<div><i>"I am the eagle, I live in the high country, in rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky; I am the hawk and there`s blood on my feathers, but time is still turning they soon will be dry; All those who see me, and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when I fly.".</i>..........-- John Denver (American Singer and Song Writer)</div><div><br></div><div>Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 16 km west of Kottayam in Kumarakom. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, known for its varied avian population. Also known as the ornithologist`s paradise, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most favorite hubs of migratory birds. The region was once the site for the rubber plantation and is a haunt for a variety of domestic and migratory birds. Some of the birds flock here from the Himalayas, and even some birds come from the snow-kissed hills of Siberia. During the rainy season, some of India`s most spectacular avians gather in their optimum haunts to court their mates and nest in huge colonies in the trees that line the paths of the sanctuary.</div><div><br></div><div>October to February is the time for traveling birds, such as the garganey teal, osprey, marsh harrier and stepped eagle, while May to July is the breeding season for local species, such as the Indian shag, pond herons, egrets, and darters. Early morning is the best viewing time. The best option to visit the sanctuary is by foot by a one and half km long walking track. Most of the species of the birds are spotted on the track. One can also opt to take a boat ride, which brings you, closer to waders like waterfowl and ducks and some fliers like parrots, larks, and flycatchers.</div><div><br></div><div>The sanctuary turns into a transit point during the months of November to February for the migratory birds. The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. The sanctuary contentedly hosts more than a few hundred varieties of local birds. Apart from the local birds every year, over 60 species of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A large variety of fish, mussels, and crabs is also found in the Sanctuary. One can also see a variety of species of butterflies and moths quiver by. There is also a variety of species of mudskippers, crabs, and turtles found on the shoreline. One can also find fish and even crocodiles deeper in the water.</div><div><br></div><div>Along with the birds, the animals which are found in the sanctuary include Bears, Elephants, civet cats, lion-tailed macaque, Deer, monkeys, Tigers, Neelgai Tahr, Wild Pigs, Leopards, Deer, squirrels including the Malabar giant squirrel. A wide variety of snakes like Python, Cobra, Cipher, Rat Snake, and Iguana are also seen in the park. One should plan a visit to Kumarakom, to enjoy the incalculable show of avian acrobats.</div>

<div>Kerala is bestowed with some ancient traditional art forms that are still today performed with the same zeal and enthusiasm. We discuss here two art forms.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Kathakali</b></div><div>The art form of Kathakali is the oldest form in the world, which crystallized at around the same time as Shakespeare was scribbling the plays, though elements of it stem from 2nd-century temple rituals. The Kathakali performance is the dramatized presentation of a play, usually based on the Hindu epics the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas. All the great themes are covered – righteousness and evil, frailty and courage, poverty and prosperity, war and peace. Drummers and singers accompany the actors, who narrate the story through their precise movements, particularly mudras (hand gestures) and facial expressions. Traditionally, performances took place in temple grounds and went from 8 pm until dawn, now shorter performances in other open-air locales, as well as indoor halls are also popular.</div><div><br></div><div>Preparation for the performance is lengthy and disciplined. Paint, fantastic costumes, highly decorated headpieces, and meditation transform the actors both physically and mentally into the gods, heroes, and demons they are about to play. You can see cut down performances in tourist hot spots all over the state and there are kathakali schools that encourage the visitors. Many temples festivals across the state feature all-night Kathakali Shows.</div><div><br></div><div>The performances in Kochi are accompanied by instrumental as well as vocal aids. The expressions are suggested by the delicate hand movements and are complemented by the movements of the face, particularly, the eyes. The dance form is believed to have originated from the dance drama called Ramanattam. At Kochi, the Kathakali dance has a significant part in the socio-cultural sector of the entire state of Kerala. Important Kathakali centers in Cochin are:&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>India Foundation | Showtime : Daily 06:45 PM</div><div><br></div><div>Cochin Cultural Center | Showtime : Daily 07:00 PM</div><div><br></div><div>Kerala Kathakali Center Fort Cochin&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Kalariyappayat</b></div><div>Kalariyappayat is an ancient tradition of martial training and discipline. Still taught throughout Kerala, Some believe it is the forerunner of all martial arts. Its roots can be traced back to the 12th century when skirmishes among the many feudal principalities in the region were common. Masters of Kalariyappayat, called Gurukkal, teach their craft inside a special arena called a Kalari. The Kalari is a part gymnasium, part school, and part temple. Its construction follows traditional principles: its rectangular design is always aligned east – west and Hindu deities are represented in each corner.</div><div>Kalariyappayat movements - the foundation of choreography that uses the actor’s bodies and gestures as the primary tools of expression – can be traced in Kerala’s performing arts, such as Kathakali and Kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama), and in ritual arts such as Theyyam</div>

