Finally, I got the leaves and engrossed in my own world, set out for my Kerala Ayurveda trip. Heading to Kerala by air, I thought all the way about which Ayurveda package should I opt to get a complete rejuvenating experience.

Sarovaram Ayurvedic Backwater Resort Kollam

I got to know about the famous Ayurveda resorts in Kerala. The list included:

• Keraleeyam  Ayurvedic Resort – Alleppey
• Athreya Ayurvedic Resorts – Kottayam
• Somatheeram Ayurvedic Spa  Resort – Thiruvananthapuram
• Kairali Ayurvedic Spa Resort – Palakkad
• Harmonia Ayurveda Beach Garden – Thiruvananthapuram

But my search ended with Sarovaram Ayurvedic Backwater Resort in Kollam. I got to know few important things about Ayurveda, which I am sharing with you. Originated thousands of years ago, Ayurveda in Kerala has been serving as an age-old science for healing. The word Ayurveda combines two terms including ‘Ayur’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning Science.

A soothing place at the lakeside, calm and homely, the Ayurveda resort at Kollam houses a lush garden, clean accommodation and good food. Then, it was the time to go for Ayurveda treatment. I met Ayurveda Doctor who was very caring and friendly and helped me out to plan an Ayurveda package for me, considering my body type.

The massage, steam bath and the therapies were relaxing as well as reinvigorating. I was completely soaked with medicated oil and the fingers of the female masseurs were casting a spell on me. The Ayurveda doctor also recommended me several exercises that benefited me a lot. There is a unique treatment for different body types, depending upon which ‘Prakriti’ you belong to.

The popular Ayurveda treatments I came across at Kerala Ayurveda resort included:

Abhayangam: It is an Ayurveda body massage with special oils. Besides relaxation, it results into preventing ailments, aging and increases immunity.

Abhayangam Massage

Dhara Kalpa: This Ayurveda therapy proves beneficial for curing chronic diseases like stress, insomnia, hysteria, headache and insanity. Done with a mix of herbal oil, ghee, milk, coconut water combined with citrus fruits and vegetables, the massage is quite relaxing.

Kativasthi: It serves as a panacea for all spinal related issues including backaches, spondylitis, muscle spasms, osteoporosis and slipped disc. A herbal dough paste filled with warm herbal oil is used for this therapy.

Njavarakizhi: It is an excellent therapy for treating rheumatism, arthritis and other muscle associated disorders. The massage is followed by a steam bath.

My experience of Kerala Ayurveda tour was a successful endeavour that aided me to accumulate my hidden energy. So, when you are heading for a Ayurveda trip to Kerala?

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Pongal festival in Kerala reminds me of my most enjoyable experience of Kerala tour. I, accompanied by two of my friends went to Kerala in January to enjoy Kerala sightseeing. At that time, we were not aware that we would become the participants of the most heard Kerala Pongal festival.

As the festival was related to agriculture, we came across the amazing sights of village folks, soaking in the traditional festivity. It is mainly enjoyed for three days but few parts of South India keep the festivity on even fourth day. Pongal is among the most celebrated festivals of Kerala.

We were very excited to celebrate that traditional festival on our Kerala tour. When we got to know that the next day would be the “Bhogi Pongal”, I kept tossing all the night and got up early. In the morning, I saw a totally different sight. People were busy in cleaning their homes and they also made “Rangoli” from rice flour.

Accompanied by people, I also went to worship rain God Indra. In the evening, our tourist group also enjoyed the bonfire before sunrise. People took out all the useless things, which were being burnt in the bonfire in front of their houses. First day was wonderful and our joy multiplied with Surya Pongal, which was the second day. That day, Sun was being worshipped.

Farmers gathered in an open area and prepared Khichdi according to the auspicious time. The ritual attached to it, when the Khichdi fermented and fell out of the pot then ghee and milk was added. The fermentation marks the prosperity and happiness in the family. The milk in the Khichdi started felling out of the pot, it was considered as it would prosper the farming.

The cooked food was distributed among people as “Prasad”. Mattu Pongal was the next day of the festival. On that day, farm animals were being worshipped which created a different spectacle. Bullock cart races and ox races were also organized which was really rewarding to see. I simply relished the “Khichdi” on banana leaf, which represents its ancient tradition.

