Architecture Therawads: Kerala’s heritage architecture can be seen in some hotels where old `Therawads’ (old feudal homes of Malabar) have been caringly transplanted with original rose or teakwood panelling, doors adorned with brass, ornate timber ceilings and intricate carved details, all still intact. No two Therawads are the same. Most of these old homes have been abandoned in the villages due to high maintenance costs. You can now experience living in a heritage home in hotels such as Coconut Lagoon, Privacy and Travancore Heritage in Kovalam. Padmanabhapuram Palace – This beautiful wooden palace, set against a backdrop of steep hills about 50km 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. Performing Arts: Kathakali dance:A live performance of Kathakali is an eye-opening experience for any newcomer to Kerala. Combining facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime, this is a highly-technical skill and performers will have undertaken years of rigorous training. Go early and catch the intriguing ritual of the Kathakali dancers putting on their make up before their performance which can take up to an hour. Performances are held daily at the Varkala Cultural Centre and by the DTPC tourist office also runs shortened versions. In Trivandrum go to the Margi School of Kathakali dance and Kuttiyattam theatre in the Fort High School if you want to find out more. Kalaripayattu: Kalaripayattu is a unique and magnificent art of physical culture and self-defence that is believed to have originated in the Vedic period about 5,000 years ago. Kalaripayattu is the only form of ancient marital arts still in existence. Performances are held at the CVN Kalari Sangam at the Sri Padmanabhasvami Temple or at the P.S Balachandran Nair Kalari martial arts gym in Trivandrum. Art Galleries & Museums Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Trivandrum: This 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. 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 19th century, 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. Culture & Heritage Padmanabhapuram Palace: 63 km south of Trivandrum, set amongst pretty paddy fields and hills, the Padmanabhapuram Palace 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. Directly above is the Mantrasala, a beautifully floored, herb-scented council chamber which is softly lit through window panes of coloured mica. Every room evidences careful craftsmanship such as the four-poster bed in the Raja’s bedroom, which is made up of 16 kinds of medicinal wood, carved with intricate images of humans, plants and animals each with their own symbolic significance. Koikkal Kottaram – This beautiful 17C palace built for queen Umyamma Rani is about 35kms north-east of Kovalam. The palace has a fabulous collection of coins and traditional costumes. Janardhanaswamy Temple, Varkala – This temple in the main village, a short walk inland, dates back approximately 2000 years although it was largely rebuilt in the 13th century. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and in March-April the Arattu festival draws thousands of pilgrims. Spa & Ayurveda Kerala is considered the home of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, a holistic and acred ancient science of life, healing and rejuvenation. Although Ayurveda, which dates back to the sixth century, is also popular in Sri Lanka, nowhere in the world has contributed more to its dramatic revival in the past few decades than Kerala. Most hotel in Kerala’s South Coast offers some form of relaxing and curative Ayurveda treatments. Certification by the government is provided to hotels for their Ayurveda programmes based on facilities offered and staff training. There are two Categories - 'Olive Leaf’ and the ' Green Leaf’ with the latter being the highest in standards. Yoga & meditation An intrinsic part of everyday religious life on the sub-continent for more than 2,000 years, India’s highly-refined techniques of yoga and meditation might reasonably claim to be its most influential export. Based on the idea of raising awareness of the self through spiritual, mental and physical discipline, yoga is taught virtually everywhere in the South, and Kerala is no exception. Most hotels with Ayurveda programmes also conduct daily Yoga sessions. In Varkala Yoga and Ayurveda courses are held at the Scientific School of Yoga and Massage and the Progress Yoga Centre. Wildlife & Nature Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Agastya Hills – A beautiful hilly park about 40km’s drive to the north east. Wildlife includes tiger, leopard, elephants, lion-talied macaques, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Thar, jungle cat and sambur deer. You can hire a speedboat to visit a crocodile farm and also see more of the forest. Backwater cruises: Meandering along Kerala’s Backwaters in a traditional Kettu vallam - a rice barge that has been converted into a houseboat -- is one of the most memorable experiences any traveller could have in India. Kerala’s houseboats have now become a popular accommodation option to the hotels and resorts in the area. The most scenic stretch to explore in a houseboat is from Kollam to Alleppey and can be covered at your own pace within a day’s cruise or an overnight stay aboard the houseboat.