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A ride on the hilly, stony, zigzag, steep, roads can provide the adventure you are looking for. Here is a list of popular road trip routes if you want to escape from the tiresome routine, experience the cool breeze in your hair, and discover new places.
Chalakudy to Valparai
Source: Dazzling kerala
One of the best ways to enjoy the marvelous beauty of Kerala is through the brisk drive from Chalakudy, through the hills of Athirapally towards Valparai. The Valparai road is an adventurous ride for those who love to drive on hairpin bends. Both sides of the route are filled with tea estates and thick forests. Ezhatumugham, and Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls are thrilling stopovers on the way to Valparai.
Kottayam to Vagamon
Source: edtimes
The time taken to travel between Kottayam and Vagamon is approximately one and a half hours and this is one of the best travel routes for bikers. Cherish the cool breeze and breathe in the fresh air. Grass covered hills, velvet lawns, and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, and delightful valleys.
Thamarassery to Sultan Bathery
Source: Sterlingholidays
The Thamarassery mountain pass links the popular hill station Wayanad with Kozhikode. The two hour long drive is a leap back in time. Visit Edakkal Caves and the famous Jain temple that were once used by Tipu Sultan to store his ammunition.
Thekkady to Munnar
Source: Youtube
Tea gardens, wildlife, and breathtaking views accompany you upon this roadtrip in which you can also enjoy the charm of Periyar National Park. The duration can take upto approximately three hours depending upon the route you take.
Coastal highway route from Ernakulam to Kannur
Source: Chasingthenature
This route is for those who love to hit the road and have the coastline for company. The drive will cover 200km and would take approximately seven hours. You will experience the coastal line of Kerala and this is one of the longest road trips you can undertake in Kerala. Bekal Fort, Muzhuppilangad Beach, and Kappad Beaches are some of the pit-stops you can pause at.
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When it comes to planning a trip outdoors, camping offers some of the most affordable options. It is a popular choice for those who love to wake up to beautiful views and wish to be far from the mad rush of city life to relax, escape stress, and clear their minds.
Whether it is the wildlife, verdant tea estates, breathtaking viewpoints or cool hill stations; choose where your heart leads you and escape to one of these picturesque destinations.
Suryanelli
Situated 40km South East of the popular tourist location of Munnar, Suryanelli is located in Chinnakanal village in Idukki. It is surrounded by tea plantations and many resorts. The place gives you an astonishing view of Anayirangal Dam. It is recommended for all those who crave for a harmonious gateway.
Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located on the Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking narrow steep-sided valley and windy rivulets, it is definitely one of the most charming locations for camping.
Yellapatty
At a little distance from Munnar and close to Top Station and Mattupetti Dam lies Yellapatty. The hills here offer a stunning view of the tea plantation and has a natural vibe that will impress you. The beautiful valley surrounded by forests and the panoramic mountains, offer mesmerising views to wake up to.
Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is the world’s highest tea plantation. To visit Kolukkumalai is to touch the sky. It is without argument one of the world’s most beautiful scenic destinations.
Mankulam
Mankulam is a village in Idukki district. Experience a proper farm house ambiance and wake up to splendid views of the Mankulam valley. Explore this delightful part of Munnar and enjoy trails like the famous Royal Route.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and grassy hills. The Kodaikanal region and especially the Kodai-Camp offers a unique atmosphere of peacefulness.
Coorg
Kodagu, also known as Coorg is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism. Kodagu is the largest producer of coffee in India. Undulating hills covered in lush green forests and a landscape dotted with coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves, this hill station has breathtakingly stunning scenic beauty.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a town on the Arabian Sea, in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka. It attracts a crowd for a chilled-out beach holiday and is an alternative option to the crowded beaches of Goa. Most accommodation is in thatched bamboo huts along its several stretches of blissful coast.
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]]>The post Check Out These 8 Interesting Locations from Malayalam Movies for Your Next Travel appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.
]]>Text Credits: Lakshmi Priya
It’s summer vacation and where are you heading to, to spend your holidays productively? If you haven’t decided yet then we have some special places for you. There were many famous movies in Malayalam cinema which were shot at various beautiful locations around Kerala. Why not take a walk through the ‘Varikkasseri Mana’ where Jagannathan of Aaramthampuran resided? Why not breath-in the fresh air at Kuttanad where innumerable hit Malayalam movies captured its scenic beauty on the celluloid? To make your travelling experience a bit more than just memorable, here is a list of popular shooting locations in Kerala that you can explore. From places of natural beauty to mansions full of antiques, these places will definitely take you for a nostalgic trip through the history of Malayalam cinema.
