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.