State of Kerala Things to Do

  Where the beaches meet
by tim07
 
  • Where the beaches meet
      Where the beaches meet
    by tim07
  • Wood craft at Echo Point
      Wood craft at Echo Point
    by mary2u99
  • Nilgiri Tahr
      Nilgiri Tahr
    by mary2u99
  •   Things to Do
    by ashafruddin
  • Fishermen at the Harbour
      Fishermen at the Harbour
    by PierreZA
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The ritualistic annual Aanayoottu ceremony

by Justin_goa

The ritualistic annual Aanayoottu ceremony, which takes place at the Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur is an interesting event. Aanayoottu literally means feeding the elephants with specially prepared food, which is valued for its high medicinal value. This medicinal concoction is regarded vital for enhancing the well being of the elephants.At this ceremony, elephants are lined up on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August). The month of Karkidakam is considered ideal for all kinds of rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine Event Date : July 17, 2007

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Never miss Malabari Cuisine

by Justin_goa

Moplah is the anglicised version of Mappila, the Kerala Muslim community of north Malabar. (It's another matter that the Christians of south Travancore are also called Mappilas!) The Malabar Mapplias are believed to be descendants of Arab seafaring traders and the local fisherfolk. Many of their customs and attire have Arab influence even as they have retained their Malayali roots. Moplah culture and cuisine have evolved over the centuries and are now well integrated into the Malabar traditions. The style of preparation of Moplah food is similar to the rest of Kerala cuisine, with a few subtle differences being the use of ghee versus coconut oil and addition of dry fruits. The use of locally available ingredients predominates, just as it does in most other regional cuisines.Must try dishes;Malbari BiriyaniRice fried and spiced to be topped with meat, chicken, fish or prawn. Tastes best...

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Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary

by ajayzener

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary...

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Chottanikkara - Bhagawati Temple

by ajayzener

This temple is in tripunithara, in Ernakulam 15 Kms from cochin city.The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal. Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, temples for Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas and other Upa-Devas. The pleasant atmosphere in the temple give mental peace and harmony to devotees. "MAKOM Thozhal" (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March) It is believed...

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Guruvayoor Temple

by ajayzener

Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the Bhoolokavaikunta - the heaven on Earth! The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum Sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord MahaVishnu. The idol of Guruvayur temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. This idol was once worshipped by Mahavishnu in Vaikunta. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma. King Suthapas and his wife who worshipped Bhrama for a child received this idol from Brahma. He advised them to start worshipping the idol. Once Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born as their child in their three re-births in three different forms and in three different situations. Thus they...

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Sabarimala - Abode of Lord Ayappa

by ajayzener

Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains(western ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.

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A Tender Coconut a day, refreshes you for the day

by ajayzener

When in kerala, forget Coca - Cola, go for coconut water. It is available in plenty, costs around 10 Rs a coconut, may contain up to 500 ml of water, may have enough to munch on... and also provides a livlihood to the vendor...What else to refresh you than a tender coconut...

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Malampuzha Dam

by ajayzener

Roughly 40 Km from the Palakkad town is the Malampuzha Dam. It is built on the river Bharathapuzha at the foothills of Western Ghats. The surrounding area has now been converted into a park. There is an amusement park for children, Boating etc. It is a nice tourist spot for anyone visiting the Palakkad region. The park has a big statue of the Yakshi. You can also take a walk over the dam and enjoy the river.

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Backwaters

by ajayzener

Backwaters of kerala is the main attraction even in cities like Kochi. If you are having a longer vaccation then one option available is to stay put in cochin. You can rent a backwater facing service apartment and enjoy the backwaters.

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Theyyam - Dance Form

by ajayzener

If you are interested in the dance forms, then you can be a part of the temple festival and watch various dance forms. Theyyam is one of them. It is a ritualistic dance with grotesque make-up and costume, lively foot work, gymnastic fervour and ritualistic vitality. It represents a glorious period of folk life in Kerala and the souls of the dead heroes of the land. It is beleived that the gods and goddesses will come in our midst through the medium of the possessed dancers. It is the worship of spirits by invoking them to the mortal body of the dancer who impersonates them and gives blessing to the believers. Theyyam evolves from Kaliyattam. It is a sight to watch for anyone who is interested in dance forms.

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Top 3 Hotels in State of Kerala

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The Place

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

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Questions and Answers

DebbieMede profile photo

Q:  Hi Guys, Im going to an Ashram in Kerala around Christmas time and I would also like to spend 1 or 2 days in a boathouse doing... 

Donna_in_India profile photo

A: Hi Debbie - if you haven't already done so, you may want to post on Travel Buddy at www.travbuddy.com. Enjoy! 

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State of Kerala Members Meetings

Jan 31, 2013 
Incredible India Meet Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, 2013

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