We arrived on the 12th and left on the 15th. Precious days.
Kerala is a popular tourist destination famous for its backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments and tropical greenery. Of course I didn't miss any of them!
Jan 12th - Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to India and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine.
In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".
Jan 13th - Tea plantation and Spice Garden visits in Munnar
Munnar is a town located in the Idduki district of Kerala , situated in 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 Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.
Nowadaya Munnar is particular famous among turists for its beautiful tea plantations. A must see.
Jan 14th - Houseboat tour on the backwaters and Dance performance
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 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.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.
In these backwaters a wide range of boats flow everyday.
The kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. At some point in time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff – mostly having a flavour of Kerala.
On top of this, Kerala has also a rich tradition of dance and music. Classical as well as folk music and dance have kept alive the ancient lore and stories of Kerala.
We didin't miss it as well, and we went to see a performance that included the most typical dances of kerala: Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Kalaripayattu
Kathakali
Kathakali is a theatrical dance form of Kerala. Kathakali is known for its elaborate performances and was previously staged in only temples, mansions and palaces of the rulers. Kathakali is one of the classical dances of India. It was previously an all male dance form, with males playing even female characters but now females are also allowed to learn the art form and there have been numerous exponents of this dance forms. Kathakali events are held throughout the year in Kerala.
Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is famous as the dance of the Celestial enchantress. It is another classical dance form of Kerala, performed by only women and is known for its graceful movements and simple but elegant costumes. In the Mohiniattam performance, Vishnu is portrayed as a celestial enchantress, trying to mesmerize the demons to help the Gods to get full share of ambrosia, which gave them immortality. This is the legend/myth behind Mohiniattam and forms the core of Mohiniattam. Historically, the temple dancers/devdasis performed the Mohiniattam in temples of Kerala
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a martial dance form and perhaps the oldest martial art practiced in the world. Kalaripayattu derives its name from "Kalari" or the arena in which the combatants fight and "payattu" which means practice in Malayalam. Nowadays Kalaripayattu is practiced more as fitness training and as a demonstration sport. In earlier times soldiers and warriors practiced Kalaripayattu as a fighting art. It is interesting to note that in earlier times, conflicts between courtiers and disputes between landlords were settled by bouts of Kalaripayattu. There are two main forms of Kalaripayattu- the Vadakkan form or the Northern style and the Thekkan form or the southern style. Both these Kalaripayattu forms differ in their speed and movements.
Namaste
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