Activities in Southern Kerala
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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 K…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Motor-Boat Rental
The DTPC organises motor-boat rental, with several different itineraries possible in the high season (November to March). Boats cost around Rs25 per hour for up to 10 people.
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