Thursday, 11 September 2014

Fruits Seen in Kerala

The God`s own country, Kerala Has many Attractions. you may be confused by the name God’s Own Country. It is the nick name given by the Travellers. Kerala is listed in the top 50 list of places that a person must see by many authorities. Surely this is a place blessed with great climate and wonderful travelling palces. This is a journey listing the common and rare fruits that you can see mostly only in Kerala.

Chakka (Jack fruit)



Plavu is a large evergreen spreading tree known for the largest tree borne fruit in the world. Jack fruit tree is mostly seen in the tropical lowlands and mainly in Kerala. This fruits is large and fleshy and are covered with thorny tubercles. Unripe fruits can also be cooked. The seeds may be boiled or baked. There are a number of varieties of jackfruits, the honey-jack (muttan varikka/thaen varikka) is considered the sweetest and the best in its Family. The flesh is starchy and fibrous and provides energy. Jack fruit tree is used in the treatment of various diseases such as vitiated vata, pitta, diarrhea, and skin disease, urinary retention and general weakness. The timber of the tree is used for making furniture as it is termite-proof. Almost of all the Parts can be Utilized. 

Kaitha (Pine Apple)



This fruit is seen in most of the parts of India Especially in Kerala. The peculiarity of this fruit is that it it contains small throwns. For eating this fruit you have to remove the outer layer containing throwns. This fruit has a taste of sour and sweetness also. This is good for digestion and it is mostly used as juice. This is cultivated large scale in many places in Kerala.

Manga (Mango)



Mango is known as  the king of fruits, is one of the most popular of the tropical fruit varieties. Mango has undergone considerable varietal differentiation. In India alone, over 100 named varieties are known. Apart from these, millions of seedling trees grow throughout the country, each of which has its own distinctive characteristics. A major portion of mango trees in Kerala are of seedling origin. Tender and mature but unripe mangoes are extensively used for making pickles. Ripe fruits are eaten as such. A variety of products are made out of this. They are canned mango slices, mango pulp, jam, juice, custard powder, ready to serve mango beverages, toffees etc are these.

Omaikka (Papaya)



The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya. It is a very large plant and has a single stem that grows to a height of around 5 to 10 meters tall. The leaves are seen only in the top of the trunk and are arranged in a attractive spiral manner. The ripe fruit is eaten whereas the unripe fruit of papaya is cooked and eaten. They are used to make curries, salads and stews. It has high amount of pectin in it that can be used to make jellies also. Some of the various uses of papaya are that it is used as a cooking aid, in medicine etc

Vazha (Banana)



Banana is also a main attraction of kerala. About 50-60 tonns of bananas is exported from Kerala every day. a lot of varieties are available in the market with different colours, sizes and taste. The popular varieties include palayankodan, sahasrapadali, ayiram poovan, poovan, nenthran, kumpillaannan, malayannan, thottannan, kadali, rasakadali (njaalipoovan), chenkadali (kappa), kaliyethan, chengali, aattunenthran, pachakkappa, robesta, matti, padatti, peyan, monthan, annan etc. The colours are yellow, purple and red. Ripe bananas are very sweet and they can be eaten whereas unripe can cooked. The banana plant’s trunk when peeled has a tender core which is edible when cooked. Similarly the flower is also used for delicious dishes. Banana leaves are often used as plates or disposable food containers where people consider it as a plate to have their food on this leaf. It is also an old Trtadition of kerala.Taking banana helps to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma in women. 

Seethaappazham (Custard Apple)



This is another fruit that is common in Kerala villages and very tasty also. This fruit comes from the tree atha. This fruit is almost size compared to apple. It contains a lot of seeds coated with edible white portion .This fruit is very tasty and posses medicinal qualities. Now, It is disapperaring from the society 

Kasumanga (Cashew Fruit)



The cashew is a tree which is native to northeastern Brazil. It is plenty in Kerala. We Export it to other countries. They are grown mainly for the cashew nuts and cashew apples. While processing cashew we obtain the cashew nutshell liquid which is rich in anacardic acids. This can be used effectively against tooth problems as they are harmful to the gram-positive bacteria. They also act best against many other gram-positive bacteria. The cashew nut is a favourite snack of all and they are consumed as such or lightly salted or sugared

