5 Daily Tips for get a Flat abs

Flat abs is an imagination of all girls and women but some are junk eaters and some came from mommy journey and missing their bodies real shape. But ladies don’t worry for your fat tummy because you can get your flat abs back by taking these five steps. I am not saying these are easy but they are manageable for every girl or woman who desires to wear its bikini in summer holidays.

Workout for Healthy Start:

Abs muscles need toning because after eating fat or delivery our skin got lose and only trying to eat less is not the solution for that lose muscles and skin. Start your day by doing some inner muscle toning workouts like lay down and pull up your head exercise. It will start trimming your belly.

Breakfast should be taken:

Breakfast is a first meal of the day and after 8-10 hours sleep you are refueling yourself. So eat healthy dairy product, like fresh milk with low fat and some oat meal, boiled egg, or fresh fruit juice. Remember that eating healthy makes you fit and over eating makes you fat.

Avoid Gassy Foods:

Some foods make gas problem or create bloating. Avoid these foods because they create difficulty in muscle flexibility and skin tightening. Foods which are salty, fried, spicy, soda beverages, artificial sweetener, too much fruits intake, or gassy veggies like broccoli should be avoided.

Calories intake:

UK Department of Health Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) is a daily calorie intake of 1940 calories per day for women and 2550 for men. But it`s also depend on our life style too that how we consume that calories intake. Reduce your calories intake by swapping some junks to healthy foods which makes approximately 500 calories cut and will makes 1lb loss in a week. Make yourself full with healthy and low calorie stuff. Losing some pounds makes a positive effect on your abs.

Cardio Training:

To melt fat faster is only possible if you also do some cardio training too. It’s time to get serious because according to metabolic experts after the age of 30 our metabolism start slowing down and it`s become more difficult to reduce body fat by just changing diet and no cardio. High-intensity exercise burns calories fastest but maintain balance ratio for all body not on just your abs.

Swimming Benefits

Scientists do, and their findings may change the way you feel about taking the plunge.

Human waste, it seems, can be resistant to being neutralised by pool sanitation chemicals like chlorine. The US centers for Disease Control and Prevention collected water samples from 161 filters in public and private swimming pools and found that more than half of the samples were contaminated with E.Coli which, researchers say, comes from one primary source: human fecal matter.

The main problem is not swimmers taking a dump in the pool but they're not washing themselves off before taking a dip. 

According to the scientists, each person carries about 0.14 grams of fecal matieral into the water. A US swimming pool expert had this advice for swimmers following the report: don't take a dip in cloudy water and you should always be able to see the bottom of the pool cleary.

1: You Just Might Live Longer

If the previous nine reasons weren't enough to convince you of the health benefits of swimming, perhaps this one will: It can keep you from dying.

Actually, we're not promising Aquaman-like immortality, but it seems that swimming can at least help you avoid dying prematurely. Researchers at the University of South Carolina followed 40,547 men, aged 20 to 90, for 32 years and discovered that those who swam had a 50 percent lower death rate than runners, walkers or men who got no exercise. The study authors concluded that the same benefits would be received by aqua-women as well as men

2: Lower Stress, Higher Spirits and a Better Brain

William Wilson wrote in the 1883 book, "The Swimming Instructor": "The experienced swimmer, when in the water, may be classed among the happiest of mortals in the happiest of moods, and in the most complete enjoyment of the happiest of exercises."

Wilson probably didn't know this in the 19th century, but all that happiness was likely due to the release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins -- one of swimming's most pleasant side effects. In addition to a natural high, swimming can also evoke the relaxation response the same way yoga works on the body. This is due in large part to the constant stretching and relaxing of your muscles combined with deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise, with the sound of your own breathing and the splash of the water acting as a mantra of sorts that can help you "drown out" all other distractions.

Aside from the metaphysical benefits of swimming, research has shown that it can actually change the brain for the better through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, in which the brain replaces cells lost through stress

3: Lower Risk of Diabetes

When it comes to warding off diabetes, there are few prescriptions as powerful as aerobic exercise. In one study, men reduced their risk of diabetes by an average of 6 percent for every 500 calories a week they burned in aerobic exercise [source: Bobalik]. With just 30 minutes of breaststroke swimming three times per week, you could burn 900 calories -- reducing your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes by over 10 percent. A study that focused on women also suggested the same benefits for the fairer sex: Vigorous exercise just once a week (like the kind derived from a robust swimming session) lowered their risk of contracting type 2 diabetes by 16 percent over inactive women [source: Bobalik].

