1. Wake upto the world*s best breakfast
Kerala*s spread of morning dishes - appam, vellayappam, puttu, idly,
masala dosa, etc. have been rated the best breakfast in the world by
Travel & Leisure magazine. A must-try is the crisp lacy appam served
with meat/vegetable stew.
2. Walk-through paddy fields
Here*s different walking experience. Venture in to the very heart of
the paddy fields, on narrow dykes. Don*t lose yourself completely in
the dazzling green around you, as you*ll have to watch out for the
slushy water passages that run through your mud path.
3. Tip toe across a coconut trunk bridge
In the interiors of Kerala, you*ll come across plenty of small water
bodies with these extremely narrow Bridges. Watch the native folk cross
them with case, but think twice before you do. It isn't your cup of tea,
don*t worry. Further down the water*s edge you*ll find a more
friendly bridge.
4. Sip tender coconut
Refresh yourself with a sip of cool tender coconut- nature*s
rejuvenating nectar - and a scoop of its soft white flesh, Nutrition at
its natural best.
5.Take a swig of toddy
Ask your tour guide to arrange for fresh madhura kallu (sweet toddy
extracted from the coconut palm) and have it the Kerala way with exotic
karimeen pollichathu (baked fresh water fish) or spicy pickles.
6. Stay on an exotic houseboat
Embark on an enchanting journey across sun - dappled backwaters on a
kettuvallom-fully furnished traditional rice boats. While your eyes
explore the rustic life that floats by, treat your palate to backwater
delicacies prepared by your personal chef.
7. Ride a Canoe
Drift along serene waterways in a country craft, Enjoy the breeze,
answer a cuckoo*s call. Wave back at the cheerful village folk on the
banks. Invite some of their chirpy children to hop in for a ride.
They*ll keep you well entertained
8 Workout on a treadmill
In Kerala, traditional treadmills are still used to irrigate the paddy
fields. Try your luck with the local farmer and see if you can get to
pedal one.
9. See Chinese fishing nets
Watch fishermen tug at these huge nets with their rich haul. These nets
that billow from massive bamboo poles were brought here by traders from
the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongolian King. Their silhouettes against
the evening sky make for terrific pictures too.
10. Choose your pick from the Fisherman*s net
Along the Malabar Coast and at Vasco da Gama Square in Fort Kochi, you
can select your favourite from an inviting display of juicy sear fish,
sardines, prawns, red snappers etc. Ask the friendly fisherman to fry it
for you the local way.
11. Feast on kappa andmeen curry
Try Kerala*s hot red fish curry with steamed tapioca or boiled rice.
It*ll make your mouth water. And your eyes as well. But you*ll still
enjoy it.
12 Savour a Sadhya
Seat yourself on the floor, roll your sleeves up and get started on
this multi-course feast of rice, 12-15 vegetarian dishes, spicy pickles,
crunchy banana chips, crispy pappadams, plantains and payasam- the
dessert. Served on a plantain leaf, the meal is eaten with the fingers.
13 Wear a Kerala saree
Stun your friends in Kerala saree - five metres of fine off-white
cotton edged with golden sari, that lends an extraordinary elegance to
the person wearing it. Each piece is specially woven on a traditional
handloom.
14. Wear jasmine in your hair
Get yourself a string of jasmine-the natural ornament for your hair.
You could even pluck them fresh from a garden and string them yourself.
15 Spice up your life
Kerala is the Spice Coast of India.Take home a chest full of exotic
spices and win compliments for your aromatic cooking. These are also
available in special gift pouches.
16. Ride on 8 tonner without wheels
At the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, you and your friends can
majestically into the scenic jungle on an elephant. A mahout will guide
you on your enchanting journey.
17 Watch birds
Spot egrets, herons, Siberian stork, darters, teals and hundreds of
other migratory birds in Kerala*s enchanting bird sanctuaries. Hear
them sing. Take their Family photograph. Applaud their aerobatic skills.
18 Follow the tiger*s trail
Join the Thekkady tiger trail- a real adventure trek into the dense
forest with expert guides. Cook in the jungle. Sleep in tents. Wake up
to the sounds of the wilderness. Try and spot a tiger.
19 Design a floral pattern
During Onam, the harvest festival in August/September, you can see
colourful, beautiful floral decorations in the courtyards of Kerala*s
homes. Try making one with family and friends.
20. Cheer a snake boat race
Watch the backwaters of Kerala come alive. Feel the excitement bubble
in you as teams of 100 oarsmen row their snake boats, their bodies
swaying in unison to the fast rhythm of full throated singing, in one of
the most exhilarating water sports.
