Amazing Kerala

Backwaters of kerala

2008-09-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is an intricate network of innumerable Lagoons, Lakes, Canals, Estuaries and the Deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.

Over 900 kms of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. As characteristic of Kerala as the 600km long coastline of dazzling beaches is the dense, lush Backwaters of the state.

And while hill stations are all over the country and palm-fringed beaches too, the Backwaters are unique to Kerala. These Backwaters are both the basis of a distinct lifestyle and a fascinating thoroughfare. Travelling by boat along the Backwaters is one of the highlights of Kerala.

The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chineses fishing nets and travel along narrow shady canals, where Coir, Copra, and Cashews are loaded into the boats. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port.

The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the Backwaters. Each district of Kerala is marked by the presence of the inviting Backwaters, which form a prominent part of the panoramic landscape of Kerala.

Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.

Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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The southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the wooded highlands of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west.

A long shoreline, with secluded, internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage give this district some of the most enchanting picnic spots. The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli.
Thiruvallam Backwaters
This serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. Thiruvallam is the meeting point of two rivers - Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located here.
Akkulam Boat Club
This is a very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a children's park with a Swimming pool.

KOLLAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in days gone by.

The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Around 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent Backwaters of Kerala.

The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwaters tours and cruises.

Alumkadavu
Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam Lake is the picturesque little village of Alumkadavu. This village is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvallams in yester years.

ALAPPUZHA (ALLEPPEY) DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwaters country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.

By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.

Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

Pathiramanal Backwaters:
According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).

This little island on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. It takes 1½ hours by motorboat/30 min, by speedboat from Alappuzha.

KOTTAYAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Bordered by the lofty Western Chats on the east, the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics.

Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and tributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web.

The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets A boat ride in the countryside offers a close look into an engaging rustic life. Skilled-fishermen launching their cockshell boats.

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Large flotillas of ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks. Women, neck-deep in water, with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, searching for fish with their feet.

And aimless cattle grazing in lush pastureland, where white lotuses lie here and there in small, low-lying pools.

ERNAKULAM (KOCHI) DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.

The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.

The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.

Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.

KOZHIKODE DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in days past.

Today, ancient monuments, lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination.

Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating.

Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.

KASARAGOD DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATER TRAVEL

The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast with the Western Chats on its east and northern borders. Backwater trips on the Chandragiri River and at Valiyaparamba are fascinating experiences.

Chandragiri
Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for the large 17th century Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts.

It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Chandragiri cruises:
Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves are available.

Boarding point:
Chandragiri bridge.

Valiyaparamba
This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort.

KERALA BACKWATERS CRUISES

The most popular backwater cruise is the eight-hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha and vice versa. The regular public ferry service on this route has been suspended but tourist boats are as popular as ever.

There are essentially identical daily cruises operated on alternate days by the Private Alleppy Tourist Development Co-Operative and the State Government's District Tourism Promotion Council.

Handicrafts Of Kerala

2008-09-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Coconut Shell Craft

Coconut shell craft is a popular craft in Kerala as coconut trees are found in abundance here. A high degree of skill is required for carving coconut shell as it is hard. The main centre for coconut shell craft is Calicut district in Kerala. The common products are cups, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar basins, nut bowls, powder boxes and spoons etc and also products decorated with brass, which are in great demand.

Ivory

For much the same reason, you might be able to admire but do be very careful about buying beautifully sculpted creations made from ivory. Elephants are also on our protected list and only old ivory can be used sold, but then if its too old the buyer might have trouble taking it out of India. Indian antiques cannot be exported without permission.

Aranmula Kannadi

Aranmula kannadi is special type of mirror produced at Aranmula, a village in the state of Kerala in India. These unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala's rich cultural and metallurgical traditions. The British Museum in London has a 45 centimeter tall Aranmula metal mirror in its collection.
The origins of the Aranmula metal mirrors are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Legend has it that eight families of experts in temple arts and crafts were brought by the royal chief to Aranmula from Tirunelveli district to work in the Parthasarathy temple centuries ago. Some undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin to cast the mirrors. The procedure and metallurgy is now only known to a single family in Aranmula. To achieve their highly reflective surface, the finished mirrors need to be polished for one or two days.

The major differences between an Aranmula kannadi and a normal mirror are:

• The Aranmula kannadi is not created from glass but from a special metal alloy.
• It is a front surface reflection mirror, so the secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors are not present.

Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram

The Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram is a uniquely crafted golden ring shaped like a knot and considered to be a sacred ornament. The sole right to make this holy ring was vested in the hands of a particular family at Payyannur in Kannur district. This ring is believed to be a luck and grace to anyone who wears it with devotion.

Coir Products

Making of coir and its products one of the main village industry of Kerala. Coir is extracted from the protective husk of the Coconut. Coir is used to make a range of floor coverings, door mats, floor Mattings and rugs, crush-proof pile carpets, Flowered Mourzouks etc. The mats come in a range of colours and intricate designs. Besides that rubberised coir, a blend of coir and latex, is also used to make mattresses and cushioning. The husks separated from the nuts, are retted in lagoons upto ten months. The retted husks are then beaten with wooden mallets manually to produce the golden fibre. The fibre is later spun into yarn on traditional spinning wheels called "Ratts", ready for dyeing and weaving into myriad shades of floor coverings. Some of the main centres for coir products are Alleppey, Kollam and Calicut. The products are exported on a large scale to other countries.

Woodcarving

Kerala has one of the richest traditions in wood carving. Temples and palaces are the best preservers of the wood-carving styles of Kerala. Doors, windows and ceilings of most of the ancient houses are testimonial of the high level of craftsmanship and tradition of wood carving. Carvings are made on rosewood, sandalwood, cedar wood and teak. Life-size wood carved figures which are highly stylised with exaggerated features, gestures and postures like the characters of Kathakali dance drama, mythological and religious figures were produced. Now items also include intricately carved Elephants in different postures, other animal figures, paper weights, lamp stands, Jewellery Boxes like Nettoor jewellery boxes in its unique conical shape, with brass edgings at the corners, decorative furniture etc. Kerala style of work on sandalwood and rosewood is quite distinct from that prevalent elsewhere.

Metal Inlaid Wood Craft

The main centre for the craft is Ernakulam district in Kerala. Rose wood and white wood pieces are cut into required sizes and pasted on a plywood base according to the particular design and polished. The brass metal pieces are fixed in different designs to make the final product. The product include Dancing Lady, Peacock, Candle Stand, Star Wheel, Kathakali Heads, Key Stand and Butterflies etc.

Screw Pine Products

Screw pine mat weaving is an ancient craft and one of the major cottage industries in Kerala. Three types of mats are woven with Screw pine leaves. The main centres of this craft in Kerala are Karunagapalli Taluk of Kollam Dist, Mavelikkara and Karthikapalli Taluks of Alappuzha dist. Thazava, Vachrai and Vallikunnam Panchayaths, some villages in Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam Districts. Screw pine leaves are also woven, hand embroidered and shaped into products like household linen, straw hats, and carry bags.

Horn Carving

Horn carving is an ancient craft practiced mainly by artisans belonging to Viswakarma Community in Thiruvananthapuram. A wide range of products like flower set, birds, animals, combs, cigarette cases, lamps etc. are made out of horn.

Bamboo Mat Paintings

Bamboo mat painting is one of the major craft in Kerala. The artisans initially make mats of required size as canvas and paint on it. Painting on the mat requires more concentration than ordinary painting. Most of the paintings are human and religious figures, animals, birds, scenery etc. in different size and in attractive colours. The products looks beautiful with bamboo reed frames at the top and bottom.

Metalwork

Metal work is an ancient art of Kerala. The production of Temple bells and lamps have been in existence from very early times. Kerala is a home of bell-metals. Gleaming bell metal alloyed from a mixture of brass, tin and copper provide the raw substance for making tower-like lamps. Different types of cooking vessels, like the magnificent 'Varpu', tumblers for drinking etc are some of the other bell metal items. Trivandrum, Irinjalakuda and Kasargod are the main centers of bell-metal. The religious icons from Kerala has a wonderful directness, devotion and serenity associated with them like the unusual icon of the tandava dance, known as gaja tandava or gajasamhara, where Shiva is crushing the demon in an elephant form. The chief centres in Kerala for icons are Trivandrum, Payyanur is Cannanore district, and Angadipuram in Palghat district. A special and famed product of Aramula, a village near Chengannur in Kerala is the metal mirror made out of an alloy of copper and tin and its polished face resembling glass because of its wonderful reflecting quality.

Other crafts

Papier-Mache Masks - Papier -Mache masks of Kerala dancers in different poses are available. Kathakali faces are one of the common subject matter of Papier-Mache. Banana Plant fibre, Cora grass, Rice straw etc are used to make various products. Banana fibre is woven into floor coverings, each a square foot in size, are then stitched together according to the size desired, Rice straw is used to form a silken collage of native scenery on black silk and Cora grass is used to make mats are best examples for the above.

Spices of Kerala

2008-09-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Cardamom

Cardamom or Elettaria Cardamomum Maton, rightly called as Queen of Spices is one of the most exotic and highly prizCardamom plant - Spices Keralaed spices. Indian cardamom has a history as old as human civilization. The dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial, cardamom is grown mainly in Kerala on the shady slopes of the western Ghats.

Warm humid climate, loamy soil rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall and special cultivation and processing methods all combine to make Indian cardamom truly unique in aroma, flavor, size and color tempting parrot-green. Indian cardamom is offered to the international markets in different grades: 'Alleppey Green Extra Bold', 'Alleppey Green Bold' and 'Alleppey Green Superior'are names that register instant appeal worldwide. Cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods medicines and beverages. India, a traditional exporter of cardamom to the Middle East countries where it goes mostly into the preparation of 'Gahwa' - a strong cardamom - coffee concoction without which no day is complete or no hospitality hearty for an Arab. Indian cardamom enjoys a premium preference in the Middle East, by Japanese and Russians who relish it for its distinct enriching properties. This Queen of Spices is from the High Ranges of Kerala.

Aroma and flavour

The cardamom seeds have a warm, slightly pungent and highly aromatic flavour. They are popular seasoning in Oriental dishes, particularly curries and in Scandinavian pasteries. In Middle East countries it is used mostly in the preparation of 'Gahwa', a strong cardamom-coffee concoction.

Medicinal and other use

The cardamom oil is a precious ingredient in food preparations, perfumery, health foods, medicine and beverages. A good portion is consumed for chewing or as a masticatory item. In medicine, it is used as powerful aromatic, stimulant, carminative, stomachic and diuretic, but rarely used alone. It also checks nausea and vomiting, helps in combating digestive ailments. Herbal lores on this spice suggest it can be used to freshen your breath and support smooth digestion.

Ginger

Ginger (Zinngiber Officianale Rosc), is one of the earliest Oriental spices known in Europe, ginger has beenspices kerala spices india cultivated in India both as a fresh vegetable and marketed as a dried spice since time immemorial. The fresh, dried or powdered rhizome of a slender, perennial herb, Indian ginger has been acclaimed worldwide for its characteristic taste, flavor & texture.

Ginger has always meant many things to many people. A taste- maker. A flavorant. An appetizer. A drug. Though grown all over India, the finest quality ginger comes from Kerala endowed as it is with a congenial climate and a rich earthy soil. Indian dry ginger is known in the world market as 'Cochin Ginger' & 'Calicut Ginger'. India offers ginger in a variety of forms; oils, oleoresins, fresh ginger in brine, pickles, candies and syrups. It also comes in garbled/ungarbled, bleached/unbleached and powder forms. India has a predominant position in ginger production and export.

Aroma and flavour

Raw turmeric rhizomes have to be cured for both colour and aroma. For this, the fingers and bulbs are boiled separately in water for 30 to 45 minutes until the rhizomes are soft. This procedure gets rid of the ‘raw’ colour, reduces drying time, gelatinises the starch and gives the turmeric a more uniform colour. Water is then drained and the turmeric sun dried for 10-15 days until they become dry and hard. For imparting orange yellow colour, the rhizomes are boiled in lime water or sodium bicarbonate solution. The dried produce is cleaned and polished mechanically in a drum rotated by hand or by power.

Turmeric oleoresin is obtained by solvent extraction of the ground spice. It is orange-red in colour and consists of colouring matter, volatile oil, fatty oils and bitter principles. The volatile oil gives the turmeric its characteristic flavour. The important quality attributes of turmeric are size, physical form, colour, curcumin content, maturity, weight or bulk density, length and thickness, intensity of colour of the core and aroma.

Medicinal and other use

Traditionally Turmeric is being used in Indian System of medicine. It has several medicinal properties like stomachic, carnivative, tonic, blood purifier, vermicide and antiseptic. The active constituent of turmeric, curcumin, has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. Because it is a strong antioxidant, it protects against free radical damage. Curcumin has also been shown to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect. It accomplishes this by reducing histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Curcumin also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. It has also been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which improves circulation and helps protect against atherosclerosis. There are numerous studies showing cancer-preventing effect of curcumin; which may be due to its powerful antioxidant activity in the body. Anticancer properties of turmeric are recently reported.

Turmeric has a major role in Cosmetics also. It is an inexpensive and indigeneous beauty aid. Considerable quantities of turmeric are converted as ‘kumkum’ used for tilak by Indians. Smearing with turmeric paste cleans skin and beautifies it. Its antiseptic and healing properties prevent and cure pimples.

Cinnamon

The spice is light brown in colour and has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavour. Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold. In Egypt it was sought for embalming and witchcraft; in medieval Europe for religious rites and as a flavouring.

Later it was the most profitable spice in the Dutch East India Company trade. In modern times, cinnamon is used to flavour a variety of foods, from confections to curries; in Europe and the United States it is especially popular in bakery goods. The Sri Lanka cultivator harvests his main crop in the wet season, cutting the shoots close to the ground. In processing, the shoots are first scraped with a semicircular blade, then rubbed with a brass rod to loosen the bark, which is split with a knife and peeled. The peels are telescoped one into another forming a quill about 107 cm (42 inches) long and filled with trimmings of the same quality bark to maintain the cylindrical shape. After four or five days of drying, the quills are rolled on a board to tighten the filling and then placed in subdued sunlight for further drying. Finally, they are bleached with sulfur dioxide and sorted into grades. Cinnamon contains from 0.5 to 1 percent essential oil, the principal component of which is cinnamic aldehyde. The oil is distilled from the fragments for use in food, liqueur, perfume, and drugs. The aldehyde can also be synthesized.

Aroma and flavour

Cinnamon contains from 0.5 to 1 present essential oil, the principal component of which is cinnamic aldehyde (about 60%). Other components are eugenol, eugenol acetate, and small amounts of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters and terpenes. The oil is distilled from fragments for use in food, liqueur, perfume and drugs. The aldehyde can also be synthesized. Cinnamon leaf oil is unique in that it contains eugenol as its major constituent (70-90%).

Medicinal and Other use

Now a days, Cinnamon is used to flavour a variety of foods, from confections to curries; in Europe and the USA it is especially popular in bakery goods. The stick cinnamon is added whole to casseroles, rice dishes, mulled wines and punches, and to syrups for poaching fruit. The chips are also used in tea infusions or spiced cider blends. Ground cinnamon is used in baked goods like cakes, pasteries and biscuits. Cinnamon leaf oil is used in processed meats, condiments and also in bakery items. Oil from the bark is used in the manufacture of perfume. The cinnamic aldehyde and/or eugenol present are both antifungal agents. Cinnamon is a stimulant, astringent and carminative, used as an antidote for diarrhoea and stomach upsets.

Nutmeg

History reveals the use of nutmeg in the first century AD. Nutmeg is the hard kernel of the seed of an evergreen tree, native to Moluccas. Mace is the lacy growth known as the aril, surrounds the seed. Nutmeg had long been used in India, unknown to ancient civilization of the west.

The spice became popular in the kitchen when the Portuguese developed trade in Spice Island, in 16th century. Nutmeg became important as medicine and spice and by the 18th century, people carried nutmeg as a personal belonging. Cultivation of this species is only possible in warm humid climates with temperatures not less than 55°F. These spices are similar in aroma and taste, but mace is more refined. These are used in both savory and sweet dishes. Nutmeg has a warm flavor and affinity for rich foods. In Italy, it is used for filling pastas. In India these are used mainly in Moghul dishes. Arabs add it to Mutton and Lamb. Europeans use it extensively in sweet and savory dishes. Dutch recipes include nutmeg as a seasoning agent. In Indonesia, flesh of the fruit is used to make sweet meat.

Medicinal Value: It is used to relieve bronchial disorders, rheumatism and flatulence as treatment for digestive, liver and skin complaints. It is also used in perfumery, soaps and shampoos.

Clove

Small, reddish-brown flower bud of the tropical evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum (sometimes Eugenia caryophyllata) of the family Myrtaceae, important in the earliest spice trade and believed indigenous to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia.

Strong of aroma and hot and pungent in taste, cloves are used to flavour many foods, particularly meats and bakery products; in Europe and the United States. As early as 200 BC, envoys from Java to the Han-dynasty court of China brought cloves that were customarily held in the mouth to perfume the breath during audiences with the emperor. During the late Middle Ages, cloves were used in Europe to preserve, flavour, and garnish food. Clove cultivation was almost entirely confined to Indonesia, and in the early 17th century the Dutch eradicated cloves on all islands except Amboina and Ternate in order to create scarcity and sustain high prices. In the latter half of the 18th century the French smuggled cloves from the East Indies to Indian Ocean islands and the New World, breaking the Dutch monopoly.

