Onam – the harvest festival of Kerala

Issue No 758
Established 1996
www.timeskuwait.com
30 August - 5 September, 2015
Onam – the harvest festival of Kerala
O
nam, a harvest festival and
the state festival of Kerala, is
celebrated with great zeal and
conviviality by people from all walks
of life in the state. The 10-day long
popular festival is observed with all of
its traditional trappings throughout the
state, and in inventive and innovative
ways by the large Kerala diaspora
around the world.
Onam celebrations begin on
Attham day, nine days prior to ‘Thiru
Onam’, the tenth and most auspicious
day of the festival. Thiru Onam falls in
the Malayalam month of ‘Chingam’, the
first month in the Malayalam calendar,
which usually occurs around the
August-September period.
Onam commemorates the
mythological rule of an ideal king
named Mahabali, whose reign was
marked by a kingdom blessed with
plenitude and equanimity among its
people. Thiru Onam marks the day
that King Mahabali returns to visit his
subjects, and the people reciprocate
by throwing a great welcome for their
beloved king.
Traditional Onam celebrations
include elaborate rituals that start with
the drawing of an intricate design on
the floor in front of the house, using
a mixture of rice flour and water. This
design is then overlaid with flowers to
form a ‘pookkalam’. On the first day of
Onam there would be a single circle
of flowers in the pookkalam, this circle
would then grow larger as more rings
of flowers were added on each day
to culminate in 10 rings of flowers by
Thiru Onam day.
Children armed with small baskets
are tasked with gathering the flowers
needed for the pookkalam from the
fields and pathways around their
homes. The women and children
then join in laying out the flowers
in the intricate, colorful patterns.
Competitions are regularly organized
in neighborhoods to determine
the most beautiful and artistically
designed pookalams.
On Thiru Onam day, men wear
white ‘mundus’ with a gold colored
border while women don handloom
sarees or set-mundus with gold
colored borders and bedeck
themselves in their finest jewelry. Most
women from Kerala usually have one
set of this traditional-wear stackedaway in their wardrobes for these
special occasions.
In the afternoons
and evenings of
the nine days
leading up to
Thiru Onam and
on Thiru Onam
day, men and
women participate in
various traditional dances,
including Thiruvathirakali
or Kayikottikali by women and
Kummattikali by men wearing colorful
masks. Pulikali is another dance
form where men paint their bodies
and faces in striped color of tigers
and move in rhythm to music
performed on percussion
instruments such as the
chenda
and takil. Another cultural highlight
of Onam celebrations is the annual
Vallamkali (snake-boat) races that are
Continued on Page 2
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Onam
– the harvest festival of Kerala
various stage programs, including
songs and traditional dances such
as Thiruvathirakali by women and
Pulikali by men.
Skits, mimicry, fancy dress, poetry
recitation and Onam games such as
Uriyadi keep audiences engaged
until it is time for the traditional Onam
banquet.
Ona sadya is a delicious
vegetarian feast that includes rice,
various curries, pickles, pappadoms,
Continued from Page 1
organized along some of the main
waterways of the state. Long-boats of 30
to 40 meter length glide over the waters,
powered by over a hundred oarsmen
paddling in unison to songs led by the
helmsman. It is indeed a sight worth
waiting for during Onam festivities.
The annual Nehru Trophy snake
boat race on the Punnamada Lake in
Alappuzha, close to the time of the Onam
festivals, has become a major tourist
attraction of the state.
Central to the celebrations on Thiru
Onam day is the ‘Ona sadya’ or Onam
feast, which is traditionally served on
banana leaf. Originally, the Ona Sadya
menu comprised of over two dozen
items that were served in a precise order
and placed at specific places on the
banana leaf. Preparations for the feast
is an elaborate process that stretches
over several days, with the womenfolk
making pickles, savouries and sweets
days in advance.Today, Onam is a state
festival that highlights the secular fabric
of the state, with people of all religions,
castes and communities joining in the
celebrations and participating in the
numerous activities organized on the
occasion.
Celebrating Onam miles away from home
O
nam is increasingly becoming
a community-based celebration
among the Kerala diaspora spread
around the world. Keralites who are
miles away from their native land
during Onam, try to recreate the
magic and color of the 10-day festival
and to experience the spirit of the
Kerala culture through community
activities.