And, if you already have type 1 diabetes, the aerobic benefits of swimming can be particularly helpful, as this type of exercise can increase insulin sensitivity [source: University of Maryland].

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should get 150 minutes per week, spread across at least three days per week, of moderate-intensity physical activity like swimming to aid glycemic control.

4: Improved Cholesterol

Being healthy is more about having the right ratio of cholesterol in your body than just having low amounts of the stuff in your blood. Specifically, it's beneficial to have higher levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lower levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.

Swimming can get these levels in the right balance thanks to its aerobic power, which has been proven to raise HDL levels. And for every 1 percent increase in HDL cholesterol, the risk of dying from heart disease drops by 3.5 percent [source: Bobalik].

What's more, studies have shown that aerobic exercises like swimming can also keep your endothelium in good shape. What's your endothelium, you might wonder? It's the thin layer of cells that lines your arteries, and it tends to lose flexibility as you age. In one study of people in their sixties who participated in aerobic exercise, however, endothelium function was found to be equal to those 30 to 40 years younger. The theory is that because aerobic exercise causes arteries to expand and contract, it keeps them fit

5: Improved Asthma Symptoms

Unlike exercising in the often dry air of the gym, or contending with seasonal allergies or frigid winter air, swimming provides the chance to work out in moist air, which can help reduce exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Not only can pool workouts help you avoid asthma attacks if you're prone to them, some studies have shown that swimming can actually improve the condition overall. According to a study published in the scholarly journal, Respirology, when a group of kids completed a six-week swimming program, they saw improvements in symptom severity, snoring, mouth-breathing, and hospitalizations and emergency room visits [source: Science Daily]. What's more, the health benefits were still apparent a year after the swimming program had ended [source: Physorg].

Even those without asthma could benefit from swimming, say the study's authors, as the exercise can increase lung volume and teach proper breathing techniques.

6: Weight Control

For some time, some people thought that because water is generally cooler than our body temperatures, it would be difficult to lose weight with a water workout. Like many old ideas about exercise, this has since been revised: Swimming is now recognized as one of the biggest calorie burners around, and it's great for keeping weight under control.

The exact number of calories you burn, of course, depends on your own physiology and the intensity with which you exercise, but as a general rule, for every 10 minutes of swimming: the breast stroke will burn 60 calories; the backstroke torches 80; the freestyle lights up 100; and the butterfly stroke incinerates an impressive 150.

To boost the calorie-burning component of swimming, consider using intervals in which you work your hardest for short bursts and then recover. One way to structure this kind of workout would be to swim 50 yards (45.7 meters) then rest for 10 seconds, then 100 yards (91.4 meters) with a 10-second rest, then 150 yards (137.1 meters) -- all the way up to 300 yards (274.3 meters) with rests in between. When you reach 300 yards, reverse the pattern 

7: A Healthier Heart

In addition to toning visible muscles like pectorals, triceps and quads, swimming also helps improve the most important muscle in our bodies: the heart.

Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it serves to strengthen the heart, not only helping it to become larger, but making it more efficient in pumping -- which leads to better blood flow throughout your body. Research also shows that aerobic exercise can combat the body's inflammatory response as well -- a key link in the chain that can lead to heart disease [source: Columbia University Medical Center].

If that's not enough to get you moving in the pool, the American Heart Association reports that just 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as swimming, can reduce coronary heart disease in women by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, an analysis by the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that regular aerobic exercise could reduce blood pressure 

8: Improved Flexibility

Unlike exercise machines in a gym that tend to isolate one body part at a time (like a bicep curl machine, for example), swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. The arms move in wide arcs, the hips are engaged as the legs scissor through the water, and the head and spine twist from side to side. Plus, with every stroke, as you reach forward, you're lengthening the body, which not only makes it more efficient in the water, it also helps give you a good stretch from head to toe.

