Colachel Beach & Horbour - Kanyakumari

A quaint little beach town in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, Colachel is a popular vacation.

This post about the place of colachel,situated in south west of kanyakumari district and 20 km far from nagercoil.This page express about the explains about its historical incident called battle of colachel,in which Travancore king Marthanda Varma defeated the navel force of dutch in 18th century.The victory is still celebrating by the people on31st august every year in colachel war memorial.So lots of things changed between these years.now the place is getting good revenue each year through fishing.so i taken how the auction for fish takes place.hope you'll enjoy the post

 

 

Being a beachside settlement, Colachel Beach & Horbour experiences a hot and humid climate most of the time during a year. Therefore, the best time to visit it is from November until the end of March. This is the period when you can avoid the summer heat and the extreme humidity of Colachel. During this period, the weather is perfectly fine, thereby, comfortable.

It is known amongst locals for its history and ancient culture. As per records, the region was once the part of the Travancore kingdom and has also been ruled by the Dutch East India Company for a short period of time. Located within the town is the Colachel Pillar which was erected to commemorate the victory of the Travancore Empire over the Dutch army in the year 1741. This ancient pillar is of great historical significance and is visited by several history lovers every year. The town is also home to numerous churches and temples.

The place is worth a visit for those who want to know how a small Indian Princely state - Travancore defeated a colonial power in battle. The Dutch were defeated by Marthanda Varma the then king of Travancore.
He is also known as the Maker of Travancore. He defeated the Dutch and that ended the power of Dutch in South and India itself.
Marthanda Varma then went on to set Travancore on the path of becoming the wealthiest and stable kingdom which lasted till independence of India.

Pallam&Sanguthurai Sandy Beach - KANYAKUMARI

Pallam is a fishing village in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu and is located 9 km away from Nagarcoil.Such a beautiful and clean village in Kanyakumari District. 

Location (clickhere) Details share Abins Maria John.

 

 

 

 

 

St.Mathew church is here.this is an wounderful area. people are very nice. which is near to nagercoil. here is a wounderful beach that is known as sanguthuari beach.that is very fine picnic place in kanyakumari district.Sanguthurai beach is a sandy beach.

 

Sanguthurai beach is a sandy beach and it has huge white pillar with black conch built during King Chola period. From this beach you can see Thiruvalluvar statue and Vivekananda rock in a long view. Backwater view in Sanguthurai beach is really looks beautiful. Sanguthurai Beach is very calm and better place for people enjoy loneliness. Sanguthurai beach welcomes you with sangu statue, and a sea tower, which gives you a long shot view of the beach and the entire area surrounded by a coconut tree.

 

 

 

Karthigai Deepam & Therali Kozhukattai. - KANYAKUMARI

About Karthigai Deepam Festival:

Rows of agal vilakkus in front of every house... this is the image that at once comes to mind when we think of Karthigai Deepam - the festival of lights that is celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu during the month of Karthigai (November-December). Not many of us are aware that it is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the State, perhaps even before people began celebrating Deepavali and Navaratri.

There are two things I love about Karthigai deepam - the scintillating diyas and the delicious kozhukattais.Back in nagercoil, people used to steam these sweet dumplings in a special ,aromatic leaf called "thirali" that u can get only during this season.And i should tell u,these leaves definitely make a difference to the kozhukattais.kolukattai recipe is one of the famous recipes in Kanyakumari district for karthigai deepam. It can be served hot or cold, it will be delicious.

Today, I am sharing Therali Ilai Kozhukattai It is one of my mum's favorites and she makes it very often at home. Other place for Karthigai Deepam, my neighbor district Thirunelveliyans share us kozhukattai prepared using palm leaves. And, mum shares with them this Therali Kozhukattai. I can recollect many cherishable memories of mum if I think about this Therali kozhukattai. It is very famous in my native Kanyakumari since the tree with therali Ilai/Bay leaf is readily available in many houses.The strong smell of the fresh bay leaf enters into the kozhukattai/appam while steaming and gives great flavor to the kozhukattai. The house smells divine after we make this kozhukattai.

 Method:

1. Crush the dry ginger and cardamom pods. Keep it aside. Take powdered jaggery in a heavy bottomed pan and add 1 cup of water. Heat it until the jaggery is dissolved completely. Strain the impurities.

2. Pour the jaggery solution back to the pan and bring it to boil. Add the crushed cardamom, dry ginger and coconut. When it is boiling, add the rice flour. Mix it all together and keep stirring.

3. The water content will be absorbed completely and it is formed as a non sticky dough. Switch off the flame. When it is hand bearable, start making it into small elongated balls as shown below. Meanwhile, get ready with the bay leaf/therali ilai and wash it well.

