Get-together for a fun-filled multi-activity day in Kerala

Families that travel together to a new destination often find it hard to decide on things to do and activities there, which could keep everyone amused in the group. However, while traveling in Kerala, you would never be short of such ideas for multi-activities with your family.

Whether cycling on the countryside roads, trekking on the hill/mountain regions, wildlife safari, kayaking and other water sports in the backwaters of Kerala – everybody in a family can collaborate to enjoy these fun-filled outdoor activities in the group.

If you have started your journey from Munnar (and plan to cover Periyar reserve as well), then after a comfortable stay in the hotel at the mountain region there, be the early bird and ‘get on’ to your bicycles (hired) for exploring the beauty of the nature. The morning breeze would make you feel sleepy a bit, but you would love the ride on the not so busy landscape in the early hours of the day.

During the passage, you can break in your journey to have a sip of tea (with leaves extracted from the highest plantations/tea estates) and try some snacks at the roadside restaurant. Watching the lifestyle of tribal villagers and riding through the backwater villages, plantations (there) would give you a refreshingly new feeling.

After a joyful ‘early morning’ experience on your bicycle along the countryside road, get back to your room for traditional Kerala breakfast. After eating like a King in the morning, get your backpacks reyady for trekking in the mountain regions there. A leisure walk through the woods with your family is yet another group activity, which you can enjoy amply.

You can even halt en route for a while and decide to camp (if have the equipment), cook and eat together. After having a heavy lunch, take forty winks on the woods there and get ready to exploring the backwaters. Your family can choose from a variety of itineraries on water. From Kayaking to a ride on houseboat of your choice, everyone in the family can enjoy together. BookHouseBoats.Com can help you plan itineraries on water and you can reach them at info@bookhouseboats.com.

During your stay there, do not miss to capture the wilderness, birds and animals to cherish beautiful memories of your visit in Kerala. In your campsite, you can even try different team-bonding activities and games and have a gala time with your family members.

As the day come to a still with the Sunset, we guess you are ready to get back to your hotel room/Homestay with the local guide AND of course with the promise of yet another beautiful day of fun-filled activities, in Kerala. 

Gavi - A ‘Must Watch’ Eco-Tourism Destination for Travelers, in Kerala

One of the popular eco-tourism destinations, Gavi (in Pathanamthitta) attracts both domestic and foreign tourists, every year to the God’s Own Country.

For the nature lovers, Gavi is the ‘must visit’ destination, while they are traveling in this part of Kerala. The scenic beauty of the nature and the rich wildlife would give immense pleasure to the tourists, for sure, who can experience different varieties of birds and animals there, of which many are on the verge of extinction.

People that love watching birds in the natural habitat, can rejoice by stumbling upon more than 200 different bird species in the region, ranging from Great Hornbill, Kingfisher, Woodpecker to name a few. Besides, the herd of Elephants, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr and various other animals would be a common sight in the Jungles of Gavi, for the sightseers. Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Marten, Sambar (Deer), Gaur (Indian Bison) are other inhabitants of Gavi.

Gavi is easily accessible through Vandiperiyar and Kumily in Idukki, with about a distance of 28 km southwest, from Vandiperiyar and 14 km from Kumily.

A region of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, travelers can visit the place conveniently by car or Jeep (it can be an apt medium for wildlife exploration) from Vandiperiyar. The voyagers require paying the entrance fee of INR 25 to visit the place. If people carry camera/video camera with them, they would have to pay for those, separately (ranging from INR 25-100 respectively).

KFDC run (Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd) mansions, cottages and campsites are available in Gavi, for tourists that have special requirements for accommodation. Beautiful garden near the reservoir, tree house (for the adventure lovers) are some of the other attractions in Gavi, Kerala.

The travelers looking for Trekking, Wildlife Exploration, Bird Watching, Outdoor Camping, Boating and other fun activities should not miss visiting Gavi. Camping is available from November to March in the region and people that like to explore the day and nightlife of Gavi can do it by                                                                                           staying in the campsites, there.

The nature lovers visiting Gavi for wildlife exploration can even visit the nearby destination Thekkady with family and friends. They can enjoy houseboat tours in the backwaters and the adventurous folks can even give a try to bamboo rafting and other water sports, to have a gala time, there.

BookHouseBoats.Com manages water itineraries for tourists in this region. One can plan and manage their journey with the tour operator, while traveling in this part of Kerala.

