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.
Kerala, with the rightful slogan of ‘God’s Own Country’ can be found in the southern region of India with its balmy, temperate personality exuding a tropical freshness for those needing a change of pace. Here the diversity of the cultures intwined with beaches, backwaters and mountains whereby the slopes are awash with tea and coffee plantations.
Did someone say spices? Come with a half-empty suitcase and you’ll return home with a myriad of delicacies and a new way of making that chai latte.
To visit India ensure you fill out the relevant visa details and at the time of writing this blog post the correct website for an eVisa at a cost of USD80.00 plus credit card fee. The participating countries are listed within the website: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in
Additionally, a health self declaration being the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form is to be mandatorily filled out online by all international arriving passengers into India.
Welcoming local musicians upon our arrival – always makes you feel special – even if only a domestic flight on this occasion. Most Indian airlines fly into Kannur (CNN) with excellent connections to international flights and return.
Though not accessible directly from Australia, it has the ease of an international airport’s arrival and departure areas like no other in India – adding to a stress-free holiday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has modified the Visa Manual to include Kannur in the list of Integrated Check Posts (ICP) and is now the 29th airport in India to accept eVisas for foreigners who are permitted to attain them. Updated 7th June, 2022.
The Incredible landscape of northern Kerala makes it an attractive getaway for those seeking a quieter less intrusive holiday than say, that of a beach location. Plenty of resorts here with natural surroundings of lush forestation and fauna make it an ideal location for nature lovers. Kingfisher Beer from Kerala has qualities that make it a superb accompaniment to any occasion. According to Google, its name is synonymous with beer in India and stands for excitement, youth and camaraderie. “Cheers, I’ll drink to that!”India has a long-standing tradition of serving food on banana leaves and is offered with an assortment of vegetables, pickles, appalam and other regional condiments (usually sour, salty or spicy). The banana leaf acts as a disposable plate and it in itself is not consumed – which is far more admirable than throw-away plastics and can be composted as well.
Especially popular in areas such as Kerala, eating food by hand off the banana leaves is considered quite healthy and acceptable. Serving an authentic south Indian spread at festivals and family get-togethers is a common tradition.
Recognise these? This photo is only showing a small portion of delectable spices available and the list is far more comprehensive of what I’ve captured here.
Pepper is called the ‘king of spices’ and is the most commercial crop produced in India.
Cardamom. The queen of aromatic spices as it is generally known as this spice is mainly used for medicinal purposes and for flavouring. (Yum always add these into my own chai tea and is my favourite beverage each afternoon.)
Chilies
Ginger
Turmeric
Coriander
Fenugreek
Mustard
Some kinds of herbs and other goodies for those wishing to improve their immune system. Read all about it! Ayurveda’s healthy living is an old traditional way in India and a new way in modern times such as in Australia, which are seeking new methods of trying to change inherent lifestyles addicted to preservatives and other food additives. (More about Ayurveda in my later blogs …)Abida Rasheed is one of the finest home-based chefs – not just in Kerala, but she is gaining international recognition for her incredibly easy style in cooking great, wholesome cuisine suitable for any food lover.
My travel mates and I had the absolute pleasure of spending a Saturday afternoon with Abida who lovingly cooked up a magnificent Chicken Bryani. And, let me tell you we devoured it with gusto.
Abida is based in Calicut and she can be found on https://www.facesplacesandplates.com/abida-rasheed/ should you wish to book. Also, check her out on You Tube, Instagram and Facebook in case you can’t make it to Kerala in a hurry.
Happy to see signage wherever possible advocating the upkeep and disposal of throw-away plastics and the like being demonised for the want of a cleaner, greener environment for all concerned and of course future generations to enjoy.
When the environment is being cared for, then you have time to enjoy real forestation in a natural setting such as this one. Relaxing at the stunning rainforest within the Vythiri Resort Lakkidi, this is definitely one to ear mark for your next holiday to destress and go back to an essential winding down of your overworked senses. It’s an exquisite jungle getaway located in Wayanad, a largely mountainous district in northern Kerala and worthwhile checking out, especially when temperatures are predicted to be extremely high in other parts of India. How about this? You might even have the pleasure of staying at the Vythiri Resort in a Tree House. Just to make all your friends envious and unless they bring the right beverages and food, they won’t be invited in because you can have it all to yourself listening to the birdlife and soft music …Well, if you can’t manage a lofty Tree House? Don’t panic, we all settled for a fantastic pool party at the Vythiri Resort’s Pool Villa. Kerala enjoys a relaxed lifestyle and friends from all walks of life are easily made here and wherever there is water, upbeat music and a sense of fun then this is the place to be. No stopping these new-found mates. Party Central!
Not to worry, if you don’t have a tree house or pool in your package deal, then you can relax in a superb room which is charming with a massive floor space, coupled with a jacuzzi and walk-in shower.
At the Vythiri, meals are included and mostly buffet style. No extra charges are incurred.
P.S. The Vythiri review was based on a two night stay and with no vested interest from me. For bookings contact me for quotes.