Njaval (Black Plum)



The fruit is known for its sweet, sour and astringent flavor. It is a large evergreen tree with white fragrant flowers and black fruit with pink juicy pulp. This fast growing tree lives for more than 100 years. The wood is strong and is water resistant. Because of this it is used in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells. This tree starts to flower in the months March to April every year. The The fruit is green and changes to a pink to shining black colour when it matures.. The seed has medicinal values and is used in ayurveda to control diseases like diabetes and also for digestive ailments. The leaves and bark are also useful for controlling blood pressure. Wine and vinegar are also made from the fruit. It is a high source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Kodukappuli (Manila Tamarind)



An apple a day keeps a doctor away’ may be modified thus ‘A kodukappuli a day may indeed keep pain away’. This is an evergreen tree which grows very fast and has a crooked trunk with small branches that arise from the base of the leaves. The flowers are greenish white in colour, fragrant and it produces pod with an edible pulp. The liquid obtained by boiling the bark can be used for the curing frequent bowel movement. Decoctions of leaves are used for digestion problems and used as abortifacient. The hard timber is used for various purposes such as for construction, packing cases, making fences, cart building and agricultural tools etc.

Sheema nelli (Star gooseberry)



Indigenous fruit trees like Sheema nelli that does not require much care and attention is a boon to every households. The tree often bears fruit twice a year, the first during April to May and then during August-September also. Star gooseberry fruit is known to contain extremely high amounts of natural vitamin C which is an antioxidant with potent anti-ageing properties. It has only one seed in each fruit. The flowers are male, female or hermaphrodite and are small, pinkish in colour and appear in cluster.

Perakaya (Guava)



Guava trees are small shrubby evergreen trees, with a lot of strong bony like branches found in kerala. the main variety of guava cultivated and sold here is the apple guava. The fruits are fleshy and have a sweet taste. This fruit is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B4. Natural propagation is by birds and small animals. Different parts of the tree have medicinal properties. The decoction of the leaves and bark of this tree are sued for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting and sore throats, and also for regulating the menstrual cycles. The crushed leaves used when applied on wounds relieves pain.
Champakka ( Rose Apple)



It is one of the most commonly seen fruit in Kerala. It is white when it is not ripen. It turns rose and then red as it ripe. You can eat it even if it is not ripen, but it will be slightly sour. This fruit bearing tree grows a maximum of 6 - 7 meters. The fruit has seeds inside which is bitter in taste. Even though its juice is not common it is also very tasty.

Everlasting Honeymoonpackages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages, aesthetic House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats and Rent-A-Car service throughout the Kerala are some of focal features of Fortune Tours. For Fortune Tours travellers are not only guests but also friends too. Fortune Tours never miss the chance to treat their friends in a charming atmosphere.

Traditional Village Style of Kerala

The village life in Kerala, the gods own country  forms the backbone of this state in the Indian peninsula. kerala reconstructs the settings and atmosphere of a traditional Kerala village, including the houses.  The Traditions of Kerala used to be practiced during from the old days can no longer be found in recent times in the busy city lifestyle. But many of them can still be seen and to be practiced in the day to day village life of Kerala. It is seen in a rare villages.  The tharavadu and Nalukettu houses, representative of the residences of the lower and upper classes of Kerala are put up here. Family is an important unit of a rural household in the state giving first preference. The male member works outside  in agricultural works in the field, the female member looks after the household works. But, sometimes, especially in the harvesting seasons, women also accompany their male partners to the fields for work. The older members in the house also have an important place in the society of rural Kerala. They also have an important decision making role in the house.

In accordance with festivals, cultural performances are practiced mainly in the evenings. Various dances like Kathakkali and Mohiniyattam and even other dance-forms from other states like Kuchipudi and Bharathanatyam are performed mainly in nights. Folk art forms like Pavakkoothu, Villupattu, Kakkarisi Natakam and the famous Panchavadyam of Kerala are also performed. Kerala’s famous Martial Art forms like Kalaripayattu and Theyyam are other attractions of kerala.

