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billiga hotell i london Top Blogs Beautiful World: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Top 5 features of Google+




Top 5 features of Google+ which will ebat Facebook



AT Last, online social networking is going to be not only about Facebook: The Google+ project, now in the testing phase , is Google's newly introduced way to connect with people online

Will google + be a facebook KILLERRRRR


Top 5 features of Google+


Google's new project does look promising, with certain novel features. One among the features that offer a fresh experience to online socializing is the "Hangout" group video chat. Introducing the project, Google's blog says that online communication tools (such as instant messaging and video calling) are "annoying" because invariably a user has to "ping" someone to strike up a conversation, while you are not sure if the other person is interested in talking to you at the moment. "They're also really awkward. When someone doesn't respond, you don't know if they're just not there, or just not interested."


Google says the "Hangout" feature is similar to the effortless real-world experience of entering a pub and hanging out with friends, which doesn't require someone to come forward and ask the most awkward question to a group, "So shall we hang out?" Google seems to bring back the "subtlety and substance of real-world interactions" lost in the "rigidness of our online tools."

Social networking sites can make everyone your "friend," including parents, distant relatives, grandparents and the worst of all, bosses. While you might have almost nothing to share with your boss, that single connection can stop you from posting "certain" things or uploading "certain" photographs. "+Circles" seem to be tackling the trickiest aspect of befriending people over the Internet. "People in fact share selectively all the time with their circles," says Google. +Circles allows users to share selectively by carefully choosing people to form different circles. This means a photograph shared among a particular circle will not be available for viewing for people from other circles, even though they will be members of your larger social circle.

The "+Mobile" feature allows users to seamlessly upload photos from any device. "While you're snapping pictures, and with your permission, Google+ adds your photos to a private album in the cloud. This way they're always available across your devices-ready to share as you see fit," says Google.

Google+ will also offer a feature somewhat akin to Twitter. "+Sparks" will deliver a "feed of highly contagious content from across the Internet. On any topic you want, in over 40 languages," says Google. Users can add their interests, and they will "always have something to watch, read and share -- with just the right circle of friends," claims Google.

"+Huddle" is a real-time, group-messaging feature which helps coordinate with friends and family to catch up with everyone's ever-changing plans. "Phone calls and text messages can work in a pinch, but they're not quite right for getting the gang together," says Google.





Google+ is available on Android Market and the mobile Web, and is coming soon to the App Store




Thursday, June 23, 2011

Famous Casinos of Goa



CASINOS !!!! Play and Win !!!! CHEERS



Goa is synonymous with fun, adventure, frolic and nightlife. The Casinos of Goa are reflective of the fun and nightlife in Goa. Goa is home to some of the finest casinos in India and offer best of casino gaming, accessible internationally despite the fact that the casino industry in India is still in its emerging stage. Casino industry is the latest addition to the lifestyle of Goa. Casinos in Goa are endorsed as a part of tourism industry and give international tourists yet another reason to come here. Apart from the various games, the casinos also offer exquisite cocktails, mock tails and hard liquor.Though the casinos in Goa are still in the evolving stage, they offer all the major games to casino lovers. Table games are lesser in number as compared to the gaming machines. Black Jack, Rummy, American Roulette, Baccarat, Stud Poker and Flash are some the major games, which are offered. Specially trained dealers to conduct gaming sessions with accepted international standards, deal with players. Reel and Poker slot machines are enjoyed by almost everyone who wants to try a hand at gambling. Other facilities at the Casinos in Goa include restaurants, barbecues and swimming pool.



