(This article first appeared online on 2nd August 2023 and in print on 5th August 2023 in Mint Lounge, India https://lifestyle.livemint.com/food/discover/book-review-mrs-k-m-mathew-finest-recipes-kerala-recipes-111690926890806.html)
Showing posts with label KERALA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KERALA. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Monday, April 3, 2023
8 Properties In And Around India Paying Homage to 'Biophilia'
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Munnar--God's Own (Tea) Country
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Rain Chasing…
Once again, it’s that time of the year
when the monsoons has us all under its aqueous spell. Raul Dias takes you to four Indian
states where the rains create pure magic!
By Raul Dias
There is something about India’s
monsoon season that has always generated vastly polarised opinions. You either
love it or you absolutely loathe it. There is no middle ground here. Luckily
for me, I’m a member of the former tribe. A tribe that has people like me wait
in fervent hope for the cooling rains after the brutality of an Indian summer
year after year. And while I can go on ad nauseum about the magic of the rains
and the smell of wet earth and the other assorted monsoon accoutrements, I’m
not so chuffed about wading through the muck and grime that all but covers my
home city of Mumbai from mid-June right through to the end of September.
So, to remedy that, for the last couple of years, I’ve made conscious efforts to see the monsoon magic from other perspectives. And that has entailed taking short breaks to places in India that truly bask in the glory of the rains.
Here’s my round up of the top states of India that celebrate the monsoons the way it was meant to be:
So, to remedy that, for the last couple of years, I’ve made conscious efforts to see the monsoon magic from other perspectives. And that has entailed taking short breaks to places in India that truly bask in the glory of the rains.
Here’s my round up of the top states of India that celebrate the monsoons the way it was meant to be:
Rajasthan
I might be courting controversy by starting off my list with a state like Rajasthan. But believe me, the magic of the rains has never been more alluring for me anywhere else than here. Udaipur is one place that springs to mind the fastest. A place that truly reflects its glorious past of the maharajas with umpteen number of palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur blossoms during the monsoons with a lush carpet of green spreading everywhere you look with its lakes brimming with their aqueous bounty.
With a gentle shower every now and then, the city of Pushkar too is another great option to enjoy the rains in Rajasthan. This beautiful and soothing side of Rajasthan is replete with all he tropes of beauty, be it waking up to the call of peacocks to early morning camel rides around town to sipping some warm kullad walla chai in the bazar. Pure, undiluted bliss!
I might be courting controversy by starting off my list with a state like Rajasthan. But believe me, the magic of the rains has never been more alluring for me anywhere else than here. Udaipur is one place that springs to mind the fastest. A place that truly reflects its glorious past of the maharajas with umpteen number of palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur blossoms during the monsoons with a lush carpet of green spreading everywhere you look with its lakes brimming with their aqueous bounty.
With a gentle shower every now and then, the city of Pushkar too is another great option to enjoy the rains in Rajasthan. This beautiful and soothing side of Rajasthan is replete with all he tropes of beauty, be it waking up to the call of peacocks to early morning camel rides around town to sipping some warm kullad walla chai in the bazar. Pure, undiluted bliss!
Meghalaya
No list about India’s monsoon havens could ever be complete without an ode to the state that has the word ‘monsoon’ written in big bold alphabets all over it. Why, even its name “Meghalaya” means “abode of the clouds”. Places like Cherrapunji and nearby Mawsynram have often been credited as being the wettest places on Earth, where the rains seep into (pun intended!) every part of life in these magical and misty towns.
The state capital of Shillong too is often considered one of the best places in India to visit during monsoons. Surrounded by the dew-covered Khasi and Jayanti hills which are adorned by numerous waterfalls, Shillong is always on my monsoon must-visit list.
No list about India’s monsoon havens could ever be complete without an ode to the state that has the word ‘monsoon’ written in big bold alphabets all over it. Why, even its name “Meghalaya” means “abode of the clouds”. Places like Cherrapunji and nearby Mawsynram have often been credited as being the wettest places on Earth, where the rains seep into (pun intended!) every part of life in these magical and misty towns.
The state capital of Shillong too is often considered one of the best places in India to visit during monsoons. Surrounded by the dew-covered Khasi and Jayanti hills which are adorned by numerous waterfalls, Shillong is always on my monsoon must-visit list.
