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Kerala, one of the most tranquil states of India, lies to the extreme southwest of Indian peninsula, enjoys unique geographical features that have made...
| Location: | Southwestern tip of India. |
|---|---|
| Time: | GMT +5:30 |
| Area: | 38,863 sq. km. / 15,005 sq. miles |
| Currency: | Indian Rupee |
| Population: | 31,84,1374 |
| Climate: | Tropical |
| Summer: | February - May (24 - 33 DC) |
| Monsoon: | June - August (22 - 28 DC) |
| Winter: | November - January (22 - 32 DC) |
| Capital: | Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) |
| Language: | Malayalam. English is widely spoken. |
| Religion: | Hinduism, Christianity, Islam |
| Major Cities and Airports: | Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode |
| Time: | (Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST) USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: - 4.30, UAE: - 1.30, UK: - 5:30. |
| Police helpline: | Highways + 91 98461 00100 Trains + 91 98462 00100 |
| Emergency Numbers: | |
| Police control room: | 100 |
| Fire station: | 101 |
| Ambulance: | 101 |
| Drugs: | Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs. |
| Smoking: | Smoking is banned in public places. |
| Temple Codes: | Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises. |
| Take permission for photography: | Some temples in Kerala and other religious institutions may not be photographed without prior permission. Hence, respect the rules |
| Nudity: | Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach. |
| Demonstrativeness in Public: | Behavior, demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala. |
| Avoid strangers: | Don’t respond to the genial 'hello' of a conman and never catch the eye of professional beggar |
| Try out authentic Kerala Cuisine: | The spices of Kerala make a lip smacking table |
| Yet another Happy news for the tourists to Kerala!!!! Now you can plan your holidays in Kerala even on a short notice, with fewer hurdles! Apply for your Visa Online, get the 'Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)' and fly to Kerala. Tourist Visa on Arrival (T-VoA) enabled with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been introduced for Foreign Tourists coming to Kochi and Trivandrum from from 43 countries to from more than 100 countries including Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE & USA for a short stay of 30 days & Kerala became the only state in India where two airports, having the T-VoA enabled with ETA. Click here to know about e-Tourist Visa Facility available for nationals from how many countries/territories. Effective from November 27, the T-VoA enabled with ETA will allow tourists to apply and pay the fee for the visa online, without having to travel to the Indian missions in their home countries. Applicants who are approved will receive the official travel authorization via email and only need to present a printed copy of this to the immigration authorities upon their arrival in India. For details regarding Visa services please visit Bureau of Immigration http://www.boi.gov.in |
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The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer Ayurvedic treatment. While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main attraction in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions
With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha. The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beach.
The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala.Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural splendours, and ecological balance of the location. The model village, the first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi in Ernakulam District. It is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour.
Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural splendours, and ecological balance of the location. The model village, the first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi in Ernakulam District. It is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour.
The Silent Valley National Park , around 90 Kms in all was the subject of a state wide environmental agitation , to save the virgin evergreen forests from destruction, due to a dam proposed within it.This wildlife sanctuary attained international attention then and now forms part of larger Nilgiri Biosphere reserve. The park is home to more than 100 species of butterflies and birds. Other wildlife includes the Nilgiri Tahr, the rare and endangered Lion Tailed Macaque, leopards, tigers and elephants.To get to the Park, one has to take the road from Palakkad, 80 kms away.Regular buses are available to Mukkali, 20 kms from the Park. Visitors are allowed only in a few places, near the site proposed for the dam earlier. Facilities are rudimentary and limited. Recommended only for those willing to rough it out.
The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries of not only Kerala but also India. The Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Periyar Lake. The most excellent way to discover the well preserved national reserves is by taking an elephant safari through the wilds. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary offers great opportunity to enjoy wildlife and photograph wild animals in general and elephants in particular. One can also go for a boat cruise on the lake at the Periyar Wildlife Park. There are boat services, which will take you around the lake, while you keep an eye open for not-to-be-missed sightings of the wild. Travelers can also indulge in trekking and elephant rides in other sanctuaries.
