Cheat-sheet: The Best Of Kerala In Kochi

24 Aug 2016
Sarath Francis
Features

Kerala is a tourist hotspot. Tourists head to Kerala for several reasons, they hope to enjoy the backwaters, sit through Kathakali, spot elephants in the wild, etc. You need to travel the length of the state to experience everything, unless you know where to look. We have prepared a cheat-sheet to help you find the best of Kerala in Ernakulam.

1. Remains Of The Monarchy

Kerala was once a princely state ruled by Maharajas. The grand old palaces and the royal collections of the Maharajas are two things on every tourist's checklist. You may cross out both by visiting the Hill Palace Museum in Thripunithura. The Hill Palace is Kerala’s first heritage museum and the state’s largest archaeological museum.

image source: Kerala Taxis

2. Kerala’s Cuisine

There is something about Indian food. It is spicy, yes, but extremely delicious that you simply cannot stay away. You get the best of Indian food across Kerala, and Kochi is no different. You will be able to find everything from North India’s fiery dhabas to South India’s pure-vegetarian restaurants in the heart of Ernakulam city.

image source: Our Cochin

3. The God’s Dance - Kathakali

Kathakali is the most colourful performance you will ever witness. The actor’s make-up alone takes around three hours! Kathakali make-up is the metamorphosis of mortals into immortal deities and demons. This dance form, unique to Kerala, is guaranteed to mesmerise you.

image source: Wikimedia

4. The Famous Backwaters

An evening ride on one Kerala’s country boats through the backwaters will release you from all complexities of life. These rides are sometime the sole reason people fly to Kerala. Kochi’s backwaters have something very special, Chinese fishing nets.

image source: Tourmet

5. The Oldest Healthcare System In The World - Ayurveda

Indians have been practising Ayurveda for some 5000 years. It is the ancient system of natural and holistic medicine. Ernakulam has around 10 Ayurveda Health Centres and Ayurveda Hospitals.

image source: IndriyaBeachResorts

6. The Magnificent Festivals

Amabalam Utsavams (Temple festivals), Palli Perunnals (Feasts at Church, Eid celebration), Onam days (Harvest festival), etc. Kerala is a land of many festivals. The grandeur of these festivals amaze young and old alike. Kochi celebrates all of these festivals as extravagantly as any other place in the state. Utsavam at the Ernakulathappan ground and feast day in Edappally are two events you should not miss.

image source: StaticPanoramio

7. The Marital Art Form - Kalari

Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is regarded as the oldest and most scientific of its kind in the world. You needn’t travel elsewhere in Kerala to watch the traditional kalaripayattu, check out this place.

image source: Wikimedia

8. The Royal Elephants

The Indian elephants are famous across for their majesty. The glorious mammal stand tall and proud. No celebration in our state is complete without an elephant. You need not wander the forests of Wayanad to get a look at this royal animal, simply visit Kodanad. Kodanad is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala.