Kerala Holiday
Tour
The very name Kerala literally
translated means ‘The land of Coconuts’. Kerala’s terrain is covered with
coconut palms from one end to the other. The state is a dazzling vision in green
with its coconut groves, tropical forests, mangrove forests et al. The amazing
green canopy that cover the entire state and the temperate climate makes Kerala
one of the most sought after destinations in India. This small state is abundant
in shola forests, eco hotspots, sandalwood forests, evergreen forests, dense
mangroves, deciduous forests, reserve forests and grasslands which support a
large diversity of flora and fauna. Kerala is also famous for the exotic spices
and fruits cultivated in the state. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Vanilla, Cardamom,
Rubber, Pepper et cetera are cultivated extensively in the High Ranges. Kerala
is truly a land painted in green.Lets have a small tour about Kerala Holidays
Tour Packages
Houseboats -Kerala is famous for its
beautiful backwater system. There is a labyrinthine network of backwater system
covering Kasargod, Kozhikkode, Malappuram, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kollam, Kumarakom,
Kottayam, Kuttanad and Aleppey. It covers 1500 km of canals with 38 rivers and 5
lakes, from one end of the state to the other. A cruise along the palm fringed
emerald backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat is a must-try to make your Kerala
holiday experience a truly indelible one. Rent a houseboat and watch the
surreal charms of this tropical heaven unfold before your very eyes as you go
cruising along the mystic waters. Spectacular sights of countryside, water
lilies, lush paddy fields, coconut groves, temples, churches, Chinese fishing
nets et al, are sure to stay etched in your mind forever. These backwaters
support a unique water-based life-style which could only be experienced with a
cruise in a houseboat.
Beaches -Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline
with some of the finest beaches of India. The palm fringed tropical beaches are
one of the prime attractions of the state. There are numerous options for a
tourist to choose from, some of the most preferred ones are listed below.Kovalam
Beach: This is one of the best naturally sheltered beaches of the world. The
beach has been a favorite tourist spot since the advent of 20th century.
Shanghumugham Beach: This beautiful beach is close to Trivandrum airport and
the Veli Tourist Village. The beach is an ideal spot for enjoying a quite
evening watching the sun-set. The beach is easily accessible from the city of
Trivandrum. Varkala Beach: The sea-side town of Varkala is famous for its
spectacular beach dotted with sand cliffs and mineral water springs. The place
is also a major site of Hindu pilgrimage.Alappuzha Beach: This beach is a
popular spot to enjoy sand and surf in Alappuzha. The wooden pier that extends
out into the sea is over 140 years old, a reminder of the old-glory of this port
city. Cherai Beach: The beautiful beach at Vypeen has emerged as a
popular beach destination in the recent times. The gorgeous golden sand beach
has the azure Arabian Sea on one side and emerald backwaters on the other. The
unique combination of sea and backwaters with lush coconut groves in the
backdrop makes it a picture-post card beach destination. The sea here is ideal
for swimming and enjoying water sports.Fort Kochi Beach: This beach is
dotted with colonial buildings and the ruins of the first European fort, Fort
Immanuel, built by the Portuguese in 1503 A.D. The ruins of the fort lie far
into the sea with old laterite walls emerging with the tides. Much of the ruins
are buried under the sea as it intruded further inland over the centuries.
Bakel Beach: This idyllic beach lies next to the 300 year old Bakel Fort –
the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala. The beach is now developed into a
major tourist destination by the tourist department. Breathtaking views of the
beach could be had from the fort.
Trekking -For the adventure and nature
enthusiast there is ample scope in Kerala. Trekking is an ideal way to enliven
your spirit and simultaneously enjoy the tropical beauty of Kerala. The majestic
Western Ghats towering 500 to 2700 meters bordering the eastern side of the
state is a haven for trekking and adventure activities. All along the Western
Ghats there are different spots ideal for trekking. An array of options awaits a
traveler - tropical forests, grass lands, wildlife sanctuaries, hills et al.
Some of the most frequented ones are Munnar, Silent Valley, Agastyakoodam,
Chembra peak, Wagamon, Pythal Mala et cetera.
Elephant Rides -Elephants are considered
sacred in many Asian cultures. They are venerated and held as harbingers of good
luck and prosperity. In India, the elephant headed god Ganesha is worshipped and
adored by the Hindus. Temple festivals in Kerala use caparisoned elephants to
carry the deity during processions. There are ample venues to enjoy elephant
rides in Kerala. Routine elephant rides are organized by the Forest Department
of Kerala through the lush tropical forests in Thekkady. This is one of the
finest and safest ways to enjoy the wilderness of the area. A little out of the
way approach would be to offer a mahout couple of bucks and take a ride on his
elephant – though some may not agree most would budge.