The clove tree is an evergeen that grows to about 25 to 40 feet (8 to 12 m) in height. Its gland-dotted leavesspices kerala spices india are small, simple, and opposite. The trees are usually propagated from seeds that are planted in shaded areas. Flowering begins about the fifth year; a tree may annually yield up to 75 pounds (34 kg) of dried buds. The buds are hand-picked in late summer and again in winter and are then sun-dried. The island of Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania, is the world's largest producer of cloves. Madagascar and Indonesia are smaller producers.

Cloves vary in length from about 1/2 to 3/4 inch (13 to 19 mm). They contain 14 to 20 percent essential oil, the principal component of which is the aromatic oil eugenol. Cloves are strongly pungent owing to eugenol, which is extracted by distillation to yield oil of cloves. This oil is used to prepare microscopic slides for viewing and is also a local anesthetic for toothaches. Eugenol is used in germicides, perfumes, and mouthwashes, in the synthesis of vanillin, and as a sweetener or intensifier.

History

Until modern times, cloves grew only on a few islands in the Maluku Islands (Historically called the Spice Islands), including Bacan, Makian, Moti, Ternate, and Tidore. Nevertheless, they found their way west to the Middle East and Europe well before the time of Christ. Archeologists found cloves within a ceramic vessel in Syria along with evidence dating the find to within a few years of 1721 BC.

Cloves were traded by Arabs during the Middle Ages in the profitable Indian Ocean trade. In the late 15th century, Portugal took over the Indian Ocean trade, including cloves, due to the Treaty of Tordesillas with Spain and a separate treaty with the sultan of Ternate. The Portuguese brought large quantities of cloves to Europe, mainly from the Maluku Islands. Clove was then one of the most valuable spices, a kg costing around 7 g of gold.

Pepper

Indigenous to India, pepper, rightly called the King of Spices, is one of the oldest and best-known spices in thePepper - Spices Keralaworld. India has always reigned supreme in the production and export of this most exotic and sought-after spice.

Indian pepper had a profound influence on the European economy of the Middle Ages. Many western countries owed their prosperity to this spice which fetched them a very high price. Easily the finest in quality anywhere, Indian pepper is grown in the monsoon forests along the Malabar coast in South India. Here, a combination of natural advantages and organic techniques produces bigger, better-shaped, more aromatic and flavor-full berries. Two of the most celebrated trade varieties of Indian black pepper are 'Malabar Garbled' and 'Tellichery Extra Bold'. India also offers green pepper in several processed forms - frozen, dehydrated, freeze-dried and packed in brine. Pepper is a perennial climber requiring the support of live or dead standards.

Coffee

Although Brazil commands the Top Spot for Coffee globally, India has been a major player in this commodity.

India Monsoon Malabarspices kerala spices india Monsoon Malabar is a unique coffee grown at 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level.

It is a significantly larger arabica bean named for the region and its rainy season which contributes to the beans' higher moisture content. To create a "monsooned" crop, the green coffee is warehoused in an open structure protected from rain while moist tropical air blows through the storage area. In a 2 to 3 month period, the beans absorb moisture, losing a degree of natural acidity and at roast time, a richer yet mellower beverage results. The Malabar Coast: the Arabian Ocean: the West facing slopes of India’s Ghat Mountains: these things supply ideal coffee growing conditions to the region centered in Karnakata (formerly Mysore). A mineral-rich volcanic soil, suitable altitudes, good rainfall and temperature variations make for the winning team that coffee needs here. Shade growth and one-thousand meter altitude means longer growing periods and slow ripening. The coffee cherry, as a result, is richer in taste and higher in sugar content.

Tea

High in the Himalayan "Blue" Mountains tea pickers are hard at work . They pluck only young and the most flavorful leaves. The best Assam teas are grown in high altitudes with clouds comforting the tea plant and moisturizing it's leaves. Although tea plants flourish in tropical climate cool mountain air and shade from clouds produce the highest quality teas.

At this point tea is purchspices kerala spices indiaased by brokers, packaged and labeled with various brand names. Single estate teas (unblended) are gaining popularity and becoming the teas of choice among tea connoisseurs. Some of the tea estates are producing organic teas. This means that there are no chemical pesticides or fertilizers used in growing the tea. Estates in Darjeeling, India produce teas known as "Darjeeling Teas" also called" Champagne Teas "with aroma resembling Muskat grapes. Tastes vary from malty / complex to bright / simple.

Curry Leaf

Curry leaf tree is a small deciduous tree. Most Indian cuisine cannot do without the subtle flavouring of this highly aromatic leafy spice. Curry leaf grows profusely throughout mainland. It is commonly found in forests as a gregarious undergrowth along the foot of the Himalayas, from the

Ravi to Sikkim and Assam, besides Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.

The trees are also now maintained in homestead gardens, as in Kerala, or on leaf farms as in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa. The western world is fast taking enthusiastically to Indian curry leaf, especially those who prefer their food to be tangy without being too hot.

Indigenous to India, galanga shows exuberant growth and fine health along the eastern Himalayas and in south-west India. India exports several varieties of galanga in different forms. However, its volatile oil attracts more international interest because of its high medicinal value.

Cashew

The specifications below follow the specifications of the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India. Our products are normally ffered by importers to their customers as the commodity grade entioned, with the suffix "Top quality Indian Shipper", or "Group Shipper".

We have a consistent record of not taking liberties with subjective interpretations and tolerances and a control system to ensure that we surpass expectations of fair average quality (FAQ). We also work our production schedules around our shipping schedules to deliver on time.

Turmeric

The dried rhizome of a herbaceous plant, turmeric is closely related to ginger. The spice is also sometimes called 'Indian saffron' thanks to its brilliant yellow colour. Indian turmeric has been known to the world since ancient times.

Several unique properties of Indian turmeric make it the ideal choice as a food flavour, an effective ingredient in medicines and cosmetics, and as a natural colourant. With its rich curcumin content, which imparts the distinctive yellow colour, and other inherent qualities, Indian turmeric is considered the best in the world. India is today the largest exporter of turmeric to discerning countries like the Middle East, the UK, USA and Japan. India also exports turmeric in powder form and as oleoresin.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a climbing orchid cultivated for its pleasant flavour. It is one of the few contributions of the westernspices kerala spices india hemisphere to the world of spices. Over 50 species described, only three are important species as
sources of natural vanillin, whichare Vanilla planifollia Andrews, Vanilla pompona Shiede and Vanilla tahitensis J.W. Moore.

These, Vanilla planifollia is the most preferred and commercially cultivated. Pods (beans) are subjected to curing process to produce the spices kerala spices india characteristic aroma. The substance chiefly responsible for the unique fragrance and flavour of the vanilla bean is vanillin(C8 H8 03).

Among the food flavors, vanilla has a prime position. Vanilla essence is largely used in foods in the preparation of ice creams, chocolates, bakery products, puddings, pharmaceuticals, liquors and perfumes. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice traded in the world market.

The vanilla flavour industry was based on the processed beans of the vanilla plants. With the advent of chemical technology to produce vanillin/ ethyl vanillin, these synthetic substitutes have taken over the use of vanilla beans. However, natural vanillin is still the most preferred food flavor.

Koova (Arrowroot)

Koova, commonly called arrowroot is a group of ginger like plants with sizes ranging from less than two feet to six feet and color from white to dark purple. The underground stem of the plant is the usable part, which yields flour. The rhizome is also eaten boiled. Flouring is necessary for better preservation and for making different culinary items like biscuits.

The cultivation of this crop is largely on decline in the state.

Medicinal use

It has medicinal properties and is used in curing disorders to stomach.

Tamarind

The fruit of a tropical tree, tamarind is an indispensable spice in most south Indian kitchens. Today, India is the only producer of tamarind on a commercial scale. A large part of India's production of tamarind is exported to West
Asia, Europe and America, where it is used in such food specialties like Worcestershire sauce. This spice also comes in the forms of pulp and juice concentrates which mainly go into the preparation of cool drinks, sea foods and a range of sophisticated cuisine.

Tamarindus (Tamarindus indica) is an evergreen tree, of the pea family native to tropical Africa. It is widely cultivated in other regions as an ornamental and for its edible fruit. The word tamarind literally means ‘date of India’. Tamarind, a native of East Africa, is now grown extensively in India, South East Asia and the West Indies.

Medicinal and other use

Tamarind is a good laxative and an antiseptic. It is used for tummy upsets and for the treatment of ulcers. Over-ripe fruits can be used to clean copper and brass.

Chilly

Chilly is the universal spice of India. Chilly is nature's wonder. Its fruit appears in different sizes, shapes and colour. The fruit size of some varieties is more than hundred times that of others. The shape may be elongated or round and distal pointed, blunt or sucked in. Corrugated, leathery or smooth maybe the touch on outer skin. It may look like a bird's eye or a small orange fruit. Colour varies from blue, green, orange, red, yellow, violet, cream white to near black rich in vitamins A and C.

Chilly has two important commercial qualities. If some varieties are famous for red colour because of the pigment capsanthin, others are known for biting pungency attributed by capsaicin. India is the only country rich in many varieties with different quality factors.

Aroma and flavour

The pungency for the red peppers and the colour value for the paprikas are the most important parameters. Hot peppers, used as relishes, pickled or ground into a fine powder for use as spices, derive their pungency from the compound capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-enamide), a substance characterized by acrid and burning taste, that is located in the internal partitions of the fruit. First isolated in 1876, capsaicin stimulates gastric secretions and, if used in excess, causes inflammation. It is a tasteless, odourless white crystalline substance. Its level varies widely in capsicum peppers, from less than 0.05% in the mildly pungent types to as high as 1.3% in the hottest chillies. The pungency level is usually represented in Scoville heat values. Pungency levels vary in the same variety, by geographical region, and in maturity levels. Volatile oil content is low in all capscicums. The pigment responsible for the colour in paprikas is capxanthin, a carotenoid. Other carotenoids present are capsorubin, zeaxanthin, lutein, kryptoxanthin and alpha and beta-carotene. The pigment content increases as the fruit ripens and continues after maturity.The extractable colour of parika is usually expressed in ASTA colour value or in Colour Units, which are 40 times the ASTA colour.

Other use

Chilli pepper is used primarily in the manufacture of chilli powders. Cayenne pepper is a very fine ground powder from the C.frutescens variety. It is widely used as a seasoning and it is also added to some curries. Chilli powder of chili pepper is the dried ground product of the milder peppers. It is a blended product of different chilies to get the exact flavour profile and colour desired. Chilli peppers are often caramelized to get a burnt flavour note and a surface browned colour. Common heat values for chilli peppers are mild, about 100 Scoville heat units. Tabasco sauce or chilli sauce is a North American seasoning made from extremely hot Tabasco or cone chillies, which are mixed with vinegar and then matured in white oak casks for several years. It is widely used in small quantities as a general seasoning. Chilli is also used as a paste and in crushed form in several dishes.

Cultivation

Pepper plants are treated as tender summer annuals outside their native habitat. They are propagated by planting seed directly in the field or by transplanting seedlings started in green houses or hotbeds after 6-10 weeks. Green chillies are immature fruits and red chillies have been allowed to ripen for a further 4 weeks

Introduction

2008-09-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala.Recently National Geographic magazine rated Kerala' seventh' among 50 places of a life time to visit in the world.
Kerala is full of good things.This small State in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owning to its great mind-blowinglandscape and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala is choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travelers from all over the world.
There is no other state in the country that can present so much enthusiasm for life as it is visible in Kerala. Despite high population,the economic condition in Kerala is in much better shape than most of the other Indian states. Basic civic facilities available to the common
people are well in place and people know what there rights

Happy Onam'08

2008-09-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

Floral Designs From Onam

2008-09-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Famous Temples of Kerala

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THE CHULIYAR BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KANHANGAD

The Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple here is a popular place of worship. ‘Thirayattu Utsavam’ of this temple acquires special significance because of the different types of Theyyam performances.

THE LAKE TEMPLE AT ANANTHAPURA

Ananthapura, 12 km north-east of Kasargod town, is known for its lake temple. This holy temple is believed to be the original seat (‘moolasthanam’) of Anantha Padmanabha of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram

THE MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT MADHUR

The Mahaganapathy Temple at Madhur near Kasaragod is a well- known place of worship. This temple has some unique style of architecture.

THIRUCHAMBARAM VISHNU TEMPLE AT THALIPARAMBU

Thaliparambu, about 20 km north-east of Kannur, is famous for its Thiruchambaram Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple, which dates back to the 10th century, is an example of medieval temple architecture.

SRI MUTHAPPAN TEMPLE AT PARASSINIKADAVU

Parassinikadavu on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is 18 km away from Kannur. The place has become famous for its Sri Muthappan Temple

The presiding deity of this popular temple is Muthappan, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only temple in the state where Theyyam, the ritual dance form of Kerala, is performed daily. Another distinguishing feature of the temple is its unusual ritual of offering fish and toddy to the deity. Kathakali is also performed at the temple by the Kathakali Club on request.

THE GLASS TEMPLE AT KOTTAMUNDA

Kottamunda is on the slope of Vellarimala 20 km from Kalpetta, the Headquarters of Wayanad district. The place acquires significance because of the Glass Temple here. The temple is dedicated to Parswanatha Swami, the third Thirthankara of the Jain Faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls, reflect thousands of beautiful image patterns of the icons in the temple sanctum sanctorum

THE MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE AT THIRUNELLI

Thirunelli is a beautiful spot 42 km from Mananthavadi in Waynad district. Here, the panoramic view of the Brahmagiri hills offers an idyllic charm to the enchanting nature around. Thirunelli is not only a beautiful spot but also famous for the Maha Vishnu Temple here. It is popularly known as the ‘Kasi of the South’. It is also believed that the idol of Vishnu in the temple was installed by Brahma himself. Waters in the Papanasini river here is said to have mystical powers. It is believed that bathing in the river will wash away one’s sins.

SRI MAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE AT THIRUVANGOOR

Thiruvangoor in Kozhikode district is famous for the Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganapathy. The annual festival ‘Sivaratri Utsavam’ here lasts for two days. Cultural and ritual art forms Kerala are performed all nights during the festival. The ritual festival Theyyam is performed on the second day. It is watched by a large gathering of devotees who in the end receive ‘blessings in person’ from the ‘Theyyam’.

THE NAVAMUKUNDA TEMPLE, TIRUNAVAI, TIRUR

‘Thunchan Parambu’, the birth place of Thunchath Ezhuthachan is in Tirur. Tirunavai, 8 km south of Tirur, is a place of historical and religious significance. The Sarvodayamela is held here every year in January at the Navamukunda Temple. This temple, which is called the Benares of the South, is believed to have been founded by nine great saints. The popular Mamamkam festival used to be held here every 12 years. In the olden days there was a grand assembly for rulers of Kerala. This festival is said to have been started by Cheraman Perumal and the last performance was in 1755.

PUNARJANI GUHA

The Punarjani Guha, in Palakkad district, is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is situated 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple. The chief presiding diety is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ ie. born on its own. It is believed that by performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadashi.

SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE AT GURUVAYUR

Guruvayur, 33km north-west of Thrissur, is one of the most famous religious centres in South India and one of the most important pilgrim centres in India. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the south. The temple which dates back to the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is known as Guruvayurappan here. Legend has it that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of the winds. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Bramah himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well- known Sanskrit devotional song, ‘Narayaneeyam’. Thousands of devotees flock here every day with offerings of different kinds to appease ‘Guruvayurappan’ for his blessings.

VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE, THRISSUR

vadakkunnathan_temple.jpg (18032 bytes)The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest temples in Kerala. Adi Sankaracharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The shrines and the Koothambalam (Temple theatre), display exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend says that this temple was built by Parasurama. This temple is famous for its April/May Pooram Festival, which includes colourful and magnificent processions, brightly decorated elephants, fireworks etc.

Other attractions in Thrissur town are the Zoo, State Museum, Archaeological Museum, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, Puthenpalli Church etc.

KALADY

Kalady is the birth place of Adi Sankara. This pilgrim centre, situated on the banks of the river Periyar, is 45 km from Ernakulam. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya –one dedicated to Adi Sankara as Dakshinamurthy and the other to Goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. There is also an ancient Shri Krishna Temple and another temple known as the International Temple, built with hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.

SRI VALLABHA TEMPLE AT THIRUVALLA

It is a famous place of worship. This temple is 35 km south of Kottayam on the rail /road between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. This temple is famous for the traditional KATHAKALI performances almost every night of the year.

VAIKKOM

Vaikkom, 40 km away from Kottayam, is historically a famous town situated on the eastern bank of the expansive Vembanad lake. It was once the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Vadakkumkur. The ancient Mahadeva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here has carried its name far and near. The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikkom is a sacred place of worship. According to legend, It was constructed by Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. The 12 day ‘Ashtami’ festival here (November/December) is renowned for its elephant processions, religious discourses, and traditional dance and music perform

LORD SHIVA TEMPLE AT ETTUMANUR

This ancient temple, which is 17 km away from Kottayam, is a famous place of worship. There are mural paintings of high order and beautiful sculpture of intricate workmanship inside the temple.

THE THIRUNAKKARA MAHADEVA TEMPLE

This ancient temple in the town is a sacred place of worshipn for the Hindus. There are some wall paintings. The annual temple festival (March/April) attracts a large number of people.

