Theyyam, The Living Gods of North Malabar in Kerala

Though one cannot imagine the exact figure of Theyyam, there are approximately 400 types.

Kerala Kalamandalam, The Place for art-lovers and cultural-enthusiasts

Founded in 1930 by Legendary Indian poet Vallathol Narayana Menon  Kalamandalam lately renamed as Kalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture, is a major centre for learning Indian performing arts. With its strictly residential learning system (know as the Gurukula Sampradaya) blended with Modern University System, it has acquired an immortal name in the cultural map of the world.

The Maharaja of Cochin donated land along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy village of Thrissur District of Kerala in 1933, which has recently received an 'A' grade from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The inception of Kalamandalam gave a second life to three major classical performing arts of Kerala, as Kathakali, Kudiyattam and Mohiniyattam were, by the turn of 20th century, facing the threat of extinction under various regulations of the colonial authorities.

Classes in Kalamandalam happens individual class rooms called Kalaries starting early at 4.30 in the morning and continue till late evening. All the students stay in the campus as this is strictly a residential University. The Kalari training focuses on physical exercise, body massage, recapitulation and repetition of lessons learned. Teacher-disciple relation here is exemplary. Visitors can stand outside the Kalaries to enjoy the study classes at times. So the best time to visit Kalamandalam is before 11:00 AM, which is when most of the performing arts classes happen. There are 1000s of students from different countries, attending classes here every day.

The Art-Gallery at Kalamandalam is a must watch, which has neatly exhibited elegant statutes of different Kathakali characters and those of other performing arts.The statues are in fiber conceived and created by the renowned artiste Namboodiri. The outer walls of the Gallery have beautiful mural paintings by artiste Suresh and his colleagues of the Vaasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aaranmula.

For art-lovers and cultural-enthusiasts, there is much more to see in Kalamandalam. The Vallathol-Museum at Cheruthuruthy showcases the poetic works, cultural contributions and achievements of Mahakavi Vallathol over a long period of time.

For tourists looking for serious entertainments 'A day with the Masters' is a tourism program arranged by Kalamandalam which will become a major attraction. All those interested to join the conducted tour may contact Kalamandalam (Ph.04884-262305, Fax: 04884-262019, E-mail: info@kalamandalam.com)

Historic Edakkal Caves at Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is a quaint town located in Wayanad district of Kerala. The famous Edakkal caves which also means "A stone in between" is situated at the northern region of Wayanad called Ambukuthi Hills, 10 Kms from Sulthan Bathery.

The caves are considered as one of the earliest centers of human habitation. This was said to be formed by a large split in a huge rock thus holds two chambers. The caves are famous for paintings and carvings on rock which portrays values of stone age civilizations.

Edakkal caves can be accessed only though a 1 km trekking trail from Edakkal. In the first chamber there are lots of pictorial carvings that depicts the existence of various tribes.

Morning hours are the best time to be at Edakkal caves and it closes by 5 pm.

Below is a route map we collected to Edakkal Caves from the nearest city, Sulthan Bathery.

Spacial thanks to Chins for the Post.

Kerala, God's Own Country? What is it? Where is it? How is it?

Kerala  is an Indian state located on the south-west India formed on 1 November 1956 by combining various Malayalam speaking regions. The state has an area of 38,863 km2 (15,005 sq mi) and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea on the west. The city of Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum) is the state capital.

Kochi (Cochin), Kollam (Quilon), Kottayam, Thrissur (Trichur), Palakkad (Palghat) and Kozhikode (Calicut) are other major cities in Kerala.

According to a recent survey by The Economic Times, five out of Ten Best cities to live in India are located in Kerala.

Kerala is a popular tourist destination for its backwaters, yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, Spices and tropical greenery. The Kerala Government Tourism Department, a government department in charge of promoting tourism has adopted the slogan God's Own Country for its campaigns.

Credits: Wikipedia

Kerala State Visitors Map

Kerala  is an Indian state located on the south-west India wedged between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. Kerala’s coast runs nearly 600 km in length, while the width varies between 35–120 km in width.

14 Districts of Kerala

There are 14 districts in Kerala with Kasargode at the northern end and Thiruvananthapuram at the Southern end with Thiruvananthapuram serving as the Capital city of the state.

Names of these 14 districts (and their older English Version) are given below.

1) Kasaragod - Kasargod
2) Kannur - Cannanore
3) Wayanad - Wayanad
4) Kozhikode - Calicut
5) Malappuram - Malappuram
6) Palakkad - Palghat
7) Thrissur - Trichur
8) Ernakulam - Ernakulam
9) Idukki - Idukki
10) Kottayam - Kottayam
11) Alappuzha - Alleppey
12) Pathanamthitta - Pathanamthitta
13) Kollam - Quilon
14) Thiruvananthapuram - Trivandrum

Districts are again subdivided into Taluks and then Villages.