Kerala
Though I may hear some of you shout “cliché!”, my rebuttal would be “what’s wrong with a little cliché every now and then?” It would be stating the obvious to say that the rains and Kerala go hand-in-hand, with enough written about the backwaters of Alappuzha and beaches like Kovalam that embody the season. But I prefer something a little different when in Kerala for the rains. Yes, I’m talking about hilly Munnar, that, for me, is God’s very own playground. With silvery mist, incredibly vast tea gardens, lush green hills, a romantic atmosphere and pleasant climate, this hill station is truly one of the most underrated places in Kerala during monsoons.
Still on the Kerala hill station trail, I truly believe that Wayanad is another gem of a place to visit during monsoons in all of South India. Interestingly, for the last couple of years, Wayanad has been hosting a special three-day monsoon festival called ‘Splash’ that celebrates the monsoons in Kerala the way it ought to be.
Though I may hear some of you shout “cliché!”, my rebuttal would be “what’s wrong with a little cliché every now and then?” It would be stating the obvious to say that the rains and Kerala go hand-in-hand, with enough written about the backwaters of Alappuzha and beaches like Kovalam that embody the season. But I prefer something a little different when in Kerala for the rains. Yes, I’m talking about hilly Munnar, that, for me, is God’s very own playground. With silvery mist, incredibly vast tea gardens, lush green hills, a romantic atmosphere and pleasant climate, this hill station is truly one of the most underrated places in Kerala during monsoons.
Still on the Kerala hill station trail, I truly believe that Wayanad is another gem of a place to visit during monsoons in all of South India. Interestingly, for the last couple of years, Wayanad has been hosting a special three-day monsoon festival called ‘Splash’ that celebrates the monsoons in Kerala the way it ought to be.
Maharashtra
I can’t possibly not wax eloquent about the monsoons and rural Maharashtra. The heady twosome that have a bond so very tight. Replete with attractions like the Kulaba Fort, Alibag Beach, Murud Beach and Khanderi, the Konkan coastal area close to Mumbai is a great escape from the city to start with. Known for its rich history, appetizing seafood, culture, and a plethora of cute and cozy homestays, Alibag is the best place to base oneself at for a week of uninterrupted monsoon bliss.
Situated in the Palani hills of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, Lonavala is a great hill station destination to chase the rain. Offering everything from enchanting waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery and not to mention spectacular views of the ghats and hills, this quick getaway that lies exactly halfway between Mumbai and Pune makes for the perfect weekend monsoon jaunt.
(An edited version of this column first appeared in the 7th July 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/4-indian-states-and-the-magic-of-rain)
I can’t possibly not wax eloquent about the monsoons and rural Maharashtra. The heady twosome that have a bond so very tight. Replete with attractions like the Kulaba Fort, Alibag Beach, Murud Beach and Khanderi, the Konkan coastal area close to Mumbai is a great escape from the city to start with. Known for its rich history, appetizing seafood, culture, and a plethora of cute and cozy homestays, Alibag is the best place to base oneself at for a week of uninterrupted monsoon bliss.
Situated in the Palani hills of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, Lonavala is a great hill station destination to chase the rain. Offering everything from enchanting waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery and not to mention spectacular views of the ghats and hills, this quick getaway that lies exactly halfway between Mumbai and Pune makes for the perfect weekend monsoon jaunt.
(An edited version of this column first appeared in the 7th July 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/4-indian-states-and-the-magic-of-rain)
Sunday, August 12, 2018
There’s No Place Like Home!
This Independence Day week, we urge you to forget about planning that next international getaway and look inwards. Confused? Then Read on. Raul Dias brings to you a lineup of a quartet of India’s lesser known destinations that each offer a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
By Raul Dias
1. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra—Where Honesty is Alive and Kicking
Imagine an idyllic little place somewhere in rural Maharashtra where the houses are totally devoid of any doors whatsoever. In their place you only find door frames. A village that has never seen crime and where not a single incident of theft has ever been officially reported. Now, before you begin to disregard this as pure fiction, let us assure that such a place truly exists. Yes, the village of Shani Shingnapur that’s situated in the state’s Ahmednagar district is not just known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn, but also for the above-mentioned lack of doors. Apparently, the villagers believe that due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, even the local post office, situated within a one-kilometer radius of his temple have either doors or locks. And that anyone attempting to steal will be prevented from doing so by the god who will send his wrath down upon any such person who will be immediately struck down. So popular is this temple that it is visited daily—and specially on Saturdays—by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shani’s favour.
