Thursday, December 24, 2009
nature of kashmir
Jammu Kashmir » Kashmir » Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley
Perfection beyond this world makes Kashmir a paradise. The land of sparkling rivers and sleepy lakes, of startling gardens and regal Chinar trees, Kashmir boasts of some of the most beautiful flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is mesmerizing to see how this endless beauty never fails to charm the viewers with its changing scenes from dazzling white snow of Winters to blooming fragrance of Spring. The sparkling greenery of Summers are welcome too as the flaming beauty of Autumn. The art house of the Seasons, the beauty of Kashmir is complete to the giggling girls with fair Indian complexion and rosy cheeks and the exquisite handicrafts of the area.
Kashmir's Topography
The high snow-capped ridges of the Himalayan range in the east and the Pir Panjal range in the west and south enclose Kashmir. Jhelum River glides across Srinagar and swiftly flow through the winding ways of the valley. The geologists have confirmed the truth behind the popular belief that Kashmir was once a huge lake called the Karewa, which was formed by the blocking of the Jhelum River. However, the river formed a deep gorge through the Pir Panjal range at Uri and carved out its new way. Thus, the waters of the Karewa gradually drained away, leaving behind the stunning valley of Kashmir. One can still find corals and other marine fossils in this region.
The Glorious Name
There have been different versions of the legend behind the name of Kashmir. It is said that the great saint Kashyap Rishi went on a pilgrimage to the place. When he reached Naukabandan near Kaunsarnag, at the request of the people he killed Bahudev, the giant of Satisar and let the water of the lake flow out near Baramulla. Thus, the place came to be known as Kashyapmar or the some other historians dispute that this valley was so called only when the people of Kash caste settled here permanently.
Natural Beauty
Kashmir is famous for its beautiful and natural scenery and varieties of flora and fauna throughout the world. It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and finest kind of embroidery on clothes History of Kashmir
According to a legend, the great sage Kashyap drained a lake and the Brahmins then inhabited it. The place came to be known as Kashmir. A land of turbulent past and present, the missionaries of Emperor Ashoka introduced the Buddhism in the region. The religion flourished under the rule of Kushan in 2nd Century. However, Hinduism continued to be the dominant religion of the region for many centuries. In the 7th Century, Durlabhavarrdhana founded the Karkota dynasty, which was replaced by Utpalas in 855 AD, which were succeeded by the Tantrins, Yaskaras, Guptas abd Loharas ruled respectively. The first Muslim who reigned Kashmir was Shams-ud-Din who replaced the last Hindu king, Udiana Deva in 1346. Moghul emperor Akbar conquered it in 1586 and thus Kashmir became a part of his vast empire.
1757 saw the victory of Ahmed Shah Durrani and Kashmir went out to Pakistan until 1819, when Ranjit Singh won it again to annex it to his Sikh empire. In 1846, the British defeated the Sikhs and sold it to Ghulab Singh of Jammu for Rs 7.5 million under the Treaty of Amritsar and gave him the status of an independent princely ruler of Kashmir. He conquered Ladakh and added it to his dominion. Maharaja Ghulab Singh died in 1857 and was succeeded by Maharaja Rambir Singh. Maharaja Partab Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh ruled over Kashmir in succession.
The India-Pakistan partition took place during the reign of Hari Singh in 1947 and the rulers of princely states were given the choice to freely accede to either India or Pakistan or to remain independent. However, since the Maharaja of Kashmir was a Hindu, he chose to join India despite the majority of the Muslim population in his dominion. However, since then there have been controversies over the decision and Pakistan claims that the decision was partial and the region should be a part of its dominion.
Cuisines of Kashmir
In the olden times, almost every Kashmiri home in the plains had a professional Kashmiri cook in residence, who were the masters of their art. Pure ghee and mustard oil was used freely and every mealtime was an event in itself. Gradually and with time, the ladies of the household learnt the art under the specialized training of these culinary masters and became as proficient as their 'gurus'. As the living costs increased with time, the era of the super cooks came to an end. However, their art has not all lost.
One can frequently taste the delicacies mastered by the chefs at Kashmiri weddings. Kashmiri cuisine that evolved in the Valley several centuries ago acquired some of the scrumptious elements of the Mughal art of cooking and yet has retained a distinct personality of its own. There were two great schools of culinary craftsmanship in Kashmir, namely those of Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims. The basic difference between the two schools was that the abundant use of heeng (asafetida) and curd among the Hindus and the open-handed use of onions and garlics among the Muslims.
Hindu Brahmins or Kashmiri Pandits are not averse to eating meat and are rather voracious meat eaters. However, they prefer goat and that too a young one. The meat is generally chosen from the legs, neck, breast, ribs and shoulders and cut into large pieces. No vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish, except certain kababs, is cooked without curd. The Kashmiris often cook their food by heating it on two sides, from both top and bottom for that distinctive taste. The charcoal fire was their solution in the earlier days but oven serves as a good substitute these days.
Originally, Kashmiri Pandits avoided onions and garlics but now many of them have acquired a taste for them and include them in certain recipes as optional. Though the basic principles of cooking are largely similar in almost all homes, certain Pandit families have adopted minor changes in both ingredients and methods. The most important of the retained traits are the liberal use of aromatic spices and the avoidance of onion and garlic in some homes. Kabargah, Kofta, Dum Alu, Methi Chaman and Firni are some of the delicacies of the region known for their sheer flavor and richness.
Kashmiri Muslims offer another gold mine of gourmet though except for the few restaurants and regional stalls in the country, this art is near extinction. Largely confined to Kashmiri homes in and out of the Valley, the professional cooks and masters of the art are known as 'wazas'. These people claim to be the descendants of the master chefs who migrated from Samarkand and parts of Central Asia at the beginning of the fifteenth century and were a vital part of the entourage that came to Kashmir during the reign of Timur (or Tamarlane).
In the earlier days, the traditional Kashmiri Muslim banquet known as Wazwan, a feast fit for kings, which was perhaps the most unique and elaborate royal spread of meat and delicacies compared to the other parts of India. Comprising of thirty-six courses, fifteen to thirty dishes of Wazwan are varieties of meat. Many of the delicacies are cooked through the entire night under the expert supervision of a Vasta Waza or head chef, assisted by an entourage of wazas under him. Kashmir's most formal meal, Wazwan is not only a ritual but also a ceremony. Traditionally, no spoons, forks or knives are used for eating food. Eaten with fingers, getting invited to a Wazwan is a rare luxury that one can enjoy these days.
Culture of Kashmir
Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and Kashmir sports a multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural blend. Not only the geographical conditions of the state are different but it can also be set apart demographically with varied ethical and social entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area, different language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an over-reigning harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of the region. One gets dazed by the sheer diversity and richness of art and architecture, fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seers and sagas, languages and mountains that thrive amongst the unparalleled cultural cohesion, which is exemplary.
Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian as Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished here. It also embraced the advent of Islam along with the virtues of Persian civilization such as tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. Nature's grand finale of beauty, Kashmir is the masterpiece of earth's creation and the folk performances of Kashmir are intimately mingled with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Jammu, the land of the Dogras, has some beautiful dances and music that originated in its lap and were developed by the hardy and graceful women of the Duggar to divert themselves from the long spell of separations from their soldier husbands and brothers. Besides the purpose of adding cheer to their lives in their free moments, there are folk songs and dances that echo their feelings of separation and the ever-increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes that are connected with their day-to-day lives.
