 Savour a sadya
A sadya is a typically vegetarian meal, which consists
of boiled rice and 10-12 dishes, followed with 2-3 desserts, mostly served at weddings,
festivals or special occasions. Must try -- Payasam (Dessert). |
 Attend a Boat Race
Boat races are normally held during the Onam festival
time (August/September). Long boats approximately 100 feet long and manned by over
100 rowers take part in the race cheered by thousands of spectators. The thrill
is contagious. You could hop on to one of them and row beyond the finishing line. |
 Stay in a Boat house
Boathouses are giant country crafts luxuriously decorated
and furnished. It usually consists of 1 or 2 bath-attached bedrooms, an open lounge,
deck kitchenette and a crew consisting of oarsmen, a cook and a guide. Boathouses
float on the backwaters and give an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty along
the banks. A night out on the placid waters under the wide and starry skies has
few parallels in the whole world. |
 Attend Kathakali
Kathakali is a dance form in which actors do not speak
but enact dialogues, sung by singers in the background. The emphasis is on facial
expressions. udras or hand signs too have significance. Kathakali actors excel in
the presentation of the most beautiful and most violent scenes with equal skill.
The whole face of the artist is painted and it appears as though he is wearing a
mask. Performed in front of lighted oil lamps in traditional theatres this sophisticated
art form takes you to the hoary past of the epics. |
 Wear a Mundu & Kasavu
Mundu is a traditional Kerala dress, which is worn on
festivals, for marriages and to temples. It is made from an off-white fabric with
an elegant gold border. Men should try wearing the Mundu and women the Kasavu Neriyadu.
The deceptively simple tuck is really worth a try. It surprises all those who cannot
imagine a dress without belt, buckle or button. Enjoy the freedom, comfort and aesthetics
of this simple attire. |
 Watch Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is believed by most historians and scholars
to be one of the oldest and most scientific systems of martial training existing
in the world. Many of the traditional art forms of Kerala have drawn elements from
Kalaripayattu at the evolution stage. Watching Kalaripayattu will definitely be
an interesting experience. Vigour and elegance seldom combine in such perfect manner. |
 Get an Ayurvedic massage
The term Ayurveda denotes 'the science of life'. Ayurveda
is a system of teaching to achieve perfect health-both physical and mental and to
attain the bliss of real life. Must try-an Ayurvedic massage to soothe your aching
muscles and feel rejuvenated. The secrets of an ancient science are yours for the
asking. |
 Watch the sunset
Relax and watch the sunset at the beach along side the
Chinese fishing nets in Cochin. Similar views are possible from the backwaters or
any other beach side in Kerala-a truly picturesque and memorable experience. Watch
the birds flying to their distant homes. Catch a glimpse of the sun setting behind
the palm leaves. Listen to the ceaseless sighs of the breeze and the sobs of the
waves. Behold the pageantry of the protean clouds. Discover the poet in you. |
 Shop at a local market
It would be an interesting experience to see the wide
variety of vegetables, fruits, fish, flowers snacks and knick-knacks that are sold
by eager vendors. Observe how people bargain while shopping. Share the simple joys
of the give and take of life in an unfamiliar yet charming setting. |
 Stay in a tree house
A tree house is a cozy little house on top of a tree with
picturesque views. Relish the chance to enjoy the sparkling air and the unique flora
and fauna from a vantage point. From the secure perch savour the night sounds of
a tropical forest. |
 Take an Elephant ride
This is possible at the Periyar wildlife sanctuary where
you can take a tour through the jungle on elephant back. A mahout will guide you
through. Feel how Maharajahs felt high and mighty riding into the midst of their
admiring subjects. |
 Walk through a paddy field
Take a walk along the narrow dyke through lolling, green
paddy fields, a chance to take in the fresh, clean air-an unforgettable experience.
Do not forget to feel the slender shoots. Their softness lingers long in your fingertips
just as the fragrance and the hues of the field flowers fill your mind forever.
A trip in the early morning mist through the paddy fields can give you a feel of
the bliss of the dawn of creation. |
 Taste Toddy and Karimeen fry
Make sure you try kallu (sweet toddy extracted from coconut
palm) and taste Karimeen (carp) fry and a spicy chutney or pickle. The brew is as
inebriating as the fish is delicious. |
 Shop for spices and an Aranmula mirror
Make sure you shop for fresh spices and an Aranmula Kannadi
(mirror)-this is a special mirror made from four metals copper, silver, lead and
bronze. In the past only the royal family owned this mirror. These are very rare
mirrors and only 2 master craftsman and their families still make them. |
 Wake up to the smell of delicious breakfast
Make sure to try as many different items as you can from
the wide spread. Must try Puttu kadala, Idiappam stew, Appam and chicken curry or
vegetable stew. |
 Watch the fishermen go out to the sea
It is interesting to watch the fishermen go out to the
sea with their fishing nets in their small boats and to see them return with their
catch. Do watch how they transact business by the seashore. See how man harnesses
the bounties of nature. |
 Have tea at a Thattukada
Thattukada is a small roadside teashop, which serves tea
and snacks. The most interesting thing to watch is how the tea is made and poured
into the glasses. |
 Taste the different varities of bananas
Try the red, green and yellow varieties 50 more varieties!!-
Also try the milkshakes and snacks made from each of the different types of banana.
While in Kerala you could become an addict of banana chips. |
 Collect Antiques
The Jew Street in Fort Kochi is famous for its display
of antiques. Elaborately carved pens, ornamental brass latches and antique jewelry
are some of the things you could pick up. |
 Take a boat ride through the backwaters
This is a relaxing experience as the boat takes you along
the narrow canals and beautiful villages. You get an opportunity to see local people
engaged in fishing, duck rearing and shell collection. You may also see the traditional
toddy makers at work on the coconut palms. |