Kerala is getting ready for its most sought-after attraction Neelakurinji aka Strobilanthes kunthiana. Every 12 years, the hills of the famed tourist destination, Munnar gets covered in a hue of violet. The gradient slopes of Eravikulam National Park is the prime locality where Neelakurinji blooms. Neelakurinji which blooms once in every twelve years will make its appearance by the end of this month and will stay up until October, during which more than a million tourist from both India and abroad flock the hill station to catch a glimpse of this once in a blue moon sight. Neelakurinji is also found in the Eastern Ghats, whereas in Western Ghats Munnar has the biggest collection of Neelakurinji in India which is spread over an area of 3000 hectares.

Image From: Campper

This land is also home to Muthuvans, an Adivasi tribe, who deems the Kurunji flowers to be sacred. The legend goes as Lord Murugan, married Devi using a garland made of these flowers. The age of the tribal people and other important events are calculated using the periodic flowering as a time scale, showing how big a role these flowers play in their daily lives. Muthuvan Krishnan, one of the eldest community members says he is close to 100, having seen eight Kurinji blooms in his lifetime. Large swarms of bees and other insects are found during the blooming season owing to the Neelakurinji plants. The honey harvested after the blooming season, called Kurinji honey is believed to be thicker, sweeter and medicinal.

The Government of Kerala has launched a microsite that provides all kinds of information regarding how to reach and where to stay among many other important information. R Lekshmi, the Wildlife Warden of Munnar is currently gearing up the facilities in the park for an estimated footfall of over 5000 people per day. Both security and convenience are taken care by implementing Kurunji protection squad, CCTV and a fresh fleet of buses for travel. “In 12 years, the climate has changed. There has been much rain this time. If rains don’t play spoilsport and delay the blooms, the Neelakurunji should be there for all to see by the end of July”, says Lekshmi. Watching the Neelakurinji in full bloom is undoubtedly one of the most unique experiences in Kerala and is highly recommended.

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Text Credits: Wilbin Eapen

People always love to explore and every traveller is looking for some kind of inspiration, when he is travelling.  It is a fact that there is no other place in this world as much diverse as India. This country has lot of places engulfed in nature which only a few get to experience. If you are a traveller who believes in taking the less travelled road and wishe to get lost in the wilderness of the woods, then we have something for you. Here’s the list of top 10 beautiful places in India which isn’t much crowded and exploited.

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)

Source: holidify

A smal town situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 metres which is both historically and naturally endowed. Tawang is a small offbeat region where Dalai Lama was born and it has several abbeys and Buddhist monks which are really a charming view. Tawang is a place which will flatter you with its beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality.

Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh)

Source: thebetterindia

This valley really has something inside it for the ones who put their feet on its soil. The place can be said as a mysterious beauty which offers an adventure-centric getaway blessed with a wealth of nature’s treasures. Trekking, fishing, wildlife and unexplored hill areas, Tirthan is a complete package to elapse from a stressful life.  Even if you don’t want anything above mentioned, all those pine trees of this valley have the magic to make you chill by actually of doing nothing.

Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

Source: tripdezire

A holiday in between simple, innocent people and virgin mountains, Spiti can be a perfect spot for offbeat adventure-seeking travellers. Being home to many Buddhist monasteries, Spiti fills visitors with awe at its majestic grandeur. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers but the winters are harsh and many-a-time unbearable and should be avoided.

Nubra Valley (Jammu & Kashmir)

Source: alzaintravels.com

A valley in the paradise of earth, which will leave you awestruck for sure.  The rivers Shyok and Nubra course through the Nubra valley, which keeps her even more beautiful. The pleasant autumn season lets you enjoy the beautiful sight of this unexploited paradise. The valley experiences extremely cold climate throughout the year. Winters are extremely harsh with unbearable conditions. The Valley is one of the last treasures of our planet, living in sheer isolation for most of the year in the heart of the great Himalayas. So Nubra will be a great choice if your bags are packed for an adventure.

