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KERALA.
Map of Kerala
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Kerala is a narrow fertile state in the south western
region of India. It is known for its greenery and natural beauty.
The western ghats are to the north and east of Kerala. The state
of Tamil Nadu is on the eastern border and the state of Karnataka
is to the north. The Arabian sea and the Lakshadweep and Maldive
islands are to the west. The coastal region of Kerala is referred
to as the Malabar coast. Thus Kerala is a land of excellent
beaches and waterways commonly referred to as the Backwaters,
coconut trees, spice hills, unique cuisine, wonderful arts( such
as 'Kathakali' and 'Kalaripayattu') and very friendly people throughout.
Kerala is marketed by the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation) as 'Gods Own Country'. It is arguable that
this is far fetched, but it is one of the most beautiful natural
scenic spots in Asia (especially in the Kerala Backwaters and
the Spice Hills). There are 2 important points in making a trip:
when to go; what to see.
When should I go?
Our advice is to go at anytime that you get the opportunity. Temperatures
in Kerala vary from 25 degrees - 37 degrees. Generally, they do
not reach 40 degrees. Ideal time is September - May (although
May is starting to get hot for some people). The months of June,
July and early August undergo the Indian monsoon which sweeps
through India in a 45 degrees angle from South East to North West.
Still a good time to go but not as good as other months. There
is also a rainy season in the end of Nov going from South West
to South East. These are not torrential rains like in June, July
and early August. Off peak season is usually April - September.
Hotels have reduced tariff. Peak season is October - March with
December being the most popular time owing to school holidays.
How do I decide where to go and what should I do ?
There is no perfect answer to this question. We have tried to
identify a visit to Kerala into 9 main categories (which may aid
you in a decision making process). They are listed below:-
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Kerala Backwaters.
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The Kuttanad region (the stretch in Kerala from Quilon
(Kollam being the Keralan name) - Cochin (Kochi) is the Kerala
backwaters region and is one of the most beautiful regions in
the whole of India. Some of the major points which act as excellent
bases for the Kerala Backwaters are: Allepey (Allapuzha); Kumarakom;
Cochin (Kochi); Quilon (Kollam). There is no better way of seeing
the beauty of this region other than travelling by boats. You
can also stay in traditional Keralan houseboats made out of coir
and wood. You can also stay in traditional Keralan upmarket hotels
such as Coconut Lagoon and see the backwaters by motor boat. |
This is an extensive topic.
For further details on the Kuttanad region, products
associated withe the Kerala Backwaters and the concept of staying in a
houseboat and products related to this region, please click here.
Cardomum Spice Hills.
Many people do not venture this far into the mainland of Kerala. Those
who do are rarely disappointed. It encompasses two major points (i.e.
Periyar wildlife reserve and the beautiful hill station of Munnar).
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Periyar Wildlife Reserve: This is arguably the most important
wildlife reserve in South India built around an artificial lake.
The area is surrounded by the spice hills. Wildlife comprises
of sambar, bison, wild boar, langur and most important of all
the 'Indian Elephant'. Apart from the sitings of elephants on
the banks of the lake especially from the Lake Palace, the major
attraction is the setting of the park. You can wander in this
area outside the park into the spice hills. In some areas, you
can pluck cardomums from the trees. You can also visit a local
spice plantation. You may also wish to stay at the Spice Village
where they have a spice garden.
Munnar: This is a highly under-rated hill station in India
at 1520 m. Surrounded by green rolling hills and with tea growing
estates, it is an excellent retreat from the travels.
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This region is an extremely peaceful and picturesque region amidst
spice plantations and are excellent for walking and hill hikers.
You do not have to travel to the to the snow clad mountains of the Himalayas
to get beautiful walks.
For details of products associated with this region
please click here.
Keralan Beaches
Kovalam Beach: Viewed from Samudra hotel
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Kerala with such a long coastline is home to some of the best
beaches in India. Some of the popular beaches are: Kovalam, Varkala
and Mararikulam.
