Athirapally Waterfalls

Located about 55 km northeast of the Kochi Airport, as you’ll begin on the journey to Athirapally Falls, you’ll realize that even the road down to the sight is breathtaking! Snake roads filled with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna – rubber trees, palm trees, coconut trees also small streams running amidst them, you’ll also notice that most of the roads in Kerala are scenic and make the journey even more enjoyable.

Approximately 80 feet high, being a part of the Chalakudy River, the access to the falls is steep and is a 2 km trek to the Athirapally Falls. As you walk higher and higher, the forest area is quiet and you can hear many kinds of birds singing and identify each bird from its voice. During monsoon, the trek turns slippery and is filled with little frogs jumping here and there. Walk around 15 minutes and you will hear the gigantic voice of the falls and lo! As you climb up, you will see the river flowing past large rocks and trees. The falls are so huge that for a minute you won’t believe that they can be so huge. You’ll also appreciate yourself, that the trek is worth it as you again go down towards the falls. You will find little children bathing in the river and a few steps ahead and the water goes down!

No wonder, the site has been a favorite with film directors for their locations. Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, Dil Se, Guru, and Iruvar have been shot here. It has been said that Abhishek Bachchan made that much-talked-about jump into the river here.

If one is on a vacation to Kerala, then a visit to the Athirapally Falls becomes a must-watch experience as it is a favorite destination for all those who love the magnificence of nature and beauty. Book a taxi that drives you to the falls and there are some good resorts also nearby, where you can halt for lunch or dinner. The ideal time to visit the Falls is during the monsoon when the rainwater is falling on the river, and fishermen are busy catching fish sitting by the river. Swimming here is not advised during this time, however, you can still find local villagers swimming in unknown waters.

There are many treks around the mountainous area to explore the falls and the guide rightly calls it the “Niagra of India”! You’ll don’t want to leave the place and want to enjoy the falls and the sound even after the sunsets. But as you start on the next journey, the falls and its beauty will remain on in the mind forever.

Chadayamangalam Para

The world’s largest bird sculpture and within it a rock theme park for adventure enthusiasts is what today pays tribute to the mythical bird from the Indian epic Ramayana – Jatayu.

Legend has it that Jatayu tried to save Sita (wife of Lord Rama) when Ravana, a demon king, was abducting her in his airborne chariot. Jatayu is said to have fought valiantly and fallen on these rocks, grievously injured.

The Jatayu Adventure Center (Jatayu Earth’s Center), at Chadayamangalam, 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a unique combination of artistry, mythology, technology, culture, adventure, leisure, and wellness. The virtual reality museum and the theatrical magic that renders the story of Jatayu add to the magic of the destination.

A creation of Mr. Rajiv Anchal, this destination is sure to leave each visitor awestruck. The state of the art ropeway offers one a bird’s eye view of God’s Own Country just as the helicopter rides do as well.

The Jatayu Adventure Center offers the largest adventure park within a natural terrain. Paintball, valley crossing, bouldering, zip line, trekking, archery, rappelling, jumaring and wall climbing are among the myriad activities available here. The climbing activities are designed around the natural rock formations on the hillside. While you are relishing the adrenaline rush the park offers you make sure you explore the multi cuisines at the food court with a panoramic view and the age-old Siddha Cave Healing Center as well for a complete, wholesome experience.

Agastya Mala

The name ‘Agastya Mala’ actually refers to a 2000 meters tall peak located within the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While it is not traditionally a hill station, Agastya Mala| is located in the Western Ghats mountain range and is also a part of the Agastya Mala Biosphere Reserve and the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Tamirabarani River originates from the eastern side of the hill range and flows perennially into the Tirunelveli district. The peak and its surroundings are known to have been the abode of the Hindu Sage Agastya from whom the Tamil language was born. The region was known to be a part of the Ayi Dynasty’s kingdom between 3rd century BC and 10th century AD. Today, Agastya Mala is a famous pilgrimage center for the Hindus and has a life-sized statue of Sage Agastat the top.

