HAPPY ONAM - SEASON OF FESTIVALS...

ONAM

Onam ( ഓണം) is a festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It is also the state festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.
The festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the commemoration of Vamana avatara of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali.In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan,Atthachamayam etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival. The official date is set by the Indian National Calendar.

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which fall on the month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's annual visit from Patala Loka . Onam is unique since Mahabali has been revered by the Hindu people of Kerala.The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The deity Vamana, also called Thrikkakarappan is also revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam) .The birthday of Sri Padmanabhan, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. Thiruonam day is the most important day of Onam. In Onam 2016, Thiruvonam date is 14 September.

Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala, ancient Bharata. The following song is often sung over Onam:

“

Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam, manusharellarum onnupole amodhathode vasikkum kalam apathangarkkumottillathanum. adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla balamaranangal kelppanilla Dushtare kankondu kanmanilla Nallavarallathe illa paaril..illa paaril kallavum illa chathiyumilla ellolamilla polivachanam kallampparayum cherunazhiyum kallatharangal mattonnumilla Vellikolaadikal naazhikalum Ellam kanakkinu thulyamaayi..thulyamaayi

”

... (Translation)

“

When Maveli ruled the land, All the people were equal- Times when people were joyful and merry; They were all free from harm. There was neither anxiety nor sickness, Deaths of children were unheard of, No wicked person was in sight anywhere All the people on the land were good. There was neither theft nor deceit, And no false words or promises. Measures and weights were right; There were no lies, No one cheated or wronged his neighbor. When Maveli ruled the land, All the people formed one casteless race

”

Onam mythology may have been devised as a political allegory/tool where by the subjects could remind the rulers about an Ideal King and a welfare state. Onam songs mentions many of the modern social/economic indicators of a Welfare State including Crime rates, Child Mortality rates etc. Rulers may also have promoted it as it may have served as an indicator/barometer of the popularity/unpopularity of their Governance policies. The beauty of the festival lies in its secular fabric. People of all religions, castes and communities celebrate the festival with equal joy and verve. Onam also helps to create an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood by way of various team sports organised on the day

Onam falls in the month of Chingam, which is the first month according to the Malayalam Calendar. The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten days. All over the state of Kerala, festive rituals, traditional cuisine, dance and music mark this harvest festival. The ten-day Onam festival is considered to be flagged off with Atthachamayam (Royal Parade on Atham Day) in Thripunithara (a suburb of Kochi City). The parade is colourful and depicts all the elements of Kerala culture with more than 50 floats and 100 tableaux. The main center of festival is at Vamanamoorthy Thrikkakara temple within Kochi City, believed to be the ancient capital of King Mahabali. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vamana and is directly linked to the mythological background of Onam.

The ten days of Onam are celebrated with great fanfare, by Malayalees. Of all these days, most important ones are the first day, Atham, and the tenth and final day, Thiru-Onam (Thiruvonam). The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the festival.

POOKALAM

The floral carpet, known as ‘Onapookkalam’,is made out of the gathered blossoms with several varieties of flowers of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is considered a work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it.

Traditionally, Atthapookalams (pookalam made on the Atham day) included flowers endemic to Kerala and theDashapushpam (10-flowers), but nowadays all varieties of flowers are used.Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house along with the Pookalam, and beautifully decorated with flowers. In the recent years, the floral designs have evolved from the traditional circular shape to unique designs depicting different cultural and social aspects of Kerala life. All over Kerala,Pookalam competitions are a common sight on Onam day. People start putting atha-pookalams from Atham ( First day of 10-day festival ) till thiruvonam, while only some put Onam Pookalams till the 28th day after thiruvonam.

