Vivekananda Rock Memorial

 This memorial was constructed in honour of the great spiritual leader and Hindu monk of India, Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment here after meditating for two days,prior to his famous Chicago trip December 1892 trip. This rock is also considered sacred as local legends say Goddess Devi Kumari blessed the rock while performing austerity. 

Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

Spreading Christmas Cheer on Lighthouse Beach - one Christmas cookie at a time

Tasty raw mango salad

Lighthouse Beach Kovalam

This is looking at the beach in front of my hotel

 Views from the 30 meter high lighthouse.

  Travelling around Thattekad - breathtaking landscape of the mountains and Periyar River.

Tapovan Resort

We stopped at this resort for lunch and it was very peaceful and serene.  The buildings are created in the traditional style and the food was wonderful! I can imagine staying there and just  as the word  suggests-Tapovan is a Sanskrit word derived from Tapasya (Spiritual Practice) and Vana (Forest or wilderness) I would not be disappointed.

The dense reserve forest

If you look closely in the background you will see wild elephants!  We went into the forest in hopes of seeing them and we were not disappointed

BhoothathanKettu Dam

Where most of the dams are painted grey or black and appear bleak, this dam is vibrant with colors. But the dam itself is not much to look at.