TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN DECEMBER

Top  places in India to be visited in  December. This places are more beautiful in December than other months. Wish you and your family a happy journey in this December.

Munnar 

Munnar is the famous tourist spot in Gods Own Country Kerala. Munnar is situated about 1600 m above the sea level. Munnar is known as the Kashmir of South India. Munnar is filled with Hills, Tea Estates, Lakes and Forests. Munnar is very beautiful in December. You can enjoy the cold breezes and mist that will refresh your minds and takes you to a better mood.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of Jhelum River. Srinagar is known as the "Heaven In The Earth". Srinagar is famous for its garden, houseboats and lakes. The famous Dal Lake is in Srinagar. In December the trees on the banks of Dal and Wular lakes under snow is a beautiful sight to see. Kashmir is famous for the Kashmiri tea and its boating.

Darjeeling

"The one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once-by even a glimpse would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the world combined" - Mark Twain.

Darjeeling is in the hill ranges of West Bengal. It is located in Lesser Himalaya or Mahabharat Range. Is is situated at an average of  6710 ft (2045.2 m) above sea level. Darjeeling is noted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for tea industry and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. In December the sunrise seen from the Tiger Hills is a beautiful scenery.

Panchgani

Panchgani is the famous hill station situated in Satara district in Maharashtra. Scenic Panchgani was discovered by the British during the British Raj as a summer resort and a superintendent named John Chesson was placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s. He is credited with planting many plant species from the western world in Panchgani, including silver oak and poinsettia, which have flourished since then in Panchgani. Mahabaleshwar was the summer resort of choice for the British, but it was uninhabitable during the monsoons. 

Ooty

Ooty is situated in Tamil Nadu. Ooty is the district capital of Nilgiri district.It is the popular hill station situated in Nilgiri Hills. "Ooty is known as the Queen Of Hill Stations". Its situated about 2240 m above the sea level. It is best to visit in winter seasons. Ooty is filled with tea estates, lakes and eucalptus. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the most important attractions in Ooty. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is built by the British in 1908. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives. In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the site then became known as "Mountain Railways of India". For the past several years diesel locomotives have taken over from steam on the section between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. Local people and tourists have led a demand for steam locos to once again haul this section. The Ooty Botanical Garden laid out in 1848. The Gardens, divided into several sections, cover an area of around 22 hectares, and lie on the lower slopes of Doddabetta peak. The garden has a terraced layout. It is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.

It ascends the slopes of the hill at an elevation of 2250–2500 metres above Mean Sea Level. The garden enjoys a temperate climate, with an average rainfall of 140 cms, the most of which is received during south-west monsoon, with frosty nights from November to February.

Auli

Auli is situated in Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand. Its is located at 2500 to 3050 meters above sea level. Auli is less known ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand. Auli is famous for skiing. It is an important ski destination in India. Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests. Auli gives panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skiers. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a govt agency which takes care of this resort, and Uttaranchal Tourism Department conduct winter sports competitions at this place to encourage skiing in India. Auli also boasts the Asia's longest - 4 km - cable car (Gondola). It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. 

Andaman Islands

Andaman Island lie on the Bay of Bengal. Most are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. Andaman Island filled with beauty and present a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. These islands shimmer like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere. "Here the white beaches on the edge of a meandering coastline have palm trees that sway to the rhythm of the Sea. The beat of tribal drums haunt the stillness and technicolour fish steer their way through crystal clear water."  The following activities can be done in Andaman.

• Scuba Diving

Diving in Andamans is an unique lifetime experience. The coastal water surrounding these islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world. The specialty is that, here the coral reefs and underwater formation are undamaged by human activity. The best season for diving is from December to April.

• Water Sports

The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex at Port Blair offers adventure and safe water sports activities. Adventure water sports include water skiing, water scooter, speed boat rides, wind-surfing, etc. The safe water sports component has paddle boats, rowing boats, water cycles, banana rides and many more.

• Game Fishing

There are organizations that offer all kinds of fishing equipments and boats. For fishing enthusiasts, the sea of the coasts of Havelock Island, Neil Island, Long Island and Ritchie's archipelago offer some of the best catches.

• Forest and Beach Camping

Adventure- lovers can pack their tents and camp on some of the best beaches in the world or in the forests. The Directorate of Tourism rents Swiss Dome and tent accommodation at Radhanagar beach in Havelock Island. For this, booking can be done at the Reception Counter of the Directorate of Tourism at Port Blair.