Varikkasseri Mana
Image source: hyd-masti.com
Even after years, the movie Aaraam Thampuram is greeted with applause by the viewers because of the spectacular performance of the complete actor, Mohanlal. The movie might have been incomplete without the ancient Ettukettu model house – Varikkasseri Mana where the movie was set. It is one of the oldest aristocratic Namboothiri‘s houses located at Manissery Village of Ottapalam, Palakkad. Devasuram, Rapakal, Thoovalkottaram are some of the other movies shot here. Visitors are allowed in this age-old mansion when no shooting is going on.
Kuttanad
Image source: klicktours.com
Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala, Kuttanadu in Alappuzha is popular for its vast paddy fields, backwaters and picturesque villages. The natural beauty of Kuttanad is beautifully captured in many Malayalam movies. Amen, Champakulam Thachan, Bhagyadevatha are some of the movies shot here. Few scenes from the famous Hindi films like Dil Se and Tashan were also shot here. If you are heading to Kuttanad, don’t forget to explore the Punnamada Lake in a houseboat and experience Kayaking, a water sport.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Image source: wikipedia.org
When actress Shobana mused the character of ‘Nagavalli’ for the movie Manichithrathazhu and moved her feet to a Tamil song, Kerala witnessed one of the best movies ever made in the Indian cinema history. As stellar as Shobana’s performance, the big mansion – Padmanabhapuram Palace where the movie was shot also fascinated the movie enthusiasts. Located at the Kalkulam taluk of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu and owned and maintained by the Government of Kerala, Padmanabhapuram Palace is the face of the Travancore-era of Kerala. The movie His Highness Abdulla was also shot here.
Thalassery
Image source: indianholiday.com
The movies Malarvadi Arts Club, Thattathin Marayathu and Oru Vadakkan Selfie, is known for capturing the beauty of Malabar. Situated on the Malabar coast of Kerala in Kannur, Thalassery is turning out to be a popular movie location. Thalassery is known for its historically significant locations like Tellicherry fort, Gundert Bungalow and AndalurKavu. Muzhuppilangad beach, the longest Drive- in Beach in Asia is also situated there. Thalassery is also famous for giving birth to the art form Theyyam and the martial art Kalaripayattu.
Olappamanna Mana
Image source: keralatourism.org
Moideen and Kanjana Maala of the movie Ennu Ninte Moideen has undoubtedly conquered our hearts with their tragical yet divine love story. Olappamanna Mana, situated in Vellinezhi of Palakkad district is the house of Moideen in the movie. Olappamanna is the birthplace of Kerala’s famous poet Olappamanna Manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad. The mana is opened for tourists and also has the facility of homestay. This place can definitely give you a glimpse to the age-old Namboothiri heritage. Aaram Thampuran, Madambi, Aakasha Ganga, Naran are the other movies which were shot here.
Vagamon
Image source: vagamon.com
A hill station located at the Kottayam district, Vagamon is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience. The movie Iyyobinte Pusthakam was completely shot here. The place has a number of resorts and places of adventurous sports.
Athirapally Falls
Image source : photo.webindia123.com
Located at Chalakudi Taluk of Thrissur, Athirapally falls have been a popular location for shooting song sequences in Malayalam movies. The movie Anandabadram and a number of other movies were shot here. The falls are also commonly seen in most of the Mani Ratnam movies like Kannathil Muthamittal, Guru, Raavan, Dil Se.
Bolgatty Palace
Image source: ktdc.com
Nirakootu, My boss, Vellinakshathram are some of the movies shot in Bolgatty palace constructed by the Dutch at the Bolgatty Island in Kochi. One of the popular holiday destinations of tourists, Bolgatty palace has an ayurvedic centre and Kathakali performances on a daily basis.
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With the heat soaring higher each day, we can’t wait to head out of the city to some place cooler and refreshing. FWD Life gives you five best options to head to in Kerala, South India, and the rest of the country.
5 Fine Places to Run to in Kerala
Vattavada
Source: campper.com
With its pleasant climate throughout the year, Vattavada is a lesser known retreat near Munnar. It will be an ideal option to go to avoid the rush that will be there in Munnar during the peak months of summer. Known as the ‘Market of Kerala’, don’t forget to relish the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow here, which are sent to the other parts of the state, such as apple, blackberry, egg fruit, gooseberry, passionfruit, peach, and plums.
Kumarakom
Source: WikiCommons
While beaches are not the best option to go to in the scorching heat of the summers in Kerala, you can still be closer to the refreshing waters of lagoons. Give a pass to Alappuzha which will be crowded, and instead choose Kumarakom. Spend a perfect family time lounging on the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala.
Vagamon
Source: WikiCommons
Listed by National Geographic Traveler in their list of ’50 Most Attractive Places to Visit in India’, Vagamon is a green heaven. The cool climate of the place allows a fun lolling over its gentle, rolling hills, called ‘mutta kunnu’. Natural beauties like green meadows, pine forests, orchid flower gardens; and adventurous activities like paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing, are the main attractions here.