Getting There: Shani Shingnapur is a short 35km away by road from Ahmednagar city.
2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya—Asia’s Cleanest Village with a Living Wonder
Never mind the rather tongue-twister of a name and get ready for this place to totally blow your mind away! Nestled in the verdant East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, overlooking Bangladesh is the bucolic village of Mawlynnong that truly sets the bar very high with its cleanliness initiatives and not to mention natural beauty. Not only are the streets and laneways of the village spotless and litter-free with waste collected in bins made of bamboo that are then directed to a pit to be later used as manure, but unpleasant habits like smoking and the use of polythene is totally banned. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. And this superb initiative has not gone unnoticed. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005. But it’s not all about cleanliness that will draw you to Mawlynnong. Don’t miss out checking out attractions like the 1,100-year-old living bridge made from tree roots that show us the far-sighted vision of the village’s past generations. Other must-sees here are ‘balancing rock’ and another rock formation called ‘shark’s jaw’. Do all this, and much more, while taking in the pollution-free air and mingling with the ever-smiling villagers who are only too proud and happy to show you their village.
Getting There: Mawlynnong is a 90km drive south of the state capital Shillong.
3. Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh—Where Fragrance is Everywhere
Though it is one of the oldest cities in Uttar Pradesh (UP), very little is known about Kannauj by most. Travellers often give it a miss in favour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the famed trio of Lucknow, Varanasi and the hallowed Agra! But the next time you find yourself in UP, treat your olfactory senses to a virtual celebration and visit Kannauj—India’s perfume capital. A small town on the banks of the river Ganga that has been guarding the secret of traditional Indian perfumes for centuries, Kannauj is the place where the lost art of ittar making is very much practiced almost everywhere. Situated on the once historical scent trade route that brought perfumes from India to the Middle East, Kannauj’s perfumeries were famed for their magnificent ittars, specially the petrichor fragrant of the geeli mitti or wet earth, giving this town the moniker of ‘Grasse of the East’. The perfumers of Kannauj also made the scented oils Mughal Emperors were so obsessed with. But thankfully you can still find an entire range of perfumers here ready to customise for you your very own little vial of fragrance.
Getting There: Kannauj is 125km away by road from UP’s capital Lucknow via Agra.
4. Kannur, Kerala—Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Classical Dance
Known as ‘The Crown of Kerala’ thanks to it lying slap bang in the middle of the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadeep Sea in the west and Kasargod in the north, Kannur is one of those hidden gems simply waiting to be discovered. Also called Cannanore by its Portuguese colonists, this is an idyllic coastal city, boasting some of the best beaches in Kerala. It is also famous for having the imposing St. Angelo Fort that was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. Kannur was also home to Kerala’s only Muslim Royalty called the Arakkals. Interestingly, Kannur is popularly known as ‘The City of Looms and Lores’. This is because of two important aspects of Kannur. One, the city has a thriving loom industry functioning in the district. Two, fans of Indian dances, here’s a tip for you: Make sure to visit Kannur anytime from months of November and April as you can see the Theyyam ritual dance performances that this place is famous for in its many temples.
Getting There: Kannur is well-connected to the rest of India via rail with the Kannur Train Station being a popular stop.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 12th August 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/kannur-to-mawlynnong-indias-lesser-known-unique-destinations/1333523)
By Raul Dias
1. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra—Where Honesty is Alive and Kicking
Imagine an idyllic little place somewhere in rural Maharashtra where the houses are totally devoid of any doors whatsoever. In their place you only find door frames. A village that has never seen crime and where not a single incident of theft has ever been officially reported. Now, before you begin to disregard this as pure fiction, let us assure that such a place truly exists. Yes, the village of Shani Shingnapur that’s situated in the state’s Ahmednagar district is not just known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn, but also for the above-mentioned lack of doors. Apparently, the villagers believe that due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, even the local post office, situated within a one-kilometer radius of his temple have either doors or locks. And that anyone attempting to steal will be prevented from doing so by the god who will send his wrath down upon any such person who will be immediately struck down. So popular is this temple that it is visited daily—and specially on Saturdays—by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shani’s favour.