Kud is basically a ritual dance performed in honor of Lok Devatas mostly during nights. A spontaneous dance, people of all ages and sexes participate in this folk dance form accompanied by musical instruments used during this dance are Narshingha, chhaina, flute and drums. Heren is a traditional theatre form performed during Lohri festival and is mostly performed in hilly regions of Jammu. The ladies perform Fumenie and Jagarana on the eve of groom's departure to in-laws house accompanied by the songs are sung by a group of females. This traditional dance form depicts the feelings and emotions of women folk. Bakh is known by many different names such as Gwatri, Kark and Masade and is actually a chorus narrative sung by a group of 10 singers without the accompaniment of any musical instruments. Gawatri is a tradition in which the singers narrate some text, which is enacted by the Gwatari dancers. Karak is a ballad with a story sung by the Jogi community who narrate a popular folk tale in their dance performance done by three members to the accompaniment of typical folk instrument called Rabab. The chorus singing tradition performed by specific tribal communities called Gujjars and Bakerwals is known as Benthe, which 5 to 7 members participate in the dance performance.
Kashmir region has its own musical performances that have won the hearts of many of its visitors. Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre style exhibiting combination of play and dance in a satirical style where social traditions, and evils are depicted and performed in various social and cultural functions. Bhand Jashan is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style accompanied by light music for the entertainment of people. The most popular form of Kashmiri folk music is called Chakri that bears resemblance to Chakra of mountainous regions of Uttar Pradesh. It was accompanied by Garaha, Sarangi, Rabab once as the musical instruments but today harmonium plays an important role in its presentation. Sufiana Music migrated to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century and flourished here as the classical music form of Kashmir. It absorbed a number of Indian Ragas and Hafiz Nagma was once a part of Sofiana Music. In Hafiz Nagma a dancer is a female while her accompanists on various instruments are males. An Hafiza (dancer) moves her feet on musical notes. The instruments that go with this form are Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabala. Today, only a few families in Kashmir are practicing this musical for.
Climate of Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir stretches between 32.17o to 36.58o North and the altitude rises steeply from 305 metres to 6910 metres above sea level. There are the hot plains of the Jammu Province and coldest dry tableland of Ladakh. The area has different weather conditions at different places because of the lofty mountains like the Pirpanjal, the Zanskar and the Karakoram that check the moisture-laden from entering the valleys.
In summers, the outer plains and the outer hills receive rainfall from monsoon winds while in winters, winds from the Mediterranean cause snowfall and rainfall in the Valley of Kashmir. The moisture-laden winds cause rainfall in the forests on the hills making the temperature to fall in summer; hence, the thickly wooded areas such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg have milder weather conditions than that of Srinagar or Sopore. Similarly, the climate of the valley of Kashmir is comparatively milder than that of the Outer Plains as it is on higher altitude.
The unique climatic conditions found in the zone of the Middle Mountains and its valleys, are determined by the altitude, which in turn determines the degree of coolness and elevation the form of precipitation and summer temperature. Winters are cold and of long duration and with increasing altitude, it gets colder still, till there is snowfall in the higher mountains. Summers, however, are milder but are very short. Winters last from November to March. Spring begins after 15th of March and there is heavy rainfall during the season. Landslides often take place during this season. Humidity in the monsoon season stretching over July and August is as high as 70% and with increasing temperature in summers can be uncomfortable. During this season, the entire valley is covered with a thick fog blocking the surrounding mountains from view.
The seasons are marked with sudden change and a year can be roughly divided into six seasons of two months each:
1. Spring - From March 15 to May 15.
2. Summer - From May 15 to July 15.
3. Rainy Season - From July 15 to Sept. 15.
4. Autumn - From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
5. Winter - From Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
6. Ice Cold - From Jan. 15 to March 15.
People of Kashmir
According to historians, the ancestors of Kashmiris are early immigrants from India proper. With the spread of Buddhism, many scholars came to Kashmir from far-off lands for research and study. The contact of Kashmiris with the Roman, Greek and Persian civilizations resulted into a fusion of cultures. Most of the people claim their descent from the Indo-Aryan stock but one can easily find people belonging to diverse and different races inhabiting Kashmir with distinct looks, dresses, food habits, customs, speech and traditions.
Kashmiris have made remarkable contributions to the arts of story-telling and mystical poetry, the Shaiva philosophy, grammar and the sciences. The artistic and cultural genius of the people of Kashmir is evident in their folk songs and dances as well as the various arts and crafts that are world-renowned. Known for their charming beauty, most of the people in the valley are very fair complexioned, with light brown to dark hair, blue or grey to black almond eyes, rosy cheeks behind Indian tan, chiseled features and fine physique. Superstitious by nature, Kashmiris are generally non-aggressive and temperate in nature and are God-fearing. Regarded as non-martial in character, they are considered extremely warm, friendly, and hospitable.
Kashmiri Pandits live a simple and frugal life. Individualistic and largely intellectual, they avoid manual labor and cling to professional and administrative jobs. Due to the terrorist activities lately, many of them have been uprooted from their homeland but the government has been trying to relocate them here. The Kashmiri Pandits do not have castes like Hindus in the rest of India.
Kashmiri Muslims are generally more active, energetic and dynamic in nature and are considered unrivalled craftsmen, known for their time-honored intricate and beautiful designs that they produce on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Shrews businessmen, they also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries. Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia sects.
Kashmiri women generally have such love of jewellery that their headgear, ears, necks and arms glisten with ornaments. The typical ornament that Hindu women wear is the Dejharoo, a pair of gold pendants, hanging on a silk thread or gold chain which passes through holes in the ears pieced at the top end of the lobes. The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces. The whole ensemble lends a most artistic effect to the appearance of Kashmiri women.
Rice and meat is the staple diet of the Kashmiris and Kashmiris pride over Karam Sag (a kind of leafy green vegetable), nadru (lotus stalk) and turnips that are considered precious enough to be presented as token gifts. The culinary art of Kashmir, especially, the cooking of lamb dishes in various ways, is very famous. The tea that the Kashmiris drink is called Kahva, which is a concoction of green tea leaves brewed in the samovar and enriched with pounded almonds, cardamom seeds, and cinnamon stalks overdosed with sugar and served without milk. The other kind of tea is Shir chai, which is salted and milked, pink in color and is topped with lots of cream.
Kashmiri Muslims used to wear the pheran, a long loose gown hanging down below the knees, a white turban tied on a skull cap, a close-fitting shalwar and lace less shoes called gurgabi. A white piece of material is hung on their shoulders like a stole. Hindu men wear churidar pyjama instead of shalwar. The less affluent Muslims wear skullcaps, which looks cute and does not carry any shawl. Unlike a Hindu woman's pheran, which gives her a Roman look, the Muslim woman's pheran is beautifully embroidered in front. Whereas a Muslim woman's pheran is knee-length, loose and embroidered in front and on the edges, a Hindu woman's pheran touches her feet. For the sake of smartness and ease it is tied at the waist with folded material called lhungi. The long loose sleeves are fashionably decorated with brocade.
With this type of Hindu costume goes the headdress called taranga, which is tied to a hanging bonnet and tapers down to the heels from behind. The folds of the taranga are made of brightly pressed lines fastened to a pointed red-colored and brocaded skull cap with a few gold pins at the sides. Over the head and ears are pieces of muslin embroidered in gold thread. Muslim woman's headgear, the Kasaba, looks very different from the Taranga. It is red in color, tied turban-like and held tight by an abundance of silver pins and trinkets. It has an overhanging pin-scarf, which falls gracefully over the shoulders. A work-a-day shalwar goes with it. Unmarried Muslim girls wear skullcaps, embroidered with gold thread and embellished with silver pendants, trinkets and amulets. With the passage of years, an appreciable change has come about in the dress of the Kashmiri women. Saris, shalwar-kameez, churidars and jeans are becoming popular, yet none of these belong to them as much as the good old pheran.