DAKSHINA MOOKAMBIKA TEMPLE

This temple, which is 10 km from Kottayam on the way to Changanacherry, is a famous one dedicated to Goddess Saraswathy. The Navaratri festival here attracts quite a fascinating crowd.

AMBALAPPUZHA

ambalapuzha.gif (24694 bytes)It is a little town 14 km south of Alappuzha, famous for Sri Krishna Temple. The Ambalappuzha Palpayasom- a sweet porridge of milk, rice and sugar – offered to the diety is very popular. The annual temple festival is in March/April. The temple has also another significance. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

arthunkal.gif (25884 bytes)THE ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH AT ARTHUNKAL

It is a known pilgrim centre near Cherthala, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The St. Andrew’s Church better known as Arthunkal Church was established by the Portuguese missionaries.

SABARIMALA

This well-known pilgrim centre is in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine, situated atop the Sabarimala, is dedicated to LORD AYYAPPA. It attracts millions of pilgrims from far and near. The 5 km stretch from Pamba to the shrine can only be reached by trekking. The main pilgrimage season is November to January. For more details click here

ARANMULA

Aranmula is 10 km away from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. It is a little temple town in Pathanamthitta District, surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. Its rural outskirts form part of the ‘Kozhencherry Gulf Belt’ and the modern concrete houses that one sees all around bear testimony to the affluence brought to the area by the Gulf boom. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. Aranmula is also a popular pilgrim center with its Lord Krishna Temple and the annual snake boat races held in connection with the temple festival during August-September.

KANYAKUMARI

kanyakumari1.jpg (8903 bytes)Kanya Kumari (also known as Cape Comorin), about 90 km south of Thiruvananhapuram, is the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent where the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea mate together. Once it had been part of the erstwhile Travancore state. After the re-organization of the states in India in 1956, it became part of the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu.

Kanyakumari is a very famous tourist and pilgrim centre. The famous shrine of the goddess DEVI KANYA, Gandhi Memorial, Vivekananda Memorial built on the rocky islands are tourist attractions.

The Temple at Suchinram 13 km north- west on the rail /road route from Kanya- Kumari to Thiruvananthapuram is an important place of worship. The temple with its large entrance Gopuram is quite magnificent. There are pillared Halls all around the inner Sanctum where there is the triple image of the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The 10-day annual chariot festival is famous.

To stay and dine: Kerala House ( run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation), Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Maadhini, Hotel Sangam etc. More information can be had from the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre near the Central Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram. There are daily conducted tours arranged by the KTDC to places of interest.

VARKALA

It is a beautiful beach resort and pilgrim centre 40 km north of Thiruvananthapuarm. SIVAGIRI MUTT here devoted to SRI NARAYANA GURU who preached 'One caste, One religion, one God for man' is a pilgrim center for the Guru's followers. There areYOGA and MASSAGE centres offering traditional Ayurvedic and Swedish massage and Swedish Massage techniques.

SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

sreepadmanaba.jpg (9962 bytes)A famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city. The Maharaja of Travancore built this famous temple with its seven-storey carved gopuram in the Dravidian style in 1733. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who reclines on the sacred serpent Ananda. The image of Vishnu is 18 feet long and a lotus grows from Vishnu’s navel and Brahma is seen in the lotus. Several arts forms like Krishnanattam, Koodiyattom, Pavakkoothu, Nokkuvidya, Velakali, Kathakali etc. thrived under the patronage of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Churches and Mosques in Kerala

2008-09-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

St.THOMAS CHURCH AT PALAYUR

The St. Thomas Church at Palayur is the oldest church in India. It was built by St Thomas - the Apostle in A.D.52. St. Thomas, the Apostle arrived in A.D.52 at Crangannur {now Kodungallur} with Jewish merchants for the propagation of Christ’s message and through the sea route reached Palayur in 52 A.D. and built the Church here. This famous Palayur pilgrim centre is at Chavakkad, near Thrissur.

ST. THOMAS CHURCH AT MALAYATTOOR

Malayattur, 45 km from Ernakulam, is famous among the Catholics. This church is dedicated to St. Thomas and is set atop the 609 metre Malayattur Hill.

This holy shrine is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centers in Kerala attracting devotees in very large numbers not only from Kerala but also from the neighbouring states. This famous church is situated at Kurisumudi, a verdant hill in the Western Ghats girdled partially by the river Periyar.

Legends credit St. Thomas as having established about seven and a half churches in Kerala (here half is only indicative of a church smaller in size.) These seven churches were established at Kodungallur, Palayur, Paravur, Kokomangalam, Niranam, Chayal, and Kollam. The Malayattoor Church and the Tiruvamcode Church in the Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu are considered to be the half church. But some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas and they argue that the churches at Kokomanagalam and Paravur must be regarded as one.

The first Sunday after Easter is a very important day at Malayattoor. Pilgrims, chanting the name of the Apostle, ‘Ponninkurisumala Muthappa’, climb Kurisumudi, the steep hill to visit the holy shrine. The Church has a life-size statue of St. Thomas and the imprint of the feet of the Apostle on a rock.

FORT KOCHI

Kochi has an entirely different look compared with the modern town of Ernakulam across the Vembanad Lake. Once Kochi flourished as the most prosperous business centre of Kerala by virtue of its location and the all weather natural harbour.

synagogue1.pg.jpg (18794 bytes)Kochi is the Home of a tiny JEWISH COMMUNITY descended from Jewish settlers who fled Palestine 2000 years ago. The nomadic tribes of Jews are said to have made their appearance in the north-west Mesopotamia in 1800 B. C. Abraham was their leader. They migrated to Palestine led by Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, and occupied that land. Driven by famine, some of them had to migrate to Egypt after 1700 B. C. They lived a miserable life as slaves until they were saved by Moses who led them back to Palestine.

The COCHIN SYNAGOGUE built in 1568 is the oldest in India. The great scrolls of Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the rulers of Kochi were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles etc. are of great interest. The Jewish Town surrounding the Synagogue is a popular trade centre for spices. There are several interesting curio shops on the street leading up to the Synagogue.

St.FRANCIS CHURCH AT FORT KOCHI

It is India's oldest European built Protestant church. The Church was built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan friars. It became an Anglican Church after the occupation of Kochi by the British in 1795. Vasco da Gama, the first European to reach India, died in Kochi in 1524 and his tomb Stone can be seen inside the Church even though his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal 14 years later.

SANTA CRUZ BASILICA AT FORT KOCHI

Built in 1902, this magnificent Church has a fantastical and bewitching interior.

VAGAMON

Vagamon is situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level. It is about 60 km from Kottayam and 30 km from Pala. The important attractions here are the Kurishumala hill and the small church atop the nearby Kurishumala Ashramam, which is a monastery for Christian ascetics, who follow the Christian faith along the Indian spiritual traditions and the Gandhian thought. Vagamon is a popular spot for trekkers.

St.MARY’S FERONA CHURCH

This church at Athirampuzha near Ettumanur is famous for its annual 8 day feast known as ‘Athirampuzha Nercha’, which attracts a large number of devotees from all over Kerala.

BHARANANGANAM

It is an important Christian pilgrimage centre where the mortal remaints of Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) was interned in a chapel next to the St. Mary’s Church. This 1000- year old church features an attractive Grotto of Virgin Mary.

Places of attraction in and around KOTTAYAM

St. MARY’S CHURCH

The St. Mary’s Church, known as Valiya Palli, in the town was built in 1550 A. D. It is famous for its 8th century Persian Cross with the Pahlavi inscription on it. Near to this Valia Palli is situated the Cheriya Palli (St. Mary’s Church) which was built in 1579 A. D. It houses some murals and paintings depicting Biblical and other themes.

MANNANAM

8 km from Kottayam. It is an important Syrian Christian centre. There is St. Joseph’s Monastery which is associated with Fr. Kuriakose, one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. One can also see here one of the oldest Printing Presses in the state- the St. Joseph’s Press which printed ‘Nasrani Deepika’, one of the oldest newspapers in Kerala.

KOZHANCHERRY

It is situated 13 km from Pathanamthitta on the banks of the river Pamba. The place is famous for the MARAMON CONVENTION, the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia, held in February-March on the banks of the river Pamba. Christians from all over India assemble here to listen to the gospels read and expounded by scholars of Christianity drawn from India and abroad. For more details on Maraman Convention click here

THE MOTHER OF GOD CATHEDRAL, KOZHIKODE

It is the Headquarters of the Latin Catholic congregation in Malabar. Built in the Gothic style, the church is a tribute to the beauty of Italian architecture and the skill of Indian craftsmen. It is said that Italian architects were brought to Kozhikode to design the church. The church is a mute witness to the chequered history that followed the landing of Vasco da Gama at Kappad when the flood-gates of the Indian shores were opened to European navigators. History has it that the Zamorin, who had encountered the Portuguese in many a conflict, was himself the donor of the land on which the church stands today.

TANUR

Tanur in Malappuram district is a coastal fishing town of historical importance. It was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese in India. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546 A.D.and converted the local Chieftain to Christianity. Keraladesapuram Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu near here is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

Glancing Kerala

2008-06-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

MONSOON IN KERALA

2008-06-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Monsoon the word itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry Earth getting drenched, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water make monsoons the favourite season in India. After the long summer months when the heat and the dust ruled the roost, the monsoons are a welcome change. The farmers rejoice in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. Feel the magic of monsoon...

Monsoons the season of rainbows and raindrops is certainly not to be wasted indoors. The very special season of the year, Monsoon brings everything to you fresh. The washed streets and the fresh leaves seem to smile with you. Monsoons is certainly not getting all packed in rain coats, Monsoons are fun time. Getting wet, splashing and swimming or wading through knee deep waters, sailing paper boats are some little deeds you may indulge in. You may try out an Ayurveda vacation in the monsoons too. The best way to rejuvenate your soul and replenish your body, Ayurvedic is a great option for monsoons. Monsoon is a season for rejuvenation, when the people take special diet and ayurvedic therapies for rejuvenation and longevity. According to Ayurveda, monsoon is an ideal season to take treatments for various diseases.

In all over we can see the joy of monsoon on everyone faces. Kids dancing on streets, elders enjoying rain from the sit-out of their house and women preparing hot vadas and coffee for everyone in the family are symbol of first monsoon rain. And what else the people sharing a common umbrella on the public place.

Traditionally, the advent of the monsoon has meant a sharp fall in the number of tourists visiting Kerala. However, Kerala Tourism is now working on a new 'monsoon campaign' to attract visitors to the State during the rainy season. Over the past two-three years, Kerala Tourism has quietly worked to attract tourists to the State during the 'off season', especially the monsoon. Monsoons in Kerala are the most enchanting in India. With green pastures at its best, it is the most sought after destination during rainy season. The state is promoting itself extensively in the field of health tourism especially Ayurveda. The equable climate during Monsoon and natural abundance of herbs and medicinal plants in its flora, Kerala is fast capturing the attention of International tourists as a prime destination to visit during the Monsoon Season. With its abundant water reservoir of waterfalls and natural lakes, Northeastern region is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination among local as well as International tourists.

Kerala Tourism is also working out a schedule of events to be conducted across the State during the monsoon months. A 'monsoon food festival', a music festival and a theatre festival are some of the events being planned. Kerala Tourism is also looking at organising a folklore festival, as many of Kerala folk traditions and arts are strongly associated with the monsoon.

The romance of the monsoon, with its abundant rains and lush green landscape that has been rhapsodized down the ages in verse and song, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Monsoon in India are exquisite and to fillip the tourist activities during monsoon season, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has mooted the idea of providing tourists “a unique experience” in the form of “Special Tourism Packages”. A CII study paper has recommended states like Kerela, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttranchal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh to promote themselves as Monsoon tourism destinations by introducing special schemes to attract tourists within the country and all over the world. These schemes will generate new employment avenues and also help government earn precious foreign exchange that International tourists will spend during their stay in Kerala.

South West Monsoon
The South West Monsoon begins either in the end of May or in the beginning of June and fades out by September. Moving towards north, this seems to gain intensity. During this period Peerumedu in Idukki and Vaithiri-Kuttiyadi range in Malabar receive the highest rainfall. The rainfall is comparatively low in the Lakshadweep islands. In the southern areas the monsoon is around 40-50% and in the northern areas it is around 80%.

North East Monsoon
The NorthEast Monsoon commences in October, dry weather setting in by the end of December. The Kanjirappalli-Peerumedu range and Kuttiyadi area experience the abundance of North East Monsoon. The northern parts of the state account for a mere 10% of the annual rainfall.

Kerala Ayurveda

2008-06-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda-The Ancient Method of Treatment

Ayurveda, the treatment method that originated in India about 5000 years is now regaining its past glory through global acclamation. The word Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ayur (life) and veda (science) and the word roughly translates into ‘the science of life’. Ayurveda principles are based on living in strict harmony with nature. According to Ayurvedic principles, diseases are caused when someone loses the balance between nature, mind, body and soul.

Ayurveda is also known as Ashtanga Veda (science with eight branches) because Ayurveda is classified into eight different branches of treatment – Kaya Chikitsa (general medicine) Kaumara Bhritya (pediatrics), Graha Chikitsa (psychology), Shalakya Chikitsa (Treatment for diseases of eye, nose, throat, eye and head), Shalya Tantra (technique of Surgery), Agada Tantra (Toxicology), Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation treatment) and Vajeekarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac Treatment).

Indians ascribe divinity to Ayurveda. Dhanwanthari (Dhanvantari, Dhanwantari, Dhanvathari) , an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu gave the science of life to humans through some sages. The literature of Ayurveda was recorded in palm leaves, copper plates and stones. The knowledge was transferred through generations through word of mouth, through a systematic educational system called Gurukul (Gurukula) education. The students live at the ashrams of the sage teachers and learn the science directly from the mouth of their teacher.

The main traditions followed in Ayurveda are Charaka (after Charaka Samhitha by ancient physicist Charaka), Sushrutha (the founder of surgery) and less known Kashyapa. Education lasts for many years (usually seven). At the end of education, the student has to give a Guru Dakshina (an offering) to his teacher. In one specific instance, the Guru of Jeevaka (the physician that treated Buddha) asked him to give him a plant with no medicinal value at all. Jeevaka searched and searched for years and could not find a plant with no medicinal value. He then come to see his teacher empty handed and says: “Guruji, I am not able to locate a plant with no medicinal value, I could not give you the Guru Dakshina, Pardon Me”. His guru smiled and said, this is my Guru Dakshina, and you now know nothing in this universe is useless or meaningless. Under suitable conditions, everything (living things, non-living things, matter and energy in different forms) in this universe assume significance.

The main concept of Ayurveda is that everything is composed of Panchabhootas (Akash – space, Bhoomi – earth, Jal – water, vayu – air and agni – fire). These five bhootas combine to form three doshas or tridoshas (Vata – akash and vayu, Pitta – agni and jal and kapha – jal and bhoomi).

Ayurvedic treatment consists of four basic forms – medication, panchakarma, dietary regulation and lifestyle regulation. Medication is the application of medicines, dietary regime includes the control of food habits for proper health, panchakarma is five different karmas or systems of Ayurvedic therapy and lifestyle control. They all work as both cure and prevention methods.

Panchakarma is the most important of all treatment methods. It is a process of careful expelling of toxins or excess doshas from the body system. Panchakarma mainly focuses to regain the natural healing power of body.

Ayurveda is the science and Art of living life in a manner useful to society. It has for its objects the preservation of health in the healthy and the restoration of health to the diseased. The word Veda in Ayurveda has been taken by all authorities to imply that it is both a part of and addendum to the great Vedas which have also been admitted by all savants of the West as "the oldest literature of the World". At the beginning of the creation, it is said, Brahma, the creator of the world recollected and created the vedas along with Ayurveda in a book form named Brahma Samhita which is not available today extends over a thousand chapters comprising altogether 100,000 slokas. Brahma first of all taught Ayurveda to Prajapati and who taught it to Aswanikumaras, then to Indra, after him there developed two schools of Ayurvedic science- Athreya School of physicians and Dhanwantari School of Surgeons.

Ayurveda originated in India more than 10,000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, from which all other systems emerged. It deals elaborately with measures for healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Besides, dealing with principles for maintenance of health, it has also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of positive health and therapeutic measures relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human beings.

Prime Treatments in Ayurveda :

Abhyangam (14 Days) :

Abhyangam is a popular body massage in ayurveda. The word abhyanga itself means to massage.Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the needs for about 45 minutes per day for 14 days. It is very useful for obesity, diabetic gangrene (a condition developed due to lack of blood circulation in certain parts of the body).

The Massage is done with a combination of specially prepared Ayurvedic herbal oils and applied all over the body stimulating the vital points. This is very good for the general health of the skin and prevents early aging and relieves muscular aches and pain. After the massage herbal steam bath is also given. Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way abhyangam massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power. To massage is to exercise the nervous system.
Dhanyamla Dhara (14 Days) :

Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhtthmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, Paralysis Rheumatic complaints etc.