Some famous casinos in Goa are:


Las Vegas (South Goa) Gaming Time at Las Vegas Casino: 12:00pm - 2:00amHotel The Leela Palace GoaRoom Types: Deluxe Rooms, Presidential Suite, Standard Rooms, Suites and Villas



Chances Casino (Near Panaji) Cidade de GoaVainguiimGoa 403004



Treasures Casino (Majorda Beach Resort) Gaming Time: 12:00pm - 1:00am Games to Play at Treasures Casino: Slot Machines (15) Hotel Majorda Beach Resort Room Types: 110 Single Rooms, 20 Suites



Winners Casino (Margao) A 103 supreme Hill TowersAltomonte MargaoGoa 403731



Renaissance Goa Resort and Casino (Casino located within the Hotel) , VarcaVillage, Salcette, Goa 403721, IndiaGaming Time: 12:00pm - 1:00am Games to play at Renaissance Casino: Slot Machines (28) Room Types: 202 Rooms and Suites, 4 Suites



Holiday Inn Goa Resort Haciencda De Oro Casino and Pub Mobor Beach, Cavelossim, Salcette, Goa, India 403 731 Gaming Time: From 12:00 noon - 12:00 Midnight Games to Play: 150 Slot Machines Room Types: 170 Rooms and Suites

Festivals In Goa




EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN GOA
Introduction
Goa has various religious mix of people and has number of holidays and festivals. During national holidays Banks and Post Offices may remain closed. Christian festivals occur on set dates. Hindu religious festivals follow the lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year. Following are some of the national, state and local holidays apart from local village events.
January
FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS
On 6th January the three villages of Reis Magos, Cansaulim and Chandor celebrate this festival with reenactment by local boys of the three kings arriving with gifts for Christ.

JATRA
The Jatra is the feast of the God to whom the temple is dedicated. Best at Shantadurga Temple at Fatropa in Quepem, at Bogdgeshwar Temple in Mapusa and Devki Krishna Ravalnath Temple at Marcela in Ponda. This festival is also celebrated in other temples of importance

REPUBLIC DAY
Republic day on 26th January marks the anniversary of India's republic in the year 1950. In Delhi it is celebrated in spectacular way with enormous colorful military parade.

February / March
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDELARIA
Popular Christian festival held on 2nd February at Pomburpa.

POP, BEAT & JAZZ MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held over two days in February at the Kala Academy-Panaji.

SHIGMOTSAV OR SHIGMO
Goa's version of Holi, this Hindu festival is held to mark the end of winter. It normally takes place on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna and is widely celebrated by gangs of youths throwing colored water and powder at one another. Tourist frequently become a target-it is in good humor just to excite the tourist. This is not a day to go our dressed in best cloths.

CARNIVAL
The original reason for the carnival was to celebrate the arrival of Spring and it is observed within the Catholic community as three days of partying before the start of Lent. In Panaji the festivities center around a procession of colorful floats which takes place on Sabado Gordo or Fat Sunday. The event is opened by the arrival of King Momo who makes a traditional decree ordering his subjects to forget their worries and have a good time.

VASANT PANCHAMI JATRA
Hindu's festival, best celebrated at Shantadurga temple in Queula at Ponda, in Mangesh temple at Priol, in Mahalsa Temple at Mardol which are in Ponda This festival is also celebrated in Ajoba Temple at Querim in Pernem and in Mahalaxmi Temple at Amone in Bicholim


MAHASHIVRATRI JATRA
Hindu's festival, best at Siroda and Ramnath temples both in Pond and at Sanguem; also good at Harvalem, Kavlem and Mangesh Temples. This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Shiva.

URS OF SHAH ABDULLAH
Muslim's, death anniversary of saint Urs of Shah Abdullah. On this day of 17th February Muslims sing lyrical Muslim devotional songs called quawwalis, often sung through the night at Ponda


March / April
RAMANAVAMI
The birth of Rama an incarnation of Vishnu is celebrated at the temple of Partagal in Canacona.

PROCESSION OF ALL SAINTS
At Goa Vellha on 5th Monday in Lent. Thirty status of the saints are brought out from storage and paraded around the neighboring villages. The main road through Goa Velha generally becomes blocked with the traffic as people from all over Goa are also drawn to the fair.

GOOD FRIDAY & EASTER
The Easter celebrations are marked by huge church services; the congregations often overflow into the streets or the services are held outside to accommodate everyone. Christian families mark the event with large clean gathering.


FEAST OF JESUS OF NAZARETH
Held in Sindao on the first Sunday after Easter.


FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MIRACLES
Held in Mapusa 16 days after Easter. This particular festival is famous for its common celebration by large numbers of Hindus and Christians.


