Wahiba sands and Wadi Bani Khalid from Muscat

The Wahiba Sands, about three hours from Muscat, is Oman’s version of Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter. It is a vast mass of red and white sand, 140 km by 80km, with dunes rising up to 150 meters. There is a scattering of Bedouin camps, as Bedouin herders still wander from waterhole to waterhole, and the sands actually contain quite a variety of terrain and vegetation. It is possible to drive across the Wahiba Sands, but it is more usual to drive in from Mintrib, camp overnight Camp, and drive out of the sands the following morning.
The sands are a good place to interact with Omani women whose Bedouin lifestyle affords them a more visible social role. They wear distinctive, brightly coloured costume with peaked masks and an abeyya (outer garment) of gauze and are accomplished drivers, often coming to the rescue of tourists stuck in the sand. They are also skilful craft-makers and may well approach you with colorful woolen key rings and camel bags for sale.

In stark contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. Continue to Wadi bani Khalid where there is a total change of scenery. The effect of viewing the arid dry desert and the bountiful wadi is breathtaking.
The wadi has clear deep blue water and you will have an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the spring water and relax under the shade of the palm trees. Catch a glimpse of the pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid which cling precariously to the rugged mountainside.

International flights arrive into Muscat. Usually 3-4 nights is required to discover the capital Muscat and the other interior areas.

Ushuaia and Antartica Cruising

Antarctica is so vast that only a small portion of it can be explored during a two week period. The Antarctic Peninsula, that part of the continent that points toward the tip of South America, is so long that it spans 12 degrees of latitude, approximately 1200 km or 800 miles.
Antarctica contains over 70% of the world's water and 90% of the world's ice, within itself. In some places the ice is over 4000 metres deep. The ice flows continuously from the high elevations to the sea, breaking off to form massive icebergs. The amount of precipitation in Antarctica is so small that it is classed as a desert region (polar desert). The landmass of Antarctica beneath the ice has a relatively high elevation, on average about twice as high as that of Europe. Antarctica contains many buried, or sub-glacial, freshwater lakes that are connected by a network of rivers which move water far beneath the surface of the continent. These lakes have been sealed for millions of years.

Antarctica is surrounded by a number of islands called the sub-Antarctic islands, which are grouped, along with Antarctica, into the sub-Antarctic circle. These include the South Orkney Islands, the South Georgia Islands, Elephant Island, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, and many others.
Antarctica has six months of daylight and six months of darkness. In mid-summer, near the South Pole, there is 24 hours of sunlight every day. In winter, six months of darkness ensue, and the continent triples in size by converting the surrounding sea into ice.

Humans never inhabited Antarctica and exploration of the continent is relatively recent. New discoveries continue to be made. In 2007 for example, our vessels sailed uncharted waters while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula!

Most visitors to Antarctica arrive by ship, from the closest port, Ushuaia, in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Talking about the end of the world is talking about Ushuaia. This is the southernmost city on the planet. Due to its location near the South Pole, it has approximately eighteen hours of sunlight in the summer, whereas in the winter, it only has seven or eight. But this does not prevent tourists from visiting it once and again.

In the Yamana tongue, “Ushuaia” means “bay looking onto the West". Situated on the shores of the vast Beagle Channel, this beautiful city offers sceneries second to none. The forests, the mountains, the sea, the glaciers and the wind dominate the landscape. The city is surrounded by Mount Martial to the West and by Mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos to the East.

The inventiveness of its dwellers has helped them become adapted to its whimsical geography. The modern buildings and typical constructions of these latitudes give shape to an extremely picturesque and colourful city in the eye of all visitors.

It’s gastronomic and accommodation infrastructure meets all expectations. It welcomes thousands of international visitors that reach Ushuaia lured by the slogan “reach the end of the world”.

Getting to Antarctica is as much a part of the experience as exploring it. The body of water that separates Antarctica from South America is the Drake Passage. The Drake acts like a funnel, concentrating the energy produced by the winds and currents of the Southern Ocean.

The result can be rough water, some of the roughest in the world. Yet some crossings are relatively quiet, providing extraordinary opportunities for birding and whale watching. The unpredictability of the Drake Passage is intoxicating. A crossing is the perfect introduction to expedition-style travel; where unpredictability is the only thing you can truly count on.
International flights arrive into Argentina and travel to the town of Ushuaia.

Jammin in Jamaica

Jamaica, the home of the famous “jerk chicken” is truly an escape into culinary experimentalism and naturally stunning scenic beauty. Jamaica is truly a beach destination, but again the inner country capes provide a different cultural overview of this beautiful destination.

