Monday, 29 May 2017

Beautiful spots to visit in Goa for 3-4 days tour

Old Goa

Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha means "old" in Portuguese) is the former colonial capital of Goa for the first 350 years of the Portuguese rule. It now hosts some of the state's most famous monuments and has become a tourist spot. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, and is a UNESCO listed World Heritage site. Old Goa is approximately 10kms east of the state capital Panaji. Full of history, today it’s the home to some scenic churches and convents, that are well maintained and worth a visit. Make sure you have at least half-a-day to adequately understand and appreciate the place.

Old Goa

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier

The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is situated in Old Goa. It belongs to the Doric style architecturally which is built of laterite blocks plastered with lime mortar. The tiled roof supported by wooden rafters and it is a plain chapel with only one altar. The Chapel was located within the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the Chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it was rededicated to him after his canonization in 1622. The original Chapel fell into ruins in 1570 and the present Chapel was rebuilt in 1884.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. It houses the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade. This church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India. After the death of Francis Xavier his body was first preserved at Portugal but two years later shipped back to Goa. The saint is believed to have phenomenal powers of therapeutic healing. The body of the saint is kept in a mausoleum in nicely ornamented coffin. The floor of this church is made of marble mosaic with precious stones. The interior of the church is simple and quiet. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is over 408 years old and is open to the public every day.

A Church

A Tomb

Aguada Fort

The Aguada Fort is located atop a hilltop near the mouth of the Mandovi River, at a distance of around 18 kms from Panaji. The fort was named Aguada which means ‘water’ in Portuguese because of the presence of three freshwater springs inside. This fort was constructed in the year 1612. During its use, ships would stop at the lower fort for supplies and water. Aguada fort has an elaborate defence system and was heavily armed and fortified during the Portuguese rule. Due to its strategic location the fort commands a great view of the sea and the neighbouring villages.

A Fort

Baga Beach

Baga Beach is the most popular beach of Goa. Baga beach is located 19 kms north of Panaji close to Calangute beach. It is a picturesque beach with some very famous clubs such as Brittos, Titos and Mambos. Baga is popular for its nightlife and it’s the most happening place in Goa. The shacks come to life in the late evening with music blasting and amazing customer service. There is also a range of water sports that you can try your hands at.

A Beach

Calangute Beach

Calangute is the largest beach in North Goa and is known as the 'Queen of Beaches'. Situated 16kms from the capital city of Panaji, this expansive stretch of sand and water attracts tourist from all around the globe owing to its festive and entrancing environ. Calangute is one of the busiest and the most commercialised beaches of Goa. Located between Candolim and Baga beach, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world. The sound of pop beats and rock music in the air elevates the festive mood. The beach is also swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving mixed drinks, beer and seafood making it a hot favourite among visitors.

A Beach

KK Holidays, is one of the approved Cochin tour operators for promoting Travel and Tourism in India with a highly charged up team of passionate and dedicated professionals. As the leading tour operator, we are always committed to offer extensive range of Kerala tour packages from Cochin and Kerala taxi packages that ensure a memorable visit throughout India. We have our Head Office at Cochin, Kerala, with a Branch Office at Mumbai. Whatever be your travel interests - backwaters, beaches, hill stations, pilgrimages - we could customize exclusive Tour Packages for you, so that you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.

KK Holidays is a service oriented company that offers a wide range of Kerala tour packages in India. We understand your diverse holiday needs and we have always kept customer satisfaction and reliability as our top priority. We are undoubtedly known for our prompt services, credibility, reliability and highest scores in customer satisfaction.

KK Holidays is another name that stands for commitment, expertise and tailored services. Our expert team is more than willing to offer quality services through innovation and implementation. We ensure that our clients make the most out of every moment in their journey with us.

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Friday, 12 May 2017

Best Backwater Destinations in Kerala

The Backwaters of Kerala is one of the most remarkable backwaters of the world, a unique product of Kerala found nowhere else in the world. It is one among the major tourism products of Kerala. This uniqueness of Kerala Backwaters, makes it a heavenly delight for its visitors. It features 41 west-flowing rivers of Kerala that are the highlights of this fabulous gift of nature. In earlier times, this water highway covered the entire expanse from the south of Kerala to the northernmost part of the state but many of these waterways are closed now.

According to a legend, it was the warrior sage Parashuraman who threw his battle-axe and 'reclaimed' the land from the seas and created Kerala. Today, Kerala remains a land of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers, which constitute the so-famous Backwaters of Kerala, which have played a vital role in the lifestyle of the people living on its shores. For the benefit of the tourists, the old waterways are being re-opened. Kerala's backwaters provide a gateway to the visitors to see the true rural life of the region. The traditional lifestyle of Kerala's villages is slow, tough and highly labour intensive. The major occupations of the people are boat building, coir manufacturing, duck rearing, limestone collection (by the specialist divers), prawn cultivation, rice farming and sand mining, which is in sharp contrast to that of the teeming crowds of visitors who come to the place.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha rightly known as the "The Venice of the East" is an ancient city, which had trading links with Europe, Africa and the Far East. A boat trip along the pleasant waters is a lovely treat that one should gift oneself. Specially constructed Kettuvallams with all modern facilities carry tourists along the placid waters of Kerala's famed backwaters. A night trip under the wide and starry skies or a silvery moon can be the experience of a lifetime. Daytime trips give the travellers a chance to observe the routine life of the people on the banks. Memorable images include the water taxies, the coir workers and the fishermen doing brisk work.

Alleppey Backwaters


Kumarakom

House boat cruises along the waters around Kumarakom is an opportunity for observing the fishermen and also watch several species of birds that make the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their home. The place is so enchanting that it captured the imagination of the poet prime minister of India Mr AB Vajpayee who chose it for his annual retreat.

Kumarakom Backwaters


Kuttanad
Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its glimmering waterways is also rich in crops like banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. The inland waterways which flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this region. Kuttanad is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast spread of verdant paddy fields are interwoven with enchanting backwaters. The four major rivers in Kerala namely Achankovil, Manimala, Meenachil and Pampa flow into this region.

Kuttanad Backwaters


Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha. It is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world. The mainland Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty and has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it. Pathiramanal stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi, surrounded by Kayamkulam Lake and Vembanad Lake, is accessible only by boat. Thus the green island forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.

Pathiramanal Backwaters


Kollam
Kollam backwaters is one of the most beautiful backwater destinations in Kerala to visit and enjoy. A city by the banks of the famous Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is considered the gateway to the legendary backwaters of Kerala. The renowned Ashtamudi Lake, which covers about 30% of this historic town is what makes Kollam a superb backwater destination. Kollam offers exotic and refreshing backwater experience. With long, relaxing and exciting cruises in this backwaters you can observe enchanting lakes, canals and small water-bound villages closely.

Kollam Backwaters


About KK Tours & Travels


The fact that Nat Geo has suggested KERALA as one of the must see destinations in the world, we KK Tours & Travels for Kerala Tourism and the approved tour operator is here for promoting Kerala tour packages throughout Kerala. We are the leading tour operator in Cochin with a highly charged up team of passionate and dedicated professionals.
As the leading tour operators in Cochin, we are always committed to offer extensive range of tour packages and Kerala taxi packages that ensures a memorable visit of the Kerala, God's own country. Whatever be your travel interests - backwater, beaches, hill stations, waterfalls or wildlife - we could customize exclusive Tour Packages for you so that you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.