The earliest references to ancient Kerala are found in King Ashoka’s inscriptions dating back to the 2nd century BC as well as in the epic tales of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The areas of Malabar, Cochin and Northern Travancore – referred to as the land of the Cheras -- came to prominence as a result of trade with the East. Ships from ancient Rome, China, Arabia, Persia and East Africa were all attracted to the shores of the Malabar Coast in search of aromatic spices, precious gems, gold and silk. The Europeans, led by the Portuguese general Vasco da Gama, arrived in India in 1498, followed by the Dutch and the British. All brought with them new ideas, lifestyles, religions and cuisine which remain a part of Kerala’s vibrant society.

We have put together several holiday itineraries that provide a memorable experience of Kerala’s cultural heritage, folk arts and theatre, village life in the backwaters and the rich blend of cultures within Fort Cochin. As always, we are willing to alter these itineraries to suit your needs.

'Explore Kerala' – This is a two-week holiday that lets you explore Kerala’s diverse landscapes, the heritage of the Malabar Coast, traditional folk music and Kathakali dance, sumptuous Kerala cuisine, and the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda. (More)

'CGH Earth Kerala' – This tour is an experience of Kerala through the eyes of CGH Earth, a pioneering chain of family-owned, eco-friendly boutique hotels across Kerala where heritage and ecological living is championed. This journey takes you from Cochin to the spice-growing foothills of the Western Ghats, the tranquil backwaters and finally, five relaxing days on the sun-kissed beaches of the West coast. (More)

'Kerala Guest House Explorer' – This offers a fascinating experience of Kerala’s traditional lifestyles, sumptuous cuisine, and cultural heritage at a money-saving price. The Kerala Guest House Explorer takes you from the ancient Malabar Coast to the tea hills of Munnar, the serene backwaters of Kumarakom to the south-west coastal beaches of the Arabian Sea. We have selected guest houses set in interesting locations and homestays that will provide an authentic experience of Kerala. (More)

'Malabar Spice Trail' – Kerala boasts the richest and most varied forms of cuisine in India including nutritious Ayurveda cuisine, Sadya curry served on a banana leaf, Syrian-Christian cuisine and fusion cuisine that blends culinary styles from other parts of India. This journey provides an experience of the flavours of Kerala along with a glimpse into its ancient cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. (More)

Ancient Palaces: The Kuthiramalika Palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, an art-lover and social reformist, was opened up to the public to raise funds for much-needed restoration. It offers interesting insights into the traditional and elegant Travancore style of architecture as well as some good wood carvings. Padmanabhapuram Palace located south of Trivandrum is the embodiment of Keralan architecture. A well-maintained and divinely proportioned façade draws you into an entrance hall with ornamental wall hangings and an intricately carved ceiling made of teak, mahogany and rosewood. Visit the Mattancherry Palace in Cochin built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varm of Cochin. This two-storey Palace is an interesting amalgam of European architecture. While the exterior is not particularly striking, the interior is quite the opposite with its walls adorned with murals, the quality of which makes them the best-kept secret in India. Along with the 16C friezes illustrating stories from the Ramayana, these are fine examples of the Keralan School of art.

Hindu Kovils: Most Kovils in Kerala are closed to non-Hindus. The Shri Purnatrayisa Temple situated south of Ernakulam can be visited with special permission during the seven-day festival in October/November. In order to enter the premises, visitors must be appropriately dressed with women wearing saris and men in sarongs. This festival features various forms of theatre, music and dance, including all-night performances of Kathakali. Non-Hindus are also permitted to visit the Vaddukanatha Temple in Thrissur during the annual Pooram in April – May. This is a walled complex of shrines, the most important of which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A classic example of Kerala style of architecture with pagoda-like roof beautifully decorated in carved wood. There are also some stunning murals. The temple hosts live performances of Chakyarkothu, a classical art form.

Churches & Synagogues: The church of St Francis in Cochin is the oldest European church in India. Historians have suggested that its stone structure, which became the model for most of the subsequent Indo-Christian churches, is likely to date from the early 16C. Protestant under the Dutch in 1663, then Anglican under British rule in 1795 and finally attached to the church of South India since 1949, it contains artifacts and engravings which document each phase in its turbulent history. South of the church is the late 20C Santa Cruz Cathedral, displaying a number of startling examples of the Indian Romano-Rococo school of decoration. Situated nearby is the 400 year old Jewish Synagogue adorned with chandeliers, a brass-railed pulpit, clock tower, scrolls on stone slabs and ancient scripts on copper plates. The unique Willow Pattern tiles in this synagogue speak of once thriving trade links with China.