Gujjars are the hill people of Kashmir, which are mostly herdsmen by occupation. Said to be Rajputs migrated from Rajasthan and adopted the Muslim faith, they are tall and well built, with a prominently Jewish cast of features. Their dialect, Gujari is now identified as a form of a Rajasthani. Their nutritious diet consists of maize bread, whey, jungle roots and fruits. The dress of a Gujjar woman of the hills in the valley consists of as ample shalwar and full-skirted tunic with loose sleeves. Very much similar to that worn by the Turkish village women, a thick veil on their head falls back to their shoulders. They knit their hair in multiple plaits, which hang in front and cover half of their moon-shaped faces.
Handicrafts of Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is not only home to the vast cultural and ethnic diversity but also the myriad arts and crafts that have been carefully nurtured for the centuries. A variety of motifs, techniques and crafts flourished in the land as the people from different regions flocked through this beautiful place and many of the skilled craftsmen decided to settle amidst its charming abundance of natural beauty. With time, these arts have gained even more distinctiveness and today Kashmir is known for woolen textiles, Pashmina shawls, embroidered suits, Kashmir silk saris, papier mache, woodcarving, hand knotted carpets and lots of other traditional crafts.
Carpet
Kashmiri carpets are world renowned for two things - they are hand made and they are always knotted, never tufted. The yarn used normally is silk, wool or silk and wool. Woolen carpets always have a cotton base while silk usually have cotton base. Sometimes however, if the base is also in silk then the cost increases proportionately. Occasionally, carpets are made on a cotton base, mainly of woolen pile with silk yarn used as highlights on certain motifs. The soothing blend of colors makes the Kashmiri carpet a prized possession.
Carpet weaving in Kashmir was not originally indigenous but is thought to have come in by way of Persia. Till today most designs are distinctly Persian with local variations. One example, however, of a typical Kashmiri design is the tree of life. The colors of Kashmiri carpets are more subtle and muted than elsewhere in the country. The knotting of the carpet is the most important aspect, determining its durability and value, in addition to its design. Basically, the more knots per square inch, the greater its value and durability. Also there are single and double-knotted carpets. A single knotted carpet is fluffier and more resistant to touch.
Namdas
Far less expensive are these colorful floor coverings made from woolen and cotton fiber, which has been manually pressed into shape. Prices vary with the percentage of wool - a Namda containing 80% wool being more expensive than one containing 20% wool. Chain stitch embroidery in woolen and cotton thread is worked on these rugs.
Papier Mache
Besides at least three different grades of Papier Mache, there are some cheaper versions in cardboard or wood available too. To make Papier Mache, first paper is soaked in water till it disintegrates. It is then pounded, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being painted and varnished. Paper that has been pounded to pulp has the smoothest finish in the final product. The designs painted on objects of Papier Mache are brightly colored. They vary in artistry and the choices of colors. Gold is used on most objects, either as the only color, or as the highlight for certain motifs, and besides the finish of the product, it is the quality of the gold used which determines the price.
Pure Gold leaf, which has the unmistakable luster, is far more expensive than bronze dust or gold poster paint but also has much longer life and will never fade or tarnish. Varnish, which is applied to the finished product, imparts a high gloss and smoothness, which increases with every coat. Cardboard, usually indistinguishable from Papier Mache, gives slightly when pressed firmly.
Shawls
There are three fibers from which the Kashmiri shawls are made - Wool, Pashmina and Shahtoosh. Woolen shawls being are the cheapest while the Shahtoosh are the most expensive ones. Woolen shawls are popular because of the embroidery, worked on them, which is a specialty to Kashmir. Both embroidery and the type of wool used causes differences in price.
Many kinds of embroidery are worked on shawls - 'sozni' or needlework is generally done in a panel along the sides of the shawl. Motifs, usually abstract designs or stylized paisleys and flowers are worked in one or two, occasionally three colors, all subdued. Another type of needle embroidery is popularly known as Papier Mache work because of the design and the style in which it is executed. This is done either in broad panels or either side of the breadth of a shawl, or covering the entire surface of a shawl. Ari or hook embroidery; motifs are well-known flower design finely worked in concentric rings of chain stitch.
Pashmina shawls are unmistakably soft and its yarn is spun from the hair of the ibex found at 14,000 ft above the sea level. Although pure Pashmina is expensive, sometimes blending it with rabbit fur or with wool brings down the cost. Shahtoosh is the legendary 'ring shawl', renowned for its lightness, softness and warmth. The astronomical price it commands in the market is due to the scarcity of raw material. High in the plateaux of Tibet and the eastern part of Ladakh, at an altitude of above 5,000 meters, roam Pantholops Hodgosoni or Tibetan antelope. During grazing, a few strands of the downy hair from the throat are shed and it is these, which are painstakingly collected until there are enough for a shawl.
Yarn is spun either from Shahtoosh alone, or with Pashmina to bring down the cost. In the case of pure Shahtoosh too, there are many qualities - the yarn can be spun so skillfully as to resemble a strand of silk. Not only are shawls made from such fine yarn extremely expensive, they can only be loosely woven and are too flimsy for embroidery to be done on them. Unlike woolen or Pashmina shawls, Shahtoosh is seldom dyed. Its natural color is mousy brown, and it is, at the most, sparsely embroidered.
Chain Stitch and Crewel Furnishings
Chain stitch, be it in wool, silk or cotton, is done by hook rather than any needle. Because of the high quality of embroidery done on wall hangings and rugs, Kashmiri crewelwork is in great demand all over the world. All the embroidery is executed on white cotton fabric, pre-shrunk by the manufacturers. The intrinsic worth of each piece lies in the size of the stitches and the yarn used.
Saffron, Walnuts, Almonds, Honey
Pampore, outside Srinagar, is the only place in the world besides Spain where saffron is grown. It is the most expensive spice in the world. Sealed jars of this Spice, with the Government laboratory's stamp approval, are available all over Srinagar. The climate of Kashmir is ideal for walnut and almond trees, which grow here in abundance. Natural honey too, is a produce of the apiaries, which abound in the state.
Silks, Tweeds
Tweed is woven in Kashmir with pure, never blended, wool. The resultant fabric competes favorably with the best fabric in the world. Sericulture is another important industry of the state. The cocoon reared in Kashmir is of the superior quality, yielding an extremely fine fiber, and any silk woven from this thread becomes known. The fineness of the yarn lends itself particularly well to the weaves known as 'chinon' and 'crepe de chine', in addition to the universally recognized silk weave. Interestingly, just as little or no raw material for tweed comes from Kashmir, almost no weaving and printing of silk is done in the state.
Pherans
This garment seems to be fusion of a coat and a cloak and is loose enough to admit the inevitable brazier of live coals, which is carried around in much the same way as a hot water bottle. Men's pherans are always made of tweed or coarse wool while women's pherans, somewhat more stylized, are most commonly made of raffel with splashes of ari or hook embroidery at the throat, cuffs and edges. The quality of embroidery and thickness of the raffel determines the price.
Basketry
Willow rushes that grow profusely in marshes and lakes of Kashmir are used to make charmingly attractive objects such as shopping baskets, lampshades, tables and chairs and are generally inexpensive. To increase their life span, unvarnished products should be chiseled and frequently sprayed with water, particularly in hot, dry climates, to prevent them from being brittle.
Walnut Wood
Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows. Its color, grains and inherent sheen are unique and unmistakable, and the carving and fret work that is done on this wood is of a very superior quality. There are two types of walnut trees - the fruit bearing species whose wood is so well known, and one that bears no fruit and is locally known as 'zangul'. Zangul has none of the beauty of walnut wood, being much less strong and possessing no grain while the walnut wood is almost black and its grains are much more pronounced than the wood of the trunk, which is lighter in color. The branches have the lightest color, being almost blonde and have no noticeable grain. The intrinsic worth of the wood from each part of the tree differs - that from the root being the most expensive and the branches having the lowest price.