Bamboo Rafting, for Fun and Excitement in the Placid Lake of Thekkady, Kerala

While traveling in Kerala, the tourists will never be devoid of options for recreational activities on water. From Houseboat Tours on the placid river to White Water Rafting in the rapids or various other water sports, the God’s Own Country offers marvelous opportunities for tourists to have a gala time, during their visit.

Voyagers that are specifically looking for water rafting and trekking activities in galore can think about making visit at Thekkady in Periyar Wildlife Reserve, in Kerala. The adventurous folks can give a try to bamboo rafting in the serene waterway, here. Bamboo rafting session would be a perfect daytime outdoor activity for travelers in the Periyar Reserve.

The close encounter with the beautiful nature (at its best), the untamed animals and birds would give enough reasons for the voyagers to capture the moments in their camera and go home with fond memories of Kerala.

Unlike White Water Rafting, which one may have tried in the rapids of Kerala, the Bamboo Rafting session in places like Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Reserve) would altogether be a different experience, for sure. After trekking through the woodlands, the bamboo rafting session on the slow-moving stream, exploring wild animals and different species of birds (some endangered ones) en route would be an enriching experience for the travelers.

The herd of Elephants, Indian Bison (Gaur), Sambar (Deer), Indian Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Langur (Monkey) and various other species live in the region and possibilities are that one may stumble upon any of these while enjoying the bamboo rafting session, in Thekkady.

During the bamboo rafting expedition along the serene lake, the forest guards (with guns, in need) and local guides (usually the local villagers, well versed with the locality) would accompany the travelers to help with the region. The adventure-seeking travelers can even try hands at rowing the bamboo raft, of course but under the supervision of skilled rowers with them.

In case, the tourists want to spend more quality time in the Jungle, they can even choose to stay in the bamboo-crafted inns and other KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) run Jungle hotels and resorts, available in the Periyar Wildlife Reserve.

After wildlife trekking in the woods and bamboo rafting over the lake in Thekkady, the travelers should not miss the houseboat rides as well over the backwater stretches, there. A cruise on well-furnished houseboats would enthrall the travelers for sure, in the God’s Own Country.

BookHouseBoats.Com manages houseboat tours in Thekkady and the travelers can seek them for an activity-full day on the serene waterways of Kerala.

Come to Kerala, for a fun-filled cruise on bamboo rafts and for trying different itineraries on water.

Amusement Parks in Kerala, for Fun Family Tours

While traveling alone, one has the liberty to visit places of one’s interest, however, when traveling with kids and family, one requires making decisions based on the preferences of Kids. If have plans to visiting the God’s Own Country and the kids urge for some fun and entertainment, then what could be better than exploring different theme and amusement parks of Kerala.

Here, are a few of the popular theme/amusement parks in Kerala, which may be of interest to many traveling families with of course kids: Veegaland/Wonderla Amusement Park (Pallikara, Kochi), Dreamworld Water Park and Silver Storm (Athirappally, Chalakudy), Fantasy Park (Malampuzha, Palakkad), Kottakkunnu (Malappuram), Vismaya (Parassinikadavu, Kannur), Happy Land Water Theme Park (Vembayam, Thiruvananthapuram) and so on.

Travelers who begin their journey from Cochin should not miss visiting Veegaland/Wonderla, as the place offers many fun things to do and activities for both children, youngsters and adults. From dry to water rides, coasters and other attractions, the traveling families can have a blast there, with kids. The rate and visiting times for regular and holiday periods vary for both adults and kids.

During the course, the travelers can even think about exploring the backwaters of Cochin with family and seek the tour operator BookHouseBoats.Com for houseboat rides and other water sports and itineraries, there.

After enjoying to the full in Cochin, the next nearest destination is Chalakudy (Thrissur). People, who are heading to explore the Athirappally Waterfalls, can stop over at Dreamworld and Silver Storm, en route. Giant Wheel, Stormy River, Rain Dance, Jurassic Splash, Bumping Boat are few of the attractions at these amusement parks.

The other popular theme parks are in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kannur. The rates for adults on regular days across the amusement parks of Kerala vary in the range of INR 150 to 350, while for kids it is in the range of INR 100-300 and the usual timings are from 10 am - 7 pm.

