State of Kerala Off The Beaten Path

 
by Willettsworld
 
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by Willettsworld
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by ushar
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by ushar
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by ushar
  •   Off The Beaten Path
    by ushar
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Transformations - Kathakali "Kathi Vesham"- Ravan

by ushar

Here I would like to show you different stages of makeup done in Kathakali. Padmabhushan Madavur Vasudevan Nair is getting ready as "Ravanan". Ravanan is considered as an evil character so the make up different than the normal "pachha" . Evil character's makeup is known as "KATHI Vesham"

Tip Photo
Don't miss the Onam Festival in Trivandrum

by Justin_goa

The colourful festival of Onam is an attraction for thousands of people within Kerala and outside the state. The state Government itself has taken the initiative to celebrate Onam season as tourist festival with the motive of attraction tourists. Various cultural forms, old and new, are presented in all-important towns in the state during the festival.In Trivandrum, the tourism department organises 10days long Tourism festival during the Onam season. Many venues will be open with tradditional art orms and ends with a cultural parade with elephants and floats. It's lot of fun and excellent opportunity to be a part of a great festival.In Trichur, a vibrant procession with resplendently caparisoned elephants is taken out. There is magnificent display of fireworks. The temple at Trikkakkara (where the legend of Mahabali is beautifully depicted) is one of the major attractions of the Kerala's...

Tip Photo
KRISHNAPURAM PALACE -Kayamkulam, Kerala

by Justin_goa

Every brick and tile of the Krishnapuram Palace can narrate stories dating back to the mid 1700’s.And the steady flow of tourists, at times 300 per day according to the visitors’ register here, is evidence to the historic value of this palace near Kayamkulam.However, from behind the historic walls, ancient murals and antique furniture, the palace now speaks of indifference from the powers that be.This historical palace was the center of activity for the Kayamkulam king for several centuries. Adjacent to this palace where a township, several temples, places to train the kayakulam king's soldiers etc. Kayamkulam king ruled his tiny kingdom until he was defeated by King Marthanda Verma of Travancore. Verma tried several unsuccessful attempts to capture the kingdom, however, the powerful kayamulam King defeated them all. In the end, Verma used Ramayyan to find out the secret of the strength...

Tip Photo
POONJAR PALACE - Kottayam, Kerala

by Justin_goa

The Poonjar Rajas are an ancient dynasty closely connected to the Travancore royal family. The Poonjar palace, made almost entirely of wood, reflects the simplicity and elegance of the traditional Kerala buildings. An interesting museum is housed within the palace and is well worth a visit. The palace is about 600 years old.The Poonjar palace is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a bygone era. Within the palace walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite furniture including a palanquin, a thoni(boat )carved out of a single piece of wood for Ayurvedic massages, huge chandeliers, palmleaf engravings, jewel boxes ,several varieties of lamps ,sculptures of Nataraja (the dancing Siva),grain measure ,statues and weapons. A unique conch preserved here is taken out once a year for ritualistic purposes. Near the palace is an amazing replica of the Madurai...

Tip Photo
Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad, Kerala,India

by Justin_goa

he Koyikkal Palace, situated far of away from the city, was actually built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family who ruled the land between 1677 and 1684. The palace is a double stroreyed traditional nalukettu with slanting gabled roofs and an inner courtyard. Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. The Folklore Museum, a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc, was set up in 1992. The exhibits here draw attention to the rich cultural background of the State. The exhibits include rare articles like Chandravalayam (not found in any other such museum in Kerala), a small percussion instrument used as an accompaniment while reciting the ballad Ramakathappattu (the story of Lord Sree Rama); and Nanthuni , a sweet sounding musical instrument made...

Tip Photo
Kilimanoor palace-birth place of Raja Ravi Varma

by Justin_goa

Kilimanoor palace is famous as the birth place of Raja Ravi Varma, the renowned painter from India. This Royal House at Kilimanoor has a history of more than 300 years. Although the earliest of the buildings have been built much before, It was in 1753, the Palace was built as the present complex. Kilimanoor palace occupies a prominent place in history of Kerala. In year 1705 (ME 880) the a son and two daughters of Ittammar Raja of Beypore Thattarikovilakam, a Kolathunadu royal house was adopted to the Royal house of Venad. Ittammar Raja 's sister and her sons, Rama Varma and Raghava Varma settled in Kilimanoor and married the now adopted sisters. Marthanda Varma, the founder of the Kingdom of Travancore was the son of Raghava Varma. The nephew of Raghava Varma , Ravi varma Koil Thampuran, married the sister of Marthanda Varma. Their son became to be known as Dharma Raja Kartika Thirunnal...