Between the Anamalai Ranges of Taminadu and the Nelliampathy Ranges of Kerala on the Western Ghats is the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Situated in the Palakkad (Palghat)district, it was originally a small tract of reserve forest with an area of about 48 sq. kms. However owing to the growing wildlife need, it was expanded in 1962 and today covers an area of 258 sq. kms.Ideally suited to the growth of teak, the tract encouraged large scale teak plantations through artificial regeneration in the early 1920's. This was abandoned when a full fledged wildlife department was formed in 1985.Several streams originate from these hills and flows towards the Chalakudy river. The terrain is mostly undulating with a valley in the basin. The Karimala Gopuram is the highest peak in this region and standing at 1444mThe Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palakkad is accessible by road from Tamil Nadu side of the border. Buses ply between Pollachi and Parambikulam.
Peppara Wildlife sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary, Idduki Wildlife sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park
Some of the key crops of Kerala are coconut, tea, coffee, rubber, cashew, cardamom, pepper and cinnamon. Its service sector is booming with financial companies, real estate agencies, mortgage companies, consultancy services, insurance companies and tourism industry. Kerala is quite advanced in terms of Human Development Index and life standard.
Classical art forms, colourful festivals, unique cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a top of the line destination.
Kathakali is the most popular sacred dance-drama of Kerela. Kathakali evolved across the last 400 years. This classical dance of Kerela requires lengthy and rigorous training to attain complete control of the body and a sensitivity to emotion so as to be able to render all its nuances through facial expressions and hand gestures.
Thullal is a classical solo dance form, of Kerela, which comes closer to contemporary life, and is marked for its simplicity, wit and humour. Staged during temple festivals, the performer explicates the verses through expressive gestures. The themes are based on mythology. This satiric art form was introduced in the18th century by the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar.
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, for this is what brought Kamadeva (the god of love) back to life after he was reduced to ashes by the ire of Lord Siva. The sinuous movements executed by a group of dancers around a nilavilakku, embody 'lasya' or the amorous charm and grace of the feminine. 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.
Kootiyattam literally means "acting together", in which Chakyar is the main actor who performs the ritualistic Koothu and attam inside the temple or in the Koothambalam, This is the earliest classical dramatic art form of Kerala. Based on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra' who lived in the second century, Kootiyattam evolved in the 9th century AD.
Literally meaning the dance of the celestial enchantress, this sensual dance form of Kerela, contains elements of Bharathanatyam as well as the classical and folk dances of Kerela. Mohiniyattam is usually performed as a solo dance and is very lyrical in its rendering.
The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam or God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture and are mainly practised in north Kerala
Onam is the prime festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the most momentous harvest festivals of Kerala and is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state.All the activities during this season are centered on worshipping, music, dance, sports, boat races and good food. Everybody in the family wears new clothes. Delicious sweets and dishes are prepared and served on the banana leaves. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, and the heart-throbbing frolic of Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam. Women dress up in heavy jewelry and new saris and make complx and detailed designs of “rangolis” and “pookkalam”(with flowers) in front of their homes. Onam is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Christians and Muslims. It is one such festival that unites all the people regardless of race and religion.
Vishu is a new year festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, The most important event in Vishu is the Vishukkani, which literally " the first to be seen on the Vishu day". The Vishukkani consist of a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowerskonna , and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli in the puja room of the House. "Vishu" is celebrated with much fanfare and vigour in all parts of Kerala. Bursting crackers is part and parcel of the celebration especially for children. Elder’s gift firecrackers to children and every child vie with each other to make a world of their own. People wear new clothes (Puthukodi) for the occasion and elders of the family distribute tokens of money, called Vishukkaineetam, to children, servants and tenants.