Dhara (14 Days) :

It is a process by which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc are allowed to flow on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin diseases.
In Thakra Dhara, after giving head massage medicated Buttermilk is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff, Psoriasis, hypertention, Diabetes, hair loss and other skin complaints. This gives head very cooling action and generates sleep.
In Siro Dhara, after giving a good head massage herbal oil is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in relieving stress and strain and generates sleep. Maintains hormone balance.
Kativasthi :

In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary, This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of nback pain and spinal disorders.
Kizhi (14 Days) :

Herbal leaves and herbes or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.
Ksheeradhoomam :

This is formentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis. Bell's palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.
Lepanam :

This is a process by which medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected part, This is useful for various types of inflammatory conditions.

Nasyam (14 Days) :

Herbal juices, medicated oils etc. are applied through nose for 7 to 14 day. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of Headaches, Paralysis, Mental disorders, some types of skin disease etc.
Njavarakizhi (14 Days) :

It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of Boluses tied up in muslin bag. This is applied by two to four therapist for abut 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This Treatment is for all types of Rheumatism, Pain in the Joints, Emaciation of limbs, High blood pressure, Cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.
Pizhichil (14 Days) :

In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained therapists i a special rhythmic way continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like Arthritis, Parlysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Wakness and Nervous disorders etc.
Sirovasthi (14 Days) :

Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patients conditions for a period of 7 days. This tratment is highly effective for facial paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases.
Snehapanam (14 Days) :

Mediated Ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for Osteoathritis, Psoriasis, Leukaemia etc.

Thalam :

Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ent problems, isomnia, migraine etc.
Udvarthanam (14 Days) :

This is a typical massage with herbal powder for about 30 to 45 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments.
Urovasthi :

Like Kativasthi warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes this is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems hearth diseases and muscular chest pain
Vasthi (14 Days) :

Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. are applied through the rectum daily for a period 5 to 25 days.This Treatment is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipation.
Yoni Prakshalanam (7 Days) :

Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

Cuisines of Kerala

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Kerala recipes are famous for its splendor and extreme taste. Here is a compilation of typical recipes from Kerala Kitchen. Bring home today the Kerala Flavor!

Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice.
For Muslims, the lightly flavored biriyani made of mutton,chicken,egg or fish-takes pride of place.In seafood, mussels are a favorite.for the Christians, who can be seen in large concentration in areas like Kottayam and pala, stew,with appam is must for every marriage reception.Kerala also has it's own fermented beverages -the famous 'kallu'(toddy) ans is usually with spicy pickles and boiled eggs.

The unusual cuisine of Kerala brings to the fore the culinary expertise of the people of Kerala. Producing some of the tastiest foods on earth, the people of Kerala are gourmets with a difference.

The cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities. The food is generally fresh, aromatic and flavoured. Keralites are mostly fish-and-rice eating people.

The land and the food are rich with coconut, though one can't imagine Kerala food without chilies, curry leaf, mustard seed, tamarind and asafoetida.

Just a pinchful of tamarind can substitute tomatoes, but there is no real substitute for curry leaf. Since time immemorial, coconut has been an integral part of the cuisine of Kerala.

These people put to good use whatever the land offers and the result is a marvellous cuisine that is simple yet palate tickling. They relish equally a dish as simple as 'kanji' (rice gruel) or as extravagant as the 'sadya' (feast).

Break Fast

Appam

Appam is the soft pancake made from toddy fermented rice batter, with a soft spongy middle, which is laced with crispy edges. It is generally consumed with either vegetable or chicken or mutton stew, thoroughly mellowed with thick coconut milk and garnished with curry leaves.

Puttu
A type of steam cake, 'Puttu' is made from rice flour and steamed in long hollow bamboo or metal cylinders. Depending on the taste preference, Puttu can be had with steamed bananas and sugar or with a spicy curry made from gram or chickpeas.

Tapioca And Fish Curry
A sumptuous, mouthwatering delicacy, it's a not- to- be-missed combination of 'Kappa' and 'Meen curry'. With natural flavours erupting out of it liberally, the fish curry is made with garlic paste, onions and red chillies and seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

Lunch

Sadya(Kerala Feast)

The typical Kerala feast served on a banana leaf, is a sumptuous spread of rice and more than 14 vegetable dishes, topped with `payasam', the delicious sweet dessert cooked in milk.
Some of the delicious items are: -Rice
While Plain Steamed rice is usually taken with dishes in Sadya (Vegetarian), it is the basic ingredient. Biryanis (in Non vegetarian meals of the Arabic tradition).

Rice
While Plain Steamed rice is usually taken with dishes in Sadya (Vegetarian), it is the basic ingredient. Biryanis (in Non vegetarian meals of the Arabic tradition).
Avil
Combination of vegetables like pumpkin, drumstick, potato, chilly etc and coconut sauce, it is a very popular side dish. Even mango, jackfruit and cashew nuts are included in Avil.
Thoren
Vegetables like Cabbage, Coconut, and Green chilly and mustard seed are either fried or steamed with spices like turmeric. Sometimes green papaya is used.
Sambar
It is made out of drumstick, tomato, potato, onion etc mixed with turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander seeds and many more spices.
Olen
Beans and gourds mixed with several spices like chilly powder.
Kaalen
Made using Banana and curd mixed with coconut paste and green chilly.
Rasam
Rasam is a best for digestion. It is similar to a clear broth; Rasam may be flavoured tamarind, lemon, tomato, lentils and/or pepper.
Pachadi
Main ingredients are Pumpkin, Coconut milk and curd with green chilly. A pleasing finish to the meal.
Paayasam
Sugared rice or noodles, served as a sweet.
Snacks
Popular snacks include banana chips, yam crisps, Tapioca chips deep-fried with chilly powder. .
Sweets
There's no shortage of sweets in Kerala. Jaggery is often used as a sweetener. It can be boiled and made into paste form. It can be used as a sweet sauce with curd or fruit. Milk rice, coconut rice, or vermicelli sweetened with jaggery is common dessert.
Avalose is a rice-based sweet rolled into a ball with jaggery. Unniappam is pulped jackfruit, mixed with rice flour and jaggery, wrapped in a leaf and steamed.
Prathaman is lentils boiled with coconut, cardamom and ginger. Jaggery and cashew nuts are also added. Halwa is made from bananas.

OTHER DISHES

Kappa/Tapioca with Fish Curry

Tapioca is known as the poor mans vegetable.But ask any Malayali,rich or poor,belonging to any class or creed,you will soon realise that inspite of all the differences,Tapioca or Kappa has an universal appeal amongst Malyalis throughout!I cant think of any other meal that can represent Kerala completely as Tapioca and fish curry!This is not to say that it is a favourite only amongst non vegetarians,even vegetarians have their own different means of eating tapioca especially with delicious coconut chammanthi or red chilli chutney!

Tapioca is the second important staple food in Kerala after rice.The warm humid tropical conditions in Kerala with a good amount of rainfall serves best for cutlivating this starchy crop and it becomes ready for harvest 9-10 months after planting.

It is never consumed raw, since it contains cyanogenic (capable of producing cyanide,as hydrogen cyanide)glucosides.The leaves, having the highest concentrations and in the roots, the peel has a higher concentration than the interior.But this is no reason why you must stop eating tapioca because you will be surprised to know that these compounds are also present in crops such as jowar or peas!But since the latter two have an inherently high protein content, they cause fewer toxicity related problems when compare to tapioca which has a very very low protein content.In cases of human malnutrition,where the diet lacks protein and iodine,underprocessed roots of high HCN cultivars may result in serious health problems.So the point is that if you are consuming tapioca,make sure you include adequate protein in the diet.

Chiken/Mutton Biriyani

A "biriyani" dish is rice with a mixture of whatever takes your fancy.

Hill Stations

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MUNNAR

Pastoral greens ribboned with winding hill roads, flanked by tall hill trees take you to Munnar, an enchanting hill station in serene Kerala, South India. This spectacular world of hill greens happens to be one of the most important tea producers in Kerala, South India.

Agreeable Munnar lies at the conflux of three hill rivers Nallathanni, Kundala and Muththirapusha. More than 30 tea gardens lie in the midst of wild forests steeped in fragrant aromas of pepper and cardamom plantations in Munnar, Kerala, South India.

Famous for the Neelkurinji blossom that carpets dense greens in shades of blue once in 12 years, Munnar is definitely an exotic hill station. In fact Munnar was a popular summer holiday resort during British colonial rule in India.

Well connected by buses and taxis divine Munnar is easily accessible from Madurai, Coimbatore and Kochi that also happens to be the nearest airport and railway junction. See traces of British colonial past in the red roofed colonial bungalows that adorn dark green hills and be enchanted with local traditions that seem to go on as they were in the ancient times.

Enter a tranquil world of herbal oils, rejuvenating ayurveda massages and breathe fresh hill air, unpolluted and fragrant, on your restful Munnar tours .

There are several places of tour interest located close to Munnar that definitely warrant a visit. Tour the Eravikulam National Park, Muttupetty, Chithirapuram and the Kundale Tea Plantation.

Referred to as the "Kashmir of South India," picturesque Munnar is just right for adventure sport lovers. Enjoy everything from rope climbing, trekking, para gliding to mountaineering on a thrilling Munnar adventure.

The venue of the famous Attukal Ponkala and Thrissur Pooram festivities, Munnar is also an important pilgrimage destination that is frequented during important fairs and festivals. The perfect time to visit picture postcard Munnar is during the months of October to March.

DEVIKULAM

Feel rested and refreshed after a rejuvenating Devikulam hill station tour. A delightfully quiet and peaceful hill station, Devikulam locales have an uncanny divine air.

Perched on the Western Ghats, Devikulam lies at a height of 1,800 meters above the sea level at a distance of 149 kilometers from Cochin and 6 kilometers from Munnar in Kerala, South India. Picnic on the serene banks of the glassy Devikulam Lake that adorns a depression in the midst of lush hills; listen to dry twigs crackling underfoot as you trek along hill hamlets on the lush Devikulam hills and entrust your body into the hands of an experienced ayurveda masseur.

Regale the aroma of fresh hill herbs, neatly clipped tea shrubs and rows of spice plantations as you enjoy spectacular nature vistas on your Devikulam tours. Tranquil Devikulam gets its name from the legend that Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had stayed in this area for a while.

Relax in the bosom of untouched greens, enjoy mountaineering, trekking, nature walks, chase colorful butterflies and spot chirping birds in Devikulam that is nothing short of a paradisiacal hill world peppered with mineral water springs, gum and fruit trees.

Visit Pallivasal waterfalls and enjoy wildlife excursions to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located close by.

The nearest rail junction is located at Ernakulam and the nearest airport in located at Cochin, Kerala, India.

VAGAMON

Gentle greens, burbling hill streams and acres of tea estates greet you the moment you enter surreal Vagamon that is a well known Kerala hill station. Located at a height of 1,100 meters above sea level, picturesque Vagamon lies over three hills, Kurisumala, Murugan and Thangal.

Vagamon wilds are home to wild animals such as elephants, deer and wild buffaloes. Idle your holiday hours on the banks of glassy hill lakes and enjoy trekking on popular hill routes that make Vagamon a well known trekking destination.

Tour the Kurisumala Ashram, the local church and tea estates while you enjoy hill tours to lovely Vagamon in Kerala, South India. Vagamon also serves as an ideal base from where you can enjoy tours to Muruganmala, Kulamavu and Thangalpara in Kerala, South India.

The nearest railway station is located at Kottayam at a distance of 60 kilometers and the nearest airport lies at a distance 100 kilometers in Cochin, Kerala, South India. Located on the Idukki-Kottayam border, Vagamon offers an ideal base for para gliding, trekking, rock climbing and other engrossing adventure sports.

The cool Vagamon air offers you ample opportunity to meditate in peace and rejuvenate with nature.

WAYANAD

Breathtaking Wayanad lies on the northeastern part of paradisiacal Western Ghats in Kerala, South India. The term Wayanad traces its origin to a Malayalam term 'Vayalnadu' that literally translates to 'the land of paddy'.

See the Banasura Dam and tour the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Chembra Peak, Thirunelli Temple, Pookat Lake, Kuruva Island and Sentinel waterfalls on your Wayanad hill station tours.

Set out on nature walks to coffee and rubber plantations, spot pretty birds and learn a thing or two about stunning mountain locales and quaint wood spots. See acres of step farms and freshen up in the pleasant hill weather that treats you to massive doses of oxy rich air.

Wayanad wears a glistening wet green look with dense forests sparkling under warm sunshine during the monsoon season. Sip a cup of coffee and perch yourself on a tree house and listen to sounds of raindrops plopping on Wayanad hills and streams.

Tour tribal settlements of Kurumas, Ooralis, Paniyas and Adiyars and enjoy fascinating green vistas of Wayanad on your hill station tours . Take a holy dip in the Papanasini River and enjoy wildlife safaris to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Let splendid Wayanad enchant you with its hill charms while you decide what to do with your leisure hours. Enjoy adventure sports like para gliding, trekking, mountaineering and other interesting hill activities that give you an opportunity to be a part of a serene green world aglitter with lively birds and wild animals that inhabit the fascinating Kerala greens.

IDUKKI

See untamed wilderness, deep gorges, gurgling hill streams and acres of step farms interspersed with spice plantations and tea gardens on your Idukki tours. A tranquil Kerala hill retreat, landlocked Idukki lies at a height of 2,500 meters above the sea level.

Well connected yet secluded, Idukki is an ideal hill retreat that is easily accessible. The closest railway station is located at a distance of 132 kilometers at Kottayam and the nearest airport lies at a distance of 132 kilometers at Kochi, Kerala, South India.

Famous for the massive Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary that lies over a sprawling 77 square kilometers, Idukki is just the place to delight in thrilling jungle treks, enchanting bird watching tours and electrifying wild life safaris.

Picnic near the sprawling greens close to the Idukki Arch Dam that has been constructed across River Periyar and be mesmerized with the natural music created by Kuthumkal waterfalls on your Idukki hill station tours in Kerala, South India.

The Observatory Hill at Nedumkandam, Idukki is a peaceful hill retreat where you get an opportunity to track celestial objects and be with nature and its enticing attractions. You may also set out on an educative excursion to Peermade while on an Idukki hill station tour

PONMUDI

Listen to the music of hornbills, thrushes, flycatchers and rare birds while you follow narrow jungle treks inside dense Ponmudi woods. See acres and acres of spice plantations interposed with modern buildings and colonial mansions while you tour the local attractions of Ponmudi, Kerala, South India.

A 54-kilometer drive from Thiruvananthapuram brings you to tranquil Ponmudi that lies at a height of 1,000 meters above sea level. Scenic and attractive, pleasant Ponmudi is a fairly developed Kerala hill station.

Set foot on a green land ornate with wild orchids, exotic shrubs and dense hill forests. Relax and enjoy nature while you tour the well-kept Deer Park i.e. a popular tour attraction.

Tour the local tea estates as the fresh aroma of coffee and spice plantations waft past your nostrils while you trek to the Ponmudi Crest and visit a mini zoo that is a haven for barasinghas.

Picnic near natural fresh water streams and tour the spectacular Golden Valley on your Ponmudi tours to Kerala. Enjoy excursions to the serene Varkala beach and revel in the spirit of joy in case you happen to be in Ponmudi during the Aranmula water carnival that place near picture perfect Ponmudi, Kerala, South India.

Enjoy an exhilarating wildlife safari to the fascinating Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary located close to lovely Ponmudi and relax in the lap of dense wilds as you rejuvenate with hill herbs and crisp hill air.

VYTHIRI

Enchanting velvety hills, dense forests, orchids, wild vegetation, pepper, cardamom and rubber plantations steeped in foggy white mists ensconce you on your tours to tranquil Vythiri that is a serene holiday destination.

Located at a height of 1,300 meters above the sea level, luxuriant Vythiri is a storehouse of natural attractions. Tour the Edakkal caves and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve apart from several other attractions that adorn the lovely Vythiri hills.

Stay in dreamlike tree houses that offer you breathtaking views of dense tropical rainforests. Walk on rope bridges hung over gurgling hill streams and picnic at nature spots located under natural sunshades. See sunrays that filter past thick canopied forests, etch net like patterns on dry leaves as you spot chirping birds and wild animals that inhabit the luxuriant Vythiri wilds.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that is located close to Vythiri in Kerala, South India. See Malabar squirrels and langurs while jungle trekking and spot colorful birds frolicking in rubber plantations.

An eco-friendly hill station, Vythiri in Kerala, South India is the perfect place to relax and meditate. Practice yoga and pamper yourself with local ayurveda therapies. Vythiri gained the status of an enchanting holiday retreat during the British colonial rule in India.

PEERMADE
Located 915 m above sea level, at a distance of around 40 km from Kumily in Idukki district of central Kerala, this beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats is known for its green landscape.

LAKKIDI
55 km east of kozhikode / 5 km south of vythiri, lakkidi the gateway to wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level. At the crest of the thamarasseri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luzuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

NELLYAMPATHY

55 km from idukki town, munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picture - book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station neelakurinji is the flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 a.d. munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi - which towers over 2695 mts. Anamudi is a ideal spot for trekking.

is an amazing hill station on the western ghats mountain ranges in Palakkad district of Kerala, 60km from Palakkad town, is one of the best places for ecotourism in Kerala. The green lush forests covering the whole hill area, coffee, tea, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations, water falls and the misty and cool climate of Nelliyampathi offering a delightful vacation for the tourists.

Nelliyampathy is situated at a height of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level. Journey to Nelliyampathy itself thrilling. There are about ten hairpin curves on the way. The road is narrow and it is recommended that one who drives the vehicle should be experienced to drive in such roads.