A cheaper product is liable to warp, or in case it is taken to warmer climes, will crack or shrink. Knots are usually concealed skillfully in the sawing, as it is difficult, though not impossible, to mask them while carving. Carving is the demonstration of the carver's skill, and walnut is eminently suitable for this, being one of the strongest varieties of wood.
There are several varieties of carving-deep carving usually with dragon or lotus flower motifs, two inches deep or more; shallow carving, half an inch deep done all over the flat surface; open or lattice work, usually depicting the Chinar motif; and most popularly, semi carving, which is a thin panel along the rim of a surface, with perhaps a Centre motif. The advantage of the semi-carving is that it allows the grain of wood to be displayed, together with the carver's skill. Naturally deep carving with all the skill and labor required is the most expensive.
Copper and Silverware
Shops in local market of the old city abound with objects of copper lining the walls, the floor and even the ceiling. One can see craftsmen engraving objects of household utility like samovars, bowls, plates and trays. There are floral, stylized, geometric, leaf and even calligraphic motifs that are engraved or embossed on copper, and occasionally silver, to cover the entire surface with intricate designs which are then oxidized, the better to stand out from the background. The work known as 'naqash' determines the price of the object, as does the weight.
Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley
Perfection beyond this world makes Kashmir a paradise. The land of sparkling rivers and sleepy lakes, of startling gardens and regal Chinar trees, Kashmir boasts of some of the most beautiful flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is mesmerizing to see how this endless beauty never fails to charm the viewers with its changing scenes from dazzling white snow of Winters to blooming fragrance of Spring. The sparkling greenery of Summers are welcome too as the flaming beauty of Autumn. The art house of the Seasons, the beauty of Kashmir is complete to the giggling girls with fair Indian complexion and rosy cheeks and the exquisite handicrafts of the area.
Kashmir's Topography
The high snow-capped ridges of the Himalayan range in the east and the Pir Panjal range in the west and south enclose Kashmir. Jhelum River glides across Srinagar and swiftly flow through the winding ways of the valley. The geologists have confirmed the truth behind the popular belief that Kashmir was once a huge lake called the Karewa, which was formed by the blocking of the Jhelum River. However, the river formed a deep gorge through the Pir Panjal range at Uri and carved out its new way. Thus, the waters of the Karewa gradually drained away, leaving behind the stunning valley of Kashmir. One can still find corals and other marine fossils in this region.
The Glorious Name
There have been different versions of the legend behind the name of Kashmir. It is said that the great saint Kashyap Rishi went on a pilgrimage to the place. When he reached Naukabandan near Kaunsarnag, at the request of the people he killed Bahudev, the giant of Satisar and let the water of the lake flow out near Baramulla. Thus, the place came to be known as Kashyapmar or the some other historians dispute that this valley was so called only when the people of Kash caste settled here permanently.
Natural Beauty
Kashmir is famous for its beautiful and natural scenery and varieties of flora and fauna throughout the world. It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and finest kind of embroidery on clothes History of Kashmir
According to a legend, the great sage Kashyap drained a lake and the Brahmins then inhabited it. The place came to be known as Kashmir. A land of turbulent past and present, the missionaries of Emperor Ashoka introduced the Buddhism in the region. The religion flourished under the rule of Kushan in 2nd Century. However, Hinduism continued to be the dominant religion of the region for many centuries. In the 7th Century, Durlabhavarrdhana founded the Karkota dynasty, which was replaced by Utpalas in 855 AD, which were succeeded by the Tantrins, Yaskaras, Guptas abd Loharas ruled respectively. The first Muslim who reigned Kashmir was Shams-ud-Din who replaced the last Hindu king, Udiana Deva in 1346. Moghul emperor Akbar conquered it in 1586 and thus Kashmir became a part of his vast empire.
1757 saw the victory of Ahmed Shah Durrani and Kashmir went out to Pakistan until 1819, when Ranjit Singh won it again to annex it to his Sikh empire. In 1846, the British defeated the Sikhs and sold it to Ghulab Singh of Jammu for Rs 7.5 million under the Treaty of Amritsar and gave him the status of an independent princely ruler of Kashmir. He conquered Ladakh and added it to his dominion. Maharaja Ghulab Singh died in 1857 and was succeeded by Maharaja Rambir Singh. Maharaja Partab Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh ruled over Kashmir in succession.
The India-Pakistan partition took place during the reign of Hari Singh in 1947 and the rulers of princely states were given the choice to freely accede to either India or Pakistan or to remain independent. However, since the Maharaja of Kashmir was a Hindu, he chose to join India despite the majority of the Muslim population in his dominion. However, since then there have been controversies over the decision and Pakistan claims that the decision was partial and the region should be a part of its dominion.
Cuisines of Kashmir
In the olden times, almost every Kashmiri home in the plains had a professional Kashmiri cook in residence, who were the masters of their art. Pure ghee and mustard oil was used freely and every mealtime was an event in itself. Gradually and with time, the ladies of the household learnt the art under the specialized training of these culinary masters and became as proficient as their 'gurus'. As the living costs increased with time, the era of the super cooks came to an end. However, their art has not all lost.
One can frequently taste the delicacies mastered by the chefs at Kashmiri weddings. Kashmiri cuisine that evolved in the Valley several centuries ago acquired some of the scrumptious elements of the Mughal art of cooking and yet has retained a distinct personality of its own. There were two great schools of culinary craftsmanship in Kashmir, namely those of Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims. The basic difference between the two schools was that the abundant use of heeng (asafetida) and curd among the Hindus and the open-handed use of onions and garlics among the Muslims.
Hindu Brahmins or Kashmiri Pandits are not averse to eating meat and are rather voracious meat eaters. However, they prefer goat and that too a young one. The meat is generally chosen from the legs, neck, breast, ribs and shoulders and cut into large pieces. No vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish, except certain kababs, is cooked without curd. The Kashmiris often cook their food by heating it on two sides, from both top and bottom for that distinctive taste. The charcoal fire was their solution in the earlier days but oven serves as a good substitute these days.
Originally, Kashmiri Pandits avoided onions and garlics but now many of them have acquired a taste for them and include them in certain recipes as optional. Though the basic principles of cooking are largely similar in almost all homes, certain Pandit families have adopted minor changes in both ingredients and methods. The most important of the retained traits are the liberal use of aromatic spices and the avoidance of onion and garlic in some homes. Kabargah, Kofta, Dum Alu, Methi Chaman and Firni are some of the delicacies of the region known for their sheer flavor and richness.
Kashmiri Muslims offer another gold mine of gourmet though except for the few restaurants and regional stalls in the country, this art is near extinction. Largely confined to Kashmiri homes in and out of the Valley, the professional cooks and masters of the art are known as 'wazas'. These people claim to be the descendants of the master chefs who migrated from Samarkand and parts of Central Asia at the beginning of the fifteenth century and were a vital part of the entourage that came to Kashmir during the reign of Timur (or Tamarlane).
In the earlier days, the traditional Kashmiri Muslim banquet known as Wazwan, a feast fit for kings, which was perhaps the most unique and elaborate royal spread of meat and delicacies compared to the other parts of India. Comprising of thirty-six courses, fifteen to thirty dishes of Wazwan are varieties of meat. Many of the delicacies are cooked through the entire night under the expert supervision of a Vasta Waza or head chef, assisted by an entourage of wazas under him. Kashmir's most formal meal, Wazwan is not only a ritual but also a ceremony. Traditionally, no spoons, forks or knives are used for eating food. Eaten with fingers, getting invited to a Wazwan is a rare luxury that one can enjoy these days.