Kovalam: This is a long stretch of beach and is further
sub-divided into other names. It is the most popular beach in
Kerala with a wide variety of hotels for all budgets. The nearest
major town is Trivandrum from which many rail and air connections
exist. They are lighthouse beach and Hawah beach concluding at
the Ashok Beach Resort. From there onwards, you reach Samudra
beach which is in a cove (with the Ashok Beach Resort and the
KTDC Samudra hotel). A little further you arrive at Pozhikkara
beach.
Varkala: This is approx. 40 kms north of Kovalam beach.
It is an excellent option to Kovalam especially for viewing the
Arabian sea from the cliff-top.
Mararikulam: This is an exclusive beach resort which is
surrounded by greenery and coconut trees. Reaching it involves
driving through winding roads in a forest. The nearest major towns
are Allepey and Cochin. There is an excellent hotel here called
Marari Beach Resort run by the casino group of hotels. This is
built as individual Keralan style cottages (referred to as Garden
Villas) in a forested environment. This leads on to the beach
which resembles a picture postcard beach with the sea, sand and
coconut trees in the background. |
For beach lovers, this is paradise. You may wish to stay there
all the time. However, we have tried to integrate the beaches in addition
to the Kerala backwaters and the Spice hills into our products so that
you can get a little bit of all the Keralan worlds.
For details please click here.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda: the science of healing is becoming more popular day by
day throughout the world. Panchakarma, a unique branch of Ayurveda
has attracted the attention of the whole world. In the modern era, though
humans are enjoying the fruits of modernisation without its knowledge.
Hence, they are suffering from incurable diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension,
early ageing, loss of immunity which in turn produces more number of diseases
like chronic fatigue, fatigue syndrome etc. Causative factors for all
these are : foods containing preservatives, colouring substances, hybrid
foods, refrigerated foods; irregular habits; stress, strain, tension;
polution etc. These in turn are culminating into waste products in the
body. In such conditions Panchakarma is providing required benefits
because it is removing the waste materials and toxins from the body without
hurting the body organs and thus helping in the cure of the disease.
The therapy also helps to rejuvenate the body cells and organs and for
maintenance of health. Kerala is one of the best exponents of this kind
of therapy through a variety of herbal oil treatments. For
some examples of Ayurveda related products please click here.
Keralan Arts
There is a multitude of Keralan arts that stun the naked eye of the visitiors.
However, we wish to point you in the direction of 2 forms. There are many
others.
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Kathakali: This is a dance drama
which attracts many visitors. You do not have to even be
a lover of classical dance to appreciate this. This has
a very involved authentic face decoration prior to the performance.
The performance itself involves eye, cheek, chin, lip, hand
and leg movements. Viewing a performance is very easy. Many
hotels especially in Cochin have a night performance. Try
and get front row seats. Most
products associated with Kerala, involve Cochin (for details
please click here).
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Kalaripayattu: This is an ancient Keralan martial
art. Here the art is that of visual athleticism rather than
a means of self defence (like in China). For such performances
please check up the KTDC offices in Trivandrum for information
as to its whereabouts.
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Keralan Cities
Cochin (Kochi): An inter-connection of islands (Bolghatty Island,
Willingdon Island, Vypeen Island just to name a few).It comprises of low
rise, picturesque buildings. It is rich in history and its sights are
that of diverse tradition. Examples of the same are: the Jewish Synagogue,
Mattancherry palace (built originally by the Portugese, then rebuilt by
the Dutch occupants. It is built in traditional Keralan pattern called
'nalukettus'. To the south of the palace is a complex temple dedicated
to Shiva and Vishnu.); St Francis Church (the place where Vascodagama
died); Santa Cruz cathedral, Chinese fishing nets which line the harbour
entrances.
Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram): It is a very pleasant capital
city of Kerala. Sights include: Sri Padmanabaswamy temple, typical dravidian
architechture (Note: Normally open to hindus only); Arts and crafts
museum (wooden keralan style architechture housing collections from
Chola, Vijaynagar and Nayaka periods. In addition, Kathakali costumes
are also on display here); natural history museum (also houses a replica
of Nalukettu): Keralan Nayar house and many other museums. An excellent
excursion would be to the beautiful wood carved Padmanabhapuram Palace,
which was once the seat of the Travancore rulers. This is constructed
from teak and granite, with rosewood ceilings carved in floral patterns,
floors finished with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, egg
whites and juices of local plants.