Being located in the Western Ghats, the Agastya Mala experiences a monsoon-influenced tropical highland climate. The summers can be warm and humid with showers from the southwest monsoons and winters are generally cool and dry. The summer starts in April till July when temperatures can rise to 35 degrees Celsius. Due to its unique location at the tip of the Southern-Indian peninsula, Agastya Mala experiences two seasons of monsoons, the South-West monsoons bring rains during May till July and the North-East monsoons bring rain during October and November. The months between October and January mark the winter season with temperatures hardly dropping below 16 degrees Celsius.

While the region is inhabited throughout the year, it is mostly inaccessible during the monsoons and due to the surrounding region being a part of the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary and Agastya Mala Biosphere reserve. The tourist season in Agastya Mala starts during November and lasts till March.

Located at the tip of peninsular India and between the green hills of the Western Ghats, Agastya Mala (Agasthyarkoodam) is known for its lush green surroundings and the flora and fauna that the forests of Neyyar wildlife sanctuary houses. Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Elephants, Barking Deer, Sambhar Deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and over 2,000 varieties of medicinal plants and other rare fauna are housed in the forests that surround Agastya Mala. Agastya Mala is also known to be a favorite location for the hikers and trekkers with passes issued especially by the Kerala Forest Department.

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake emits the hues of sapphire and emerald. The sight of emerald green coconut fringes flanked by the sapphire led backwaters is a treat for eyes. With 96 km length and 14 km width, Vembanad Lake is recognized as the longest lake in India and the largest water reservoir in Kerala. Moreover, it is the heart of Kerala backwater. People from around the world come here for a boat ride and to spoil themselves in the scenic beauty of the backwaters.

Serene and tranquil backwater of Kumarakom turns into starlit affair during the festival of Onam and snake boat race. During these festivals, the backwater spring back to life as thousands of people gathers to cheer for their favorite Chundan Vallams to chase the title of the fastest. More than just a sports event this grand carnival calls the international as well as the domestic crowd to cheer up the participants getting involved in energetic activity.

Canoes and houseboats are best recommended to transverse the length and breadth of Vembanad Lake. Life at Vembanad Lake runs at a very slow pace. Vembanad Lake is the place known for its serenity, peace and the aquatic animals that breed here. Houseboat ride in Vembanad Lake will take tourist to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and small islands where they can see paddy plantation, hyacinths, traditional style of fishing, and sightseeing experience that is truly exhilarating. Tourists can also spot fascinating yet beautiful avian species that are thriving in the temperate season. For photographers, the lake is nothing less than a bountiful ride that will show them the most pristine form of nature. Surroundings of the lake are too-good-to-be-true.

Edakkal Caves

A trip to Wayanad wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Edakkal Caves. The caves have attracted historians and archaeologists around the world with its rich historical charm. The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad is one of the popular attractions of Wayanad district in Kerala. Edakkal means ‘a stone in-between’ and this can be seen in the structure of the caves. There is a stone that is wedged between two big boulders.

Located around 25 km from Kalpetta at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level, it takes a tough trek on the Ambukuthi Hills to reach the caves as the hill up gets steeper as you go higher. Some stalls sell refreshments on both sides of the stepped trek trail. On reaching the site, you may feel like being thrown to another world. The caves belong to the Stone Age when people used to write on the stone using sharp manmade tools. You can find these etchings that include images of humans, animals, religious symbols and other signs that were used by the ancient man those days. These rock etchings speak of the highly civilized people of the neolithic age and have attracted students and researchers around the globe.

It is interesting to know that in 1890 the then British Malabar Police Superintendent F. Fawcett on his way for hunting, had found rock tools on the site that were used by the ancient man. Being a pre-historic enthusiast, he explored the cave-site and found that the caves had etched rocks that belonged to the Neolithic Age. This discovery was the first among the ancient scriptures on a rock found in India. Later, the caves were taken over by the State Archaeology Department and declared it as a protected site.

Well, there are numerous reasons to visit Kerala but these are the most important one and by reading this you’ll get to know why Kerala should be your next travel destinations. And it’s obvious that in August, you should not miss the chance to have a visit to this beautiful land.

