Impressions, Kerala Tourism

India Today, one of India?s popular magazines has in its October 2006 issue featured some of the best places and experiences in India, with three from Kerala. With maximum choice from a single State; India Today has really done their scouting to pick three from Kerala. The attempt by India Today deserves appreciation and in the light of their finding, the fact that Kerala remains one of India?s premium travel destination, once again gets underscored.

India Today, among its best three selection from Kerala has gone for the world famous bio hot spot Silent Valley in Palakkad; another world famous destination ? the Kovalam beach for experiencing the onset of the Monsoon and a unique tree house experience in a resort in Wayanad.

On Silent Valley, the writer Mr. Raj Chengappa highlights the significance of the rainforest region as Nature?s real treasure trove. He also wonders, how the region came to be known as ?Silent Valley.? On the contrary, according to Mr. Chengappa, the region literally is a recording studio of many sounds of the wild; led by Racket-tail Drongos, the Malabar Giant Squirrels, and the Nilgiri Langurs. In his article, he has also mentioned the special inhabitant of the Silent Valley the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque and also the struggle that thwarted an attempt to build a dam in the region, which would have endangered the habitats of many a life form in this pristine rain forest.

Moving on to another of India Today?s best choice in Kerala, writer Mr. Vijay Jung Thapa finds the world-renowned beach of Kovalam as an ideal place to watch the onset of the Monsoon. The feelings expressed by Mr. Thapa, after witnessing the changes that take place in the air and on the sea, prior to the first burst of Monsoon rain, itself provides an experience close to reality for the readers. In his article, Mr. Thapa has also shared the experiences of regular visitors to the Kovalam beach, who come there just to witness the first spell of the Monsoon rains, unleashing its hydropower.

And the third best pick by India Today in Kerala was a unique tree house experience at a resort in the hill district of Wayanad. Jungle Park Resort, situated at Vythiri in Wayanad is where writer Mr. M. G. Radhakrishnan got inspired by a tree house and decided to pen down his thoughts. Perched on a giant banyan tree, about 80 feet from the ground, the tree house built by eco-friendly materials offer a view of the sprawling dense, evergreen forests, below. The tree house is meant for those who would love to remain with the best of Nature and with comforts sans modernity. No TV, Music Systems or Telephones! Food is strictly vegetarian and water form the nearby stream to quench thirst. And the most beautiful experience of all, here at the Tree House is the means to access it. A bamboo lift, operated with the help of pulleys and counter-weight of water. Well! Where are you heading for your next holiday? This is the question tossed by Mr. Radhakrishnan to his readers, towards the conclusion of his article.

Courtesy: India Today, October 23, 2006