Famous Lakes in Kerala

Vembanad Lake 

Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," is home to several famous and scenic lakes, many of which are known for their tranquil beauty and unique ecosystems. Here are some of the most famous lakes in Kerala, along with details and how to reach them:

1. Vembanad Lake

• Location: Vembanad is the longest lake in Kerala, situated in the Alappuzha (Alleppey) district, stretching through the districts of Kottayam and Punnamada Lake.
• Significance: Vembanad is an important backwater lake and a key part of Kerala’s famous backwater tourism. It is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene atmosphere. The lake is also famous for its Vembanad Wetland and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a major migratory bird site.
• Activities: Houseboat cruises, bird watching, and boat races (such as the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race) are popular activities on the lake.

How to Reach:

• By Road: From Kochi, it is about 50 km to Alappuzha and Kumarakom by road.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 85 km away.

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2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters

• Location: Located in the Alappuzha district, this is an extensive network of interconnected lakes, lagoons, and canals that make up the famous Alleppey Backwaters.
• Significance: Alappuzha is considered the Venice of the East due to its picturesque waterways. The area offers a unique experience of Kerala's rural life, with small villages, lush paddy fields, and traditional houseboats.
• Activities: Boat cruises, houseboat stays, exploring the scenic villages along the waterways.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Alappuzha is well connected by road from Kochi (approximately 60 km) and Kottayam.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station serves the town, with trains available from major cities in Kerala.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 75 km from Alappuzha.

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3. Punnappra Lake

• Location: Situated in the Alappuzha district, near the town of Punnappra.
• Significance: This lake is known for its backwater experiences and is less commercialized compared to other lakes. It is also famous for its historical significance as the site of the Punnappra-Vayalar uprising in 1946.
• Activities: Boating, enjoying rural Kerala’s landscapes, and exploring nearby attractions.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Punnappra is about 12 km from Alappuzha.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Alappuzha Railway Station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 80 km away.

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4. Sasthamcotta Lake

• Location: In the Kollam district of Kerala, about 29 km from Kollam town.
• Significance: Sasthamcotta Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and is an important water source for the region. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green landscapes.
• Activities: Boating, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquil environment.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Sasthamcotta is around 29 km from Kollam and easily accessible by road.
• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Kollam Railway Station.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 60 km away.

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5. Vellayani Lake

• Location: Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.
• Significance: Vellayani Lake is a freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
• Activities: Boating, nature walks, and exploring the nearby areas of Vellayani and Neyyar.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Vellayani Lake is about 16 km from the city center of Thiruvananthapuram.
• By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest station.
• By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the closest airport, about 15 km away.

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6. Punnappra Lake

• Location: In the Alappuzha district of Kerala.
• Significance: Punnappra Lake is part of the extensive backwaters of Kerala. It is a calm and serene spot, often visited for its picturesque beauty.
• Activities: Boating and exploring the surrounding rural villages.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Alappuzha is around 50 km from Kochi, and Punnappra is about 10 km from Alappuzha.
• By Train: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 75 km away.

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7. Kumarakom Lake

• Location: In the Kottayam district, along the banks of the Vembanad Lake.
• Significance: Kumarakom is a famous destination for Kerala’s backwater tourism. The area around Kumarakom Lake is home to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a popular bird-watching destination.
• Activities: Houseboat cruises, bird watching, and enjoying the peaceful backwater environment.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Kumarakom is about 14 km from Kottayam and can be accessed by road.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam Railway Station.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 85 km away.

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Conclusion:

Kerala’s lakes are not just natural wonders but also important cultural and recreational spots. Whether you’re interested in boat rides, houseboats, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, these lakes offer a range of experiences. The best time to visit is typically from October to March when the weather is most favorable. Each lake is well-connected by road and train, and most are easily accessible from Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram, the major transport hubs in Kerala.

Badrinath temple history. Badrinath temple tour. How to reach Badrinath Temple

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Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra and the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) along the banks of the Alaknanda River.

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Historical Background

• Origins: The origins of the temple are rooted in mythology, with legends suggesting that the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher and saint, who rediscovered a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and enshrined it in a cave nearby.
• Current Structure: The temple was later expanded and renovated by Garhwal kings, and the structure seen today is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century.
• Architecture: Built in traditional North Indian style, the temple has a colorful facade with a towering spire and intricate carvings. The sanctum houses the black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, depicted in a meditative pose, approximately 1 meter tall.