Boat Races of Kerala is another, unmatched attraction of God's Own Country. It is world famous for its rousing snake boat races that draw spectators from all over the country and abroad every year. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September.
Some of the popular snake boat races that enliven emerald Kerala backwaters once a year are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Snake Boat Race, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam Snake Boat Race, Payippad Boat Race, Pamba Snake Boat Race and several other exciting events that add a dash of color to green Kerala, South India. The snake boat races of Kerala showcase the spirit and friendliness that the people of the state share. Both the young and the young at heart join in the event to encourage their respective participants. Each of the races signifies a specific legend of the past and commemorates an event. Over a score of singers, 100-125 oarsmen have the control of one snake boat.
Elephant Festival is one of the outstanding plays of light and sound. It is one of the biggest of all elephant festivals in the state of India, ‘Thissur Pooram’ is a 36-hour long affair dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu God. It is believed that King Sakthan, who ruled Cochin in the late 18th century, started the festival. The festival commenced with the arrival of a small elephant processions, which carried their respective deities from various temples in different villages across Thrissur, and culminated at the grounds of Vadakumnathan temple. Hindus revere elephants as an incarnation of elephant god Ganesha, the Lord of luck and prosperity. For foreign tourists, the festival is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of Indian tradition and culture.
On the Malabar coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered.TodayKovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes Kovalam a beachparadise. This marvellous beach destination is a tourists dream come true.
The beach destination of Fort Kochi is located 12 kms from Ernakulam city.A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Fort Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the remains of the Indo-European architecture in the historic and beach destination ofFort Kochi.
One of the must visit places of Ernakulam district in Kerala is the Cherai beach. Bordering the nearby Vypeen Island, which is also an ideal location for swimming and the Bolghatty Island, famous for its palace of the same name attracts a considerable number of tourists every year.Cherai beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala bordering the northern end of Vypeen Island, is located about 26 km from Ernakulam city, Kochi.
The Bekal beach is one among the major tourist beach destinations in Kerala.It is as much famous for its scenic beauty as it is for the long historic fort that juts into the sea. The Bekal beach surroundings are excellent and the environment just right for relaxation and recreation.The Bekal Fort is located near the Bekal beach. It is among the most well preserved forts in Kerala. It is situated on a headland which extends for 35 acres and juts into the Arabian Sea.
Snehatheeram beach is located at Thalikkulam, around 30 KMs away from Thrissur town. This beach is maintained by KTDC and a wonderful place to spend a day or evening with friends or family. What you will notice here is the cleanliness of the beach and Children’s park how well the place is maintained by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
16kms from Kozhikode, this is the historic beach where Vaso-da-Gama landed on 27th May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A small stone monument at the beach commemorates a memorial, which marks the landing place. This rock studded pleasant beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The ancient temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. The Kappad beach resort is one of the leading centers for Ayurvedic Health Holiday in Kerala.
ONAM – is the regional festival of Keralites. Onam Sadhya – a vegetarian banquet is the centre of attraction for Onam. The Sadhya is served on Fresh Plantain Leaves. Here is a photo of Onam Sadhya.
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Sambar
Kerala Sambar is different from the typical Sambars made in the other South Indian states. Kerala Sambar is made using a mixture of different vegetables whereas the other sambhar is made using a single vegetable.
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Pulisseri (Spiced Yogurt & Coconut Curry)
Pulissery/Pulisheri is a traditional Kerala dish made using yogurt and grated coconut. Sour Curd is used for making Pulisheri and Vegetables or Fruits are often added to Pulissery to balance the sourness. Back home, we used to call Pulishery as Moru Curry when it was made without veggies and fruits. Adding fruits like Bananas, Mangoes and Pineapples while making Pulisheri to bring out a sweet and sour taste. Mambazha Pulissery which used to make with the seasonal Kerala Sweet Mangoes during summer vacations.
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Aviyal
Aviyal is a very famous Kerala Dish made using vegetables and fresh coconut paste.
