Activities in Kerala
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Elephant Camp of Kodanad and Athirapalli Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi
8 hours (Departs Kochi, India)
by Viator
Discover Kerala’s exotic wildlife, tropical greenery and stunning natural beauty on a day trip from Kochi to the Elephant Camp of Kodanad and the magnificent…Not LP reviewed
from USD$60.00 - All activities
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Houseboat
Renting a houseboat designed like a kettuvallam (rice barge) could be one of your most expensive experiences in India, but it's worth every darned rupee. Drifting through quiet canals lined with coconut palms, eating deliciously authentic Keralan food, meeting local villagers and sleeping on the water under a galaxy of stars - it's a world away from the clamour of India.
Houseboats cater for groups (up to eight bunks) or couples (one or two double bedrooms). Food (and an onboard chef to cook it) is generally included in the quoted cost. Houseboats can be chartered through the DTPC in Kollam or Alleppey, or a multitude of private operators.
This is the biggest business in…
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Tourist Cruises
The popular cruise between Kollam and Alleppey departs at 10:30 and arrives at 18:30, operating daily from August to March and every second day at other times. Many hotels in Kollam and Alleppey take bookings for one or other of these services; some offer cheaper rates but you'll end up paying the difference on board.
Generally, there are two stops: a 13:00 lunch stop (be aware that you'll pay extra for every element over the standard meal!) and a brief afternoon chai stop. The crew has an ice box full of fruit, soft drinks and beer to sell. Bring sunscreen and a hat.
It's a scenic and leisurely way to get between the two towns, but as a backwater experience the cruise is…
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Village Tours
Village tours usually involve small groups of five to six people, a knowledgeable guide and an open canoe or covered kettuvallam. The tours (from Kochi, Kollam or Alleppey) last from 2½ to six hours and cost around Rs300toRs600 per person. You visit villages to watch coir-making, boat building, toddy (palm beer) tapping and fish farming, and on the longer trips a traditional Keralan lunch is provided.
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Cochin Ayurvedic Centre
Recommended Ayurvedic massage and treatment.
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Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram
Just before Neyyar Dam, this superbly located ashram, established in 1978, is renowned for its hatha yoga courses. Courses start on the 1st and 16th of each month, run for a minimum of two weeks and cost Rs600 per day for accommodation in a double room (Rs450 in dormitories). Low season (May to September) rates are Rs100 less. There’s an exacting schedule (5.30am to 10pm) of yoga practice, meditation and chanting; and students rave about the food (included in the rates). Bookings are required. Month-long yoga-teacher training and ayurvedic massage courses are also available.
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Natana Kairali Research & Performing Centre for Traditional Arts
Natana Kairali Research & Performing Centre for Traditional Arts, 20km south of Thrissur near Irinjalakuda, offers training in traditional arts, including rare forms of puppetry and dance. Short appreciation courses lasting up to a month are sometimes available to keen foreigners (about Rs250 per class). In December each year, the centre holds five days of mohiniyattam (dance of the temptress) performances, a form of classical Keralan women’s dance.
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Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre
This French-run centre at Aranmula, 10km from Chengannur, offers highly recommended courses in Indian arts with expert teachers. You can choose from a range of 15 subjects to study, including ayurveda, Kathakali, classical dances, Carnatic music, Keralan cooking, languages (Malayalam, Sanskrit and Hindi) and kalarippayat. Classes are generally individual and are held for a minimum of three hours per day, Monday to Friday.
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Janakanthi Panchakarma Centre
Janakanthi Panchakarma Centre is an ayurvedic resort, 5km from Kollam, popular for its seven- to 21-day treatment packages (seven-day packages including basic accommodation start at around Rs9000). You can also just visit for a rejuvenation massage and herbal steam bath (Rs750). An autorickshaw from Kollam should cost around Rs100.
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Kannur Ayurvedic Centre
For ayurvedic treatments, visit the Kannur Ayurvedic Centre, a small, government-certified and family-run clinic in Kalpetta. Ayurvedic massage start at Rs500, longer treatments like full 21-day panchakarma cleansing cost around Rs9100, plus Rs120 for food and Rs500 for accommodation per day. There are also daily yoga classes.