<div>Thumbod a tiny village lying just outside the state capital of Trivandrum and otherwise is like any other <i>Kerala village </i>with swaying palms and lush green vegetation has shown the world the door to a more natural lifestyle. Ayurvastra the name given to a whole new concept of natural clothing has the fabric yarns infused with plant extracts and herbs. Developed under the aegis of <i>The Handloom Weavers Development Society</i> a nonprofit organization, Ayurvastra claims to rid people of many diseases by regular use of these clothes.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Ayurvastra goes through a dyeing process that is 100 % natural and free of any toxicity of chemical dyes. The process is in tune with the age-old Ayurvedic principles.</div><div>The process is something like this. The raw yarn is first thoroughly cleaned. Then the raw yarn is coated with a natural gum. After coating the yarn is immersed in the medicinal dyes. The medicinal dyes are prepared using pomegranate, turmeric, and indigo, among a host of other herbs.</div><div><br></div><div>The claims of the manufacturers were corroborated by clinical trials undertaken by the health ministry. According to these trials conducted at the Trivandrum’s Government Ayurveda College, the fabrics indeed worked. Patients with problems of eczema, psoriasis, allergies rheumatism were given bedding, rugs, and towels made from Ayurvastra. They used these items for a month and there was a marked improvement in their health. Along with the clothing ceilings, walls, floors were lined with Ayurveda coir mats. All these showed positive results in the health of the diseased.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the manufacturers of Ayurvastra, for maximum benefits, these clothing should be ideally worn during sleeping or meditating in a sense when the body is at rest. As this is the time when the body heals itself naturally.</div><div><br></div><div>Not only people with skin disorders, stressed-out executives or workers in the IT sector are also benefiting with the clothing infused with traditional Indian medicines. Along with the more traditional Kurtas, Tunics and Saris to cater to the youth Jeans are also dyed using natural colors.</div><div><br></div><div>The success of the Ayurvastra means not only the incomparable health benefits along with that it also offers the traditional weavers a good source of sustenance. This clothing also offers a good opportunity to catch the western markets where Ayurveda is a fad among health-conscious people.</div><div><br></div>