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Thoran
Any Kerala Sadhya is incomplete without Thoran. You can prepare thoran using any veggie like cabbage, carrot, beetroot, beans, ivy gourd or a combination of vegetables.
There are many different ways to prepare a thoran. Some use onions while others use shallots. Some add garlic and ginger, while others like it plain. Some add coconut scrapes directly while others grind coconut to a coarse paste.
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Erissery
Erissery (Erishery) is another traditional Kerala Recipe made using ground coconut paste and finally seasoning with roasted coconut. Mathanga Payaru (Pumpkin and Bean) Erissery used to be the most common one prepared. Errisery can be made using a single vegetable or combination of vegetables. Lentils or Beans may also be added to Erishery.
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Pachadi
Pachadi is another traditional Kerala dish made using a fruit or vegetable by grinding together coconut and mustard seeds and finally simmering everything in curd. In some regions of Kerala, they don’t grind mustard seeds for Pachadi. Instead they season the dish with mustard seeds. Whereas, if mustard seeds are used only for seasoning. Pachadi is part of almost every Onam Sadhya.
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Kaalan
Kaalan is a very traditional Malayali dish made using Yogurt, Coconut and fruits or vegetables. It is always part of an Onam Sadhya.
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Theeyal
Theeyal is another Kerala gravy made using fried coconut and spices. The gravy has a nice aroma of roasted coconut and tastes heavenly.
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Injithairu
As the name suggests, Injithairu is another simple Onam dish made using Yogurt and Ginger.
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Mulaka Pachadi
It is something similar to Puliyinji and is well known in Northern Kerala. It is made by simmering green chillies in jaggery and tamarind sauce but uses less ginger and more chillies when compared to Puliyinji.
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Puttu is a very famous Kerala Breakfast which is made using Rice Flour, Wheat Flour or even Rava. It is eaten along with sweet bananas, specially cheru pazham. Some people prefer having Puttu along with Egg Curry, Kadala (Bengal Gram) Curry, Cheru Payaru (Green Gram) Curry etc.
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This is an Easy to Make Dosa Recipe. Dosa is commonly known as Dosha in Kerala. It is a fermented Flat Bread made out of Rice and Urad Dal (Black Lentil).
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Appam – the Queen of Kerala is a fermented flat bread made out of Rice and Coconut. In Tamil, it is known as “Aappam“. The Srilankans prefer to call it as “appa” or “hopper“. Appam is specially popular among the Syrian Christians of Kerala and some say that Appam was adapted from Jewish people who migrated to Kerala. Appam has become an identity of all Keralites.
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Idli is a very common South Indian Breakfast and is healthy. It is made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. Idili is usually served with Hot Chutneys (Chammanthi) and Sambar. There are many variations of Idli like Plain Idli, Rava Idli etc. Idli is often known as Iddali or Iddili in Kerala.
Here is the recipe for making soft and tasty Plain Idlis. I make Idlis using Rice Flour though traditionally Idlis are made by grinding soaked rice.
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Munnar hills is situated in the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Situated 1600 metre above sealevel, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
This serene and attractively beautiful place is a true heaven on earth. With a chain of three hills - the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala, Beautiful flowers, bluish brown hills, cotton mist, meadows, breathtaking view all of it can be enjoyed in the enchanting land of Vagamon Hill.
From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.
Wayanad is an area in Kerala which still preserves its virgin land scape and greenery. On a clear day a view of the district from the hill tops will give us the impression that we are in a fairy land. Wayanad is known for its pristine natural beauty and the large population of tribal people.
Kerala, the gods own country is the land of Ayurveda where this system is practiced with absolute dedication. Kerala’s climate, abundance of herbs & medicinal plants, cool monsoon favors the Ayurveda’s curative & restorative packages. Monsoon, the atmosphere remains dust free, cool and maximum opening pores that absorb medicines in to the body is the ideal time for rejuvenation therapy.