Pothundi Dam is one important picnic spot near, in a distance of 21 km away from Nelliyampathy. Pothundi Dam is an irrigation Dam. The speciality of this Dam is that, it is built without cement or concrete. A mixture of jaggery and quick lime is used in place of cement to construct this dam. This Dam, built in late 1800 AD is a real wonder for the new technology. Boat services are there in the reservoir of Pothundy Dam. The sight of Nelliyampathi mountains from here is quite spectacular.

Seetharkundu is one important spot of attraction in Nelliyampathy. There is a waterfall about 100m in height. It offers a fantastic sight of the valley below. We can see one-third of the entire Palakkad area from here.

Nelliyampathy is the paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Several species of birds and animals including some rare species are found here. The tea plantation and coffee plantations of Nelliyampathy are famous.

Nearest town Nenmara is about 30km away from here. Thrissur town is 48 km away from Nenmara.

PYTHAL MALA; PERUVANNAMUZHI

Pythal mala: 65 kms from kannur town, this enchanting hill station, situated 4,500 ft. Above sea level near the kerala - karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a six kilometre trek to the top of the hills.

Peruvannamuzhi: 60 km from kozhikode, the peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and row boat cruises. Uninhabited island, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Wildlife Destinations in Kerala

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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Lying in Devicolam Taluk of Idukki district, chinnar was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. It is the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel in India. With an area of 90.422 sq kms, Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest.

The undulated terrain with rocky patches increase the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. As the altitute varies from 500 to 2400 metres within a few kilometre radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai(1845 metre). Unlike in most forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons). The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands

Main attractions

Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, grizzled, giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening browns.

Eravikulam National Park

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex),the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devicolam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

15 Km from north of Munnar. Anamudi(2694 m), the highest peak south of the Himalayas, is the southern side of the Park.This is one of the wettest areas of the world.

Main attractions

Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs and wild boar.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located around the Vembanad Lake near the Backwaters, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and also the Himalayas flock here. The Siberian stork, teal, egret, heron and darter are commonly seen.

Periyar National Park

Situated at Thekkady along the Periyar Lake and river, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Boat cruises on the lake provide exciting game watching opportunity making Periyar a must see on the wildlife map of Kerala.

Silent Valley national Park

In the Palakkad district of Kerala, Silent Valley is perhaps the last stretch on genuinely unspoiled rain forest. A prized site for environmental research and conservation, it forms the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Silent valley made its way to the headlines over the construction of a dam on Kunti River, threatening to disturb the biodiversity of the region. It was declared a national park in 1980.

Indianholiday.com offer information on Wildlife Tours to Kerala. For more information or to book a tour package to the wildlife destinations in Kerala please fill up the form.

Geography

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Kerala lies on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula, stretching 360 miles along what is known as the Malabar coast.
Kerala is situated at the Southwest tip of India main land on the Arabian Sea. Kerala is bound by Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the north and northeast, and Tamil Nadu on the east.The state can be divided into hills and valleys, midland plains and coastal belts.The hills of Kerala dot the Western Ghat from Ponmudi in the south to Munnar in the centre and Sultan's Bathery in the north. In the coastal belts of this state are situated world famous backwaters that are more or less main attraction of Kerala. Climate of the Kerala is tropical. Summer comes to Kerala in April and continues for the next four months.
The maximum temperature during this season is around 33°C. Monsoon touches the state in June and remains there till September though not much difference in temperature can be felt. Winter is from October to January and temperature drops a bit. Kerala has one of the richest varieties of flora and fauna in India and they are also the best managed in the country. Eravikulam, Periyar, and SilentValley are the three national parks in the state.
Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary.

General

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Location:
Kerala is a state on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively; to its west and south lie the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, with the islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively.
Climate:
With 120–140 rainy days per year, Kerala has a wet and maritime tropical climate influenced by the seasonal heavy rains of the southwest summer monsoon.Kerala’s maximum daily temperature averages 36.7 °C; the minimum is 19.8 °C.Mean annual temperatures range from 25.0–27.5 °C in the coastal lowlands to 20.0–22.5 °C in the highlands.
Government & Politics:
Kerala is governed through a parliamentary system of representative democracy; Kerala hosts two major political alliances: the United Democratic Front (UDF—led by the Indian National Congress) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF—led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))).
Economy:
The state is increasingly liberalising its economy, thus moving to a more mixed economy with a greater role played by the free market and foreign direct investment. Kerala's per capita GDP of 11,819 INR is significantly higher than the all India average,[41] although it still lies far below the world average. Additionally, Kerala's Human Development Index and standard of living statistics are the nation's best.
Health:
Kerala's healthcare system has garnered international acclaim; UNICEF and the World Health Organization designating Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state". It comprise a fusion of both medicinal and supernatural treatments,[88] and are partly responsible for drawing increasing numbers of medical tourists.

Culture & Heritage

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The cultural heritage of Kerala is also revealed in its varied dance forms, Martial-
Arts and cuisine. The contribution of Kerala to literature, music and arts of Indian heritage
is unique and exemplary.Kerala to always retain its cultural heritage almost to its original form.
A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. The craftsmenof Kerala here can pick up the humblest and meanest
bits of material and imbue them with magical mastery. Woodcarving is the most important of craft forms that this state has developed. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. In a sense, a lot of the fame that the state has gained is mainly due to the popularity of this dance form. Otherdance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Panchari melam,Chenda melam, Nadanpattu, and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala
Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala-where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes, and backwaters-the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Christmas is another festival that is celebrated with much vigor and
enthusiasm in the state. Other important festivals of Kerala are Eid, Muharram, and other festivals that are traditionally celebrated all over the country.
Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. For the Muslims, the lightly flavored Biryani made of mutton, chicken, egg or fish-takes pride of place. In seafood mussels are a favourite. For the Christians, who can be seen in large
concentration in areas like Kottayam and Pala, ishtew (a derivation of the European stew), with appam is a must for every marriage reception. Kerala also has it's own fermented beverages the famous kallu (toddy) and kappa with spicy pickles and boiled eggs

Festivals

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ONAM

Concept: One of the best known regional festivals of Kerala,Onam is celebrated by all Keralites irrespective of their caste or religion to celebrate the return of King Mahabali, the kind demon king who once ruled the land. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu decided to test King Mahabali's charitable nature and presented Himself as a poor child Brahmin known as 'Vaman' to the King and requested for three feet of land to live. The kind king was surprised but agreed to give the land from wherever he wishes.Vamana then began to grow and covered the whole earth by one foot and the heaven with his other foot. King Mahabali readily presented his head to place his third food to the extraordinary child.This won him the favor of Vishnu,who gave him the kingdom of 'Pathala' and the boon to visit his kingdom Kerala once in a year to see his people at Onam.

Celebration: Onam celebration in Kerala is much hyped as the Kerala's most popular festival. It features feasts, traditional dances, boat races and merriment.

The festival is ten-day long and falls in the month of Chingam (according to the Malayalam calendar) and is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. People decorate their homes with fresh flower mats known as 'Pookalam' to welcome the King Mahabali.They wear new dresses; visit the temples to offer their prayers to the Gods and performing traditional dances such as Thiruvathirakali and Thumbi Tullal. There is a grand lunch called 'Sadhya'
on the Thiuruvonam, the fourth day of Onam, which is considered very important and absolutely essential.The ten days are meant for feasting, boat races, songs, dances and merriment to welcome their king. Sumptuous home cooked meals served on plantain leaf and the sweet Payasam are the most common delicacies that are served during Onam. There are processions of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and Kathakali dancers. Many cultural and sport events and carnivalsare organized during the season.

VISHU

Celebration: Though Vishu is identified with the Hindus religious beliefs, it is not in any way a religious festival. As per popular belief, the first thing people see on Vishu, the 'Vishukkani',
is decisive to the year's prosperity.
Thus the 'Vishukkani' has over the years become a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh linen, goldencucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers 'konna' (cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called 'uruli'. A lighted bell metal lamp called 'nilavilakku' is also placed along side.
As Vishu ushers in a New Year dawn, people wake up to behold the ritualistic arrangement. Giving off handsel (kaineettam) to the younger members of the family is part of the celebrations.

POORAMS

" Thrissur Pooram" - considered to be the Mother of all poorams, is a cultural highlight par excellence, celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam (April/May).
The two century old festival of spectacular procession of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances in a never ending succession is an 36 hours marathon event of incredible beauty, a feast for the eye and the ear,unfolding between 6 am to 12 noon the other day. Different from the usual temple festival, Thrissur Pooram is participated and conducted by people across all barriers of religion and caste. This is explained with the genesis of the festival

Historical Background: Before the advent of Thrissur Pooram, the largest temple
festival during summer in central Kerala was the one-day festival held at Aarattupuzha, 12 km south of the town. Temples in and around Thrissur were regular participants of this religious
exerciseuntil they were once denied entry by the responsible chief of thePeruvanam area of Cherpu, known for its Namboodiri supremacy. As an act of reprisal and also in a bid toassuagetheir wounded feelings, Prince Rama Varma (1751-1805), also known as Sakthan Thampuran and enthroned as the ruler of the erstwhile Cochin state invited all these temples
to bring their deities to Thrissur where they could pay obeisance to Lord (Sri) Vakunnathan, the deity of the Vadakunnathan temple.Further he directed the main temples of Thrissur,
Thruvambadi and Pamamekkavu, to extend all help and support to these temples. It is this historical background that determines thecourse of the Pooram program and it is specifically the ruler'santipathy to the brahmin aristocracy to open Thrissur pooram for the common man.

ReligiouBackground: Adhering to the medieval Peruvanam tradition, the festival is
confined to the temples of Devi (goddess) and Sastha (divine combination of Shiva and Vishnu). Ten deities from the neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deiety of Thrissur and only spectator of the Pooram events, Lord Siva at the Sree Vadakkunnathan temple, situated in the heart of the town. Principle participants are Paramekkavu and Tiruvambadi, close to the Vadakunnathan temple. Also participating and known as 'Cherupooram' are the suburban temples at Kanimangalam, Karamukku, Choorakkattukara, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithilakkavu and Chembukkavu, Panamukkampilly, altogether 8 deities. The sprawling Thekkinkadi maidan,
en circling the Vadakumnathan temple, is the main venue of the festival.

Folk Arts

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Theyyam

T heyyam, also known as Kaaliyattam, is a ritual dance popular in north Kerala.
It incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which
attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. These are performed in temples by appointed people in fulfillment of vows of devotees. The dancers are men in feminine attire wearing colourful costumes made of palm leaves, cloth and brass jewellery, ferocious masks and big head gear

Oppana

A dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivities of the Malabar Muslims, now performed among all muslim communities in Kerala. Maidens and young female relatives
sing and dance around the bride, clapping their hands. The songs of Mappilappattu, are first sung by the leader and are repeated by the chorus. The themes are often teasing comments and innuendoes about the bride's anticipated nuptial bliss. Oppana is often presented as a stage item today.

Thiruvathirakali

Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by women, in order to attain everlasting marital bliss, on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December - January). The dance is a celebration of marital fidelity and the female energy. The dancers perform around a nilavilakku. The dance follows a circular, pirouetting pattern accompanied by clapping of the
hands and singing. Today, Thiruvathirakali has become a popular dance form for all seasons.

Kakkarissi Natakom

Kakkarissi natakom is a satirical dance-drama that questionsand redicules injustice and evil practices those prevail in the society. It is based on the puranic legends of Lord Siva and his consort Parvati when they assumed human forms as Kakkalan and Kakkathi, a nomadic tribe of fortune tellers, and set out to reform the society. The language is a blend of Tamil and Malayalam. The chief characters are Kakkalan, Kakkathi, Vetan, Velichappadu, Thampuran anD
the Jester. The Dholak, Ganchira, Chenda and the Harmonium perform in the background.

Martial Arts

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The Indian state of Kerala is renowned for its varied martial arts. Amongst the many forms of martial arts of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The original martial art form evolved in north Kerala.Tradional kalari design is based on the ancient Vaasthu Shasthra. In Malayalam, Kalaripayattu means 'the fighting art of the Kalari'. In ancient Kerala, Kalari was a place of learning subjects such as medicine, philosophy, architecture, astrology and geometry, besides, combat arts and yoga. Translated into English, kalari means: the battlefield, and payat implies training in the art of combat.
Kalaripayattu practitioners are more than martial artists. They are also reputed to be excellent masseurs and bone doctors. In fact, Kalaripayattu is a recognized branch of Ayurveda, or Indian naturopathy. Historically, there is no doubt that ancient rajahs relied not only on the Kalaripayattu practitioners martial skills, but also on their abilities as healers and setters of bones. Note for instance how a rope is skillfully used to direct and control the exact amount of pressure applied by a Kalaripayattu practitioner to a patient's body.The technique is based on the science of yoga for its forms and exercises, and its medical treatments are based on the science of Ayurveda.

Classical Arts

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KATHAKALI

Kerala is known the world over by its own performing art form, the Kathakali. "Katha" means story and "Kali" stands for dance.

It is a beautiful mix of dance, drama and music that the connoisseurs of art world qualified as 'a total art form of immense sophistication and power'.This is a form of dance formerly confined only to the festival stages in temples.

It is a mime show, dancing with mudras (formulated hand gestures conveying the text of lyrics) and specialised dancing steps following the song rendered in the background by a singer to the accompaniment of Chenda, Maddalam (country drums), Chenkila and Elathalam (Cymbals).

The face painted green and made up with a spot of sacred sandal paste on the brow, eye-lined with mascara, lip toned by cherry and white chin mask, the dancer dons a colourful costume and rich and impressive crown and jewellery.

A traditional pedestal Nilavilakku (oil lamp) with sixty wicks on both sides lit together lights the dancing floor. There are four types of make up. Pachcha (green) face painted green and adorning sober and beautiful attires denoting the godly or virtuous character.

Thadi (beard); divided into Chuvanna Thadi (red beard) depicting aggressive and demoniac characters, Karutha Thadi (black beard) depicting aborigines, cavemen and foresters and Vella Thadi (white beard) representing Rishis, Saints, Preceptors and other intellectuals. Kari (carbon black) representing mean characters and Minukku (refined) presenting women and Brahmins.

There is a school of thought which believes that Ramanattam could be the ancestor of Kathakali, for very many similarities in the presentations, costumes, acting and background music could be cited in both. The stage decor, costumes, make up, and mudras as seen today are purported to be improvements bestowed gradually to this art form by two veteran Namboothiris, Kalladikkodan and Kaplingadan Manas.

Centuries down, there developed a branch of literature known as "Kathakali literature" and compositions of poet laureates like Kottayath thampuran, Unnayi Warrier, Koyithampuran, Vayaskara Mooss are milestones in the history of Kathakali.

Aattakkadhakal (stories for dance), the poetic compositions of legendary stories to special metric scale, set to music in classical Carnatic style are danced out. >>top

KRISHNATTAM

This is another form of dance drama, enacted in Guruvayoor Temple, depicting the frolics and divinity of Lord Krishna.

The Sree Krishna Temple of Guruvayoor was absolutely owned and maintained by the Zamourin of Kozhikode till the end of their empire conquered by the British.

One of the Zamourins, King Manavedan, contemporary of Saint Vilwamangalam, a scholar and poet, was an ardent devotee of Guruvayoor deity. He used to find time, even amidst the tight schedules of governance, to spend few days in devotion within the precincts of the temple. Saint Vilwamangalam was very much in the temple and, it was known to all that he was frequented by the sight of Sree Krishna alive.

Zamourin pestered the Saint with a queer request to show him also the lord live during one of His secretive appearance to him. Once, while walking out of the temple towards the 'Manjulal', the Banyan tree named after a virgin devotee unified with the Lord, both of them came across few children playing in the shade of it.

Vilwamangalam looked delighted and told "Lord, quick, look at these children touching my body". Lo! It was a blissful sight of lifetime for the King. He saw Krishna as a lad squatting on the floor frolicking and playing with other children.

The King could not believe his eyes for a second. He lost control of himself, in a sudden leap, jumped to the midst of the children and in a whiff, embraced Krishna. The Lord Himself taken aback, chastised him saying, "tut, tut, Vilwamangalam did not seek permission from me for this" and wriggled Himself out of his caged arms. In the melee, the King managed to pick a peacock quill that the Lord had adorned his tuft with. The King regarded this as a rare divine gift and made a crown in gold to tuck quill on.

By the frenzy caused of divine touch, the King wrote a drama on Krishna and premiered it in Guruvayoor Temple. The actor who played the role of Krishna was adored with peacock quill crown. The legend is that the actor, the moment he wore the crown, slipped into a godly mood and acted in a superhuman manner making the play unexpectedly successful. Lord Krishna Himself invested in him.

The Krishnattam troupe was once invited to perform in the Tripunithura temple. While the show was on, certain mischievous characters brought a tusker in front of the stage. On seeing it, actor characterizing Krishna became angry and jumped down the stage, reached the animal and caught hold of it by its two tusks. The scene became tense. Elders and King himself intervened and pacified him, else it would have been a fierce incident. The legend still continues.

The artistes wear the costumes and ornaments in a similar fashion as that of Kathakali with the conspicuous difference only in the language and rhythmic pattern of the song written in chaste Sanskrit.

Story of Sree Krishna, from incarnation to ascension, as narrated from the tenth chapter of Mahabharatham, is the theme of this drama staged in the Koothambalam (Temple dance stage) of Guruvayoor temple for eight nights till dawn.