While traveling with kids, other than the theme/amusement parks of Kerala, one can also choose from a variety of other options, like fishing in the backwater regions, wildlife safari across the woodland, camping, beach visits etc.

During the course, the travelers can even think about exploring the backwaters of Cochin with family and seek the tour operator BookHouseBoats.Com for houseboat rides and other water sports and itineraries, there.

Master the Kerala Cuisine and Binge on Local Food and Beverage

For the food lovers that like to indulge in and cook different dishes, if looking forward to taste and try hands at cooking traditional dishes in the God’s Own Country, then there are many options for them in the Southern region of India.

Those who are fond of traditional Kerala food can make the most of their time and add cooking lessons to their schedule, along with visiting the place for various attractions and destinations.

‘Nimmy and Paul’ (Wife and Husband) based in Kochi are few of the people, in Kerala who give their support to foodie trips, conduct cooking classes for tourists and promote traditional food in a pleasant manner. The ‘At Home’ hospitality concept like theirs is not quite common in places across Kerala. There are only very few families like that of Nimmy and Paul that offer packages to tourists who look for cooking classes in Kerala.

Various travel agencies can even help the guests ‘identify places’, where the latter could spend time (when on tour in Kerala) to taste local food and try out cooking lessons. The agencies would charge extra for this add-on service, if have mixed other destinations along with it.

During the course, the travelers can stay with the service provider (it might be own house/private home of the food trainer), who would accommodate the guest. The package would comprise the cost of stay, as well. The guests would get to binge on not only the local food and drink there, however they even have the opportunity to see their food trainer try/demonstrate different Kerala dishes.

The guests can visit organic farm, help in collecting fresh vegetables and fruits for different recipes and take quick tips on preparing healthy and delicious Kerala food. Travelers came for cooking classes in Kerala can request to learn a variety of South Indian dishes from the food consultant/trainer. From Breakfast and Snack Food to Fish/Seafood, Meat, Dessert and Beverages (to name a few), the guests can have the nuances of Kerala cooking.

While the guests are there for cooking classes, they even get the opportunity to network with the family and friends of the food trainer and accompany them for a guided tour in the local regions. Fort Kochi has many Christian families, famed of hospitality and service who often entertain guests at home, by offering both homely food and cooking lessons. People visiting this part of Cochin should not miss houseboat/speed boat rides, as companies like BookHouseBoats.Com can arrange for a fun-filled journey on the backwaters, there.

Being a foodie and a lover of all the good things of life, one should not miss visiting the God’s Own Country, which has everything that this one word describes - BEAUTIFUL!

Hit Kerala Beaches and Islands for the Perfect Family Holiday

After exploring the historical sites, hill stations, theme parks, zoos and other attractions in Kerala, people that are looking specifically for fun at the beaches and islands can find ample options for the same in the God’s Own Country.

Travelers, if started their journey from Ernakulam can begin their beach holidays from Fort Kochi, to have fun at the beach. They however may not get to have full access of the Fort Kochi beach, as some of the region is under the control of the Indian Navy.

Fort Kochi attracts tourists from all across the globe and is famous for the huge Chinese fishing nets. While the travelers are exploring this region should not miss to see the men trying for fresh catches using the ropes/boulders and the heavy nets. The Chinese fishing nets and the men working on it would surely make perfect photos for the albums of the tourists.

People that like to buy fresh fishes can visit the stalls and get it cooked (to their preference) at nearby restaurants. They would charge the travelers a few bucks for the service, but one would guarantee that fish recipe turned up the way one wanted it to be.

From the shore, people can even enjoy the sights of small boats and ships (of all the types and sizes) float across the stream. Watching huge ships (mostly industrial ships) would be a memorable experience for many, for sure.

Besides, those who like to explore the waterway going in the midst, frequent boat rides are available from Fort Kochi (to Ernakulam and other vicinities in Kerala), as one can choose from houseboats to speedboats to scale their journey.

BookHouseBoats.Com manages water recreational activities for the guests, visiting Kerala. People that want to mix beach holidays in Kerala with boat rides can seek them for fun on the stream.

On the other hand, those that want to be at the shore can walk the pebbled roads and watch different sights. People who love feeding birds can buy roasted groundnuts and other from the hawkers and give a sumptuous treat to crows, pigeons and various other bird species there.

After having a gala time at the Fort Kochi beach and the stay there at a plush hotel, one can move to Cherai (about 25 km from Kochi) and for exploring other beaches of Kerala, if have planned an extended tour.

Here are some of the other popular beaches of Kerala, viz. Alappuzha, Bekal, Chavakkad Beach, Kappad, Kappkadavu, Kollam, Kovalam, Marari, Meenkunnu, Muzhappilangad, Payyambalam, Shankumugham, Snehatheeram, Thirumullavaram, Varkala and so on.

Join the kids along to Zoos and Aquariums in Kerala, to start on summer holidays

School exams are almost over for most of the kids in Kerala and it is time for many to jot down the list of destinations and ‘things to do’ in different places for enjoying their summer holiday with family. Some of the kids may have already started pestering their parents for weekend getaways and extended holidays in different parts. For the parents that are having tough time planning destinations that their kids would enjoy, here are some hotspots that one could think about, to begin summer holiday in Kerala.

Visit to different zoos and aquariums can be a great idea, to keep the kids amused. If beginning your journey from the southern part of Kerala, then plan a trip to the Trivandrum zoo. Both kids and adults are surely going to enjoy the place. From wild animals like lion, elephant, tiger, leopard, zebra, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, black bucks to reptiles and different species of birds are ‘kept’ in a well-maintained and safe enclosures.

Families with kids that had secret desire of jungle safari to experience the wild and untamed animals and birds in their real habitat can be happy at least by visiting the zoo and watching most of the endangered species. The Trivandrum zoo in the heart of the city attracts tourists from different parts of Kerala, all through the season. It is one of the oldest and very well maintained zoos in the state capital of Kerala.

After watching Asiatic elephants in the Trivandrum zoo, if the inquisitive kids want to know more of elephants, then what could be better than taking them straight to Guruvayur, in Thrissur? Elephants are a common sight in Hindu temple festivals in Kerala. However, the Elephant Camp sanctuary in Guruvayur is ‘dedicated’ totally to the Indian/Asiatic Elephants.

Before the family heads on to Guruvayur visiting the Elephant camp sanctuary, they can break their journey in Kovalam, where the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium would win the hearts of kids, for sure. The marine aquarium has different varieties of fishes and the colorful aquatic creatures would definitely make good shots for the camera.

While having fun in Trivandrum and Kovalam, watching animals, birds and different aquatic species in zoos and aquariums, if the scorching heat has made traveling further a difficult thing, then a visit at Veli Lake and a family houseboat tour on the watercourse would be a soothing experience. BookHouseBoats.Com can arrange for water recreation in Trivandrum, Kovalam and the surrounding regions. They are accessible at info@bookhouseboats.com.

After a joyful ride and a comfortable stay in a budget hotel in Trivandrum, the family can begin their journey for Guruvayur to watch the herd of elephants in the sanctuary. Moreover, if ‘extended holiday’ is on family agenda and kids like to explore more wild species in different habitat, then add Parassinikadavu Snake Park (Kannur) too in the ‘places to visit’ list.

Have a fun filled journey with kids. For more new family destinations and things to do, stay tuned.

Kathakali Performance, to Experience the Rich Tradition and Culture of Kerala

People those are passionate about travel and love to exploring the arts, culture and tradition of different places, if are traveling in Kerala then should not miss different classical dance/music performances, at the art centers here.

One of the popular Classical dance forms, Kathakali performances attract the art-lovers from different parts of the world, to the God’s Own Country.

Colorful costumes/headdresses, eye-catching make-ups, sophisticated dance moves to the tune of percussions add beauty to this dance-drama form. Kathakali performances combine dance, music and acting to narrate the legendary Indian epics, viz. Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Puranas (the ancient Hindu texts).

Through the facial expressions, the hand gestures and the precise moves, the Kathakali performers captivate the audience and convey emotions of different mythological characters they play on stage. It would be a memorable experience for the travelers, for sure that come to witness any such Kathakali performances in Kerala.

Two singers (the lead singer ‘Ponnani’ and the ‘Singidi’) in the background use metal gong-with-stick and cymbals to narrate the tale and the Kathakali performer performs the epic character by different expressions and moves.

Kathakali performers have to go through lot of preparation to master the dance act, before they act in front of the viewers. High energy and concentration required to follow the singers (in the backdrop) and for precise moments, in accord with the rhythm. Other than the two singers, several musical instrument players even join the stage (behind the Kathakali performer) with Harmonium, Conch and various percussion instruments, for use at different levels of the play.