Quilon (Kollam): Southern starting point of the Kuttanad region.
Easy going town that is surrounded by coconut trees and cashew plantations
on the edge of the Ashtamudi lake. Most famous as the starting point of
the day long Kerala Backwaters ferry trip from Quilon to Allepey. There
are many other trips that emanate from Quilon for those who wish to do
shorter trips.
Allepey (Allapuzha): Noted for 3 major points of interest: one
of the main bases for the Kerala Backwaters trips; headquarters of the
coir making industry; important for cashew nut processing.
Many of the cities listed above are very popular with our past customers.
Hence, are featured in many of the Keralan products.
For details, please click to get some ideas.
The towns listed below generally tend not to be on most travellers itinerary,
but are well worth a visit. If you like to go away from the beaten track
and yet see some beautiful sights, they are good destinations. For a visit
to these sights and some of the more popular cities, the best thing is
to tailor-make an itinerary for yourself. Just
send us an email of your requirements.
Trichur (Thrissur): Lies at the base of a hillock crowned by the
famous Vadukkumnathan temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). An excellent place
to visit for the Pooram elephant festival held annually usually
in April or May. An excellent excursion at approx. 32 kms from Trichur,
especially for pilgrims is Guruvayur to visit a temple dedicated
to Lord Krishna, known as Guruvayurappa.
Calicut (Kozhikode): An ancient port. North of the city is Kappad
beach, where a small stone monumnet commemorates the landing of Vascodagama
at this, his first stop in 1498.
Cannanore (Kannur): Formerly a major port area, this is now an
industrial city known for its handloom weavers who produce silk and cotton
saris. Sights include: the picturesque Moplah town and Payyambalam beach
kust 2 kms away.
Keralan Cuisine
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Did you know that one of the most popular Indian restaurants
in London (given acclaim by various Restaurant bodies) is
the Rasa Samudra ? This restaurant cocentrates on hardcore
Keralan cuisine and is patronised by British whites, Indians and
tourists (thus the diversity of interest: Not a taste package
for one tongue). Keralan cuisine is very unique in relation
to general Indian cuisine. Many of the dishes are coconut based.
For vegetarians: thoran (vegetables cooked in a coconut
base); aviyal (similar to Thoran where vegetables are cooked
in a sauce); boiled Keralan rice; rasam (a thin
water brown coloured soup with various spices and herbs); sambar
(fluid dish with veregtables made from tamarin, lentils and spices);
curd. Non vegetarian dishes are plentiful but the speciality
of Keralan cuisine is seafood (variety of fish dishes
cooked in traditional manner using Keralan spices). This is
hardly surprising considering the wonderful Keralan coastline
being in such proximity. The general conclusion to this is a sweet
dish called Paal Payasam (rice pudding). For food lovers
this is a unique opportunity to sample very different dishes to
those North Indian dishes which have been marketed so well in
western countries. For examples: there are banana pakoras
which are starter dishes (very rarely found in most restaurants
or even most homes abroad). |
Why not try and learn to cook some of these dishes in addition to seeing
the natural beauty which is in Kerala?
The Casino group of hotels with some of the best cooks in the world
have offered to give away their secrets and offer a cookery/Kerala sightseeing
program during some of the months at a very attractive price. For
details please click here.
Keralan and South Indian Holidays.
Many products in our site which are associated with South India feature
Kerala. Some of them like the Kerala Backwaters + Periyar + Madurai +
Kanniyakumari mainly concentrate on Kerala and have add ons in the neighbouring
states of Tamil Nadu. Some also feature Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
and Goa. Whilst others feature Kerala as one of many destinations in addition
to other destinations in India like the South India Sampler or Visit to
Goa, Kerala and conclude on a Keralan houseboat. A list of products featuring
Kerala in some form or other are listed below:-
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