This is an ancient traditional fighting system that originated in Kerala. The word “kalari” means battlefield and “payattu” refers to “become trained” or “to practice”. Thus traditionally people practising this art form were those who were trained for the battlefield. It is considered by some to be the oldest martial art still in existence.
One of the major highlights of Kochi has to be the most iconic of all the dance forms in Kerala, a Kathakali performance. When going for Kathakali dance performance, visit 2 hours before the performance and see how they apply the elaborate makeup.
Trivandrum. The Endless City; Home to the royalty of Travancore; The Fabled City of Gold
Powerful queens and pious saints, haunted forts and blessed ponds, ghosts and ghastly nobles, great victory and despicable betrayal – it’s all a part of the glorious history of Trivandrum.
An early morning cycle ride in Fort Kochi where you get to see the city wake up. Join the locals for a hot brimming cup of tea as they start the day. Catch all the action with the hustle bustle in the fish market. Get a peek to the varied and diverse communities from faraway lands who have made Fort Kochi their home.
17 km from Thiruvananthapuram City, is a world famous beach, noted being one of the finest. There are 2 large beaches and highly safe for swimming. A visit to Kovalam is must for Trivandrum.
Mysore is famous for silk sarees (Mysore Silk), sandalwood carvings and the many varieties of perfumed incense sticks. Mysore's market places can be a good place to start, like Ashoka Road, Sayyaji Rao Road and for a mix of Western and Indian traditional shopping head to Devaraj Urs Road.
What lies beneath a temple tower? So you think you are in control of your destiny? What transforms a piece of ordinary rock into a venerable deity?
Nature walking and leisurely strolls along the lakeside while enjoying the mesmerizing backwater landscape is a perfect treat for the mind and soul; and one of the best things to do in Kumarakom. The lush green plantations, blue lake water, picture-perfect rural landscape and chirping of birds intoxicates the mind completely.
Guided day tours are the best way to explore Thekkady’s abundant nature. You can even enjoy a picnic in the picturesque land of Pandikuzhi or by the waterfalls at Chellarkovil.
Nature walks are a fun activity in Kabini reserve where guests are accompanied by experts of the terrain. There are bicycle trails for some fun on two wheels. An interaction with some of the locals in nearby tribal villages adds a cultural flavour to this experience. Evening campfires set the stage for unforgettable memories of an unforgettable trip.
The boat rides on the calm waters of the lake provide a different and unique perspective of the forest. Visitors can marvel at the different avian species that nest around the waterways. Freshwater crocodiles can be seen sliding in and out of the water on the banks, basking in sun.
Madurai is a flourishing market town since at least the 2nd century BC, the centre of power for many dynasties and a seat of divinity from time immemorial.
Starting the journey in Kolkata a city seeped in history of the colonial period of India, we fly into the North Eastern parts of India across to Assam: The land that gave the world the English Breakfast Tea, where the world’s largest population of rhinos share the forests with tigers, elephants, wild buffaloes, leopards and deers. Set along the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and under the shadows of the towering Himalayan mountains, this paradise of nature and cultures takes your breath away!
A very exciting and relaxing rail with river two centre combination of chugging through the beautiful hills and plains of Karnataka in the comfort of the luxurious Golden Chariot train. Visit a tiger reserve national park which is also home to elephants, bison and deer. Explore the amazing palaces and temples of Mysore, a city where an erstwhile Maharaja still resides. Come to one of the most beautiful ancient ruins of South India at Hampi which was earlier called Vijaynagra, which was one of the most powerful empires of South India before the colonial period.
A few blocks back from the beach, the candy-striped 1862 lighthouse contains a small museum with an original oil lamp, but is best visited for the 360-degree views of a surprisingly green Alleppey from the top of its spiralling staircase.
Come the season of Kurinji, and all the roads of South India lead to the Nilgiris or Blue Mountains, upon reaching which you will feel, that all of Nature or the Universe has conspired for you to behold this phenomenon – a tapestry of lush green transforming into an undulating ocean of violet.