People who are more focussed on the history and culture land in Kingston, which is the capital city and from there continue on a fun filled trip before eventually soaking up the sun on the famous Negril beaches.

Montego bag is the landing point for the all inclusive vacationers, who get to choose their beach resort in Negril, Trelawny, Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. With its "Hip Strip" booming with shops, restaurants and clubs, championship golf courses on lavish resorts, and legendary Colonial great houses - Montego Bay's juxtaposition of natural beauty and man-made luxury make it a beloved destination.

The Dunns river falls is a must visit part of Jamaica. The point at which Dunns River enters the Caribbean Sea is marked by 600ft of mountain spring water cascading down the rocks towards the ocean. This scenic spot was once the site of one of the bloodiest wars between the English and the Spanish in 1657, as the Spanish, led by the famous General Ysassi, fought desperately and in vain to maintain control of the island.

Today, even after all the falls have witnessed (battles, hurricanes and visitors), nothing can diminish their majestic grandeur and few can deny the awe and wonder they inspire. Dunns River Falls is the most photographed attraction in Jamaica. Set within a small tropical forest, the falls are a complete experience. The thundering cascades, the exhilarating blasts of ice-cold spring water and the sheer majesty of nature all combine to create one of Jamaica's most-treasured locations.

Another famous entity is the “Appleton” Rum which is a premium rum in Mnay countries to which Jamaica exports it. The smooth flavour and the dark texture makes it a compulsory ingredient in all cocktails. You can do a day trip to visit the Appleton brewery.

Jamaica has an abundance of all inclusive beach resorts and the resort area has lot of
souvenir shopping and local arts and crafts. Most of the hotels like the Riu’s, Sandals and Bahia’s are well established and cater to repeat clientele. Jamaica has now been touted as a famous wedding destination and saying “I Do” has never been easier.

Jamaica is well connected internationally with daily flights from most American and European cities.

Iguazzu Falls - Argentina and Brazil

Deep in the heart of tropical South America, there remains a place that can still be called a Garden of Eden; one of the last remaining pieces of a pre-historic world. Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, in the heart of two National Parks the place is still Sacred to the native Guarani Indians. There are no words to describe the feelings of those who come to this sacred land. Visitors can still hear the echoes of a distant past; the drums of the Guarani tribes venerating the natural beauty of this incredible place which they named Iguassu.

One the worlds natural 7 wonders the Iguassu falls is overshadowed by the more commercial Niagara falls. The discerning traveller who has experienced the Niagara will be astounded by the sheer magnitude of Iguassu. Strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long, some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring can be heard from miles away.

70% of Iguassu Falls is located on Argentinean territory, but most of the Falls face Brazil. For this reason it is advisable for the visitor to see the Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides.
As it falls and pounds the rocks, some of the water turns into a fine spray that rises in a cool plume over the falls area, dampening the miles of inconspicuous trails that line both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls. Birds and insects flitter around a very special ecosystem where Iguassu launches constant mist into the surrounding vegetation.

Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguassu River, Iguassu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November - March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach 450,000 cubic feet (12,750 cubic m) per second.

These matter of fact details do nothing to describe the grandeur of the falls, the tremendous amount of water (an average of 553 cubic feet per second) thundering down 269 feet, the tropical location and the sheer beauty that led Eleanor Roosevelt to say Poor Niagara. Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguassu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.

The Argentinean side provides an intimate touch with the falls. Many walking trails were paved throughout the reserve, and a free train brings visitors from the gate to the falls themselves. These facilities allows a close encounter with the falls. Walking through the parks makes it possible to enjoy the rich flora and the huge amount of beautiful birds, butterflies (over 500 types in the area) and other animals.

The most impressive fall in the area is called La Garganta del Diablo, meaning "the Devil's throat" that has water pouring into it from three sides At one point a person can stand and be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls

Excitement lovers can take a speed boat along the Devil's canyon up to the Garganta del Diablo falls. A Macuco Safari and/or the helicopter ride above the falls - available ONLY on the Brazilian side of the falls - are highly recommended.

Travel to reach the falls is relatively easy. There is an airport in Iguazzu but it has to be connected via Buenos Aires or Rio De Janeiro. An ideal way to see some of the best areas of South America are to combine a trip to the heart of the Amazon with an extension to Iguazzu.

