More about Kerala

Houseboats
Large traditional boats of over 60 feet in length called “Kettuvallams” are converted into floating luxury dwellings. These houseboats come in all sizes and shapes, the most popular accommodation type being a suite, having one bedroom, one living room, kitchen and a balcony. A small outboard engine, allowing one to cruise along the backwaters, generally powers the houseboats. There are motorboats of all sizes and shapes on hire to travel through the backwaters. The major towns and cities offering backwaters activities are Kollam, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Cochin. Snake boat races held in various places is another major attractions.

Ayurveda
Ayurvedea has become very popular with the tourists visiting Kerala in recent years. Ayurveda is based on the vedic philosophy of healthy living as prescribed in the “Atharvaveda”, a vedic text on Hindu philosophy. It is a system of preventive medicine that provides remedies for various illnesses and prescribes ideal disease. The majority of Ayurvedic medicines are not mass-produced, as ayurveda treatment is based on the premise that every person has an individualised constitution and medicines have to be tailored to suit the individual. However, the more popular Ayurvedic programmes among the tourists are Rejuvenation therapies (oil massages, herbal baths etc.) and Yoga. There are many Ayurvedic centres and resorts offering these programmes. Some of the important ayurvedic centres are: Somatheeram & Manaltheeram Ayurvedic resorts in Chowara (Near Kovalam) Sree Sankara Ayurvedic Centre in Changanacherry, Cochin and Annakara near Vandamedu, Saj Lucia at Trivadrum, Ashtamudi resorts at Chowara, Keraleeyam in Alleppey and PS Variers Aryavaidyashala at Kottachal.

Note: Ayurveda is sometimes considered a better alternative in certain cases of Jaundice, Paralysis, Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Spinal problems, Gastric or Peptic ulcers etc. Caution:
1. “Pizichil” (Oil bath) is not recommended for persons with serious liver and renal problems.
2. Blood parameters should be checked and kept at a safe level before starting any of the intensive treatments.
3. Whole body “Navarakizhi” (Rice bundle message) is not recommended for patients suffering from diabetes, obesity, serious cardiac, hepatic and renal problems.
4. Sirodhara (head bath with oil, medicated milk or curd) is not recommended in cases of cerebral thrombosis 5. Intensive Steam baths should be done under the guidance of a physician.