Culture of Kashmir
Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and Kashmir sports a multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural blend. Not only the geographical conditions of the state are different but it can also be set apart demographically with varied ethical and social entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area, different language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an over-reigning harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of the region. One gets dazed by the sheer diversity and richness of art and architecture, fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seers and sagas, languages and mountains that thrive amongst the unparalleled cultural cohesion, which is exemplary.
Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian as Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished here. It also embraced the advent of Islam along with the virtues of Persian civilization such as tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. Nature's grand finale of beauty, Kashmir is the masterpiece of earth's creation and the folk performances of Kashmir are intimately mingled with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Jammu, the land of the Dogras, has some beautiful dances and music that originated in its lap and were developed by the hardy and graceful women of the Duggar to divert themselves from the long spell of separations from their soldier husbands and brothers. Besides the purpose of adding cheer to their lives in their free moments, there are folk songs and dances that echo their feelings of separation and the ever-increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes that are connected with their day-to-day lives.
Kud is basically a ritual dance performed in honor of Lok Devatas mostly during nights. A spontaneous dance, people of all ages and sexes participate in this folk dance form accompanied by musical instruments used during this dance are Narshingha, chhaina, flute and drums. Heren is a traditional theatre form performed during Lohri festival and is mostly performed in hilly regions of Jammu. The ladies perform Fumenie and Jagarana on the eve of groom's departure to in-laws house accompanied by the songs are sung by a group of females. This traditional dance form depicts the feelings and emotions of women folk. Bakh is known by many different names such as Gwatri, Kark and Masade and is actually a chorus narrative sung by a group of 10 singers without the accompaniment of any musical instruments. Gawatri is a tradition in which the singers narrate some text, which is enacted by the Gwatari dancers. Karak is a ballad with a story sung by the Jogi community who narrate a popular folk tale in their dance performance done by three members to the accompaniment of typical folk instrument called Rabab. The chorus singing tradition performed by specific tribal communities called Gujjars and Bakerwals is known as Benthe, which 5 to 7 members participate in the dance performance.
Kashmir region has its own musical performances that have won the hearts of many of its visitors. Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre style exhibiting combination of play and dance in a satirical style where social traditions, and evils are depicted and performed in various social and cultural functions. Bhand Jashan is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style accompanied by light music for the entertainment of people. The most popular form of Kashmiri folk music is called Chakri that bears resemblance to Chakra of mountainous regions of Uttar Pradesh. It was accompanied by Garaha, Sarangi, Rabab once as the musical instruments but today harmonium plays an important role in its presentation. Sufiana Music migrated to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century and flourished here as the classical music form of Kashmir. It absorbed a number of Indian Ragas and Hafiz Nagma was once a part of Sofiana Music. In Hafiz Nagma a dancer is a female while her accompanists on various instruments are males. An Hafiza (dancer) moves her feet on musical notes. The instruments that go with this form are Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabala. Today, only a few families in Kashmir are practicing this musical for.
Climate of Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir stretches between 32.17o to 36.58o North and the altitude rises steeply from 305 metres to 6910 metres above sea level. There are the hot plains of the Jammu Province and coldest dry tableland of Ladakh. The area has different weather conditions at different places because of the lofty mountains like the Pirpanjal, the Zanskar and the Karakoram that check the moisture-laden from entering the valleys.
In summers, the outer plains and the outer hills receive rainfall from monsoon winds while in winters, winds from the Mediterranean cause snowfall and rainfall in the Valley of Kashmir. The moisture-laden winds cause rainfall in the forests on the hills making the temperature to fall in summer; hence, the thickly wooded areas such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg have milder weather conditions than that of Srinagar or Sopore. Similarly, the climate of the valley of Kashmir is comparatively milder than that of the Outer Plains as it is on higher altitude.
The unique climatic conditions found in the zone of the Middle Mountains and its valleys, are determined by the altitude, which in turn determines the degree of coolness and elevation the form of precipitation and summer temperature. Winters are cold and of long duration and with increasing altitude, it gets colder still, till there is snowfall in the higher mountains. Summers, however, are milder but are very short. Winters last from November to March. Spring begins after 15th of March and there is heavy rainfall during the season. Landslides often take place during this season. Humidity in the monsoon season stretching over July and August is as high as 70% and with increasing temperature in summers can be uncomfortable. During this season, the entire valley is covered with a thick fog blocking the surrounding mountains from view.
The seasons are marked with sudden change and a year can be roughly divided into six seasons of two months each:
1. Spring - From March 15 to May 15.
2. Summer - From May 15 to July 15.
3. Rainy Season - From July 15 to Sept. 15.
4. Autumn - From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
5. Winter - From Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
6. Ice Cold - From Jan. 15 to March 15.
People of Kashmir
According to historians, the ancestors of Kashmiris are early immigrants from India proper. With the spread of Buddhism, many scholars came to Kashmir from far-off lands for research and study. The contact of Kashmiris with the Roman, Greek and Persian civilizations resulted into a fusion of cultures. Most of the people claim their descent from the Indo-Aryan stock but one can easily find people belonging to diverse and different races inhabiting Kashmir with distinct looks, dresses, food habits, customs, speech and traditions.
Kashmiris have made remarkable contributions to the arts of story-telling and mystical poetry, the Shaiva philosophy, grammar and the sciences. The artistic and cultural genius of the people of Kashmir is evident in their folk songs and dances as well as the various arts and crafts that are world-renowned. Known for their charming beauty, most of the people in the valley are very fair complexioned, with light brown to dark hair, blue or grey to black almond eyes, rosy cheeks behind Indian tan, chiseled features and fine physique. Superstitious by nature, Kashmiris are generally non-aggressive and temperate in nature and are God-fearing. Regarded as non-martial in character, they are considered extremely warm, friendly, and hospitable.
Kashmiri Pandits live a simple and frugal life. Individualistic and largely intellectual, they avoid manual labor and cling to professional and administrative jobs. Due to the terrorist activities lately, many of them have been uprooted from their homeland but the government has been trying to relocate them here. The Kashmiri Pandits do not have castes like Hindus in the rest of India.
Kashmiri Muslims are generally more active, energetic and dynamic in nature and are considered unrivalled craftsmen, known for their time-honored intricate and beautiful designs that they produce on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Shrews businessmen, they also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries. Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia sects.
Kashmiri women generally have such love of jewellery that their headgear, ears, necks and arms glisten with ornaments. The typical ornament that Hindu women wear is the Dejharoo, a pair of gold pendants, hanging on a silk thread or gold chain which passes through holes in the ears pieced at the top end of the lobes. The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces. The whole ensemble lends a most artistic effect to the appearance of Kashmiri women.
Rice and meat is the staple diet of the Kashmiris and Kashmiris pride over Karam Sag (a kind of leafy green vegetable), nadru (lotus stalk) and turnips that are considered precious enough to be presented as token gifts. The culinary art of Kashmir, especially, the cooking of lamb dishes in various ways, is very famous. The tea that the Kashmiris drink is called Kahva, which is a concoction of green tea leaves brewed in the samovar and enriched with pounded almonds, cardamom seeds, and cinnamon stalks overdosed with sugar and served without milk. The other kind of tea is Shir chai, which is salted and milked, pink in color and is topped with lots of cream.
