TRICHUR

TRICHUR

 Trichur occupies a prominent place in the history and culture of Kerala and is said to be the Cultural Capital of the State. It is also one of the main trade centers in the state. The present Trichur District was carved out of a bigger District of the same name on 1st April , 1958. It derives its name from the location of its headquarters at Trichur. The name Trichur derives from 'Thrishivaperur' or the place with 'Lord shiva's name' . The town is is thus built around a hillock atop which is the Vadakkaumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as the presiding deity. Adi Sankara is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple; a shrine dedicated to him lends credence to this belief. Trichur rose in importance due, it is believed, to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuram' who ascended the throne of Kochi in 1970. Large areas of Trichur were captured by the zamorins of Kozhikode in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, in the latter half of the 18th centuries, Tipu Sulthan held sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. Long ago, the vast open area around the temple was a magnificent teak forest called Thekkinkadu. Today the forest has given way to one of the most important examples of Kerala's architecture which often does away with the imposing 'gopurams' of South Indian temples. This temple features low, tiled roofs, an abundance of woodwork, and the famous 'Koothambalam' of theatre hall with sloping roofs of metal plates within which is performed the dramatic art for 'Chakiar koothu'. The Vadakkumnadam temple is also well known for its murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharatha as well as exquisite paintings and carvings.

South East corner of the district is bounded by Tamil Nadu. The Periyar, The Chalakkudy, The Karuvannur and Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the district. A place of great antiquity, Trichur was also known by such names as 'Vrishabhadripuram' and 'Ten Kailasm' in ancient days. The famous Kerala Kalamandiram, Cheruthuruthi, founded by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, is in Trichur District. The Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka are situated in Trichur town.  

GURUVAYUR

 Located 29 km north-west of Trichur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the Bhoolokavaikunta- the haven on Earth . The square  Sreekovil   is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. It is this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known  Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana pooja' or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of Bananas, sugar, Jagger or coconuts. Guruvayur is the site for weddings and Annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of a child. This is probably the only site for several wedding and ' Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of child. Within the temple, there are also the idols of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings are carvings. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. Just in front of the temple there is a huge tower of light, it has thirteen discs including basement and is 24 feet in height. There are four  Deepasthambams made of brass, inside the temple. One at northern wing was smashed by the Gajarajan Kesavan. The eastern tower, Kizhakke Gopuram (eastern tower ) is 27 feet in height. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure)   is the tall 33.5 o high gold slated wajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 o high dipastambham (pillar of lamps), with its thirteen circular receptacles, which provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur. 

PUNNATHOORKOTTA   

Punnathoorkotta which is 2 km from Guruvayur. Is the largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants. The devotees of Guruvayurappan have donated all them. Brought as ritual of ferings to the temple, there elephants are groomed at this fort. It is an interesting site to visit as one gets to see at close quarters so many turkers together.    

MAJOR ATTARACTIONS

Zoo and Art Museum- Situated at a distance of 2 km from Trichur center, the State Art Museum and Zoo are both enclosed within the same boundary and offer a fine dwelling place to a variety of endangered species. It also has a famous snake park The ask museum displays collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery, religious idols, kathakali figures, traditional jewellery of Kerala and a vast collection of traditional lamps.    

ATHIRAPILLY - VAZHACHAL WATER FALLY

Sited at 62 km south of Trichur, Athirapilly and Vazhacgal are one of the most attractive waterfalls in the State. Being 400 meters wife and falling through a height of 80 meters. There waterfalls make an enchanting experience for any visitor. The lovely forest and cool water offer a quiet tranquility for the jaded mind. Aughsarilly and Vazhachal water falls are situated just 5 km apart from each other. 

PEECHI

A fascinating picnic spot, is well known for the Peechi dam, located 23km east of Trichur. This dam project, which started as an irrigation project, offers coating facilities at the reservoir. The 125 sq. Km Peechi Vazhani Wild Life Sanctuary, located here is good to wild tuskers, Tigers, Leopards and Wild Dogs, Sambar and the Spotted and Barking deer. With more than 50 species of orchids and medicinal plants, the sanctuary is a veritable treasure trove of rare flora and fauna. The place is congenial for boating and trekking. 

