Kerala, Asia's best travel destination

[annie]

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.

Ride an 8-tonner-without-wheels



At the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, venture majestically into the scenic jungle on an elephant. A mahout will guide you on your enchanting journey.


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. And yes, don't forget to spot a tiger.


Design a floral pattern



During Onam, the harvest festival in August-September, you can see colourful, beautiful floral decorations (pookalam) in the courtyards of Kerala's homes. Try making one with family and friends.

[annie]

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.

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 Papanasam beach (papanasam meaning redemption from sins). Take a dip and come out feeling clean in your heart too.


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.

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.


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.

[annie]

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, and sleek. And while you taste banana chips, raw banana dishes, banana milkshakes, banana icecreams, dried bananas, and fried bananas, you'll wonder if there's any other fruit more versatile.


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.


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.

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.