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Margi Kathakali School
Margi Kathakali School conducts courses in kathakali and kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama) for beginner and advanced students. Fees average Rs200 per 1½-hour class. Visitors can peek at uncostumed practice sessions held 10am to noon Monday to Friday. It’s in an unmarked building behind the Fort School.
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Lacadives
Lacadives runs dive centres on Bangaram and Kadmat Islands. Costs can vary: a CMAS one-star course costs US$500, while experienced divers pay from US$50 per dive (including equipment hire), with discounts available for multiple dives. Information is available through the hotels or directly through Lacadives in Mumbai.
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Thiruvananthapuram City Day Tour
KTDC offers tours, leaving from the Tourist Reception Centre at the KTDC Hotel Chaithram on Central Station Rd. The Thiruvananthapuram City Day Tour visits Trivandrum’s major sights plus Kovalam beach (half day 8.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm; full day 8.30am to 7pm). Avoid Monday, when some places are closed.
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CVN Kalari Sangham
CVN Kalari Sangham offers three-month courses (Rs1000 per month) in kalarippayat for serious students with some experience in martial arts. Contact Sathyan for details. On Monday to Saturday at 7am to 8.30am, training sessions are open for public viewing.
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Academy of Magical Sciences
Ever wanted to learn how on earth they do that Indian rope trick? This is your chance. This academy works to preserve traditional Indian magic, give recognition to street magicians and train students in the art of illusion. It holds regular shows and have a store selling magic kits. Fun.
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Ayurveda
The students at Ayurveda College perform massage and general panchakarma (cleansing and purification) treatments (after consultation with a doctor) free of charge. Expect to wait in line, and expect Indian hospital, rather than Western resort-style, ambience.
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Canoe-Boat Tours
Any of the dozens of travel agencies in town can arrange canoe-boat tours of the backwaters. Rented canoe boats offer a nonguided laze through the canals on a small, covered canoe for up to four people - the ultimate way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
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Cook & Eat
Mrs Leelu Roy runs a popular cooking class called Cook & Eat in her great big family kitchen. Several of the homestays in towns are also happy to organise impromptu cooking demonstrations and classes for their guests.
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Kanyakumari Day Tour
KTDC offers tours, leaving from the Tourist Reception Centre at the KTDC Hotel Chaithram on Central Station Rd. The Kanyakumari Day Tour visits Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari and the nearby Suchindram Temple.
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Public Ferries
If you want the local backwater transport experience, or a shorter trip, there are State Water Transport boats between Alleppey and Kottayam. The trip crosses Vembanad Lake and has a more varied landscape than the Alleppey cruise.
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Ayur Dara
Run by third-generation ayurvedic practitioner Dr Subhash, this delightful waterside treatment centre specialises in long-term treatments. It’s 4km from the Vypeen Island ferry (autorickshaw Rs40). By appointment only.
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KTDC boat trips
Two-hour KTDC boat trips around the lake are the usual way of touring the sanctuary. The trips can be enjoyable enough, though they are often packed, rowdy, and not an ideal way to spot wildlife.
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Santhigiri Ayurveda
One recommended place for the ayurvedic experience is Santhigiri Ayurveda, offering both massage (Rs650 to Rs750) and long-term treatments including 21-day panchakarma cleansing (Rs30,000).
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Jungle walks
Guided three-hour jungle walks cover 4km or 5km and are a better way to experience the park close up, accompanied by a trained tribal guide. Note that leeches are common after rain.
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Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Cruise
8 hours (Departs Kochi, India)
by Viator
Cruise the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala on board a private Kettuvallam, a traditional thatched houseboat typical to Kerala. These houseboats have been…Not LP reviewed
from USD$79.99 -
Forest Department boats
The smaller, more decrepit Forest Department boats offer a chance to get a bit closer to the animals, and are driven by sanctuary workers who may offer commentary.
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