Wishing You And Your Family A Happy Journey

The sceinic Athirapally Waterfalls

Athirapally Waterfalls are one of the famous and beautiful waterfalls in Kerala. It is famous for its beauty of falling water. The waterfall is a scenic beauty to the eye. Athirapally Waterfalls is located at the entrance of Sholayar ranges, the major host town is Chalakudy, this waterfall is one of the major picnic spots of Kerala. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirapally water Falls is 80 feet high and located exactly in the forest area. Combined with the natural greenery. Bathing is allowed in the waters.
  Athirapally waterfall is one of the famous shooting location. Many films was shot in Athirapally. The movies  Raavanan, Dil Se, Kannathil Muthamittal, Iruvar, Guru have songs shot here.

Getting there

By rail:

Thrissur (Major station) about 63 km & Chalakkudy, about 35 km.

By air:

Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur, is the nearest airport.

For more details:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athirappilly

https://www.keralatourism.org/shootinglocations/athirapally-and-vazhachal/2

For Accommodation:-

http://www.ktdc.com/motel-athirapally.php

http://www.athirapallytourism.org/

Munnar

Munnar is Known as Kashmir of South India & its situated in Kerala. Munnar is located at an altitude of 1600 feet above sea level. It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign traveler's snuggled in the lap of such an alluring terrain, Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala.

Main Attractions in And Around Munnar

• Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

• Indo Swiss Dairy Farm:

 

Mattupetti Indo Swiss farm is open from morning to evening for the tourists to visit it. This farm is well looked after, as it is abundantly rich in nature. In fact, it is believed to be the nature’s paradise with Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of Kerala. 

• Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary:

 

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, India., and represents a large number of plants and animals unique to the thorny vegetation. Apart from the dry thorn forests, due to the significant variation in altitude and rainfall, it has a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorny forest,riparian types, sholas and grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide micro habitats for varied forms of life.

• Anamudi:

 

The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary inmajestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna.The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

• Tata Tea Museum:

  

The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.Not only this, but much more about what all you desire for you perfect vacations or honeymoon, can be availed here. The best nature speckled beauty, long natural walks, drives, romance and grandeur will make your trip an ideal one.

• Marayoor:

 

Marayoor is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department, the caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam Waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.

Marayoor occupies a vast area on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Idukki district and is an important pre-historic site in Kerala. Apart from the Dolmenoid cists (Dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edges and covered by a fifth one called the cap stone) in Muniyara, Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests and pre-historic rock paintings.

• Kanthalloor:

  

Kanthalloor is known for its wide variety of crops which is not seen on the other parts of kerala, which includes varieties of tropical crops. Situated at a height of 5000 ft above sea level, it provides the cool climate for the natural farming of fruits like Apple, Orange, Strawberry, Blackberry, Plums, Gooseberry, Egg fruits, peach, Sugarcane, passion fruits. etc.Vegetables and spices like cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, beans, potato, and garlic grow here a plenty. It is also known for terrace farming. Hill sides are carved out into a series of wide steps, enough to cultivate crop.

Unlike Munnar, Kanthaloor is untouched by commercial tourism and still not explored by many travelers. Due to this reason, visitors can enjoy its real natural beauty.

• Devikulam:

Devikulam is a small hill station about 5 km from Munnar in the Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala in India. It is 1800 m above sea level.The spice plantations in the beautiful Devikulam hills enshroud the emerald greens in a fragrant mist that lift up your spirits to a state of elated bliss. The neatly clipped tea bushes stand in manicured rows interspersed with tall fruit and gum trees offer soothing vistas. 

Pilgrims take holy dips in the strikingly beautiful Devikulam Lake, adventure seekers go mountaineering, hill climbing and nature trekking while peace seekers simply laze in the lap of virgin greens. 

• Rajamala Hills:

About 15 km from Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala, is the beautiful Rajamala. The natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half the world Tahr population estimated at around 1300. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala. The picturesque beauty of this mountain will make you want to tent here forever!

• Kolukkumalai

Is there any better place to have a refreshing cup of tea than the hills of Kolukkumalai, which are home to the highest tea plantations in the world? And the tea grown here has a special flavour and freshness, thanks to the high altitude. 

The sprawling plantations and an old tea factory lend an old world charm to this place.  Go on a guided tour through the factory. The two-storied building, built in the 1930s, with its wooden interiors and aroma would present you some time-tested methods of tea processing. Here tea is processed in the traditional method, which is different from the more popular CTC (crush-tear-curl method). Tea lovers will be pleased to sip different varieties of tea from the tea tasting centre here. Those wanting to take home the flavour, can buy fresh packets from the outlet attached to the factory. There are different varieties to choose from like the Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) and the Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP). Get some tips from the salesmen on how to extract the different tastes. 

Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level and you can have some excellent views of the far off plains in the bordering State of Tamil Nadu. The distant hills slipping in and out of the mist is a captivating sight.       
 
The rolling acres of tea are an experience in itself for the visitors. Take a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantations. The more adventurous can take a walk down a fairly steep and narrow bridle path leading to the plains. Only with awe can you hear that this route was once the only option for the estate workers to carry tea chests down and bring provisions to their residence.