The Backwaters

The beautiful backwaters are the very essence of Kerala. A cruise on the lovely backwaters is a must for every visitor coming to this part of the world. Watercrafts traveling at a leisurely pace along narrow shady canals and palm-fringed lakes provides a close-up view of rural Kerala. Daily backwater tours are conducted by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The most popular backwater tour is from Kollam, situated between Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea to Alappuzha on the edge of Vembanad Lake. Traditional kettvallams or ‘boat with knots’, earlier used for transport and cargo have been converted into exotic houseboats for leisure trips. These houseboats have all the comforts of a good hotel and are becoming very popular among tourists.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

With more than 25 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Kerala is an ideal place to spot wild animals, migratory birds, and raw nature while on a wildlife safari. Some familiar places are the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Mathikettan Shola National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Tour the Spice, Coffee and Tea Plantations

The spice, coffee and tea plantations in Kerala offer scenic views and delicious flavors. There are numerous coffee, tea and spice plantations spread across the state, with the best ones at Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady. You can taste different teas or enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee while soaking in the natural beauty.

Beach Happenings

Kerala claims many sprawling, pristine beaches with extraordinary views. Laze around, take a romantic stroll, indulge in water sports, and enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets. It’s all a perfect backdrop for photographs. The best beaches in Kerala are at Kovalam, Kappad, Kannur, Varkala, Cherai, Marari and Bekal.

Rich Art and Cultural Heritage

There’s more to Kerala than ‘just’ real beauty, though. Kerala has a well-preserved art and cultural heritage, such as Kalaripayattu (traditional folk art) and Kathakali (17th-century classical dance) which can be observed at Kerala Kathakali Center, Kerala Kalamandalam, Folklore Museum or Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre. Chakyarkoothu (comedy satire) can be witnessed at temples in Kerala. Mohiniyattam, a 16th-century classical dance, and Theyyam, a thousand-year-old form of prayer, are frequently staged in the temples of North Kerala in front of the village shrine. Greenix Village in Fort Kochi hosts Mohiniyattam dances, Theyyam performances, and kalarippayattu martial art.

Historical Legacy

God’s Own Country is brimming with antique treasures. Highlights comprise the 1568 Paradesi synagogue in Jew Town, Kochi, appreciated for its spectacular Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and period furnishings; Gothic-style Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi; and the Dutch Palace (also known as Mattancherry Palace) in Kochi, highlighting murals and frescoes of scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Strengthen and Relax with Ayurveda

Ayurveda, “The Science of Life” is India’s natural system of medicine. The contribution of Kerala to the theory and practice of Ayurveda is enormous. The celebrated Ashta VAidyans, who belonged to the Namboothiri community is still active in the field. The Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, at Kottakkal, about 12 kms from Mallapuramm attracts patients from all over the country and abroad. The Kerala ayurvedic physicians have earned a high reputation in the field. Quality Ayurvedic treatment, including massage with herbal oils, is available at many hotels and resorts. The state has em, emerged as a popular destination for health motivated travelers.

Explore the Hill Stations

When you’ve had plenty of beaches, head up to the more relaxed hill stations. In Wayanad, you can spot an unusual diversity of flora and fauna, plus take a tour of the tea, coffee, rubber and spice plantations. Munnar is famous for its rolling tea gardens, the tea museum that portrays the history of tea farms in Kerala, and neelakurinji, a flower that blossoms once every 12 years. In Athirapally, observe the beauty of 80-foot high waterfalls. At Thekkady, go for a nature walk through the varied habitats or take the Jungle Jeep Safari to explore the diverse forest.

Enjoy Colorful Festivals

Kerala enjoys celebrations and enjoyment throughout the year. Make sure to observe one of the many festivals that the state holds annually. Highlights include the Kerala boat festival (July-September), which is all about team spirit; Onam (August-September), a 10-day harvest festival celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, who brought prosperity and happiness under his rule; and Theyyam (April-December), an 800 year old ritual dance of the gods, in which the mythological stories and tales of India are depicted. All of these festivals depict the state’s rich culture, tradition, and beliefs.

Picture-Perfect Photo Opportunities

Kerala is brimming with different scenery. Be prepared with your DSLR or smart-phone while cruising the backwaters, hiking in the hills, or relaxing on a beach. The sunsets are particularly magnificent.