<div>The Thrissur’s Pooram Festival is associated with the caparisoned elephants that symbolize Kerala. Pooram is an annual festival held after the summer harvest. The legend has that in the 18th century AD there was a quarrel among 10 temples about participation in the festival held at Arratupuzha. To finish this dispute, the king (raja) Rama Varma decided to unite these temples and decreed them into one temple festival. Since 1798, it became the largest Pooram festival. The grand Pooram festival was born where participants from 10 temples of Kerala, accompanied by the idols of respective deities, carry the processions on the golden caparisoned elephants.</div><div><br></div><div>The Pooram day commences with the wave of joy and excitement at Thrissur Maidan. Eleven Elephants stand in each row and with the sudden beat of the Kobum, Chendas, and elathalams fills the air. Kobums are the wind trumpets and Chendas and Elethalams are the drums, cymbals, etc. With the rigorous and regular beating of the hands of the instruments are moved up and down. 50 selected elephants create an electrifying wave in the silent ambiance. 400, 000 lakh people throng to mark their presence in this humongous ceremony. The roar of millions of people bandies the air. The participants in the procession move there feet with great energy. They tap their feet and bang their heads with immense force. The festivity becomes grander when with the medley of sounds, the priests or leaders or escorts from the 10 villages move the thread chiseled fans in a consecutive manner. The elephants swirl their ears and nose with pride. Approximately 200 meters away from the maidan, the huge clump of 400,000 lakh people could be noticed entering the Vadakkumnathan (Shiva) temple. Madathil Varavu (temple entry) looks&nbsp; completely packed. The rampant hum of the crowd can be heard while Vedic chants are recited in the temple. The procession of 10 temples deities (idols)are carried into the Vadakkumnathan temple(Shiva temple). All together, this ceremony is named Madathil Varavu(temple entry ceremony), as mentioned in the above lines.</div><div><br></div><div>In the trail of successive events, the evening in celebrated with Kuda Mattom, or Umbrella swapping. One row of elephants stands in front row and the other row of elephant’s cramp on the other side. The action begins when the participants a top on the elephants back, exchange the multicolored parasols. The men in their traditional attires lower down their parasols swap them and then raise them in alternative manner. This action is repeated many times, whenever the parasols are moved, the visitors can hear the echoing voice of 4 lakh people. The row of multi colored parasols begins to resemble a Jugalbandi between the exhilarating crowd and the parasols swappers. One team raises a parasol carrying the Lord Krishna idol; the other team repeats the similar activity by raising the idol of Bhagwathi, followed by Ganesha and Shiva respectively. With the sunset, crowd starts easing off. The villagers start doing preparation for the final event and wait keenly till mid night when crackers are going to enlighten the sky.</div><div><br></div><div>The final event of the Thrissur Pooram is the fireworks display, the vedikettu at 3am. The crackers bursting ceremony is organized at Swaraj round, the area surrounding the Thekkikandu maidan is spread in a restricted ambit of 1 meter and during the festivity; it brims up to the road end. The visitors at this time should ensure complete safety of their valuables. Besides this, ceremony starting at 3:00 AM fills the air with enthusiasm. The ceremony commences with a sudden boomerang sound, the flower of exploding fire works in the sky can be appraised and the element of excitement is assured to over ride the mind. The whole night fades out amidst the presence of fireworks, pounding sounds and clusters of noise. With every pause, the deep lull exudes the air, surprisingly, the crackers are exploded again. Perhaps, this kind of chain is carried in the loop. By 5:00 AM, as the sun coasts out with its light rays, the fire works are stopped and every one goes back to their normal routine. The whole festivity is carried for 36 hours and finally, ends up in the morning. The travelers are advised to make an advance booking at hotels in Thrissur, as during the peak season all accommodations are booked. To avoid any chaos, Kiomoi offers also offers an advance online booking at best price tags. So move ahead and make your religious tour a memorable experience by making an advance online booking.</div>

<div>As August draws near, there is excitement in the air on Punnamada Lake in Kuttanadu, near Alapuzha, in Kerala. The D- Day falls on the second Saturday of August, when the polished boats are readied for the renowned Nehru Boat Race – The most awaited boat race of the year...<br></div><div><br></div><div>The race is known as Nehru Boat race in memory of India’s first prime minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was so enthralled by the boat races of Kerala, that in December 1952, he donated a silver trophy – a replica of a snake boat placed on a wooden abacus to the winners. The trophy bears the following inscription above his signature: “to the winners of the boat race, which is a unique feature of the community life in Travancore Cochin” The trophy later became the Nehru trophy, with a grand race being organized every year in his memory. In Kuttanad, boat racing is both a religion and a passion. Every village wants to win the trophy and participates with vigor and intense preparation. Due to its abundance of lakes and rivers, Kuttanad is an appropriate place for a water sport of such magnitude like boat racing. It is a one of its kind race, as no other sport has so many members in a single team. The players need to perform in a disciplined manner and each one of them is supposed to have sound knowledge of the sport.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>A strong snake boat costs around six lakh rupees and money is raised be a committee to build one. The Vellankulangar snake boat, which is 140 ft long, has beaten 135 ft long Nedumbhagom snake boat, which holds the Guinness Book of world records for the longest race boat. The longer the boat, the better for a snake boat, as more rowers can be accommodated for more speed.</div><div>The glided sterns of the ebony – black snake boats and the colorful, beaded umbrellas on each boat appear like a beautiful painting against the back drop of the lake. The race boats are followed by other boats displaying the rich culture of Kerala, with artists performing traditional dance and music forms like Kathakali, Theyyam, Panchvadyam and Padayani.</div><div><br></div><div>The day of the race sees an estimated two lakh spectators thronging the lake to enjoy the event. The event is so popular, that apart from the locals, there is a sizeable presence of foreign tourists as well. During the race, the boats look like huge serpents moving at great speed in the lake.</div><div>Soon the snake boats are ready for the race and line up at the starting point. As the flag goes up, the race starts with a furor. There is the thumping of drums and rowing with the rhythm, the players steering with all their might and the crowds screaming. The lake transforms into an area filled with the roars hitting the water 100 – 120 times per minute.</div><div>Measuring over 100ft in length, the boats have a capacity for around 120 rowers. They are usually made from Anjali wood, but sometimes teak and Kadamb are also used.</div><div>The length of the racecourse is around 1370 m and it is divided into different tracks. The boats appear like fast – moving snakes when racing through the tracks, and are a magnificent sight to watch. The splashing of the oars, in unison with the rhythmic chants and drumbeats, make it an experience of a lifetime.</div>

