Kerala: Temples, Traditions and Beach

Discover the art and culture of Kerala. Spend an evening at the Greenix Village in Cochin where you can enjoy a special performance of some of Kerala’s most celebrated dance forms. Learn the complex rhythm and artistic skills of popular classical dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam, performed by trained dancers over a period of two hours. The most famous and popular of these is Kathakali - a harmonious blend of dance, drama, music, literature and painting. Observe the detailed make up, grand costumes and intricate gestures which characterize this art form. (Evening Activity ; Duration: 2.5 hours including make up session , from 1700 hrs to 1930 hrs including observing performer's makeup session, If you are not interested in make up session for artist please do discuss with your trip coordinator)

Explore the popular hill station of Munnar and its picturesque surroundings, accompanied by an expert local guide. Enjoy your drive on winding roads flanked by tea and spice plantations and grasslands. Your first stop is Mattupetty Dam and its adjacent lake area, perfect for picnics. Next, visit Echo Point, which is famed for its natural echo phenomenon. Take in panoramic vistas of the lush, mist-laden valleys of the Western Ghats, and the reserve forests below. Ahead, make a pitstop at Kundala Dam. You can unwind with a leisurely boat ride on the adjoining Lake Kundala. Continue to Top Station, Munnar's highest point (1700 m), and a historic upper terminus that was used to transport tea using an aerial ropeway. Before returning to the town, stroll on a paved path amid this beautiful setting. Keep an eye out for the rare Neelakurunji flowers that bloom across this region every twelve years! (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy)

Experience the fascinating ‘resting’ ceremony at the ornate and colorful Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Accompanied by your local guide, traverse the lively town to enter the grand temple complex. Under the sunset glow, marvel at the twelve brilliantly decorated towering structures, each featuring an assortment of figurines - deities, demons, and mythical animals. As night falls, witness the centuries-old ritual that is religiously performed every single night - but only for the deities! Following a final worship session for the day, watch as the head priests and a train of devotees carry an image of Shiva (aka Sundareshwara) in a silver palanquin to his consort, Parvati’s (aka Meenakshi) shrine, to be kept together until the morning. Join the chorus of voices, while chants, music, dance, and purifying smoke fill the air. The divine beings are believed to rest together for the night, a tradition that is expected to maintain balance in the world. ( Timings between 2030 hrs-2230 hrs ; Duration: 30 minutes; Shared Activity & Private Transfer; Notes: Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple’s main sanctum, but can witness the ceremony from a gallery outside,mobile phones and photography not allowed inside Meenakshi temple)

Discover Kerala’s ancient martial art culture at a Kalaripayattu demonstration. You will be picked up from your hotel in a private vehicle and driven to the performance venue. Kalaripayattu is believed to date back 3,000 years and derives its name from the Malayalam word ‘kalari’ meaning ‘battlefield’ and ‘payattu’ meaning ‘training’. Make yourself comfortable in the gallery, designed to offer unobstructed views of the arena from all angles. During the demonstration, learn about the different styles of Kalaripayattu and how agility, strong reflexes and stamina are necessary to master this martial art form. Watch as the performers use props such as swords, shields, and fire sticks to display their prowess. After the performance, you can interact with Kalarippayattu experts before heading back. (Duration: 1 hr; Show time :1800 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy)