Kerala Monuments

Kerala is not only about cool coconut groves and lush paddy fields, palm fringed beaches and emerald backwaters, verdant hills and rain forests, but much more.It is also a treasure trove of architectural monuments. The state has a great composite culture, enriched by three main religions – Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Hinduism is practised by majority of the population while Christianity figures one fourth of the total population. Islam was introduced by Arab traders in the 7th century. These communities have greatly contributed to the monumental wealth of the state in terms of its history and culture.Some of the great architectural treasures of the state like the beautiful  wooden palace at Padmanabhapuramand the 16th century Jewish synagogue at Fort Kochi are marvellous tourist attractions and are worth visiting. The different  monuments of Kerala symbolic of its art and architecture that stand in between the golden palm beaches, the serene lagoons and the pristine hills offer every tourist in Kerala a spectacular sight. The massive forts, once a witness to the chaos of sprawling powers and kingdoms stand silently as an acknowledgment of the past glory. The temples and churches are also reminiscent of the elegance and prosperity of a bygone era

Enjoy your honeymoon in Kerala

	Planning for a holiday of Honeymoon in Kerala? It is beautiful state in India to leave the romantic honeymoon. The state provides some of the romantic setting and the positions on the globe over. The state is decorated by the comforting beauty of the eye, and new beaches, mountains of veneered fog, picturesque beaches, fields of emerald cushion, historic monuments and loteia a more natural beauty. The state is decorated with immense natural beauty that makes it a heavenly place for the newly wedded pair celebrate their holiday of Honeymoon in a romantic way. Celebrating the honeymoon in this beautiful place is the dream come true for thousands and millions of pairs. The hundreds of thousands each year and the pair of newly wedded entire globe come here to celebrate their holiday of Honeymoon in Kerala. Kerala has some of the thinnest point of the world that is unique to other places in the world. Most charming of all the state Kerala is endowed with immense natural beauty. It seems that nature has taken the words to remain forever the evergreen, beautiful and refreshing in Kerala. Come to Kerala for a vacation of the moon of honey and give it a romantic state recently married life. It is the popular destination of India moon of honey to celebrate a honeymoon vacation from time to understand it and feelings and to do it with love. There are several romantic destinations in Kerala which provide the solitude to enjoy your vacation the pairs of the moon of honey in a delicious way. Tides of Kerala: The tides are the original destination of Kerala are warm and charming and peer into your favorite holiday of the honeymoon. The tides are enchantingly beautiful ambiance and provide a complete holiday for romantic. The tides of Kerala are a large network of scenic lakes, ponds, rivers, channels, inputs and water bodies. The pair love to enjoy the cruise houseboat to explore the charm and beauty of the trip so comforting and lovely. A houseboat stay provides the pair to enjoy your holiday of Honeymoon in a romantic and delicious way. The houseboat of Kerala is exquisitely designed and furnished with modern courtesies provide the full ambiance of the sky in your honey moon of Kerala. Beaches of Kerala: The beaches of Kerala are the most romantic destination and most preferred the honey moon of the pairs. Dotted with palm trees to balance the views picturesque beaches with a backdrop of blue sky in Kerala are famous worldwide for its natural beauty and serenity. Some of the finest beaches in the world are in Kerala and are unique to the rest of the beaches in the world. The beaches allow peers to judge their tour of Kerala Honeymoon in some ways more memorable. Spend a romantic time with your loved enjoying the serene beauty of beaches and activities of the beach and make the honeymoon in Kerala the most memorable moments of his life. The hill stations of Kerala: The hill stations of Kerala are also the preferred destination for honey moon in Kerala. The hill stations of the state is endowed with unique natural beauty, spreading of tea gardens, waterfalls whitewater that is the most romantic and charming. The pair can enjoy the full ambiance of Munn that roam the beautiful landscape of the hill stations of Kerala. Take a memorable walk along with her husband in spreading gardens of tea, surfing the perfumed air, take the scenic beauty and have a romantic conversation as you go on. The pairs can enjoy your romantic moments in the beautiful hill stations of Kerala and to estimate their Honeymoon tours to Kerala life.