21. Feel the rain on your body
Kerala*s invigorating monsoon will cleanse you. Refresh you,
rejuvenates you. Let it run down your body, and wash away stress. So
don*t just listen to the pitter-patter on the roof. Step out.
22 Munch an uppumanga
You*ll simply relish a meal that is accompanied by uppumanga, tender
mangoes preserved in brine for months (the longer, the better).
23 Get an Ayurvedic massage
Gift yourself new life. Surrender to the magical fingers of specially
trained masseurs. To medicated baths that will refresh you. Herbal diets
that will replenish you. Yoga that will revitalize you. And meditation
that will recharge you.
24 Say hello to the Nilgiri Tahr
Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr live in the
Eravikulam National Park at Munnar. Friendly as they are, you can pat
them or pose for pictures with them. So meet them and have plenty to
brag about when you get back home.
25 Sip fine tea
Take a walk through the green carpeted tea hills of Kerala and strong
aromas will lead you in to the factories over a hundred years old. Here
you can taste and pick up the finest tea in the country.
26. Marvel at elephant pageants
The spectacle of 30-60 caparisoned elephants will enthrall you as they
move in a majestic procession, while trumpets and drum beats work up to
a frenzy. The best of these spectacles is seen at the Thrissur Pooram
27 Listen to temple music
Panchavadyam is an orchestra of 5 native instruments - suddha-maddalam,
kombu, edakka, elathalam and timila. This traditional temple music
accompanying elephant pageants builds up the festive spirit. And never
fails to leave its listeners entranced. Audio cassettes of panchavadyam
are available.
28 Visit the local markets
Small stalls with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken* High pitched
salesmen luring you with impossible bargains. Visit these bustling
markets or chandas for fresh buys.
29 Go bananas
In Kerala, red, green and yellow are synonymous with various types of
plantains*. These digestives come in different shapes too - tall,
short, stout, sleek... And while you taste banana chips, raw banana
dishes, banana milk shake, banana ice cream, dried bananas, fried
bananas* you*ll wonder if there*s any other fruit more versatile.
30 Try your hand at percussion
Kerala*s rich repertoire of percussion music and instruments is world
famous. So bring alive your taste for good music and learn whatever your
holiday allows.
31 Cheer racing oxen
Entertain yourself at a Kumbala, the local ritualistic bullock race of
Kasaragod or a Kaalapoottu - the agrarian sport of Palakkad.
32 Shop for souvenirs
Kerala*s handicraft centers have an extraordinary collection of wood,
coir shell and sandalwood souvenirs, trinkets and jewellery. Wood carved
Kathakali masks, snake boats, elephants, jewellery boxes etc. are
perfect showpieces for your drawing rooms and ideal gifts for friends.
33 Stay in a tree house
Spend romantic nights in the tree houses of Palakkad washed in the
sweet scent of the forest flowers, and let the sounds of the forest fill
up your dreams.
34 Have a mud bath
Go in for mud therapy and discover its healing properties at the Kavil
Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre at Nileswaram, Kasaragod.
35 Bask in sunshine
Serene, secluded and spellbinding. Kerala has some of the best beaches
in the world. Ride the surf. Get a tan. Build sand castles. Or simply
sift sand through your toes. Anything you do here will unwind and relax
you.
36 Watch a Malayalam movie
Malayalam movies have excellent story lines and some of them are
internationally acclaimed. If you visit the State during a film
festival, you*ll get to see good movies with English subtitles.
37 Bathe in healing waters
Don*t miss your chance to take a dip in the waters of the
Nelliyampathy forests in Palakkad or the mineral springs at Varkala.
These waters are known for their medicinal properties. Take a splash,
heal yourself.
38 Buy gold for all occasions
Kerala*s gold jewellery, intricately designed and delicate, will
steal any woman*s heart. Make sure you have enough money on you before
you step into a gold shop. Because whatever be your taste, you*ll find
patterns you*d wish to own.
39.*Mirror,mirror**
An Aranmula mirror is made of a finely polished alloy of four metals -
copper, silver, bronze and lead. Once a closely guarded preserve of
royalty, these ornamental mirrors are exceedingly rare-only two master
crafts men and their families still make them.
40 Feel the presence of God at Maramon
Witness the largest Christian convention of Asia at Maramon, near
Kozhencherry, Interestingly, the waters of the Pamba River dry up every
year to reveal sands that serve as the venue for the event.
41 Ride in an autorickshaw
Explore the streets of Kerala in an autorickshaw, a three wheeled taxi
painted yellow and black. Don*t be surprised if you meet a driver who
has a degree in English literature or is fairly fluent with the
language.