ANAKKAYAM-

  Anakkayam, which is roughly 20 km from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Perimgalkuthu route, is popular tourist spot. It is famous for its lake with cool and plaid waters. The place derived its name from the fabled incident of a herd of elephants, which got drowned in this very lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its pushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.   

KERALA ARTS

KERALA ARTS

    Kerala has a rich tradition in art and dance forms like any land, Kerala also has it own typical art forms, which reflect the life and outlook of the people. ‘Kathakali’ is the most popular dance of the state. It is unique in several features and can be distinguished on the basis of make-up and costumes. It comprises of Both ‘Thandva’ and ‘Lesya’ elements of dancing. Women generally do not participate in this dance. ‘Mohiniyattam’ is another typical dance of Kerala. ‘Ottamthullal’ is solo dance in which the dance wears colourful coustumes as in ‘Kathakali’

KATHAKALI

Kathakali is a stylised dance-drama? Is it a pantomime? Can it be called a classical ballet? One of the world's stop-ranking poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore was instantly impressed by the aesthetic range and the narative techniques me Kathakali when Kalamandalam presented a programs go Santiniketan. Kathakali was born only in the 17th century

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KOODIYATTAM

Koodiyattam is the sole surviving classical Sanskrit theatre in India. It is a two thousand year old theatre-tradition. Traditionally Koothu and koodiyattam are the privileges of the temple castes Chakyars (the women of the Nambiars) enact the male-characters. Nambiars play Mizhavu, the major percussion-instrument in Koodiyattam. 

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 MOHINIYATTAM

There is no precise historical evidence to establish the antiquity of Mohiniyattam, the classical female dance-tradition of Kerala. Probably it was evolved in the seventeenth century. In the court of King Swathi Thirunal who ruled Travancore (South Kerala) in the 18th century, Mohiniyattam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. The post-Swarthy period witnessed the downfall of Mohiniyattam. 'The dance of the enchantress' slipped into eroticism to satisfy the epicurean-life of some provincial satraps and feudal Lords. Poet Vallathol rescued Mohiniyattam from total extinction. It was added to the curriculum of Kalamandalam in 1930.  The makeup and dressing for Mohiniyattam is simple and she wears sandal coloured jacket and sari. Jasmine flowers adorn her tied up hair. She decorates her eyes with Kajal and the lips are reddened. The theme of Mohiniyattam is devotion to love of God. Vishnu or Krishna is more often the hero. We feel his invisible presence when the heroine or her friend (sakhi) describes him through hand-gestures, delicate and circular body-movements

THEYYAM

A ritual dance form of Kerala, glorifying the goddess. Themes revole around the triumph of the goddess over the demon Daruka and other evil characters. Always performed by men,  they also enact female roles wearing exotic makeup and colorful costumes.  Theyyam also known as Kaaliyaattam, it is a ritual dance popular in north Kerala or the erstwhile Kolathunadu. Theyyam incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors. Of the over 400 theyyams performed, the most spectacular one are those of Raktha Chamundi, Kari Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, Wayanadu Kulaveni, Gulikan and Pottan. These are performed in front of shrines, sans stage or curtains, by persons belonging to the Vannan, Malayan and other related castes.

THULLAL

Thullal is the successor of Kathakali. Kunchan Nambiar who lived two centuries ago wrote the text of Thullal and choreographed it for the stage. All the sixty plays of Thullal composed by Kunchan Nambiar are replete with humour, sarcasm and social criticism. Thullal has three divisions - Seethankan, Ottan and Parayan. The distinction between them lies mostly in the makeup and costumes and to some extent in the metres and the rhythm used. Thullal often reflects the literary, artistic and cultural life of the medieval Kerala. In Thullal, episodes from the Indian Epics and rotold in simple Malayalam poetry. The stylized singing of the lines carries with it the beauty of the Dravidian metres. Thullal is a solo performance. As a semi-stylized dance theatre, Thullal is a more popular entertainment than other temple arts. The performer establishes easy rapport with the audience through verbal acting which is full of humour and social references.

PANCHVADYAM

'Pancha' (five) 'Vadyam' (orchestra) is an orchestra, typical of Kerala, consisting of five instruments: Kombu, Edakka, Thimila, Illathalam and Maddalam.

