Things to do


Backwater cruises
A trip to Kerala is incomplete without an excursion along the mesmerizing backwaters. The eight hours Kollam - Alappuzha trip is the most popular. There are two stoppages made along the way. One is at Ayiramthengu and the other at Lekshmithuruth, where a palatable meal and a performance of Kathakali (the classical dance) are arranged for the tourists. The Alappuzha - Kottayam and Alleppey - Kollam are also enjoyable trips.

Nightlife
There are some quaint restaurants that serve delicious dishes from Kerala's exotic cuisine. The luxury hotels have discos and pubs, where you will be served excellent beverages. You can dance to the latest chart-busters.

Wildlife Safari
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 777sq km. In the center is a 26sq km artificial lake that was made in the late 19th century. The Park is a home to tigers, bison, sambhars, wild boars, monkeys, elephants, deer and other species of flora and fauna. The wildlife at Eravikulam National Park includes nilgiri tahr, nilgiri langur, sambar, gaur and lion-tailed macaque. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary has a number of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret and darter.

Health packages
There are a number of centers that specialize in Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. These rejuvenation programmes focus on total physical and mental harmony for gaining health and they have absolutely no harmful side effects. Shopping - Kerala is famous for its coir and coconut shell products, cast bell metal work, jewellery, granite idols, carvings in wood (especially rosewood or sandalwood) and snake boat models. The Kathakali puppet is a good souvenir.

Ayurveda and Yoga

Ayurveda and Yoga are India's ancient healthcare systems. The sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda stem from a common philosophy… Holistic Health. Both propagate the same principle… a balanced life. The remedies are focused on eliminating excesses and rectifying imbalances.

What is holistic health?

Holistic healthcare is the doctrine on which Ayurveda and Yoga are based. The foundation of this system of healing and healthcare is that it looks at the individual as a "whole". It takes into account all factors that affect a person, the body, the mind and the spiritual self. The holistic approach is based upon the principle that no single agent by itself can cause or cure an ailment.

The mere absence of disease is not considered enough. The balance in the complete system of organs and nerves and the harmony of the mind, body and soul are considered the essentials for good health.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, or the "Science and study of life", is the oldest health care system in India. Originating more than 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is a systematic approach of harnesses the gifts of nature to maintain the soundness of body and mind and to cause healing. This ancient healing system utilizes herbs, spices, flowers, metals, gems and other natural substances to create physical strength, mental control and spiritual tranquility.

An Ayurvedic physician uses dietary supplements, meditation, massage, packs and herbs to cure diseases and help the individual attain harmony of body and mind. The objective of the Ayurvedic physician is to effect the proper digestion of food, absorption of essential nutrients and elimination of toxins to gain health.

Why Ayurveda?

In today's world of pollution, stress, unhealthy eating habits, dependence on drugs and materialism, Ayurveda helps in two ways. Firstly, it heals and cures physical and mental afflictions in a natural way. Secondly, it brings the individual closer to nature and in touch with the inner self.

Ayurveda does not merely treat the symptoms of an ailment. It delves into the root-cause of the illness and tries to rectify that. It uses only natural therapies. It cure effectively and without any harmful side effects.

What are the Therapies in Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic therapies provoke, influence and recharge each of the five senses as the different senses affect the human body in different ways.

The therapies include:

- Herbal drinks and dietary restraints (Sense of taste)

- Massage and packs (Sense if touch)

- Color therapy (Sense of sight)

- Aroma-therapy (Sense of smell)

- Melodious music and chanting of mantras (Sense of sound)