Photo credit: Dileep
Charcoal ironing boxes were heated with smoldering coals that were taken from a fire and placed inside a box on the top of the iron. The lid of the box had a handle, which allowed people to hold the hot iron as they ran it over clothing, smoothing out wrinkles. In Kerala the box was traditionally made of bronze.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
The Mayillattam Dance derives its name from the Peacock, the celestial vehicle of Hindu Lord Subramania (son of Lord Shiva). Donning the costume of a Peacock, with painted faces, beak, headgear and wings of peacock feather, the dancers perform this ritualistic dance offering. As a ritual, it continues to be practised in the Travancore region. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith
Chiratta Puttu is a variety of the Kerala Puttu that is steamed in a tube shaped vessel. The traditional method requires soaking the rice for about one hour. Next clean a half coconut shell and make a hole in the “eye” portion. Boil the water in the Puttu vessel. Continue reading
Earth Hour
RAXA Collective properties joined the millions of people around the world celebrating Earth Hour on March 29th. Earth Hour is a voluntary movement with the goal to highlight global activism about energy consumption. One hour staggered in local time across the globe people come together and switch off all their electricity. Continue reading
Thanneermukkom Bund
Constructed in 1974 and functional since 1976, the Thanneermukkom Bund was build to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the low-lands and the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. One of the biggest lakes in Kerala, Vembanad is a famous tourist spot where house boats and local fishing practices are a common attraction. Continue reading
It may seem hard to believe now, with so many man-made materials in our kitchens, but once upon a time, wooden spoons were the key players in cooking and baking.
Photo credit: Sanjayan
A Unesco World Heritage Site and considered one of the eight wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is in Agra in the Indian state of Utterpradesh. Twenty-two thousand laborers and craftsmen worked on the mausoleum complex between A.D. 1631 and 1653, to the cost of what is believed to be thirty-two crore (320 million) rupees. Continue reading
Photo credits : Surus
Banasura Sagar Dam is situated about 16 Km from Kalpetta in Wayanad district. It is constructed in the Banasura Lake and the nearby mountains are known as the Banasura hills. It is the largest earth dam in India and second largest in Asia. Continue reading
Photo credits: Dileep
Kovalam Beach is situated outside the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Comprised of three adjacent crescent beaches and a massive rocky promontory, the beach forms a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. For all these reasons it has been a favorite for tourists from around India and the world. Continue reading
Photo credit: Faisal Magnet
The Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Nyctyornis athertoni is found in the Western Ghats of India. This species prefers openings in patches of dense forest. Continue reading
Despite being “God’s Own Country,” Holi isn’t commonly celebrated in Kerala or much of South India. But that doesn’t mean we don’t think it’s a fun activity. This year at Cardamom County we helped our foreign guests embrace the festival spirit of India with colorful vegetable dye powders.
Photo Credits: Renjith
Sharavathi Railway Bridge is the longest railway bridge in the state of Karnataka. The Konkan railway crosses the Sharavathi river over this picturesque route. Continue reading
Photo credits: Surus
Papanasini is a spring fed stream that originates in the Brahmagiri Hills, which later joins the River Kalindi. Located about a kilometer from the Thirunelli Vishnu Temple, devotees believe that the cool waters have the ability to wipe away a lifetime of sins. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh
Dudhsagar Waterfall is located in the South Goa region of the Western Ghats in the Bhagavan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The train bridge that passes over over the Dudhsagar falls is one of the highlights of crossing this area of the boarder between Goa and Karnataka states . Continue reading
Photo credit: Faisal Magnet
The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is the Maharashtra state bird, called Hariyal in Marathi, the language of the state. It is a resident of most of India and neighboring countries. Continue reading
Photo credits: Vijay Mampally
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is home to elephants, wild gaur, leopards, wild boar, deer, and of course tigers, in addition to over 300 species of birds, a dazzling variety of butterflies, and plenty of reptiles and amphibians. Continue reading
Photo Credits: Roji Anthony
The Periyar Tiger Reserve is home to an estimated 500-1000 Wild Gaur, popularly known as “Indian Bison”. They are ferocious looking but shy bovines, and some of the largest in the world. The male bison can weight up to 1000 kg, grows to 6 feet in height and has very dark brown skin. Female gaur are smaller in size and are a lighter brownish black, and the calves are even lighter still. Continue reading
Photo Credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Kathakali is the most famous dance-drama of Kerala, and originated about 1500 years ago. This classical art form is distinguished by several unique features: it’s a marvelous blend of the Tandava (masculine) and Lasya (exotic) elements of dancing; Continue reading
Photo credits: Arid V K
The Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala, is a green bird with a crimson-colored forehead and breast, along with a yellow eye-ring and throat patch. It has a very distinct call, which has been likened to the sound made when a coppersmith strikes metal with his hammer. Continue reading
Photo credits: Arif Rahman
Dharmadam Island is a small island in Kannur district. This five-acre island is covered with coconut palms and green bushes. It is just about a hundred meters from the beautiful sandy beach of Dharmadam. Continue reading
Organikos 