: Movie Globe

Reality shows,the other side of the coin

Reality shows like superstar junior, Idea star singer, super dancer, Super actor, And many others are filling the channels. These programs have a good side of exposing talents and encouraging them. But there is another side. The opponents of this trend points out many factors.

1.These shows focus on cinematic forms of art other than pure art forms.

Is movies the aim of singing? Is cinematic dance the only dance? Even students who perform well in classical Forms are dragged into these cinematic forms and sometimes a bit vulgarity in the name of performance. Is this right?

2.These shows give the message that money is aim of art.

Is art for money only? Why do you sing or dance, for money only?

3.These shows give an uneven distribution of prizes:

Prizes are often given only to the top few and all others are neglected.

4.These shows gives the message that fellow performer is your enemy

Participants may try to use unfair means to eliminate a fellow performer.

5.These show drains money of common people into the hands of Mobile service provides.

Mobile service providers earn millions after each show. The money goes from the pocket of the poor. In addition, it is to be noted that no effort is done to see whether more than one vote comes from the same number. So if you have two rupees more you can get more votes!! What an unjust election.

We would like to get your valuable feedback in this regards. Please feel free to comment

Kerala the land of rivers

The warrior sage “Parasuraman”, by a throw of his axe reclaimed Kerala from the sea as legend goes. Whatever the truth, the fact remains that Kerala is a land with a huge necklace of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers

Water bodies represent the most rapidly renewing and most enduring geomorphic features on the surface of the planet. As a result of the complex interactions of climate, running water and land, rivers are shaped by landscapes as much as landscapes are shaped by rivers. Rivers have been an integral part of human development throughout history. They can be considered the pillars of human civilization as they have formed the nuclei for human settlements from the very origins of mankind.

Backwaters include lakes and ocean inlets (Arabian Sea), which stretch irregularly along the coast. In other words, it’s a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across river mouths. Natural and artificial canals and rivulets link the backwaters. 34 lakes in the state some of which are Vembanad, Ashtamudi, Sasthamkoota, Pookat etc. The still water of these serene lakes offers a feeling of tranquility amidst nature.

Vembanad Lake is the largest stretch of backwaters, lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to coastal lakes to the north and south. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. Ashtamudi Lake has eight 'arms' covering a major portion of Kollam district in the south, and is the second largest lake in the state. Pookat Lake is a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills in Wayanad district in the north.

Rivers are an important part of Kerala’s landscape and flowing water in the most characteristic feature of the State. The luxuriant moist forests that once clothed the Western Ghats, coupled with the abundant rainfall gave rise to the 44 rivers (41 West flowing and 3 East flowing) of Kerala. These rivers are the life - line of the unique culture of this State. The State owes its prosperity to its rivers. All these rivers are rain fed. The rivers of Kerala are small and flow fast because of the hilly nature of the terrain and the shorter distance between the mountain and the sea. They have no deltas. They fuse with the Arabian Sea either directly, or through the medium of the backwaters. Some smaller rivers, like the Kumbala, and Bekal, have separate watersheds, and drain into the sea through the channel of the backwaters. The rivers are

Periyar River (244) - Longest River in the state. Also called "The Lifeline of Kerala". It originates in the Western Ghats range and flows north through Periyar national park to Periyar Lake. Now the river flows northwest to empty into Vembanad Lake, before into the Arabian Sea.

Edamala River - One of the major tributaries of the Periyar River.

Cheruthoni River - It is known for being a hamlet adjacent to the famed 'Idukki Hydel reservoir dams'. It is also one of the major tributaries of the Periyar.

Mullayar River - One of the major tributaries of the Periyar River.

Muthirapuzha River - One of the major tributaries of the Periyar River.

Perinjankutti River - One of the major tributaries of the Periyar River.

Bharatapuzha River (209) - Second longest river after Periyar, also called 'Nila'. Originates in Western Ghats in TN, flows westward through Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram, until it empties into the Arabian Sea at Ponnani.

Thuthapuzha River - One of the major tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Kintipuzha, one of its tributaries flows through the Silent Valley.

Gayathripuzha River - One of the major tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Originates in Anamalai hills, passes through Nanmara and Wadakanchery before it joins the former at Mayannur.

Kalpathipuzha River - One of the major tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Originates deep inside Palakkad district, north of Walayar. Formed from the confluence of four streams namely Malampuzha, Walayar, Korayar and Varattar. The Malampuzha Dam is build over this river.

Kannadipuzha River - One of the major tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Originates in the foothills of Annamalai hills. It flows through the southern borders of palaghat before joining the former.

Pamba River (196) - The Pambayar River, formerly known as Pampa River, is the third longest river in Kerala and the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Sabarimala temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river Pamba. Originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats and flows through Ranni, Thiruvalla, Changanassery and Ambalappuzha Taluks and finally empties into the Vembanad Lake at Kuttanad.

Chaliyar River (169) - Fourth longest river in Kerala, also called the Beypore River as it nears the sea. Originates in Ilambari hills in TN and flows through Malappururam district for most of its length.

