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Kollam is the nerve-centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. In 1920, the first batch of cashews was exported from the country, from Kollam to the USA.
Kottayam is the hub of letters, lakes and latex. The district has a rich literary tradition and is the birthplace of the publishing industry in Kerala.
With a plethora of religious places, Pathanamthitta is fondly referred to as the Holy Land. The place is also noted for its folklore and artforms, the most famous among them being Padayani, a traditional and ritual artform performed in Bhagavathi temples.
Kochi, arguably the most famous part of Ernakulam district, was the centre of trade during ancient times. The port city, which emerged in the 14th century, played a key role in the historic spice route trade.
Football and food evoke intense emotions in Malappuram. Football had its start in the colonial era when the British taught the people how to play the game.
Kasaragod is often described as the land of forts and Gods. The place is noted for its ritual dance Theyyam, an art that blends dance, myth, drama, music, art and theatrics.
An ancient ritualistic form of worship, the folk art Theyyam is a blend of dance, music and fervent devotion. Fiery colours, awe inspiring headgears, costumes and face designs, the rhythm of the chenda, the intense fragrance of the burning camphor and intense passion all combine to offer you an experience worth a lifetime.
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Known as Malabar, this northern end of Kerala is the abode of history, culture and environmental uniqueness. The sons and soil of this place continue to value and nurture the few living remnants of the past that time has not destroyed. They are the “Surangas” or tunnel wells which give north Malabar its most unusual feature.
The kalaris of north Malabar are sites where stories of the systems of law and justice as well as strategies of defence and counter-attack, practised by erstwhile native chieftains and kings of Kerala, are inextricably interwoven. The kalaris came to be celebrated as the birthplace of Kerala’s indigenous martial art form, with all the local varieties adding to its grandeur.
This folk art form was born nearly six centuries back in one of the princely states of a region that later became the state of Kerala. Native to the northern part of Kerala, it features an intermingling of religious elements and reflects the influence of Kannada language too.In short, Yakshagana is a harmonious combination of stories, songs, rhythms and mudras or stylized dance gestures.
Countless tourists converge towards Malabar every year, eager to taste the indigenous fare served here. Kasaragod, one of the centres of Malabari cuisine, is a popular destination for those who love to savour traditional dishes like Chicken Sukka, Ottupola, Neerdosha and Neypathal.
The mangroves are a natural marvel that protect life on land by acting as a buffer and resisting rough seas and winds. Besides being excellent models of environment protection, the mangroves are rich sources of medicinal plants too. But if innocent pleasures are what you have in mind, and you wish to enjoy their sheer diversity, come to Kerala. Especially to the villages and small towns of Kannur.
The role of kavus (sacred groves) in the cultural and ritualistic life of north Malabar is perhaps more significant than that in the rest of the state. And among all the kavus that are havens of bio-diversity in the district of Kasaragod, the most impressive is the Kammadam kavu. In fact, it is more of an evergreen forest than a kavu.
Theyyam is an integral cultural symbol of North Malabar that combines religion, culture and aesthetics. The word “theyyam” in Malayalam is a corrupt form of Deivam which means “God”. Therefore, theyyattom signifies the dance of God.
The dishes of north Kerala are world famous, and among them the most sought-after are the traditionally prepared vegetarian dishes of the village of Annur near Payyannur in Kannur district. The cooks of the region are so talented that they can send foodies to peaks of gustatory delight with their indigenous methods of preparation.
Kasaragod has stood witness to the settlement of various human communities within its borders. While many of the original settlers left in course of time, their successors, born into the land, developed emotional attachment to the environs and decided to remain. Subsequently their languages and their cultures nourished the adoptive region, and Kasaragod became a land of seven tongues.
The Kasaragod handloom, known for its unshrinking texture and fast colours, has so conquered the imagination of women that is impossible to gauge how far and wide its cotton and silk saris have spread in the world. This eco-friendly product, that uses only traditional colours, is perhaps best known for its designer borders.