The Onam sadya (feast) is another very indispensable part of Thiruvonam, and almost every Keralite attempts to either make or attend one. The feast is served on plantain leaves and consists of about 26 dishes, including (but not limited to) 

• Chips (especially Banana chips)
• Sharkaraveratti (Fried pieces of banana coated with jaggery) ^[14]
• Pappadam

Various vegetable curries such as

• Thoran
• Mezhukkupuratti
• Kaalan
• Olan
• Avial
• Sambhar
• Dal served along with a small quantity of ghee
• Erisheri
• Rasam
• Puliseri

Moru (Curd with water)

• Pickles, both sweet and sour
• Two different types of buttermilk
• A chutney powder prepared from grated coconut
• A series of dessert called Payasam (a sweet dish made of milk, sugar, jaggery and other traditional Indian savories) eaten either straight or mixed with a ripe small plantain.

In hotels and temples, the number of curries and dishes may go up to 30. The importance of the feast to the Kerala's Onam celebration culture is captured in the famous Malayalam proverb "Kaanam Vittum Onam Unnanam" which means "One must have the Onam lunch even one is forced to sell his property"

PULIKALIII

KERALA BOAT RACE

       നെഹ്‌റു ട്രോഫി വള്ളംകളി

 

Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2016 - August 13 (Saturday)

Alappuzha is famous for its annual boat race, held on the second Saturday of August every year. The long elegant snake boats, with crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted trophy, attract spectators from all over. This was started in 1952 when India's first Prime Minister, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha, and inaugurated the function in which the gigantic snake boats with over 100 rowers in each raced one another. It is called a Snake Boat Race as its 135 feet length has since been overtaken by Vellankulangara snake boat, which is 140 feet long.

Origin of Snake Boat Race of Kerala

In the year 1952, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin. On his way to Alappuzha district from Kottayam he was given a roaring reception by the people of Alappuzha, escorted by the huge snake-boats. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake boat popularly known as Chundan he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the Snake Boat Races to be held every year. The trophy is a replica of a snake boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of India are inscribed above his signature.

"To the winner of the boat-race, which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin" - This was later christened, 'Nehru Trophy'. From then onwards, year after year, the boat race has grown into Alappuzha`s most important event.



The Legend of Nehru Trophy Boat Race

The Rajas of Yore

The story of these battling boats goes back 400 years in history when the rajas of the erstwhile principalities of Chempakasseri (Ambalappuzha), Kayamkulam, Thekkumkoor (Changanacherry) and Vadakkumkoor (Kottayam) in the old Travancore area, which were part of the present Alappuzha district and Kottayam district, frequently, crossed swords on the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Chempakasserry troops suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the superior navy their rivals commanded. It soon dawned on the Chempakasserry Raja that the real defect was with his war boats, which were sluggish and cumbersome.

He called all the boat architects in the land to his court and told them of his desire to have better and faster boats for the troops. After days of hard labour, a man who was reputed to be the best boat architect in Chempakasserry, Koduppunna Venkitanarayanan Asari, came up with a specimen which satisfied the raja’s requirements. It had speed, manoeuvrability and capacity to carry 100 able-bodied warriors on board and its eel-like construction was most ideal for launching an ambush since it could be easily kept concealed behind the overhanging bushes on the river banks. The Asari was generously rewarded and in the subsequent battles, the Chempakasseri Raja emerged victorious.

The Deceit

The story goes on to tell how the defeated Kayamkulam Raja sent a spy to Chempakasserri to learn the secret of the new war boat. The spy, a handsome youth, succeeded in seducing Asari’s daughter. The girl’s mother was overjoyed by the prospect of getting him as her daughter’s bridegroom and persuaded her husband to teach him the construction of the boat.

Needless to say, the deceitful youth disappeared the moment he thought that he had learnt the secret. Asari was imprisoned by Chempakasserri Raja for treason. But he was released and showered with many honours when the snake boats built by the Kayamkulam Raja proved to be no match for the war boats of Chempakasserry in the next battle. The subtleties of the snake boat’s design are hard to pickup and even today it requires years of apprenticeship under a master boat architect before one could independently undertake the construction of this ancient boat.

