Interview with leader of Spiritual Tour in India

We recently interviewed Canon Tony Fensome, a retired Anglican Priest, who has led a number of pilgrimages and tours across India, the Holy land, Turkey, Egypt, East Africa, and also Sri Lanka. Tony recently led our group tour called ‘In the Footsteps of St. Thomas’. We asked him a few questions about his experience and this is what he had to say.

What was your overall experience of travelling in South India?

Whenever you mention India, people who have not visited automatically think of over-crowding, poverty, unpleasant smells and tummy trouble. South India is so different from this perception people have in the west.  The people in South India are gentle and helpful. The cities, though busy are no different from any major city in the world. The sites are truly amazing and the food delicious and ‘gentle’. The eastern coast is host to the Mahabalipurum UNESCO World Heritage Site of carved granite reliefs and temples that are beautiful and the stunning Western Ghats with vivid green tea plantations and tropical climate. The backwaters of the western coast are calm and relaxing.  The vibrant and hectic activity surrounding the impressive temples with their highly decorated Goporam, bring vitality to the cities which is contagious.

Is there any experience that stands out?

The glorious brightly coloured flowers of the spice farms on the slopes of the Western Ghats and their appearance at the Flower Market in Madurai.

Which were your favourite destinations?

Munnar and the backwaters of Alleppey are both, in their different ways, the ‘must visit’ places on the tour.  Munnar is a working town set in the hills surrounded by spectacular scenery and cool climbs. Drifting through the Backwaters on a comfortable and traditional thatched boat, watching the birdlife and waterside villagers going about their daily lives, with the background of the rice fields is unforgettable.

Why should someone book this tour?

This tour has been described as a gentle introduction to ‘incredible India’ and offers a unique opportunity to savour the delights of the sub continent comfortably.

What cultural difference did you experience?

Although there is a different ‘protocol’ for driving than in the UK, it feels safe and the road network is improving all the time. On a visit to a village where nearly everyone was involved in the production of painted figures for both temples and churches, the people were welcoming and obviously proud of their intricate craft work.

Munnar: The Natural Wonderland

The land of rolling hills and verdant landscape – Munnar was once known as the High Range of Travancore. Today, this low mountain landscape is a hugely popular tourist destination in South India and a commercial centre of India’s top tea-growing estates. Interestingly, the name Munnar is actually a blend of two words Moonu (three) and Aaru (river), referring to the location of this town, which is at the confluence of three rivers – Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. The hills are dotted with green tea plantations, which are exquisitely clipped and contoured as patterned hedges. The sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, mystic hills, and exotic flora and fauna make this town a hugely popular resort for tourists. Let us look at popular attractions of Munnar:

The Attukal Waterfalls

Right across the jungles of Munnar near Pallivasa, you can spot the Attukal Waterfalls. The majestic cascades of these waterfalls will bewitch you with their pearly white water streams, gushing over the glistening rocks to travel downstream. There is a narrow wooden bridge in the vicinity, especially built to offer a closer view of the Attukal waterfalls. The mist rising from the water stream veils the nearby region and gives it a semi-transparent look. You can take a walk up to the waterfall by striding on the pebbly path and behold the splendour of this natural marvel closely. Alluring and serene, the Attukal waterfall is also an ideal site to enjoy trekking.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park is one of the major attractions near Munnar. This park is home to several animals, butterflies and birds – and hugely popular for its endangered species the Nilgiri Tahr. The landscape of this place is suitable for trekking. One can also savour the enthralling view of the mystic hills and tea plantations from here. Many tourists throng this park, when the flowers of Neelakurinji plant cover the hills with their blue colour. One of the most interesting thing about this plant is that it blooms only once in every twelve years.

Kundala Lake

Kundala Lake was artificially created after an arch shaped dam was built between two close mountains. This manmade reservoir is 20 km away from Munnar. Scenic and serene, one can enjoy a boat ride here to explore the beauty of the region.

Chithirapuram

Chithirapuram is 10 km away from Munnar and known for its quaint cottages, bungalows, and lush-green playgrounds. The old world charm of this town attracts many tourists towards it every year.

Marayur

According to the Hindu mythological epic Mahabharatha, the Pandavas stayed in Marayur during this exile. This place is known for its Neolithic era dolmens and paintings. It is also home to the only sandalwood forest in Kerala state of India.

Top Station

As the name suggests, Top Station is located on the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal area. This railway station is at 1,880 meters above the sea level on the Kundala Valley railway line, and it is around 40 km away from Munnar. One can enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Valley of Theni and Western Ghats from this place.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located on State Highway 17 of Idukki district of Kerala. It is 60 km from Munnar and considered as an ideal place to explore the rich wildlife. It is home to endangered grizzled giant squirrel. Besides that, there are around 245 species of birds and 34 species of mammals in this sanctuary including elephants, panthers, and tigers.