Kalpetta
Source: WikiCommons
Rich with history and blessed by nature, Kalpetta offers a withdrawal into peace and calm. Historically rich, Kalpetta has a number of ancient Jain rock temples, most of which are in a dilapidated state. Learn about the several rare species of butterflies at the Botanic and Butterfly Garden. The place is also a hub for trekking enthusiasts, who can trek to Myladippara for an enchanting trail.
Ponmudi
Source: WikiCommons
The most popular hillstation in the south of Kerala, Ponmudi is favoured for cheerful climate. The place offers beautiful scenic landscapes that are popular with backpackers. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, are some of the main attractions. The ride to Ponmudi is equally breathtaking, with the Kallar River lining the route.
5 Top Destinations to Escape to in South India
Kodaikanal
Source: WikiCommons
Nicknamed ‘The Gift of the Forest’ and ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is one of the most beloved havens for rest and relaxation. The cool climes of the city invites people from all over to its mist laden hills. It is a touristy place with a number of attractions such as Kodaikanal Lake, Pillar Rocks, Pine Forest, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Guna Caves, Dolphin’s Nose, Silver Cascade, etc.
Coonoor
Source: WikiCommons
Well known for the production of Nilgiri Tea, Coonoor is the second largest hillstation in the Nilgiris after Ooty. It is therefore a perfect alternative to Ooty, which can be teeming with the summer rush. Sim’s Park is a botanical garden with over 1,000 varieties of plant species. Don’t miss the annual fruit and vegetable show that is held in May.
Araku Valley
Source: famousplacesinindia.in
Blessed with natural formations, Araku Valley is an up and coming tourist attraction in South India. Located in Andhra Pradesh, it is an area inhabited by tribals. Borra Caves are a 1mn year old limestone caves that form the main attraction in the place. Ananthagiri Hills and Chapparai are the other major allures the place offers.
Yercaud
Source: WikiCommons
Known as the ‘Jewel of the South’, Yercaud is an attractive hill station for Summer travellers looking to run away from the heat. Prominent for fresh native fruits such as bananas, jackfruit, orange, and pear; it also offers enticing picturesque locations. It is also celebrated for its flavoursome coffee, the shrubs of which begin blooming in April to present a scenic view.
Kotagiri
Source: WikiCommons
Among the plentiful hill stations that the South of India offers, Kotagiri is a lesser known gem that will be a perfect hideaway for travellers looking to beat the crowded and more fashionable hill stations. Encounter the tall, double cascading Catherine Falls, explore the John Sullivan Memorial, take a mesmerising look at the Dolphin Nose View Point, probe the Bison Park, and inspect the Ralliah Dam.
5 Terrific Summer Getaways Beyond South India
Shimla
Source: WikiCommons
Get your dose of summer snow at this erstwhile capital of British India. Be awed by the Tudorbethan and Neo-Gothic architecture from the colonial era through the copious churches and buildings of importance. The Kalka-Shimla Railway line dating back to the British times is a must-see allurement that is also listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is also host to the MTB Himalaya mountain biking race, considered to be the biggest event of its kind in South Asia.
Rishikesh
Source: WikiCommons
Introduce yourself to the mighty Himalayas at Rishikesh, known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. Not just a splendid hill station, the place in Uttarakhand is also a crowd pleaser for yoga enthusiasts, being known as ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Other than being a pilgrimage destination, it also has an adventurous side to it, providing an impeccable site for white water rafting, paragliding, and skiing.
Darjeeling
Source: WikiCommons
Situated in West Bengal, Darjeeling is in demand during the summer months. The birth place of the world famous Darjeeling Tea, the place also has the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO Heritage Site, which has one of the few remaining steam locomotives in India. Touted the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling is the most leading tourist destination in the East of India, and according to the 2015 India Today survey, was the third most Googled tourist destination in India.
Dharamshala
Source: eragenx.com
Surrounded by a thick coniderous forest consisting of impressive Deodar trees, Dharamshala offers a peaceful retreat to enjoy quality time in communion with nature. In vogue with international tourists and hippies, the place important as the base of the Tibetan community in India, being the headquarters of Dalai Lama. The place is really famous for treks, with the most popular being the day trek to Triund, where you can also camp overnight.
Nainital
Source: WikiCommons
A classic hill station renowned since the colonial era, Nainital has been an exalter summer retreat for Indian and international travellers. Nainital Lake, Naini Peak, Snowview Point, Gurney House, Naini Devi Temple, Cave Garden, Sat Tal, Hanumangarhi, Mall Road, are some of the most extraordinary features of the place. Well-equipped libraries are also another characteristic attraction of the place.
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