BEACH BONANZA
From mid-April onwards successive Sundays see Colva Beach becoming the scene for this small festival featuring live music, dancing and entertainment.

YOUTH FLEET
Same as Beach Bonanza but on the Calangute beach.


MAHAVIR JAYANTI
Jain festival, celebrated by the strictly vegetarian Jain community. Marks the birth of Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, and is a public holiday. Celebrated grandly at Borim in Ponda.

May / June
IGITUN CHALNE
Occurring in May this is one of the most distinctive festivals in Goa and is specific to the temple of Sirigao in Bicholim Taluka. Igituna Chalne literally means fire-walking and the high point of the festival which occurs at night when devotees of goddess Lairaya walk across a pit of burning coal to prove their devotion.

FESTIVAL OF ST. ANTHONY
Held on 13th June The feast of St.Anthony Portugal's national saint is celebrated in Goa. This festival has taken on a particular local significance. If the monsoon has not arrived by the time of the feast day a statue of the saint is lowered into the family well for the arrival of the rain.


FEAST OF ST.JOHN THE BAPTIST
Held on 20th June. St.Anthony's feast day marks the onset of the rains, the Feast of St.John is a thanks giving for the arrival of the monsoon. The most obvious manifestation of the rains is the fact that the wells start to fill up again and to mark the event young men of the community jump into the water. Since each well owner by tradition has to supply feni to the swimmers the feast day is marked by increasingly high spirits.

FEAST OF SAINT PETER & SAINT PAUL
Held on 29th June. Another celebration of the monsoon, this time by the fishing community particularly in Bardez taluka. The fishermen tie their boats together to form rafts which serve as makeshift stages. After a church service in the morning and a large feast the festival of Sangodd is held. Tiatrs, folk dances and music are performed before an audience who watch from the banks of the river.


GOA STATEHOOD DAY
Celebrated on 30th of May, State holiday to celebrate Goa becoming the 25th state of Indian Union on May 30, 1987.

August
INDEPENDENCE DAY
On 15th August celebrates the anniversary of India's independence from the UK in 1947. The Prime Minister delivers an address from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort

FEAST OF ST. LAWRENCE
The feast day is to celebrate the end of monsoon and the reopening of the Mandove to river traffic.


GOKUL ASHTAMI
The celebration of Krishna's birthday. In some Krishna temples the deity is symbolically placed in a cradle.

BONDERAM
Celebrated on the island of Divar on the fourth Saturday of August. The festival consists of processions and mock battles which commemorate the disputes which took place over property on the island.

NAVIDADES
Held on 24th August. The offering of the first sheaves of rice to the head of state.


August / September
GANESH CHATURTHI
The Hindu festival is celebrated throughout the state and commemorates the birth of Ganesh. The festival can last for two and a half days. Clay models of Ganesh are taken in procession around the areas of the temples before being immersed in water. A period of fasting is observed.

September / October

FAMA SE MENINO JESUS
The feast is held at Colva on the second Monday of October and celebrates the 'miraculous' favor granted by the Menino Jesus which resides within the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Colva.


GANDHI JAYANTI
Celebrated on 2nd of October, the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Prayer meetings are held at the memorial site in Delhi. As a sign of respect it is a Dry Day and no alcohol is served.

DUSSEHRA/DHAROTSAV
Hindu's festival, this is extremely popular ten-day long festival begins on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashvina. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and culminates in the burning of the effigy of the demon king, Ravana. In Goa, the main puja of this festival is performed at the place of work. Machinery, tool, vehicles etc., are cleaned and garlanded with flowers and worshipped.


October / November
DIWALI (DEEPAVALI)
This Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Lights is second in importance only to Ganesh Chaturthi and marks the victory of Good over Evil. Symbolically lamps are lit morning and evening within the homes of the worshippers.


GOVARDHANA PUJA
Hindu festival dedicated to those holiest animals the cow.


FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Celebrated on the 3rd Wednesday of November in Navelim's Church.


November / December
MARATHI DRAMA FESTIVAL
Takes place at Kala Academy from November to December.