When a village decides to have a new snake boat, a committee is formed to raise the Rs.6 lakhs; it requires now to build the boat. The boat architect is summoned and the search for the “anjili” (which is the common name or the familiar name for this) tree of the required size often takes the villagers to the high ranges of Kerala. As the snake boat takes shape out of the huge trunk, the ‘asari’ relies mainly on his instinctive estimates. Of late, the boat builders’ prime concern is to make the snake boat as long as possible so as to seat more and more rowers for speed. The Nedumbhagom snake boat recently entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest rowing boat in the world.
The celebrations that mark this annual event include music and folk dance performances and of course the boat race. The Nehru Trophy boat race is organized every year on the second Saturday in the month of August. The drum beats and boat songs called vanchipattu that complement these boat races almost work the spectators and the oarsmen into a frenzy of activity and adds a sense of thrill to the entire boat race.

So come and visit Alappuzha with the site Kerala Backwaters during the time when the Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. This adventure filled water sport is definitely worth a visit during your Kerala backwaters tour to Kerala, India. Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha's single most important tourist event with boats being sponsored by different villages. Competition is severe as the boats with over 100 rowers in each, race to finish to the accompaniment of rousing music.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race Winning Trophy

The title Nehru Trophy Boat Race was assigned after Pt. JawaharLal Nehru. The Trophy named as Nehru Trophy earned its title from Panditji as it was donated by the late Prime Minister of India, to the winners of the first race which was an impromptu one conducted in Punnamada Lake in honour of Panditji who visited Alappuzha district in Kerala State in 1952. The trophy is a replica of a snake-boat in silver, placed on wooden abacus on which the following words of Panditji are inscribed above his signature.

This Snake Boat Race is an aquatic festival that fosters a sense of unity and fraternity and sports man spirit event and attaching foreign tourists also. The Myth goes that on Panditji’s way to Alleppey from Kottayam the people of Alleppey, escorted by the huge snake-boats, gave him a roaring reception. Having gone through the tremendous excitement of sailing in a snake-boat popularly known as Chundan, Jawaharlal Nehru donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner.



tHE tHRILLS OF KERALA......


mORE tO watch .... sTAY tUNED...............,,

 

TRAVELL

 30 Best Travel Tips After 4 Years Traveling The World

1. Patience Is Important

Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one. ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. Sometimes freakouts happen regardless.
Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.

2. Wake Up Early

Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; touts, scammers, and criminals sleep in.

 

3. Laugh At Yourself

You will definitely look like a fool many times when traveling to new places. Rather than get embarrassed, laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to screw up, and don’t take life so seriously.
Once a whole bus full of Guatemalans laughed with glee when I forced our driver to stop so I could urgently pee on the side of the road. Returning to the bus and laughing with them gave me new friends for the rest of the journey.

4. Stash Extra Cash

Cash is king around the world. To cover your ass in an emergency, make sure to stash some in a few different places. I recommend at least a couple hundred dollars worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did.

Some of my favorite stash spots include socks, under shoe inserts, a toiletry bag, around the frame of a backpack, even sewn behind a patch on your bag.

5. Meet Local People

Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. Basic English is spoken widely all over the world, so it’s easier to communicate with them than you might think, especially when you combine hand gestures and body language.
Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich your travels more than sights do.

6. Pack A Scarf

I happen to use a shemagh, but sarongs also work great. This simple piece of cotton cloth is one of my most useful travel accessories with many different practical applications. It’s great for sun protection, a makeshift towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, and much more.
I can’t tell you how many times a scarf has come in handy around the world

7. Observe Daily Life

If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself just watching day to day life happen in front of you.
Slow down your thoughts and pay close attention to the details around you. The smells, the colors, human interactions, and sounds. It’s a kind of meditation — and you’ll see stuff you never noticed before.

8. Back Everything Up

When my laptop computer was stolen in Panama, having most of my important documents and photos backed up saved my ass. Keep both digital and physical copies of your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate, health insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready to go in case of an emergency.
Backup your files & photos on an external hard drive as well as online with software like Backblaze

9. Take Lots Of Photos

You may only see these places & meet these people once in your lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos. Don’t worry about looking like a “tourist”. Are you traveling to look cool? No one cares. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir.
They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to share with others, and they don’t take up space in your luggage. Just remember once you have your shot to get out from behind the lens and enjoy the view.