To improve your flexibility beyond the natural gains you'll make by swimming, you might also want to finish your pool workout with a series of gentle stretches. The support of the water should help you maintain positions involving tricky balance -- such as a quadriceps stretch -- for longer periods of time.

9: Increased Muscle Tone and Strength

Ever see a flabby dolphin or a weak-looking competitive swimmer? We didn't think so. That's because swimming is a great way to increase muscular strength and muscle tone -- especially compared to several other aerobic exercises.

Take running, for example. When a jogger takes few laps around the track, that jogger is only moving his or her body through air. A swimmer, on the other hand, is propelling himself through water -- a substance about twelve times as dense as air [source: Yeager]. That means that every kick and every arm stroke becomes a resistance exercise -- and it's well known that resistance exercises are the best way to build muscle tone and strength.

There's yet another bonus of a watery workout: Swimming has also been shown to improve bone strength -- especially in post-menopausal women

10: The Ability to Do More with Less

Swimming offers something no other aerobic exercise does: the ability to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. When the human body is submerged in water, it automatically becomes lighter. When immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50 percent of its weight; dunk yourself to the chest and that number reduces to around 25 to 35 percent; with water all the way to the neck, you only have to bear 10 percent of your own weight. The other 90 percent is handled by the pool.

This means that the pool provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints, especially if you're overweight or suffer from arthritis.

In its recommendation for the right types of exercise for people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation suggests those that stretch muscles, those that strengthen muscles, and those that provide an aerobic workout. A few laps in the pool combine all three!

If the pool is heated, so much the better for arthritis sufferers, as the warm water can help loosen stiff joints. In fact, people with rheumatoid arthritis receive greater benefits to their health after participating in hydrotherapy than with other activities. It's also been proven that water-based exercise improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis

A good facial

There are facials that are supposed to do different things, but really all facials are cleansing and rejuvenating so choosing any kind of facial will result in a soothing experience. Facials are an excellent way to keep your skin healthy and looking young.

There are a few different parts to a facial and all are beneficial and add to the overall experience. The first part of a facial is the cleansing process which rids the skin of all contaminants and oils on the surface. The cleansing process prepares the skin for the more in-depth cleansing and rejuvenating to happen later on in the process.

Face massage

which is crucial to the overall method the massage increases and improves the blood circulation in the face, helping toxins and waste leave the body.Following the massage you undergo a facial steam that helps release more toxins in your skin and makes it easier to dislodge blackheads and whiteheads.

The last step is the facial mask, which can do a myriad of things for your skin depending on the type you receive. This step gives your skin more tone and clarity, putting the perfect finishing touch to your face.

There are quite a few different kinds of facials and they all do slightly different things. This is where your esthetician can help you figure out what would be best for what you want.

Clean up and normal facials: your basic facial (as described above) including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. The clean up facial is best for people under 25.

Special facial:

More intense moisturizing, uses special rejuvenation and cleansing techniques. This is good for people with sensitive skin.Bio-lift facial: aimed to reduce dark circles under the eyes, tightens and tones skin

AHA facials:

Targets aging signs, focuses on making skin smoother, healthier, and more youthful looking

Paraffin facial: used often for brides, enhances radiance of skin

Anti-oxidant facials: Pollutants removed and skin is deep cleansed. This is great for people who are outdoors often.

Acne facial:

Targets blemishes and fights acne on teenagers and adults. To be effective, this facial should be done every two weeks until problem subsides.

Collagen facial: targets environmental damage, wrinkles, and dark circles and can be used on all skin types

Aromatherapy facial: relaxes body and mind while still rejuvenating skin

Galvanic facial: works best with dry skin, intense moisturizing, aids in clearing up congestion

Gold facial: uses twenty-four caret gold, results in increased softness, smoothness, resilience, elasticity, and radiance, induces faster cell regeneratio

Skin Polishing

Skin polishing is one of the ways to enhance the beauty of skin. You can try skin polishing remedies either by visiting beauty parlours or at home. Read on to know how you can carry out skin polishing technique at home for enhancing the beauty of your skin naturally.

Benifit of Skin Polishing

Our skin is exposed to a variety of things like sun rays, dust, pollution and many more. This makes it lose the natural luster and shine. Well, we need to exfoliate our skin at regular intervals so that we can protect it from the adverse effects of these attacking
elements.

