News from God's Own Country - Kerala

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With Monsoon, Kerala wants tourists too to hit the state
2008-06-10 07:53:00
Come monsoon and the God's own country is blessed with nature's bounty. Tourists arrivals during this beautiful season, however, dwindle.The state now has redrawn its strategies and has begun promoting the rainy season as 'Dream season'.In an innovative way to promote the state as all season destination, the 'Dream season' campaign was drawn up, says Tourism secretary, Dr V Venu. The state is targetting a 10 per cent increase in tourist arrivals this season compared to last year.The unique programme, kicked off last year was well received. "We are evolving as we go," Dr Venu told PTI. This is a tactical campaign during offseason combining monsoon and the lean period which begins in May and lasts till September, he said.The main thrust of the campaign is to position the state as a value for money destination. "During this time there will be intense competition from other destinations. We want the industry to offer better deals to the tourists and sweaten the proposal with many ...
More About: Kerala , State , Monsoon , The State

Kerala planning Rs.1000 crore tourism project
2008-06-09 07:49:00
The Kerala government has prepared a Rs.1000 crore ($238 million) project to improve basic tourism infrastructure and is trying to mobilise funds for it, Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said. Addressing a meeting Sunday at Irritty, about 70 km from Kannur, he said: "Many states are availing funds from ADB (Asian Development Bank) to improve tourism infrastructure. If the terms are acceptable, we can also avail of the loan from them." Later in the day, he inaugurated a beach beautification programme at Kappad, around 30 km from Kozhikode, where the famed Portuguese sailor, Vasco da Gama, is believed to have set foot in India 510 years ago. The Kappad beautification project is expected to cost the state Rs 5.5 crore Balakrishnan said at Kappad that the government would declare the hilly district of Wayanad as a "responsible tourism" destination in the state. "When Wayanad is made such a destination, it will aid the tribal people in the district to sell their produc...
More About: Planning , Project

'Oyster Opera' attracts tourists
2008-06-02 09:45:00
       Set amidst coconut trees, backwaters and a group of islands is "Oyster Opera ", Kerala's first theme village, which despite lacking in sophistication of modern day resorts, is drawing tourists who crave for an experience truly natural and rustic.     One man's passion to provide a better livelihood to his fellow villagers, has now culminated in the form of the resort at Padanna in the northernmost Kasaragod district.             ;    Gul Mohammed, Managing Director of "Oster Opera", says he always dreamt differently. He began growing green mussels on Coir using the technology offered by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT). After mastering the technology, it was introduced in his coastal village of Padanna and four other neighbouring villages. Presently 5000 farmers are engaged in mussel, clams and Oyster cultivation.    ...
More About: Tourists

With monsoon, Kerala health resorts woo tourists with ayurveda
2008-06-02 07:28:00
        ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;    With the monsoon rains descending on Kerala , creating just the right cool and balmy atmosphere, health resorts and clinics in the southern Indian state are ready with their ayurveda packages to pamper and heal tourists. The theory that monsoon is the best season for ayurveda rejuvenation programmes has been proved right because the atmosphere remains dust-free and moist, opening up the pores of the body and making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.        Another reason behind ayurveda's success in Kerala is the state's climate and the abundant supply of herbs and medicinal plants, vital ingredients for making the medicines. While the tariff is competitive among the resorts, the least one would have to cough up is around 40 to 60 euros for a day.         ; The m...
More About: Health , Tourists , Resorts , Ayurveda