:: Kerala Destintaion

About kerala
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination in Asia. An equiable climate. A long shore line with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald Backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wild life, Waterfalls. Sparwling plantations and paddy fields.Ayurvedic health holydays. Enchanting art forms.Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments
Area
38,863 sq km, which is 1.27% of India's total land area and is located at the Southwest tip of the India's main land
Climate
Weather - Tropical
Summer - February - May[24 - 33 degree celsius]
Monsoon - June - September [22 - 27 degree celsius
Winter - October-January [22 - 32 degree celsius]
High Season - December-May 
Backwaters and Houseboats Kerala
Kerala backwaters are a unique nature and are found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting Eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The Canals connect the villages together and still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable.
Kerala Beaches
Kerela has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever Cochin - The commercial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Cochin in Ernakulam is also known as "Queen of Arabian Sea" is one of the finest natural harbours in the World. This was one of the major centers for commerce and trade with British, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch etc. Sightseeing of Cochin - visit Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Hillstations
Munnar - Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. 1600 Meter above sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantation picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facility makes this a popular town. Local sightseeing of Munnar - visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo point. Afternoon proceed to Rajamalai were you can visit the rarest species know as "Nilgiri Tars."
Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating wild life reserves, the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread across 777 Sq. KM. of which 360 Sq. KM is thick ever green forest. The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978 noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wild life and scenic beauty. Optional activities - Boating at Periyar Lake, Spice Plantation visit, Bamboo Rafting, Trekking and Elephant Ride can be done on an extra cost. on arrival check into Hotel. Afternoon proceed for local sightseeing in and around Thekkady.
Kumarakom - A vibrant backwater hamlet, Kumarakom is a tiny hamlet perched on the western banks of the Vembanadu Lake - a stretch of backwater spread over 900 sq. kms. The hamlet clings to tradition and the local population prefers to live adhering to their old ways. Yet every modern amenity is available with adash of tradition and culture interwoven in to the fabric of everyday life and its truly fascinating to observe as you glide past them in your canoe, motor boat or houseboat a perfect example of give and take with mother nature....naturally. on arrival check into Houseboat . Overnight stay in Houseboat.
Kovalam - Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km - visit Padmanabhaswami Temple, Srichitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum and Zoo. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

KERALA VACATION

Houseboat holidays  The backwaters are an integral part of Kerala's tourism scene. The Kerala backwaters provide a gateway to the tourists to get a feel of the rural life in Kerala. The prime attraction is the traditional Kerala houseboat or “ kettuvallam” with state-of-the-art facilities that cater to a variety of tourist needs and interests. A Journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala is an exhilarating experience which makes you feel one with nature. The houseboats take one on a fascinating cruise at a leisurely and relaxing pace, across  breathtakingly beautiful destinations in the state that are storehouses of nature at its best. The services of the Kerala houseboat or kettuvallam are available right from Veli in South Kerala , extending across Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam and Kochi , all the way up toValiyaparamba in North Kerala .  Exhilarating experience  A ride in a Kerala House Boat is the most relaxing experience you could ever get into – by just lying back and letting the natural beauty and serenity enfold you - ! Cruising along the backwaters of Kerala is an unforgettable experience.You could get in any House Boat of your liking, saunter down the cool placidness of the world-famous Kerala backwaters, have a merry time and get back home either the same day or after spending a night out floating around. You can enjoy the lovely homely food served on board, appreciate the fine level of hospitality and go back home, a new rejuvenated person altogether. That's what a cruise along the backwaters in a House Boat can do to you and your family or to you and your close friends or corporate colleagues.Your trip could be for business or pleasure,or you could mix both. Lulled by the waves into a state of delightful euphoria, you can return to your daily routine, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ernakulam

Ernakulam is known for offering visitors a variety of sea food specialities at most of its restaurants. Seafood is cooked in many methods using coconut milk, wrapping the fish in a banana leaf or simply frying the fish with lots of spices.There is a special clay pot used for cooking fish or prawn curries in the authentic Kerala style. It is called Meen Chatti and a minimum of 2 pots are found in every fish eating household. 

A Chatti is an eathernware round pot with a curvy base, usually red or black in color. A new chatti has to be treated before it can be used. It is held over a hot stove for sometime then filled with hot starch water for days before it can be used for cooking.

A fruit “Gambooge” is used for preparing fish curries. It is called Koddum Puli in the native language Malayalam. It is basically added for flavour and to give a sour taste to the fish curries. Koddum Pulli is a fruit which is yellowish in color. It is dried in the hot sun till it turns black and then used for cooking. It is either shredded into small pieces or used as a whole piece and soaked in a bowl of warm water, to be squeezed and the essence collected before using it in the curry.

