Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam, the cultural repository of Kerala, founded in 1930, by the famous poet Vallathol Narayana Menon to revive the art and dance form of Kerala, which was heralded as Kerala's first institution to provide training in classical performing arts. Kalamandalam is an immortal name in the cultural map of the world. The introduction of Kalamandalam gave rebirth to the two classical forms of dancing, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali, which were slowly loosing importance. It is situated 32 km from Thrissur, on the banks of Bharathapuzha river in Cheruthuruthy. 

The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries. The Koothambalam - the traditional dance theatre - at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. Constructed according to vikrushtra madhya, one of the three natya grihas (theatres) specified in sage Bharatha's Natyasasthra - a treatise on art compiled in the 2nd century B.C, the theatre is 14.62 m long and 7.31m wide and has four wooden pillars supporting it. It has three main parts - the aniyara (green room), the rangam (stage) - the space on front and side of it meant for the audience, and the mridanga-patha (where the drum is kept).

The Institution also offers training in other traditional dance forms of Kerala like Koodiyattam,Ottam Thullal ,Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Panchavadyam, Thullal and other arts form like music, drama, and other dance forms. Kalamandalam is strictly a residential center of learning. Veteran teachers and talented students are its inestimable wealth. For art-recitals held in Kalamandalam and outside, artist-teachers and students participate. Many internationally recognized artists in classing dancing have been trained here and the kalamandalam has contributed greatly in imparting dance training for over the past 82 years. August to March are the most favorable months for visiting Cheruthuruthy.

How to Reach:

Nearest railway station: Shornur, Thrissur.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 80 km.

Beemapally

Beemapally is a muslim mosque situated in Thiruvananthapuram. The Beemappalli Dargah Shareef is dedicated to Hazratha Bema bevi a pious Muslim lady endowed with extraordinary powers. Hazratha Bema  and her son Syedushuhadamaheen Abubacker  who belong to the family of Prophet Mohammed are believed to have come here from Arabia centuries ago, to preach their religion Islam.The annual ten-day Sandal and Urs Shareef festival at Beemappalli is held in memory of Hazratha Sayeedunissa Bevi and her son Hazrath Sayyidussaheed Maheen Aboobaker who are laid to rest here. Thousands of pilgrims irrespective of caste and religion from different parts visit this shrine.

This mosque is famous for the yearly Uroos. The most important festival celebrated here is the Chandanakudam festival which begins on the first of Jama dul Akir and continues for the next 10 days. The purpose of celebrating this festival is to mark the death anniversary of Beema Bheevi. The festival Chandanakudam Mahotsavam or Beemapalli Uroos is a very colorful festival. The celebration starts with hoisting the traditional flag of the mosque in front of the elders and other devotees. This denotes the beginning of the festival. The devotees carry money in pots which are decorated with flowers and incense sticks. Sandal paste is also smeared on these pots; hence it is called as Chandanakudam. The opening of the pots is covered with white cloth and a garland is tied around the neck of the pot. Thousands of pilgrims travelled here in to take part in the festival. Flowers, silk cloth and oil offered here at Dargah Shareef were distributed to the devotees who visited the shrine, as is the practice.

How to reach

Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvananthapuram railway station

Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Akkulam Lake

 

Akkulam lake is one of the most famous picnic spots of Kerala situated quite a distance from Thiruvananthapuram. The splendor of the lake is even more increased with the scenic beauty of the surrounding Western Ghats. Situated at a distance of 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Akkulam Boat club is a popular retreat for the visitors situated on the banks of Akkulam Lake. Visitors here can enjoy various adventurous activities like swimming, boating, kayaking and hovercraft are the added attractions for the visitors. Akkulam lake is an extension to the Veli Lake. Its clear calm water and unique beaty attract visitors from far off places. There is a children park, a snack bar and a swimming pool for children which makes it extremely popular among the locals and travelers from far off places.

Best Time to visit:- Akkulam Lake can be visited at any time as it is a major picnic spot for children

How to reach: Trivandrum International Airport is around 12 km from Akkulam Tourist Village. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (8 km) is the nearest major railhead which is situated at a distance of 8 km from it.

The Silent Valley National Park

The Silent Valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. Within an area of 237. 52 Sq.km, it houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. Out of these springs the amazing variety of life forms some of them endemic to the Western Ghats. The Valley exudes a quite grandeur, a mystery half revealed and half concealed that is part of a story older than mankind, for this rainforest probably dates back to 50 million years. Silently she beckons us to witness the marvelous exuberance of life that expresses itself in an incredible chaos of plants and animals and birds and insects. At the heart of her many songs is a still, deep silence which only those who tread softly and wait patiently may learn to hear. Located in the Nilgiri Mountain ranges, Silent Valley National Park is a wildlife paradise and boasts of lush green landscape and several wildlife species.

Along with Mukhurti National Park and Karimpuzha National Park, Silent Valley National Park forms the core of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Explored in 1847 by Robert Wight, the park remains one of the last undisturbed territories of south Western Ghats montane rainforests and tropical moist evergreen forests in the country.Environmentalists saved the rich ecological beauty of the National Park from destruction by protesting against the development of a hydroelectric power plant in the valley during 1970’s. On November 15, 1984, the area of the reserved forest was declared as a National Park.

The national park hosts over 1600 species of flora comprising mainly of evergreen and montane grasslands and over 858 species of fauna that includes 34 species of animals and about 500 species of butterflies and moths. It is also an excellent location for birdwatchers as the park is home to over 292 species of birds that include Nilgiri wood pigeon, blue winged parakeet, grey headed bulbul, white bellied blue flycatcher, broad tailed grass wabler, Nilgiri pipit, etc.The lion tailed macaque is the most popular attraction in Silent Valley National Park. Nilgiri langur, mouse deer, gaur, fishing cat, stripe necked mongoose, panther, etc. are some of the other exotic wildlife species found in the park.Snake lovers, if they are lucky, can be treated to the sight of cobra, King cobra, viper, rat snake and many other species of the slithery reptile.

 The beautiful Kunthi River which descends from an altitude of above 2000 feet from the Nilgiris passes through the national park. It is home to 13 species of fishes.Located at altitude ranging from 658 to 2383 metres and surrounded by high mountains, Silent Valley National Park enjoys salubrious climate.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station : Palakkad, about 80 kms away

Nearest Airport : Coimbatore (in neighbouring Tamilnadu State), about 55 kms away