Country Kerala
2008-06-01 15:47:00
THERE are new ripples of interest on the beautiful backwaters of southern India, writes JOHN NEWTON         ;      &nbs p;  ON a balmy evening enhanced by a blood-red sunset, there's hardly a ripple as Elegance flirts along the backwaters of the Kerala , a small state on the western coast of southern-most India. The panoramic backwaters of Kerala - meandering lakes networked by a maze of canals and rivers - stretch for hundreds of kilometres. Trips on large kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 20 metres) - many of which have been converted into luxury houseboats - are bringing international fame to the region, particularly Alappuzha, which has been dubbed the ``Venice of the East''. But there are no serenading gondoliers on the tranquil Alappuzha backwaters, nor are there any narrow, twisting canals such as those that surround the famous, historic seaport in north-east Italy. The Kerala backwater count...
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Kerala declaration on Responsible Tourism adopted: 2nd World Conference
2008-05-30 18:27:00
        ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;   Responsible Tourism declaration and conference papers Kerala declaration on Responsible Tourism adopted at the Incredible India Second International Conference on Responsible Tourism and fifteen papers presented at the conference are now available on internet. The conference on Responsible Tourism, inaugurated by Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala and presided over by Mr. Shailabhadra Banerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, was attended by 503 delegates from 29 countries. Kerala declaration was developed through a participatory process that was moderated by Dr. Venu V., Co-chair of the conference and Secretary, Kerala Tourism.          ;     At the concluding session of the conference academicians, representatives from Government a...
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Ochira Kali
2008-05-28 08:12:00
Starts on: 15-06-2008 Ends on: 16-06-2008 Venue: Ochira Parabrahma temple, Kollam This festival is one of those events in which you will feel the rustic spirit of Kerala in all its vibrancy. Ochira Kali is held as part of the festival of Ochira Parabrahma temple, Kollam, and commemorates the battle between the kings of Kayamkulam and Ambalappuzha, two erstwhile kingdoms of Kerala. Thousands of people come to see this rural event. Men, both young and old, dressed in colourful attire, step into the waterlogged paddy fields and engage in a dance like mock fight. This is a display of their physical skills as well, with hundereds of onlookers cheering from the sides of the field. Ochira Parabrahma temple is also unique for its having no visible deity. The whole worship here is centered around the concept of Parabrahma or Universal Consciousness. Getting there: Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 105 km Nearest railway stat...

Champakkulam boat race
2008-05-26 08:10:00
Event Date : 19-06-2008Venue: Champakkulam River, AlapppuzhaGet ready for another boat race (vallam kali) season with the exhilarating regatta on the waters of river Champakkulam. The boat race season in Kerala commences with the Champakkulam boat race, held on the Moolam asterism in the Malayalam month of Mithunam (June- July). One of the most popular boat races of Kerala, its highlights are a ceremonial procession on the water, spectacular water floats, decorated boats, and of course, the race of majestic Chundanvalloms (snake boats? so called because the stern resembles the raised hood of a snake), each 100 feet long.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 26 kms away.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha.
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Awards and Recognitions obtained by "Gods Own Country"- Kerala
2008-05-14 08:04:00
International Awards One of the three finalists at the WTTC (World Tourism Travel Council) ?Tourism for Tomorrow? awards in the destination category, 2006 ITB Berlin Das Golden Stadttor award for the Print campaign, 2007 Das Golden Stadttor Award for Best Commercial, 2006 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Grand award for Environment, 2006 Gold award for Ecotourism, 2006 Gold award for Publication, 2006 Gold Award for E-Newsletter, 2005 Honourable Mention for Culture, 2005 Gold Award for Culture, 2004 Gold Award for Ecotourism, 2004 Gold Award for CD-ROM, 2004 and 2003 Gold Award for Marketing, 2003 Grand Award for Heritage, 2002 Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Award for Leisure Tourism, 2000-2001 National Awards Government of India Most Innovative Use of Information Technology, 2005-06 Best Performing Tourism State, 2005 Best Maintained Tourist-friendly Monument, 2005 Best Publishing, 2005 Best Marketed and Promoted State, 2004. Best Ma...
More About: Country , Kerala , Gods