Kashmiri Muslims used to wear the pheran, a long loose gown hanging down below the knees, a white turban tied on a skull cap, a close-fitting shalwar and lace less shoes called gurgabi. A white piece of material is hung on their shoulders like a stole. Hindu men wear churidar pyjama instead of shalwar. The less affluent Muslims wear skullcaps, which looks cute and does not carry any shawl. Unlike a Hindu woman's pheran, which gives her a Roman look, the Muslim woman's pheran is beautifully embroidered in front. Whereas a Muslim woman's pheran is knee-length, loose and embroidered in front and on the edges, a Hindu woman's pheran touches her feet. For the sake of smartness and ease it is tied at the waist with folded material called lhungi. The long loose sleeves are fashionably decorated with brocade.
With this type of Hindu costume goes the headdress called taranga, which is tied to a hanging bonnet and tapers down to the heels from behind. The folds of the taranga are made of brightly pressed lines fastened to a pointed red-colored and brocaded skull cap with a few gold pins at the sides. Over the head and ears are pieces of muslin embroidered in gold thread. Muslim woman's headgear, the Kasaba, looks very different from the Taranga. It is red in color, tied turban-like and held tight by an abundance of silver pins and trinkets. It has an overhanging pin-scarf, which falls gracefully over the shoulders. A work-a-day shalwar goes with it. Unmarried Muslim girls wear skullcaps, embroidered with gold thread and embellished with silver pendants, trinkets and amulets. With the passage of years, an appreciable change has come about in the dress of the Kashmiri women. Saris, shalwar-kameez, churidars and jeans are becoming popular, yet none of these belong to them as much as the good old pheran.
Gujjars are the hill people of Kashmir, which are mostly herdsmen by occupation. Said to be Rajputs migrated from Rajasthan and adopted the Muslim faith, they are tall and well built, with a prominently Jewish cast of features. Their dialect, Gujari is now identified as a form of a Rajasthani. Their nutritious diet consists of maize bread, whey, jungle roots and fruits. The dress of a Gujjar woman of the hills in the valley consists of as ample shalwar and full-skirted tunic with loose sleeves. Very much similar to that worn by the Turkish village women, a thick veil on their head falls back to their shoulders. They knit their hair in multiple plaits, which hang in front and cover half of their moon-shaped faces.
Handicrafts of Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is not only home to the vast cultural and ethnic diversity but also the myriad arts and crafts that have been carefully nurtured for the centuries. A variety of motifs, techniques and crafts flourished in the land as the people from different regions flocked through this beautiful place and many of the skilled craftsmen decided to settle amidst its charming abundance of natural beauty. With time, these arts have gained even more distinctiveness and today Kashmir is known for woolen textiles, Pashmina shawls, embroidered suits, Kashmir silk saris, papier mache, woodcarving, hand knotted carpets and lots of other traditional crafts.
Carpet
Kashmiri carpets are world renowned for two things - they are hand made and they are always knotted, never tufted. The yarn used normally is silk, wool or silk and wool. Woolen carpets always have a cotton base while silk usually have cotton base. Sometimes however, if the base is also in silk then the cost increases proportionately. Occasionally, carpets are made on a cotton base, mainly of woolen pile with silk yarn used as highlights on certain motifs. The soothing blend of colors makes the Kashmiri carpet a prized possession.
Carpet weaving in Kashmir was not originally indigenous but is thought to have come in by way of Persia. Till today most designs are distinctly Persian with local variations. One example, however, of a typical Kashmiri design is the tree of life. The colors of Kashmiri carpets are more subtle and muted than elsewhere in the country. The knotting of the carpet is the most important aspect, determining its durability and value, in addition to its design. Basically, the more knots per square inch, the greater its value and durability. Also there are single and double-knotted carpets. A single knotted carpet is fluffier and more resistant to touch.
Namdas
Far less expensive are these colorful floor coverings made from woolen and cotton fiber, which has been manually pressed into shape. Prices vary with the percentage of wool - a Namda containing 80% wool being more expensive than one containing 20% wool. Chain stitch embroidery in woolen and cotton thread is worked on these rugs.
Papier Mache
Besides at least three different grades of Papier Mache, there are some cheaper versions in cardboard or wood available too. To make Papier Mache, first paper is soaked in water till it disintegrates. It is then pounded, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being painted and varnished. Paper that has been pounded to pulp has the smoothest finish in the final product. The designs painted on objects of Papier Mache are brightly colored. They vary in artistry and the choices of colors. Gold is used on most objects, either as the only color, or as the highlight for certain motifs, and besides the finish of the product, it is the quality of the gold used which determines the price.
Pure Gold leaf, which has the unmistakable luster, is far more expensive than bronze dust or gold poster paint but also has much longer life and will never fade or tarnish. Varnish, which is applied to the finished product, imparts a high gloss and smoothness, which increases with every coat. Cardboard, usually indistinguishable from Papier Mache, gives slightly when pressed firmly.
Shawls
There are three fibers from which the Kashmiri shawls are made - Wool, Pashmina and Shahtoosh. Woolen shawls being are the cheapest while the Shahtoosh are the most expensive ones. Woolen shawls are popular because of the embroidery, worked on them, which is a specialty to Kashmir. Both embroidery and the type of wool used causes differences in price.
Many kinds of embroidery are worked on shawls - 'sozni' or needlework is generally done in a panel along the sides of the shawl. Motifs, usually abstract designs or stylized paisleys and flowers are worked in one or two, occasionally three colors, all subdued. Another type of needle embroidery is popularly known as Papier Mache work because of the design and the style in which it is executed. This is done either in broad panels or either side of the breadth of a shawl, or covering the entire surface of a shawl. Ari or hook embroidery; motifs are well-known flower design finely worked in concentric rings of chain stitch.
Pashmina shawls are unmistakably soft and its yarn is spun from the hair of the ibex found at 14,000 ft above the sea level. Although pure Pashmina is expensive, sometimes blending it with rabbit fur or with wool brings down the cost. Shahtoosh is the legendary 'ring shawl', renowned for its lightness, softness and warmth. The astronomical price it commands in the market is due to the scarcity of raw material. High in the plateaux of Tibet and the eastern part of Ladakh, at an altitude of above 5,000 meters, roam Pantholops Hodgosoni or Tibetan antelope. During grazing, a few strands of the downy hair from the throat are shed and it is these, which are painstakingly collected until there are enough for a shawl.
Yarn is spun either from Shahtoosh alone, or with Pashmina to bring down the cost. In the case of pure Shahtoosh too, there are many qualities - the yarn can be spun so skillfully as to resemble a strand of silk. Not only are shawls made from such fine yarn extremely expensive, they can only be loosely woven and are too flimsy for embroidery to be done on them. Unlike woolen or Pashmina shawls, Shahtoosh is seldom dyed. Its natural color is mousy brown, and it is, at the most, sparsely embroidered.
Chain Stitch and Crewel Furnishings
Chain stitch, be it in wool, silk or cotton, is done by hook rather than any needle. Because of the high quality of embroidery done on wall hangings and rugs, Kashmiri crewelwork is in great demand all over the world. All the embroidery is executed on white cotton fabric, pre-shrunk by the manufacturers. The intrinsic worth of each piece lies in the size of the stitches and the yarn used.
Saffron, Walnuts, Almonds, Honey
Pampore, outside Srinagar, is the only place in the world besides Spain where saffron is grown. It is the most expensive spice in the world. Sealed jars of this Spice, with the Government laboratory's stamp approval, are available all over Srinagar. The climate of Kashmir is ideal for walnut and almond trees, which grow here in abundance. Natural honey too, is a produce of the apiaries, which abound in the state.
Silks, Tweeds
Tweed is woven in Kashmir with pure, never blended, wool. The resultant fabric competes favorably with the best fabric in the world. Sericulture is another important industry of the state. The cocoon reared in Kashmir is of the superior quality, yielding an extremely fine fiber, and any silk woven from this thread becomes known. The fineness of the yarn lends itself particularly well to the weaves known as 'chinon' and 'crepe de chine', in addition to the universally recognized silk weave. Interestingly, just as little or no raw material for tweed comes from Kashmir, almost no weaving and printing of silk is done in the state.