That was a really wonderful experience, which I want to enjoy again and again.

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Today, my post is dedicated to Kerala, the green paradise on earth. I recently had an exciting trip to Kerala with my husband, Nelson. There was no special plan of tour but I just wanted to break the monotony of the hectic city life. For past few months, I was feeling agitated with the humdrum of life and wished to relax in greenery. Nelson came up with the idea of Kerala trip that completely enthralled me and I jumped at it.

After contacting a renowned tour operator in Delhi, we left all the worries and set out our travel to Kerala. This long awaited journey multiplied my happiness when Nelson told me that we would be enjoying a sojourn in a houseboat. What else I could ask for?

We arrived in Cochin by air, the town steeped in history and headed on a visit to Fort Cochin, a popular attraction in Kerala. After enjoying the sunset cruise around, we took shelter of our sojourn at Kerala houseboat. Our houseboat cruise started and we cruised out of Alleppey and moved along the backwaters. It seemed like watching the green paradise very closely.The sound of water is a soothing experience itself.

Kerala Ayurveda Massage

After tickling our taste buds with scrumptious Kerala food including Dosa, Uttapam with Sambhar and Pal Payasam, we moved on to explore the vast stretch of water called Vembanad lake. My husband unfolded another surprise for me, which was a short sojourn at Coconut Lagoon Resort in Kumarakom. We had a wonderful yoga session, followed by rejuvenating Ayurveda massage at Ayurveda centre of the resort.

Moved on to Periyar, our next destination, we were quite excited about it. It was a wildlife reserve in Kerala where we could spot a number of animals including elephants, monkeys, wild boar and even tigers. How could we miss out the exciting boat trip around Periyar Lake? The site also offers opportunities for a trekking excursion.

From there a four hour drive took us to the Marari beach in Kerala. The beach of soft white sand cast a spell on the visitors. We could cover just a small part of the state on our Kerala travel and left with the wish to come again to explore other fascinating attractions of the state.

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Vadakkunnathan Temple Thrissur

From my online research, I came to know that Thrissur is known as Kerala’s cultural capital. Spread over an area of 102 sq. km, it is famous for its renowned temples. Thrissur is named after the three temples of Lord Shiva in the region – Punkunnam Siva temple, Kottapuram Siva temple and Vadakkunnathan temple. Thrissur literally means ‘Town with the name of Lord Shiva’.

The hotel in which I stayed was fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities. After a couple of hours rest, I started off my tour with Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple sets an outstanding example of a simple yet magnificent Kerala architecture. Inside, there are shrines of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Krishna. This temple serves as the venue of all big festivals and pujas.

As destiny would have it, the famous Thrissur Pooram festival was going on when I landed Thrissur. Touted as one of the most popular temple festivals of Kerala, I joined in the revelry of thousands of devotees and tourists who were attending Thrissur Pooram festival. Decorated with flowers, fireworks, colourful dresses and caparisoned elephants, the place was a wonderful sight to capture.

Another important tourist spot, which fascinated me was Shakthan Thampuran Palace. Constructed with Kerala-Dutch style, the palace preserves the tradition of the ancient Hindu rulers of Kerala.

I was so tired that I didn’t realise when I had fallen asleep after coming back to hotel. On my second day of Thrissur tour, I visited Guruvayoor Kshethram, the only Hindu Sreekrishna Temple at Guruvayoor. It is about 33 km north of Thrissur. The 40-plus elephants dotting the temple make it even more amazing. Heading towards the Triprayar river, about 23 km from Guruvayoor, I came across Triprayar Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. It has architecture similar to that of the Vadakkumnathan Temple.

The next destination was Koodalmanikyam Temple. A devotee told me that the temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyalist brother of Rama. People suffering from severe illness visit this temple and get cured.

Koodalmanikyam Temple Thrissur

My religious trip to Thrissur also took me to Kerala Kalamandalam, about 32km north-east of Trissur at Cheruthuruthy. It is an esteemed university that imparts training in classical dance. There were several students learning Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak.