If you are living in a city that
has a sizeable Keralite population,
then chances are you can find an
association that is jointly organizing
the festivities for the occasion.
Relish the traditional Ona sadya or
Onam banquet with other community
members while wearing your Ona
pudava (new clothes).
Cultural activities are a big
part of Onam celebrations and
community members engage in
plantain, banana chips and at least
two payasams (desserts).
Another way that expat Keralites
celebrate
Onam
is
through
philanthropic acts that help make
a difference back home. By
contributing to various charities,
sponsoring Ona sadyas for the less
privileged in society and providing
for the education of poor children,
Keralites rekindle their bonds with
the people in their home state.
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3
Honoring a legendary king
The story of King Mahabali who
once
ruled
Kerala
underpins
Onam celebrations. The festival
commemorates the reign of the
legendary king and his return every
year to visit his subjects during Onam.
The story goes that the state of Kerala was once
ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was
greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered
to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said
that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King
Mahabali. Everybody was happy in the kingdom, there
was no discrimination, crime, corruption, poverty, sorrow
or disease in his reign, and everybody was happy and
content. Looking at the growing popularity and fame of
King Mahabali, Gods became extremely concerned and
jealous. They felt threatened about their own supremacy
and began to think of a strategy to get rid of the dilemma.
To curb the growing popularity of Mahabali and maintain
their own supremacy, Aditi, the mother of Gods sought
out the help of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu
trinity) whom Mahabali worshiped.
It was said Mahabali was very generous and
charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help
or requested for anything he always granted. To test the
King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf and a
poor Brahmin called Vamana. He came to the Kingdom
of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning
prayers
and was preparing to grant boons to
Brahmins.
Disguised as Vamana,
Vishnu said he was a
poor Brahmin and asked
for a piece of land. The
generous King said, he
could have as much
land as he wanted. The
Brahmin said that he just
wanted as much land as
could be covered by his three
steps. The King was surprised
to hear but agreed.
A learned adviser of the
King,
Shukracharya
sensed
that Vamana was not an ordinary
person and warned the King
against making the promise. But,
the generous King replied that it
would be a sin for a King to go
back on his words and asked
the Brahmin to take the land. The King could not
imagine that the dwarf Brahmin was Lord Vishnu himself.
Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land,
Vamana began to expand and eventually increased
himself to the size of cosmic proportions. With his first
step the Vamana covered the whole of earth and with
the second step he covered the whole of the skies. He
then asked King Mahabali to provide him with
further space to place his third step.
The King realized that he was no ordinary
Brahmin and his third step would destroy the
earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed
before Vamana and asked him to place his
last step on his head so that he could keep
the promise.
The Brahmin placed his foot on the head
of the King, which pushed him to patala,
the nether world. There the King requested
the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord
Vishnu then appeared before the King in his
person. The Lord told the King that he came
to test him and the King won the test. King
Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord
Vishnu also granted a boon to the King.
The King loved his kingdom and people
so much that he requested that he be allowed
to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was
moved by the king’s nobility and was pleased
to grant the wish.
He also blessed the King and said even
after losing all his worldly possessions, the
King would always be loved by Lord Vishnu
and his people.
It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali
to Kerala that is celebrated as Onam every
year, and is a tribute to the sacrifice of the
great king.
Every year, people make elaborate
preparations to welcome their king and try to
please his spirit by showing that his people
are happy and wish him well. The day of Thiru
Onam is the biggest and the most important
day of this festival.
4
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Onam sadya
recipes
Pulissery
P
ulissery is an authentic Kerala
recipe made with buttermilk
and ash gourd that produces a
perfect blend of subtle flavors.
Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk or curd
1 cup sliced ash gourd, chopped
2 garlic pods
2 shallots (small onions)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chiili
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
2 red chillies
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/2 tsp mustard
2 sprig curry leaves
2 tsp coconut oil
1 cup water
Salt as required
Pachadi
A fine blend of coconut, curd and
cucumber combined with chilies and
spices.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup curd
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
3 to 4 whole red chillies
1 tsp green chillies
4 to 5 curry leaves
Preparation:
Blend grated coconut along with
garlic, shallots, cumin seeds and
green chilies into a fine paste.
Keep it aside. Take a pan and add
sliced ash gourd pieces in 3/4 cup
of water and cook over a low flame.
Once the gourd is cooked well,
add the grated coconut paste and
curd to the mix. Leave it to simmer
in a low flame. Turn off the stove
when the curry is just brought to a
boil. Make sure the curd does not
boil more than a minute or two.
Heat coconut oil in a pan and
add mustard seeds and fenugreek
seeds. Just when they start
spluttering, add red chilies and
curry leaves. Finally, add turmeric
powder and salt.
Sauté until it turns golden
brown. For more spicy touch, add
red chili powder. Now finally add
this mix to the prepared pulissery.
Stir it well. It is best served with
hot rice.
1/2 tsp chopped ginger
1 cup diced cucumber
2 tbsp coconut paste mixed with
spices and mustard oil
Preparation:
Heat oil in a pan and splutter some
mustard seeds. Add green chilies,
red chilies, curry leaves and ginger.
Now add cucumber and coconut
paste. Cook for few minutes. Finally,
add curd. Mix well and serve.
Traditionally the Onam Sadya, or Onam banquet, had over two dozen food
items served on a banana-leaf plate and was usually eaten while seated on
the floor on floor-mats weaved from coconut fronds.
Try out these traditional Ona sadya dishes
Rasam
Ada Pradhaman
Ingredients:
Lime sized Tamrind
1 finely chopped or crushed tomato
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 green chili
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
3 cups water
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
7 curry leaves
1/2 tsp asafetida powder
Handful coriander leaves, chopped
Rasam powder made by coarsely grinding together:
3 tsp black peppercorns
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp toor dal; 2 red chills
Ingredients
1/2 cup rice flakes (ada)
1 ¼ cup jaggery
1 ¼ cup thin coconut milk
½ cup thick coconut milk
2 tbsp thin slices of coconut
2 tbsp cashew nuts
2 tbsp raisins
¼ tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp ghee
Preparation: Soak the tamarind in warm water for 5
minutes and squeeze out the tamarind juice.
Heat a little oil in a pan then add the garlic, green chili
and tomatoes. Let the tomatoes cook for a while, until
they become soft and juicy. Now add tamarind juice,
turmeric, salt, coriander leaves and water.
Bring it to a boil then reduce the flame. Add the
rasam powder and asafetida. Let it simmer for about 5
minutes. Do not let it boil.
Meanwhile, heat oil in pan, add mustard seeds and
curry leaves. Once it splutters add it to the rasam.
Garnish with some fresh chopped coriander.
The dish is made with red pumpkin, long
green beans, dried red beans with coconut
milk and with little coconut oil.
2-3 green chilis
1 cup thick coconut milk
3-4 long green beans
3 tbsp red beans, soaked in water overnight
Salt
2 tsp coconut oil
Ingredients
1/4 kg red pumpkin sliced
Preparation
Cook the sliced pumpkin, green beans,
Olan
green chilies with salt. Pressure- cook
the red beans with little salt in cooker for
one whistle.
When the pumpkin is cooked, add the
red beans to it and mix well. Boil for a
minute.
Add the coconut milk, coconut oil and
remove from fire. Do not boil after adding
the coconut milk.
Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Tareq Yousuf Al-Shumaimry
KUWAIT’S PREMIER WEEKLY NEWS MAGAZINE
tareq@timeskuwait.com
Preparation: Bring water to rolling boil, switch off
and add the ada. Let it soak for 30 minutes. After 30
minutes, drain the water completely and rinse the
ada 2-3 times in cold water. This is done to prevent
the ada from sticking to each other. Drain the water
completely. Keep it aside for some time.
Dissolve jaggery in half cup of water and strain it
to remove impurities if any.
Heat 2 tsp of ghee and fry the cashew nuts,
raisins and coconut pieces separately. Remove
from pan. In the same pan, heat more ghee and
fry the ada in medium or low flame for 4-5 minutes.
Now add jaggery water to the ada and cook in
medium flame until it thickens.
Once it thickens, add the thin coconut milk (1
1/4 cup). Cook on medium flame until it thickens
again. Once it thickens, add the thick coconut milk,
fried cashew nuts, raisins, cardamom powder and
coconut bits. Mix well and switch off the flame. Do
not cook after adding the thick coconut milk.
