Grand Kerala Shopping Festival 2012 /12/15

"Over the years, Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) has become yet another reason for travelers to visit Kerala. This annual event takes place at a time when Kerala goes through its peak tourism season. In a way, it is a double bonanza, especially for the visitors, who could enjoy the shopping festival as much as the delightful experiences of traveling in Kerala. For the visitors, GKSF is a big opportunity to explore and buy an array of traditional products of Kerala. Let us together make the sixth edition of GKSF a grand success."[Secretary, kerala tourism]

 "Kerala has made its mark as a well-known travel destination in the world. And we are now witnessing another phenomenon that is fast transforming Kerala into a shopper's destination. Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) has become an event that is charting a new course for Kerala, since its launch in 2007. Looking forward to yet another successful edition of the event, I hope that travelers as well as the local people would have a great time during the sixth edition of GKSF, beginning in December 2012." [Minister of tourism, govt. of kerala]

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Vasudevam: Relax, Rejuvinate, Realize !!

Their mission:

"Provide guests a safe and hygienic stay experience along with traditional Travancore cuisine and hospitality."

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("vasudha", the earth; "eva", emphasizer and "kutumbakam", family) is a Sanskrit phrase that means that the whole world is one single family. Vasudevam, situated in an exotic locale in Thiruvananthapuram referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India” has really imbibed this saying and have opened apartments to travelers from far and wide, extending them a hearty and warm welcome.

Being the capital of Kerala, often known as "God's own country", Thiruvananthapuram is also called as "God's own capital". The name literally splits into "Tiru","Anantha""puram" meaning "the town of Lord ANANTHA". This is really true since the temple is at the heart of the town and for generations, the kings have called themselves "Padmanabha-Dasa" or the "servants of Lord Ananthapadmanabha", and ruled the state as the representatives of Lord Anantha-Padmanabha. The cultural background of Thiruvananthapuram originates from the efforts of the rulers of erstwhile Travancore, who took an active interest in the development of arts and culture. Thiruvananthapuram has produced several great artists, the most famous ones being Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, Irayimman Thampi and Raja Ravi Varma. for more information click here

Silent Valley National Park !!

Bio geographically, "Silent Valley" and the adjacent forests of the Western Ghats represent “ecological islands” in which it is possible to observe the conditions that prevailed before modifications set in, in the humid tropical forests of peninsular India. Though the stability of these ecological islands is fast dwindling, these ecological products introduce an important factor in the bio geographical evolution, viz. isolation mostly due to physical barriers as a result of the Palakkad gap. Isolation, therefore, has had the effect of preserving the relict characters of the flora and fauna of Silent Valley and adjacent areas, as indicated by the presence of primitive groups of flora and fauna. The distribution range of these relict species had been considerably restricted, presenting an apparent picture of endemism. The intermingling of Indo-Malayan elements in the flora and fauna of the area is due to preservation of the once extensive tropical forests, which extended over the whole of the Peninsula. The concentration and isolation of these elements only in some areas of the Ghats, present precarious picture of survival of relicts of an otherwise impoverished flora and fauna. For more details click here

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary !!

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife. It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature

Western Ghats is one of the world’s 34 bio diversity hotspots. While considering the abundance of Wildlife and the adorable beauty of Nature, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is perhaps the most attractive piece of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. Thus it is popularly revered as ‘Nature’s own abode’. It has a total area of 285 Sq. Kms. for more click here