42 Peep into your future
The fortune teller on the street has your future written on his cards -
your career, your life, you life partner and more. Just show him your
palm and wait while his parrot picks your card from the pack.
43 Spin coir
See nimble fingers at work as they spin water treated coconut fibre
into long ropes with a traditional hand spindle in the suburbs of
Kollam. You can shop at a number of roadside stalls for brightly
coloured coir door mats, wall hangings and carpets.
44 Learn exotic art forms
Watchkathakali, mohiniyattam, theyyam or thiruvathira and pursue one
that interests you most. Learn how a story unveils through the eyes,
fingers, feet and myriad expressions of the artist.
45 Rock about in a bullock cart
On a pleasant evening, traverse the scenic mud roads of Kerala at the
unhurried pace of a bullock cart. The tinkling bells and
roll-over-from-side-to-side motion of the cart will full you into a lazy
reverie.
46 Walk the lanes of Fort Kochi
Put on your hat and sunglasses, wear comfortable sandals and embark on
a walking tour of Fort Kochi where bastions, churches and mansions built
by the British, Dutch and the Portuguese, 500 years ago will greet you.
Interestingly, Vasco da Gama, one of the world*s greatest explorers,
was buried here.
47 Order a metre of tea
Stop by a thattukada, a roadside kiosk, for a steaming cup of strong
tea. Watch the expert stretch it to a metre while pouring it from glass
to glass, blending it well and building up a tempting froth in the
process.
48 Climb rugged heights
Not all places to visit in Kerala are on well travelled roads. Or on
roads at all. Hike up rugged terrains at Munnar, Wayanad and Kakkayam
(Kozkikkod) for an exhilarating experience. If you haven*t tried rock
climbing before, our experts will teach you the tricks.
49 Engage in water sports
An adventure sports lover will rarely find time to stay idle in Kerala.
Her beaches provide you with unlimited watersporting options of wind
surfing, rafting, sailing, power boating and even that of a simple
catamaran ride.
50 Take a train through paradise
A train journey is an interesting way to experience Kerala. Get a
window seat and watch the landscape unfold like pages of a colourful
picture book, or acquaint yourself with your fellow travellers who make
interesting profiles.
51 Treat your sweet tooth
The famous Mithai Street of Kozkikkod has everything to make your mouth
water - from heavenly haluvas, juicy jillebies to creamy milk sweets,
Relish them as they melt in your mouth.
52 Study rare flora
Treat your eyes to exotic orchids, anthuria, sandalwood trees etc. in
the forests. One of these, the rare Neelakurinji, bathes the mountains
of Munnar in blue once every 12 years. It is expected to bloom next in
2006.
53 Romance the spice hills
Holidayamidst the sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns and
winding lanes of Kerala*s mist clad hill stations - a world where
tranquillity abounds. The dense tropical jungles in these hill stations
house some of the exotic bird and wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
54. Watch the making of an Arabian dhow
Witness this 1500 year old tradition at Beypore. It takes an expert
team of 15-30 strongmen at least two years to shape a vessel in wood.
Locally called uru, this Arabian trading vessel is fast fading from the
shipping scene.
55 Bathe in waterfalls
Nowhere else will you find water so playful, So pure. So pacifying.
Crystal clear waters cascade down the mountains of Kerala, gurgling,
whispering, laughing and cleansing everything in their way. Watch them
wake serene rivers with a magnificent splash.
56 Go arty
You can browse in the art galleries for hours without track of time.
Among them are collections of the world famous works of Raja Ravi Varma,
Raja Raja Varma, Svetlova, Nicholas Roerich, rare murals and
masterpieces from China, Japan, Tibet, Bali and other parts of India.
57 Visit scenic Kuttanad
Explore the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, the rice bow of Kerala - the
only place in the world where farming is done 1.5 or 2 m below sea
level. Kuttanad is in the interiors of the beautiful backwater district
of Alappuzha.
58 Taste Payasam
The payasam, a rich milk delicacy prepared with vermicili, gram or
rice, is a delight for the plate. The most common dessert of Kerala, the
payasam is made in scores of flavours and garnished with raisins and
nuts fried in ghee. It is usually eaten with salty snacks.
59 Feast your eyes on the largest mural
The palaces and museums of Kerala have an exotic collection of ancient
murals. The Krishnapuram Palace at kayamkulam displays the largest of
these masterpieces - gajendramoksham - which belongs to the 18th century
and depicts an event from mythology.
60 Watch Theyyam
Theyyam is the oldest ritual art form of Kerala, Look on in awe as
Theyyam performers invoke the temple deity Bhagavathy with their
frenzied dancing and throbbing temple music in the courtyards of village
temples.