The colored make-ups of the Kathakali performer depict different characters. The green color denotes noble character, while the red color (face and beard) shows the evil characters.

Kathakali performances would definitely win the hearts of art lovers. Travelers that are planning to visit the God’s Own Country any time soon should not miss the Kathakali art centers in Fort Kochi (Ernakulam), to witness the popular dance form of Kerala.

After a tour across the backwaters of Cochin with BookHouseBoats.Com for breathtaking views, travelers can accompany the guide to the art centers in Fort Kochi for Kathakali dance performances and for taking pleasure in other Indian art forms, as well.

Hence, plan an itinerary and visit Kerala with family and friends for a rich experience of the culture and tradition of this Indian state.

Sargaalaya Iringal Crafts Village in Kerala - The Perfect Destination for Art and Craft Lovers

While on a tour in Kerala, the travelers who are fond of Art and Crafts, if looking for destinations to explore the traditional craft making industry and try hands at learning some skills, then visiting Iringal in Calicut (Kozhikode) would be the perfect idea.

An initiative of the Kerala State Government and the Tourism Department, Sargaalaya is one of the most popular Arts and Crafts Villages of Kerala. Spread on a twenty-acre land, this Iringal Crafts village attracts the art lovers from all across the globe.

By visiting the village, the travelers would get to comprehend the nuances of craft making and they can even interact with the Artisans to learn a few skills, there. The crafts village on the coast of Moorad River is worth a visit not only for experiencing the craft manufacturing process but also to buy the eco-friendly (finely crafted) creations at affordable prices.

Here, are a few of the things that one could look forward to witnessing at the Sargaalaya Crafts Village, viz. Sculptures (Paper Mache, Ceramic Powder, Terracotta and Areca Nut), Paintings (Mural, Sepia, Sand Art, Glass and Oil Painting) and Jewelry (Coconut Shell, Terracotta, Pearl, Crystal, Coir and Bamboo Ornaments).

Kerala is famous for lagoons and Coconut Palms. One making a visit at Iringal crafts village can even learn the Coconut craft using the coconut stem and experience different natural fiber crafts made of Kora Grass, Screw Pine, Banana Fiber, Palm Fiber, Coir, Straw and Vetiver, there.

Besides, the voyagers should not miss the sight of artisans at the Handloom house, making colorful garments. One can see the process there and buy the finest piece, by shelling a reasonable amount.

People that are in the crafts business and want wood and/or metal crafts for their shops or outlets can even place orders for bulk purchase from this crafts village. The accomplished artisans of this region create a variety of fine looking wooden (from rose wood, cane etc) and metal crafts, which would sell like hotcakes in the outlets, for sure.

While traveling in Iringal Kozhikode, the visitors can even experience the traditional dance, music and other fine art performances by hiring the artistes and take pleasure in the Kerala cuisine at the eateries available at the village, there. After exploring the art forms and crafts, people that are keen for other attractions and activities in Kozhikode can also think about water itinerary on the backwater stretches.

BookHouseBoats.Com manages houseboat tours in that region and the travelers can seek them to plan their itineraries on water.

Hence, plan a visit to Iringal and go back with fond memories, of this crafts village and the nearby destinations.

Camping in the Woods of Kerala, for Outdoor Adventure and Recreation

Be it any season, there is never a dull moment for the travelers that visit the God’s Own Country. From beaches to hill stations, temples to historical buildings, lakes to rivers, one can find lot of attractions and destinations to have a gala time, individually and as well in a group.

If people love exciting activities and are looking for outdoor fun while traveling in Kerala, then adventure camps can be a great idea for them. Living in tents/camps is a different experience, something that cannot be ‘put in plain words’. People that go on frequent adventure tours to mountains and forests like this know how great it feels being surrounded with nature and living in a campsite.

Living on raised platforms in the tropical forest and closely watching birds and wild animals is very enthralling. Staying in an air-conditioned room in a plush seaside hotel can never match the experience of the same in a campsite, in the wood.

Places like Thattekkad (and many other in Kerala) offer marvelous opportunities for travelers to experience living in campsites to see the sights of nature and explore different species of animals and birds in their natural habitat. While in Kerala, instead of accommodation in a posh hotel, one should think about going outdoors for lot of fun in the group, by choosing to stay in the campsite.