CHAKYAR KOOTHU

Chakyar is one among the many upper cast Hindus, dependant on the temple,
living by the sacrament food and meagre salary from the temple, adept in telling
stories from the legends in a humorous and enchanting manner.

The term Koothu literally means dance which may be taken as an index of the importance attached to dance in the original form of the art.

In Chakkiarkoothu, the story is recited in a quasi-dramatic style with emphasis on eloquent declarations with appropriately suggestive facial expressions and hand gestures.

It is one of the oldest of theatrical arts peculiar to Kerala. As a matter of fact, the movements and facial expressions and the signs and gestures employed by the actor in Koothu are said to approximate most closely to the principles laid down in the authoritative Sanskrit treatise on the subject, Bharatha's Natya Sastra.

Attired in a gilt bordered cloth, wearing a red cap and ornaments on the neck, ear and hands, he recites the scriptural poem and annotations with witty and humorous examples and anecdotes with the accompaniment of the cymbals and another cast Hindu Nambiar drumming the Mizhavu, made of copper with a narrow mouth on which is stretched a piece of parchment (a percussion instrument made of covering an narrow mouthed big earthen jar with deer skin).
He is licensed to tease and cut jokes on anyone among the audience, even the mighty ruler, during the discourse exploiting the legendary situations as all those are permitted as the prerogatives of the Chakyar. One should know Malayalam to enjoy the congenital jokes.

OTTANTHULLAL

Kunchan Nambiar, the drummer, was playing Mizhavu for Chakyar koothu. It is a solo dance with the artiste himself singing the verses to the accompaniment of Mridangam and timing with a refrain repeater singing in the background. Usually the performance lasts a couple of hours.

One day, against all precedence, he happened to doze off by sheer inactivity caused by a prolonged talk by the Chakyar after a recital of poem that needed the rhythmic support.

When the Chakyar abruptly started reciting another lyric, having had no rhythmic response from the drummer looked back and found Kunchan Nambiar dozing. He not only woke him up but also ripped him down by humiliatingly sarcastic comments and jokes on his person. Nambiar hanged his head in shame and silently walked off.

Instead of crying over the incident in self-contempt, he sat through the whole night, with a vengeance, and wrote a poem depicting an episode from Mahabharatha in a never-to-fore metric and rhythmic pattern. He also devised a special kind of dance for its exposition.
The legend is that he presented it the very next evening at the same temple where he was humiliated on a different platform at the same time the Chakyar had begun. By the novelty, wittiness, and acridity of the programme he attracted all the audiences that had surrounded Chakyar to his show. It was the birth of a new art form that he named as "Ottanthullal".

Impressive costume down the waistline and colourful crown are copied from Kathakali, with slight variations. Ornaments are made up mainly of tender leaves of coconut and glass beads.

KOODIYATTAM

The literal meaning of the title being concomitant dancing, it is another temple opera performed jointly by Chakyars and Nambiars.

A dance traditionally enacted in temples. it is Kathakali's 2000 year old predecessor and is offered as a votive offering to the deity.Both men and women partake in this performance. Abhinaya is the most important element in Koodiyattom.

The texts are always in Sanskrit and the performance is a prolonged affair. All the four types of abhinaya, viz. Angikam, Vachikam, Sathvikam and Aharyam are fully utilized in Koodiyattom.

The plays are performed only in temple precincts as votive offerings. Abhinaya or acting is a three -fold or even four-fold process. Appropriate hand gestures are symbols are first shown when the words of the verse are spoken in a typically modulated tone. As the music is begun, the meaning of the words are translated into a language of bodily postures, attitudes and facial expressions. The third is a repetition of the first.

Koodiyattom is staged on the specially built temple theatre called Koothambalam. The stage is decorated with fruit-bearing plantains and bunches of tender coconuts and festooned with fronds of the coconut palm. A vessel overflowing with paddy is placed on the stage. Lighting is done with a tall oil lamp made of brass. Within a railed enclosure on the stage is a large copper drum called mizhavu with a high seat for the Nambiyar drummer.

A Nambiyar woman plays cymbal and occasionally recites the verses. At times special orchestral effects are introduced. The orchestra consists of an edakka, maddalam, a conch, pipe and horn. There is facial make-up using colour schemes and pattern having symbolic value, though strict standardization of types is absent.The make-up patterns as seen in the better-known Kathakali are borrowed from Koodiyattom.

In the actual performance, first the drum is sounded and then the Nambiyar woman recites the invocatory verse, (vandana slokam). After that a purificatory ritual of sprinkling holy water on the stage is done by the Nambiyar. Then there is an interlude of orchestra, after which the dance ritual ceremony called Kriyachavittuka is performed by the Sutradhara.

The next item is the stapana of the particular act. The main character is introduced in the next stage called Koothupurappadu in the background of the tense dramatic sense created by the full orchestra fury.
Nirvahana, the next part of the drama, follows. This itself consists of three phases, the Anukrama, the Samkshepa and the Vistara respectively. Purushartha follows in which clown (Vidushaka), caricaturing the moods, is the hero. This is a significant departure from tradition and a remarkable feature of Koodiyattom. The drama proper now begins sluggishly and leisurely through the long drawn out, detailed and elaborate abhinaya process. >>top

RAMANATTAM

Once the King Kerala Varma of Kottarakkara requested Manavedan, Zamourin of Kozhikode to send the Krishnanattam troupe to his palace for a performance.

Manavedan curtly rejected the request expressing that it is meant to be staged only in the Guruvayoor temple and also that the people of Southern Kerala have not yet grown intellectually to understand and enjoy such an art form, citing the incident at Tripunithura.

Belittled and humiliated King vowed to retort and immediately wrote Ramayanam in the Attakkadha fashion with verses set to music and prose dialogues. He named it "Ramanattam", opposing Krishnanattam, and wished to bring in all the pomp and grandeur of Krishnanattam to it.

He composed the entire Ramayanam in eight volumes in Manipravalam style (form of poetic composition in which words of Malayalam and Snaskrit are blended indistinguishably like pearls and gems studded in a golden necklace). It was a dance drama and the actors were given special and tough training and rehearsals with rich costumes and jewellery and premiered in the Kottarakkara palace.

It could be the ancestor of Kathakali for very many similarities in the presentations, costumes, acting and background music could be cited. The stage decor, costumes, make up, and mudras (formulated hand gestures conveying the text of lyrics) as seen today are improvements bestowed gradually to this art form by two veteran Namboothiris, Kalladikkodan and Kaplingadan.
Centuries down, there developed a branch of literature known as "Kathakali literature" and compositions of poet laureates like Kottayath thampuran, Unnayi Warrier, Koyithampuran, Vayaskara Mooss are milestones in the history of Kathakali. >>top

MOHINIYATTAM

It is the typical dance form of Kerala. Mohini means enchantress and attam is dance. As the name denotes, it is an amorous (Lasya) dance performed in slow, elegant and sensuous pace with formulated hand gestures translating the song to which it is performed.

It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu, which was originally called 'Dasiyattam'. Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine love in its myriad forms - carnal, devotional and maternal- with accent more on Lasya and Bhava.

Mohiniyattam is said to have originated in Kerala. It is an art form of Travancore of nineteenth century enlivened during the regime of King Swati Thirunal. The king, a scholar, Sanskrit poet and an exponent of Carnatic and Hindustani music, patronized and popularised this art form with whole-hearted co-operation and lyrical support from Irayimman Thampi, a noted poet, often referred to as gem of his court.

Most of the component items of Mohiniyattam are similar to Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi, though subtle differences of style is obvious. The language used in the lyrics is a pleasant mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known as Manipravalam. Formerly, the Padams were specially composed to include only Sringararasa. Now a days artists are using any classical or semi-classical compositions, even from other language.

The real beauty of Mohiniyattam comes through only when mature ladies enact the romantic padams specially written to present the Ashta Nayikas: Swadheena Bharthruka, Khanditha, Abhisarika, Vipralabdha, Kalahandtharitha, Vasakasajja, Proshithabharthruka, Viraholkhanditha.

Among the main items Cholkettu, Padavarnam and Padam, Mudras and facial expressions are more important than the rhythmic steps.The tuft knotted at the side of the head adorned by a garland of jasmine circling it, the dancer with normal facial make up and clad in gilded sari with series of pleats and jacket sways her body to the rhythm of orchestrated background music.
Compared most other dance forms, Mohiniyattam gives more importance to gestural and facial acting. The Mudras (hand gestures) are almost always same as those employed in Kathakali. The artists try to enact the lyrics almost in its entirety, like in Kathakali.

History of Kerala

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¤ Kerala History Dates Back To Mauryan Empire

The first recorded history of Kerala appears in the inscriptions of the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka (269-232 b.c.).In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to four independent kingdoms that lay to the south of his empire. These were the kingdoms of the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Keralaputrasand the Satiyaputras.Among them, the Keralaputras or the Cheras, as they were called, reigned over Malabar, Cochin and North Travancore – all part of present-day Kerala. They managed to maintain their independence because they were on good terms with the Great Maurya. Otherwise, Ashoka, who was a great empire builder, would surely have attempted to bring these kingdoms under his tutelage.
The four South Indian Kingdoms extended a hand of friendship towards the Mauryas. It was really Hobson’s choice for them, having already experienced the Mauryan onslaught during the reign of Ashoka’s predecessor, Bindusara (297-272 b.c.)

¤ The Sangam Age

Information about the Cheras during the Mauryan times is very scarce. It is only in the Sangam Age that the history of Kerala emerges from myths and legends. The Sangam Age refers to the period during which Sangam literature was composed. Sangam literally means academy and these great works in Tamil were written in the first four centuries of the Christian era.
Tradition has it that the first three academies met at Madurai and were attended by kings and poets.
However, the literature composed at the First Sangam is no longer extant.
History of Shankaracharya

Tolkappiyam : The earliest work on Tamil grammar, was composed during the Second Sangam.
Ettutogai : The Third Sangam produced a remarkable collection of Tamil literature known as Ettutogai (“Eight Anthologies”). These anthologies give us a detailed description of the political, social and economic conditions of that period.

¤ The Chera Kingdom

The Sangam Age witnessed three political powers ruling the area which now constitutes the State of Kerala. These were the Ays in the south, the Cheras in Central Kerala and Ezhimalas to the north. The Ays established a kingdom which in its halcyon days, extended from Tiruvalla in the north to Nagercoil in the south. Antiran, Titiyam and Atiyan were the most prominent of the Ay rulers.

The Ezhimalas too ruled over an extensive area that covers the present Kannur and Wynad districts of North Kerala. However, the Cheras were the most conspicuous of the dynasties and founded a powerful kingdom in Kerala.

The first Chera ruler was Perumchottu Utiyan Cheralatan – a contemporary of the great Chola, King Karikalan. After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chola ruler at the battle of Venni, he committed suicide.

His son, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralatan, another important Chera ruler, succeeded him. During his long rule of 58 years, Imayavaramban Nedun Cheralatan consolidated the Chera Dynasty and extended its frontiers. He inflicted a crushing defeat on his sworn enemies, the Kadambas of Banavasi (see Uttar Kannad for details). Imayavaramban’s reign is of special significance to the development of art and literature. Kannanar was his poet laureate.

However, the greatest Chera King was Kadalpirakottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, who is also identified with the mythical hero of the Silappadigaram (The Jewelled Anklet). Silappadigaram is one of the three great Tamil epics of the Sangam Age. The other two are Manimegalai and Sivaga-Sindamani. The great Tamil poet, Paranar, refers to his military exploits including his famous victory at Mogur Mannan and Kongar. Kuttuvan was the proponent of the Patni (wife) cult. The cult emphasised the utter devotion of a wife towards her husband. He dedicated a temple at Vanchi to Kannagi (the female protagonist of Silappadigaram), and the present Kurumba Bhagavati Temple at Kodungallur (Cranganore) is modelled on it. Kannagi’s devotion towards her husband was legendary. Recently, the Indian Government has instituted an award in her memory, which is given to the women.

¤ Kalabhra Interregnum

After the Sangam Age, Kerala passed through a dark period that lasted four centuries. This era is known as the ‘Kalabhra Interregnum’. At the end of the eighth centurya.d., South Indian kingdoms such as the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Pandyas succeeded in overthrowing the Kalabhras.

¤ Shankaracharya – The Great Theologian

It is a paradox that Buddhism disappeared (until its revival in recent years) from the land of its origin. One of the main reasons for this development was that a revived and reformed Hinduism began to emerge after the sixth century a.d.

In the eighth century, this reform movement was led by Adi Shankaracharya, whose position with respect to Hinduism is similar to that of St. Thomas Aquinas in the Roman Catholic Church. He travelled the length and breadth of India and got the better of many Buddhist missionaries in public discourses. Kalady, situated 25 kilometres northeast of Cochin, was the birthplace of Shankaracharya. A great philosopher and theologian, he propagated the advaita (monism) philosophy, which is also known as kevaladvaita (strict monism). Shankaracharya was also a great organiser. His missionary zeal was best exemplified in his establishment of four mathas (Hindu monastic establishments) in the four corners of the country. These are located at Sringeri in Karnataka, Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Orissa and Badrinath in Uttar Pradesh. Shankaracharya died at the young age of 32.

¤ The Second Chera Empire

Just after the eclipse of the Kalbhras, the Second Chera Empire made its appearance in the annals of Kerala history. Mahodyapuram (modern Kodangallur) was its capital. It was founded by Kulasekhara Alvar (a.d. 800-820), one of the 12 Alvars. Alvars were Tamil saints who composed and sang hymns in praise of Vishnu (The Preserver in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer). They were exponents of the Bhakti (devotional) cult in South India. The Alvars gave a great impetus to the Bhakti cult in South India between the seventh and the 10th centuries. Kulasekhara Alvar was a scholar and a great patron of the arts. He composed five dramas – the Perumal Tirumozhi in Tamil, and Mukundamala, Tapatisamvarna, Subhadradhamala and Vichchinnabhiseka – all in Sanskrit, which testify to his scholarship.

¤ Rajasekhara Varman Rul (a.d. 820-44)

succeeded Kulasekhara Alvar. He founded the ‘Kollam Era’ of Kerala, which began in a.d. 825. He is also reputed to have issued the Vazhappali Inscription, the first epigraphical record of the Chera Kingdom. Rajasekhara Varma was followed by Sthanu Ravi Varman (a.d. 844-55), a contemporary of the Chola King, Aditya I (a.d. 870-906).

The Tillaisthanam Inscription indicates that he was on friendly terms with the Chola monarch. His reign witnessed a flourishing trade between Kerala and China. This is borne out by the Arab merchant Sulaiman who visited India in a.d. 851. His first love was astronomy and Sankaranarayana, who composed the astronomical work Sankaranarayaniyam, adorned his court.

After Rajasekhara’s death, hostilities broke out between the Cheras and the Cholas, which continued until the disintegration of the Chera Kingdom. The Pandyas of the Madurai also involved themselves in the conflict.

Rama Varma Kulasekhara (a.d. 1090-1102) was the last of the Chera Kings. He shifted his capital to Quilon when the Cholas sacked Mahodyapuram during his reign. His death signalled the atomisation of the Chera Empire, from the ruins of which arose the independent kingdom of Venad.

¤ The Venad Kingdom

After the fall of the Kulasekharas, Venad emerged as an independent power. The kingdom reached its zenith under Udaya Marthanda Varma (1175-1195) and Ravi Varma Kulasekhara (1299-1314). An efficient ruler, Udaya Marthanda Varma was the architect of a brilliant administrative system for temples. The copper plates, which he issued during his rule, and which were called the Kollur Madham Plates and the Tiruvambadi Inscription of1183, testify to this fact.

Ravi Varma Kulasekhara was the most important ruler of the dynasty. He was a brave and active warrior. He brought peace and order to the strife-torn Pandya Empire, after Malik Kafur, lieutenant of the Delhi Sultan, Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1315), ravaged it. His reign saw the development of art and learning. A scholar and musician himself, he patronised intellectuals and poets during his tenure. The Sanskrit drama Pradyumnabhyudayam is ascribed to him. Trade and commerce also flourished during his rule and Quilon became a famous centre of business and enterprise.

After the death of Ravi Varma Kulasekhara, the history of the Venad Kingdom is not of special interest. The kingdom lingered on until the middle of the 18th century before it disintegrated.

¤ Emergence of Calicut

During the medieval period, Calicut rose to prominence from the ashes of the mighty Kulasekhara Empire, in the northern part of Kerala. The Zamorins (literally Lord of the Sea) were the hereditary rulers of Calicut who traced their lineage to the old Perumal dynasty of Kerala. Calicut emerged as a major seaport during the reign of the Zamorins.

Trade with foreigners like the Chinese and Arabs was the main source of revenue for the Zamorins. But it was the Arabs who managed to establish stronger trade links with the rulers of Calicut. Art and culture flourished under the Zamorins who were great patrons of literature.

Accounts of travellers like Ibn Batuta (1342-47), Ma Huan, the Chinese scholar, Abdur Razzak (1443), Nicolo Conti (1444) and Athanasius Nikitin (1468-74) corroborate this fact. Not content with the size of their kingdom, the Zamorins set about expanding its boundaries. The powerful Zamorins conquered Beypore, Parappanad, Vettat, Kurumbranad, Nilambur, Manjeri, Malappuram, Kottakal and Ponnai. By the 15th century, clashes between Cochin and Calicut became increasingly frequent. The reigning Zamorin emerged as the undisputed monarch of the North Malabar area, extending up to Pantalayani Kollam.