There are small, handicraft industries in the villages. Moreover, handloom, marine products and other small-scale industries also play an important role in the economy of kerala. The villages in the state are lush green with vegetation and the major tree is coconut. The main foods of people in the villages of Kerala are fish curry and tapioca.

The Kerala Tea Stalls, called Chayakkada, can be seen here. The thatched houses and the mansions of timber are constructed with care, and are decorated exquisitely in traditional style with full of crafting works. The mansions have massive pillars, open courtyards and corridors. Inside the houses, an ethnic crafts of Kerala are on display – woodwork, ethnic jewelry and boxes, sandal wood carvings, paintings, musical instruments, furniture, swords and shields and more are displayed. The outside of houses are decorated with Pookkolams, the lovely traditional flower arrangement of Kerala. The whole creation has an enchanting effect, transporting the visitors back to an era that appreciated beauty and elegance in every aspect of lifestyle.

Besides the cultural feasts, that satisfy the tourist’s palate are also on offer here.  Various luxurious delicacies of South India, a wide varied choice that leaves tourists confused as to what to choose and what to leave, are on displays here. Some of the dishes include theeyal, meen moilee, malabar porotta, fish stew drowned in coconut milk, avial, appam, idiappam, Vellappam and Kallappam.

Plan a trip to Kerala in this vacation and there are many Unexplored places in Kerala that have a traditional touch and enjoy a different experience that you ever experienced.

So what are you waiting for? Just choose the right and the tailor made package from Fortune and explore the unending charm and appeal of Kerala and relish in for years and years to come. Happy Holidays.

Everlasting Honeymoon packages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages, aesthetic House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats and Rent-A-Car service throughout the Kerala are some of focal features of Fortune Tours. For Fortune Tours ttravelersare not only guests but also friends too. Fortune Tours never miss the chance to treat their friends in a charming atmosphere.

Top 7 Reasons to Visit Kerala

Kerala has its own unending charm and its spell binding beauty never fails to entice the visitors and the holiday makers who come here for holidays and trip. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should not miss an opportunity here for a holidays and trip.

Kerala is blessed with some of the world most beautiful attractions and this is the reason why this beautiful state in South India is widely visited by scores of tourists round the year. Few highlight of the place are mentioned as below. 

Kerala Backwater

It is the Most Impressive Attraction of God’s Own Country that draws huge number of tourists to the state of Kerala. Cruise over the Kayal of Keralam is an exciting experience especially for the honeymooners. The joyful ride and the peaceful ambiance make it an ideal gateway to be with the nature and feel the beauty which is simply astounding and spell binding. Alleppey and Kumarakom are the hot spot and tourist attractions that are hugely visited by the holiday makers.

Houseboats

Houseboats are another beautiful attraction of the state. It is a wonderful experience to enjoy the houseboat cruise over the pristine and the breathtaking backwater, which slowly floating glides to the land of wonderments. Houseboat tours can be booked by paying somewhat between 5000 - 7000, depending upon the houseboat and the quality of services.

Ayurveda

Kerala is not only known for its exclusive natural beauty, but the place has earned huge respect and fame for its world class Ayurveda therapy. This 5000 years old practice has helped in the boom of the medical tourism of the state and has given birth to several Ayurveda centers and specialty Ayurveda resorts for Ayurveda therapy and rejuvenations.

Beaches

Kerala beaches are renowned for their azure, clean and green natural surroundings. Enveloped magnificently by the swaying palm and casuarinas trees, the beaches of Kerala are the ideal gateway to enjoy laidback holidays as well as various exciting water sports and activities.

Spice and Tea Tour

Known since ages for spices and tea, the state Kerala also offer excellent opportunity for tourist to known about the various species grown in this region as well as about the vast stretches of the tea gardens that are wide spread. The vast stretches of the tea gardens allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea gardens that drapes the hill town with a spell biding appeal.