Getting There: Shani Shingnapur is a short 35km away by road from Ahmednagar city.
2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya—Asia’s Cleanest Village with a Living Wonder
Never mind the rather tongue-twister of a name and get ready for this place to totally blow your mind away! Nestled in the verdant East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, overlooking Bangladesh is the bucolic village of Mawlynnong that truly sets the bar very high with its cleanliness initiatives and not to mention natural beauty. Not only are the streets and laneways of the village spotless and litter-free with waste collected in bins made of bamboo that are then directed to a pit to be later used as manure, but unpleasant habits like smoking and the use of polythene is totally banned. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. And this superb initiative has not gone unnoticed. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005. But it’s not all about cleanliness that will draw you to Mawlynnong. Don’t miss out checking out attractions like the 1,100-year-old living bridge made from tree roots that show us the far-sighted vision of the village’s past generations. Other must-sees here are ‘balancing rock’ and another rock formation called ‘shark’s jaw’. Do all this, and much more, while taking in the pollution-free air and mingling with the ever-smiling villagers who are only too proud and happy to show you their village.
Getting There: Mawlynnong is a 90km drive south of the state capital Shillong.
3. Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh—Where Fragrance is Everywhere
Though it is one of the oldest cities in Uttar Pradesh (UP), very little is known about Kannauj by most. Travellers often give it a miss in favour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the famed trio of Lucknow, Varanasi and the hallowed Agra! But the next time you find yourself in UP, treat your olfactory senses to a virtual celebration and visit Kannauj—India’s perfume capital. A small town on the banks of the river Ganga that has been guarding the secret of traditional Indian perfumes for centuries, Kannauj is the place where the lost art of ittar making is very much practiced almost everywhere. Situated on the once historical scent trade route that brought perfumes from India to the Middle East, Kannauj’s perfumeries were famed for their magnificent ittars, specially the petrichor fragrant of the geeli mitti or wet earth, giving this town the moniker of ‘Grasse of the East’. The perfumers of Kannauj also made the scented oils Mughal Emperors were so obsessed with. But thankfully you can still find an entire range of perfumers here ready to customise for you your very own little vial of fragrance.
Getting There: Kannauj is 125km away by road from UP’s capital Lucknow via Agra.
4. Kannur, Kerala—Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Classical Dance
Known as ‘The Crown of Kerala’ thanks to it lying slap bang in the middle of the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadeep Sea in the west and Kasargod in the north, Kannur is one of those hidden gems simply waiting to be discovered. Also called Cannanore by its Portuguese colonists, this is an idyllic coastal city, boasting some of the best beaches in Kerala. It is also famous for having the imposing St. Angelo Fort that was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. Kannur was also home to Kerala’s only Muslim Royalty called the Arakkals. Interestingly, Kannur is popularly known as ‘The City of Looms and Lores’. This is because of two important aspects of Kannur. One, the city has a thriving loom industry functioning in the district. Two, fans of Indian dances, here’s a tip for you: Make sure to visit Kannur anytime from months of November and April as you can see the Theyyam ritual dance performances that this place is famous for in its many temples.
Getting There: Kannur is well-connected to the rest of India via rail with the Kannur Train Station being a popular stop.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 12th August 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/kannur-to-mawlynnong-indias-lesser-known-unique-destinations/1333523)
Saturday, April 22, 2017
The Hills Are Alive…
While Kerala may be more well-known for its stunning
coastline and placid backwaters, its hill stations like the sublime Thekkady
in the heart of the state’s spice country show us a different side. Raul Dias
recently checked in at the Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady for a
weekend of pure, unadulterated hill bliss!