Skin care has always been an important part of the routine for every man and woman. But, the amount of exposure and roughness that our skin faces these days, the time given to it in the hectic schedule is very less. However, the best thing is that we can exfoliate or polish our skin at home and you do not even have to spend a lot of time for that.

Skin Polishing at Home

The basic things that we need for skin polishing at home are as follows:

Pure olive oil
Exfoliating sugar body scrub
Pumice stone
Skin exfoliating kit
Starting from the face, you should keep in mind that the skin of the face is sensitive and so you need gentle exfoliant for that. First use warm water to moisten your face and then use the exfoliant. Using circular motion gently rub taking care of the soft areas around eyes. If you suffer from acne, avoid mechanical polishing and also use a facial peel before this so that your skin gets smoother.

To polish your body, take a warm water bath and steam up your bathroom. Apply olive oil all over the body and wait for 10 minutes. Apply gentle sugar body scrub all over your body with the help of polishing cloth. Make sure your movements are circular. You can apply slightly more pressure so that your skin gets exfoliated thoroughly. If you use pumice stone to rub
your knees, heels and elbows, apply Vaseline before you do that.

Now, you can rinse your body with warm water. Gently rub with your hands and you can leave the olive oil so that it keeps your body moisturised. Do not rub your skin with towel after polishing it. Pat dry and that too gently.

There is no need to rub your skin hard. Also, remember that it is enough to exfoliate your skin twice weekly. You will get a flawless and perfectly shining skin.

Natural Skin Polishing

There are some other combinations of elements for skin polishing.Sugar and strawberry scrub – Mix ½ spoon of almond oil, two ripe strawberries mashed and 10 teaspoons of raw sugar and prepare the body scrub.Baking soda and aloe vera – Take two tablespoon of baking soda and add fresh aloe vera juice to it.

Wheat flour and olive oil – Take two tablespoons of wheat flour and add half teaspoon of turmeric and half teaspoon of olive oil. Mix well and your body scrub is ready.

Now you have learnt the technique and you have some options too. Pamper your skin with these treatments and do give it a try. It will help you achieve the radiance you are looking for.

A visit to Munnar-one of the best attractive place in Asia

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.

This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

10 Unique things to do in Munnar 1.) Watch the spectacular greenery of Tea meadows. 2.) Visit Rajmala, where you can see the rare species – Mountain Goat . 3.) Do 30 minutes boating in Mattupetty Dam.  4.) Do a shopping of Real spices from Munnar Town. 5.) Visit Tea Museum and know the method of manufacturing of Tea powder. 6.) Enjoy the misty locations of Munnar in Pothamedu, Lockheart point or Gap Road. 7.) Do a Jeep Safari to KOLUTHUMALAI and enjoy the mountain heights. (Please note: The drive is little hectic, because of the bad condition of the road.) 8.) Snap the shots with your Still / Video camera of the spectacular beauty of this unique nature. 9.)Participate in the campfire, at the Hotel / Resort- where you stay. 10.) Visit the waterfalls (Powerhouse, Nyamakkadu & Pallivasal), Dams (Mattupetty, Kundala, Echopoint & Anayirangal) and Rivers of Munnar.

Tour to Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a beautiful seaside getaway famed for its heritage buildings, lip smacking seafood and the Chinese fishing nets that protrude into its emerald backwaters. Locally known as 'Cheenavala', a whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

It is believed that Chinese nets were introduced by traders who came from the court of Chinese king Kublai Khan. The sight of fishermen using these massive nets is worth seeing. However, the huge cost of maintenance and poor catch have forced many local fishermen to consider other alternatives for earning their livelihood. The sight of these fishing nets, supported by teak and bamboo poles, attracts large number of tourists. With the help of these fixed installations, fishermen are able to catch the fish, by operating the nets from the shore itself. The massive structure is operated in a gradual manner by a team of six fishermen. Usually, the catch is modest that gets sold within no time. You can even ask for the fish to be fried on the spot.

