Photo credits: Aparna P
The Tawny Coster (Acraea terpsicore) is a colorful butterfly distributed all over Kerala from the plains to the hill ranges up to 1500. They are primarily found close to and during monsoon season, prefering open grass land, forest edges and gardens. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith Rajan
Star Gooseberry is native to the Malay Islands and Madagascar. The small deciduous tree can grow up to 25-30 feet height. Abundantly found in Kerala for its acidic fruits that are mainly used for pickling and for the preparation of preserves. Although it also makes excellent jam, star gooseberries are also used in traditional medicines.
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Church festivals mark a special form of festivity among the Christians of Kerala. Called Perunal, these celebrations add verve and flavor to local communities. St. Mary’s Church in Kuravilangad is an ancient church believed to have been built over thousand years ago, which celebrates the famous kappal festival (vessel procession) every year in February. Continue reading
Photo Credit: Aparna P
The Common Mormon is a beautiful butterfly, seen throughout the year in Kerala, anywhere from flat plains up to wooded hillsides. Continue reading
Organic Farming
At Cardamom County we believe in providing guests with the best experience possible, and an eco-friendly one at that. We not only provide this during their stay with things like rich flora on property and solar water heaters, but also through our food: with fresh eggs from our farms and a variety of greens for the most crisp and refreshing salads. Here are a few pictures of the farm. Soon, this fresh produce will be used in many of our upcoming properties. Continue reading
Photo credits: Sastha Prakash
Thaipooyam is a colorful “kavadiyattom” festival. It is a vigorous dance that starts in the morning, when a small group of people richly decorated with wooded arches and other materials take to the streets to celebrate.
Photo credits: MN Shaji
Located near Kozhikode, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary spreads over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith
Pickles are a traditional condiment served with Indian meals. Called achaar in Kerala, they are an important part of a traditional sadya meal, always served next to the salt on the upper lefthand corner of the banana leaf. Continue reading
Photo credits: Immanuel Abraham
Kerala has more than 20,000 temples dotting its landscape. Unique in their design and construction they stand out when compared to other Indian temples. Unlike other regions of the country, Kerala’s temples are primarily wooden structures that stress horizontal lines rather than tall towers and pillars. Continue reading
Kanakakunnu Palace was built during the reign of Sree Moolam Tirunal (1885-1924), one of the most popular ruler’s of Travancore state. Situated near the Napier Museum, it was mainly used for the Royal family guest entertainments. Continue reading
Photo credit: Vijay
Cherai is a lovely beach not far from Kochi. Its position on the border of Vypeen island makes it ideal for swimming, and a typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby provides an added attraction. Continue reading
Puttu on right and kadalakari on left. Photo credits: Renjith
Puttu and kadalakari (chickpeas), make a popular breakfast for Keralites. Puttu is made by steaming rice flour along with grated coconut in a puttu kudam (a steamer in cylindrical shape) Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Bordered on the east by the towering Western Ghats and interspersed with the magical backwaters for much of its length, Kerala’s coast has attracted people through the ages. In ages past it was traders, asylum seekers and empire builders; now it is haven for beach buffs and tourists. Continue reading
Photo credits: Shaji MN
Kerala offers an amazing diversity of dishes for every meal and every occasion. Food is an important indicator of a region’s history, and with a rich and vibrant ancient culture greatly influenced by civilizations from almost every corner of the globe down the ages, Kerala is indeed the proverbial melting pot. Continue reading
Photo credits: Renjith
Kerala has a rich legacy of architectural excellence. The ancient buildings, temples and palaces reflect the styles of sculpture and wood work adopted by artisans from ancient times. Traditionally the architecture of the state has been of a humble scale, an ensemble of simplicity and elegance tailored to suit Kerala’s climate and culture. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
St. Mary’s Forane Church is one of the oldest Christian Churches in India. This church is situated at Pullincunnu on the bank of Pampa River. The village is part of the Kerala Backwaters, a network of lakes, wetlands, and canals. Pulincunno is notable for the annual Rajiv Gandhi Trophy boat race. Continue reading
Photo credits: Emmanuel Abraham
The Backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem where fresh water from the rivers meets the salt water from the Arabian Sea. The partly brackish Backwaters stretch over 1900 km, providing drinking water and irrigating paddy fields. They include the large inland lakes of Kerala, as well as an entire network of canals, estuaries and curious water formations. Continue reading
Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor
Kalamezhuthu is a unique form of art found only in Kerala, and is almost solely used in temples. The “drawing” with the powders is done by hand, without using any tools whatsoever, and the powders used are all natural (from vegetables and minerals). Continue reading
Photo credits: Immanuel Abraham
Located at a height of 1700 meters above sea level and close to Munnar, Echo Point is a favorite haunt of weekend travelers. It is on the way to Top Station, and is named for the echoing you can hear in the hills. Continue reading
Photo credits: Shiny Jose
Kerala’s butterflies are a richly diverse and scientifically interesting group of insects, which number around 330 species in the state. The largest butterfly in India, the Southern Birdwing, has a wingspan of about 25 centimeters, and the smallest, called the Grass Jewel (pictured below), has only a 1.5 to 2 centimeter wingspan. Can you name the species in the photo above? Continue reading
Organikos 