GREEN DOT

Kerala history

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The Kerala coast has been the point of entry into Indian for Christianity and Islam, both finding amiable acceptance among the local population. Both religions have in many ways been influenced by local traditions in architecture, iconography and rituals. Today you will find that Kerala is perhaps on the most secular states in India. As a consequence of this history, in the course of your journeys around Kerala, you will find many religious sites of great antiquity, churches temoples and mosques. The church at Arthunkal is one such monument.

Serenity

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"Journey with me to a true commitment to our environment.
Journey with me to the serenity of leaving to our children the planet in equilibrium" -Paul Tsongas

The Alleppey backwaters at sunset

COCHINSHOOTER'S BUTTERFLY PICTURES

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Cochinshooter in Kayaloram

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A guest who likes to call himself 'Cochinshooter' stayed with us at the Kayaloram Lake Heritage Resort
in a lake view cottage. This is what he has to say about his experience:

Lake view cottages

"When my college mate from California decided to come to Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment, he was keen on spending time on a houseboat in Alappuzha. I was happy to oblige him. After his treatment was over, I booked him in Kayaloram, a delightful little resort by the side of the Vembanad Lake. The location could not be better, and I highly recommend the lake - side rooms, which come at a higher price. The buildings have that inimitable traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. They arranged a backwater cruise that was excellent, with a sumptuous seafood lunch thrown in on the boat. I was looking forward to the resort's advertised butterfly garden, but was disappointed to learn that a tree that was the main butterfly attractor had died recently. I urged the manager to plant another tree of the same species and he promised to do so. However, the garden still had plenty of butterfly magnets left, as you can see from these photos which I took."

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Kerala travel tips -

Money - While traveling in Kerala, there is no limit to theamount of foreign currency that visitors can keep with them.

Banks - All nationalized banks are open for transaction from10:00 to 14:00 hrs on weekdays and 10:00 to 12:00 hrs on Saturdays with Sundays being holidays . Most of theprivate banks provide transaction services between 8 AM to 8 PM.

Credit Cards -Most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers,and malls honor major credit cards.

Currency -The Indian Rupee (INR) is the prevalent currencyin Kerala.

Best times to visit - The best time to visit Kerala is duringthe months of October to April and during monsoons, starting from June, forAyurveda rejuvenation programs. Between the months of December – February,the weather is hot, sunny and dry with average 30 degree celsius (86 F)temperatures. You’ll find the biggest crowds from end December to mid January.From March the temperature and humidity increases in the build up to themonsoon, which arrives with heavy rains in June. This is considered the besttime for Ayurvedic treatments, but not for beach holidays.

Clothes and accessories – Loose cotton outfits, hats,sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion. Advisable to carry an umbrella as well. Wearsoft cotton clothing on the beaches. For the hill stations carry light warm clothingas the nights can get chilly. Winters on the Western Ghat mountains are cold.

Food - Since Kerala is one of the most popular touristdestinations in India, all major restaurants and hotels offer a variety ofcuisines including continental, Chinese, Indian, and traditional Kerala dishes.

Drugs -Possession of drugs is a criminal offence andpunishable under law.

Dress code in temple -Footwear inside the temple and entryinto the sanctum sanctorum is prohibited in all temples. The customs and codes ofconduct and dress in temples across Kerala vary. Many temples do not allow access to non-Hindus. Shirts for men and pants are banned from some temples andallowed in some others. Where they are forbidden, men wear sarongs andwomen, in saris, half-saris or long skirts.

Nudity - Nudity is not allowed in public places nor is itpermitted on the beaches. All visitors, but particularly women should dressmodestly when travelling in Kerala. It is fine to wear bikinis at the beachresorts, but away from there you must wear loose clothes that cover yourshoulders and knees to avoid stares and offence. On remote beaches and aroundthe backwaters it’s best to cover up toswim by wearing a tshirt and sarong or a pair of long shorts.

Ayurvedic treatment- Should wish to avail of treatment ensure that youcheck in to an authorized center.

Wildlife sanctuaries - Prior permission has to be obtainedfrom the administrative authority of the sanctuary before visiting.

Smoking - Smoking is banned in public places of Kerala.

Permission for photography – Advisable to check atlocations before you start takingpictures.

Tipping - A fair tip would be around 100 rupees per personper day if you are satisfied. If you have had a long journey, you could tip thedriver a little extra If you use the services have the same driver/ guide foryour entire stay the tip is best offered at the end of your tour.

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Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
-Miriam Beard

Traveling in Kerala - tips

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- Keep your medical certificates inhand and get your vaccine shots 4 weeks before you plan on embarking on your journey. Also, keep your medications with yourself in caseof an emergency.

- Avoid eating cut fruits and rawsalad from the lower priced hotels since they have high levels of contamination. Though most people in Kerala are friendly and meanwell, avoid accepting food from strangers in trains and other forms of publictransport.

- Do not drink water from roadside stallsor cheaper hotels. Always carry bottled water. While
buying bottled mineralwater, check if the seal is intact and check for any leaks in the bottle.

- Opt for unpeeled fruits as they are the safest. We recommend washing the fruits before you eat them.

- Try and eat food that is hot.

- Do not drink fresh fruit juices fromthe roadside juice stalls. Buy packaged juices that are branded or bottledsodas.

- Do not buy pre cooked food fromroadside vendors. They are usually contaminated with dust and flies.

- If you would like to eatnon-vegetarian food, go to a hygienic restaurant that locals will recommend.

- There are many international fastfood outlets in all major cities. If you cannot find a clean restaurant whiletouring, eat there.

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This ruin of a pier extending into the sea is more than 140years old. The lighthouse and the1000-ft long pier, built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862.

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A photograph of the lighthouse around the time that it was commissioned

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The lighthouse from an old photograph

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Alleppey is considered to be the oldest planned town in thisregion and the lighthouse here is the first of its kind along the Arabian coast.Built by Raja Keshavadas in the 18^th century, Alappuzha was once abusy port, serving as the entrance point of Kerala for boats that brought goodsfrom other regions and carried cargo out from the town.

The lighthouse at Alleppey is the oldest on the western coast of India. Commissioned in 1862, it was built with laterite and teak. The lighthouse initially had a double wick lamp source fueled by coconut oil and supplied by a manufacturer from Birmingham. The lamp was used till 1952 when it was replaced by a gas flasher. A modern 1000w lamp and catadioptirc lenses were installed in 1960. The lighthouse today has a range of 25 nautical miles.

The view from atop the lighthouse is splendid. There are certain times during the day when visitors are allowed to go up to the top.

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The Alleppey lighthouse commissioned 1862

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A church In Purakkad outside Alleppey town, built in 1410

History

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Alleppey and the surrounding Kuttanad region have many remanents of their rich historical past. Alleppey finds mention in the records of the early Sangam Age. Other sources record that Alleppey had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in the Middle Ages. The early Cheras who had their home in the Kuttanad region were called 'Kuttavans'.

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"Here, nature has spent upon the land her richest bounties" - Lord Curzon

A view of the stunningly beautiful backwater canals around Alleppey

Fishy Facts

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You are likely to catch Catfish and Sankeheads, types of fish found in the drainage ditches of rice paddies and Pear Spot further towards the middle of the lake. Bring you own fishing gear along, though the locals have their own innovations. One of the methods employed for catching these fish involves the use of dead cockroaches or half boiled Tapioca as bait and handlining. Handlining is one of the oldest forms of fishing and is still common. The locals also use coconut palm fronds as improvised rods.
The line can be jigged or moved up and down in a series of short movements, most often close to the bottom of the lake. The motion attracts the fish which are then caught trying to eat the lure. Handlining is most often used to catch squid but other species are sometimes caught, including pelagic fish.

Lake fishing tips

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Determine the types of fish found in the lake, this will help you decide the type of bait to use. Patience is most important. Fish are unpredictable, it is impossible to know when or what fish will be feeding on at any given point in time. Big fish are normally found at the bottom, close to the mud, medium sized fish (Pearl Spot) in the middle and small fish close to the surface of the water. The bait for big fish should be hooked in such a way that it reaches the very bottom of the water.
Expensive rods are not advised for fishing in small ponds, but can be used for deeper lakes. Cheap rods are available locally. Switching between live bait and various artificial baits will only increase your chances of attracting fish. Alternate between top water baits, spinner baits, plastic worms or live baits like minnows or worms until you find one that works. Don;t stay in the same place too long, if you don't catch anything or get any bites after a few casts, then move on to another spot.The more area you cover the better your chances of a catch. Do speak to the resort manager if you require basic fishing gear.

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A fisherman displays his ware

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The day's catch of pearl spot fish being packed for a customer

Fishing in the Vembanad

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The Vembanad lake is the largest fresh water lake in India and part of a network of spectacularly beautuful lagoons, evergreen forests, stretches of coconut trees and aquamarine canals. It is a backwater tourism destination that provides truly exciting opportunities for boating, fisihng, birding and great sight seeing. The ecosystem of the lake consists in part both fresh and saline water and contributes to the presence of over 52 fish species and 10 species of shellfish.

A group of fishermen prepare for the days fishing

You can catch your fish and eat it too

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The local fishermen go out into the lake on their canoes and lay nets

Lake fishing at Kayaloram
Besides being a gateway to a tour of thebackwaters, the Kayaloram Lake Resort is also an ideal base for a relaxing fishing holiday. Do speak with the resort manager to assist you in planning your excursion.
You could opt to simply sit beside the lake in front of our lake view cottages, dip your rod into the water, sit back and take in your surroundings, read a book, or you could engage a canoe, motorboat or a houseboat to go out into the lake.
Your boatman is an expert and will guide you to the best spots where you are likely to land a catch. Should you decide to spend the better part of the morning fishing, our resort manager will pack you a sumptuous lunch hamper or you could opt to dine on your houseboat. Tariffs for houseboats include meals on board depending on the duration of your stay. The chef on board will cook your catch or you could opt to bring it back to Kayaloram where our chef will unleash his culinary magic.
Should you opt to cook your fish, we will be glad to assist in any way we can.

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Pool view rooms - Twin bed, air conditioned, open shower, television, intercom.

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Lake view cottages - Twin bed, air conditioned, open shower, television, intercom.

Our cottages

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The cottages atKayaloram are all built of wood and were once traditional homes on the verge ofbeing dismantled. What we have done is to trans locate the structures, rightdown to the smallest detail, without destroying their integral form.

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I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself - Maya Angelou

Kayaloram - lakeside serenity

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Going past the lobby a little bridge takes you over a water channel. Go past a lawn with flowering plants on which you will see swarms of vividly colored butterflies fluttering around. The cottages lie further on.

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Serenity

One of the most striking aspects of Kayaloram is the serenity that you will experience. No hooting traffic, no snarling engines, no raucous voices, just a profound silence filled by the whisper of a summer breeze, the rustle of leaves, bird calls and the occasional mutter of a boat engine passing by.

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Solitude

Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on thatwhich is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attainssupreme bliss. - Guru Nanak

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Karimeen - Pearl spot fish

Pearlspot fish (Etroplus Suratensis), also known as ‘Karimeen’in Malayalam is found in fresh and brackish water bodies, feeding on algae andinsects in southern India and Sri Lanka. Usually growing to a length of 20cm(7.9in) in length and sometimes twice this size, Karimeen is considered adelicacy and found throughout Kerala, especially in the backwaters of Alleppey.Available throughout the year it is caught mainly using gillnets. Some of thepopular dishes are Karemeen Fry, Karemeen Molly and Karemeen Pollichathu.

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Karimeen Pollachitu - Our chef's masterpiece

Meen Pollachitu is generally prepared with a fresh catch ofKarimeen (Pearl Spot) fish marinated with various spices and a ground pastesmall onions, green chilies, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and coconut milk and thencooked in banana leaf wraps.

Ingredients Qty

Karimeen 1 kg(6 nos)

Shallots 100gm

Tomatoes 30 gm (3 nos)

Turmeric 2 gm

Red Chillies 20 gm

Ginger 5 gm

Garlic 10 gm

Green Chillies 2-4 ns

Curry Leaves 1- 2 srng

Cocum 5 gm

Salt to taste

Coconut Oil 50 ml

Banana Leaves for wrapping

Method of preperation

1. Soak strips of cocum in about 30ml water descale andremove sliminess on the skin of fish using the blunt part of a knife or use a brick or pumice stone.