Sedona - a hidden paradise

Often called “Red Rock Country” Sedona is a four seasons playground for everyone – whether you’re into history and archaeology; arts and culture; power shopping; outdoor sports; or the spiritual and metaphysical, imagine doing all this in a backdrop of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.Indeed, this picturesque city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain. At the north end of the city is the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking chasm that even today, is wildly wonderful.Natural endowments aside, you’ll also find world-class hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and a very good variety of dining to keep you satisfied.Escape the chaos of life, kick back, relax……and just be….in Sedona.

Largest catch recorded

The Amazon is the greatest river in the world by so many measures; the volume of water it carries to the sea (approximately 20% of all the freshwater discharge into the oceans), the area of land that drains into it, and its length and width. It is one of the longest rivers in the world.For the last century the length of the Amazon and the Nile Rivers have been in a tight battle for title of world's longest river. But there is no question as to which of the two great rivers carries the greater volume of water - the Amazon River. The Amazon River is not only the greatest in the world, it is home to many other "Extremes" of the natural world. Have you ever seen a catfish? They're usually found in warm, slow moving waters of lakes and streams, and some people keep them as pets in aquariums. Catfish are pretty creepy looking fish with big flat heads and "whiskers" on either side of their heads (hence the name, catfish). Most catfish that we're familiar with here in the U.S. are anywhere from eight inches long to about five feet, weighing in at up to 60 pounds. But the catfish that live in the world's greatest river have all the room in the world to grow as big as nature will allow - they have been captured weighing over 200 pounds! One of the largest freshwater fish in the world is found living in the waters of the Amazon River. Arapaima, also known locally as Pirarucu, Arapaima gigas are the largest, exclusively fresh water fish in the world. They have been found to reach a length of 15 ft/4m and can weigh up to 440lbs.

Niagara falls - the most heard about attraction

A natural phenomenon second in size only to Victoria Falls in Africa, Niagara Falls sees between four and six millions cubic feet of water go over its crest every minute. The Falls are 188 feet high, with the deepest section of the Niagara River just at their base-going down 170 feet. The rim of Horseshoe Falls measures 2200 feet across-the same height of Yosemite's famous Cathedral Spires.
Just 15 minutes north of the Falls rests an impressive array of Niagara vineyards. Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries currently number 17, many of which produce award-winning vino, including the region's famous ice wines. At a similar latitude to the Bordeaux region of France and Napa Valley, the Niagara climate is ideal.

The first person to attempt to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel was a 63-year-old woman. Seeking fame and fortune, schoolteacher Annie Taylor loaded herself - and her cat - up in a barrel and descended over the falls in 1901. She survived.

Niagara Falls received its reputation as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" when Aaron Burr's daughter-Theodosia-chose a Niagara Falls honeymoon in 1801. She was followed up by Jerome Bonaparte-Napoleon's brother-in 1804 and, thus, a tradition was born. Now over 50,000 Niagara honeymoons are arranged each year.

In 1848, Niagara Falls actually stopped flowing for 30 hours when ice fields from Lake Erie jammed at the source of the river.

Marilyn Monroe visited the falls to film portions of the thriller Niagara Falls, released in 1953. Other notable visitors have included King George the V in 1939 and Princess Diana with her sons in 1991.

The Niagara Fallsview Casino , overlooking its namesake, occupies the record for the largest commercial development in Canada at 2.5 million square feet.

Cancun, Mexico - moments in paradise

Cancun is the ultimate vacation and resort destination whether your idea of a good time is surfing, kayaking, fishing and swimming or just laying in the tropical sun. On the lagoon side, there is an abundance of water sports equipment for rental for one day or an entire vacation. On the Caribbean side, enjoy great swimming, surfing and sunbathing.

For divers and snorkelers, Cancun is a paradise. The crystal-blue Caribbean waters hold an abundance of underwater wildlife, and most of the resorts have trainers who can show you which end of the fin to flap and how to handle the equipment.

And should you want to catch the magnificent fish you see on your dives, there are sportfishing options from rowboats to huge charter expeditions that will have you "on the fish" in no time.

Want to taste the Caribbean nightlife? Downtown Cancun is your hot spot, with numerous world-famous bars and nightclubs that drive the night to the beat of everything from salsa and cumbia to club mixes and world sounds. Whether you want a neon and strobe-lit dance club or a quiet cigar bar or romantic hideaway, Cancun's nightlife options have you covered.

Mesmerizing Kaafu Atoll in Maldives

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.
The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world and many visit the Maldives repeatedly for the sole purpose of diving. All resorts in the Maldives have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced. Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkellers too can experience the same pleasures from the surface.