I kept the last day of my Thrissur trip for shopping. After wolfing down my breakfast at the hotel, I went out for shopping. I picked up arts, crafts, unique silk sarees, gold jewellery, coir products, coconut shell crafts, horn carvings, woodcarvings and brass works. I also bought some hand-woven carpets.

I returned home from my Thrissur Kerala tour, feeling rejuvenated and mentally peaceful.

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Handicrafts of Kerala

Handicrafts of Kerala

The amazing Handicrafts of Kerala are the true showcase of cultural heritage of the state. The traditional Kerala handicrafts encompass religious manifestations where statues of different Gods and Goddesses are exquisitely carved in rosewood or sandalwood. The art forms of Kerala like masks of Kathakali are also portrayed in the traditional handicrafts of Kerala. Models of the popular snake-boats are very popular among tourists.

The handicrafts of Kerala include popular items like:

Coir and Cane Products

Kerala abounds in coir and cane products and therefore, it produces Eco friendly items like coir mattresses, mats and floor furnishings. Coir products manufacturing is an important cottage industry in Kerala, especially in districts of Kollam and Calicut.

Brass and Bell Metal Works

Kerala boasts of its bell metal art. Bell metal is basically an alloy of tin, brass and copper, which can be utilized to cast different mythological occasions like the well-known “Tandava Dance”. In intricate art forms, it has been termed as the ‘Gaja Tandava’ or ‘Gajasamhara’. These articles can be also used for crafting lamps and other household items.

Lacquer Ware

These are made of woodcraft and metal. Wood carvings are famous as these enabled skilled persons to show their talents in artistic works. The trees of sandalwood and rose wood are mainly used for carvings. Myriad shapes are exquisitely carved in these woods after that a lacquer finish is given to the ready products. The finished product is then adorned with several precious metals. Ernakulam district is famous for Lacquer ware work.

Sandalwood Carving

Many gorgeous product are carved from the fragrant Sandalwood. The product array carved in this manner includes boxes, ashtrays, candle stands, tiny models of animals and Kathakali dance postures. Cochin, Ernakulam, Trichur and Thiruvananthapuram are the place where Sandalwood Carving can be found.

Ivory Works

Ivory Works

Ivory carving is also counted among other popular traditional handicrafts of Kerala. Different items beautifully carved in ivory encompass mythological characters. These are available in form of showpieces. Buffalo horns are the main articles used for ivory carving.

Textiles & Wooden Toys

Kerala offers a distinct collection of textiles that has gained popularity among tourists. These include Kancheepuram silks and others.

Another popular item includes wooden toys. The wooden carving is done to make various toys, which fascinate tourists on their trip to Kerala.

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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

I insisted tour operator to include a rural destination as the atmosphere of a village has always been capturing my attention. And there we were in Kumarakom that lies 16 km away from the Kottayam town. It is among the most famous Kerala travel destinations.

After stepping in Kerala, what I liked the most about the state is the tranquil atmosphere, not much crowded and a perfect holiday destination. We took rest in the already booked Kumarakom backwater resort. It was not very expensive yet offered a good accommodation. Next morning, we were ready to hit the town and headed for Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the famous attraction in Kerala. Nestled in the backwaters, this wildlife sanctuary is sprawled over 14 acres.

Situated along the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, the bird sanctuary is truly a paradise for bird lovers. We came across interesting creatures like cuckoo, darter, heron, owl and egret. We could also view some Mammals and Amphibians there. We clicked a few shots and came back.

After this wonderful experience, we moved towards Kumarakom village to explore its rural charm. It was a cluster of islands and farms, distinguished by a maze of lagoons and streams.

How could we skip the most interesting section of our Kumarakom trip? Yes..I am talking about my houseboat trip in Kerala. As we initiated sailing towards Alleppey, we could come cross beautiful vistas of Kumarakom backwaters. The inclined coconut trees were seem like interrupting the landscapes, flanked by lush greenery.

Served as the popular attractions in Kumarakom,the houseboat we boarded had a sun deck, a sit out cum dining area, single bedrooms (it can be upto six bedrooms), kitchen, bath and wash basin. To occupy you when the boat is not moving, the facilities like TV and video player have also been installed.

