Aranmula Boat Race - Kerala Boat Race
Race takes place at Aranmula, India near a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to watch the snake boat races. Nearly 30 snake boats or "chundan vallams" participate in the festival. The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs and wear white dhotis and turbans. The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a show of pageantry too.
Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pampa. Every year the boats are oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and the boat slippery in the water. The village carpenter carries out annual repairs and people take pride in their boat, which is named after and represents their village.
Athirapally Waterfalls
Located about 70 kms from Kochi. These falls are one the best places to visit in Kerala and are tucked away in a jungle. Anyone planning to go to Kerala should definitely spend a night in Athirapally. Also, plan to wake up around 2-3am on clear night and enjoy sky filled with stars.
Tea Estate Munnar
Munnar is a town located in the Idukki district of India Kerala state, situated in the south Western Ghats of India.The name Munnar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam / Tamil words Munu three and aaru river, referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers.
Theyyam
Theyyam is a ritual dance form popular in northern Kerala. Theyyam is normally performed in temples Kavu Koottam mostly in Kannur and Kasargod districts in few places in Kozhikode district. The name theyyam is derived from the Malayalam name for God Daivam. During the ritual the artist is considered as God and they complain ask for blessings as if they are talking to God.
Alleppey Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
Tea Farms Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level and you can have some excellent views of the far off plains in the bordering State of Tamil Nadu. The distant hills slipping in and out of the mist is a captivating sight.
The rolling acres of tea are an experience in itself for the visitors. Take a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantations. The more adventurous can take a walk down a fairly steep and narrow bridle path leading to the plains. Only with awe can you hear that this route was once the only option for the estate workers to carry tea chests down and bring provisions to their residence. Kolukkumalai is about 38 km from Munnar.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2. 350 km2 of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982.
Kerala Monsoon
Kerala has mainly two rainy seasons. The Southwest Monsoon that arrives in the month of June is called Edavapathi, as it comes in the middle of the month of Edavam on the Malayalam Calendar. Mid October witnesses the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon. In the Malayalam calendar this month is called Thulam and hence the name Thulavarsham meaning The Rains in Thulam. Now the gathering rain clouds are from the Bay of Bengal. These bearers of rain hurry to Kerala through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats. The swirling, jostling, billowing dark messenger of life sailing on the wings of northeast winds is a breathtaking sight to behold.
Kerala Boat House
Houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views. While most boats are poled by local oarsmen, some are powered by a 40 HP engine. Boat-trains - formed by joining two or more houseboats together are also used by large groups of sightseers. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala
Kerala Beaches
The long coastline of Kerala is inextricably entwined with the culture, life and traditions of the state. Memories of early seafarers and traders have faded, but boats of various types and styles have survived. Kerala's beaches, or Kovalam to be more specific, were rediscovered by back-packers and tan-seekers.