Tip Photo
Mahe the old French colony

by Justin_goa

Mahe, situated on the west coast of Kerala is about 630 km from Pondicherry. Geographically situated in Kerala, poilitically Mahe forms part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It lies south of Mahe River near where the river meets the sea. Mahe is famous as a brisk trade center of foreign liquor.The history of Mahe is closely associated with a statue named Marianne, a proud symbol of French revolution. The freedom struggle of Mahe gathered momentum from this place. Hence, this place is now well maintained as a park in the name of Rabindranath Tagore. The main attractions include a tall flag mast, a lighthouse, remnants of a fort and the sunset. In addition to these, Mahe Boat house, 2 km from the Government house, in the Mahe River welcomes the visitors with speed boats, pedal boats and kayak boats. Some other places of interest are Thacholi Othenan’s Fort, Puzhakal Juma Masjid, St. Theresa...

Tip Photo
Aruvippuram Siva Temple, Near Trivandrum

by Justin_goa

Aruvippuram Siva Temple near neyyattinkara, 6 kms via perumpazhuthur. consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru. ( Owned by Sivagiri Madhom). Sivarathri is the main festival.The temple situates in Parumkadavila Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district. The presiding deity is Siva, facing the west. The temple is owned by Sivagiri Madam. The main festival is the Sivarathri. One kilometer away from Neyyattinkara-Kattakada route this historically important temple remains as the place when one can pray irrespective of cast and creed.

Tip Photo
Swetamber Murtipujak Jain Temple Cochin

by Justin_goa

The temple was constructed in Vtkram Samvat 1960 (1904 A.D) and the main idol installed is of Bhagwan Shri Dharmanath, the 15th Jain Tirthankar. History says that since centuries Jains from Kutch & Saurastra (Gujarat) used to come to Cochin, Kozhikode and Alleppey mainly for Business activities. They settled and brought their family members since about 150 to 200 years back. Smt.Hirubhai Jivraj Dhanji constructed Shri Dharmanath Jinalay in memory of her husband Sri Jivraj Dhlinji and gifted to The Jain Sangh without any pre-condition in 1904 A.D. At present Sri Cochin Swetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangh runs the administration through its elected Board of Trustees. Today there are about 350 families of Jain origin settled in Cochin engaged in various Business and Service activities. Jains are all pure vegetarian and Ahimsa is their parmodharma (main duty). They follow the path of "Live and...

Tip Photo
CVN Kalari Sangham, Thiruvananthapuram

by Justin_goa

The CVN Kalari Sangham in Thiruvananthapuram is located close to the East Fort, which is a few minutes of walking distance from the central bus station. This center of excellence was built in 1956 as a result of the constant commitment and efforts of C V Narayanan Nair, Kottackal Karunakara Gurukkal and C V Balan Nair. It was due to the efforts of this trio that the dying art of Kalarippayattu (traditional martial art of Kerala) was revived once again. These people popularized the art by way of demonstrations, collecting necessary information and setting up Kalaries throughout the State. CVN Kalari Sangham has carved a niche for itself in preserving Kalarippayattu, an invaluable part of Kerala's heritage. Kalarippayattu has derived its name from Kalari (training center very similar to that of gymnasium) and Payattu (duel). So, Kalarippayattu indicates martial expertise which people learn...

Tip Photo

Top 3 Hotels in State of Kerala

Kumarakom Lake Resort  State of Kerala

 387 Opinions

 Hotels in State of Kerala

Old Harbour Hotel  Kochi

 1 Review and 427 Opinions  It took our breath away when we first arrived. Stunning. Beautifully restored, it gives the illusion... 

 Hotels in Kochi

Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort  Thiruvananthapuram

 1 Review and 88 Opinions  The Beach & Lake is a privately owned Ayurvedic Resort, 8 kms south of Trivandrum International... 

 Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram

The Place

Reviews and photos of State of Kerala attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for State of Kerala sightseeing.

Experience State of Kerala
 

Questions and Answers

Purush profile photo

Q:  I am travelling to Kearal for 7 days. We are a family of five including 2 kids. Pl. advise 1. After covering Munnar I want to... 

qaminari profile photo

A: Just to help your research e.g. on google: spelling is TRIVANDRUM, not Trivendram (or Tiruvananthampuram). 1. It's perfectly possible, e.g. around Alappuzha, see e.g.... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button