FOOD AND CULTURE FESTIVAL
A five day festival held on any one of the beaches in November or December to highlight Goan cuisine and entertainment.


KONKANI DRAMA FESTIVAL
Held at Kala Academy during November and December.


TIATR FESTIVAL
Held at Kala academy during November


FEAST OF ST.FRANCIS XAVIER
The feast is celebrated in Old Goa on 3rd December with processions and services. The feast of the patron saint of Goa is celebrated on the day he died in 1552. Preceding the feast, nine days of Novenas are held, attended by pilgrims from all over the world. Stalls selling sweetmeats, toys, clothing etc., line the streets.


FEAST OF OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Held on or around 8th December in Panaji and Margao accompanied by a large fair.


CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas is celebrated as a holiday throughout Goa and India. Goa's Catholics flock to midnight mass services traditionally called Missa de Galo or Cock Crow as they go on well into early hours of the morning. Christmas Day is marked with large family gatherings and feasting.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Jubilant celebrations on the 31st of December, in the form of all-night street parties and beach parties anticipate the good things the New Year will bring.

Ports in mumbai



Central Authority for Ports in IndiaJoint Secretary (Ports)Ministry Of Surface TransportTransport BhawanNo. 1, Parliament StreetNew Delhi-110001, IndiaTel: (91 11) 371 1873, 332 8549Website: http://www.nic.in/most

Indian Ports Association1st Floor, South Tower, NBCC PlaceBhisham Pitamah Marg, Lodi RoadNew Delhi - 110 003, IndiaTel: (91 11) 436 9061, 436 9063, 436 8334Fax: (91 11) 436 5866Email: ipa@hub.nic.in, ipadel@nda.vsnl.net.in

Mumbai Port TrustPort HouseShoorji Vallabhdas MargMumbai - 400 001, IndiaTel: (91 22) 2262 1234Fax: (91 222) 2261 1011Email: mbpt@vsnl.com Website: http://www.mumbaiporttrust.com/

Kolkata Port Trust15, Strand Road Kolkata - 700 001, IndiaTel: (91 33) 2220 3451 (16 Lines) Fax: (91 33) 2220 4901Telex: 021-7336 CALPINEmail: calport@vsnl.com, portofcalcutta@portofcalcutta.com, webmaster@portofcalcutta.comWebsite: http://www.portofcalcutta.com/

Haldia Dock ComplexHaldia, Midnapore - 721 607West Bengal, IndiaTel: (91 3224) 3100, 3151, 3270Fax: (91 3224) 3152Email: dychairman_hal@portofcalcutta.com

Chennai Port TrustRajaji Salai, Chennai - 600 001Tamil Nadu, IndiaPhone: (91 44) 2536 2201, 2536 1139Fax: (91 44) 2536 1228, 2536 0278Email: mmschpt@md3.vsnl.net.inWebsite: http://www.chennaiporttrust.com/

Cochin Port TrustWillington Island Cochin - 682 009, IndiaTel: (91 484) 608200, 608302Fax: (91 484) 266 8163Telex: 0885-6203 CPT INEmail: coptce@satyam.net.in, copt@ker.nic.inWebsite: http://www.cochinport.com/

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)Administrative BuildingSheva, Navi Mumbai - 400 707 Maharashtra, IndiaTel: (91 22) 2724 2290, 2724 2642 Fax: (91 22) 7242325 Telex: 013-13202 JNPT IN Email jawahar@giasbm01.vsnl.net.inWebsite: http://www.jnport.com/

Mumbai Office1107 Raheja Centre, 214, Nariman PointMumbai - 400 021, IndiaTel: (91 22) 2283 2458, 2204 5311

Kandla Port TrustPost Box #50 Administrative BuildingGandhidham, KutchGujarat - 370 201, IndiaTel: 91 (2836) 221347Fax: 91 (2836) 232040Email: kpt@kandlaport.comWebsite: http://www.kandlaport.com/

Mormugao Port TrustHeadland, SadaMormugaoGoa - 403 804, IndiaTel: (91 834) 513821 Fax: (91 834) 513065Telex: 0191-219, 256Email: tm.mpt@mptgoa.com, ddedp@mptgoa.comWebsite: http://www.mptgoa.com/