 

PANDIMELAM

 An orchestra consisting of four instruments: Chenda, Kuzhal, Kombu and Illathalam. This combination is used mainly in major temple festivals of Kerala like the Thrissur Pooram. 

THAYAMBAKA

A renowned orchestra of Kerala featuring a unique symphony of chendas beaten in a pouring rhythm.

TIMILA

An hourglass shared drum made from polished lackwood. A creeper is used to make the Frame or Valayam. The drumheads made of calf hide are held together by leather braces, which are also twined around the waist of the drum. This mechanism helps in adjusting the pension and controlling the sound. Thimila is an important instrument in 'Panchavadyam', Kerala's traditional orchestra of five instruments. It is a must during temple rituals like 'seeveli', a ceremonial procession of deities.

EDAKKA

An extremely sensitive percussion instrument. Made of wood and about a quarter metre long, the drumheads are held in a position by interlacing cotton threads. The player beats the drum with one hand while simultaneously manipulating the strings with the other thus creating a variety of musical notes. 

BOAT RACES

BOAT RACES.

 In alappuzha the land of lakes and rivers, snake boat racing is something of cult. Sleek and immaculately poised, the snake boats are the pride of every village. These race boats dominate the thoughts and actions of the people of this region during the months of august and September, when newly 20 minor and major regattas are held. The water festival in alappuzha is unique. No other country in the world has such festivities. The large number of participants in a racing boat marks still the uniqueness that no other sport in the world has such a large number in a team. The synchronized way of rowing offer long and devoted training and inherent aptitude. Those who steer the vessel need through knowledge of water current, observation power of high order, and they must be well versed in the different aspects of boat racing. The most notable fact in the races of boats in that a single neglected act of a single participant will lead a boat to lord in the race. Most of the major water festivals of the region are associated with legends connected with famous temples like champakkulam (Ambalapuzha), Payipad (Haripad) and Aranmula. There festivals best retain the flavour of ancient Kerala culture, especially the Uthrithathi boat race on the Pampa, in Aranmula, where devotion, music and the sheer artistry and grandeur of the boats, known as Palliyodams, make it a unique experience for the spectators.

   The Boats [Vallangal]

Kuttanadu is a place of boats. Different kinds of boats are seen always roaming over the water of this part of the Kerala state. The boats of kuttanadu are of various types, according to their purpose. Kochuvallams are small boats used to cross rivers and takes. They also range in their sizes. Kettuvallams are largely cargo movers. Churulans are pleasure boats and they are considered to be the conveyance of rich people in olden days. The churulan boats very in length form 12 ¹/₂ to 20 ¹/₄ Koles and their crew ranges from 10 to 36. Chundans are supposed to be navy boats of Chempakassery rulers. It has got a length of more than a hundred feet and usually more than a hundred people are on board. Both the does of the boats are raised form water level. The rear end has a height of about twenty feet form the surface of water. Nearly eighty six persons are rowers, ten to fifteen are to give the rhythm, four are to steer the vessel. It is to be specially noted that the chundans have the maximum maneuverability among all sort of race boats.

The chundan (snake boat) variety of race boats is usually 38 ¹/₂ to 48 ¹/₂ koles (one kole being equivalent to 24 inches) long and accommodates 100 to 150 persons.

