Essential Information on Kerala | Swan Tour

Kerala Tour
Kerala also known as God's Own Country is the most popular holiday destination with the travelers, It offers a variety of travel experiences such as Backwaters , Beaches , Temples , Wildlife ,etc. Most travel itineraries are for duration of 5 to 10 nights, the tourist entry / exit points to Kerala are Cochin and Trivandrum .Both the cities are very well connected by Railways as well as Airlines. More information for tourists to Kerala is as below:

NESTLING BETWEEN the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is an enchanting mosaic of coconut groves and paddy fields, wide beaches and labyrinthine backwaters, verdant hills and rainforests. Its diverse culture is enriched by the three great religions that have ancient roots here. Hinduism is the religion of the majority, practiced here with a rare rigour that prohibits non-Hindus from entering temples. Christianity, followed by a quarter of its population, was brought here by the Apostle

Western Ghat -  Kerala

St Thomas, while Islam was introduced by Arab traders in the 7th century. The architectural treasures of the state include the beautiful wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram, stately colonial buildings and a 16th-century synagogue in Kochi. This politically conscious state, where power alternates between Left and Centrist parties, boasts the highest literacy rate in India. Many of its people work in the Middle East, their remittances home adding greatly to Kerala's prosperity. (Read More)

FESTIVALS OF KERALA

Vishu- The first day of the Malayali New Year is celebrated throughout the state. It is believed that looking upon a group of auspicious objects at dawn ensure a year of peace and prosperity.

Thrissur Pooram

The highlight of this festival is the ceremonial procession of two devis (goddesses) on caparisoned elephants to the Vadakunnathan Temple. The parasols held above the elephants are changed in an exciting synchronized ritual, accompanied by chendamelam, an orchestra of percussion instruments. A display of fireworks marks the climax.

Onam

The most popular of Kerala's festivals. It honors Mahabali, a selfless ruler whose subjects were so content that envious gods tricked him into losing his life and kingdom. His last wish was to visit his people once a year to ensure that they were happy. During Onam, an aura of plenty is created to gladden Mahabali's heart. Great feasts are prepared, new clothes worn, and courtyards are decorated with floral patterns (atha-pookkalam).

Kerala's Spectacular Dance-Ritual

Kerala's Spectacular Dance-Ritual

This dance-ritual, particular to the north Malabar region, was originally aimed at appeasing ancient village deities, the mother goddess, folk heroes, ancestors and spirits. With the advent of Brahminism, Hindu divinities replaced many of the earlier ones, and the Theyyam pantheon shrank from 300 to around 40. The Theyyam presentation begins with the singing of the thottam (song) in praise of the deity relevant to that particular ritual. This is followed by the dance, the steps and postures of which show the strong influence of Kerala's martial arts tradition, kalaripayattu. Drums, pipes and cymbals provide the accompaniment. The performers, all male, wear masks, body paint, colourful costumes and imposing headgear mudi, which often rises to a staggering height of more than 2 m (7 ft.). The tender leaves of the coconut palm are cut to various designs and shapes to form part of the elaborate costume of the dancer.

Boats of Kerala

KERALA'S ANCIENT boatbuilding industry is a specialized part of its rich wood-working tradition, that also includes architecture. Boats built at Beypore were highly prized and used by Arab merchants. The construction of a boat is always begun on an auspicious day in the Malayalam calendar, and is marked by an invocation to the gods. The most sought-after wood is anjili (Artocmpus hirsuta), though teak is also used. Racing boats of various sizes and shapes participate in the annual Onam regatta at Aranmula. Of these, the most magnificent is the long, narrow chundanvallam, or snake boat.

Boats of Kerala

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