Various tour companies in Kerala manage jungle tours for travelers looking for adventure camping in the tropical forest. These travel planners operate campsites in the woods (close to lakes and rivers) and even arrange for equipment for many outdoor fun activities like cycling, kayaking, canoeing and bird watching etc. Those looking for water activities ‘at length’ can also choose the backwater regions and seek operators like BookHouseBoats.Com and many other.

While one is enjoying the jungle tour, should make the most of one’s stay there by basking the beauty of the surroundings and trying different outdoor sports and activities in the group.

Some of those that want to go on a solo-adventure vacation in the Jungles or mountains of Kerala may need to have their own camping equipment, safety gears and other supplies. People that want to avoid all this trouble of managing everything on one’s own can think of campsites/jungle resorts of Kerala, to enjoy their vacation ‘away from the concrete jungle’.

Nature Food Restaurants in Ernakulam Kerala, for a healthy lifestyle

Being an avid foodie, while traveling in Kerala you would never ‘be short of’ options to satiate your taste buds. From Bakeries to Dine-In Restaurants, Fast Food Restaurants and Pizzerias, you would find eateries and restaurants at every nook and corner, in the God’s Own Country.

During your stay in Kerala, you can choose to dine at a variety of plush hotels and restaurants that guarantee good food and service. However, if you are one who is health conscious and specifically looking to binge on healthy food, straight from the organic farms, then you should not miss trying food at a chain of Aruvi Nature Food Restaurants, in Ernakulam.

You can find Aruvi Food Restaurants at some of these locations, in Ernakulam, viz. Xavier Arakkal Road (Kacheripady), Pullepady Road (Opposite North Railway Station), Kannadikadu Road (Chambakkara) to name a few.

These nature food restaurants generally operate from 8 am to 9 pm and serve healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Produced (Grains, Vegetables and Fruits etc) in the organic farms, the Aruvi nature food restaurant with its different branches in Ernakulam makes sure the guests get to have nothing but healthy food and beverages, to placate their body and mind.

While traveling in Cochin, if you plan to devour healthy stuff (food and drinks) then can give a thought about the Aruvi Food Restaurants that also give utmost care to hygiene and food safety.

A visit at one of these Aruvi Nature Food Restaurants would also be a new experience, after dining at various plush restaurants and eateries in this part of Kerala. Some of you might not find the price of food (on menu) befitting one’s budget, however, if you are health conscious and want to have the highest quality food recommended by doctors and experts for good health and well-being, then Aruvi restaurants are worth spending every penny of yours.

Give your tummy some rest from spicy foods, aerated soft drinks and try organic foods and drinks, to see the results these can show on your body. If you are so keen to know more of how organic foods can benefit you overall, do find time going through different books and pamphlets (at the restaurant) and having a word with the restaurant manager, there. You would definitely love your experience and might probably like to change your old eating habits for the better, for a healthy lifestyle ahead.

After eating to your full, you can even think about lazing around on houseboats in the backwaters of Kochi and bask in the beauty of nature. A journey through the Kerala backwater stretches would be an enriching experience for you and your family members. To plan your itinerary, you can contact BookHouseBoats.Com at info@bookhouseboats.com or have a word with any of the representatives on the following – +91 8089 122 811 / +91 8089 100 757.

Hence, come to visiting nature food restaurants in Kerala and have a memorable experience.

White Water Rafting in Kerala for Those That Love Extreme and Adventure Sports

The God’s Own Country captivates the attention of tourists mostly with the houseboats and the backwater stretches; however, the adventure sport White Water Rafting has even many takers, in Kerala.

People that love extreme adventure sports can think about visiting some of these popular White Water Rafting destinations, viz. Tejaswini River in Kannur, Bhoothathankettu and Paniyeli Poru in Ernakulam.

The two rafting stretches (in Kannur) are Upper and Lower Tejaswini, with the class 2 and 3 rapid levels. The river begins its journey from Coorg Karnataka and runs through Kannur in Kerala.

The class 2 level (at Upper Tejaswini - a narrow river) rapids would be perfect for the beginners trying White Water Rafting in the region. Rafting on the clear channels and straightforward rapids will not pose much difficulty for the green horns, as the trained propellers with them can avoid the rocks and medium sized waves, during the trip.

