Photo credit: P Salim
Humayun’s Tomb was built over a 7 year period starting in 1565 AD by Haji Begum, the widow of Humayun, the 2nd Mugal Emperor. Located in the Indian state of Delhi, the Tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and was beautifully restored by Aga Kahn Trust for Culture in collaboration with the Archeological Survey of India. Continue reading
Bazar Road, Mattanchery
The Spice market in Mattanchery has retained its status as an important center of spice trade in India. The exotic fragrance of the finest ginger, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and pepper, also known as black gold, emanate from the spice warehouses lining both sides of the street that our new property, Spice Harbour, calls home. Continue reading
Photo credits: Dileep Kumar
Located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, Halebidu (which literally means “old city”) is an important Hoysala architectural site being proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status. Once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, the Halebidu temples are excellent examples of South Indian architecture. Continue reading
Photo credits: Dileep
Named for the Portuguese word meaning “watering place”, Aguada Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in the state of Goa. Portuguese rulers built the fort between 1609 and 1612 for providing a fresh water supply to their passing ships. Continue reading
Photo credits: Dileep
Aliyar dam is situated in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Constructed over a ten year period between 1959-1969, Aliyar dam is the source for canal irrigation for large tracts of agricultural lands in the bordering regions of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Continue reading
Sighting of the day
It has been a while since we have shared our guest sightings at the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Some guests carry cameras to capture every moment and some just like enjoying the moment. Our reception chalk board gives people the opportunity to share those experiences with others–in this case not in photos but their memories.
Photo Credit: Renjith
Pesaha Appam is a traditional food made by Kerala Christians only during Maundy Thursday, the Thursday of holy week. The eldest member of the family blesses and cuts the Appam and distributes it to the rest of the family members. Continue reading
Photo credits: Jayaraj
Pottan Theyyam is a colorful ritualistic dance that forms an integral part of the cultural scene in North Kerala. Dressed in ribbons of tender coconut leaves, with his face hidden behind a mask, the Theyyam dances in a frenzied spell, throwing himself on burning red hot embers and walking on fire without getting burnt. Continue reading
Photo Credits: Jithin
Commonly known as the Golden Shower tree, the flowers of the Indian Laburnum are an integral part of Vishu, the planting festival of Kerala. This delicate flower graces the ritual arrangements in homes all over Kerala. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
In Kerala, Palm Sunday is called Hosanna Njayar. Celebrated by Christians the world over on the Sunday before Easter, which fell on April 13th, in 2014. Churchs have special services and ceremonial processions attended by hundreds of believers carrying tender palm leaves to be blessed by the priests. Continue reading
Photo credits: Surus
Pathiramanal is a small island located in the backwaters of Alappuzha District, about 2 kilometers from the Muhumma boat jetty. Many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the country come here to nest, adding to the scenic beauty of its location on Lake Vembanad. Continue reading
Photo credits: Sijo
Bekal Fort is situated in the Kasaragod district in the north of Kerala. One of the largest and most well-preserved forts in the state, Bekel is spread over 40 acres. The fort was built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkari dynasty in 1650. The west side of the fort offers a magnificent view of the sea and the beach. Continue reading
Photo credits: Dileep Kumar
The flower shows at Bangalore’s famous Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are annual events that add another reason to attract visitors to the beautiful gardens. More than 175 varieties of flowers and vegetables are on display. The showcase also features huge floral structures in the shape of mangoes, mushrooms, coconuts and more. Continue reading
Photo credits: Jobsun
The Bappiriyan Theyyam is mostly performed in the Kannur district, a major center for Theyyam in the north of Kerala. The most significent aspect of this Theyyam is that the performer climbs to the top of a coconut tree, sometimes even dropping a couple of coconuts when he’s there. Continue reading
Photo credits: Sachin
Both delicious and easy to prepare, Mango Pickle is an important condiment addition to most Kerala meals. The main ingredients of this spicy and tangy condiment are raw mango, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, mustard oil and vinegar.
Photo credits: Basheer
Mararikulam beach is located 28 km south of the city of Cochin and 20 km north of Alappuzha town. This nature lover’s paradise is a beautiful beach with the exceptional quality of wide expanses with no waterfront development to mar the views. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ajalraj
Similar to the Theyyam dance, Thirra is a ritual dance performed in Goddess temples of the North Malabar region of Kerala.It is believed that the puny frame of the performer draws the strength to support the massive headgear from the loud clothing, ceremonial facial paint and the dance movements themselves presented in front of the deity the Goddess.This art form is performed by the artists of the Peruvannam community. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith
The national tree of India, the Banyan is one of the most magical and mystical of trees. In Indian culture the Banyan tree is considered to be sacred and leaves of the tree are considered to be the resting place of Lord Krishna. It is also believed that Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting under a Banyan tree. Continue reading
Photo credits: Abhay
The Santa Cruz Basilica is a heritage church in Fort Kochi with a colorful history. Built by the Portuguese in 1505 and elevated by Pope Paul IV to cathedral status in 1558, it was demolished by the British in 1795 when they took over Kochi. Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in 1887. Continue reading
Photo credits: Jithin Vijay
The Kodungallur Bharani Festival is celebrated in the Kodungallur Bhagavathi Temple to commemorate the extermination of the demon Darika by Bhadrakali. This festival attracts the largest congregation of Velichappadu or oracles in Kerala. A series of unique rituals are performed during the festivities. Continue reading
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