Managing Editor
Reaven D’Souza
reaven@timeskuwait.com
P O Box 5141, Safat 13052, Kuwait
Tel : 24814404, 24810109
Fax : 24834815
Email : info@timeskuwait.com
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is increased in size, with the addition of
special flowers. During the day, people clean
their house and ensure that every nook and
corner of the place is spick and span, as they
expect the arrival of Onthappan, the main
deity of Onam. While the women of the home
are busy in the kitchen, making pickles and
other kinds of delicacies, the family members
and relatives arrive at their home, on this day
to exchange greetings and best wishes.
Ten days of
Onam
celebrations
Traditional Onam celebrations
continue over a period of tendays starting with the Atham
day in the month of Chingam,
the first month in the Malayalam
calendar, which corresponds to
the August - September period
in the Gregorian calendar.
Onam is celebrated with gaiety and joy on
all the ten days of the festivities with each day
having specific rituals. Of all these days the first
day Atham and the tenth day Thiru Onam are
the most significant ones. Ninth day Uthradam
is also considered to be extremely important
from the point of view of celebrations in several
parts of Kerala.
Day 1: Atham: This day marks the beginning
of Onam festival, with people getting up
early, taking bath and offering prayers at
nearby temples. Celebrations begin in the
morning with a ceremonial swing, adorned
with flowers, slung from a high branch of a
tree. Youngsters and women take immense
pleasure in swinging and singing oonjal
(swing) songs. Pookkalam (floral carpet) is
laid in the front courtyard of every household.
From this day onwards, pookkalam is laid for
the following nine days of Onam.
Day 2: Chithira: The second day of Onam has
a special significance in the celebrations.
After seeking blessings from various deities
in temples people gather to add more
flowers to the pookkalam that was laid in the
previous day. People start making all their
plans for the big day of Thiru Onam, right
from this day. Every event is discussed in
detail, so that nothing remains incomplete,
for the important day. A long shopping list is
prepared for the family. It is the time for the
children to demand all their pending wishes,
because they know that their wish would be
granted on the occasion.
Day 3: Chodhi: The day involves many
activities, starting from adding flowers to the
5
pookkalam to shopping. Specific flowers
are chosen for the day and boys have the
pleasure in choosing the flowers for the floral
carpet. The day is marked by buzz and the
marketplaces are filled with people, who
shop for new clothes (Onakkodi) for the most
important day of Onam, that is, Thiru Onam.
Gifts are also purchased for the loved ones,
on the day. No rituals are set for the day.
Day 4: Visakam: As the number of days to
the big day decreases, the excitement and
fervor increases among people throughout
the state. On Visakam, the fourth day of
Onam festival, the streets are busy. Activities
are brisk in the market as well as back home.
In the marketplace, one can witness rush in
the stores, because by this time, the shops
would put up season sales for the festival,
displaying their latest offers and discounts
on household items. Back home, the
homemakers would be busy in the kitchen,
making delicacies (sweets and pickles) for
the festive season.
Day 5: Anizham: In households, more flowers
are added to Pookkalam, in an attempt to
make it look even more beautiful. The fifth
and one of the important days of Onam
festival is marked by the grand Vallamkali or
Snake-boat race, organized on the banks of
Pamba River at Aranmulla, in Pathanamthitta
district of Kerala. The boat race is one of the
most favorite sporty pastimes during Onam
and pits the brawns of over 100 oarsmen
seated in a long-boat. The large number
of boats competing with each other and
oarsmen rowing in unison to folk songs, is a
sight to remember.
Day 6: Thriketa: On the sixth day of Onam,
various cultural programs are organized by the
committees. People take initiative to attend the
events and take part in the cultural programs.
No rituals are specific for Thriketa. People
decorate their homes and add new flowers
to their already laid Pookkalam. It is the time
for family reunion, as the family members
and acquaintances living outside the state
and abroad visit Kerala, to take part in the
celebrations. The air is filled with festivity, while
people indulge in preparations for Thiru Onam.
Day 7: Moolam: During the day, the commercial
areas of the state are filled with the bright
color of the festivities. People overcrowd the
market places for their last-minute Onam
shopping. By this time, the spirit of joy and
happiness increases manifold and is clearly
reflected from the eyes of the people of
Kerala. People revamp their pookkalam,
giving it an entirely new look with special
flowers. The design of the Pookkalam is
made even more intricate.
