Things to do in Kerala's Deep South

Kerala has been a favourite haunt of travellers for many years; exhilarating, enchanting and enthralling with its top-notch beauty and culture. Kerala is an abode of nature, a destination where mankind and the beauty of nature co-exist in harmony. This coastal state is rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. The added beauty of green paddy fields, and swaying palm and coconut trees makes Kerala the perfect place for a leisurely vacation. There are lot of places to go to and lot of native delicacies to be tasted. #13;A traveller has plenty of things to do in Kerala because of its rich cultural heritage, and abounding scenic beauty. From sightseeing tour to the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram to the pristine beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, there are numerous fun-filled activities where travellers can indulge in when touring southern most parts of Kerala. #13;Here are some of the delightful things to experience in deep south of Gods Own Country. #13; With its frosted silver water and wondrous views of the jungles on either side, an early morning ride down the Periyar River, is an experience no one ought to miss out on. A boat-ride down Periyar is ranked as one of the top 10 wildlife safaris in India. Sunrises over the river are simply breathtaking. Periyar is also known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered. No trip to Kerala is complete without a boat ride on its idyllic backwaters. One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and refreshments on the boat make the experience even more enjoyable. Kathakali, Keralas very own classical dance tradition dating back to the 17th century, is a highly-celebrated performance art known for its colourful make-up, elaborate costumes and graceful movements, not to mention the trance-inducing music that accompanies each spirited performance. If you are inspired to give it a go, head to the Margi Kathakali School for quick courses in kathakali and kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama) to learn the finer aspect of the dance form. If you want to see real professionals have a go at it, it is best to travel out to Ens Kalari, a renowned Kalarippayat learning centre which is about 8 km southeast of Ernakulam. Feel your senses come alive with an invigorating ayurveda session, or pamper those weary bones with a revitalizing aromatherapy or herbal massage. Top among Keralas iconic photo opportunities are the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, dating back to the 1400s. These fishing nets form unreal silhouettes against the seascape and provide some excellent background for photography, especially at dusk. It is also an excellent place to explore on foot. Travellers will find a huge range of spices in this state, such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mace, fennel, turmeric, cumin, coriander, aniseed, tamarind, allspice, saffron, poppy and mustard. Ambush your senses at the spice markets of Mattancherry in Kochi, and pack an extra bag for the inevitable shopping. Kerala food is one of the best things travellers have to enjoy in this beautiful land. Here one can taste the best of sea food freshly caught from the sea. There are many delicacies that emerge from Keralas kitchens day after day. Travellers can also pair a platter with a glass of the locally-tapped and deliciously refreshing toddy (coconut palm wine). Perched on a precipitous cliff and overlooking the sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, the Varkala and Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram is a paradise which boasts of some dazzling and pristine sands to relax on.