Cruising the Fjords of Norway

The fjords are water canals that penetrate from the coast and far into the mountain wilderness. Where the plains end, the mountains dive several hundred meters into the ocean, forming the famous Norwegian fjords. Each fjord has its own characteristics.
The best way to experience the fjords is to join a fjord cruise. We offer half-day and full day cruises and the international cruise lines call on many ports in the fjords. Mountain hiking and guided glacier walks are popular activities.
Starting from the north, Kristiansund and Ålesund are known for split cod and herring. Ålesund is also known for its Jugend architecture. Molde is the city of roses and is known for its international jazz festival. Bergen is known for Bryggen (the Hanseatic wharf), the fish market and the funicular Fløibanen. Stavanger has the largest area of old wooden houses in Europe and is known as the Norwegian capital of oil.
The tallest waterfalls are in the Geirangerfjord, and the Sognefjord is the world’s second longest fjord. The mountain formations around the Lysefjord are famous; especially Prekestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is fascinating.
The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Go on a fjord cruise or explore the villages and farms in the fjord areas.

Watersports in the City of Sails - Auckland!

Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, idyllic holiday islands, outstanding food and wine, great shopping and exciting nightlife.
Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails".

Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.

Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences.

Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Discover for yourself why it is one of New Zealand's best destinations.

Cruising in Cochin!

Queen Mary2, described as the most expensive cruise vessel in business, called at the Kochi port on Wednesday, March 07th 2008, with around 2,600 passengers and 1,200 crew on board.The vessel berthed at Quay 5 of the Ernakulam wharf at 11.30 a. m., nearly two hours before schedule.The visitors were given a traditional welcome with caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam. The ship left Kochi on Thursday afternoon after the passengers made quick trips to locations of tourist interest close to the city. It was the ONLY port of call in India for the luxury liner that began its maiden world tour on January 11 from Fort Lauderdale, where it returned to on April 2nd 2008. With a price tag of over $ 800 million, QM2 is the most opulent and most magnificent ocean liner ever built. The 1,132-feet-long, 236-feet high British ship has 13 decks and can carry over 3,000 passengers. It has several luxurious dining rooms, ballrooms, theatres, lounges, and beauty salons. Its 8,500-book library is said to be the largest at sea. It is home to artwork worth 3.5 million pounds. The passengers include multimillionaires, Hollywood actors and many celebrities.In terms of luxury, entertainment and grandeur, QM2 is termed as a `mini Las Vegas.'

This signifies Cochin as the premier most cruising destination port of call, in India.

Mystical Muscat

Muscat, the official capital of Oman, is only a small part of a larger grouping of cities and towns strung some 40kms along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, which is known locally as the "Capital Area" or the "Muscat Municipality." Never much deeper than 3 or 4 kms, this string of towns forms a sort of necklace sandwiched between the sea to the north and a very rocky, primeval-looking range of barren mountains to the south. Despite its ceremonial position as capital, the neighboring cities of Muttrah, with its superb corniche encircling a charming bay, and Ruwi, the traditional commercial center of the area, are both much more important.
A thriving and strategically located port of the Arabian peninsula in ancient times, Muscat is the capital of modern Oman. It has a somewhat medieval appearance with two old Portuguese forts, Jelali and Mirani. These picturesque old structures co-exist with modern, commercial, and residential quarters of the neighboring coastal towns, and lend the city an ambience all its own. The seaside, ceremonial palace of H.M.Sultan Qaboos Said, nestled between steep rocky hills, offers a spectacular sight, especially at night.

Daunting Dubai - Awe inspiring constructions

Burj Dubai - The Amazing Landmark!
Burj Dubai, the world's tallest man-made structure is scheduled to be completed in 2009. The tower's dramatic rise above the Gulf horizon will yet again remind the world of Dubai's growing financial muscle and allow the buyers and holidaymakers to stay and carry on with their exciting lives in amazing fashions. The gigantic tower is located at the core of an integrated township called, Downtown Burj Dubai, which features several more developments apart from the main tower. All these developments will produce over 30,000 homes, including villas, luxury

Residential suits and serviced apartments; nine hotels such as Burj Dubai Lake Hotel & Serviced Apartments; the world's largest mall The Dubai Mall and an eco-friendly landscape carrying the man-made Burj Dubai Lake.