Day 8: Pooradam: The eighth day of Onam,
holds a special significance. The pookkalam
Day 9: Uthradam: By this time, people are
in high spirits to welcome King Mahabali.
In some regions of Kerala, full-fledged
preparations for Onam are started on
Uthradam. Traditionally, this was the day on
which poor tenants and farmers brought gifts
to the eldest member of the family that owned
the land they tilled or lived on. In return, the
senior member offers his visitors gifts that
range from money, to new clothes and food.
Day 10: Thiru Onam: The tenth and the important
day of Onam festival is Thiru Onam, which is
marked by huge fanfare and people indulging
in joyous celebrations. People wake up in the
early morning and take a ceremonial oil bath
at the nearby pond. People then don their
new Onakkodi dresses. Thereafter, the small
children, women and young girls lay the final
circle of flowers around their pookkalam to
welcome King Mahabali (the legendary king
of Kerala, who visits the state every year on
Onam). Special prayers are organized at
households. In the noon, the grand feast, or
Ona sadya is prepared and shared with friends
and family. Special Onam games and cultural
programs mark the day all over Kerala.
6
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Ideas for an enriching weekend in
Thiruvanathapuram
R
ise early and join one of the
free walking tours conducted
in Thiruvananthapuram, the
capital of Kerala State. While Tree
Walk explores the city’s tree wealth,
Heritage Walk delves into its social,
cultural, and architectural history.
Freewheeling walk is a great way
to discover facets of the city that
would otherwise pass right by. Both
tours usually start at 7am and cover
one of the city’s neighborhoods.
No visit to Thiruvananthapuram
is complete without admiring the
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
– possibly now the world’s wealthiest
religious institutions estimated to
hold antiques, gems, and gold worth
US$20 billion.
A few hundred meters from
the temple’s main entrance is the
Kuthira Malika Palace, also called
the Puthen Malika, which houses
a museum of artifacts belonging
to Kingdom of Travancore’s former
royals.
(Palace remains open
from 8:30am–1pm and 3pm–
5:30pm; closed on Mondays.
More details are available on
sreepadhnabhamsawamytemple.org)
and Svetoslav Roerich.
(Open from 10am–5pm Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Sundays; 1–5pm on
Wednesdays; closed on Mondays)
For a booster shot of history, head
to the Kerala Museum of History
and Heritage, opposite the main
museum complex. The museum,
which opened a few years ago,
For a further dose of history, art
and greenery, head to the tree-filled
government museum and complex
or koodiyattom performance
at Margi, a cultural organization
that promotes Kerala’s classical
performing art forms. Margi conducts
regular kathakali and koodiyattom
performances throughout the year,
but when planning a visit, it is best to
give them a call to find out what is on
(marigtheatre.org)
At the 16th-century Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum, Kerala, a
vast treasure trove of gold coins, jewels and precious stones were unearthed
in July 2011.
Women cooking their offerings for Attukal Pongala
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous Lord Vishnu
Temples in Kerala, South India.
The palace was built by Maharaja
Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the
King of Travancore, the palace is a fine
example of the traditional Travancore
style embellished with exquisite
woodcarvings.
Kathakali or koodiyattom performance at Margi
that contains a couple of museums,
a zoo, and an art gallery. At the
very least, visit the eye-catching
Napier Museum with its mélange of
architectural styles and collection of
archeological and historical artifacts.
(Open from 10am–5pm Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Sundays; 1–5pm on
Wednesdays; closed on Mondays)
Next, step into the nearby Sree
Chitra Art Gallery to see paintings
by Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas
traces the region’s history and global
connections across the ages. Its
collections include Neolithic stone
axes, a jar and bowl used in Iron Age
burials, Roman coins, and sculptures
of bronze, wood and stone.
(Open from 10am–5:30pm; closed
on Mondays and public holidays.
More details can be availed on
museumkerala.org)
Round off the heritage-filled
day with a mesmerizing kathakali
Napier Museum
Sree Chitra Art Gallery, established in 1935, has a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma as star attraction
in its display.
