Bird watching
Kerala with its deep cool forests, rivers and
lakes is home to numerous species of birds and
also attracts thousands of migratory birds every
year. If you are interested in studying birds,
watching them or shooting (of course with your
camera!! it is a criminal offence to kill a bird
in a reserve area) them, your holiday in Kerala
can be the right choice.
We can arrange for a bird watching trip for you
or arrange a stay in one of the camps located
near a bird sanctuary. October - April could be
the ideal time for a bird watching holiday.
So come equipped with right gear - cameras, camouflaging
dress - and we will arrange for the rest.
Fishing (Watching fishing too)
Kerala's numerous rivers and streams offer attractive
options for angling. If you are an avid angler,
we can suggest various locales that are suitable
for fishing and camping. However, if your interests
are limited to watching fishing, options are numerous
as well. Kerala's long sea coast is active fishing
area; we can arrange for you to accompany fisher
men in a boat on their daily fishing trip to sea.
If you are'nt so much of a sea farer, you can
watch men and women fish in the backwater lakes
and canals with their traditional hand nets or
fish hooks. Just spend a day in one of our traditional
houseboats coursing through the backwaters and
you can have a live view of fishing, buy some
of the catch yourself and get the cook in the
house boat to prepare it for you. Alternatively,
watch Chinese fishing nets in Fort Cochin where
you can purchase fresh catch and take them to
nearby restaurants to be cooked in your favorite
style!
Trekking
The hilly forest area of Kerala is best viewed
and enjoyed by trekking. If you are fit enough
for a steep one or interested in a leisurely one,
let us know your preference and we can help you
choose a trek that suits your aptitude. See options
of some spectacular trekking trails below.
Attukal 9 km from Munnar
: A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills,
Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal,
is a feast for the eyes. The place is ideal for
long treks.
Anamudi and Rajamala in Munnar Hills are also
ideal places for trekking. These places are a
feast for the eyes with their panoramic waterfalls
and rolling hills.
Pothamedu, one of the major
plantation hubs of Munnar, Pothamedu is situated
at a distance of around 6km from the town. Views
of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent
from here and it's an ideal spot for trekking
and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills
and breathtaking scenery.
Thekkady:The Forest Department conducts daily
treks from the boat landing station at Thekkady
to the Nellikkampetty area and Manakkavala. Starting:
0700 hrs. Fare Rs. 250 +10/- entrance fee.
Bookings can be made with the Wildlife Preservation
Officer, Thekkady. Ph: +91-4869-222027, 222028.
Thommankuthu,Idukki District, 17 km from Thodupuzha,
Town. The seven step waterfall here is a much
loved picnic spot. At each step there is a cascade
and a pool beneath. Thommankuthu is an ideal place
for forest trekking, camping, bathing in the waterfall.
Kalaripayattu - Traditional martial art
of Kerala :
Originally a traditional martial art form that
started in Kerala, kalaripayattu is believed by
historians to be the oldest existing martial arts
in the world. It had lost its relevance as a mortal
combat code in a modern world. However, it is
now increasingly popular as an art form that lends
itself to self expression in theatre, movies and
stage performances. Its easy fluid movements are
attracting artists and fitness buffs.If you are
one such enthusiaist of art, we can take you to
one of the traditional schools (kalari) or introduce
you to few practitioners who can perform few steps
for you. May be you can pick up few lessons from
them, if you have a fit and flexible body.
Day with an elephant :
There may not be many places in rest of the World,
where you might find as many pet elephants as
you would do in Kerala. There are of course hospitals
and spas for elephants as well as elephant lovers
clubs!! To the outsider it might seem quirky but
for many keralites it is a passion intertwined
with culture. There are many elephant tales that
are told like folklores and much can be written
about the socio-cultural relevance of elephants
in Kerala.
Matter of interest for an outsider is the rare
opportunity to watch this pachyderm from close
quarters, take a majestic ride atop one and if
you fall in love with one spend a day with it
- giving it a bath, help feed it and of course
lot of photo shoot opportunities!!
There are many in our village who keep pet elephants
as a matter of prestige and passion. It will be
our pleasure to set up a date for you with one
of them. Have fun!
Cookery classes
Are you passionate about cooking? Would you like
to learn the art of making some of the authentic
Kerala recipes? Is there some food that you tasted
and wondered how it is made? Kerala cooking have
markedly different shades as you travel from one
end of the state to another. Arab and Portuguese
influences are evident in cuisines of northern
Kerala.
We can organize brief cooking classes for you
so that you can take a bit of the taste back home
and surprise your guests as well. Do remember
to shop for spices - Kerala has been home to spices
for centuries.
Monsoon
The monsoon is the most distinctive season in
Kerala. The tropical climate is divided in to
two main seasons – the rainy and the summer.
The southwest monsoon gives regular showers from
the months of June to October. South west monsoon
is an important source of water for the entire
country and is keenly waited for every year. Its
strength or weakness determines the level of agricultural
output for the country. Kerala is the first port
of call for this monsoon at its Southern most
tip. From here it slowly travels up North feeding
the hot hungry fields and rivers on its way.
If you plan your holiday by mid to late May, you
can be witness to this spectacular show of nature
- the slow gathering of thick grey clouds, the
heavy silence in the air in anticipation of the
first shower after hot summer, then the downpour
that lets a hot sigh off the ground with a smell
that you will remember forever, continuous rains
that lasts for few days would form little pools
and streams outside your window...
There are numerous books written on this which
you can use as a guide to follow. If you are too
lazy to chase the monsoon, just stay indoors enjoying
the rhythmic pitter patter of the rains, sipping
in hot tea and enjoying an ayurvedic massage (infact
monsoon is the best time for ayurvedic treatments
).
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