Pherans
This garment seems to be fusion of a coat and a cloak and is loose enough to admit the inevitable brazier of live coals, which is carried around in much the same way as a hot water bottle. Men's pherans are always made of tweed or coarse wool while women's pherans, somewhat more stylized, are most commonly made of raffel with splashes of ari or hook embroidery at the throat, cuffs and edges. The quality of embroidery and thickness of the raffel determines the price.
Basketry
Willow rushes that grow profusely in marshes and lakes of Kashmir are used to make charmingly attractive objects such as shopping baskets, lampshades, tables and chairs and are generally inexpensive. To increase their life span, unvarnished products should be chiseled and frequently sprayed with water, particularly in hot, dry climates, to prevent them from being brittle.
Walnut Wood
Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows. Its color, grains and inherent sheen are unique and unmistakable, and the carving and fret work that is done on this wood is of a very superior quality. There are two types of walnut trees - the fruit bearing species whose wood is so well known, and one that bears no fruit and is locally known as 'zangul'. Zangul has none of the beauty of walnut wood, being much less strong and possessing no grain while the walnut wood is almost black and its grains are much more pronounced than the wood of the trunk, which is lighter in color. The branches have the lightest color, being almost blonde and have no noticeable grain. The intrinsic worth of the wood from each part of the tree differs - that from the root being the most expensive and the branches having the lowest price.
A cheaper product is liable to warp, or in case it is taken to warmer climes, will crack or shrink. Knots are usually concealed skillfully in the sawing, as it is difficult, though not impossible, to mask them while carving. Carving is the demonstration of the carver's skill, and walnut is eminently suitable for this, being one of the strongest varieties of wood.
There are several varieties of carving-deep carving usually with dragon or lotus flower motifs, two inches deep or more; shallow carving, half an inch deep done all over the flat surface; open or lattice work, usually depicting the Chinar motif; and most popularly, semi carving, which is a thin panel along the rim of a surface, with perhaps a Centre motif. The advantage of the semi-carving is that it allows the grain of wood to be displayed, together with the carver's skill. Naturally deep carving with all the skill and labor required is the most expensive.
Copper and Silverware
Shops in local market of the old city abound with objects of copper lining the walls, the floor and even the ceiling. One can see craftsmen engraving objects of household utility like samovars, bowls, plates and trays. There are floral, stylized, geometric, leaf and even calligraphic motifs that are engraved or embossed on copper, and occasionally silver, to cover the entire surface with intricate designs which are then oxidized, the better to stand out from the background. The work known as 'naqash' determines the price of the object, as does the weight.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Journey through the curving and winding backwaters of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature
Vacations are more than just sun, sea and sand.
It's a time for the rejuvenation of the mind and body.
A refreshing change from the usual.
Somatheeram is a combination of holiday, health, yoga and meditation programs.
With its enchanting beautiful, serene, virgin beach that stretches on and on,
is undoubtedly the place for a unique experience.
And our varied, exclusive resort facilities will even provide you with courses and seminars on Indian dance, music, philosophy, literature, meditation and yogaManaltheeram is another harmonious combination of nature where you can enjoy lush greeneries, whispering sea breeze and the murmering surf. At the Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre in Manaltheeram, the exclusive programme is based on the Vedic Science Ayurveda and is directed towards strengthening your immune system and preventing disease
Relishing the Traditional Kerala cuisine and dishes made out of local fishes,
served by the crew members, the Houseboats takes one to a fascinating cruise
at a leisurely and relaxing pace.
Backwaters - a unique web of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers - are an integral part of Kerala's
History of Kerala, India
The site, India Kerala, offers the interested traveler/ tourist to gather information and arrange for hotel packages to places which can enable a tourist to have a bird's eye view into the history and the reams of past attached to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. The site, India Kerala, is a perfect rejoinder to the discerning among the Keralese tourists who want to have more than their stipulated share of the bite of the history and cultural baggage attached to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
Historical Backgrounder, Kerala, south India, India The site, India Kerala, is a rich collection of facts and details harking back to the period before Christ till the penning down of the once popular, authentic and now controversial Kerololpathi published by Gundert in the year 1890 A.D which bears the record of the ruling dynasties and the outside influences on Kerala since the rule of Cheras, thousands of years back.
The political contours of Kerala have been very fast changing as a result, it has changed the names by which it has been called for over the last few centuries. The names have varied from, Venad, Kochi, Malabar and Travancore- Cochin before the present day christening to Kerala was permanently coined for general use.
The foundation myth or the legend goes on to the establish that the always angry, Brahmin seer Parasuram created the tradition of outsiders termed as "Perumals" to rule Kerala with each generational coronation taking place on the holy and very popularly celebrated festival day of Thevar. The first Perumal ruler was the legendary Keralan and the last one being Cheraman Perumal who ruled for a brief period of twelve years and from then went off to Mecca and embraced Islam after relinquishing his throne. The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to let the tourist unveil the history and culture of Kerala, located in south India, India. Additional information can be had by filing in the following form. Following links can be utilized for your convenience.
• Culture and Traditions of Kerala, India
• Cuisine of Kerala
Acclaimed by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the ten paradises of the world. Lauded by Paul Mc Cartney as truly God's Own Country. Chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Sun, Surf and Solitude in Kerala
Kerala shares its western border with the Arabian Sea. The state's 600 km shoreline is dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches in the world. These palms fringed havens drenched in the pleasant tropical sun have a singularity of their own.
Many of them are internationally renowned, like the Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram which has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Varkala also in Thiruvananthapuran, is a seaside resort much sought after for its spa, high cliffs and rich mineral springs.
Other beaches herre relate an eventful history. Thangasseri has historic attractions like the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, churches built in the 18th century and an old lighthouse. The pier, which extends into the sea at the Alappuzha beach is about 140 years old. Dolphins can be sighted at the Cherai beach bordering Vypeen island in Kochi.
Beypore in Kozhikode, a prominent port and fishing harbour of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre. The rock studded Kappad beach in Kozhikode is where Vascp da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels.
Black rocks protect the four kilometer Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer's paradise.
Remote and secluded, the Pallikere and Kappil beaches near Bekal in Kasaragod, are fast becoming major toourist attractions. The imposing Bekal Fort nearby is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala.
Kerala Networks of emerald silk
The backwaters mainly cover four districts of Kerala and extend into a few others from Thiruvananthapuram down south to Kasaragod in the north. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride (eight hours) and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Your holiday home in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboat or 'Kettuvallam', which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. It usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. You can board your houseboat from select spots along the backwaters. Kollam, one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, was earlier the centre of international trade. the Ashtamudi lake coverrs a third of the district. Here, you will spot Chinese fishing nets and meet large dugouts lugging coir, cashew, copra and local produce. the picturesque village of Alumkadavu, on the way to Alappuzha, is where you can watch
Acclaimed by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the ten paradises of the world. Lauded by Paul Mc Cartney as truly God's Own Country. Chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Sun, Surf and Solitude in Kerala
Kerala shares its western border with the Arabian Sea. The state's 600 km shoreline is dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches in the world. These palms fringed havens drenched in the pleasant tropical sun have a singularity of their own.
Many of them are internationally renowned, like the Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram which has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Varkala also in Thiruvananthapuran, is a seaside resort much sought after for its spa, high cliffs and rich mineral springs.
Other beaches herre relate an eventful history. Thangasseri has historic attractions like the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, churches built in the 18th century and an old lighthouse. The pier, which extends into the sea at the Alappuzha beach is about 140 years old. Dolphins can be sighted at the Cherai beach bordering Vypeen island in Kochi.
