10 things to do for free in Kerala
1. Visit Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum.
This beautiful beach located about 20km from Kerala’s capital is a sight to behold. The beach has sun bathing lounges, restaurants and shacks and of course, Ayurvedic massage parlours.
2. Photograph Chinese fishing nets.
Yes, since you won’t find such contraptions outside Cochin, take snaps of the Chinese fishing nets located off Fort Kochi, Vypeen and nearby islands. You could even videotape how it works.
3. Watch a Theyyam performance.
It is a ritualistic art form performed in temples in Kerala’s Malabar region. A person decked in colourful clothes, head gear and accessories assumes the state of the temple deity through trance-like dances and chants.
4. Attend a snakeboat race.
Snake-like boats that carry up to 100 oarsmen and swishing past you in the blink of an eye. August-September is the boat racing season in Kerala.
5. Take part in the Thrissur pooram.
It is an annual temple festival in the central Kerala town of Thrissur. Rows of caparisoned elephants, chenda melams, temples stalls, fireworks and poojas.
6. Watch how an Arabian dhow is made.
Locally called uru in Beypore, north Kerala, it is a wooden boat made by about 30 men working together. It is an ancient art and takes nearly two years to build!
7. Walk through paddy fields.
They are found in plenty across Kerala. Walk through the fields or stroll around them. If it is the harvest season, you could even watch the people at work.
8. Stroll through Jew Town.
You will come across the Synagogue, many palaces, handicraft shops and much more in this quaint town off Cochin city. Take an evening walk and discover for yourself.
9. Watch dance performances during Onam.
The Thiruvathirakali performed by young women and the Pulikali by men are the two main dances performed during Kerala’s main festival, Onam.
10. Enjoy the night outside.
Sleeping in the outside amid stunning silence can be quite a soothing experience. Just make sure there are no mosquitoes.
Excellent information for tourists.