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<div><b><i>"Kerala`s Best Kept Secret"</i></b></div><div>North Kerala for some strange reasons remains carefully ensconced away from public glare. No wonder Kasaragod snuggled in the northernmost part of Kerala, the god`s own country, is not crowded with teeming tourists in comparison to their southern counterparts. This is because Southern Kerala remains well publicized but with cliched images of swinging palms and kettuvallams.</div><div><br></div><div>Exploring Kasaragod is a quest in exploring oneself. The simple but strategic forts, architecturally distinctive temples, unexplored virgin beaches, pristine backwaters, challenging treks, call of the wild - all beacons the traveler in you. Coupled with that is the seclusion and tranquility. All this is sure to propel you to explore it as an ideal getaway idea this season and for eternity.</div><div><br></div><div>This authoritative City guide will rouse your curiosity as you undertake an in-depth exploration of the best and the hottest spots in and around the beautiful lush green land of Kasaragod.</div>

Find complete information about kasaragod tourism including attractions, things to do, weather, festivals, how to reach and much more. Don't forget to read this guide before you plan your trip!

Kasaragod Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit - Kiomoi

<div>Kasargod is an easily accessible place. An excellent network of rail and road connects it with the rest of India. For traveling by air the nearest domestic airport is at Mangalore some 50 km away while Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport is at a distance of 200 km. Transport infrastructure is really good in this part of North Kerala. Buses Taxis are easily available for commuting from one place to the other.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Railways:</b> Kasargod Railway station lies on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Road:</b> The whole of Kasargod district is well connected with State roads, district roads and National Highway. NH 17 connects it with Kozhikode( Calicut). You can get buses of both state and private operators along with the option of driving on your own through so0me memorable locales.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Airways:</b> There are three airports near Kasargod the best bet is Mangalore domestic airport at ( 50 km) then there is Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode (200 km) while the Kochi ( Cochin) airport is 420 km away.</div><div><br></div><div><div><b>Distances from Major Cities</b></div><div>Kozhikode&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 194 km<span style="white-space:pre">	</span></div><div>Cochin&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 369 km<span style="white-space:pre">	</span></div><div>Mangalore&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 50 km<span style="white-space:pre">	</span></div><div>Mysore&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;215 km</div><div>Bengaluru&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 360 km<span style="white-space:pre">	</span></div><div>Panaji&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;412 km</div><div>Thelassery&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;125 km<span style="white-space:pre">	</span></div><div>Pallakad&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;332 km</div><div>Kannur&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;104 km</div><div><br></div><div><b>Driving Direction</b></div><div>Driving on your car to the scenic Malabar town of Kasargod can be a memorable experience. Generally, roads are good here except for some isolated patches of potholed roads.</div><div><br></div></div>

<div>While in Rome do as the Romans do “Same goes for Kasaragod if you are in Kasaragod and do not eat the traditional “Kasarkodan” food you would be missing something. Restaurants here serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian and non –vegetarian stuff. A whole range starting from traditional to Chinese, north Indian, continental, mughlai foods are available at various of food outlets spread across the town. If you are a non-vegetarian and free of any inhibitions concerning food then a must try menu is the mouth-watering combination of Kasarkodan Pathiri (a sort of pancake made of rice) and Beef Sukka. Another great option is to try the ‘Thattukadas’ or road-side eateries. They serve you a wide assortment of delectable sea food cuisines, and other local dishes like neeru dose( a special kind of dosa) moode, goli baje (a very popular and yummy snack).<br></div><div><br></div><div>Traditional Malabar cuisine you could try out is mutton brath, kozhi porichathu, Malabar fish curry, squid roasted in coconut milk, fish koli vada, nadan kozhi curry in the non-vegetarian section and vendakka mulagittathu and thakkali charu for vegetarians.Then there is the tender coconut water to wash away the foods and provide protection against dehydration.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Few popular Restaurants</b></div><div><br></div><div>Hotel Badariya</div><div>Hotel Vasanth Vihar</div><div>Hotel Viceroy</div><div>Hotel Vrindavan</div><div>Hotel Kerala</div><div>Hotel Sreenivas</div><div>Hotel Malabar</div><div>Hotel Metro</div><div>Hotel City Tower</div>