Best time to visit: During the months of September-October.

How to reach:

The nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International airport which is just 125 kilometers away.

The nearest railway stations are Kochi are Ernakulum.

Koavalam: The Pearl of Kerala

Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches and major tourist attractions in India. This place has evolved from being a quaint fishing village to Kerala’s most developed resort over a period. In Malayalam, Kovalam means ‘grove of coconut trees’ which is characterised by the presence of verdant rows of coconut trees covering the entire area and three adjoining crescent beaches. Due to its ethereal beauty and natural richness, Kovalam has also earned a special title as ‘the paradise of the south.’  The town woke up from a slumber in the 1970’s when it became an essential destination of the famous Hippy Trail. Consequently, its fame grew as an exotic location, which translated into surge in tourism. There are many tourist places to explore in Kovalam, let us talk about them:

Lighthouse Beach:

Majestically standing as the beacon of Kovalam, the Lighthouse Beach is 35 meters tall, appears magnificent as it blends well with swift waves, crystal-clear seawater, and glinting sand to create a gratifying panorama. This beach earned its name from the old Vizhinjam lighthouse, which stares at the entire region from a rocky hillock named as the Karumkal Hill. The Lighthouse Beach is the biggest of the three beaches in Kovalam area and offers a wide space to enjoy a lot of activities – sunbathing, swimming, long walks by the shoreline and beach volleyball. For your gastronomic delights – there are many food stalls on the shore, which serve delectable seafood. Besides that, tourists can also enjoy rejuvenating treatments at beachside spas and Ayurvedic massage parlours.

Samudra Beach:

One of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Kovalam – the Samudra beach is the least populated beach in the region and a home to many fishermen. Those who want to behold the beauty of nature amidst tranquil ambience favour this beach. The entire place is characterised by a profound sense of solitude and makes you feel close to your inner self. Other notable attractions of this area are the Ashoka beach and the Vizhinjam port.

Hawah Beach:

Hawah Beach or Eve’s Beach offers a great opportunity to observe the various fishing activities. Complimented by a rock promontory and a serene bay of blue waters, this beach offers a stunning view of the seawater on moonlit nights. Interestingly, this beach earned widespread fame as the first and the only topless beach in India before such activities were strictly banned by the authorities. Hawah beach is a perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty and recreation. There are a few bars and shops on this beach, where you can relax and enjoy.

Vellayani Lake:

Vellayani Lake is 7km away from Kovalam. It is the largest fresh water lake in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala and also known as Vellayani Kayal in local language. It is considered as a perfect picnic spot in Kovalam. One can enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the lake during a moonlit night. The entire place turns into a massive carnival site during the festival of Onam, when the annual boat race is organised on the lake. This lake is famous for its amazing ecosystem, created by a variety of flora and fauna.

The Vizhinjam Village

The Vizhinjam Village is a perfect destination for those looking for an ultimate Ayurvedic centre in Kerala. Undoubtedly, this village has one of most popular Ayurvedic centres in Kerala. The other attractions are: quaint fishing harbours, rock cut temples and vast beaches. The village still practises the old Ayurvedic methods with roots tracing back to the 11^th century.

The German Bakery:

The German bakery is hugely famous among tourists and locals for its assiduously prepared breakfast menu and specialities. It is a mid-priced eatery in Kovalam, located on the lighthouse beach. You would love to relish the delicious pancakes and soul-stirring shakes, which attract everyone towards the German Bakery. Besides enjoying sumptuous dishes, one can also savour the spectacular view of the coastline from its beach-facing terrace.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from the month of September to the month of March.

How to reach:

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 16 km.

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 10 km.

Why December is the Best Month to Visit Goa

Whether it’s about the gorgeous beaches, bohemian spirit, or awe-inspiring architecture – Goa is one of those places, which has something every traveller can relate to. There is so much to do and experience in this one destination that tourists visit Goa throughout the year. But, the month of  December brings along the best time to be in Goa, when you can savour the spirit of unparalleled parties and festivities to enjoy it like true Goans. In fact, it is also the time to celebrate Christmas and New Year and the whole state of Goa puts up a spectacular performance to enthrall the visitors. Wonderfully decorated homes and churches create a perfect backdrop against the fascinating scenes of beach-parties of the year. The festive spirit of Goa is contagious in such a way that you would find everyone in a party mode during this time – from locals to visitors alike. In fact, Goa is known for its hospitality, which in a way persuades the travellers to visit this destination again and again during this time of the year. There are many reasons to visit Goa during the month of December. Let’s talk about the most popular ones:

Perfect Weather:

While the northern parts of the country experience blistering cold, Goa offers a balmy weather in December as the temperature remains around 20 degrees Celsius – consequently, many flock to the sunny beaches of this state to avoid the freezing cold. Entire Goa gears up for its legendary celebration of the New Year and Christmas during this time. So, one can enjoy perfect weather and also be a part of this celebration, which has its own charm.