61 Try coconut hair oil
The secret of a Malayali woman*s long, black, lustrous hair could be
yours too. Coconut oil is considered the best nutrient for hair and a
coolant for the head. In Kerala, both men and women massage oil on their
heads before a bath.
62 Explore a tharavad
Relive the old times in the perfect settings of antique furniture and
exquisite woodwork in Kerala*s heritage holiday homes and nalukettu
(quandrangular mansions with a central countryard), each more than 50
years old.
63 Learn Malayalam
Malayalam, Kerala*s sweet toned language, has 56 letters in its
alphabet. Try learning the basics and roll the words off your tongue.
64 Star gaze
Steeped in astronomy, Kerala*s planetariums will show you much more
than Mercury, Venus and Mars. But a ticket to the evening star gazing
sessions and experience the wonders of the universe.
65 Holiday on an island
Spend a weekend on Kerala*s islands or lagoons, and experience
special moments . Spectacular sunset, balmy backwaters succulent seafood
at Bolghatty, Pathiramanal, Poovar*.These paradises can be reached only
by a ferry or boat.
66 Picnic beside virgin lakes
Pack a picnic basket and spend a romantic evening beside the crystal
clear lakes near Munnar. Try your luck at fishing and feast on your
fresh catch. Go for a long walk hand-in-hand, undisturbed. Lie down on
the most comfortable of grass beds.
67 Go paragliding
Sweep across the lush green hills of Munnar on a paraglider and enjoy
the vantage of an eagle. See the soothing blues and greens of nature.
Enjoy the wind beneath your wings. Feel on top of the world.
68 Walk in to a palace
Besides exquisite wooden architecture, the palaces of Kerala flaunt the
finest floors in the world. Floors that, surprisingly, need least
maintenance - being made of crushed coconut charcoal, egg whites and the
sap of loan plants. You*ll also see collections of antique sculptures,
paintings and bronzes.
69 Muse in a Museum
The museums of Kerala, especially the Pazhasiraja Museum at Kozkikkod,
pay full tribute to outstanding crafts-historical and contemporary
ornaments, temple carts and Ivory carvings of life sized figures of
Kathakali in full regalia.
70. Watch Thullal
Thullal, an exotic art form, and the rhythmic sounds of music
accompanying it will keep you in a constant stage of merriment. Humour,
satire and social criticism are its hallmarks. This art form was
formulated overnight by the renowned poet, Kunjan Nambiar.
71. Visit the zoo
The zoological parks in Kerala have plenty to excite the animal lover
in you. The Trivandrum zoo is one among the best designed in Asia and is
set amidst a woodland, lakes and lawns.
72. Wash your sins away
According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by mendicants who
confessed to having sinned. The place he created for them to pray for
redemption is known as the Papanasham beach (papanasham meaning
redemption from sins). Take a dip and come out feeling clean in your
heart too.
73. Go nuts
You can get raw, fried, grilled, salted and spiced cashews at
surprisingly affordable rates from Kollam where cashew plantations and
industries abound.
74. Chew into a juicy mussel
It is indeed fun watching mussel collectors anchor their boats, dive
down and bring up basket loads of these fresh water delicacies. The
shells are later burnt in kilns to make lime.
75. See wildlife from a boat
Watch wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat at the
sanctuaries of Kumarakom, and Periyar. Herds of wild elephants bathing
in the lake, the Indian bison digging his horns into an unaffected tree,
the cormorant darting into the waters* a treat for an amateur
photographer.
76. Learn yoga
Relax your mind with yoga at the special ashrams in Trivandrum and
Nileswaram - the cultural centre of Kasaragod. Sessions are conducted by
spiritual gurus and experts in the field.
77. Walk the historic Kappad beach
This is where Vasco DA Gama landed in 1498 with his men in three
vessels. Here, you*ll find an interesting landscape of rocks that
sprawl right into the sea. An 800 year old temple stands nearby.
78 Munch on crispy snacks
Kerala has a wide range of crunchy snacks- ethakka (banana) chips,
chakka vattal (jackfruit chips), pappadam, kuzhalappam, achappam,
cheeda and churuttu. All worth every penny spend on them.
79 Meet martial art experts
Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is the oldest and most
scientific in the world. Watch agile bodies gleaming in oil and armed
with weapons practise their feats-chattam (jumping), ottam (running),
marichil (somersault)-to stunning perfection. Explore the Bekal Fort
80 Explore the largest and the best-preserved fort of Kerala at Bekal,
Kasaragod.
The imposing laterite structure rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands
on a 35 acre headland that runs right into the Arabian Sea.
81 Behold the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is breathtakingly
beautiful. Apart from being the commercial capital and the most
cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi also flaunts one of the finest
natural harbours of the world.