Coconut milk is used , though as an optional item. You do not need this for a simple fish or prawn curry. However, there are some dishes you need to use coconut milk for. Coconut milk is extracted from fresh coconuts. The coconut is first broken into two equal halves which are then grated into shreds.The shreds are then squeezed to extract the milk. Coconut milk is again separated into 2 kinds. The thick milk and the thin milk. The thin milk is added first and then the thick milk is added, just towards the end of cooking so that it does not curdle.

Spices are an essential ingredient for sea food recipes. The main spices required for seafood preparation are turmeric, black peppercorns, coriander powder, rock salt, red chilli powder, fenugreek powder and ginger-garlic paste. 

Shallots, curry leaves and green chillies are also used for marination paste and to thicken the gravy for sea food items. Shallots are tiny reddish onions, smaller than the normal onion and extensively used in Kerala non vegetarian cooking for garnishing

Malappuram

The very mention of Malappuram is enough to make the foodie traveller’s mouth water! Malappuram is known for its established restaurants that offer multi-cuisine food and the trendy wayside eateries offering local delicacies.The cuisine is mostly non-vegetarian especially rich in mutton, pork and beef.

The menu in hotels and restaurants at Malappuram serves multi cuisine delicacies. The menu ranges from Indian, to south Indian to Kerala cuisine. All three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner include both vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisine. Malappuram is the centre of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment. It is home to the well-known Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, a pioneer in the indigenous system of health and medicine. It is also a religious learning center. 

Malappuram has made significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for the learning of Vedic Islamic philosophy. The temples and the mosques of this district are well-known for their spectacular festivals. Historic monuments, natural attractions, ritual art forms, ethnic cuisine and age-old traditions make Malappuram a unique destination for travelers.

A perfect blend of different kinds of beauty, Malappuram is one of the favored tourist destinations among the tourists. The vibrant beauty has crafted an important position for the place in the tourist map of Kerala. It is like Gods own dwelling place in Gods own country. The place is synonymous with serenity, tranquility and calmness. The picturesque landscapes and the rich heritage make it a must visit place for those who love a fine blend of nature and history.

Palakkad

Palakkad is home to a thriving Tamilian community. Palakkad Tamilians have evolved a distinct cultural tradition of their own, which represents a mixture of the best Tamil and Keralite traditions. Palakkad Tamils have also evolved their own style of cookery. Palakkad cuisine is a very local tradition, and most of the home recipes remain secluded within the family and are passed on from generation to generation.

Palakkad brahmins follow their own culture which is unique and unforgettable.Even the menfolk there are good cooks and have no problem managing on their own. The city serves some of the best recipes of the world. The people of Palakkad are vegetarians but there are some non vegetarians too. Their staple food is rice. Rasam, Sambhar, Koottucurry,Injippuli, and varieties of pickles and “vatthals” are popular here. Madhura dosa, Ada,Vatthal Kozhambu, Kozhukkatta, Sukhiyan etc form the special delicacies of the place.

The special recipes are served on special occasions such as weddings, religious functions and get-togethers.Some of the most popular vegetarian dishes are Olan, Rasakalan, Kalan, Erisseri, varieties of Prathamans, Pulingari Mulagoshiam and Molaguvellam which is nothing but mulligatawny.

These recipes are mainly cooked with coconut oils and coconut pieces. Rice powder is a common agent of thickening the dishes and Tuvar dal is used normally with all the dishes. Green chilies are commonly used to spice up the recipe.Sweetmeats like Laddu, Boondi, Ravakesari, Mysorepak and Jalebi, as well as snacks like Thatta, Ribbon Pokkavada, Murukku and Cheeda form the favourite food items which are used on all occasions.

Nellikka arachu kalakki, Pavakka pitla, Arachchuvitta sambhar, Rasavangi, Palada pradhaman, Idichchupizhinja payasam, etc are exclusive Palakkadan items, authentic pattar dishes that taste delicious!Why, did you know that even the ubiquitous masala dosa is an authentic pattar dish?!

The food here is closely linked with the history of Palakkad community and the traditions associated with the community. Even the cooking of other communities like Palakkad chettiars are influenced by the traditional Tamilian way of cooking