New Mangalore Port TrustPanambur Manglore - 575 010, IndiaTel: (91 824) 240 7341 (24 lines) Fax: (91 824) 240 8390Telex: 0832-220 PONM INEmail: nmptchairman@sify.comWebsite: http://www.newmangaloreport.com/

Paradip Port TrustP.O. Paradip PortDistt. CuttackOrissa - 754 142, IndiaTel: (91 6722) 22151Fax: (91 6722) 22256Email: mailto:pptinet@dte.vsnl.net.inWebsite: http://www.paradipport.com/

Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited(India's first private port. Established in 1992 in tie-up with Port of Singapore Authority)Post Ucchaiya. Via RajulaDistrict AmreliGujarat - 365 560, IndiaTel: (91 2794) 86001Fax: (91 2794) 86044Email: feedback@portofpipavav.comWebsite: http://www.pipavav.com/

Tuticorin Port TrustBharathi NagarTuricorin - 628 004, India Tel: (91 461) 235 2290 (50 lines)Fax: (91 461) 235 2301Telex: 0434-243Email: tutport@sancharnet.inWebsite: http://www.tuticorinport.com/

Visakhapatnam Port TrustPort AreaVisakhapatnam - 530 035Andhra Pradesh, IndiaTel: (91 891) 256 4841Fax: (91 891) 256 4841Email: vpt@vizagport.comWebsite: http://www.vizagport.com/

Top Mumbai Religious Places A must go





Mumbai, the lively city of Maharashtra, is most contemporary in its approach towards life, yet its roots are deeply grounded in traditions and ethnicity. Highlighting the spiritual facet, the city has many religious places to brag of. Seeing that it has a repository of many religions and sects, there are many places of worship, counting temples, churches and mosques. These holy places represent the religious sentiments of the people residing in Bombay



Moreover, the city-dwellers are living happily under the kind shelter of the divine places. Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, who is the patron deity of the Koli fisher folks. While Mahalakshmi Temple presents a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, congregation at Siddhivinayak Temple depicts the unshakeable faith of people. You look at the Haji Ali Mosque and it appears, as if the God himself is guarding the city from the violent waters of the sea. Scroll down to know more about the major religious places of Mumbai.



Mumba Devi TempleMumba Devi Temple is the most talked of shrine of Mumbai. It is sited at Bhuleshwar, in the southern part of the Commercial Capital of India. It is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, who is considered as the patron deity of Koli fishermen - the first inhabitants of Bombay.



Mahalaxmi TempleA long flight of steps on the rim of the Arabian Sea takes one to the revered shrine of Mahalakshmi. Sited on the northern side of Malabar hills, at B. Desai Road in Breach Candy, Mahalaxmi is one of the most-visited shrines in Bombay. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu.



Siddhivinayak TempleSiddhivinayak Temple is a highly revered shrine of Lord Ganesha in India. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, the temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801. Sited at Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples of Mumbai.



Mount Mary ChurchMount Mary Church is considered to be the oldest in Mumbai city of India. It is situated in the West Bandra, past Hill Road, and was built initially around 1640. There are many beliefs connected with the destruction of the church, which was finally rebuilt in 1761.



ISKCON TempleISKCON Temple of Mumbai, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the forty ISKCON temples across India. Built by the ISKCON Foundation, the elevated spire of this temple dominates the skyline of Juhu in Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay).



St. Thomas CathedralSt. Thomas' Cathedral is a beautiful structure that boasts of being the first Anglican Church in Mumbai. Indeed, the church affirms the moral roots of the budding British settlement in the Financial Hub of India. Built in 1718, St Thomas Cathedral is to be found near Flora Fountain at D.N. Road.



Haji AliHaji Ali is a venerated tomb (dargah) of the Muslims. Not only from Mumbai, people from all parts of India come to pay homage to this mosque. Located on an island off the shoreline of Worli, Haji Ali Mosque looks stunning amidst the blue waters of the sea.