10. There’s Always A Way

Nothing is impossible. If you are having trouble going somewhere or doing something, don’t give up. You just haven’t found the best solution or met the right person yet. Don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done.
Perseverance pays off. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told what I want isn’t possible, only to prove it wrong later when I don’t listen to the advice and try anyway.

11. Smile & Say Hello

Having trouble interacting with locals? Do people seem unfriendly? Maybe it’s your body language. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If they smile back, say hello in the local language too. This is a fast way to make new friends.
You can’t expect everyone to just walk around with a big stupid grin on their face. That’s your job. Usually all it takes is for you to initiate contact and they’ll open up.

12. Splurge A Bit

I’m a huge fan of budget travel, as it allows you to travel longer and actually experience more of the fascinating world we live in rather than waste your hard-earned money on stuff you don’t need. In fact you can travel many places for $50 a day with no problems.
That said, living on a shoestring gets old after a while. It’s nice (and healthy) to go over your budget occasionally. Book a few days at a nice hotel, eat out at a fancy restaurant, or spend a wild night on the town.

13. Keep An Open Mind

Don’t judge the lifestyles of others if different from your own. Listen to opinions you don’t agree with. It’s arrogant to assume your views are correct and other people are wrong. Practice empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, suggestions and interests. Ask questions. You don’t have to agree, but you may be surprised what you’ll learn.

14. Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing.org is a large online community of travelers who share their spare rooms or couches with strangers for free. If you truly want to experience a country and it’s people, staying with a local is the way to go.
There are millions of couchsurfers around the world willing to host you and provide recommendations. It’s fun and safe too. Expensive hotels are not the only option, there are all kinds of cheap travel accommodation options out there.

15. Volunteer Occasionally

Make it a point to volunteer some of your time for worthwhile projects when traveling. Not only is it a very rewarding experience, but you’ll often learn more about the country and its people while also making new friends.
There’s a great site called Grassroots Volunteering where you can search for highly recommended volunteer opportunities around the world.

16. Pack Ear Plugs

This should actually be #1 on the list. I love my earplugs! Muffle the sounds of crying babies, drunk Australians, barking dogs, honking horns, dormitory sex, natural gas salesmen, and more. A traveler’s best friend. These are my favorite earplugs for comfort & effectiveness.

17. Don’t Be Afraid

The world is not nearly as dangerous as the media makes it out to be. Keep an eye out for sketchy situations but don’t let that be the focus of your whole trip. Use common sense and you’ll be ok. Most people are friendly, trustworthy, generous, and willing to help you out.
This goes for women too. I realize I’m not a woman, but I’ve met plenty of experienced female travelers who agree.

18. Get Lost On Purpose

If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work, you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot — without knowing exactly where you’re going. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking.
Don’t worry too much about stumbling into dangerous neighborhoods either, as locals will generally warn you before you get that far.

19. Eat Local Food

Think you already know what Mexican food tastes like? You’re probably wrong. Taste a bit of everything when you travel, especially if you don’t know what it is. Ask local people for recommendations. Eat street food from vendors with big lines out front.
I’ve been very sick only twice in my travels. Don’t be scared of the food.

20. Say Yes Often

Be impulsive and say yes when someone randomly invites you to meet their family, try a new activity, or explore a place you didn’t know existed. It’s these unexpected and unplanned situations that add spice to your travels and always turn into the best stories later.
Accept the kindness of strangers when you travel — you’ll have plenty of opportunities.

21. Slow Down

Please don’t try to cram 6 countries into 6 weeks of travel. All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. You’ll learn about activities that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show you around.
I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened within the first few days of arriving somewhere. Spend more time in fewer places for maximum enjoyment.

22. Keep Good Notes

My memory for details sucks. When I first started traveling the world 4 years ago, I didn’t keep a good journal, and now I’m regretting it. Information like the names of people I met, conversations I had, feelings about a new experience, or what a particular town smelled like.
If you ever want to write about your travels, these details are handy. These days I use an incredible note-taking app called Evernote, which I use as my 2nd brain. So useful for all kinds of applications — from planning trips to journaling about them later.

23. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Challenge yourself to try things that normally give you anxiety. The more you do this, the more that anxiety will fade away. Not a hiker? Go on more hikes. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to everyone. Scared of weird food? Eat the weirdest thing you can find.
The reason this works so well while traveling is because everything is already so different, what’s one more new/uncomfortable experience?

24. Don’t Plan Too Much

I cringe when readers ask how many days they should spend in a particular country or city. The truth is I have no idea what you’ll enjoy or who you’ll meet. I thought I’d rocket through Nicaragua in a week or two, but ended up living there for 4 months.
My advice is to pick a starting point, 1 or 2 must-do activities, and an ending point (or not). Then just let the universe determine the rest

25. Pack Less Stuff

You don’t need 1/2 the gear you think you do to travel anywhere. We’ve all done it. It’s a right of passage for travelers to slowly become better at packing less. My first backpack was 70 liters packed full, my current bag is only 38 liters.
As a full-time vagabond, everything I own fits on my back. If you’re not sure about packing something, you don’t need it. It’s also possible to buy most things at your destination country if you discover you need them.

26. Listen To Podcasts

Podcasts are awesome. It’s like creating your own personal radio station and filling it with shows and music you always want to listen to. I never thought I’d actually look forward to a 10 hour bus ride. But with podcasts, it’s possible (well, as long as the seats are comfortable).
Time will fly by as you listen to incredible storytelling, fun music, or interviews with experts.

27. Treat Your Body Well

Travel can throw your body out of whack. When you’re moving from place to place it’s difficult to maintain a workout routine, and many of us slack off. Or we don’t sleep enough. Or we eat too many cupcakes. I’m guilty of not flossing my teeth.
Remember to be nice to your body. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat healthy, use sunscreen, and exercise often (check out this bodyweight routine, no gym required!). And, yes, flossing too I guess.

28. Stay In Touch

Remember to call your family & friends from time to time. Maybe surprise them and go old-school by sending a postcard (it’s in the mail, Mom!). Travel isn’t lonely, far from it. You constantly meet other people. But many of those relationships are fleeting. So maintaining a strong connection with the people who know you best is important.

29. Get Off The Beaten Path

I know it’s cliché, but you should still attempt it. Seek out interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism. Many memorable travel experiences have happened to me in areas that are not easy to visit. By all means travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just because they’re not on the tourist trail.
Although please realize that just because an area is remote or dangerous doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a life-changing experience.

30. Travel More

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the past 4 years, it’s that many people back home love to tell me how lucky I am while making excuses why they can’t travel. It’s too expensive. They can’t get time off work.

JUST TRAVEL MUCH AND MORE TO THE RHYTHM OF LIFE

.







.

DONT MISS the rEAL tASTE

10 Things You Must Eat in Kerala

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - . I'm not sure when the 'travel bug' bit me but I think it was somewhere between the time I was packed up and relocated to a small town in England and when I decided to renounce my cushy Delhi life for studying in Manipal. I went from a butter chicken and naan loving Punjabi to someone who developed a fondness for the unpredictable and unexplored.

I was hooked. Not to 'luxury travel' but to 'good travel'. One that pulled me out of my comfort zone and put me in a place unknown with people unknown. Not the kind that was featured in glossy travel magazines but the kind that needed to be experienced firsthand.

While in college, I was surrounded by an eclectic mix of intelligent Malyalees who convinced me that I hadn't seen anything till I'd seen god's own country, Kerala. Their argument was so persuasive that a few days later I found myself on an over-night train that took me 650 odd kilometers away to Kannur.

Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore is the Northern most city of Kerala. Its name is derived from two words: 'Kannan' which stands for Lord Krishna and 'ur' which means place, making it the place of Lord Krishna.

Kannur welcomed me with open arms - its coconut palm lined coasts, beachfront restaurants, rustic and  worn-out brown bungalows, high red-bricked walls and its pleasant aroma of the sea. I felt confident that this journey would be a magical one but I wasn't aware that it would be a gastronomical one too.

