athira holidays

athira holidays - Top MUST DO’S when in Kerala

While in Kerala, make sure you do not miss out on any of these!

Relax on the Beaches

Kerala boasts of one of the world’s finest beaches – most popularly visited being the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala.

Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Get lost in its tranquil hills which is THE idyllic tourist destination in Kerala.

Experience a night in a Houseboat

Among all the wonderful attractions, Kerala is very popular among tourists for its breathtaking backwater destinations. Experiencing the serenity can be best done by cruising on a house boat. Stay overnight to enjoy the experience to the fullest!!

Stay on a Tree House

Eco friendly tourism at its best! Stay on a tree house to share the closeness with nature.

Go back in time at Historical Monuments

Relive the magnificent past of India through its history. This can be best done by touring its many magnificent historical structures which unfold a whole new world before you.

Visit the Kerala Kalamandalam

When the renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon founded the Kerala Kalamandalam little would he have known that it would be listed among the immortal names in the cultural map of the world! Arrangements have been streamlined for helping visitors to spend a few hours at the Kalamandalam campus most beneficially through direct exposure to masters in various art-disciplines. A Day with the Masters is a project in collaboration with Kerala Tourism which is an earnest attempt to attract national and international tourists to the inner aesthetics of traditional arts.

Witness the temple art forms

Throughout its history; dance has been a part of ceremonies, rituals, celebrations and entertainment in Kerala. These dance forms are reflections of the diverse religious and cultural traditions of Kerala. Kathakali, translated, ‘story telling’ is a spectacular dance form which combines music, drama and dance altogether. The other art forms which are a wonder to watch are, to name a few- theyyam, Patayani , koodiyattom, Poothanumthirayum etc..

Visit a Kalari

Kalaripayattu is a martial art and is one of the oldest fighting systems in existence.It includes strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing methods. The kalari, served as active centres of learning before the modern educational system was introduced. Still in existence, these institutions were schools where students could assemble together and acquire knowledge on various subjects ranging from mathematics, language, astronomy and various theatrical arts.

Attend a snake boat race

One of the major water sports of Kerala, the snake boat race has been part of Kerala tradition. These races are organized specifically during temple festivals, which give this water sport an aura of religious sanctity. The enthusiasm of the rowers during the race is worth a watch!

Get hold of an Aranmula Kannadi

Aranmula kannadi, meaning the Aranmula mirror, is a hand made metal-alloy mirror, made in Aranmula, a village in Kerala. Unlike the normal 'silvered' glass mirrors, being a metal-alloy mirror, it is a front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors .These unique mirrors are a proof of Kerala’s rich cultural traditions, and have great historical and cultural value. Produced by a single extended family in Aranmula, the origins of the Aranmula kannadi are linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

Taste a ‘karimeen pollichathu’

Karimeen is a fish found in abundance in the backwaters of Kerala. The ‘karimeen pollichathu’ is prepared by cooking the fish in a smoked banana leaf. The spices combined with the smoky flavour of the banana leaves makes this dish fit to be called Kerala’s ‘signature dish’!

Savour a sadya

Sadya, in Malayalam, means banquet. Sadya which is traditionally a vegetarian meal is traditionally served on a banana leaf and people are seated cross-legged on a floor mat. The Sadya which can have about 24-28 dishes are served on specific spots on the banana leaf in a certain order. For example, the pickles are served on the top left corner and the banana on the bottom left corner, which helps the waiters easily identify and offer additional servings.

Rejuvenate yourself with an Ayurvedic massage

In Sanskrit, the words ‘ayus’ stands for “longevity", and veda, for "knowledge" or "science" therefore together "the knowledge for longevity”. Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments. Ayurvedic messages help in balancing the bodily principles and integrating the body, mind and spirit.

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