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Short
break at
7
Kakkayam
Thundering waterfalls | Squelchy treks | Rain-soaked landscapes
A walk in the rain
Winding roads curve up misty mountains, ferns
sprout from nooks and crannies, and streams
gurgle amid an explosion of green.
In Kakkayam, the undiscovered jewel of
North Kerala, the phrase ‘magic of the monsoon’
takes an entirely new meaning. Rubber
plantations rub shoulders with jackfruit, areca,
cocoa, tapioca and coconut, the backwaters of
the Peruvannamuzhi Dam play hide and seek
among the folds of the mountains, and no one
seems to be in a hurry whatsoever. Nestled by
the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakkayam is the
go-to place if you are the kind that appreciates
solitude.
Fact Sheet
Getting there:
Closest city: Kozhikode (50km)
Closest airport: Kozhikode International
Airport (73km). Kakkayam is an hour-anda-half’s drive away.
Closest railheads: Kozhikode Railway
Station (55km).
While Kakkayam is a great place at which to
base yourself, Thusharagiri Falls, an hour-anda-half away by car is also worth a visit. Although
only the lower level is open to visitors during
the monsoon, the milky white waters and the
dipping pools means that you would regret not
making the effort to get there. This is a relatively
unexplored destination, so it is best to do these
Getting around: Autos and jeeps can be
called for from Thallayad, but since it is
around 10km away, it is more convenient to
have a vehicle at your disposal. Hire a 4WD,
because the small dirt road leading up can
get quite treacherous in the monsoon.
Where to stay:
Kakkayam Homestay: This is a basic
facility next to St Thomas Mount. There are
only two rooms to choose from; the one
on the first floor has a small garden and a
rickety treehouse.
Aquarius Cottage: This charming place,
with fantastic view of the backwaters,
is close to Kakkayam Market. A cook is
available on request.
Where to eat: The cook at Aquarius Cottage
can whip up a delicious local cuisine, both
vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Breakfast,
lunch and dinner for two cost approximately
Rs1,500 per day. You can also use the
kitchen facilities if you procure your own
provisions. Kakkayam Homestay also has
dining facilities at the premises, along with
catering services under the brand name
Variety Foods. There are a couple of small
restaurants in Kakkayam and Thallayad
that are frequented by the locals.
What to pack: Proper rain gear, a sturdy
pair of hiking shoes and leech socks
Safety: Wild animals from the Malabar
Wildlife Sanctuary are said to frequent
Kakkayam, so avoid venturing out on foot
after dark.
Child-friendliness: Boats, rafts and
waterfalls mean that children will find things
to do here, but do make sure they are all
strictly under parental supervision.
The charm of Kakkayam lies in its laidback
pace. Go for a boat-ride on the backwaters,
where, pace for occasional fisherman, the entire
expanse is to oneself.
Or visit the Kakkayam Dam, a scenic 14km
drive up from the town market. A short walk
from the check post at the dam site leads to
the Urakuzzhi Waterfalls and the suspension
bridge over the stream, just where the fall starts
its breathtaking tumble down the mountainside.
There are guides stationed here all throughout
the day, which is just as well, because it is very
slippery in the rain. It is compulsory to have a
guide with you at the Urakuzzhi Waterfalls.
If you do not mind a workout, the strenuous
45-minute climb up the hillside starting from
St Thomas Mount is for you. For the more
adventurous, the three-hour hike that starts
across the road from St Thomas Mount, snaking
up through the forest up to Thenginkunnu, is just
what the doctor ordered. Do take a guide along
for the hike, as it is easy to lose your way in the
dense undergrowth. A jeep can be hired from
Thallayad to drive back from Thenginkunnu.
And if you do not want a workout or adventure,
there is an easy walk, too. Amble along the
banks of an angry stream rushing over big
boulders right below the Kariyathumpara rock
to Pappanjadikuzhi. Natural pools have formed
along the stream-bed that look inviting for a dip,
but the water is quite forceful in the monsoon, so
venture in with care.
activities with a local guide.
Having recognized Kakkayam’s potential as
a destination, Kerala Tourism has earmarked
quite a sizeable sum for its development. While
this might translate into better amenities for
visitors, it will also mean that you would not get
a free run of the place if you wait too long to visit
the hidden gem. Pack those bags.