Theyyam is a popular ritual form of dance worship in Kerala and Karnataka which consists of thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs. The people of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a God and thus seek blessings.
There are about 456 types of Theyyam and performed by males, except the Devakoothu theyyam; this is the only Theyyam ritual performed by women and only in the Kulom temple.
In Kerala, Theyyam is performed predominantly in the North Malabar area and a similar custom is followed in the Mangalore region of neighbouring Karnataka known as Bhuta Kola.
Source: Wikipedia Theyyam
On the other hand, when it comes to international visitors dancing in the streets, you can’t mistake Eric from Malaysia ‘letting his hair down’ and moving to the grooves of the local drummers. Way to go! When you’ve finished all that dancing in the streets, perhaps sharing a plate of Halwa at the Harivihar property in Calicut with Dr Srikuma would be ideal in reviving your energy. Once you start your Ayurveda treatment program here you’ll be charged up and ready to take on just about anything …You’ll find that Harivihar is a lifestyle wellness house offering its guests the unparalleled experience of staying in a heritage property with a delightful ambience, along with the benefits of Ayurveda, Panchakarma therapies and Yoga practices which are well established here.Harivihar which literally means abode of the divine is a 170 year old painstakingly restored royal-heritage homestead and Ayurveda resort in Kerala. Situated in Calicut, it’s part of the historic Malabar province. Old-world charm giving a sense of being at peace with oneself whilst engaging in the disciplined practices on offer. See http://www.harivihar.comThe passion shown here at Harivihar is exceptional and one of the reasons it’s a sought-after therapeutic institute. And, of course with well-known doctors whose credentials are second to none in giving holistic advice and the services of their well-trained experienced staff members; especially in ensuring all matters of concern are taken into consideration for treatments through initial consultations. On a slightly different note, it was interesting to watch Martial Arts being taught to youngsters at the Krishna Beach Resort and a great way in preparing them for the challenges they may face in the real world. Umm … wished I’d had the same opportunity instead of relying on big brothers!Mangrove Kayaking with Kavvayi Stories is a fun day out and they also provide camping facilitation for those with an adventurous nature. See Rahulnarainn on Instagram. We had the opportunity to visit the Collective Weaving Centre in Chirakkal which had been opened in May, 1965. It has a fully fledged dye house and only use permitted colours and chemicals which do not contain any harmful amines.
Magnificent woven pieces were too good not to take advantage of and take home as a souvenir. Art of cigarette making in a traditional way for those needing a break from the hum drum of life.Phani my willing model for the day is from Bahrain having a well-earned smoko whilst on our tour. He’s sporting an Aussie Akubra hat, smoking Indian style looking relaxed and ready for the next stage of our Malabar sojourn. Living in Australia, reptiles and snakes aren’t exactly my favourite creatures, but having a healthy respect for them, I was glad they were held respectfully in their parkland abodes. Here at Snake Park, Parassinikkadavu (which is near to Kannur), is a modern sculpture of Aussie legend Steve Irwin (deceased).
It was an incredible sight to see our very own local Australian zookeeper and conservationist nicknamed as ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ carved by famous local artist Mr. Shyju Kannar being immortalised. The sculpture had been erected as a tribute to Steve Irwin on his 10th Death Anniversary and it’s located in front of the Crocodile enclosure in the Snake Park. In the amazing highlands of Wayanad, we traversed by road through bushland and the dizzying heights of the magnificent landscape made fantastic photo opportunities.Travelling through Kerala by rail is a very real consideration for those who love trains. The possibilities are available if you choose to cut out traffic congestion and in return you’re not having to worry about flying to another destination whereby the taxi ride to an airport can sometimes be more than the actual airfare paid. Trains are quite inexpensive and a great way of chatting to others whilst rocking and rolling along.
Rail journeys do experience the same kinds of delays as airlines for sure, but they don’t have the same weight restrictions as such along with their astronomical fees for being a few kilos over.
Easy to disembark the train with your luggage in tow and just grab a taxi or Uber if needing to continue onto your final happy holiday place.
Bekla Beach is a popular spot in the north west corner of Kerala, here with friend Tali checking out the impending storm.
Although the state has rainfall year round, Kerala experiences two monsoon seasons: the main season from June – August and the second from October to November.
Vroom, vroom … our Tuk Tuk driver ready to take myself, Marius and Bartek out for the afternoon in one of Malabar’s cities being Calicut – eating, shopping and anything else we could find of interest.
These people movers are fast, readily available, easily connected from one place to another and a refreshing ride too with a wind-swept hair style thrown in. Well for most of us anyway …
Kerala is the melting pot of Indian destinations whereby you can enjoy a diverse range of activities; from beaut white sandy beaches fronting the Arabian Sea to magnificent highlands with geared-up resorts that offer manageable budgets that cater for all styles of travellers seeking a cultural getaway.
Go on, reward yourself with a humbling experience whereby you’ll return home with a sense of having mastered a few challenges along the way; after all why travel if there’s not a challenge involved?
Kerala your one-stop shop for harvesting and reaping unforgettable experiences.
Next stop is Gorkana in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka.