4. Then place each ball on the backside of the leaf and roll it as shown below. Tuck the leaves stem over the kozukattai and seal it properly. Follow the same process for the entire dough.

4. Arrange the prepared kozhukattai on the steamer pate or on the Idli plate. Steam it for 15 to 20 mins.

5. Remove and serve when it is warm.

It smells so good the next day. Do try this if you could find bay leaf. If you couldn't get the bay leaf then steam it as such without the leaves.

 

Chittar I and Chittar II - Kanyakumari

 A great option for a one day trip from Kanyakumari. Good and fresh local foods available. Especially fish items. Good place for fishing. Netta (Sivalokam) is the place where the Chittar dam is situated in the lush green and serene district of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu. 

CHITTAR DAM  LOCATION (CLICKHERE)

Chittar Dams are a perfect runaway location as a picnic spot for those who seeks calm and peace atmosphere. Chittar consists of two dams and reservoirs namely Chittar I and Chittar II. These dams were constructed between 1964 and 1970.The dams were constructed as a part of Kodayar irrigation project, which was started during 1890’s, purely for irrigational purpose. Chittar dams are situated at a distance of 65 km from Trivandrum City in Kerala and 37 km from Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu. The main reason is that there are a lot of places or other things to do nearby like Thripparappu waterfalls, Pechipparai Dam, Kurishumala trek etc. Chittar Dam II is where you will find a place for leisure and picnic activities. But before entering to the dam site, please take permission from the Dam authorities, which you will find near the dam. Take adequate food and water and also umbrella. The shops are very much limited there. At any time please don’t try to enter into water, as it can be dangerous. You cannot measure the depth of water, as water level will change from area to area.

This dam has no shutters as seen in other dams. The Chittar Reservoir serves as an important source of irrigation for the region. The waters are cool and depth of the dam is very less if it is during summer and even during monsoon, you can enjoy a cool and refreshing bath. As the depth of the reservoir is irregular, it is advisable not to go too far from the banks. Chittar dam became more famous after the movie Rithu got released. The film has captured all the beautiful spots of this aesthetic place and it has driven many tourists. The best time to visit Chittar is the winter monsoons, when the climate is cooler and the sun not so harsh. Chittar Dam consists of 2 dams Chittar 1 and Chittar 2 and are connected with each other via an internal road. Chittar 1 and Chittar 2 has crystal clear waters and the reflection of the short and green peaks nearby is the uniqueness of the place. Chittar is not a general tourist destination. It is a perfect retreat or family outing spot where you can carry in your picnic bags and have a great outing experience. But please be responsible and do not litter, and help it maintain its uniqueness. Being a Dam site photography is strictly prohibited so you won’t be allowed in with Digital or Video cameras. This is allowed only on attaining special permission.

Chittar is also a unique place for fishing. Although 80% are small fishes, most of them are special delicacies like “karimeenu”, “Varaal” etc. For less fishing enthusiasts, you can also buy them if you can reach Chittar by around 8am, when local fishermen catch them and sell it near the dam. Some resorts have also sprung up during recent days and you can also plan on a stay there.

There are several small basic restaurants which sells tasty fish fries of Dam fish, Hotel Achayans and Muhammod Aarif at Sankarankadavu is one among them and we had tasty fish fry and tapioca from there.

 Anantya is ideal for the experiential traveler who wants to rest and relax and engage in a variety of experiences. Lily ponds and water lined walkways are common soothing elements around the cottages, restaurant and the large infinity pool. With open verandas to watch the shimmering lake, outdoor showers, Jacuzzis for a private soak, private plunge pools, every cottage has something special for guests.Lounge and relax, meditate, practice yoga, indulge in Ayurveda treatments, take long hikes on trails under the tall rubber trees, learn about rubber cultivation and how to “tap” a tree and draw its milky white rubber sap, journey through the forest and meet the Kaani tribals, experience their unique lifestyle, eat forest fruits that you will never see on store shelves, drive to the tip of India and see the sun rise out of the ocean and set into the ocean, meet the devi whose anger created the colored sands of the beaches, explore “Old Travancore” and hear the tales of its illustrious kingsThe reservoir view offered infront of this restaurant is one of the best.

Chittar Dam Location:    Chittar Dam – 1 and Chittar Dam – 2 are located at about 1.5 Kms from each other. Chittar Dam is located at about 15 Kms from Thirunanthikarai, 14 Kms from Pechiparai, 18 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 9 Kms from Thirparappu, 15 Kms from Kulasekharam, 22 Kms from Marthandam, 21 Kms from Kuzhithurai, 23 Kms from Vilavancode, 44 Kms from Nagercoil, 64 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.