St. Michael's ChurchSt. Michael's Church is amongst the oldest Catholic Churches in Mumbai. Seeing the sway of two major colonial powers - the British and the Portuguese, churches were constructed throughout the country. Sited in the Upper Mahim area of Mumbai, Saint Michael Church heralds the foundation of Christianity in India.



Afghan Church (4.5 km) In Colaba Island situated at the southern end of the city, church of St. John the Evangelist is located. Work on this church began in 1847. At the entrance, there is a big black board, revealing that it is an Anglican church dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. It is impressive with the wide Gothic Arches and beautiful stained-glass windows.



Hazi Ali Mosque (7.3 km) The mosque and tomb is situated in central Mumbai and were built by devotees in the early 19th century. It is set 500 yards into the sea and can be reached only in low tide. The structure is a slim solitary minaret. It is linked to the mainland by a tenuous causeway, which is practically nonnegotiable during rough monsoon, tides. Behind the sculpted entrance, a marble courtyard contains the central shrine. Hundreds of worshippers stoop to press their forehead against the richly brocaded red and green chaddar covering the tomb, lying in an exquisite silver frame supported by marble pillars and is decorated with artful mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of glass arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah. The whitewashed mosque also has a cool courtyard generally full of people and refreshment stalls. The rocks exposed during low tide at the rare end of the mosque are a favourable spot to catch some cool sea breeze. There's nothing somber about the building's cool courtyard, which is generally full of chattering families and refreshment stalls.



Jain Temple Built with marble in 1904, located on the Malabar Hill, the temple is dedicated to Adinath(the first Tirthankara). The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful paintings depicting various incidents in the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain religion. On the first floor is a special shrine dedicated to Parsvanath carved out of black marble and the ceiling shows the different planets as personified in Hindu mythology.




Mahalaxmi Temple(7.2 km) The Mahalaxmi Temple located at the northern foot of the Malabar Hill, a part of it is now called Breach Candy in Mumbai. This is one of Mumbai's oldest temples dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswathi. Large number of devotees come to this temple daily.Kailash TempleThe


Kailasha Temple situated near the village of Ellora, 30-km from Aurangabad . It is considered as one of the most astonishing 'buildings' in the history of architecture. This is the largest of 34 excavations at Ellora, which took almost a century. This temple is the world's largest monolithic structure carved from one piece of rock and the most extensive rock-cut projects ever undertaken.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala


Kerala is a region in India that is rich with attractions and beautiful scenery. There is no shortage of incredible places to visit. Here are the Kerala India Travel recommendations for the top 10 places to visit in Kerala.

1) The Backwaters – Wherever and however you choose to explore the backwaters, this emerald watery paradise is a definite highlight of Kerala. Find out more with our introduction to the backwaters and best ways to experience the backwaters guides.

2) Fort Cochin – The oldest part of this seaside city is more laid-back than other Indian cities and features Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, art galleries, churches, spice markets and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.

3) Munnar – A beautiful, tranquil hill station with a cool climate, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and visits to tea plantations. Read our Guide to Munnar, Kerala and Quiet Alternatives to Munnar, Kerala.

4) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – A fantastic place to take boat, jeep or hiking trips to spot elephants, monkeys and even the elusive tiger.

5) Kollam – This small market town isn’t an obvious attraction, but it’s the southern gateway to the backwaters, and a quieter alternative to Alleppey for organising houseboat and canoe trips. We also enjoyed the untouristy and authentically Indian feel of the town.

6) Varkala – A gorgeous beach below rocky cliffs lined with chilled out cafes- the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunsets.

7) Kumarakom - At this bird sanctauary near Kottayam you can walk or take a boat ride to spot comorants, herons, egrets and storks.

8) Thrissur – A religious and cultural centre featuring one of the largest temples in Kerala.

9) Kozhikode – This historic town is the gateway to the quieter beaches and backwaters of Northern Kerala, with temples and museums to visit too.

10) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – A quieter alternative to Periyar as a great place to spot elephants in the wild. We also featured it as a Quiet Alternative to Munnar, Kerala as a more peaceful hill station retreat.