Sabarimala is one of the most important pilgrim centers of the State. The holy shrine nestles at an altitude of 914 meters in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats, surrounded by dense forests teeming with exotic wildlife species. It is regarded as the third richest temple in India and considering the number of days it is open in a year, the shrine is perhaps the richest. The temple stays open from November to mid – January, in April and during the first five days of each month of the Malayalam calendar. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity is known as Sastha in the Puranas and is also referred as Harihara Puthran, as he is believed to be the son of Mohini (the female form of Lord Vishnu) and Lord Siva. Devotees of all religious faiths can worship here, but entry to the shrine is restricted for women between the ages of 10 and 50 years. Traditionally, the devotees who wish to undertake a holy pilgrimage to Sabarimala observe 41 days of penance, following strict celibacy. Morning and evening ablutions, growing of beard accompanied by daily prayers. The final 18 steps leading to the main sanctum are sheathed in panchaloha, an alloy of five metals. Each step represents a sin that a devotee renounces on setting a foot on it. Millions of pilgrims assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as ‘Vishu Vilakku’ in April, ‘Mandalapooja’, in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (November – December) and ‘Makaravilakku’ in mid-January, coinciding with Sankramam.

Reaching There:

Sabarimala lies in Pathanamthitta district. The traditional route is from Erumeli (40 kms,) in Kottayam district. It is 51 kms. walk from Erumeli to Pampa. From Pampa, the trekking route goes via Neelimala, Appachimedu, and Sabaripeedom to Sannidhanam, the abode of Ayyapa. Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara, and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for there scenic splendor and mythological value. Vehicular traffic is only up to Pampa, located 7 km. from the holy shrine. Pampa is 210 kms. from Kochi and 235 kms. from Thiruvananthapuram.

?Kalaripayattu, the oldest and most scientific martial art form in the world was perhaps developed in Kerala during the 11th century, which witnessed constant battles. The martial art form is taught at the Kalari (training school), which are also centers of indigenous medical practices and religious worship. The training starts with oil massage which makes the body flexible and supple. The trainees are first made to learn Chattom (jumping), Ottam (running), Marichil (some??sault), etc. And later on trained in skills of using weapons like daggers, swords, spears, urumi (a flexible metal sword), maces, the bow and arrow, wooden poles, etc. Finally, the students are given the knowledge of defeating an opponent by applying pressure to nerve points. Kalaripayattu education aims at the ultimate co-ordination of the mind and body. The two streams that emerged from Kalaripayattu are the “chavverpada” or the suicide squad and the “chekavan”, warriors who fight to the death.

Kalaripayattu is a thrilling and dangerous dance form that holds links with the dance forms of Kerala and martial arts. This makes it an integral part of the history of Kerala. Very fewer people know are aware of its role in inventing the world-famous Martial Arts. So on your next trip to Kerala, prep up yourself for a captivating Kalaripayattu!

Kerala experiences a rich history in food and cuisine and so the food culture is totally different from the rest of the country. The cuisine of the Malabar region has a different flavor, borrowed from the traders who regularly visited the region. Kerala menu has an abundance of coconut, rice, tapioca and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. The Portuguese introduced cassava, now widely consumed in Kerala. The region is also famous for its Sadhya, served at the Hindu festival Onam and consisting of boiled rice and a host of vegetarian dishes on a banana leaf. Kerala cuisine also highlights a lot of seafood like fish, prawns, mussels, and crabs because of its long coastline. Here’s a list of some of the famous cuisine of Kerala which you all must try while visiting!

1. Ela Sadya

Ela Sadya is the king of all-vegetarian Kerala food! With more options than you’d ever have seen on your platter, Sadya is prepared and served during religious and ceremonial occasions like festivals, weddings, and more. This royal lunch combination of dishes like pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, olan, sambar, varavu, thoran, aviyal, payasam, served with hot steaming rice on a banana leaf can give the enormous thali of Chokhi Dhani a run for its money any day!

2. Puttu and Kadala Curry

A famous breakfast recipe out of the many Kerala dishes, Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake that is cooked in a mold with grated coconut. It can be served with ripe bananas, grated coconut, and kadala curry (the Keralite version of ‘Kala Chana’! Don’t be fooled by the simple appearance of this dish; Puttu can be very flavorsome!

3. Erissery (Pumpkin and Lentil Stew)

A hit in every kitchen of Kerala, this curry is made from either raw plantains or sliced yams. It is typically prepared by boiling slightly sweet pumpkins with salt, chilies or pepper, dried lentils, grated coconut, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and garlic, and is served on a bed of rice once cooked. A favorite Kerala food item on the menu of religious festivals like Onam, Erissery provides the perfect culinary for foodies who are always on the lookout for new flavors!