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Mythological Significance

1. Nar and Narayan Legend: The temple is believed to be the abode of the twin sages Nar and Narayan, incarnations of Vishnu, who performed penance here.
2. Badrikashram: The name "Badrinath" is derived from "Badri," referring to the Badri tree (Indian Jujube), which is believed to have covered Lord Vishnu while he meditated here.
3. Connection to Mahabharata: The Pandavas are said to have crossed this region during their journey to heaven.

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Religious Importance

• The temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in Tamil Alvar saints' works.
• It is also part of the Char Dham, which includes Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram, making it a must-visit for devotees seeking spiritual salvation.

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Rituals and Festivals

1. Daily Worship: The temple conducts elaborate rituals including Aarti, Abhishekam, and recitation of Vedic hymns.
2. Opening and Closing: The temple is open only for six months (May to November) due to extreme weather conditions. It closes during winter, and the idol is transferred to Joshimath for worship.
3. Badri-Kedar Festival: Celebrated in June, it showcases the region’s culture and traditions.

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How to Reach Badrinath Temple

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, approximately 315 km away.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 295 km away.
3. By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by motorable roads. Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

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Nearby Attractions

1. Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring near the temple, considered sacred.
2. Mana Village: India’s last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border.
3. Vasudhara Falls: A scenic waterfall located a short trek away.
4. Charan Paduka: A rock with imprints believed to be Lord Vishnu’s footprints.

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Best Time to Visit

• Summer (May to June): Ideal for temple visits and trekking.
• Post-Monsoon (September to October): Pleasant weather with clear views of the Himalayas.

The Badrinath Temple stands as a beacon of spirituality and devotion, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Its historical and mythological significance attracts pilgrims and travelers alike, making it one of India's most cherished spiritual destinations.

Kedarnath temple history how to reach there

 

The Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, nestled at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayan range, near the Mandakini River. The temple’s history is steeped in mythology and spirituality, making it a revered site for devotees.

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Historical and Mythological Origins

1. Mythological Background:

   • According to Hindu mythology, the Kedarnath Temple was established by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the sins of killing their relatives.
   • Lord Shiva, avoiding the Pandavas, disguised himself as a bull and dived into the ground at Kedarnath, leaving his hump above the surface. This hump is worshipped as the main deity in the temple.
   • The remaining parts of Shiva appeared in other locations, forming the Panch Kedar shrines.

2. Construction:

   • The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas.
   • It was later renovated by the Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, who is credited with reviving Hinduism and establishing several temples across India.
   • Adi Shankaracharya is also said to have attained Samadhi near the temple, where his tomb exists.

3. Architectural Style:

   • The temple is built in the Katyuri style, using large, heavy, and evenly cut grey stones. Despite being in a seismically active zone, the structure has withstood the test of time.
   • The sanctum houses a triangular Shiva lingam, representing Lord Shiva’s hump.

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Modern History

• The temple has been maintained and managed by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee since 1939.
• In 2013, Kedarnath faced a devastating natural disaster when heavy floods and landslides hit the region. Miraculously, the temple remained mostly intact, while the surrounding area suffered extensive damage. The temple's survival is often attributed to divine protection.

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Significance

1. Spiritual Importance:

   • Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, representing the cosmic light of Lord Shiva.
   • It is a major pilgrimage site and part of the Char Dham in Uttarakhand, along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

2. Seasonal Worship:

   • Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple remains open to devotees only between April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima). During winter, the deity is moved to Ukhimath, where worship continues.

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How to Reach Kedarnath

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 238 km away.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 215 km away.
3. By Road and Trek: Gaurikund is the last motorable point, from where a 16 km trek leads to Kedarnath. Pony, palanquin, and helicopter services are also available.

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Best Time to Visit

• Summer (May to June): Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking and pilgrimage.
• Autumn (September to October): Clear skies and fewer crowds.
• The temple is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.

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The Kedarnath Temple is not just a site of religious significance but also a marvel of resilience and devotion, drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual solace and awe-inspiring natural beauty.