Kottiyur Festival
2008-05-11 03:11:00
Starts On : 18-05-2008Ends On : 13-06-2008 Venue: Kottiyur Shiva temple,Kannur Begins on: May 18, 2008 Concludes on: June 13, 2008 Kottiyur is different. You will feel it when you step into the tranquil surroundings of the temple. Set amid a jungle area nourished by river Bavali in Kannur district, the temple is known as the Varanasi of the South. (Varanasi is a religiously prominent town on the shores of river Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The famous Vishwanatha temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva).At Kottiyur, there are two temples? Akk...
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Edathua Perunnal
2008-04-24 13:19:00
Starts On : 27-04-2008Ends On : 07-05-2008Venue: St. George's Church, Edathua, Alappuzha. You may have seen the magnificent churches of Europe and the West, so what is special about this grand old one, set on the banks of the River Pamba in God?s Own Country? The experience will of course be different. The best time to visit here is in April, on the eve of the annual feast of St. George. On this day, the image of the saint, decked in gold is carried out in procession to be placed on the dais at the centre of the basilica. Processions and cultural performances are held everyday including dazzling firework displays in the initial as well as during the concluding days. Another highlight of the festival is the swarming of vendors and stalls in the premises of the church, selling all kinds of things from food items to utensils. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the feast which lasts for one month.Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 15km away.Nearest air...

Thrissur Pooram
2008-03-22 14:42:00
Event Date : 16-04-2008Venue: Thekkinkad Maidan, ThrissurFor a traveller, the very word ?Thrissur Pooram? has a magic. Hardly would you find such a colourful and grand festival anywhere else. Nine temples participate in this festival and the most celebrated participants of them are the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy temple and the Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna temple. The festival is held in the premises of Vadakkumnathan temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Pooram festival is assumed to be about two centuries old and due to its grandeur, it is known as the Pooram of Poorams (literally meaning festival of all festivals).There are many spectacular rituals as part of the Pooram that would make you enthralled. Kudamattam or the competitive display of decorated parasols atop caparisoned elephants is one of them. Elanjithara melam, the traditional musical ensemble in which about 200 artistes participate is a major highlight of the festival. To add more charm to the whole affair, there will also be ...

Nenmara Vallangi Vela
2008-03-22 14:40:00
Event Date : 02-04-2008Venue: Nellikkulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Nenmara, Palakkad district.The Nenmara Vallangi Vela is considered second only to the famous Thrissur Pooram. The festival is a joint invocation to the Nellikkulangara Bhagavathy by the people of the Nenmara and Vallangi villages. Performances of various folk arts like Kummatti, Karivela, Andivela and so on are on show during the festival. On the concluding day of the Vela, 30 caparisoned tuskers stand together in ceremonial splendour under a heavily decorated canopy.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 40 km away.Nearest airports: Coimbatore in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, about 55 km away from Palakkad.

Munnar Mela 2008
2008-03-22 14:39:00
Starts on: April 6, 2008 Ends on: April 13, 2008Venue: Munnar, IdukkiThe enchanting Munnar, one of the prime hill destinations of Kerala, invites you this April with Munnar Mela 2008, a fair which showcases the beauty and cultural heritage of this popular picnic spot. Many cultural programmes, flower shows and exhibition of agricultural products mark this event, which has a history dating back to 1982. This social and cultural festival opens up the splendours of Munnar for the travellers.For more details, log on to: http://www.munnarmela.com/Reaching there:Munnar is easily accessible by frequent bus services from all over the state.Nearest railway station: Changanacherry in Kottayam district, about 93 kmsNearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 190 kms

Kodungalloor Bharani
2008-03-22 14:32:00
Watch VedioVenue: Kodungalloor Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor, Thrissur districtKodungalloor, situated 50 kilometres north of Kochi, has a special historical tag attached to it. It was an ancient port town called Crangannore or Muziris. Now The town is famous for its ancient Bhagavathi temple.The Bharani festival which falls on the month of Meenam (March/ April) is the most important event of the temple. The festival commemorates the victory of the goddess over the demon Darika. A large congregation of Velichappadus (meaning ?revealers of light? in Malayalam) arrives in the temple as part of the festival.The huge idol of Bhadrakaali, with eight hands, each holding weapons like swords and wheels evokes reverential fear in the minds of the devotees. The Velichappadus or oracles dressed in red costume and with streaming hair, smear their body with turmeric powder, wear huge waist belts studded with bells and hold aloft sacred swords of different sizes and shapes.Once in a trance, the...