Vappu vallams ( Parunthuvalans) are said to be boats that were used to carry stores for the soldiers on board the chundans. ‘Vaipu’  became Veppu" by usage. Vaipu in Malayalam means cooking. The design and appearance of these vehicles differ from all other race boats. The length of Parunthuvalan varies from 28 ¹/₂ to ¹/₄ Koles and it accommodates 28 to 36 rowers. Oadis or Iruttukuthies have a different origin. They were used for smuggling. It is to be noted, they are seen in plenty in the coastal areas near Cochin and suburbs. Their very design is for speed. Both the does are alike. Manoeuvrability is little, spastically nil. They are never turned and rowed up only in shuttle between, by turning round the rowers. The odi, also called cheru chundan has a length of 28 ¹/₄ to 32 ¹/₄ koles and has 40 to 60 rowers. Various types of boats, all home-made out of indigenous materials are used for the boat races, Ranging from the magnificent snake boat (chundan) nearly a hundred feet long and with 150 rowers, to the smallest one which measures 18 feet and accommodates a dozen crew. The boats are scooped out of single tree trunks, usually ‘Kadampu’ and ‘Anjili’ ( Artocarpus hirusuta). A lot of skill, labour, time and money, go into the making of these boats which are objects of envy and wonder from ages past. The most popular varieties of racing boats are called chundan, churulan, odi (Iruttukuthi) and parunthuvalan (Veppu) and each differs from the other in the shape of the helm and prow, and capacity to accommodate the crew. The differences in the construction of the remaining parts of the boats are not, however, very pronounced. Though the build naturally varies with the boats intended for the placid  Waters of rivers and lakes, and the vessels which have to ply over the open backwaters, where waves and currents have to be encountered. Easy and swift manoeuvrability is the principal concern with the making of boats, which race over rivers and lakes.
The cut water is reduced to the minimum in these boats. Their prows and helms are raised considerably high and  the streamlining is equally horizontal as well as vertical. The chundan and odi are such racing boats. In the construction of boats in tended to negotiate open backwaters, case is taken to see that the cut water descends almost to the keel and top heaviness is avoided by keeping the helm and prow quite low. At either end, the gunwale is curved up to prevent waves dashing in, as in the churulan type of boats. The prow and helm of there boats are of identical build to facilitate easy maneuvering. Of all the race boats, the most importing picturesque and coasty is the chundan , snake boat. The stern of the snake boat rises about 15 feet from the water level, and is embellished with exquisite ornamental designs in burnished brass and wood. The extent of elaborate and expensive ornamentation, characteristic of the local craftsman's skill, indicate the wealth and eminence of the owner of the boat, long and narrow, the snake boats but across the water with majesty and grace.    

Photos

 

SILENT VALLY NATIONAL PARK

SILENT VALLY NATIONAL PARK

Area 89 sq. Km, Altitude-658 – 2,383 meter  above sea level, Rainfall – 1624.3 mm Maximum Temperature 39⁰ C, Minimum Temperature – 20.4^o C. Best time of visit September to March Located in the Kundali Hills of the western Gats, the Silent Valley National Park holds a valuable reserve of rare plants and herbs. The park is rich in its wildlife, and elephants, lion-tailed  macaques and tigers are the most common denizens of this park. A visit to this park should be considered a life time experience, as this is the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forests in India.

  Though smaller in size in comparison to the other national parks in India, makes it unique is the sylvan environment the region has with its high altitude peaks and several rivers that run through it.

     Silent Valley has a very eventful history in comparison to the other wildlife in the country. The local name for the park is Sairandhrivanam (the forest in the valley) and had been a centre of hot debates and protests in the decades of the 70’s and 80’s of the 20^th century. The history of the park goes way back to 1888 when the region was declared a reserved land under the forest act and later notified as a reserved forest by the Government of Madras in 1914.

     In the half of the 1970,s Kerala State Electricity Board decided to construct a Hydel Power Project in this region and when in 1980, this region was declared as National Park, the area of Hydel Project was not included. This started fierce discussion and protests and the board had to drop its plan. Subsequently, in 1984, the park was region refortified as a National Park with the project area included. In 1986, the Silent Valley was declared the core area in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Silent Valley National Park – Location: The Silent Valley National Park is situated in the Palghat or Palakkad district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. A part of the Western Ghat along the Arabian Sea, The park extends from latitude 11⁰ 04’ in the North to longitude 76⁰ 79’ in the East. The park vested forests of the Palghat and Nilambur divisions in the west and south. In the North, the park is an extension of the Nilagiri Forests.

  Silent Valley National Park – Climate Silent Valley National Park is a heavy rainfall region with the places in the higher altitudes getting the highest rain. The average rainfall in the region varies between 2800 mm and 3400 mm. The park receives most of its rainfall during the southwest monsoon from June to December. The relative humidity is considerably high during this season with the maximum at times going to 95⁰/₀ . February are the coolest months, though not much difference in the temperature is experienced.