2. Rinse several times in cold water using limejuice or vinegar to remove fishy odour. Drain.

3. Make gashes on the fish.

4. Apply a mixture of cocum, water or vinegar. Set aside forabout 15 mins.

5. Grind red chillies to a smooth paste and finely chopginger and garlic.

6. Heat a tea spoon of oil, add ginger, garlic, split curryleaves, red chilly paste, concassed tomatoes and salt.

7. Cook for few minutes.

8. Remove and apply liberally on both sides and the insideof fish.

9. Wilt banana leaves and line a strong bottomed pan or frypan.

10. Add the remaining oil and when hot, arrange fish on theleaf.

11. Fold over the leaf and cook covered for about 10 minutesor until the fish is cooked.

12. Serve hot in the banana leaf with slices of bread.

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Random visuals of the exquisite cuisine of Kerala. Watch this space for our chef's signature recipes and more.

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A traditional 'Sadhya' served on a banana leaf, served usually during festivals and on special occasions

Eating in Kerala

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The cuisine of Kerala is a combination of meats, vegetablesand seafood, to an extent defined by the religious affinities of the communities that populate the state. The Hindus have a wide variety of vegetariandishes whereas Christians and Muslims who are predominantly non-vegetarian cookdelicacies with sea food and meats. Apart from the traditional cuisine hotels will also offer Mughlai,Chinese and fast food, though Continental food is mostly served only in themore expensive establishments and resorts for tourists. While traveling, youwill find many places where the food is prepared in clean and hygienicsurroundings. Apart from the fast foodjoints, you can also find bars, pubs and coffee shops in most of the cities ofKerala.

Known as the "land of Spices", the cuisine ofKerala is known for its spicy yet subtly flavored food. Traditionally, inKerala food is served on a banana leaf and almost every dish prepared hascoconut and spices to flavour it, giving it a sharp pungency that is heightenedwith the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it a distinct flavor and absorbssome of the spices. Accompanying a meal, tender coconut water is served as arefreshing, nutritious thirst quencher. Fried, banana and jackfruit chipsaccompany a meal and are also eaten as snacks. A typical traditional Keralafeast called a ‘Sadhya’ is served on a banana leaf, is a sumptuous spread ofrice and more than 14 vegetable dishes, and ends with a `payasam', a delicioussweet dessert cooked in milk.

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The Alleppey backwaters are part of the Kuttanad region of Kerala, Kuttanad is the rice granary of Kerala and is perhaps the only other region besides Holland where cultivation is carried out on land below sea level.

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A stretch of water going further into the heart of estuary. The lives of the people who live beside the backwaters is fascinating to view, governed as it is by the presence of water all around. Even today there are areas here where the waterways are the primary form of transport.

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A typical houseboat on the Vembanad lake. Before the advent of motorized transport, these boats functioned as rice barges ferrying produce across the backwaters.

Alleppey backwater cruise

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What is truly magical about a houseboat cruise along thebackwaters is the breathtaking view of the pristine and otherwise inaccessibleaspects of rural Kerala that it offers. The houseboats provide all the creaturecomforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozyliving rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Meals are supplementedwith fresh fish from the backwaters and cooked on board. You can also includeother backwater experiences on a longer houseboat stay like stopping off at awayside ‘Toddy’ shop to sample palm liquor most famous in Kerala, indulge infishing for backwater fish, go for canoe excursions of the narrower backwaterchannels, visit coir making units or stop off to visit the many quaint churchesand temples along the backwaters.

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Set beside the Vembanad lake, the Kayaloram Heritage LakeResort is a delightful little hideaway. Enter through a garden filled with vividly colored butterflies and youare welcomed to a dozen cottages built in the vernacular architecture of Keralathat are set beside the swimming pool and line the waterfront. Palm trees with clumps ofdelicate orchids growing out of their trunks dot the manicured lawns. Thecottages, equipped with modern amenities, are all traditional Kerala homes thathave been translocated. The lake facing cottages are in great demand throughthe year and it is advisable to book well ahead of your planned trip.

Kayaloram - lakeside serendipity

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