The spiraling Burj Dubai, on its part, will offer Exclusive corporate offices, residential apartments, Four lavish swimming pools, one cigar club, one observation deck, lounge, gym, library and several other amenities, such as restaurants, to enhance its
Aura. An Armani Hotel, the first of its kind, will occupy the first 37 floors and 700 private apartments will be allotted from floor number 45 to 108. The spire, measuring 200m in this 818m high building, will house communication equipments of various kinds.
More About The Soaring Tower

Burj Dubai is about to set out new standards of living in today's world. It would be exciting not just to look at its soaring architecture, but also to watch at the world outside sitting inside your Burj Dubai home. It’s carefully crafted living area and the amenities
you might get to use will influence your lifestyle as well, as you begin to settle in. There is a range of serviced apartments and exclusive hotel rooms to choose your Dubai stay from and make your memories last for a lifetime. Besides, there is a lot more in the Downtown Burj Dubai, apart from living in the main tower, which should make your stay in Dubai multi-dimensional. Let us examine what else the whole of Downtown area has to offer to its customers.

The Greater Downtown Burj Dubai
The Downtown Burj Dubai provides the world with the best of Dubai's residential, commercial, and recreational and hospitality provisions by fusing in various sub-plans shaped into an integrated township. These developments include luxurious hotels, serviced apartments, cafes, boutiques, restaurants, fascinating lifestyle of The Old Town and the shopping bonanza of The world’s largest mall, The Dubai Mall. There are plenty of things for each and everyone to add to their life’s experiences while living at the Downtown Burj Dubai.

Developments Across Burj Dubai Boulevard
These include a 35 story residential tower, named 8 Boulevard Walk; three high-rise residential buildings ranging between 27 and 30 floors, called The Lofts; and a 63-story residential building with serviced apartments for outright sale, called Burj Dubai Lake Hotel & Serviced Apartments. These combined together are bound to generate enough accommodation for those who might be willing to settle down in the Downtown Burj Dubai.

Burj Dubai Square
Comprises of six towers; aims at providing quality space to top business firms. There is plenty of basement car parking and leisure amenities like cafes, apart from the soothing landscape carrying water elements and greenery to make one's business sound like a breeze.

Boulevard Crescents
Contains villas and nine high-rise buildings, which comprise of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury residential suits and penthouses; all lay across a soothing water filled and green landscape. Safety for individual units, 24 hours maintenance for various facilities, IT
Outlets carrying a combined network of telephone, television and high speed Internet services, and plenty of car parking is some of the key elements of this downtown development.

The Old Town
This is the place for low-rise apartments and villas with an ethnic Arabian architecture and modern basic facilities fused into one. It takes you on a voyage from Dubai's past to future and vice-versa. The town will have coffee houses, boutiques and stalls to make
the community life enthralling and full of Arabian flavor.

The Dubai Mall
The world's largest mall is coming up at the Downtown Burj Dubai. It begins to cater clients from August 2008 onwards. It will encompass a total area of 12.1 million ft², with over a dozen smaller in-built malls to take care of various retail sectors.

Anything goes in Toronto!

Explore the city that's as open-minded as you are
The creative city, where you'll feel a liberating energy from end to end. A friendly urban playground that welcomes everyone, with a vibrant gay village in the city's core and unlimited options beyond. Experience a world of arts, culture, nightlife, passion and possibilities.

Your Toronto experience is whatever you want it to be.

KOTTAYAM (land of lakes, letters and latex)

Kottayam, provides some of Kerala’s finest natural scenes, sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the West and the Western Ghats on the East. Much of this beauty is laid out in all its glory along the road which winds from Kottayam to the Periyar Wild life Sanctuarry in Thekkady through plantations of rubber, tea, coffee and pepper.
Kottayam is the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes. As a district Kottayam has the highest literacy in India. It was the first town in India to attain total literacy, an event which triggered a mass movement to make Kerala the Country’s first totally literate State. The town is also the birth place of the publishing industry and the home of the fourth estate in Kerala. The first printing press in Vernacular, Malayalam was established at Kottayam by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary in 1820 A.D. Kottayam is also the Mecca of Kerala’s publishing scene, home of dozens of Malayalam Newspapers and Magazines including the State’s earliest ‘The Deepika’ as well as country’s largest selling daily and weekly, the ‘Malayala Manorama’. This publications (Tourism Travel Directory of Kerala) also published from here.
Kottayam is the Land of Latex because the district abounds in extensive rubber plantations which earned for its headquarters the sobriquet ‘Rubber Town’. Kottayam is also home to the Rubber Board, one of the country’s primary commodities board.
Kottayam’s lakes form the great expanse of water called Vembanad into which a network of rivers and canals merge providing boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are unparalled.
Kottayam is the ideal take off point for visits to Peerumed, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the temple city of Madurai.