Kerala, unlike its neighbours Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, takes pride in its wide variety of non-vegetarian food. They've got chicken, mutton, beef, pork and a thrilling variety of seafood - mussels, crab, tiger prawns, king prawns, tiny prawns, oysters, sardines, mackerel, tuna and gorgeous red lobsters. This 'land of spices' has many exquisite foods to showcase but there few ingredients that I found common to most foods - coconut, chopped, grated or shaved, coconut milk or paste used in gravies or as oil for cooking. Chillis, curry leaf, mustard seeds and tamarind also dominate the dishes.

During the wee hours of the day, I stood glaring at a list of breakfast items on a chalk board. My eyes darted from puttu and kadla curry to ghee roast masala dosa to the rest of the items on an inexhaustible list of vegetarian delicacies. They were all priced reasonably from somewhere between Rs.30 to Rs.60 and each dish came straight off the stove and into my lap.

Puttu and Kadala Curry - Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake cooked with coconut shavings and is an extremely popular breakfast dish, not just in Kannur but through other parts of Kerala as well. It's usually served with kadala curry (black chickpeas/kala chana) but can also be relished with ripe bananas and grated coconut.

Appam with Stew - Honestly, appam is a revolutionary food. Not once did I devoid myself of the pleasure of its company. It's got a soft and thick center and a paper thin outside. It's essentially a rice pancake which you can pair with almost anything and it will still steal the spotlight. In a typical Southern stew you'll find chunks of chicken or meat bathed in a  beautifully spiced and dreamy coconut gravy.

Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala Style Sambar- Dosa is listed among 'World's 50 most delicious foods' and for good reason. Made from fermented rice and lentils, the ghee roast dosa is cooked in pure ghee and roasted till it gets as crisp as it can.

Idiyappam with Egg Curry - Idiyappam, also known as noolappam is made of rice flour, salt and water. A number of thin strands or sevai are entwined together to make this lovely appam. It's plain texture is what makes it versatile and allows it to be paired up with all kinds of curries.

After consuming what felt like a truckload of breakfast food I walked for miles every day. I walked along the coast of Payyambalam beach till my feet hurt. I walked through the Kannur Fort which had the sea on one side and a garden on the other. I walked on the Ezhimala Beach and against my better judgement I even went to Kannur's snake park!

In-between all of this sight-seeing I managed to gather a lot more insight into what makes Mallu food special. Here are some of my ultimate favorites that I wholeheartedly endorse and would urge you to try on your visit to Kerala -

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu aka Spicy Chicken Fry - As mundane as chicken fry sounds, this version is downright delicious. Served up on a banana leaf, chicken is fried with onion, garlic, chilli, vinegar and coriander. Let me warn you, this fiery feast will get you hooked!

Kerala Prawn Curry  - It's amazing to see how simple ingredients come together to make a lovely dish. The traditional prawn curry is sprinkled with chilli, salt, pepper and then dipped in a whole lot of coconut milk, jaggery and finally finished with curry leaves.

Kallumakkaya Ularthiyath or Mussel Stir Fry - Mallu food makes me want to believe that everything from the sea can taste delicious. This mussel stir fry requires additional preparation time as the mussels need to be cleaned out but the wait is worth it. The mussels are  cooked in shallots, garlic,  chillies, turmeric, garam masala and a heavy dose of grated coconut.

Erissery or Pumpkin and Lentil Stew - This is probably one of the most popular vegetarian curries in Kerala. It uses a slightly sweet pumpkin and dried lentils as core ingredients and goes brilliantly with a bed of rice and neer dosa.