Shri Purnatrayisa Temple Festival, Ernakulam: Situated 12 kms south of Ernakulam, the Shri Purnatrayisa temple hosts a seven-day festival in October/November which features various forms of theatre, music and dance, including all-night performances of Kathakali, the bizarre but beautiful ‘story-plays’ that incorporate all three. Inside the lamplit grounds of the temple, massive percussion orchestras playing chenda melam accompany a majestic procession of elephants, decorated with golden regalia. This is a good opportunity to catch a Kathakali concert. Although the temple is usually closed to non-Hindus, permission is granted to appropriately dressed visitors.

Nercha Festival, Pattambi: In early February, the Nercha festival, held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal (a Muslim saint of Malabar), is a delicious feast of vivid colours and vibrant music. The entire town of Pattambi, which is situated 60 kms outside Palakkad, is illuminated with bright lights and intricate decorations as the stage is set for a magnificent parade of over seventy caparisoned elephants, one of the largest pageants seen in India. The evening culminates on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha where, with the gathering of colourful floats, musical ensembles strike up, folk-artists take to the stage and fireworks fill the sky.

Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur: The Thrissur Pooram, which is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May), is one of the defining emblems of cultural Kerala. Introduced during the reign of Sakthan Thampuran towards the end of the 18C, this Pooram involves the staging of a contest, which is both athletic and artistic, between the city’s two geographical divisions, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. After two long processions in which the rivals attempt to outshine one another with sights and sounds, the two trains meet, like armies on a battlefield, at the entrance to the Vaddukanatha Temple. Two lines of tuskers stand face to face, unfazed by the thundering rhythms of Chenda melam. This quintessentially Keralan music, which on this occasion features over a hundred drums, crashing cymbals and woodwind instruments, mesmerises the crowd and also provides the structure around which the whole procession progresses. As drummers drum faster to prove their prowess and trumpeters join the cacophony the noise and tempo builds to the climax: the kudamattan. In a dazzling display of strength, agility and timing those astride the elephants perform a synchronized removal of headdresses. Celebrations continue well into the night until a spectacular fireworks display takes place in the early hours of the morning.

Nehru Trophy Snakeboat Race, Allelppey: On the second Saturday of August every year, Alleppey hosts one of the most anticipated events on the calendar – the Nehru Trophy Snakeboat races of the Backwaters. Magnificent longboats compete for a trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Each boat, with raised rears designed to resemble the hood of a cobra, is propelled by more than 100 oarsmen who row to the rhythm of the Vanchipattu (Song of the Boatman) sung by the 25 singers on board. With a number of prize categories and 16 boats competing for each, the enormity of the spectacle is bewildering. Add a colourful pre-race pageant in the morning and thousands of spectators dressed to impress, and it is a day of both glamour and glory.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Trivandrum: Interesting art gallery that has a range of Indian arts, including exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art and painting, as well as pieces from Java, China, Tibet, and Bali. Includes beautiful oil paintings from Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).

Napier Museum, Trivandrum: This Indo-saracenic structure, built in the 19C, boasts a natural a/c system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts including a famous collection of South Indian bronzes, Jain and Buddhist sculptures, and wood/ivory carvings.

Padmanabhapuram Palace Museum: This beautiful wooden palace, set against a backdrop of steep hills about 50 kms drive to the south in Tamil Nadu, is a ‘must-visit’ for those people interested in Kerelan architecture. The palace has extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and black glossy granite floors that have withstood the test of time. The town was the capital of Travancore between 1550 and 1750.

It is important for all visitors to Kerala to have a sound knowledge of local customs and law especially when visiting cultural, religious and historical sites. Given below are relevant customs and regulations:

• Smoking and alcohol is banned in public places (excluding restaurants) and in all cultural and religious sites.

• Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter most Hindu temples. Some do permit visitors during special temple festivals if dressed appropriately. Men must wear a sarong while women should wear a sari.

• Visitors should remover hats, caps, shoes and slippers when entering buildings and sites with religious monuments. Most of these places have a secure facility at the entrance for visitors to leave behind shoes and slippers for a very small fee.

• At historical places of archeological and cultural value visitors should refrain from walking on the brick walls, touching wall murals and frescoes. This can cause damage to these ancient ruins.