Kadammanitta Padayani
2008-03-22 14:28:00
Event Date : 14-04-2008 Venue: Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta . Home to the famed backwaters of Kerala, the beauty of ?God?s Own Country? never ceases to mesmerize the tourists to her lands. Added to the rich tropical beauty of the land is the rich heritage and culture of the land, which provide an added attraction to the tourists on a trip of travel to Kerala. A land where tradition and heritage are still preserved in each and every heart of the people of the land, a tour to Kerala is made even more fascinating by a glimpse of the various ritual, customs and festivals of the land. The various festivals of Kerala are influenced to a large extent by the culture of Kerala and are kept alive even today by the various legends and myths associated with them. These are led by the festivals which are a form of commemoration of a special event which had taken place sometime during the history of Kerala. These include some of the most famous festivals in Kerala li...

Foreign tourist inflow to Kerala up
2008-03-20 00:59:00
        ;      &nbs p;     International tourist inflow to Kerala is up by about one-fifth. From 3,46,494 in 2005 and 4,28,534 in 2006, the number of foreign tourists who travelled to the state has grown to 5,15,808 vistiors in 2007, according to state tourism minister Kodiyeri Balakrishanan.      With a slew of tourist products like backwaters, beaches and hill stations, world attention on Kerala was growing in a steady rate, Balakrishnan told state Assembly, here.      Correspondingly, the revenue from tourism is expected to cross Rs 10,000 crore. In 2006, this was about Rs 9,126 crore. The domestic tourist arrivals are up by only 5.9% in the last year. Kerala, hosting an international conclave on `Responsible Tourism' this week, is expected to come out with a white paper on this subject soon.  "The emphasis this year will be on conserving and preserv...
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Attuvela Mahotsavam
2008-03-09 04:49:00
Venue: Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Vadayar, 3 km from VaikomThe Attuvela Mahotsavam at Elamkavu Bhagavathy temple offers you a rare visual treat of finely decked and brightly illuminated canoes carrying a replica of the temple sailing down the waters accompanied by hordes of colourfully decorated small canoes and temple percussion music. This, it is believed, is the welcome ceremony for the Goddess of Kodungalloor who visits her sister, the Goddess of Elamkavu. The procession of canoes starts from Attuvela Kadavu, 2 km away from the temple.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 30 km away.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 50 km away.

Malanada Kettukazhcha
2008-03-09 04:46:00
Venue: Poruvazhi Malanada Temple, Adoor, Kollam district.The Poruvazhi Malanada temple at Adoor in Pathanamthitta, Kerala is a unique one since it is the lone temple in Kerala where Duryodhana, the mythical Kaurava king of the epic Mahabharatha is worshipped. Toddy is the main offering of the temple. The one-day festival is usually celebrated in the month of March. It is featured by various folk art performances, and a Kettukazhcha procession in the evening with the motifs of bulls and horses and a decorated temple cart.Poruvazhi Malanada temple in Adoor is a perfect place for you to watch the traditional folk arts of Kerala. This temple, dedicated to the Kourava King Duryodhana, portrayed as an anti-hero character in Mahabharatha, is perhaps the only such temple in India itself. The major attraction of the one day festival is the Kettukazhcha procession in the evening, with the effigies of bulls and horses and decorated temple chariots.Getting there:From Chengannur station, you cou...