Naadan Beef fry or Kerala Style Beef Fry and Malabar Parotta- The dark hue of this dish reflects the depth of its almost paralyzing flavours. The beef is well cooked and generously coated with curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste and mustard seeds

Crispy beef fry

Kerala style Fish Molee/Moly - Don't mistake this for just another fish curry because it's absolutely sensational.  The flavour of coconut and cocoum also known as kudampuli take this dish to a whole new level.

the real taste

KASARAGOD - LAND OF FESTIVALS

KASARAGOD

Kasaragod District   LAND OF FESTIVALS is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Kasaragod became part of Kannur district, Kerala following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1, 1956. Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984. Now Kasaragod is the northernmost and also the last (14th) district in the State; comprising Kasaragod, Manjeswar, Vellarikundu and Hosdurg taluks.
Kasaragod is world-renowned for its coir and hand-loom industries. It is a region where three 'dream-lands' Kerala, Tulunadu and Coorg meet. The district has a coastline of around 29.3 kilometers and a very vast midland. It also consists of high mountain ranges like the Ranipuram-Kottencheri belt. The district is filled with rivers, hillocks, beaches, shrines and forts. Kasaragod District is unique for its linguistic culture is also known as "Sapthabhasha Sangamabhoomi" as seven major languages are spoken here.
Kasaragod has also been fatally affected by indiscriminate use of the pesticide Endosulphan. Its a challenge of this district

Kasaragod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia. Many Arab travelers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasaragod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasaragod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives
Kasaragod was part of the kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages.When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area was vested with Ikkeri Nayakas. At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Venkappa Nayaka declared independence to Ikkery. Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Nayaka.
Francis Buccanan, the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800.In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram In 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor (Bidnur), the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Tulunadu only after the death of Tippu Sultan. it is said that Kinavoor Molom (Sree Dharma Shashtha Temple)is belonging to Karinthalam (one among 64 Brahmin Villages in old Kerala.

Bekal Fort – Kotta – in Kasargod

The place is only a few meters from the main highway NH 66 (Edappally – Panvel Highway which was earlier NH 17). So it is easily accessible. Kasargod town is at a distance of about 16 kilometers to the North, and Kanjangad towards the south is about 11 kilometers.


This huge fort have a long history; it has seen the rise and fall of several rulers and kingdoms. It is said to have existed from the time of Kolathiri, that is, around 12th Century AD.  Some sources say that the fort had been rebuilt in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka, a ruler of Bednore.
Later Tipu Sultan of Mysore invaded the fort and it came under his hands. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the British got hold of it.
In historic times, most of the dynasties used to build forts, to watch the enemies and to protect the kingdom. It was also used as a center of administration.

In Malayalam – the language spoken in Kerala – fort is known as Kotta. So it is Bekal Kotta for us.
The fort is huge in size. There are several watch tower like constructions inside it which offer a great view of the nearby places. Pallikkara beach and town can also be viewed from here There are beautiful gardens inside the fort. Visitors are allowed till around 5 pm, after getting an entry pass at the gate. There is also a small temple near the entry.
I went there once and that was in February 2015, the same day after visiting Muzhappilangad Beach. Spending evening time in the fort is relaxing. Since it is coastal area, there is always a light breeze. Plus the gigantic field of view makes it a great experience.

KOTTAPURAM

Kottappuram or Kasargod district, north Kerala, India, is a backwater destination, which is also known as "Valiyaparamba backwaters". Kottappuram is situated 40 km south of Kasaragod, a town in Hosdurg taluk

Kottappuram is known for attractions which draw large amounts of visitors,which include meandering rivers and tranquil beaches. The bridge across the river roughly marks its northern boundary. The rivers, Tejaswini and Nileswar, meet a short distance away before spilling jointly into the sea at Taikadappuram. The nearest beach is at Thaikandapuram. A small fishing is located close to the estuary.

Local roads have access to NH.66 which connects to Mangalore in the north and Calicut in the south. The nearest railway station is Cheruvathur on Mangalore-Palakkad line. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut

THALAKAVERI

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Talakaveri is the Birth Place of Kaveri River. Located in the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala, which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures. It�s around 1,276 m above sea level. Talakaveri is about 8 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main river course except during the rainy season.
The temple here is dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara, which denotes the link between Kavery and Sage Agasthya. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agasthya. Kaveri River originates as a spring feeding the tank called the holy Kundike , which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the river some distance away. The temple has been renovated extensively by the state government recently. [Click on the HQ gallery to view Talakaveri images exclusive for Paradisecoorg visitors.]
On Tulasankramana day (the first day of Makara Masa [ Hindu calendar] , which normally falls in mid October thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The Tula snanam (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Kaveri's banks. Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day Goddess Parvathi appears in the Kundike as the sacred Theerthodbhava. Also from Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, The Sapta Maharishis are said to have performed a special yagna.. Tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills .

The legend goes that, the Kaveri river was held in a Kamandalu (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agasthya. Vinaayaka (Lord Ganesha) took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandalu of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agasthya realised this, he shooed away the crow. But the Divine Crow tipped the kamandalu and toppled it. Out poured Kaveri which started flowing. The crow disappeared and in its place stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed Himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Ganesha Himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists.The link between Kaveri and Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well, in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there.The temple at Tirumukkudal Narasipura (confluence of Kabini (aka Kapila river, Kaveri and invisible Spatika Sarovara (Crystal Lake)) is also dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara.

Ranipuram

Ranipuram  is a hill station located within Kasargod district of Kerala state [Panathady Panchayat, Vellarikundu Taluk], south India.
Ranipuram lies 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level adjacent to Kottancheri-Talacavery mountain range.
It was Maadathumala in the earlier days which was later became famous with the name Ranipuram.
The trekking spot starts from the Tourist home at the valley where you can opt two routes. The way gives you the raw picture of untouched forest and scenic beauty from the peak.
This village is connected to Karnataka state through Panathur. There is a 20 k.m. road from Panathur to Sullia in Karnataka from where Bangalore and Mysore can be easilly accessed. Locations in Kerala can be accessed by driving towards the western side . The nearest railway station is Kanhangad railway station on Mangalore-Palakkad line. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut.

Ananthapuram Temple

Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple is Vibrant with the spiritual power of Lord Mahavishnu is located near the northern end of Kerala, in Ananthapura near Kumbla in Kasaragod District. The temple is known as the moolasthanam, the original source, of the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State, which is in the far...

Ananthapuram Lake

The only lake temple in Kerala, Ananthapura lake temple is a Hindu temple that was founded way back in the 9th century. Located around 30 km from Bekal, it is the Moolasthanam or the original abode of Ananda Padmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. It is believed that this was the original site where the Lord settled himself down. The temple has that idol of Sree Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu where he is seated on the serpent god, Adisesha.
A 150-yr old crocodile, Babia at the temple lake (302 feet) is a prime attraction. The locals believe that the crocodile is the guard of the temple. The temple complex is spread in an area of around 2 acres. The complex also has a cave on the right-hand side of the lake. It is believed it was through this cave that Lord Ananda Padmanabha walked all the way to Thiruvananthapuram.
Timings: 5:30 pm – 12:30 pm (morning) and 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm (evening)
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod railway station (14 km)
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (222 km)

VEERAMALA

Veeramala is a hill in Cherukole Panchayat, of Pathanumthitta District, Kerala, India. Veeramala Immanuel Mar Thoma Sunday School celebrated its Centenary.
There is another Veeramala Hills which is a small mountain in the Kasargode district of Kerala state, in southern India. It is located in Cheruvathur. There is a hilltop with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of the Kariangode River and its surroundings can be enjoyed

KAYYUR

Kayyur, the cradle of agrarian revolution in Kerala, is located in Kasargod District. Situated on the banks of the Kariangode River(The great 'THEJESWANI'), the village is famous for the Kayyur Revolt. The farmers and workers of this village conducted a historic fight against feudalism and British imperialism. The revolt took an ugly turn during its course and a police constable was killed. Four brave lads were hanged in connection with this incident on March 29, 1943. The place is located near Cheruvathur. Cheruvathur Railway Station is the nearest railhead.

KALARI

SO FAR WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE SOME OF MOSTLY BEUTIFUL PLACES OF GODS OWN COUNTRY HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IN READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE , SO WHILE WHEN U MAKE A VISIT DONT MISS THESE MIND BLOWING PLACES OF KERALA, THAT WILL BE REALLY REFRESHING MOMENTS FOR U , SO PLEASE STAY TUNED .....HERE THE REMAINING MIND BLASTERS COMING FOR U ALL.........THANK YOUUUU.....


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