Lower Tejaswini will be quite a difficult route with the class 3 level rapids/torrents. The experienced paddlers can try White Water Rafting through the channel confronting irregular waves. To stay afloat, the people on board need to have a good body control while the vessel navigates through the channel. The possibilities of fall and getting injured are quite common and the paddlers require good maneuvering skills, to traverse the tricky route.

In case anything goes wrong during the sport, the other skilled group members can help their mate, in need. A lot of teamwork and cooperation require, while people choose the White Water Rafting sport.

Other than Upper and Lower Tejaswini (River) stretches in Kannur, the adventure loving travelers can even try this white water sport in Bhoothathankettu and Paniyeli Poru in Ernakulam. Easy to testing rapids are there, suiting the needs of voyagers. November to May is the best time to try rafting in Kerala.

People visiting Kerala can choose this daytime activity in Kannur or Ernakulam in different groups and have a fun filled time. At a point, about 10-12 people can board the inflated vessel to begin their adventurous expedition across the channel.

Kerala does not have Class 4 (advanced) or Class 5 (expert) level rapids for people that are their best in the extreme water sport and looking for adventure sports of the highest risk level.

People starting from Ernakulam can begin their holiday with houseboat tours and after exploring the picturesque beauty of Kerala, they can switch to Kayaking, White Water Rafting and other adventure water sports. The tour operator BookHouseBoats.Com would guide the travelers through all these destinations for water recreation and manage their itineraries.

Come to God’s Own Country for exploring the waterways. It would really be interesting, exploring the channels, differently at varied places.

Kalaripayattu Training Centers, to Know All About the Martial Arts Form of Kerala

If Karate originated in Ryukyu Kingdom (Japan, now), then the traditional martial arts form ‘Kalaripayattu’ originated in the God’s Own Country, Kerala.

One of the most ancient and popular performing arts type, Kalaripayattu performances attract hundreds and thousands of tourists from different parts of the globe, to the training centers in Kerala. As per Legends, this martial arts form dates back to over 3,000 years and believed to be ‘created’ by Sage/Lord Parasurama. With time, the arts form even gained popularity in many Asian countries like China, Korea and Japan etc.

For Kalaripayattu training and performances, the performers use the 21x42 feet enclosure (Kalari), where they learn and practice different traditional martial arts techniques and styles, from the Guru/Teacher. The performers have to undergo rigorous training to learn flexible movements and master the art of fighting and defensive moves using different weapons, including but not limited to Axe, Sword, Bow and Arrow, Trident (Spear), Stick, Machete, Club and Dagger.

Performers trying the martial arts form have to have strength, stamina and good flexibility for fighting the opponent, in the Kalari. With the Kalari masters, they get to learn all the nuances of this martial arts form and learn to combat both using the weapons and without it.

Even the traditional dance forms of the God’s Own Country, Kathakali and Theyyam require the dance performers to undergo stringent training with Kalari masters to improve concentration level and in learning the finest moves and gestures for art performances.

Not only the Kalaripayattu, however even the Kalari treatment methods are popular. The therapy focuses on treating people by giving Ayurvedic massage (using herbs, medicated oils and pastes) locating specific body/pressure points and regions. The Kalari treatment is very effective in curing people that have severe body disorders and ailments related to bones, muscles, ligaments, joints and so forth.

People traveling in Kerala can make a visit at the popular Kalari Ayurveda resorts (Palakkad and other regions) for massage and other Naturopathy/Ayurveda therapies and regain good health. Those that are on an extended tour in Kerala can even visit the training centers and learn the nuances of Kalaripayattu by joining the short-term courses. They can master the art form under the guidance of learned Kalari masters, there.

On the other hand, the travelers at the centers can also experience the students ‘getting trained’, doing performances and practicing different ‘Marma Chikitsa’ (Healing Arts). After the visit at Kalari Ayurveda resorts and witnessing the martial arts form of the state, one should not even forget to explore the backwaters of the God’s Own Country, which is the ‘must to do’ thing when one is traveling in Southern India.

The tour operator BookHouseBoats.Com manages houseboat tours in Palakkad and other regions across Kerala. Other than the houseboat rides, the travelers can also seek them for canoeing, kayaking and other itineraries on water. Hence, plan a vacation for the Kalari centers and other attractions and experience the rich tradition and culture of the state.