Kumarakom Houseboats

Made on bamboo, Kumarakom houseboats served us the most delicious Kerala food including coconut water, Idli with coconut chutney and Masala dosa with sambhar.

At last I insisted Hubby to go for rejuvenation therapies as I had heard a lot about Kumarakom Ayurveda. The rejuvenation therapy that I availed detoxified and revitalized the body system to enable general fitness. Ayurvedic treatments in Kumarakom not only cure you from inside but these also have the magical healing to relax your mind.

We had awesome experience on our Kumarakom tour and gained truly unforgettable memories.

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Kottayam Backwaters

On the last Saturday, I decided to take my friend on a trip to know people and culture of Kerala by Airline from Delhi to Kerala. In Kerala, we stayed to rest in a hotel near to Kottayam. On the next day, we enjoyed a lot the fresh air, greenery and the most relaxed travel experience through the pristine backwater of Kottayam, for almost the whole day.

On the next day, we moved to Alappuzha backwater from Kottayam through boat to enjoy the still waters and the sight of farmlands situated below water levels. Hereby we did not stop ourselves to click the beauty of lush Kerala.

Also, I would draw you all my readers towards why this state adds its presence important in Indian traditions. Kerala travels were fruitful of art forms such as traditional dance of Kerala as we experienced so. For the dance lovers in India, I have to come a step ahead to say that this earthly paradise can be called none other than a heaven to continue classical customs as Katakali Dance Kerala. Truly dance and music are intricately woven into the culture of Kerala.

People of Kerala had warm & friendly nature to us, while interacting with them. Truly Keralites stood with their strong culture and brought proud to their state. In addition to know you more before you step in, I got this state to have been perpetuating its matchless some other art forms as Martial arts, and Kerala handicrafts.

Dance of Kerala

Yes, the caption-”God’s own country” affixed with Kerala is as an extension to reminisce us that exists of its natural beauty and worldwide amiable hospitality that made me to come again. Here I penned down about Kerala people culture that intends you to have a Kerala trip once in your lifetime. It will really bring close to the handicrafts of God e.g., backwaters, hill stations, forests and lakes in Kerala.

Altogether, our country stands concrete to have one of the richest and olden cultures in all over the world. The historical buildings and monuments like palaces, temples and forts are as the prologue of Indian society. The exclusive number of temples has taken to Kerala a must-visit to travellers to glean the unknown fables of the country.

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Kerala Houseboat

We started off at Cochin. The tranquility and serenity of place charmed us. A Kerala houseboat is locally called as ‘Kettuvallam’. These are of different types, out of which, we booked a fully furnished single bedroom luxury houseboat.  On being reached at our houseboat, we were served with a welcome drink. It was coconut juice after drinking which, we felt refreshed.

We explored the houseboat to find out the other sections of this ‘Floating Palace’. Then, we got to know that it was the suitable one for us to enjoy the special occasion. It was provided with sun deck, private balcony and all other modern facilities. The houseboats in Kerala had a separate dining area with comfortable chairs and a well-maintained toilet.

Kerala, the land of lagoons, rivers, lakes, beaches and backwaters is my dream destination and on visiting it, I felt contended. It was unbelievable to see that serving as the popular attractions in Kerala, these houseboats were made by joining Anjili wood panes along with coir ropes and still, these houseboats do not lack anywhere in durability. Use of Eco-friendly material like bamboo poles, bamboo mats, coconut fibre ropes and coir carpets gives these Kerala houseboats a traditional look.

Well, enjoying the luxury in Kerala houseboats, we reached Alappuzha Backwaters. The backwaters mainly covers the four districts of Kerala that include Kollam, Alleppey or Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. Sitting back while the boat cruises through the compressed serene backwater canals, is a different fun, which gives a new height to your Kerala houseboat tour.

We enjoyed our lunch, which was more than enough for two people. It included local dishes like rice, fish fry, sambar, papad, thoran, pickle and vegetable salad. The food was too good that its delectable taste made us relaxing for some time.