<div>Kasaragod does not boast of any mall or big name in retail industry. So if you are thinking that while in Kasaragod you could shop in the capacious and air conditioned environs then drop then please drop that idea. Instead what you can look forward is to buy knick knacks from a bevy of shops at local bazaars. Here you can pick up knick-knacks of all kinds.</div><div>Kasaragod is famous for the bell-metal ware this include containers, vessels and lamps of all shapes and sizes. The local crafts men are especially skilled for preparing beautiful metal artifacts and shapes.</div><div>The items from the road side shops makes for perfect souvenirs back home. Besides, Kasargod is also known for producing quality handloom and coir products. So go out in the sun and explore the things you want to shop</div>

<div><b>Weather:</b></div><div>The climate of the Kasaragod district can be best classified as warm, humid and tropical. There is not much of variation in the weather of Kasaragod owing to the fact that owing to its proximity to the sea resulting in maritime climate all through the year. That is why the place remains a pleasant whole of the year and can be visited anytime. The average maximum temperature is 31°C and the minimum is 23°C.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Summer (Mid March to May):&nbsp;</b>The summer months are usually the months of March to May. The temperatures during summer vary from 20°C to 32°C. May is very hot with scorching heat during the days. The evenings are comparatively cooler owing to the sea breeze.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Monsoon (June to November):&nbsp;</b>Monsoon sets in Kasargod by the end of May and by the beginning of June, it is full-fledged Southwest monsoons at Kasaragod. It really gets a heavy downpour heralded by thunderstorms. The average rainfall of Kasargod district is around 3500mm. Humidity is very high during rainy season and rises to almost 90 percent. The south-west monsoon holds sway till September when the monsoon fades out. The months of October-November brings the north-east monsoon. Out of the total rainfall received in the district, 2/3rd is experienced in the months of June, July &amp; August.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Winter (December- Mid March):&nbsp;</b>After the heavy lashing of the monsoons, the weather cools down. The winter sets in December and lasts till mid-March. The temperature during this time is pretty cool in the range of 18°C to 25°C. Not much difference is seen between the day and night temperature</div><div><br></div><div><b>Important Facts:</b></div><div>Location: Kasaragod district is bordered in the north by the Canara district of Karnataka, in the south, it is bounded by the Kannur District, in the east by the Western Ghats, while in the west lies the Arabian Sea.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Best time to visit: Except for a month or two Kasaragod can be visited all year-round. Mid-March to end May: Hot not recommended for a visit. June to mid-March, ok but depending upon your preferences. June to end September- This is the rainy season or monsoon. The sight of lush green and rushing waters is very soothing but outdoor activities a big no with low visibility, slushy roads and staying indoors. October to mid-March-Weather is very pleasant and remains dry generally with occasional showers, perfect for outdoor activities.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Temperature :</b> Between 27.5° C &amp; 36.5° C | <b>Std Code:</b> 04994</div><div>&nbsp;<br></div><div><b>Nearest Airport: </b>Mangalore Bajpe Airport</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Clothing:</b> Cotton wear and travel sandals are best with cap to keep sun at bay. No woolens required.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Languages understood:</b> Malayalam, Kannada, Thulu, Hindi, and bit of Konkani also.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Coastline Strech:</b> 77 km</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Rivers around: </b>A total of 12 rivers in the district, namely Chandragiri, Kariankod, Shiriya, Uppala, Mogral, Chithari, Nileshwaram, Kavvayi, Manjeswaram, Kumbala, Bekal, and Kalanad.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Nearby getaways: </b>Kanoor( 94 km), Ranipuram:85 km, Adoor(45 km)</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><b>Taluks:</b> Kasaragod &amp; Hosdurg</div>

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