¤ The Europeans Arrive

The arrival of Vasco da Gama at Calicut in 1498, was a landmark event in the annals of history. At that time, Kerala was in the throes of political turmoil. Although the Portuguese did not enjoy cordial relations with the Zamorin, they succeeded in procuring some trading facilities at Quilon and Cannanore. But the Portuguese were intent on stopping the Arabs from trading with India.

Hostilities between Cochin and Calicut were exacerbated because the Raja of Cochin acted as a willing supporter of the Portuguese. However, the Zamorin faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the Portuguese when they laid siege on Cochin. The Portuguese gained permission to fortify Cochin and Cranganore in 1503 and 1504, respectively.

After Vasco da Gama, the most notable Portuguese to set foot on Indian soil, was Albuquerque. He managed to make peace with the Zamorin. A treaty was signed in 1513, which gave the Portuguese the right to construct a fort in Cochin and to carry on trade. However, the successors of Albuquerque were incompetent and corrupt. Naturally, that led to the decline of Portuguese power in Kerala.
The Portuguese had a strong impact on the educational and cultural life of the people of Kerala. The introduction of the printing press in Kerala can be counted as one of their biggest achievements. However, religious intolerance and bigotry marked their rule, leading to strife and disharmony among the local populace. This period also saw the revival of the Bhakti movement.

¤ Trade Link With Dutch

Lured by the possibility of trade with India, the Dutch landed on the western coast. Various treaties signed in 1608 and 1610 ensured trading facilities for the Dutch. With the treaty of 1619, the Dutch joined hands with the British to eliminate competition from the Portuguese.

The Dutch were able to fortify and monopolise trade in the regions of Purakkad, Kayakulum, Quilon and Travancore by 1662. One of the most singular achievements of the Dutch contingent in India was the conquest of Cochin in 1663. The decline of the Dutch became inevitable with the unprecedented rise of Travancore under Marthanda Varma (1729-58) and the Mysore invasion. The Zamorin also succeeded in depriving the Dutch of Cochin, Cranganore, Parur and Trichur at one go. By 1759, curtains fell on the Dutch power in India.

¤ Rise of Travancore

Travancore or Venad occupied centre stage in the political arena of Kerala around 18th century, thanks to the deeds of its two illustrious rulers, Marthanda Varma (1729-58) and Rama Varma, popularly known as Dharma Raja (1758-98). In his lifetime, Marthanda Varma successfully annexed the territories under the Dutch. Known as the Maker of Modern Travancore, Marthanda’s tenure is a remarkable period in the history of Kerala.

Rama Varma ascended the throne and ably carried out the task of administration. Two distinguished ministers, Ayyappan Marthanda Pillai and Raja Kesava Das assisted him in administering the kingdom.Rama Varma had to bear the brunt of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan’s invasion. But Rama Varma’s defence system withstood even the might of Tipu’s forces.
Travancore was fortunate enough to be governed by many enlightened administrators like Velu Thampi, Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai (1810-15), Gouri Parvati Bai (1815-29), Swati Tirunal (1829-47), Ayilyam Tirunal (1860-80), Sri Mulam Tirunal (1885-1924) who did much to see science, art and culture flourish in Travancore.

¤ Mysore Invades Kerala

Haider Ali, the ruler of Mysore, turned his attention towards Kerala after subduing Bednore in 1763. The regions of Kolathiri, Kottayam, Kadathanad, Kurumbranad and Calicut came under the dominion of Haider Ali. Again in 1773, Haider Ali laid siege on Kerala and conquered Trichur after restoring his authority in Malabar. Haider’s son, Tipu Sultan ascended the throne in 1782. Continuing in the footsteps of his illustrious father, Tipu managed to annex the entire South Malabar in 1783. Nevertheless, it was only in 1790 that he succeeded in breaching the Travancore Line.

But the beginning of the Third Mysore War spelt disaster for Tipu as, one after another, most of the kingdoms under Tipu surrendered to the British forces. With the signing of the Treaty of Serirangapatam in 1792, the last blow was dealt to Tipu’s reign. According to the terms of the treaty, Tipu had to hand over Malabar to the British.

¤ British Accession to Power

Like the other European powers, the British also came in as traders to India. By 1634-35, they had managed to gain permission to use all the Portuguese ports in Kerala from the Zamorin. The British fortified Calicut in 1664.In the years to follow, Travancore and Tellicherry also came under purview of the British.
But it was not all smooth sailing for the British. They had to face considerable opposition from the French and the Dutch. However, the British were successful in ousting other European powers such as the French and the Dutch, from their turf.

But the Keralites did not give in to the British without a whimper. Several revolts took place during the late 18th and early 19th century, which challenged British authority. Among them, the most important was the revolt of Velu Thampi and Paliath Achan who were Chief Ministers of Travancore and Cochin, respectively. Velu Thampi had led a popular uprising against the corruption and misrule of the king’s advisers.

The dictatorial attitude and adverse policies of the British Resident raised his hackles too. He found an ally in Paliath Achan, the Dewan of Cochin who was also dissatisfied with British administration.The famous proclamation asking people to rise against the British was issued in 1809 by Velu Thampi. Though the revolt was crushed mercilessly, Thampi and Achan are still revered as great patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country.

With the Treaty of Serirangapatam in 1792, Malabar came under the sway of the British. Compared to the many achievements of Travancore and Cochin, progress made by Malabar was insignificant. Malabar was converted into a district of the Madras Presidency.
Around 1836-56, Malabar saw a lot of disturbances due to the Mappila Riots. It is still unclear whether the cause of the riots was religious fanaticism or agrarian grievances and poverty. However, the British forces repressed the rebellion quite ruthlessly.

¤ The Growth of the National Movement

There was no dearth of patriotic fervour amongst the people of Kerala when India was going through the struggle for independence.Malabar was a centre of political agitation from the inception of the national movement. Many stalwarts of the Indian National Congress were from Malabar. The Non-Cooperation Movement and the Khilafat agitation found enthusiastic supporters in Malabar too. Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and the Civil Disobedience movement of 1932. These popular uprisings found an echo in Malabar too. The Muslim League also had a branch here, though it became a force to reckon with only in 1934. Abdul Rahman Ali Raja of Cannanore became the President of the Muslim League in 1937. The Communist Party found a foothold in Kerala around 1939.

The winds of patriotism swept through the princely states of Travancore and Cochin during the freedom struggle.Travancore had a long history of popular uprisings, the earliest of which was led by Velu Thampi in 1799. The Malayali Memorial signed in 1891, which chronicled the grievances of the local populace, raised the political consciousness of the people. Likewise, the Ezhava Memorial of 1896 was a petition that spelt out the injustices the Ezhava community had suffered for a long time. The Indian National Congress established a Congress Committee in Thiruvananthapuram. Travancore remained in a state of political unrest for many years.

Cochin also remained in the eye of the storm for several years during the national movement. The people of Cochin participated in several uprisings like the Electricity agitation, the agitation for a responsible government, to name a few. A committee of the Indian National Congress was set up in Cochin too.

2007-05-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Photo Gallary

Kerala Tourist Guide

2007-05-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

Starting one's journey from the southern district,
Thiruvananthapuram, is an ideal choice.

Thiruvananthapuram District
The city of Thiruvananthapuram, built on seven hills and named after the sacred serpent god Anantha on whom Lord Vishnu reclines, is the capital of Kerala and district headquarters. Thiruvananthapuram can be reached by air rail and road.

Kollam District
Situated on the banks of Astamudi Lake, Kollam (Quilon) is the district headquarters. The town is situated about 71km from Thiruvananthapuram and is a major railway junction. National highway NH47 passed through it. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam was an ancient seaport where spices with Chinese, Arabs and Europeans were traded. It is still one of the important commercial centres in Kerala.

Ashtamudi Lake
This is one of the largest lakes in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council organises backwater boating on the traditional boats of Kerala. The boating from Kollam to Alappuzha (approx. 9 hours) through the canals, lakes and backwaters will be a remarkably memorable experience.

The DTPC also conducts guided tours to Manroe isle in Ashtamudi Lake. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 10, the annual Ashtamudi Craft and Art Festival of India is held at the Asramam Maidan.

Thankassery
Located about 5km from Kollam, Thankassery has an 18th century church and ruins of an 18th century Portuguese fort. It also has a 44m tall lighthouse.

Palaruvi
About 65km from Kollam and 5km from Ariyankavu near the Tamil Nadu border, is this unspoiled picnic spot. The Palaruvi falls from a height of 300 feet into a shallow pool that is ideal for a swim.

Krishnapuram Palace Museum
Palace, a fine example of The museum is situated at Kayamkulam, 35km from Kollam towards Alappuzha. The KrishnapuramKerala style architecture, is fully restored and converted into a museum. The museum houses murals, antiques, sculptures and bronzes. One of the largest murals in Kerala is among the collections named "Gajendra Moksham" that is 14ft X 11 feet in size.

Pathanamthitta District
Situated closer to the Western Ghats and hedged by hills, forests and rivers, Pathanamthitta is a treat for the nature lover. Pathanamthitta town is the district headquarters. The nearest airport is Kochi about 175km away. The nearest railhead is Chengannur, 30km from Pathanamthitta and the town can be accessed by roads from other towns of Kerala.

Aranmula
Famous for the hand-made mirrors of polished metal, known as the "Aranmula Kannadi", Aranmula is an important pilgrim centre. The Parthasarathy temple is situated on the banks of River Pamba. The major tourist attraction is the Aranmula snake boat race held during the Onam season (Aug.-Sept.)

Sabarimala
Aboard of Lord Ayyappa, Sabarimala is a very well known pilgrim centre. During the pilgrimage season in Nov. - Jan., millions of people from different places of India pay homage to Lord Ayyappa.

Kozhencherry
Located 13km from Pathanamthitta on the banks of River Pamba, Kozhencherry is famous for the Maramon Convention held in Feb-March. This is the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia and the second biggest in the world.

The Vijnana Kalavedi Cultural Centre
Founded by Louba Schild, a French scholar, the centre is supported by UNESCO. The centre offers residential training courses in traditional arts and crafts of Kerala. Training under expert supervision is given in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic music, Kalaripayattu, woodcarving, painting, Ayurvedic medicine, religion, astrology and cooking.

Alappuzha (Alleppy) District
Alappuzha is an easy-going pleasant market town. Built around canals, backwaters and surrounded by coconut palms Alappuzha town is the headquarters of the district. There are several canals and lakes in the district those are fit for boating. Houseboats with all amenities are available for hire. Alappuzha is accessible by rail and road. The nearest airport is Kochi, about 75km north.

Mullakkal Rajarajeswary Temple
The temple is in the heart of the town. Two festivals are celebrated every year. The Navaratri festival held in Sept. - Oct. is more important. Colourful processions with nine caparisoned elephants are held during the last two days of the celebration. India's finest artists conduct several cultural programs including Thullal and Carnatic music.

Pathiramanal
It is a small but beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake. Regular boat services are organised from Kumarakam and Muhamma.

Ambalapuzha
The Sri Krishna temple in Ambalapuzha is a classical example of Kerala style temple architecture. Situated 14km from Alappuzha, it is a very famous pilgrim centre. The temple festival is celebrated in March-April. Kunjan Nambyar, the creator of Thullal, an original performing art of Kerala, enacted his first performance in this temple courtyard in the 16th century.

Karumadi
Close to Ambalpuzha is Karumadi, known for the 9th century black granite sculpture of Buddha.

Arthunkal St. Andrews Basilica
Arthunkal is located 22km from Alappuzha. The Portuguese built the St. Andrews Basilica that is a popular Christian pilgrim centre.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most popular tourist attraction in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race that began in 1952 when the erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha. The race is held every year on the second Saturday of August. Many gigantic snake boats with 100 rowers in each representing different villages take part in the race. Another Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in mid-January to promote tourism

Kottayam District

Situated between the palm-fringed backwaters on the west and Western Ghats on the east, Kottayam presents some of the most beautiful natural scenes of Kerala. Kottayam town is the district headquarters. The town can be accessed by rail or road from other places of the state. The nearest airport is Kochi 100km north of Kottayam.

Valiyapalli
Not far from the city centre, this St. Mary's Church was built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians. The church is known for the 8th century Persian cross with the Pahlavi inscription on it.

Cheriyapally
Located about 100m from Valiyapalli (Big Church), this smaller St. Mary's Church built in 1579 has an elegant façade with an interior noted for its 400 years old paintings depicting biblical and other themes.

Bharananganam
An important Christian pilgrim centre where the mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) are interned in a chapel next to the 1000 years old St. Mary's Church. The church has an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.

Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary
On the banks of Vembanad Lake, 12km from Kottayam, Kumarakam is a bird watcher's haven known for local and migratory birds. Cormorants, teals, ducks, owls and water fouls are seen from October to February. Feb.-July is the time for the snakebirds, night herons, egrets, and Siberian storks. The ideal time to watch the birds is around 0630 hrs. Kumarakam tourist village is a 101 acre wooded complex with many luxury resorts and houseboats. Boats are available on hire for backwater cruises in the lake.

Vikom
Famous for the Shiva temple, Vikom is 40km from Kottayam. It is believed that Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala, built the temple. The Ashtami festival in Nov-Dec is popular for elephant processions as well as dance and music performances.

Ettumanur
Famous for the Shiva Temple, Ettumanur is 17km from Kottayam. The temple has inscriptions dating back to 16th century or older. The temple is admired for the superb woodcarvings and murals. The temple festival is held in Feb-Mar. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Athirampuzha
Situated 3km from Ettumanur towards Kottayam, St. Mary's Fiona Church is famous for its annual feast known as "Athirampuzha Nercha". The grand feast is an eight days event.

Idukki District
dukki is an unspoiled nature lover's paradise. With high ranges, forests, abundant wildlife, ridges, valleys and streaming rivers, it indeed is the queen of Kerala tourism. Painavu is the district headquarters. The nearest railhead is Kottayam, about 133km. Idukki can be reached via road from most parts of the state.

Cheruthoni
Located around Idukki and Cheruthoni dams, near Painavu, Cheruthoni is at a height of 3900 feet from the sea level. On a clear sunny day one can see the far away Kochi from here. Boats can be rented for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.

Peerumedu
Situated at about 3000 feet from the sea level, Peerumedu is on the way to Thekkady. The Travancore Rajas used to spend their summer in this small hill station. Peerumadu is full of plantations, waterfalls and open grass fields.

Munnar
Munnar literarily means three streams. Munnar has Muthirapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala flowing through and meeting the water demand of the town. It is a hill station at a height of 5300-6000 feet from the sea level. 135km from Kochi, it was the summer retreat of the European settlers. Different types of accommodation are available to suit one's whims and budget.

Mattupetty
The Indo-Swiss dairy farm is located here. Mattupetty is 13km from Munnar and has a rose garden that attracts many tourists.

Devikulam
Devikulam is another small hill station in Idukki. It is located at 16km from Munnar. According to legend Sita, the consort of Sri Ram, once had a dip in the lake and the name Devikulam originated from that. Devikulam has a number of tea plantations.

Malankara Dam And Reservoir
It is an artificial lake formed as part of Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project. The dam is 6km from Thodupuzha and easily accessed by road. Boating facilities in the reservoir is available.

Periyar National Park
The most renowned destination in Idukki is the Periyar National Park at Thekkady. The wildlife can be observed from boat-ride or by trekking. Though a tiger reserve, it is the best sanctuary to observe elephants. More Information

There are other wildlife sanctuaries in Idukki. They are Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 70sq.km, Eravikulam-Rajamalai sanctuary known for the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and Thattekad Bird sanctuary home to Malabar grey hornbills, Sri Lankan frog mouth and rose billed roller.

Thommankuthu
Situated at 28km from Thodupuzha, this place is renowned for its numerous waterfalls. A 12km trekking brings one to the top of the hill from where one can experience the breadth-taking panoramic view of the valley.

Ernakulam District
The cosmopolitan city of Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. The harbour around which Kochi grew to be known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ernakulam is the district headquarters that is located on the mainland where most of Kochi's commercial centres are located.

Kochi consists of Ernakulam, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty, Gundu and Vypin. All these areas are linked with ferry services. Bridges also link Ernakulam to Willingdon and Mattancherry. Ernakulam can be accessed by rail, road or air. Kochi domestic and international airports are about 30km north from the city centre. From Kochi harbour, periodic scheduled passenger services are organised to Lakshadweep.

Mattancherry
Almost all historical sites in Kochi are situated in Fort Kochi or Mattancherry. It is a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and England.

Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the palace in 1555 and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, the erstwhile ruler of Kochi. The Dutch renovated it in 1663. Hence the palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. The two-storey structure surrounds a courtyard containing a temple. The murals in the palace depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are some of the best in India. The palace is open for visits from Saturday through Thursday. Entry is free.

Synagogue
The synagogue was built in 1568. The Portuguese destroyed it in 1662. When the Dutch took-over Kochi, it was rebuilt. The Chinese hand-painted willow pattern tiles of the 18th century and the scrolls of the Old Testament are of interest to the visitors.

A stone slab inscribed in Hebrew from an earlier synagogue, built in 1344 at Kochangadi, can be seen in the Mattancherry synagogue. The synagogue can be visited from Sunday to Friday.