In evening, we went on the sundeck, which is an ideal way to revive yourself amidst a tranquil ambiance. We preferred coffee with snacks including Banana Fry, which had a traditional Kerala flavour. After dinner, we went on bed. I was so excited to know the next day travel plan that included a visit to Kumarakom. Kerala houseboat vacation is simply a great experience for every couple.

Kerala Houseboat Cuisine

Next morning, after treating our taste buds with scrumptious Appam with Egg Curry, we started off cruising to Kumarakom backwaters, through the most popular Vembanad Lake. Innumerable lagoons, canals, lakes, estuaries and lakes form the 900 km backwater network of Kerala. That was most probably the best way to experience the magical charm of Kerala backwaters. We had a romantic time overnight in houseboat.

The next morning was our departure. Though we had to spend some extra bucks for a luxury houseboat but the experience was worthy. The moments, we captured in our camera shed off my sadness to depart from such a beautiful land.

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Munnar Trip

Neelakurinji is a flower, which is found high on the mountains. Based on our guide’s knowledge, we came to know that the flower blooms once in every 12 years.

Having a wish to see the blooming flower, we left for Anamudi Peak. Known as the highest peak in South India, it captured us for a long time. I and Sherry just could not take off our eyes from the gorgeous sights. A drive in the hill station is totally a refreshing experience as you come across many beautiful sights that lift up your mood.

Mattupetti Dam was the next part of our exploration. Just 10 km from Munnar, it is a splendid dam with boating arrangements in its reservoir area. We saw many people with their family. With its fascinating atmosphere, it becomes a great place for picnic.

After that, comes the Echo Point. As the name suggests, the place ‘Eco Point’ allowed us to hear the reverberations of our voice. Our next halt was at Kundala, another pristine location. It has an angelic dam site. We drove back to the hotel and treated our taste buds with the delicious food.

Sherry told that next day we would be visiting Devikulam. As we started, I was unable to hold back my excitement. This small yet sensuous little town just mesmerized us with its lovely lawns and beautiful plantations. The mist-coated hills and fresh mountain air multiplied our joy of our trip to Munnar.

We also visited Sita Devi Lake. It is famous for trout fishing. While passing through the roads, we could see the locals, enjoying working in tea gardens with their families. The sight forced us to think that how these people could enjoy working outside with such enthusiasm whereas we even get tired while sitting in our cabins with all the modern facilities! May be this is the charm and aura of hill station that keep your refreshed with its cool air and natural surroundings.

Sita Devi Lake

At the end of our tour, I insisted Sherry to buy some tea packets from shopping outlets in Munnar as I wanted to take home the magical aroma, I smelled there. We bought few packets and came back to our hotel. Next day, we were back to New Delhi for further journey.

All I could say after that trip is, we were even more happy, contended and refreshed with our Kerala visit!!

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Munnar Trip

From New Delhi, we took a flight to reach Kerala. We landed at Cochin International Airport where we were received by our tour assistance. He drove us to the hotel in Munnar, which took around 4 and half hours.

Though we were exhausted, yet the eagerness to see ‘Munnar’ overcame the fatigue of journey. Sherry just made me delighted with another surprise, which was the hotel room. The room was facing a beautiful view of the lush greenery and the fragrance of the air kept our mood delighted. After taking rest, we were ready to catch the best glimpses of this beautiful hill station.

I found Munnar the most beautiful hill station that I had ever visited. Snuggled in the lap of an appealing terrain, Munnar is a must visit place.

We discussed our guide about the tour itinerary and we left for our first attraction-Eravikulam National Park. This sanctuary was set up for the protection of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Fortunately, we could spot them. Seeing animals in their natural habitat makes you feel as if you are their guests. You would be a bit hesitating but they will not. Followed by our guide, we could also spot the Elephants, Gaurs, Langurs, Tigers, Leopards and atlas moth.

Eravikulam National Park

For me, watching tigers was a scary experience due to its wild and threatened look but I saw Sherry was enjoying it rather. We also heard about Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary but at that moment, we could not visit it and left.

The day ended and we were back to hotel. While relishing traditional Kerala food, we were exchanging thoughts about that day’s visit. Soon, we left for the room and fell asleep.

                                                                                                          To Be Continued…

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