Pics courtesy: Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club,
Thekkady
Did you know that nutmeg and mace are actually part of
the same spice fruit, wherein the former is a seed wrapped by the latter in a
fragrant reddish pink membrane web? Or that, what we, in India call ‘cinnamon’,
is in reality cassia bark—a species of tree similar, yet very different to the
actual cinnamon tree? Well, I for one, didn’t. Nuggets of information like
this—pertaining mainly to the world of spice—peppered (pun intended!) my
journey as I was being driven by Tommy my very well-informed driver from
Madurai airport to the lush, fecund hill station of Thekkady that’s located
slap bang in the middle of Kerala’s spice country, very close to the Tamil Nadu
border in Kumily.
Plush Digs!
My destination was the newly refurbished resort, the Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady that gets its name from the multitude of cardamom trees that surround this very well-appointed 12-cottage haven. Complementing the existing plantation-style cottages, the newly added wooden cabin-like rooms are built on stilts to maximise the majestic mountain views. The rooms have cleverly positioned floor-to-ceiling windows, so guests like I could wake up to stunning views of nature. The interiors, a play of muted tones with pops of colour feature minimal decoration and vibrant art. All rooms have air-conditioning, a feature exclusive to only few properties in the region as I was soon to learn from the very affable Sreejith, the resort’s manager; and amenities such as a minibar, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities.
Set amidst verdant forest canopy, the resort’s new 15-meter infinity pool overlooks the valley and the misty mountains beyond. The terraced decks from the all-day dining restaurant, Café Samsara leading to the pool offer the perfect perch for an early morning yoga session or for guests to enjoy the expansive views of the forest. In the evening, the deck elegantly transforms into an outdoor space that draws pre- and post-dinner guests to savour the pure mountain air.
Relaxation Guaranteed
The new Niraamaya Spa, built on stilts and made from Bangkirai wood from sustainable plantations in Indonesia is the perfect combination of functionality and elegance. The design is simple and minimalistic, pavilion-style with a sense of openness to highlight the stunning tropical landscape. Spread across 1,200 sq. ft., the spa features a lobby and fully-equipped Ayurveda and international therapy rooms with private outdoor sit-outs. The interiors follow a warm palette complementing the green backdrop.
But what my body needed most of all that evening after a three-hour’s long drive as a spot of pampering. And that was taken care of by Matthew, the spa’s Ayurvedic massage therapist with a superb hour-long traditional abhyanga massage which put me in a deep sleep.
Awake, but still in relaxation mode, and suddenly ravenous, a comforting plate of Kerala-style lamb stew made with coconut milk and accompanied by fluffy, bowl-shaped appams with crispy edges was what I wolfed down at the very elegantly appointed Café Samsara. A traditional coconut and jaggery payasam for afters and I was done. Ready to hit the soft pillows and ready to take on what the next day had in store for me.
Of Spices and More…
Located at the foot of the hill, atop which the resort is perched, is the wonderful, arboreal Green Land Spice Garden. Where, for as little as Rs 100 per person, you can partake in an hour-long guided spice lesson. So, that was where I found myself the next afternoon—after a late sleep in and a hearty brunch at Niraamaya—being educated in all things ‘spicy’ by Tigin a very knowledgeable local guy who took me through everything that is grown in the spice garden. From the de rigueur cardamom and clove trees to the more exotic passion fruit and avocado, I was given a crash course in how they are grown, harvested and then packaged. Speaking of which, at the attached spice shop, I tanked up on all my favourites to take back home like mace, cinnamon quills and the fragrant allspice.
Having been booked in for a double performance of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu (both for Rs 200 each, per person) in the early evening, I made my way to the super clean and neat little town of Kumily which is where both the arenas are located in the same compound. The Navarasa Kathakali Centre for a Kathakali performance was first on the list. A mere shed of a place, the center encourages guests to come in a little earlier before the scheduled performance so that they catch the performers apply their very elaborate make-up and dress in their costumes before the show commences and also learn a bit about this ancient art form.
Now, for the uninitiated like myself, Kathakali is a combination of two Malayalam words, “katha” which means story and “kali” which means play and is a derivative of one of the oldest classical dance forms of Kerala known as Ramanattam, which was earlier only conducted in royal palaces. And as I was to see, the performance was a story (taken mainly from Hindu mythology and puranas) acted out with the aid of mime, hand and eye gestures, drama and music by two men, one of whom was dressed as a woman, as women performers are generally not part of the repertoire.