Gokarna ( Karnataka )

Source: tripoto.com

Gokarna, the land of temples and unspoiled beaches. This relatively offbeat place is widely known as a temple town with pilgrimages and hippies all over, where the essence of the mantras and spiritual chants in air results in a calm atmosphere. Gokarna also has a lot of unspoiled beautiful beaches which welcomes every traveller, who seeks peace and relaxing holidays.

Ponmudi ( Kerala )

Source: SelfRoadiez

She rests at the lap of western ghats, with a lot of offbeat regions including several tea plantations, lush green hills, streams and waterfalls. How could it feel if you get a chance to trek one of the highest peaks in southern India, Agasthayarkoodam. The magnificent top view of sunrise and freshness of narrow streams will surely be an unforgettable experience in your travel diaries.

Bhedaghat (Madhya Pradesh)

Source: Campaigns of The World

A really mysterious place, where natives believe that those magical rocks are capable of taking forms and shapes. The marble rocks can simply fire your imagination and it will be a unique travel experience. Bhedagat is famous for such marble rocks and Dhuandar waterfalls which is one of the highest in India. November to May is the perfect time to visit this gorgeous offbeat destination.

Tadoba (Maharashtra)

Source: Tiger Nation

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, Tadoba tiger reserve will welcome you to enjoy the beauty of rare species of flora and fauna, Tigers and it is abode to a number of prominent wild denizens like Leopard, Wild dog, Sloth bear, Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer, Cheetal and so on. Apart from tourists, the place is not at all much crowded so it’s an ideal weekend gateway for wildlife and nature lovers for an enchanting wildlife experience.

Talasari Beach (Odisha )

Source: The Hans India

Ever wanted to experience the charm of secluded beaches? Talasari beach is one of the very few beaches in Odisha which doesn’t have any rush or people. It is a world that needs to be explored. This virgin beach has sand dunes, calmer waves amid several palm trees, coconut trees, cashew tree  and one can simply walk across the beach, river bed or enjoy boat rides and high tides

North Sikkim (Sikkim)

Source: www.spectraholidays.in

North Sikkim gives you a chance to explore the eastern mountain range of the Great Himalaya. It can be called as one of the most breathtaking panoramas in India, the region of the Northern part of the Sikkim state is the wonder of Mother Earth. Hiking and trekking are the much sought-after things to do here. May to September are ideal for a trip to this truly offbeat location.

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Photos & Words by Tsvetelina Tsankova

Kerala, for me, is the place where you truly come alive. Everything here, especially the people, reminds me that to be happy, all you need to do is just smile, open your heart and love, be close to nature, eat healthy and tasty food, feel with all senses, connect and be responsible to each other and finally, to find happiness with what you have and that you are here, to live today. Kerala is like a big heart, where everyone will find a place and peace for themselves. I often felt like a child during my trip – free, happy and making the most of each moment. I hope to come back here to share this fairytale-like experience with all my friends, because the land of the coconut will always be part of my life.

“To capture life in a photo is a challenge but I keep trying to do it while I am travelling. The innocence of a child or the experience of an adult, all this you can read, looking at their faces. And if eyes are the door to the soul of a person, the Kerala locals open doors for you.”

The people

When there is eye contact, words are not needed. The advantage of travelling solo is that you meet so many new people and learn their life stories. The face and the eyes of a person speak every language. The friendly smile connects you no matter their nationality and it is the best advertisement for each destination. The happy people of Kerala are the heart of the state. They will make you feel at home and make you return for more.

Backwaters sunset

I will always remember the boat trip in the backwaters of Kerala. The boats used to be a transportation vehicle for tea in the past, but now you can stay on it overnight. I got to see the real life around the backwaters, the people, nature, and unforgettable sunsets. The colors of the sunset looked so unreal at times; it may as well have been paradise.

Stay with a local family

Thanks to the hosts I stayed with at Wayanad, I learned more about the daily life, the culture, the food and the traditions in Kerala families. Surrounded by coffee plantation, for breakfast we had authentic coffee made by the host.