Wildlife



Kerala is renowned for its exotic Life of Forest Animals and Parks Known for its alluring greenery and the rich flora and fauna that is been protected by the sanctuary, the wildlife of the state are no less than a heavenly retreat for naturalist and animal lovers. Some of the exotic wildlife parks and sanctuaries that are quite famous are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aaralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi Vaazhaani Wildlife Sanctuary and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Waterfalls 

Kerala waterfalls are also the major tourist attraction of the state. The Western Ghats are well punctuated with large and small waterfalls that magnificently cascades from the towering heights, giving an opportunity for tourists to enjoy the creative and marvelous beauty of the nature. The beauty of these waterfalls is an inspiration to many writers and poets. Some of the renowned waterfalls in the state are Kesari Waterfalls, Chellarkovil Falls, Attukal Waterfalls, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, etc.

So what are you waiting for? Just choose the right and the tailor made package from Fortune and explore the unending charm and appeal of Kerala and relish in for years and years to come. Happy Holidays.

Everlasting Honeymoonpackages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages, aesthetic House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats and Rent-A-Car service throughout the Kerala are some of focal features of Fortune Tours. For Fortune Tours travellers are not only guests but also friends too. Fortune Tours never miss the chance to treat their friends in a charming atmosphere.

Prime Tourist Spots to Explore in Nelliyampathy

From the towns of Nenmara in Palakkad, the cloud-kissing peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to enjoy. The height of the hills ranges from 467 meters to 1572 meters which truly offers elegant views. To get Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that gain to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 harpy bends that have to be adjourned on the way to Nelliyampathy, which itself has affluence of absorbing sights to offer.


The Pothundy Dam is an arresting area with accessories for boating and a nice advantage as a picnic place. As the Ghat road apprehension its way up to Nelliyampathy, at assertive places there are viewpoints from where the all-inclusive stretches of Palakkad district are arresting with its all-encompassing paddy fields basic a blooming carpet. It as well offers a baroque appearance of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats accumulation in this region, bringing into view, locations of the abutting State of Tamilnadu.


On the way up, those absorbed in bio agriculture can yield a abutting attending at the abreast managed farms and as well all-inclusive expanses of tea estates managed by altered plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are as well as accepted for its orange cultivation.
Privately endemic hotels and resorts are amid at assorted points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms amid actuality are a major battleground as one gain up afore extensive the advanced point at Palagapandi estate. The acreage has a bizarre bungalow, congenital during the periods of the British Raj in India, and has now been adapted into a private endemic resort. At Kaikatty, an association anteroom is available, which is usually acclimated as abject by those absorbed in trekking.


Not far abroad from Palagapandy is Seethakundu area where one can enjoy wonderful valley view, and a 100 m top waterfall provides another attraction. From Palagapandy, one can expedition or go by auto to reach Mampara; addition amazing view point at Nelliyampathy. The land in and about Palagapandy has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with abutting hills acceptance one to bolt a glimpse of the wildlife such as Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc, and is as well a paradise for birdwatchers.


The best season to visit and enjoy this ExoticTraveler Spotes in South India is September to May. Well now you must be eager to know exactly how to get here well the nearest rail head is Palakkad and the abutting airport is Coimbatore 52 and 55 Km respectively. And the nearest bus terminal is Nenmara thus reaching here will not be a tough task for any vacationers.

Fortune Tours are a company led by professionals with years of experience in the trade under same belt, with an assurance of superior quality services and a guarantee for value for money to esteemed customers. Fortune Tours strongly believe in the aphorism “AdithiDevoBhava” which means “Guest is God”. Fortune Tours take pride in serving our guest with high spirit of hospitality and ensure that they give more than his or her expectations. Each guest is so important to us and Fortune Tours make sure they have a single point of contact from customising the package to till they stay with us, thus ensuring complete peace of mind throughout the process. Everlasting Honeymoonpackages, remarkable Holidays packages, poetic pilgrim packages, aesthetic House boat cruise, hereditary Ayurvedic retreats and Rent-A-Car service throughout the Kerala are some of focal features of Fortune Tours. For Fortune Tours travellers are not only guests but also friends too. Fortune Tours never miss the chance to treat their friends in a charming atmosphere.