Chalakuddy River (169) - Chalakuddy River is the one of very few rivers of Kerala, which is having relics of riparian vegetation in substantial level. Originates in Annamalai hills and runs through Chalakuddy town in the Thrissur District of Kerala. The Athirampally Falls and Vazhachal falls are situated on this river. It also has

the Chalakuddy dam. Chalakkudy River is formed by the conference of four major tributaries namely Sholayar, Parambikulam, Kuriarkutty and Karapara.

Parambikulam River - One of the four tributaries of the Chalakuddy River. The Parambikulam Dam is constructed across this river. This dam numbers one in India interms of Volume capacity.

Kadalundy River (130) - Originates from the Western Ghats at the western border of the Silent Valley and flows through the district of Malappuram and kozhikode.

Achankoil River (128) - River formed from the streams of the Rishimala River, Pasukidamettu River and the Ramakkalteri River. It joins the Pamba River at Veeyapuram in the Alappuzha district of Kerala

Kallada River (121)

Muvattupuzha River (121) - Originates and flows through Muvattupuzha town. Major source of water to this river are Kothayaar, Kaliyar and Thodupuzhayaar, which merge to form a single river.

Valapattanam River (110)

Chandragiri River (105) - Payaswini (Chandragiri puzha) is a river in Kasargode district. On the banks of this river is 17th century Chandragiri fort. This river is considered as the traditional boundary between Tulu Nadu and Malayalam regions of Kerala.

Manimala River (90)

Vamanapuram River (88)

Kuppam River (88)

Meenachil River (78) - Put together by several streams originating from the Western Ghats. Flows through the heart of Kottayam district of Kerala before empting into Vembanad Lake.

Kutyadi River (74)

Karamana River (68) - Karamana River is a river flowing through the Thiruvananthapuram city. The river starts from the southern tip of the Western Ghats at "Agastyar Koodam". The river flows westward and merges into the Arabian Sea at Thiruvallom-Karumam area.

Shiriya River (68)

Karingode River (64)

Ithikkara River (56)

Neyyar River (56)

Mahé River (54) -Mahé River also known as Mayyazhipuzha, flows through the state of Kerala and the coastal exclave of Mahé in Pondicherry. Prior to independence, the river was nicknamed as the "English Channel", because it separated British-ruled Thalassery from French-ruled Mahé. Originates in the hills of Wayanad in the Western Ghats, and traverses before culminating in the Arabian Sea at Mahé.

Keecheri River (51)

Prumba River (51)

Uppala River (50)

Karuvanoor River (48)

Anjarakkandi River (48)

Tirur River (48) - Tirur River begins in the Tirur taluk village of Athvanad in the Malappuram district and flows south-west to Thiruvnavaya and then north-west to Elamkulam where it turns south-west, joining the Bharathapuzha River which flows into the Arabian Sea near the coastal town of Ponnani.It is known for its beautiful mangroves and its many varieties of fishes and birds.

Neeleshwaram River (46)

Pallikkal River (42)

Kallayi River (40) - Kallayi River is one of the rivers in Kerala, India. It originates in Cherikkulathur in the Western Ghats. It is linked to the Chaliyar River by a man-made canal on the south side of the small timber village of Kallayi lying on its banks Korapuzha River (40) - Korapuzha also known as Ellattur River is a short river flowing through the Kozhikode district. The Agalapuzha and Punnoorpuzha are its tributaries and they originate in the mountains of Wayanad district. The Korapuzha empties into the Arabian Sea at Elattur. The Korapuzha is generally considered as the boundary between the North Malabar and South Malabar in the erstwhile district of Malabar.

Mogral River (34)

Kaveripuzha River (31)

Puzhakkal River (29)

Manam River (27)

Thalassery River (28)

Chittary River (25)

Kallai River (22)

Ramapuram River (19)

Ayiroor River (17)

Bangra Manjeswara River (16)

Houseboat or Kettuvallam cruising is one of the major attractions of Kerala’s eco-tourism industry possible because of the vast water body in the state. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers – while u float!!

Not only lush greenery, nature has overfilled Kerala with waterways intricately meandering through the lands. Lagoons, lakes, canals and estuaries of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea, have created a fantastic backwater locale.

Kerala’s uniqueness lies in the backwaters found nowhere else in the world

Temples in Kerala :part I Pazavangadi Maha Ganapthi Temple In Trivandrum

Pazavangadi Ganapathi temple is one of the most famous Ganesha temples in Kerala.Located in the capital city of Kerala ,Trivandrum,in East Fort,it is very easy to reach here from airport,or railway station and bus stand.
The temple is maintained by Indian army. The temple was earlier owned by the Nair Brigade.

The temple is more than 300 years old. The lord Ganesha  in this temple is considered to be very powerful.

Devotees break coconuts here to get rid of obstacles in life. Also many other offerings are there for this temple.

For more details please see  the    Wikipedia article on this temple.
See the photo of this temple by the famous photographer Ryan used under a creative commons attribution licence.




Also see the following  Malayalam video about the temple.