Fort Kochi
St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese this church said to be the oldest European-built church in India. The original wooden structure was rebuilt in stone during the middle of 16th century. The Dutch restored the church in 1779. In 1795 when British occupied Kochi, it became an Anglican church. In 1524 Vasco de Gama was buried here for 14 years before his mortal remains were moved to Lisbon.

Chinese Fishing Nets
The entrance to the harbour is dotted with fixed and cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Traders from the court of Kublai Khan introduced these to Kochi. Each net requires three men to operate.

Bolgatty Island
This is the island where the Dutch built the Bolgatty palace in 1744. When British occupied Kochi, this palace became the seat of the British resident of Kochi. Today KTDC has converted it into a three star hotel. The hotel ground has a small golf course.

Willingdon Island
Named after Lord Willington, the British Viceroy of India, it is a man-made island created with material dredged up to deepen the harbour. Two of the top hotels (Taj Malabar & Casino Hotel) are located in Willingdon Island. The headquarters of the South Naval Command and the Govt. of India Tourist Office are also located here.

Ernakulam
Parikshath Tampuran Museum
It is an archaeological museum next to the Siva Temple on Darbar Hall Road. The museum has collections of prehistoric monuments, old coins, oil paintings from the 19th century, stone sculptures etc.

Hill Palace Museum
Located at Thripunithura, 13km from Ernakulam, the museum displays artefacts and belongings including the king's throne and crown of the royal family of Kochi.

Aluva
21km from Ernakulam, Aluva is a pilgrim centre. The town is located on the banks of River Periyar. The annual Sivaratri festival is colourfully celebrated on the banks of the river.

Kalady
45km from Kochi and situated on the banks of river Periyar, Kalady is a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Shankara, of the 8th century, the advocate of Adwaita in Hinduism.

Vypin
Ferries shuttle across the narrow strait from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island. The island has a lighthouse. The Pallipuram Fort (Azhikode Fort) built in 1403 by the Portuguese is in hexagonal shape. It is considered as one of the oldest European monuments in India.

Festivals
Athachamayam
It is a spectacular procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants and floats making the beginning of Onam Festival. Conducted at Thripunithura and Piravam, it displays folk and temple arts of Kerala.

Cochin Carnival
The origin of the carnival is traced to the New Year celebration of the Portuguese during the colonial days. Noted for the unique games and competitions, the feast is observed during the last week of December with a grand procession on the New Year day.

Indira Gandhi Boat race
The race is conducted during the last week of December to coincide with the tourism fair. Several snake boats representing different villages participate in this race.

Thrissur District
Being considered as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur continue to assume the role with its numerous festivals, art schools and institutions those promote cultural activities.

Situated 80km from Kochi, Thrissur town is the headquarters of the district. Thrissur is built around a hillock crowned by the famed Vadakkunathan Temple. The nearest airport is Kochi at 50km towards south of the town. The town is accessible by rail and road from different places of India.

Archaeological Museum
Situated on the Town Hall Road, the archaeological museum has a collection of temple models, stone relieves, Gandharan pieces and reproduction of some of the Mattancherry murals.

Zoo & Arts Museum
2km from town centre, the zoo spreads over an area of 13.5 acres. The zoo has a variety of animals and a snake park. Within the compound of the zoo is the Arts Museum that has exhibits of woodcarvings, bronzes, Kathakali figures etc.

Vadakkunathan Temple
Vadakkunatan Temple is the landmark of Thrissur. It is believed that Parasuraman, the mythological creator of Kerala built the temple. A classic example of temple architecture of Kerala, the temple has shrines of Siva, Parvathy, Shankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Rama and Krishna. The central shrine and koothambalam have exquisite vignettes of carved wood. The temple festival Pooram celebrated in the month of April-May is the grandest in Kerala.

Guruvayoor
The Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor is one of the most famous temples and a popular pilgrim centre in Kerala. The temple is said to have been built in the 16th century. Non-Hindus are not permitted into the temple.

Punnathur Kotta, an old Zamorin palace, is where the elephants of the temple are kept. Visiting the palace definitely is worthwhile.

Irinjalakuda
Located 21km from Thrissur on the NH47 towards Kochi, Irinjalakuda has a temple dedicated to Bharata, brother of Rama. Perhaps this is the only temple in India where Bharata is worshipped.

Cheruthuruthi
Cheruthuruthi is 29km from Thrissur and near the Shornur railway station. It is where Kerala Kalamandalam, the home of traditional Kerala arts is situated. Students undergo rigorous training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, music and drama.

Athirapally

The Athirapally Waterfall is situated near the entrance to the Sholayar forest range east of chalakkudi and falls from a height of 80ft. The Vazhachal Fall is 5km from Athirapally. These falls are becoming very popular tourist attractions.

Peechi Dam
This is an irrigation dam built across the River Mandi. 15km from Thrissur, it is a tourist centre. Boating facilities in the reservoir are available.

Kodungallur (Cranganore)
Formerly known as Muziris, Kodungallor was a major seaport on India's west coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumal. His famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was near Thiruvanchkulam. It is also believed that St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ landed in Muziris in 52 AD. Cheraman Parambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathy Temple, the Portuguese fort and the old mosque built in the lines of a Hindu temple are of tourist interest in Kodungallur.

Palakkad District

The district lies at the foot of the Western Ghats. Much of the area is made up of plains of midlands and highlands with a few hillocks. Palakkad is the headquarters of district and can be reached by rail and road. The nearest airport is Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu about 55km away. Kochi airport is 130km south of Palakkad.

Fort
Hyder Ali, the erstwhile ruler of Mysore built this fort in 1766. The British conquered the fort in 1784 after defeating Tipu Sultan. Later for a brief period, it was in the possession of the Zamorin. But the British took it back in 1790. The fort is well preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Attappadi
Attappadi is an extensive mountain region with dense forests, plantations and rivulets those drain to River Bhavani. Predominantly a tribal area, Attappadi offers forests in its elemental magnificence.

Malampuzha
The irrigation dam built across the Bharathapuzha, the longest river in Kerala, is a popular tourist centre. The town is at the base of the hills of Western Ghats. The children's amusement park, miniature zoo and the beautiful rose gardens are set for the pleasure of the children. Facilities for a boat-ride in the reservoir are also available. The famous sculpture "Yakshi" (nymph) by Kanai Kunjuraman is another attraction in the garden.

Nelliampathy
It is a forest range 75km from Palakkad. The range is a chain of ridges cut off from one another with valleys of evergreen forests. Nelliampathy is a hill station with cooler climate and can be reached by road from Palakkad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a continuation of the Anamalai sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, spreads over an area of 285sq.km. The wildlife includes elephant, bison, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chital, crocodiles and a few tigers and panthers. Thunakadavu is the headquarters of the sanctuary. The forest department has a rest house and a treetop house those are available for tourists. Boating can be arranged in the lake at Parambikulam.

Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley is the only virgin rain forest in the Western Ghats. Spread over 90sq.km, it contains India's last stretch of substantial evergreen rain forest and many rare species of wild animals.

Trithala
Trithala has ruins of a large fort and Kattil Madom Temple with domed granite structure.

Malappuram District

Bifurcated from Palakkad and Kozhikode, Malappuram was once a centre for Vedic learning and teaching. Malappuram town is the district headquarters. Roads connect Malappuram to the other towns of Kerala. The nearest railhead is Shornur, 33km from Malappuram. The nearest airport is Kozhikode about 30km to the north.

The Jama-at Mosque
The mosque is an important religious centre for Muslims. The four-day annual festival (Nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjacent to the mosque is the mausoleum of Malappuram Shaheeds who fought bravely against the Zamorin's army.

Angadippuram
Angadippuram is a pilgrim centre for both Hindus and Muslims. The mosque at Puthanangadi has ancient Arabic inscriptions on one of its planks. Thirumandakkunnu Durga temple is one of the three Bhagavati temples in Kerala. The Pooram celebration of the temple is an important temple festival in the Central Malabar.

Kottakkal
Kottakkal is well known for the Arya Vydyasala that provides ayurvedic treatment for various ailments. P. S. warier, the famous Ayurvedic physician, established the vydyasala and people from different parts of the world come to Kottakkal for treatment. The township is 12km from Malappuram.

Thirunavaya
Thirunavaya is a place of historic importance. Located on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha, it is 7km from Tirur, a railhead on the Mangalore-Chennai route. In the olden days Mamangam, a gathering of the local rulers to choose the king among them, was held in Thirunavaya. The last mamangam was held in 1755.

Tirur
Tirur is an important business centre in Malappuram. 3km from Tirur railways station is Trikkandiyur where Tunjan Parambu, the birthplace of Ezhuthachan who lived in the 16th century, is situated. Tunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is considered as the father of Malayalam literature. On the Vijayadasami day, in Dec., people come to Thunjan Parambu with their children to initiate them to the world of letters.

Nilambur
At the foot of the Western Ghats, Nilambur is famous for its bamboos and teaks. Nilambur boasts the oldest teak plantation in the world. The oldest teak Kannimeri is an attraction for visitors. The teak museum is located on the Nilambur-Gudallur road, about 4km from Nilambur. The museum will educate a visitor about every aspects of teak.

Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
Located near Tirur, it is believed that Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala, built this temple. Devotees from far and near places visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

Kondotty
Kondotty is a township near to the Kozhikode airport. The 18th century pazhayangadi mosque where the first Kondotty Thangal, believed to be a descendant of Prophet Mohamed, is buried. The Nercha is held at the tomb of the Thangal.

Tanur
Tanur is situated 8km from Tirur. It is a coastal town where the Portuguese set up one of their earliest settlements. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in 1546.

Ponnani
Ponnani was one of the oldest seaports in ancient Kerala. Arabs, Chinese and Europeans were trading in spices. Now Ponnani is an important fishing centre.

Kozhikode District
Previously known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a historical town. It was the capital of Zamorins of Kozhikode. In 1498, Vasco de Gama landed in India at Kappad beach near Kozhikode. Kozhikode was a major seaport in the olden days and steamers even today call for cargo at the port. Being a major centre for timber, Kozhikode has thriving boat-building industry. The city of Kozhikode has a domestic and international airport at Karipur, 23km to the south. Roads and rails connect Kozhikode to major centres of the country.

Manachira Square
This is the heart of the city. Once it was the courtyard of the Zamorins who ruled Kozhikode. The Tali Temple, Kuttichira Mosque and the Church of South India in the square represent the major religions of India. Manachira Library that boasts the literary heritage of Kozhikode is worth a visit.

Pazhassiraja Museum
The museum is situated at East Hill, 5km north of town. The museum has archaeological displays of bronzes, copies of ancient murals, coins and models of temples and megalithic monuments. Krishna Menon Museum

Krishna Menon Museum
The museum is next door to Pazhassiraja museum and has a section devoted to honour the great Indian leader V. K. Krishna Menon. His personal belongings and souvenirs are exhibited here.

Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is located next to the museums. It exhibits paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.

Dolphin's Point
At dolphin's Point, in the early hours of dawn, one can see the dolphins swimming and playing in the sea. It is 2km from the city centre.

Kappad
Kappad is the beach 16km from Kozhikode where Vasco de Gama set foot in India on the 27th of may 1498. A non-descriptive stone memorial is erected at the beach to commemorate his landing.

Beypore
Beypore is a small coastal town 11km south of Kozhikode. For centuries it was famous for shipbuilding. It is still famous for its country crafts built by traditional shipbuilders. Beypore is a popular shopping centre for Arabs who look for large boats.

Vadakara
Famous for the Kerala martial art, Kalaripayattu, Vadakara has a historical in the town. 5km from the town is the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple dedicated to Durga, one of the three famous Bhagavathy Temples in Kerala.

Vellarimala
Vellarimala is the unspoilt hilly reaches of Kozhikode not crowded by tourists. The Kanjirapuzha, tributary of Chaliar, takes a winding path through the rocky terrain of Vellarimala forming many attractive waterfalls.

Thusharagiri
Located 50km from Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a tribal tourist spot. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats merge here to form the River Chalipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray. One of the waterfalls plunges to a depth of 75m.

Wayanad District

Wayanad is situated at a height of 700-2100m above sea level. It is one of the few districts in Kerala that could retain its pristine nature. The geography and the climate of Wayanad make it ideal for cultivation of tea, coffee, spices and rubber. Kalpetta town is the headquarters of the district. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. The nearest railhead is also Kozhikode. Roads link Kalpetta to other parts of the state.

Wayanad is known for its Jain temples and past Jain influence in the state. The famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain temple is located at Puliyarmada near Kalpetta. The glass temple of Kottamunda dedicated to Parswanathaswamy, the third Thirthankara of the Jain faith is located 20km from Kalpetta, on the slopes of Vellarimala.

Lakkadi
Lakkadi is a nature's beauty with hills, streams and lush green forests. At 700m from sea level, Lakkadi registers the second highest rainfall in the world.

Mananthavadi
Located on the Western Ghats, Mananthavadi is the final resting place of Pazhassiraja, the famed freedom fighter. Thirunelli Temple is 32km from Mananthavadi. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself installed the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Temple. The Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary is only 40km from here. Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery
98km from Kozhikode, Sultan Bathery has an 18th century fort built by Tipu Sultan. The ruins of Pazhassiraja fort are located at Panamaram, 29km from Sultan Bathery.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated between the Nagarhole and Mudumalai sanctuaries, this 345sq. km wildlife sanctuary is under project elephant. It is the second largest sanctuary in the state. The wildlife includes elephants, tigers, leopards and various species of deer, monkeys and birds.

Pookote Lake
It is a deep and wide freshwater lake surrounded with lush green meadows and trees. Boating facilities, a children's Park, a freshwater aquarium and a handicrafts and spice emporium are available for the tourists.

Edakkal Caves
These caves are located at a height of 1000m from sea level on the Ambukuthi Hills, 10km from Sultan Bathery. The caves formed by a natural split in the huge rock present one of the richest pictographic galleries of the world. Archaeologists consider this as one of the earliest human dwellings. The caves contain paintings and graphical writings of the new stone-age civilization. In 1894, F. Fawcet, the then Superintendent of Police accidentally discovered the caves.

Kannur District

Formerly a major spice trading seaport, Kannur is known for its handloom industries and forest ranges. From 15th century AD, various colonial powers like Portuguese, Dutch and British exerted their influence on Kannur. In his book of travels, Marco Polo mentioned his visit to Kannur in 1250AD. Kannur Town is the headquarters of the district. The town has a railhead. The nearest airport is Kozhikode, 93km south. Major roads link Kannur to other centres of the state.

St. Angelo's Fort
The Portuguese built this triangular fort of laterite in 1505 after getting consent of the Kolathiri Rajas. Under the British it became a major military base. They modified laterite fortifications and several buildings in the fort. Now the Indian Army occupies the cantonment area near the fort.

Parassinikadavu Temple
The Muthappan temple is located on the banks of Valapattanam River, 18km northeast of Kannur. Open to all, this is the only place where regular Theyyam is performed daily throughout the year. The timing is usually between 0400hrs to 0900hrs.

Talassery Fort
Talassery is 20km south of Kannur. The British established their settlement in 1683 and completed the fort in 1708. Though abandoned, the old English church on Nettur Hill with stained glass windows is worth visiting.

Parasdsinikadavu Snake Park
The snake park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes those are getting extinct. The park has a collection of over 150 snakes those include cobras, Russel vipers, pit vipers, king cobras, pythons and non-poisonous snakes.

Taliparambu
The Vishnu temple at Taliparambu is an example of medieval Kerala temple architecture. The temple is said to be built in the 10th century. It has stonewalls, murals and woodcraft work for the visitors to see

Kasargod District

Kasargod is the northern-most district of Kerala. It is a land of forts, rivers, hills and beaches. The district is known for its coir and handloom industries. Kasargod is the district headquarters. The nearest airport is Mangalore, in Karnataka, 50km away. The town has an important railhead. Roads connect the town to other parts of the state and neighbouring states.

Bakel Fort
Bakel fort is the largest of best-preserved forts in Kerala. 16km south of Kasargod town and on the national highway, the imposing circular laterite fort covers 35 acres of land and stands 130 ft above sea level. The history changed the ownership of the fort from one ruler to another. During the ancient times the Kadambas owned it. Then it came under Kolathiri Rajas. Later it became part of Vijayanagar Empire. During the late 18th century Tipu Sultan captured it. Bekal served as an important military station of Tippu Sulthan when he led the great military expedition to capture Malabar. The coins and other artefacts unearthed by the recent archaeological excavation at Bekal fort indicate the strong presence of the Mysore Sultans. After his death, it became the property of British. During the reign of the Company Bekal become the headquarters of the newly organised Bekal Taluk of South Canara District in Bombay Presidency.

Chandragiri Fort
Sivappa Nayak of Bedanore built this fort in the 17th century. The fort was built in a square shape. It is located 10km from Bakel. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers breathtaking view of the meandering Chandragiri river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Hosdurg Fort
Somasekhara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built a chain of forts in Kanjangad. He captured Manjeswaram and Taliparambu and built a fort at Hosdurg known as the new port. It is a main tourist attraction. Hosdurg is also known for Nityanandashram, an internationally renowned spiritual centre.

Ananthapura Lake temple
This is the only lake temple in Kerala. This 9th century temple is the original abode of Anandapadmanabha of Anandapadmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram.

2007-02-12T03:25:00.000-08:00