The food

When I arrived in Kerala I couldn’t handle spicy food. But after two weeks, I surprised myself because I needed all food to be spicy for me to enjoy it. Kerala is the place where you will taste healthy food as all dishes are prepared with a lot of vegetables and according to Ayurveda requirements. I got the chance to try some fruits I had never even heard of for the first time. The desserts were also completely novel to me, but I enjoyed many bites of them. And the simplest act of eating with the hand, made the experience completely new.

The Handicrafts

If you travel to smaller villages, you are bound to see locals involved in creating handicrafts. They use everything from coconut leaf to bamboo to make woven carpets, to pencil bags, jewelry, boxes, and more. This promotion of crafts is part of a responsible tourism project by the Kerala Government, which gives work to local women in Wayanad.

Tea plantation

Tea plantations are a Kerala tradition which the locals have kept alive for a long time. When I walked into a tea plantation, I didn’t expect to see tall trees. But later I learnt that they are planted there to create shadow for the tea plants when the sun is too strong. You can find white, black, green and all the different kinds of tea here. When we ordered tea while at the plantation, they served it with milk and sugar and flavored with cardamom. The ginger tea they have is a must try for anyone.

Nature and Wildlife

Kerala is home to every kind of terrain. In a single trip, I got to see paddy fields, hills and mountains, backwaters and beaches, even national parks and forests.

I had the chance to immerse myself in so many different activities like hiking, kayaking, and even climbing a coconut tree, all in the span of a single trip. I never imagined that I would get the chance to climb a coconut tree! If you are lucky enough to visit Kerala, you will also get to see a lot of different wildlife like beautiful birds and elephants in their natural habitat. There are so many great memories from my trip.

Spices

The spices are the taste of Kerala. If you wonder how the food comes to be orange, ask if it was cooked with turmeric or masala (a combination of different spices), curcuma or something else. I learned a lot of new things about the different kinds of pepper, the local spices; this being one of the few things which I brought back to Bulgaria. I had the chance to plant a cinnamon tree in the yard of Greenwoods Resort, Thekkady, and I hope, after 5 years when it is big, I can come back to see it.

Kerala is truly the place to be if you want to bring back balance to your life. A trip here will help you find inspiration, recharge your pool of positivity, and one wouldn’t even want to go back. Life is a journey and after this trip I understood why the locals say: Happy journey!

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On the bay at The Waterfront Granary Museum Hotel in Mattancherry, Kochi, we met Vimala Raman sitting cross-legged and smiling, with no care in the world for the notorious heat waves this summer. Her smile accentuated her features, enhancing her chiselled cheeks and metalpiercing sharpness of her eyes.

Vimala Raman’s tone was as pleasant as her appearance, letting the interview fall into a relaxed and friendly chit-chat mood. Thus began the story of a young girl of Indian origin, and IT degree holder from Australia, landing in Chennai with the goal of becoming an actress.

How did cinema happen? What fuelled your interest in acting?

People have suspected that I always wanted to be an actress because I was involved with so many activities outside the classroom, during my school days Australia. I started learning Bharatnatyam when I was four, and also carnatic music and was a part of my school choir too, for six years. I took an interest in theatre as well. I was always involved in extracurricular activities but it was never a conscious path that I took towards cinema.

Usually, Indians who are born and/or raised abroad receive a cultural shock on their return to the country. Did you face any?

Fortunately, I had parents who made it a point to inculcate a good deal of Indian culture and values in us even as we grew up in Australia. From a young age, I understood what it meant to be an Indian. And moreover, we watched many Indian movies, mostly Tamil, regularly. Even as a child, I could converse fluently in both Tamil and Kannada. So you could say that I had the best of both worlds. But yes, moving to India was no cakewalk. For someone who had spent all her time Down Under, in Sydney, I faced some problems despite that. To know it is one thing and to live it as your daily reality is another thing, I soon discovered. But I still have my connections to the East to be thankful for, and not be shocked, with India. Hence, I didn’t at any point find it necessary to change myself dramatically to be comfortable in India; and that I think was an achievement in itself.

