SEASIDE STORY

TAPOVAN HERITAGE HOME

NELLIKUNNU, MULLOOR-THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

HOW TO GET THERE

Thapovan Heritage Home is 18 km from Thiruvanthapuram airport. Take the bypass to Kovalam and then the road that leads to Nellikunnu Beach, Mulloor.

THINGS TO DO

Go sight seeing and shopping.

Go boating on the Vellayani Lake.

Build sand castles.

Get yourself an Ayurvedic massage.

TARIFF

Beach cottages cost Rs. 4,950/- plus taxes.

Teakwood houses cost Rs. 4,675/- plus taxes.

There are special packages during the off-season and for those who want to go for Ayurvedic treatment.

For details, call-0471-2480453/2482430

This message is gathered from a tourism article.

COFFEE, SPICE AND SPA

WINDFLOWER SPA AND RESORT, COORG

HOW TO GET THERE

Windflower is approximately 250 km from Bangalore. Take a deviation at Srirangapatna, and then drive to Hunsur, Periapatna. Bylakuppe, Kushalnagar and Suntikoppa. Continue on the Suntikoppa-Mercara Road, and at the third km junction, take a left to enter the two-km- long private pathway to the resort.

From Mysore, it is 105 km on the same route via Hunsur.

THINGS TO DO

Take a plantation tour that the resort arranges.
Go bird watching.
Visit the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.
Go river rafting at nearby Dubare
Sample traditional dinner at a Coorgi home. Attend spa-cuisine demos at the resort.

TARIFF

A studio costs R.s 7,200/- suite Rs. 9,000/- abd villa Rs. 12,600/-. Spa tariffs range from Rs. 900/- to Rs. 3,600/-.

Spa packages start from Rs. 25,000/- (for three days, two night stay).

Contact: 08276-262500.
In Bangalore call-080-41142408/09
E mail: reservations@thewindflower.com

HONEYMOON DESTINATION

GOA

Whether you choose it as your honeymoon destination or family vacation, Goa’s sandy beaches and historical attractions will have you charmed.

Well connected to all major cities via air, rail and even bus from neighboring Maharashtra and Karnataka, there are plenty of options available for every family and every budget. Goa’s coastline is peppered with up to 77 miles (125 km) of pure shores. These beaches are divided into North and South, with the more popular tourist sites such as Baga, Anjuna and vagator located in the south. Possible the most famous of its imports, after cashews and fenny, this delicious meat delicacy, marinated for days on end before it reaches the wok, is like nectar to the Gods.

In the evening, go for a walk on the beach.  Better food, a lyrical sunset and a charming local band that serenades complete your first day. Goa appears to be one of the few places in our beautiful country that has been discovered by foreign tourists.

IN NATURE’S MIDST

KALLARACKAL FARM GOVINDAPPERI (TIRUNELVELI)

MAYURAM ECO LODGE

How to get there

Govindapperi is 247 km from Ernkulam, 167 km from Madurai, 137 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 67 km from Thirunelveli Junction.

Take the NH 208 to Tenkasi and turn off the highway on the road to Ambasamudram. Eighteen km later, you will reach Kadaiyam. Turn right here and cross Mandiyur and Rajangapuram before reaching Govindapperi.

Things to do

Go for village walks, or simply walk into the savannah.

Take short treks to the hills or go bird watching.

Check out the bankura pottery and terracotta workshops, khadi and village bamboo industries at Tenkasi, bell metal foundries at Ambasamudram, bamboo and cane works at Sengottai, korai mat weaving industry at Patthamadai and Kayathar.

Visit the bird sanctuaries at Koonthankulam, Ariyakulam and Kalakkad Mundanthurai.

You can also visit the Courtallam falls, Manimuthar and Papanasam dams, the Upper Kodaiyar and Manjolai hills with verdant forests and tea, rubber and cardamom plantations.

Tariff

Two non-A/C twin bedrooms cost Rs. 5,000/- each, inclusive of tax and three meals.

For details, Call- 0484-2335673/9447072586/9961560345

HARITHA HILL RESORTS, ANANTAGIRI

How to get there

The resort can be reached by road or by train from Visakhapatnam. The nearest railhead is Borra Caves, about three km from the resort. Jeeps and other means of transport are available from the station. There is a train that leaves Visakhapatnam every day at 7 a.m. and a number of buses and taxis run by the State Transport Corporation and private operators.

Things to do

The Galikonda viewpoint, offering an enchanting view of the valley from a height of 3,700 feet is three km from the resort.

The ancient Borra Caves are a three-km trek from the resort.

About five km from the resort is the Tatiguda waterfalls and the Anantagiri coffee garden.

Trek, cycle or hire a four-wheel drive to these places.

Tariff

Luxury cottages (suites) cost Rs. 3,000/-, A/C cottages Rs. 2,000/- and non A/C cottages Rs. 1,600/-. Additional charges for an extra person will be Rs. 1,500/-. The tariff includes a free south Indian breakfast for two.

For details, contact: 0891-2788820, 98480 07022.

Fax: 0891-2788822.

This information is gathered from a daily news paper.

STAY AND ENJOY THE FLAVOUR

CARDAMOM HOUSE, DINGIDUL

How to get there

Cardamom House is located in Athoor village in Dindigul district. While traveling from Madurai (65 km), take the road to Coimbatore up to the Sembatti crossing and then follow the road to Palani all the way to Athoor. Turn left from here, and 1.5 km later, you will reach the village square. Turn right and drive till you hit a T-junction and spot a church. Turn right again and drive another seven km till you see the Cardamom House signboard.

Things to do

Bird watching is one of the most popular activities here.

Take a stroll around the lake (the circuit will take at least three hours) or walk up to a cave temple about 2 km away.

Or trek to the waterfalls, about three hours away.

Go on a half-day escorted trip to Athoor village and get a taste of rural life.

Tariff

Twin bedded deluxe rooms cost Rs. 4,100/- and the Pondicherry suite costs. Rs. 5,000/-. An extra bed costs Rs. 1,500/-.

Breakfast costs Rs. 300/-, lunch Rs. 450/- and dinner Rs. 500/-.

Book in advance if you want to stay overnight because there is a long wait list.

For enquiries call: 0451-2256765 or 9360691793

The information is gathered from other tourist websites.