         10 Reasons To Visit Fort Kochi

A melting pot of European flavours, the tiny fishing village of Fort Kochi has transformed into a burgeoning urban town after being introduced to Portuguese, Dutch and British characters in the past. Find out what made it more than just a dot on the map of Kerala…By Ruchika Vyas

If you’re looking for a laid-back town away from the city that has more foreign tourists than Indians, then Fort Kochi is a good start. Throw in a bunch of cosy cafes and you won’t even miss city life. And if you’re a true-blooded traveller with the intent to explore, Fort Kochi’s growing cultural scenario, historic churches, unique Chinese fishing nets and innumerable homestays are sure to provide you with a holistic experience.

1) Visit the St. Francis Church

Known to be India’s first European church, it curiously transformed from a Roman Catholic Church during Portuguese rule (in 1503) to a Dutch Reformist Church (in 1664) to, finally, an Anglican Church (in 1804). Popular as the resting ground of Vasco da Gama, who was buried here in 1524, it attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world; even though his remains were sent to Lisbon 14 years later.
If you’re a fan of fans, don’t forget to see the antique, hand-operated fans used here that are worked manually with ropes on either side.

2) Imbibe the cafe culture

Fort Kochi’s brewing café culture is overflowing. The cafés have increased at least by 10 per cent since i last went there four years ago. Two of my favourite cafés are Kashi Art Café on Burgher Street, which houses a small art gallery featuring local artists, and Teapot at Peter Celli , which displays over 100 different kinds of teapots (what else) and authentic tea chests innovatively used as tables.

3)

Discover the arts

Visiting Kerala and not viewing a kathakali performance is like going to Italy and not eating pizza. Get there early so you can go backstage and watch the performers wear their extravagant make-up and costumes before the show begins. If you’re not pressed for time, try and catch a concert featuring classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam or Kalaripayattu (a traditional form of martial arts) demonstration, and if you’re lucky, a religious performance of the flamboyant Theyyam. If you’re inspired to stay on and become a professional, you could always enroll in a short class at a dance academy.

4) Stay at the Old Harbour Hotel

The first hotel in Fort Kochi, Old Harbour Hotel was built in a distinct Dutch architectural style, and yet resonates with Portuguese influences as well. Formerly a residence to employees of English tea-broking firms, this heritage structure was refurbished by proprietor Edgar Pinto together with German architect Karl Damschen. I found it quite intriguing that the rooms are named after the many streets in Fort Kochi.

5) The spa experience

People come to Kerala from all over the world just to soak in a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, so make sure you don’t leave without trying one. Since the practice originated here, the options are endless, but one of the most popular treatments is Shirodhara, a gentle pouring of herbal oils over the forehead to treat a variety of conditions.

6) Find out how the Chinese fishing nets work

While strolling along Vasco da Gama Square, pause for a moment and witness the gallant Chinese fishing nets being operated by fishermen on a daily basis. Called cheenavala in Malayalam, they work on the principle of balance. Fort Kochi is the only place in India that uses them. Get there around sunset for an unparalleled view of the nets bearing a cloak of stunning colours; you’ll thank me for it.

7) Explore nearby towns, Mattancherry and Jew Town

In Mattancherry, the Palace Museum is worth a visit. It features murals, art and royal paraphernalia of the Rajas of Kochi.
Jew Town houses the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India. It is said that even though Jews arrived in Kerala in 700 BC and built a prosperous community in this little town, there are now less than 13 Jewish residents, due to the majority’s migration to Israel. One of the prime reasons for the migration and a decline in population is a lack of suitable co-religious marriage partners.

8) Try a homestay

Staying with a Kerelite family is ideal for solo travellers looking to imbibe the local culture and sample the cuisine. Who doesn’t like home-cooked food? Fort Kochi has more than 100 homestays to fit every budget, so poke around and ask fellow travellers for recommendations before you make a choice. My personal recommendation is Sithara Homestay, located on Lily Street. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the family makes for a great host.

9) Shop!

Aside from the usual suspects like apparel, the narrow by-lanes of Kochi are lined with curio shops selling various items such as vintage lamps, statues, silver jewellery and handicrafts. Be sure to carry your best bargaining skills and wear the ‘I can get this somewhere else’ look. Owing to this town’s history of spice trading, you can also take home spices like cardamom, cloves and pepper in abundance.