Arattupuzha Pooram
2008-03-09 04:42:00
Venue: Arattupuzha Temple, Thrissur district.Aarattupuzha Pooram, the largest elephant stage entry in which about 70 majestically caparisoned elephants participated. Aarattupuzha is about 14 km from Thrissur town. The famous Ayyappa temple at Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms from Thrissur, and celebrates its annual pooram festival during March. The final pooram is conducted with sixty one caparisoned elephants bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols, presenting an unparalleled spectacle. The temple ensemble lends a majestic tenor to the extravaganza.Legend has it that the patron deities of the neighbouring villages ride majestically caparisoned tuskers to arrive in a procession at the Arattupuzha village on the festival day.For Kerala, March is the month of festivals and if you would like to have a close to heart feel of the real essence of Kerala, it is the best time to visit the state, since the festivals here are not merely religion oriented. They reflect in them the social and...

Kerala Tourism stages a successful road show at Milan
2008-03-07 18:04:00
The road show held by Kerala Tourism on the 5th of February at La Posteria, Milan witnessed an impressive turnout of tourism service providers. Attended by 143 delegates including tour operators and travel media from Milan, the event proved to be a winner, especially in terms of the enthusiasm and response it generated. In the last few years, Kerala has come out as one of the top destinations in Asia, and this is reflected in the new surge of tourist arrivals from Italy. The Italians are increasingly becoming fascinated with God?s Own Country ? its awe-inspiring greenery, its rich culture and vibrant tradition of Ayurveda. It was this growing tourist arrival that inspired the Department of Tourism to organize a road show at Milan. Representing Kerala were Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism and 14 trade partners. At the event, a bouquet of refreshing products triggered much interest among the trade in Milan. Comprising 51 tour operators and travel organize...
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Chittoor Konganpada
2008-03-06 15:42:00
Also spelt as Chittoor KonganpadaVenue: Bhagavathy temple, Chittooor, Palakkad Although there have been battles fought in Kerala none are really commemorated by Keralites. However the people of Chittur in Palakkad district do commemorate a battle every February (on first Monday after the dark lunar in Kumbam, Malayalam calendar) they fought and won. This is Konganpada, the only war festival in the state. The history of this festival is interwoven with myths. Chittur Bhagavathy temple, 11 Km away from Palakkad town, is famous for the konganpada festival. The festival, combines religion with mythology and history.It is held every year on the first Monday after the new moon night in Kumbhom (February-March), to commemorate the victory of Nair's of Chittoor over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King, Rajadhi Raja. The celebrations commemorate the victory of the Chittur Nairs over the militia of nearby Konganadu during 918 AD. It is said that there was constant fig...

Thirunakkara Festival
2008-03-06 15:31:00
Venue: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam .The temple dedicated to Lord Siva is famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture. The tenday annual festival concludes with Arattu . Usually nine caparisoned elephants take part in the Arattu procession which begins in the afternoon. The festival, which commences on March 14 and concludes on March 23, gives you glimpses of Kerala?s traditional sublime rituals. You may walk into the famous Mahadeva (Shiva) temple of Thirunakkara, Kottayam to see not only the exquisite architecture of the temple, but also the folk arts like Mayilattam and Velakali held here as part of the ten days long festival. The Kathakali buffs have a real feast awaiting them, as there are all-night Kathakali performances by eminent artistes. The festival draws to a close with the Arat (traditional ritualistic bath given to the deity of the temple). About nine caparisoned elephants usually take part in the colourful Arat procession. Folk arts like Mayilatt...
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Chettikulangara Bharani
2008-03-06 08:57:00
Chettikulagara Bharanai Temple, the famous temple dedicated to the awesome Goddess Bhagavathy is about 5 kms from Kayamkulam. The important festival here occurs on the Bharani asterism in February/ March.Venue: Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Alappuzha .If you ever witness the spectacular festivals of Kerala, the first thing to strike you will be the dazzling colours. The annual Bharani festival at Chettikulangara Bhagavathy temple at Alappuzha is such a festival, where you can feed your eyes on the myriad colours of Kerala?s tradition.The main rituals of the festival are the 'Kuthiyottam' and 'Kettukazcha'. The 'Kuthiyottam' features a procession of young boys who have observed rigorous ritual penance. The highlight of the festival is the Kettukazhcha processions, in which brightly decorated structures are taken on chariots. By dusk, these wonderful structures, the smaller ones designed as chariots and the bigger ones as horses, gather up in a nearby field and devotees thr...