Water Sports Galore:

The warm and sunny weather of December in Goa allows visitors to take part in various sorts of water sports like scuba diving, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and  others, across various beautiful beaches in Goa. Some of the best beaches in Goa to enjoy water sports are: Candolim Beach, Dona Paula Bay, and Cidade De Goa. To support the burgeoning watersport industry, many operators have come up in these areas, which provide basic training and equipments including all the guidelines and safety procedures to all. The best thing about these watersports is that anyone can enjoy them as you don’t require any prior expertise and a lot of physical stamina to participate in these sports.

Music Destination:

The festivities start a week before Christmas and reach the next level during the last week of December, as Goa hosts Asia’s biggest dance and electronic music party – the Sunburn Festival. For the last eight years, the Sunburn Festival has been  organized in Goa and now it has become an important part of the festivities during this time of the year. This festival allows you to rock to the tunes of some of the best DJs in the world for three days. The atmosphere fills up with pure mirth and excitement during these three days of celebrations and people throng Goa from different parts of the world to be a part of this massive music party. This year the Sunburn Festival will be organized at the Vagator Beach from the 27th to 29th December.

Savour the best seafood:

If you are visiting Goa in December, then one of the highlights of the visit should be the amazing seafood. This coastal state is known for its exquisite range of seafood, which is made up of delicious dishes and can be enjoyed across every corner of Goa. Though, seafood is a staple diet of Goa, there are many Goan-recipes, which make it so special. Some of the most talked about seafood restaurants in Goa are Boom Shankar, Simply Fish and Viva Goa among others, which offer mouth-watering seafood platters. In fact, all the beach shacks in Goa also serve quality seafood, which can be enjoyed by anyone. Imagine yourself sitting in a cool shack with the sun beating down and you are savouring the best seafood delicacies of Goa  – well, it just can’t get better than this.

Parties of the year:

Goa is known for its legendary parties around this time of the year. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Goa especially to be a part of its New Year’s Eve parties, which showcase the best of Goa’s nightlife and bring the entire region to life. All the nightclubs throw amazing parties and offer the best in alcohol and food. For those, who don’t prefer these club parties, there are many beach parties, which are organized across the best beaches in Goa such as Anjuna, Vagator and Baga beach.

Top 5 attractions of kerala

Some places on Earth are blessed with immense natural beauty that they appear surreal to first time visitors. Kerala is one of them. If you are seeking utmost tranquility, Kerala should automatically top the list – there’s a reason why it’s called “God’s own country.” You have to visit the place to believe it. What makes Kerala so special? Let’s find out.

The Majestic Backwaters

For some tourists, the backwaters are the main reason to visit Kerala. The experience of exploring these backwaters on houseboats is unparalleled as one can savour the picturesque and captivating views of the verdant rice fields and palm lined waterways. The most popular backwater destinations in Kerala are Kumarakom and Alleppey. There are various luxury resorts along the backwaters, where tourists can seek accommodation.

Exquisite Waterfalls and Wildlife

Kerala has some of the most well-preserved biosphere reserves and wildlife sanctuaries including Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Ernakulam National Park and Begur Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris in these sanctuaries and explore Kerala’s flora and fauna. Amidst the thick vegetation, one can relish the mesmeric views of the alluring waterfalls such as Kombaikani and Meenmutty.

Beautiful Beaches

The pristine coastline of Kerala has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. Kovalam is one of the most popular beaches of Kerala, which is also known as the “Lighthouse Beach” among tourists. Exquisitely nestled on the top of a cliff, this place offers a stunning view of the entire area and is considered ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating vacation. Another popular beach is Varkala, which has a long and winding stretch of cliffs to offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Tea Plantations

Nothing can beat the experience of treading across the picturesque tea plantations while soaking up the view of the verdant valleys and mystical hills. Munnar is one such enthralling hill station in Kerala that is dotted with numerous stretches of tea plantations extended across the small hills and valleys. Right in the lap of nature, stay amidst these lush green surroundings complemented by misty hills, winding lanes and exotic wildlife.

Ayurveda

Kerala is home to the ancient art of healing “Ayurveda.” Various ashrams and rejuvenation centres across the state offer relaxation therapies to tourists using traditional Ayurveda methods based on yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic diet, massages and the use of natural herbs and oils. Kerala enjoys a moderate and balanced climate throughout the year, which is considered ideal for Ayurvedic treatment. Some of the renowned Ayurveda clinics in Kerala are Nagarjuna Ayurveda, Kalari Kovilakam, and Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala. There are various Ayurveda rejuvenation resorts that are mainly located at various beach destinations.