4K- Drone shot - Thirparappu Falls - Kanyakumari

     posted by - Jeanne Jackson

CULTURE OF KANYAKUMARI

Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India is a popular tourist destination. Along with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the district of Kanyakumari is also known for its rich cultural heritage. Folk music and dance forms practiced here are not only a form of entertainment but an expression of Tamil Nadu’s culture and traditions. These dances are usually performed during festivals. Many of the tophotels in Kanyakumarioften organise special dance performances for their guests. Here’s a quick look at the different folk art forms of Kanyakumari.One of many festivals in Kanyakumari include the cape festival which is a big tourist attraction in India. The Cape festival is celebrated in the month of October.

Kanyakumari is a place which is named after a Hindu Goddess named Devi Kanya Kumari who was said to be Lord Krishna’s sister. According to a Hindu legend, it is said that Devi Kanya was an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Devi Kanya was set to marry Lord Shiva; however she fails to show up on the wedding day. The rice and the food that was supposed to be prepared was left untouched which then turned to stone. After which she is considered as a virgin goddess. It is also believed that she blesses the people who visit Kanyakumari.

1. Kalial

This is a folk dance performed by a group of boys or men. The men stand in a circle and dance around a lamp to the tune of a song sung by the leader of the group. Cymbals are often the sole instrument used in these performances. The steps vary from simple to elaborate and from a slow to quick pace. As the men dance, they twist and turn, lean forwards and backwards and jump to the beats of the music. When performed as a show, the dance usually begins with an invocation to the heavens and concludes with a torch dance.

 

2. Kathakali

Kathakali is the most famous dance form of this region. This is form of dance drama which involves elaborate costumes, masks and exaggerated eye and lip movement. A kathakali performance can last for anywhere between 8 to 10 hours. The dance form originated in Travancore and some of its movements are inspired by Bharatnatyam. A narrator narrates parts of the story while performers on stage enact the scene accompanied by music. Kathakali performances are usually organised in temples and during festivals.

 

3. Villu Pattu

Villu Pattu or Bow Song is an ancient musical form of storytelling. A bow is used as the main instrument in these performances along with other instruments such as a Kudam, Udukku and Thala-Kattai. In some performances the team may be divided into two groups. Each group presents an opposite point of view. In such performances the programme is conducted in the form of an exchange of questions and answers. This is also known as Lavani Pattu. Traditional folk songs are usually a part of these performances.

 

4. Karagam

The Karagam dance form is believed to have originated in Thanjavur. This is performed by men and women to honour the rain goddess and the river goddess. It is often a part of festivals and social celebrations such as weddings. The dance involves a series of intricate steps and movements such as dancing on a rolling log of wood, balancing pots of water on the head and moving up and down a ladder.

5. Kalari

Kalari or Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial arts practiced in Tamil Nadu that dates back to the 3rd century BC. There are three schools of Kalaripayattu; Arappa Kayy, Pilla Thangi and Vatten Thiripp. This style of martial arts combines a number of steps or Chuvatu and postures or Vadivu. The postures of Kalari are named after animals and vary in style from one school of Kalari to another. There are usually eight postures performed together. The best place to watch a Kalari performance is in one of the villages around Kanyakumari.

(So, when you plan a holiday to Kanyakumari, book one of the best Kanyakumari hotels and ask them about where you can catch a dance performance. This is something you don’t want to miss.)

People:

People of Kanyakumari are very optimistic and religious having great faith in the Goddess Kanyakumari – Amman. The people of this city are very nature lovers and you can see flocks of folks near beach to explore the views of sunset and sunrise.

Language and religion:

In broader sense, local residents of Kanyakumari used to speak Tamil and Malayalam. But, for tourists’ convenience, the local people used to speak Hindi and English.

Religious aspect of this magnificent city is also very strong. As per records, one can see here people of almost all religions residing in Kanyakumari. The major part of the city is covered by Hindus, but all the religions like Christianity, Muslim are also equally treated.

Food:

In Kanyakumari, foods prepared by the local people show its rich food culture and keenness to prepare the delicious food. The favorite food of the local people of Kanyakumari is Rice but Tapioca is also liked here especially, by the hilly people. Sea fishes, meat and agro products also form the main part of foods in Kanyakumari.

Local festivals, Art and music:

Local festivals show the main devotion of the local people towards enhancing the culture of the majestic city. The main festivals, celebrated with full bliss and excitement, are Navratri, Holi, Chaitra Purnima Festival, Cape Festival, etc. People of Kanyakumari also show their talent through impressive art and music.