And, was there anything about India that was pleasantly surprising?

India is seen as chaotic and disorganised, yet in some strange way it is synchronised and has its balance. Here, I see everyone move in cooperation with each other, consciously or inadvertently. I think that talks a lot about the Indian culture as well. A simple example is traffic here, we Indians go through all the toughness, all the congestion of it, yet move forward. This is simple yet symbolic.

You shifted not just continents, but also your profession. How did that feel?

From being an IT graduate and working in Australia, to becoming an actress and living in India, it was a major transition. Honestly, the first year and a half was painful. It took me a while to get used to a lot of things, especially the way the industry works. It took me some time to learn and absorb a few things here. But once done, it changed my mindset and life became a lot easier.

What’s your opinion about social media as a platform for celebrity branding?

I am not too active in social media. But honestly, I think there is nothing wrong with using social media as a public relations tool. And it’s not just actors or artists, everyone on a social network is propagating and promoting themselves on a daily basis. It could be the most mundane of things like ‘I had that for lunch’, but the idea is always about being visible or relevant. And I don’t see any harm in it. In this highly competitive world, with billions of people, social media is a great platform to be heard and seen.

Tell us about your character in your next movie Oppam? Is there anything that determines your choice in movies in general?

I think if you look at my career graph, you notice that I have tried to stay away from being stereotyped as much as possible. I have always wanted to try different genres of acting, with different plots. And I have been successful there to some extent, having done horror, thrillers and mystery. I like to have variety happening and the truth is that commercial masala also lends some variety.

I have been wanting to get back into Malayalam cinema after a long gap. So when Oppam came along, I grabbed it with both hands. Apart from it being a Priyadarshan movie, the subject was very compelling too. I am sure that
it will have the audience at the edge of their seats and I am totally excited about it.

What differences have you observed between film industries of the south, and what do you like about each?

Indian artists are at an advantage that way, I believe, as we have the chance to work in so many industries with so many great actors, directors and technicians in each of them. I am lucky to have been able to work in six different industries. Working in an industry is also about the learning the culture of that place. When I play a role in a Malayalam movie, I know what it feels to be a Malayali. Working on the sets of a Malayalam movie is a unique experience as you spend more time on the sets interacting, having fun with your co-artists and technicians, unlike in the other industries where you spend more time within the confines of your caravan. But like I said, every industry has its own very distinct character and is special for that

What is your fashion mantra?

Fashion and I have always got along really well, ever since I was young. As long as I can remember, I have always been fussy about how I looked and what I wore. Even if it was just my mom’s old salwar, I was particular that it looked good on me. My fashion statement would be class and elegance, with a touch of sportiness. These days, off-screen I am a jeans and t-shirt person with occasional dresses and jackets. To me, fashion is not just about the clothes but about the person as a package. It doesn’t have to be a million dollar dress, if you know how to carry it off, even a ten dollar dress can look like a million bucks. It may sound clichéd, but it finally boils down to feeling comfortable and confident.

Do you like travelling? Can you share with us what you love doing or the places you love travelling to?

Yes, I love travelling. Every year I try to visit at least one new country. And I have been doing it even if it’s in between the shoots because travelling has taught me many things. When you travel you pick up so many things and are exposed to the world. You start realising that there could be more to life, than what you see with your limited perception.

Model:Vimala Raman
Child Models: Annah and Zoya
Photographer: Jinson Abraham
Styling: Lakshmi Babu
Makeup & Hair Styling: Shalu George
Costumes: Lulu Fashion Store
Retouch: Jemini Ghosh
Location: The Waterfront Granary Museum Hotel, Mattancherry
Production: FWD Media
Special Thanks: Metro and Addons, LuLu Mall, Kochi

Behind the scene Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDhxgqtY0g

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