Kerala Cuisine

Cuisine in Kerala has roots in the history, geography and culture of the land. These can be classified under the two standard headings - vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. While the non-vegetarian dishes are all heavily spiced, the vegetarian repertoire is mildly spiced and feels especially easier on the non-native tongue.

Sadya

'Sadya' is the traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala. Usually served as lunch, it features par boiled pink rice, side dishes, savouries, pickles and desserts spread out on a plantain leaf. Tradition insists that the tapering end of the leaf points leftwards of the seated guest. Rice is served on the lower half of the leaf.

The feast begins with the serving of Parippu, a liquid curry made of small gram and ghee. The second course is Sambar, the famous south Indian vegetable stew in which any available combination of vegetables is boiled in a gravy of crushed lentils, onions, chillies, coriander and turmeric, with a pinch of asafoetida.

Avial, an unavoidable side dish is a blend of vegetables, coconut paste and green chillies. It is seasoned with a spoonful of fresh coconut oil and some raw curry leaves stirred in immediately after the dish is taken off the stove.

Some of the other important side dishes include Thoran, and Olan. Thoran can be minced string beans, cabbage, radish or grams, mixed with grated coconut and sautéed with a dash of red chillies and turmeric powder. Olan is a bland dish of pumpkin and red grams cooked in a thin gravy of coconut milk.

The savouries include Upperi, Pappadam, Ginger pickle, Pachadi and Kichadi. Upperi is deep fried banana chips. Pappadams are fried creamy yellow sun dried wafer of black gram flour. The Ginger pickle is a rich brown, hot and sweet ginger chutney while the Kitchadi consists of sliced and sautéed cucumber or ladies finger in curd, seasoned with mustard, red chillies and curry leaves in coconut oil. Pickles are usually mango and lime.

Desserts are served mid way through the meal. The Payasam is a thick fluid dish of sweet brown molasses, coconut milk and spices, garnished with cashew nuts and raisins. There could be a succession of Payasams, such as the Palada Pradhaman and Parippu Pradhaman.

Pazham, a ripe golden yellow plantain, is usually had along with the payasams. After the payasams, rice is served once more with the spicy Rasam. Rasam is a mixture of chilly and peppercorn powders boiled in diluted tamarind juice. Kaalan, seasoned buttermilk with turmeric powder and green chillies, and plain sour buttermilk that comes salted and with chopped green chillies and ginger, are also served before the feast is finally wound up.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.

Kerala, the land of Ayurveda

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages.
In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practises this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Monsoon, the ideal time for rejuvenation

Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Therapeutic Programmes

Treatment for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria, hallucination and insanity. (Dhara)

Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner. Variations include Oordhwanga Dhara (good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin), Takra Dhara (for those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both head and body).

Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc. (Snehapanam)

Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.

Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis and burning sensation in the head. (Sirovasti)

Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician's recommendation.

Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weaknesses and nervous disorders.(Pizhichil)

Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 1^.5 hours daily for 7 to 21 days.

Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and certain rheumatic ailments.(Udvarthanam)

Therapeutic massage with herbal powders.

Treatment for musculo-skeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents.(Marma Chikitsa)

Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 marmas).

Treatment for nasal ailments. (Nasyam)

Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etc. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.

Treatment for ear ailments. (Karnapooranam)

Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.

Preventing cataract and strengthening vision. (Tharpanam)

A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.

Treatment for wasting of mu

scles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin diseases. (Njavarakizhi)

The whole body is made to perspire by

the external

application of medicated rice packs in t

he form of boluses tied in muslin bags.

**Please note

* The ayurvedic physician will decide on a separate programme for every individual after evaluation.

* Short duration treatments for minor ailments like back pain, muscular pain, etc. with herbal steam bath, spinal bath and therapeutic massages will be provided only on the advice of the physician.

* Some of the programmes are not suitable for the very aged, very young (under 7) infirm, heart patients and pregnant women.

* If you have a previous medical history of heart trouble, blood pressure, blood sugar, chronic skin disease or asthma, please inform your physician in advance.

Backwater

Alappuzha

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.

Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station:Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 Kms

Kumarakom

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accomodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming.

Kuttanad

Kuttanad,called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops,is at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha

Padanna

Much of the popular backwater attractions of Kerala are located in the southern and central parts of the State. Contrary to this belief, Footnotes, this month takes you to a serene backwater network in the northern most district of Kerala – Kasaragod. Here adjoining the backwaters of Valliyaparampu lies a beautiful backwater village of Thekkekadu, which has an inspiring story to share with its visitors. It is all about Padanna’s crusader in self-employment, Mr. Gul Mohammed and his backwater retreat – Oyster Opera at Padanna.

Getting there
Nearest airports: Mangalore (120 km), Calicut (180 km)
Nearest Bus Station: Cheruvathur (9 Km)
Nearest Railway Stations: Cheruvathur(8 Km)

Pathiramanal

Location : 1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha,Alappuzha district,south Kerala.

Pathiramanal,a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha,is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake,Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Getting there :

Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha Thiruvananthapuram,about 150 km towards the south.

Sasthamkotta

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 kms from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys inhabiting the premises are considered holy. The monkeys of Sasthamkotta are believed to be the faithful entourage of the ruling deity, the Dharmasastha and therefore they have a spiritual ambience about them. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the thousands of devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these monkeys with nuts and fruits.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 29 kms away.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 71 kms from Kollam.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom

(16 km from Kottayam town)Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Thiruvallam

(10 km)This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.

Valiyaparamba

(30 km from Bekal)This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Waterfalls

Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

(18 km from Kottayam town)2 km down a mud lane from Kumarakom, this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft. Tourists can also enjoy the shade of the rubber plantations here.

Athirappalli and Vazhachal

Location: Athirappalli 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur.

Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.

Getting there :A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.

Nearest railway station : Chalakudy,about 30 km away

Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Kaalakkayam waterfall

It is the season of the Monsoon and the rivers and water bodies of Kerala are experiencing a new lease of life. If you are the kind of person least bothered about venturing out in the woods during the rainy season and is ready to take some risk and watch a waterfall in its full glory, then head for Kaalakkayam waterfall located in the forests near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram District.

To reach Kaalakkayam from Thiruvananthapuram, one has to come via Palode, which is about 35 kms from the city. From Palode take a deviation to reach Peringamala. Take a right turn from Peringamala to reach Kurissadi via Idinjaar, 12 km away. Since there are no signboards leading to the falls, from Kurissadi, one may seek local assistance to reach the spot of the waterfalls.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, about 50 kms.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 60 kms.

Keezharkuth

(25 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki)

The Rainbow waterfalls, which cascades down a rock from a height of about 1500 mt is a wonderful attraction of this spot. It can be seen throughout the year in full swing. The forest around this spot is home to various medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering, camping and trekking.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km from Idukki
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km from Idukki. Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Idukki.

Attukal (9 km from Munnar in Idukki)

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km from Idukki
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km from Idukki. Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Idukki.

Picnic Spots

Akkulam Tourist Village

Location : About 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.

Attractions: A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.

Attappady

Location: 38 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala.

Situated on the north-eastern side of the district and spread over an area of 827 sq km. Attappady is one of the largest tribal settlements in the State. The grandiloquence of this great symphony of forests, rivers and mountains is awe inspiring.

Banasura Project, Padinjarathara

Location: Banasura Project at Padinjarathara, about 25 km northeast of Kalpetta, Wayanad district, north Kerala.

The picturesque Banasura Project is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment has no parallel elsewhere. With its placid crystal clear waters Banasura is a wonderful picnic spot.

Bhoothathankettu

Location : 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala.

Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.

Chandragiri

Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district this destination is known for its large 17 century fort. The fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset. The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called Pattutsavam.The Chandragiri Boat Club run by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation conducts boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves on the river.

Chimmini, Thrissur district

Location : About 30 km from Thrissur town, Thrissur district, central Kerala.

Best time to visit : November to April.

The dense tropical forests of Chimmini shelter diverse flora and fauna. The dam across the Chimmini river offers a breathtaking view. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of the people of Kerala.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Location:about 15 km from Thodupuzha, Kottayam district,central Kerala.

Spread over a thousand acres, this beautiful land locked in by green hillocks skirts the Kottayam district. The place gets its name from the fact that there's not a single tree in the vicinity and hence no leaf falls there

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Location: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, about 19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port on the Arabian Sea, Malappuram district, north Kerala

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.

Kumarakom

Location :16 km away from Kottayam town, central Kerala.

Tourist season: Between June and August.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Malampuzha, Palakkad

Location : 10 km from Palakkad town, north Kerala.

Attractions : Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Neyyar reservoir

Location: About 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.

Palaruvi

Location :
About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.

Parassinikadavu

Location : Parassinikkadavu about 16 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.

The Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is committed to the preservation and conservation of snakes as most species of the reptile are on the verge of extinction. There are about 150 varieties of snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper living in the park.

Pazhassi Dam

(37 km east of Kannur): An ideal retreat for tourists, the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. The DTPC provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories

Peruvannamuzhi

Location: About 60 km from Kozhikode town.

The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoirs here provide facilities for speed and slowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Ponnani

The only port in the district, this is an important fishing centre. During the months of February/April, thousands of migratory birds arrive here. Located close to Ponnani is Biyyan Kayal, a placid, green fringed waterway with watersports facility.

Tusharagiri

As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall on the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri in Wayanad district by evening.

Vagamon

Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air in many other places but not the Vagamon kind; not just this exciting blend of religious mysticism and European legacy.

Veli Tourist Village

Location: About 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.

Visiting hours: Open 0800 - 1800 hrs.

This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Ph: 2500785. Veli youth hostel Ph: 2501230 Boat rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs): Safari boat: Rs. 15 per head Speedboat: Rs. 150 Pedalboat: 4 seater - Rs. 50 for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs. 40 for half an hour.
Nearby is the Shankhumukham beach skirting theThiruvananthapuram International airport.

Beaches

Alappuzha Beach: Location: Alappuzha beach, near Alappuzha town, south Kerala.Referred to as the Venice of the East

Bekal Fort Beach, Kasaragod: Location: About a kilometre from Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod

Beypore: Beypore is located about 10 kms south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River

Cherai Beach: Location : Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes, journey) from Eranakulam

Chithari: Location:5 km from Kanhangad, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.

Kanwatheertha Beach: (3 km from Manjeswaram)A large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.

Kappad Beach, Kozhikode: Location: About 16 km from Kozhikode town. For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu.

Kappil Beach: For those who prefer Thoreau to Harold Robbins, the secluded and relatively unexplored Kappil Beach .

Kovalam Beach: Location :Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala. Best time to visit: September

Kozhikode Beach: Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center.

Meenkunnu Beach: (12 km from Kannur): Uncrowded, the beach is a tourists' paradise, with golden sand and surf.

Muzhappilangad Beach: Location : About 15 km from Kannur and 8 km from Thalasseri, Kannur district, north Kerala

Padinjarekara Beach: At the end of the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the confluence

Payyambalam Beach: Location: 2 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala. Quiet, secluded, this beautiful stretch of sand and surf is the best locale for a relaxed evening.

Shankumugham Beach: Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

Thirumullavaram Beach: Location: 6 km north of Kollam town. About a quiet day far away from the madding crowd.

Valapattanam: Location:Valapattanam about 7 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.

Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram: Location : 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km south of Kollam.