82 Discover prehistoric settlements
The Edakkal caves at Wayanad and the caves at the mouth of the
Shenduruny River have interesting pictorial writings and cave drawings
from the Stone Age. You*ll have to trek at least a kilometer uphill to
reach the Edakkal caves. Say a prayer at the old Synagogue
83 The 500 years old Synagogue in Kochi is adorned with mid 18th
century hand painted Cantonese tiles. Hebrew inscriptions on stone
slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates and great scrolls of the Old
Testament are preserved here. An age-old clock tower stands nearby.
84 Let a mohini enchant you
Mohiniyattam or the dance of the enchantress reflects the graceful
nature of the land. The sensuous, graceful movements of the dancer, clad
in gold and off white costumes, will remind you of palms swaying in the
gentle breeze and sweeping waves.
85 Spend the night at a Kathakali concert
Kathakali, the four centuries old classical art form, is usually staged
at night. Elaborate costumes, ornaments and multi-coloured facial
make-up give the artistes a super human appearance, which leaves you
spellbound.
86 Cook in earthenware
In most of the traditional homesteads of Kerala, women cook their food
in earthenware. For some time-tested reason renders a special taste to
the dish prepared.
87 Collect antiques
Stroll up the Jew Street in Fort Kochi for interesting finds like
period furniture, ancient coins, elaborately carved pens, ornamental
brass latches, antique jewellery, grandfather clocks and timepieces etc.
88 Cruise the backwaters of Alappuzha
Alappuzha, embroidered with a labyrinth of waterways, was extolled by
travellers as the Venice of the East. Visit this land where the skiff is
the family vehicle, the ducks outnumber chicken and children learn to
swim perhaps even before the walk.
89 Meet smart fishermen
It is indeed a spectacular sight to watch Kerala* Smart fishermen
outdo the crashing waves by pushing their boats into the sea from a pier
beyond the wave point, and simultaneously jumping into it in perfect
coordination.
90 See mind-blowing fireworks
Make a wish under a thousand shooting starts -brilliant firework
displays that mark the end of a festival in Kerala. And you*ll never
miss them as every dawn in Kerala brings yet another festival.
91 Watch a puppet show
Yakshagana Bombeyattu (puppetry) is the art form of Kasaragod.
Colourful puppets in huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up and loud
attires dancing to throbbing music will keep you entertained.
92 Go for a flower show
Spend a colourful evening with pretty asters, glowing anthuria, exotic
orchids, beautiful roses, elegant lilies and a bloom of soft cotton
candy at a flower show.
93 Smash the elusive pot
Uriyadi (smashing the pot) is a spirited sport connected with some of
festivals of Kerala. The festive pot colourfully decorated will be hung
from a tall pole. All you have to do is try and break it with a stick as
the crowd pulls it up and down.
94 Spot a dolphin
If you *re lucky, you*ll get to see the dolphins do their grand act
at the Cherai beach. Applaud them as they spring out of the waters
magnificent splash only to take a marvelous dive back into it.
95 Buy a Palmyra fan
In Kerala, you*ll find small, handy fans made of medicinal herbal
roots, palm fronds, bamboo splits and grass. Get yourself a portable,
compact, cute and colourful little fan that comes in handy anytime of
the day. When not in use, you could even put it up on the wall as a
showpiece.
96 Stay in exotic resorts
Kerala*s innovative hoteliers have amazing experiences in store for
you. Some even have Theme evenings when centuries old art forms like
Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are performed as well.
97 Savour nectar
Beat the bees and butterflies to it in a banana plantation. Hold the
tip of a banana inflorescence (koombu) to your mouth and suck the sweet
nectar.
98 Visit a Snake Park
The Snake Park at Parassinikadavu, Kannur, is the only one of its kind
in the whole of India. There are three snake pits and fifteen glass
cases full of various species of snakes, and two large glass houses for
King Cobras. The snake demonstration conducted every hour is a major
crowd puller.
99. Watch thiruvathira
Thiruvathira, a traditional dance performed by women, has simple steps
and a single rule-performers should be clad in a Kerala saree. Join them
as they sing and move elegantly around a ceremonial lamp (vilakku) or a
floral decoration (pookalam)
100. Bring swing to your life Onam is the season for fun and games.
Visit Kerala during August /September and you*ll find in every house.
The friendly people here will be only too glad to let you join them.
101. Try out new ways to fish
Dangle a rod and line into the flowing waters. Sweep a towel through
it. Feel for fish with your feet in the mud below. Or simply try
trapping small fish with your hands. Anyway, you*ll never return
disappointed.
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