Vypeen Island, Ernakulam / Kochi, Kerala

Vypeen Island, Ernakulam / Kochi, Kerala.

Vypin or Vypeen is one of a group of islands that form part of the city of Kochi, in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala.

Vypeen , an island about five km from Ernakulam city, sprawls in an area of more than 25 km. It owes its origin to the heavy floods of 1341.

Till the advent of the Portuguese in the 16th century, the island was inhabited by a small indigenous fishing community. The Portuguese introduced Catholic faith in the area. They set up many churches including the famous Church of Our Lady of Hope.

 The series of bridges begins at Marine Drive in Ernakulam, crosses two islands and reaches Kalamukku in Vypin. Alternately, you could take a ferry ride and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the panoramic vista of the Arabian Sea

Valiyaparamba Island, Payyanur, Kerala.

Valiyaparamba Island, Payyanur, Kerala.

Truly referred as ‘God’s own Country‘ Kerala is a paradise with the panoramic stretches of backwaters, the lush green swaying coconut trees, the beautiful sandy beaches along the Arabian Sea, the hill stations, the exotic wildlife and the birds.

For many travelers backwaters of Kerala means Alleppey, Ernakulam and Kochi district of Kerala. While these places offer one of the most beautiful views of backwaters and the Arabian Sea, we planned to ditch these popular tourist destinations to explore few of the untouched beauty of Kerala.

A backwater cruise in an absolute must when you come to Valiyaparamba kl. Kerala’s backwaters are rapidly becoming a major tourist attraction. The intricate network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals that fringe its coast forms the basis of a distinct regional lifestyle. 

Travelling by boat along these beautiful backwaters is an experience to be cherished. The backwaters are fringed with swaying coconut palms, graceful Chinese fishing nets and narrow canals from where copra and coir are loaded onto boats. Even today one can see traditional boats complete with huge sails and prows carved into the shape of dragons. Another must is a sunset cruise on a canoe. It’s a magical experience that will leave you awe-struck!

St. Mary’s Island, Malpe, Karnataka.

St. Mary’s Island, Malpe, Karnataka.

St. Mary’s Islands, also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka, India.

St. Mary’s Isles (Latitude 13° 20' 60" N; Longitude 74° 40' 60" E ) are a group of small islands lying a little to the north of the port of Malpe 7 kms form Udupi. Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 on one of these islands which he called `EI Padron de Santa Maria’. It is from this that these islands got their present name. They are just a few scattered projections of rock rising out of the western or Arabian Sea around Malpe.

Tourists can hunt around for vantage points from where to enjoy the breathtaking geological formations. The islands are a popular picnic spot with both locals and tourists alike.

St. Mary’s Islands are extremely rich in terms of flora and fauna. You can spot colonies of gulls, sandpipers, Brahminy kites, great white egrets, grey egrets and green bee-eaters among other birds.

While on a trip to St. Mary’s islands, visitors can combine a trip to Malpe and Udupi. Malpe has the famous Vadabhandeshwara Temple and an image of Sri Balarama sanctified by the saint Madhwacharya, the founder of Dvaita Philosophy. Udupi, being a renowned religious center, attracts travelers every year.

Devbagh Island, Karwar, Karnataka.

Devbagh Island, Karwar, Karnataka.

Reasons To Visit

• Island resort with an offbeat character located on Devbagh Beach near Karwar accessible via a short boat ride
• Characterized by casuarinas trees and idyllic stretch of beaches
• A Jungle Lodges Eco Resort, part of renowned chain of eco friendly resorts in Karnatala
• 8 Loghuts (on stilts), 4 Cottages and 6 Tents with attached bathroom and simple amenities
• Houseboats attached to the resort that offer Kerala style houseboat stay
• Dining area serves vegetarian and non vegetarian meals on fixed meal basis
• Dining area also serves as common meeting area for guests
• Activities such as banana boat ride, boat ride in Arabian Sea, dolphin spotting rides can be organized
• Recommended for rustic beach getaways where guests enjoy idyllic beach experience.

You can walk to the nearby village and see fisher-folk bringing their daily catch of mackerel, prawns, pomfret and other fish. If you want to watch fishermen cast their nets, you can set off on a catamaran. If you like bird-watching you can go to the cluster of mangrove that borders the resort. Devbagh Island Beach Resort offers rejuvenating ayurvedic massages at the Ayurveda centre. Jungle resorts offer furnished log huts-on-stilts adorned with a local gazebo known as Gol Ghar which are available for tourists to stay. In the midst of dense casuarinas groves, the stay is sure to whip up excitement. At the resorts here you can pamper your taste buds with fresh seafood or delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Holiday activities at Devbagh do not end with water sports, beach games or walks. There’s a lot more you can experience. Though a beach resort, Devbagh Island is teeming with wildlife and birds. The underwater world abounds in fish and corals. You can see dolphins playing in the water while you go on a cruise. Birdwatchers can see a number of avian friends like Brahminy kites, sandpipers, gulls, terns, swifts and kingfishers. 

Butterfly Island, Canacona, Goa.

Butterfly Island, Canacona, Goa.

Their are so many beaches that one is aware off in Goa. But there are quite a few beaches in goa which are unknown or not so famous among tourists.one such beach is the butterfly beach Goa. Located on the butterfly island, Butterfly Beach Goa is the beach of butterflies, which occupies a tiny semicircular part on the high northern end of Palolem beach. Beach lovers who look for a perfect relaxing holiday should dare not miss it.

Butterfly Island is one of Goa’s most photogenic beaches. The sight of the dolphins frolicking and twisting their bodies, breaking through the warm waters, adds to the attraction of the location. Travelers to the beach should treat it like a picnicking zone; carry one’s own goodies and flasks to grab a drink. You will be amazed by the number of gift shops inland as you move away from the shore. Each store selling their knick-knacks and souvenirs for you to take home… From bamboo articles to crochet and shell works, they are quite well stocked!

Basavaraja Durga Island, Honnavar, Karnataka

Basavaraja Durga Island, Honnavar, Karnataka.

At a distance of 1 km from Pavinakurva village, 12 km from Honnavar, 48 km from Gokarna and 36 km from Murudeshwar, Basavaraja Durga Fort was an island fortress situated in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Honnavar Taluk in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. 

The fort was constructed in 16th century during Vijayanagara rule. Shivappa Nayaka, the Keladi ruler captured the fort and gave it the name of Basavaraja Durga in memory of Keladi Prince Basavaraj. This fort is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by gigantic laterite blocks also this fort has eight ruined mounted guns. Basavaraja Durga Fort is built at a height of 50 m above sea level and the island covers a total area of 19 hectares. The inner section of the fort is almost empty and only the external part is survived today.

Another famous place here is the Hindu temple located at the top surface. It was constructed between the 16th and 17th century. People, especially fishermen and boat owners flock the temple with their families during Makarashankaranthi day on 14 January to make offerings to the god to protect them from the vagaries of the sea.