10) Walk…

Fort Kochi is the perfect example of a place that is best explored on foot. It is neither so vast that you would get lost, nor too small that you wouldn’t enjoy the trail. Although it is a fairly popular tourist hub—with a large number of people from international shores—it is far less crowded than you would expect.




Fort Kochi beach as well as the St. Francis Church attract quite a number of tourists. The church built in 1503 is the oldest European Church in India, where the explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Fort Kochi is full of boutique resorts, heritage hotels and homestays for those who want to soak up some serious culture. Eateries range from gourmet restaurants to street shacks.

For culture buffs, the historic Mattancherry town nearby would be worth a visit. Mattancherry houses Jew Town, once a bustling centre of spice trade, the Paradesi Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Jewish synagogue was built in 1568 on the land adjacent to the Dutch Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin. If you have deep pockets, you could pick up some great antiques and souvenirs from Jew Town. This quaint little town is also a melting pot of migrant communities like Gujaratis, Jews and Jains.  

Highlight: Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

How to Reach: Once you reach Kochi City of Kerala, you can take a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus to Fort Kochi.

Even a casual stroll through Fort Kochi located in the port city of Kochi in Kerala is enough to make you feel transported to another world and time. The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

Fort Kochi or Fort Cochin is one of the three main urban regions that constitute the present day Kochi city in Kerala, India. The other two regions together comprising the Kochi city are Mattancherry and Ernakulam. Interestingly, the port city of Kochi was initially a municipal town from 1866 to 1967. It was later in the year 1967 that these three principal municipalities and few adjoining areas were joined to form the new corporation of Kochi.






Fort Cochin is counted among the major tourist attractions of present day Kochi in Kerala, but it was earlier a fishing village of no significance during the pre-colonial Kerala. It was christened as Fort Kochi after this territory was given to the Portuguese in the year 1503 by the Raja of Kochi. The Raja gave the Portuguese the permission to build a fort near the waterfront to protect their commercial interests.

The fort that the Portuguese, thus, built here was named Fort Emmanuel and it is from the name of this fort that 'Fort Kochi' derived the first part of its name. Fort Emmanuel was, however, later destroyed by the Dutch. It was behind this Fort Emmanuel that the Portuguese built their settlement and a wooden church, which was rebuilt in the year 1516 as a permanent structure world famous as the St Francis Church in the present times. Believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India, it is here that the body of Vasco Da Gama was buried initially before his remains being shipped to Lisbon in Portugal later.

Since Cochin in Kerala was an important trading zone for foreign travelers and seafarers, the ownership of the Fort Kochi region passed many hands. It, however, remained a Portuguese possession for almost 160 years until the year 1683,k when the Dutch captured the territory. They then held Fort Kochi under their possession for 112 years until the year 1795, thereafter which the British took over control by defeating the Dutch. The 444 years of foreign control of Fort Kochi or Fort Cochin finally ended with India gaining independence in 1947.

A TOUR TO KASHMIR

Perfection beyond this world makes Kashmir a paradise. The land of dazzling rivers and sleepy lakes, of amazing gardens and royal Chinar trees, Kashmir boasts of some of the most gorgeous flowering meadow and snow-capped peaks. The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the ‘Switzerland of the East’. Kashmir is the most well-known tourist destination of the india which offers so many attractions such as lakes, monasteries, pilgrimages of kashmir, wildlife of kashmir and many other things. It is said that a visit to Kashmir divides your life into two parts – before and after Kashmir. For indeed, once you visit this charmed land,you are never quite the same again.

The Valley of Kashmir owes its reputation, no doubt, not less to the wild dignity of the barriers, which surround it than to its own intrinsic loveliness. It is this dissimilarity which led the poets of all nations to speak of Kashmir Valley as “Emerald set in Pearls”. But the varied beauties of Kashmir appeal to every want and taste. For the cultivator of the soil, there is richness of land, great quantity of water, variety and plenty of natural products, whether grains or fruits. For the herdsman, there is rich pasturage and broad meadows. The sportsman finds game in the jungles and along the mountain sides. So Kashmir is one of the top places to visit in India. So don’t wait and visit this amazing tourist destination or at least put it on your bucket list.