Friday, 8 March 2013

KERALA, INDIA


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Steeped in greenery and natural beauty, Kerala is fast gaining momentum as a tourist destination and the credit goes to its fascinating attractions. Backwaters seems to top the list. The state is blessed with outstanding network of canals, lakes, lagoons and estuaries which are the perfect places to enjoy nature. Backwaters of Kerala have played a major role in helping it earn international fame. The peaceful and blissful blue Kerala backwaters promise to make your experience so treasured that it gets etched in your mind forever. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, leafy plants and bushes fringing the backwaters leave the onlookers enchanted.
The backwater cruise in Kerala envelops beauty, excitement, fun and pleasure. Cruising across the backwaters on a traditional houseboat is like slipping slowly into a heavenly dream. The traditional Kerala Backwater Houseboats are called Kettuvallams which are available in various sizes. Equipped with modern comforts and traditional style, these houseboats are the best ways of exploring the treasured beauty of Kerala.

BACKWATERS IN KERALA

Elephant Festival Kerala
Elephant Festival is an event which attracts a lot of tourists. This festival is popularly known as ‘Thissur Pooram’. The term “Pooram” literally means a group or a meeting. According to folklores heavenly deities meet for a day on this festival. The sight of adorned elephants is truly a treat for eyes.  Small elephant processions are the main highlights of the festival. The processions are marked by carrying the idols of the deity from various temples in different villages of Thrissur. The processions end at Vadakkunnathan Temple. Three priests sit on each of the elephants during the procession. Firework is another exciting attraction of this festival. The children enjoy this part of the festival the most.
Elephant Festival stretches for seven days and is celebrated in the month of April/May. No other festival in Kerala attracts as many visitors as this festival does. It is believed that this festival was celebrated for the first time in the late 18th century by Sakthan, the erstwhile king of Cochin. The term “Pooram” literally means a group or a meeting. According to folklores heavenly deities meet for a day on this festival.



CULTURE OF KERALA (Kathakali Dance Kerala)
Kathakali dance or dance-drama occupies a prized place in the culture of Kerala. Surcharged with passion, the Kathakali dancers set the stage on fire with their performances. During the performances the dancers play various characters such as God, demon, hero and heroines. Heavy make up and elaborate costumes are the most striking features of Kathakali dance.Kathakali is a classical dance form which earned international fame for Kerala. The word Katha means story and kali means play. Its history dates back to the 17th century. The Ramamattom and Krishnattom are the two traditional art forms which gave birth to Kathakali. During its evolution Kathakali also incorporated elements from folk and martial arts which were quite popular in Kerala during that time. This dance-drama is a perfect blend of various art forms such as dance, music, drama, literature and instruments.

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