4. Idiyappam with Curry

Also known as Noolappam in Kerala cuisine, Idiyappam is made of rice flour, salt and water with a number of thin strands or sevai entwined together to make the lovely texture that this dish bears. It is this texture that makes it versatile. You can have it with all kinds of curries, but it tastes best with Egg Curry.

5. Appam with Ishtu (Stew)

A staple element of Kerala cuisine made from fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water, and a teensy bit of sugar, Appam is essentially a thin pancake with crispy edges. These crepe-like bowls are best enjoyed with Ishtu, a kind of stew that has been originally derived from the European stew and is made from coconut milk, cinnamon, cloves and shallots, and sometimes also mango pieces and vegetables. The aroma of spices with the sweet fragrance of coconut milk is enough to lure foodies to the kitchen!

6. Idli Sambar

Perhaps the most popular among Kerala food, idli sambar are fondly eaten in not just all households in Kerala, but everywhere else in India! The perfect combination of fermented rice cakes and a deliciously tangy curry of aromatic spices and vegetables like lentils. Apart from being a favorite of foodies for its taste, idli sambar is also universally accepted for the health benefits it bears.

7. Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala Style Sambar

Listed among the ‘World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods’, dosa and sambar in Kerala cuisine make up for a deadly combination! Made from fermented rice and lentils, the ghee roast dosa is first cooked to perfection in pure ghee and then roasted till it gets as crisp as it can.

8. Parippu Curry (Dal Curry)

Though unexpected, it is actually one of the most delicious of Kerala food recipes. The Dal Curry served in Kerala is made from small gram and ghee with a considerable amount of spices and chilies. Don’t skip on this one by mistaking it for your typical ‘Ghar ki dal’!

9. Kerala Style Prawn Curry

This traditional food of Kerala is a must-try for all prawn lovers! The traditional prawn curry of Kerala is sprinkled religiously with chili and pepper, other than salt and turmeric, and is then cooked in whole coconut milk and jaggery before it is finally garnished with curry leaves. In fact, trying this exotic seafood dish is one of the best things to do in Kerala. One can have it hot with steaming rice or chapattis for a trip to heaven!

10. Chatti Pathiri

A layered pastry made in North Malabar and Malabar regions of Kerala, Chatti Pathiri is similar to the Italian lasagna. The difference is that, in the Keralite version, flatbreads or pancakes made out of flour, eggs, oil, and water are used instead of cheese sheets. The filling is the best part of these sugary Kerala dishes! Chatti Pathiri is filled with sweetened beaten eggs, nuts and raisins, and is seasoned with cardamom. You’ll surely forget your western versions of crepe pancakes and pastries once you bite into this one!

11. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry)

Served with onion, spices, garlic, and vinegar on a banana leaf, Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu is fried chicken made with a generous amount of spices. One can have it with chapattis, Kerala Porotta (a layered flatbread made from maida flour), appam or rice. It also serves as popular street food in the list of Kerala dishes served with dosa. Have Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu on your next trip to Kerala and you’ll forget KFC for sure!

12. Palada Payasam

A delicacy amid the main food of Kerala that’s now won the hearts of foodies all over the country, Palada Payasam is a sweet rice kheer prepared with the palate. The dish is usually prepared and served during auspicious occasions and festivals like Onam. Among the many varieties of payasam, Palada Payasam is the most popular and is made out of basic ingredients like rice ada, milk, sugar, and ghee.

13. Ada Pradhaman

Another of those lip-smacking varieties of payasam one can have in Kerala, Ada Pradhaman chiefly contains pieces of rice batter (ada) and sweet coconut milk in which they are served. It is the favorite dessert dish in the list of Kerala food and one spoonful is all you need to fall in love with it!

14. Ethakka Appam (Banana Fritters)

Pazham Pori or Ethakka Appam are both different, but equally delicious varieties of banana fritters that serve as a traditional tea time snack in the households of Kerala. They’re simply ripe bananas coated with plain flour and deep-fried in oil and serve as an integral part of Kerala cuisine. Make sure you don’t leave Kerala without trying some of these with your dose of evening tea or coffee.