Parippally Gajamela
2008-03-05 04:59:00
Venue: Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple, Parippally, Kollam districtIt will be quite a memorable day for you, to see about fifty grand tuskers lining up for a colourful pageantry. The Gajamela or elephant pageant in Parippally Kodimoottil Bhagavathy temple is done as an offering to the presiding deity here. The ten day festival has many attractive events like Thalappoli (procession of women in traditional attire holding lighted lamps in decorated platters) and Kuthiyottam, a ritual which takes place on the ninth day of the festival. The imposing Gajamela (elephant pageant) is held as a culminating event. Traditional percussions accompany the tuskers as they proceed as a grand procession.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 23 km awayNearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 48 km from Parippally

One more reason to visit Kerala
2008-03-02 17:12:00
The number of tourists visiting Kerala went up by over with 19.43 percent increase and 17.94 percent growth in revenue generated. Chairman of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Cherian Philip has said. Up to November 2007, 443,594 foreign tourists arrived here, which is a record, and the total revenue generated also grew to a staggering Rs.91.26 billion during 2006. This was disclosed in the governor's address to the state assembly Wednesday.As tourism is on the growth path, the major initiatives for the coming year is to focus on developing tourism infrastructure and products with emphasis on conserving and preserving the environment. 'The government will come out with a white paper on responsible tourism, which will guide future policy initiatives of the government,' said Governor R.L. Bhatia. Adventure tourism in the state will be developed and a board of tourism studies will be created to regulate and improve academic performance in tourism and hospitality studies, he...
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Kerala lunch
2008-02-27 16:15:00
It is a must have if you are visiting kerala. It consist of rice, papadam, payasam and so on. Totally consisting of 14 dishes.
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Asia's first butterfly safari park opened in Kerala
2008-02-25 19:05:00
Asia's first butterfly safari park opened in Thenmala, Kollam district of Kerala . The 3.5 hectare artificially created expanse attracts different species of butterflies. The butterfly safari park atmosphere simulates natural habitat for butterflies of almost all the different species. The park is now filled with action of winged beauties.The butterfly safari park is designed by Kerala Forest Research Institute, set up by Thenmala Eco Tourism Promotion Society and funded by Kerala Tourism Department. KFRI scientist George Mathew, the chief architect of the butterfly park confirms appearance of 125 different species, including rare butterflies in the park.Butterfly safari park has got a variety of plants to attract butterflies. Different species of butterflies have their own favourite species of plants. The park also has rich variety of shrubs and leafy trees. Water sprinklers and artificial puddles inside the butterfly safari park ensure humid atmosphere suited for butterfly breedin...
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Uthralikavu Pooram
2008-02-18 08:34:00
Event Date : February 26, 2008 Venue: Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, Paruthipra, Vadakkancherry, Thrissur district The annual festival at the Sree Ruthira Mahakaalikavu Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is the most famous event in the region and is called the Uthralikavu Pooram. The eight-day celebration is highlighted by day-and-night elephant processions. The concluding day of the festival is celebrated as pooram day, when 21 elephants in traditional caparisons line up with colourful parasols, swaying venchamarams (white tufts like those used for cheerleading) and thalavattams (peacock-feather fans). Traditional musical ensembles like the Panchavadyam and the Pandimelam add rhythm to this magical spectacle. The cultural fare during the festival includes temple and folk art performances.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 20 km away.Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam
2008-02-01 14:01:00
Starts On : February 22, 2008Ends On : February 26, 2008Venue: Kuttikkol Thampuratty Bhagavathy Temple at Kuttikkol near Erinhipuzha, Kasaragod.The Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam festival which showcases most of the major Theyyams is a fascinating event. The festival with its psychedelic colour and pageantry is unforgettable.Getting there:Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 28 km away.Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km away.