KATHAKALI

 KATHAKALI

Kathakali is a stylised dance-drama? Is it a pantomime? Can it be called a classical ballet? One of the world's stop-ranking poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore was instantly impressed by the aesthetic range and the narative techniques me Kathakali when Kalamandalam presented a programs go Santiniketan. Kathakali was born only in the 17th century. But in less than four centuries it grew up to represent India's cultural heritage to the world outside. An eclectic art Kathakali evolved its classicism receiving inspiration from most of its predecessors viz Koodiyattam, Krishanattam, Theyyam, Martial arts, Padayani, Mudiyett and similar traditions. 

Kathakali plays are composed from the great Indian Epics, The ramayana, the mahabharata, and the Bagavatha. The play synchronizes no stage Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (Expression Dance), Natya (Histrionics), Geeta (Vocal music) and Vadya (Percussion ensemble). Kathakali characters communicate through the language me hand-gestures (over six hundred gestures are in use), body movements and facial expression. The text of the play is sung by the principal and supporting vocalists. The dancers translate the songs into appropriate gestures, movements and expressions. 'Chenda' and 'Maddalam' are the two major percussion instruments used in Kathakali. They provide audio effect to the performance by tracing the character behavior. A curtain (Thiraseela) is held on stage by two persons just before the entry and exit of all the main characters. This is traditional theatrical device to transcend time and space.

Kathakali make-up and costuming is intricate, elaborate and colorful. It takes at least three hours for an actor to transform into a full fledged character with facial make-up, head-gear, ornaments and colorful costumes. Kathakali characters are broadly divided into noble, wicked and grotesque. Their make-up and costumes differ from one another. Love, Separation, virtue Vs vice, comic-relief, emotional struggles, gruesome-war and murder are common scenes in the Kathakali plays. More than the themes, the stylistic of individual performers is the abiding passion me Kathakali fans.

Kalamandalam gives intensive training to young aspirants in Kathakali. Body-massage is a must for Kathakali students. Teachers will massage the students from head to foot in the small hours me the morning during monsoon - June to August. After applying oil through out the body the students have to take a set of exercises. There are also post massage exercises. Massage makes the body of student supple and allows him a lot of flexibility in all his movements on stage. Body massage is a treatment involving strain and pain. Kathakali perhaps adapted this training-technique from Kalaripayattu (Martial arts). In Kalamandalam, Kathakali students are trained in such a way as to master the techniques first. They are later led to character-analysis and emotional identification 

KOODIYATTAM

KOODIYATTAM 

Koodiyattam is the sole surviving classical Sanskrit theatre in India. It is a two thousand year old theatre-tradition. Traditionally Koothu and koodiyattam are the privileges of the temple castes Chakyars (the women of the Nambiars) enact the male-characters. Nambiars play Mizhavu, the major percussion-instrument in Koodiyattam. The plays of Kulasekhara, Sakthibhadra, Bhasa kalidasa and Bodhayana enacted act by act in Koodiyattam. The four-fold concept of acting dealt with in the Natyasastra, stage Bharata's ancient dramaturgy, find its due significance in Koodiyattam. Angika (hand-gestures and body-movements), Vachila (verbal acting), Aharya (makeup and costuming) and Satwika (facial expressions) in Koodiyattam are highly stylised. One finds in koodiyattam more of Natyadharmi (stylized acting) compared to other classical art forms.   

A part from the epic heroes, heroines, villains and demons there is the Vidooshaka (royal clown) who speaks three languages, Sanskrit, Prakrit (crude from of sanskrit), and the local dialect (Malayalam). His words and actions convincingly portray the true character of the protagonist. In the past he was a social auditor. His diatribes against the establishment and those in power were a corrective force in the feudal-society. The main characters in Koodiyattam customarily enact 'Nirvahana'; a recollection of past events in the play to form a backdrop for stepping into the present.

Nangiarkoothu' is the counterpart of Koodiyattam. It is in essence the Nirvahana of the female characters. Nangiar in forty one days enacts "Sreekrishna Charita" (the story of lord Krishna). She appear on stage as the Chedi (Maid) of Subhadra in play, Subhadradhananjayam of king Kulasekhara. Theatre artists, choreographers and theatre researchers of the west and the east are keenly interested in the aesthetic-dimensions of both Koodiyattam and Nangiarkoothu. They come quite often to Kalamandalam for an intimate observation and analysis of their theatre traditions.   

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple: 

          This ancient tempte is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulation is strictly enforced.  