An hour later, it was time to walk a mere 10 feet up to the Kalaripayattu performance staging area of the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre which was a dug-out space much like a swimming pool, with spectator seats on all four sides of the upper floor. Seemingly dance-like in the performers’ movements, Kalaripayattu is one of India’s oldest martial arts at over 3,000-years-old and can be traced back to the sage Parasurama who is believed to be the father of this martial art. Ending in a spectacular fire-hoop-jumping display, the performance had me spell bound.
But then, so had almost everything I had seen, heard, ate, smelled and experienced in this alternate, parallel dimension of God’s Own Country—Kerala!
Located at the foot of the hill, atop which the resort is perched, is the wonderful, arboreal Green Land Spice Garden. Where, for as little as Rs 100 per person, you can partake in an hour-long guided spice lesson. So, that was where I found myself the next afternoon—after a late sleep in and a hearty brunch at Niraamaya—being educated in all things ‘spicy’ by Tigin a very knowledgeable local guy who took me through everything that is grown in the spice garden. From the de rigueur cardamom and clove trees to the more exotic passion fruit and avocado, I was given a crash course in how they are grown, harvested and then packaged. Speaking of which, at the attached spice shop, I tanked up on all my favourites to take back home like mace, cinnamon quills and the fragrant allspice.
Having been booked in for a double performance of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu (both for Rs 200 each, per person) in the early evening, I made my way to the super clean and neat little town of Kumily which is where both the arenas are located in the same compound. The Navarasa Kathakali Centre for a Kathakali performance was first on the list. A mere shed of a place, the center encourages guests to come in a little earlier before the scheduled performance so that they catch the performers apply their very elaborate make-up and dress in their costumes before the show commences and also learn a bit about this ancient art form.
Now, for the uninitiated like myself, Kathakali is a combination of two Malayalam words, “katha” which means story and “kali” which means play and is a derivative of one of the oldest classical dance forms of Kerala known as Ramanattam, which was earlier only conducted in royal palaces. And as I was to see, the performance was a story (taken mainly from Hindu mythology and puranas) acted out with the aid of mime, hand and eye gestures, drama and music by two men, one of whom was dressed as a woman, as women performers are generally not part of the repertoire.
An hour later, it was time to walk a mere 10 feet up to the Kalaripayattu performance staging area of the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre which was a dug-out space much like a swimming pool, with spectator seats on all four sides of the upper floor. Seemingly dance-like in the performers’ movements, Kalaripayattu is one of India’s oldest martial arts at over 3,000-years-old and can be traced back to the sage Parasurama who is believed to be the father of this martial art. Ending in a spectacular fire-hoop-jumping display, the performance had me spell bound.
But then, so had almost everything I had seen, heard, ate, smelled and experienced in this alternate, parallel dimension of God’s Own Country—Kerala!
FACT
FILE
Getting
There
The idyllic hill station of Thekkady where Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady is situated in, is a scenic three hours’ drive from Madurai and a five hours’ drive from Kochi which many avoid due to the long winding, nausea-inducing ride up the mountainous roads! Both Madurai and Kochi have daily direct flights to and from Mumbai and most other major Indian cities.
The idyllic hill station of Thekkady where Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady is situated in, is a scenic three hours’ drive from Madurai and a five hours’ drive from Kochi which many avoid due to the long winding, nausea-inducing ride up the mountainous roads! Both Madurai and Kochi have daily direct flights to and from Mumbai and most other major Indian cities.
For
More Information Contact
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady
66th Mile, V&V Estates, Springvalley,
Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala - 685509
Tel: +91 80 4510 4510
E-mail: reservations@niraamaya.in
www.niraamaya.in
www.periyartourism.org
greenlandspice@gmail.com
kadathanadankalari@gmail.com
Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady
66th Mile, V&V Estates, Springvalley,
Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala - 685509
Tel: +91 80 4510 4510
E-mail: reservations@niraamaya.in
www.niraamaya.in
www.periyartourism.org
greenlandspice@gmail.com
kadathanadankalari@gmail.com
(A shorter, edited version of this article appeared in the 22nd April 2017 issue of the Afternoon Despatch & Courier newspaper, India http://www.afternoondc.in/mumbai-mix/the-hills-are-alive/article_193208)
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