Often referred to as \u2018God\u2019s Own Country\u2019, the Southern state of Kerala is known for being one of the safest, healthiest and eco-friendly in the Republic of India. It has been named as one of the top ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler and is home to a diverse range of unique cultural traditions including Ayurveda, snake boat racing and Kalaripayattu martial arts. These are our recommendations for you to explore\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ayurveda in Kerala<\/strong> Spices Found in Keralas<\/strong> Taste the Cuisine of Keralas<\/strong> Experience the Waterfalls and Wildlife of Keralas<\/strong> Don\u2019t Miss the Famous Snake Boat Races in Keralas<\/strong> Kalaripayattu<\/strong> Learn Some Keralas Colonial History at the Hill Stations<\/strong> Keralas Village Life<\/strong> The Best of Kerala Often referred to as \u2018God\u2019s Own Country\u2019, the Southern state of Kerala is known for being one of the safest, healthiest and eco-friendly in the Republic of India. It has been named as one of the top ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler and is home to a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":1952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india","blog-preview-content","post-without-tags"],"acf":[],"featured_media_url":"https:\/\/devp.karmagroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/9476c8a7-blog-kerala.jpg","yoast_head":"\n
We highly recommend you try an Ayurvedic massage when visiting Kerala \u2013 they are one of the most nourishing massages you\u2019ll ever try. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medicine systems and is gaining in popularity for its preventative approach to health and longevity. What\u2019s unique about an Ayurvedic Massage is that the massage is custom-designed for your body type. It is usually delivered with a personalized massage oil and is performed by two therapists – often with an additional cleansing steam bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often called the \u2018Land of Spices\u2019, Kerala is home to the most diverse and bountiful range of spices in the world. These are exported for food, medicine and supplements. Some of the popular native spices include Turmeric, Tamarind, Cardamon, Cinnamon and Ginger \u2013 many of which are regarded as superfoods and used in modern and alternative medicines, skincare and fragrances. Kerala is also famed for the export of its pepper that is known as the \u2018king of spices\u2019! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can connect to the spirit of a place and its people through the local food. One of the delights of dining at a caf\u00e9 or restaurant in Kerala is the food is often presented on fresh banana leaves. Many of the common Kerala dishes consist of rice, fish and coconut enhanced with delicious (and often hot) sauces and accompaniments.<\/strong> Compared to North Indian where the cuisine is mostly vegetarian, Kerala offers many eateries serving meat and poultry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kerala is also popular for hundreds of majestic waterfalls that make for exhilarating excursions. Wildlife in Kerala is equally thriving and there are many sanctuaries across the state where you can observe rare species of flora and fauna.\u00a0 Traveling with the kids? Take them to a national park where they can see endangered and protected animals including the Indian Sloth-Bear, Lion-Tailed Macaque and Bengal Tiger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you don\u2019t miss out on one of the famous \u2018Snake Boat Races\u2019 held usually during the monsoon season. Thousands of people attend these lively races. Typically, each village (with a team of 110) races their own glorious long wooden traditional \u2018war boats\u2019 that are between 100-140 feet long. Snake Boat Racing is one of the oldest, thriving and fun traditions of Kerala and a must-do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another intoxicating offering is this traditional martial art regarded as one of the oldest styles in the world. The Kalaripayattu <\/em>training begins with a full body oil massage until one\u2019s body feels agile, supple and able. Movements include chattom (jumping), ottam (running) and marichil (somersault) combined with training in weapons like swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows – it\u2019s truly dynamic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another must-do is a journey up through the beautiful countryside to one of Kerala\u2019s hill stations that offer a widow into its colonial history. Usually situated in the misty mountains over 1,000m above sea level, these tea and coffee plantations offer a welcomed respite for locals and visitors during the summertime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When all is said and done, we recommend you immerse yourself into the daily lives of the local people by exploring a village or two. Browse through the markets and stores, treat yourself to some local treasures, get to know the stall owners and really \u2018live like a local\u2019 for an hour or two \u2013 the memory of meeting and mingling with the people will stay forever in your heart. Enjoy!<\/em> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"