Ayurveda -Ayurveda, a comprehensive healing
system originated in India in the ancient times. Rig Veda and Atharva Veda
dating back to 5000 B.C are the earliest documented works mentioning health and
diseases. Comprehensive Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Susrutha
Samhita were penned by ancient sages in 1000 B.C with elaborate details on
healthy living, preventive measures, therapies and injury treatments. They cover
a wider spectrum including physical, mental, spiritual and social welfare
aspects of human beings. The ancient Ayurvedic system has been fine tuned to
perfection in the state of Kerala. The state is now synonymous with wellness -
widely acclaimed as ‘The Land of Ayurveda”. There are a variety of holistic
packages on the offer to rejuvenate your body and soul. There are also ample
opportunities to learn this ancient art of healing.
Classical Art Forms -Kathakali: Kathakali is
a ritualistic art-form that traces its origins to medieval Kerala. Kathakali
takes its form by combining several elements - the ancient martial arts system
of Kalaripayattu, the classical Sanskrit theatre of Koodiyattam and several
other folk ritual dramas. In Kathakali, ancient stories of Indian mythology come
alive with a combination of dance, acting, graceful hand-facial movements (mudras)
and traditional music. The vibrant make-up done with natural colors, the
peculiar costumes and the soothing music make Kathakali quite distinct from
other forms of ritualistic art-forms in Asia. In the 17th century, Kathakali
grew in popularity among the Warrier and the priestly castes of Kerala.
Traditionally the performers are all men from the Warrier castes, trained in the
martial art form of Kalaripayattu. The female roles played by men highlight the
feminine grace (sukumara) with a subtle masculine vigor through rich costumes,
elaborate paste masks, make-up and delicate dance styles. Each character has a
specific color for make-up, costume and paste mask to reveal the type of
character the artist is portraying. A trip to Kerala is incomplete without
feasting your senses on this colorful extravaganza.
Koodiyattam: Koodiyattam, the Sanskrit drama
of Kerala, is considered at least 2000 years old. The drama performance, claimed
to be the oldest existing classical theatre-form of the world, has been
officially conferred with the title of - ‘Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible
Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. Koodiyattam traces its origins way back to the
ancient times when Kerala was ruled by Kulasekhara Varma Cheraman Perumal, who
wrote “Attaprakaram’ a code for Koodiyattam.Traditionally the privilege for
performing Koodiyattam is bestowed upon the temple castes - Chakyar men and
Nambiar women. The performances are held only in temples as an offering to the
deity. Most traditional temples in Kerala have an adjoining pavilion called the
Koothambalam where Koodiyattam is staged. Elaborate costumes and vibrant colors
make it a truly spectacular affair.
Mohiniattam: Mohiniattam, literally
translated means ‘dance of the enchantress’. Mohini - the enchantress is a
mythological character believed to be an assumed form of Lord Vishnu. The dance
form is characterized by graceful and lyrical body movements. The first
reference of the art form is found in the 16th century. Swathi Thirunal, the
19th century king of Travancore revived the art form by giving it a more
contemporary appeal. The white and gold costume, the unique hairstyle and the
elegant movements all add to the grace and charm of the dance form. Mohiniattam
is truly a celebration of sensuality and grace.
Theyyam: Theyyam is one of the ancient
ritualistic dance forms that originated in the Malabar region of Kerala. Bizarre
costumes, huge headgears, vibrant body painting and energy-packed performance
sets Theyyam apart from the other dance forms of Kerala. Theyyam dances are
performed in front of village shrines in the midst a lot of clamor and
electrifying atmosphere. The performers dressed as ancient deities give a high
energy dance performance to the tunes of pulsating traditional music.One can
actually sense the raw untamed energy in the air that lends the performance an
atmosphere of deeper mysticism. The energetic music, the gaudy attire, the
repressed energy all work in tandem to make Theyyam one of the most
scintillating temple dance forms. Many Theyyams sport burning torches attached
to their attire, 15 feet tall head-gears decorated with tender palm leaves,
demonic painted faces, huge fangs, traditional weapons et cetera. Some Theyyam
cults offer blood oblations to please Mother goddess.
Martial Arts -Kalarippayattu:
Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial art system originated in Kerala. It
is considered to be the mother of all marital art forms. The Chinese Shaolin
Kung-Fu traces its origins to Kalaripayattu. Bodhi Dharma, a Buddhist monk from
India and the father of Kung-Fu, was a trained Kalaripayattu master who taught
the monks at the Shaolin temple this ancient art form. Kalaripayattu is still a
surviving martial art form taught in Kalaris (schools where Kalaripayattu is
taught) across Kerala.The origin of Kalaripayattu is shrouded in mystery with
little details surviving from the ancient times. Kalaripayattu is said to have
its roots in the traditions of Dhanur Veda and Vishnu Purana. The training is
based on an elaborate system of body control exercises, Ayurvedic medical
treatments, rigorous combat training, vital point discipline and spiritual &
mental training. Kalaripayattu is more than just a self-defense martial art form
- it’s a discipline and a way of life demanding a life-long dedication and
passion.
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