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

built during the 14th century it was called Darpakulangara, but later in the 18th century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram Palace. A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1780

KAUDIAR PALACE: 

 This place is the home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The view of the grand old building from the gate is excellent, but unfortoately it is off limits to the public. If you are lucky, you could probably walk a few steps inside to get a better view provided the gate keeper is friendly enough. 

   

ANCHUTHENGU FORT:

 Located 36 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast.  

KOYIKKAL PALACE

Classified as a double storeyed 'nalukettu', Koyikkal Palace was the official residence of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore. 

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: A classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage

 

VELI TOURIST VILLAGE

the seemingly placid sheet of water that backed away from the visibility reverberant sea offers a general idea of the famous backwaters of Kerala.

KOVALAM BEACH

Location: Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala. Best time to visit : September to March, though it is an all year destination. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.    The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sun bathing, swimming, herbal body tango massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaram cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health reports, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.    Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles. To know more about the crafts on sale here see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January 99 to 15 July 99.  

Sankhumugham Beach:

 Located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

AYURVEDA

AYURVEDA

Kerala is the place in the world where Ayurveda, the ancient form of science and holistic system of medicine based on nature is practised of perfection. Ayurveda, the system of treatment believed to the older than 5000 years is based on the philosophy, prevention is better than cure however it offers a lasting cure to patients. Suffering form various diseases, but the system teaching as how to achieve. Perfect health' for diseased or abnormal conditions and how to bead our life both physical and mental to attain the bliss of life. Discover the power of Ayurveda, in Kerala the only place on earth where it is practised with absolute authenticity and dedications. 'Ayurveda' , the English for which is knowledge of life has flourished here since vetsy ancient times. The state's eatable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medical plants, and the cool monsoon reason (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and reparative programmes . In fact, ancient texts recommend the monsoon to be the best season for Ayurvedic's regimens’. This is the time when the atmosphere remains dust- free and cool, opening the roses of the body to maximum. Making it most receptive to afrab oils and therapy. Kerala offer two kinds of Ayurvedic heath holiday options. Rejuvanative and therapectic. This package and based on the time, tested, ancient Indian system of medicine 'Ayurveda'.

AYURVEDIC REJUVENTION PROGRAMS

Kerala offers two kinds of Ayurvedic health holiday option Rejuvenative Therapeutic. These packages are based on the time tested, ancient Indian system of medicine: Ayurveda.

Rejuvenation Programmes: Rejuvenation therapy (Rasayana Chikilsa) Overall fitness (Panchakarma). Body immunisation and longevity treatment (Kayakalpa Chikilsa). Body sudation (Sweda Karma). Meditation and Yoga. Beauty care. Body slimming

Therapeutic Programmes:  Treatment for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension (Dhara). Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis Sporaris, leukaemia etc. (Snehapanam). Treatment for spondilosis,  rheumatic diseases (Pizhichil). Tretment for diseases like hemiplegic,  paralysis, obesity and certain rheumatic ailments (Udvarthanam). Treatment for muscular-skeletal (Marma Chikilsa). Treatment for nasal ailments (Nasyam). Treatment for ear ailments (Karpanapooranam). Preventing cataract and strengthening vision (Tharpanam). Treatment for wasting of muscles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation, certain skin diseases (Nijavarkizhi). Treatment for ailments of the head, nose mouth, throat, face etc. And the seven most common therapies 

Abhyanga: Total body massage with herbal oils that tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. This is also a cure for rheumatism.

                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                  

Elakzihi (Patrawedam): The entire body massaged with herbal poultices prepared with various herbs and medicated power dipped in warm medicated oils. Promotes circulation and increases perspiration which in turn revitalizes the skin.

Njavarakizhi: The entire body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of boluses tied in Muslim bags. Revitalises the skin and is a therapy for ailments like rheumatism, pain in the joints, wasting of muscles etc.

Pizhichil: Lukewarm herbal oil applied with fresh linen all over the body in a rhythmic manner for particular period. Therapy for spondilosis, arthritis, hemiplegic and nervous disorders 

Udwardhanam: Therapeutic massage with herbal powders. Therapy for obesity and rheumatic ailments.

Dhara: Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions poured gently on the forehead/whole body in a continuous stream. Therapy fortress, mental tension, insomnia, headaches etc.