Beypore in Kozhikode, a prominent port and fishing harbour of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre. The rock studded Kappad beach in Kozhikode is where Vascp da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels.
Black rocks protect the four kilometer Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer's paradise.
Remote and secluded, the Pallikere and Kappil beaches near Bekal in Kasaragod, are fast becoming major toourist attractions. The imposing Bekal Fort nearby is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala.
Kerala Networks of emerald silk
The backwaters mainly cover four districts of Kerala and extend into a few others from Thiruvananthapuram down south to Kasaragod in the north. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride (eight hours) and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Your holiday home in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboat or 'Kettuvallam', which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. It usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. You can board your houseboat from select spots along the backwaters. Kollam, one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, was earlier the centre of international trade. the Ashtamudi lake coverrs a third of the district. Here, you will spot Chinese fishing nets and meet large dugouts lugging coir, cashew, copra and local produce. the picturesque village of Alumkadavu, on the way to Alappuzha, is where you can watch 'Kettuvallams' in the making.
At the end of the eight hour cruise from Kollam, you reach Alappuzha, long eulogised as the Venice of the east. This place offers spectacular sights including the snake boat races and the endless paddy fields of Kuttanad. From Alappuzha your boatmen will row you past the
Natural Beauty in Kerala
The site, India Kerala, offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural beauty and richness of Kerala, God's own country as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India would reveal. The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to the willing traveler and tourist to undertake a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country to have a taste of the natural beauty and resplendence of Kerala, located in south India, India.
A travel tour to be accosted by the natural beauty of Kerala, would include a whole lot of natural bounty in the form of the azure waters by the side of the sandy spoils of beaches in Kerala, located in south India, India, and a rich tapestry of wildlife nestled amidst the hills and plantations in the sylvan surroundings of the order of Munnar, Idduki, Periyar, Coorg and other places of the same ilk.
Water bodies and the scattered islets of the order of Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake, Champpakullam, an island hamlet, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Marrai beach in Alleppey, lead to an increment in the natural beauty of Kerala, but, it is the snake boat races of Alappuzha which have given a lorish stature to the natural beauty of Kerala, located in south India, India. The Chundan Valloms or the well oiled large boats, bedecked in battle gears are the hallmark imagery attached to backwaters of Alappuzha which is a chief and primordial part of natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
The racers are all local warriors who live and prepare the boats together for the annual boat regalia. Nehru trophy boat race and Aranmula boat race are the two most popular races along with one long list of other less popular ones, which a willing traveler is bound to come to know about, on a travel tour to the backwaters of Alappuzha in god's own country, Kerala, south India, India
Idduki- A Treasure Trove of Wildlife
Idukki as a fabled hill resort in Kerala, god's own country, located in Kerala, in south India, India, is houses the largest wild life sanctuary in India, which has an expanse of approximately 777 Kilometers in the district's forested land. Animal life of the order of Deer, Giant, and Malabar Squirrel abound in plenty in this scenic hill station in India. A tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would reveal even richer places that quadruple the beauty of Kerala, as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, in south India, India reveals. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife showcases the quintessential Elephant rides, which act as the trademark beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is another of those attractions in the rich itinerary of natural beauty, which is home to creatures of the order of elephants, leopards and tigers.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has led to the sustenance and the final success of Project Tiger, which began in the year, 1979. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would show that the wildlife sanctuary is home to other species of animals like, Nilgiri wood pigeon, the magnificent thrushes and the stunningly agile flycatchers which add stars to the natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India
The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to the places rich in natural beauty in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Additional information can be gleaned from the site by filing in the following form. Following links can be used up for convenience.
• Tropical Forests in Kerala, India
• Lake Tours to Kerala, India
• Enthralling Kerala Hills
Adventure Tours to Kerala, India.
The travel site India Kerala offers to take you on adventure filled travel tours to Kerala, "Gods Own Country" in South India.
Kerala in South India has a lot of potential for adventure tours with its long coastline, steep hills and inland rivers.
The mention of Kerala, conjures up images of toddy tapping, coir making, rice fields, fishing nets and of course coconut palms bordering the placid Kerala backwaters.
The travel guide India Kerala offers you packages for adventure tours that include options like angling, boating, water sports, mountain climbing, biking tours, trekking, nature treks, camping adventure tours and a lot more.
Kerala with its 575-kilometer long coastline offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating and other water sports.
Kerala, India has quite a few clearly marked biking trails in the woods near the Sahayadri's. These ranges are covered by dense woods that offer you an excellent opportunity to interact with mother nature at her best, the characteristic sweet smell of wet mud and green trees give your senses an all time high, with dry leaves crunching under your feet and colorful flowers in full bloom your adventure trekking and biking tours can be quite amazing and can make you outrageously happy.
Kerala, India is known for its rich fishing grounds and the Kerala backwaters can aptly be described as the fisherman's paradise. A leisure boat cruise could offer you myriad opportunities for angling and nature watching. During your adventure travel tours to Kerala, India you can enjoy the extremely competitive boat races that take place to mark the celebrations during special festivals like Onam.
• Water Sports in Kerala
• Nature Treks to Kerala, India
• Biking and Canoeing Tours to Kerala, India
• Boat Races in Kerala, India
For more details regarding adventure tours, adventure tour packages and adventure tour booking to Kerala, India please fill up the form provided below.
Natural Beauty in Kerala
The site, India Kerala, offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural beauty and richness of Kerala, God's own country as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India would reveal. The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to the willing traveler and tourist to undertake a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country to have a taste of the natural beauty and resplendence of Kerala, located in south India, India.
A travel tour to be accosted by the natural beauty of Kerala, would include a whole lot of natural bounty in the form of the azure waters by the side of the sandy spoils of beaches in Kerala, located in south India, India, and a rich tapestry of wildlife nestled amidst the hills and plantations in the sylvan surroundings of the order of Munnar, Idduki, Periyar, Coorg and other places of the same ilk.
Water bodies and the scattered islets of the order of Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake, Champpakullam, an island hamlet, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Marrai beach in Alleppey, lead to an increment in the natural beauty of Kerala, but, it is the snake boat races of Alappuzha which have given a lorish stature to the natural beauty of Kerala, located in south India, India. The Chundan Valloms or the well oiled large boats, bedecked in battle gears are the hallmark imagery attached to backwaters of Alappuzha which is a chief and primordial part of natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
The racers are all local warriors who live and prepare the boats together for the annual boat regalia. Nehru trophy boat race and Aranmula boat race are the two most popular races along with one long list of other less popular ones, which a willing traveler is bound to come to know about, on a travel tour to the backwaters of Alappuzha in god's own country, Kerala, south India, India
Idduki- A Treasure Trove of Wildlife
Idukki as a fabled hill resort in Kerala, god's own country, located in Kerala, in south India, India, is houses the largest wild life sanctuary in India, which has an expanse of approximately 777 Kilometers in the district's forested land. Animal life of the order of Deer, Giant, and Malabar Squirrel abound in plenty in this scenic hill station in India. A tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would reveal even richer places that quadruple the beauty of Kerala, as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, in south India, India reveals. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife showcases the quintessential Elephant rides, which act as the trademark beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is another of those attractions in the rich itinerary of natural beauty, which is home to creatures of the order of elephants, leopards and tigers.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has led to the sustenance and the final success of Project Tiger, which began in the year, 1979. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would show that the wildlife sanctuary is home to other species of animals like, Nilgiri wood pigeon, the magnificent thrushes and the stunningly agile flycatchers which add stars to the natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India
The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to the places rich in natural beauty in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Additional information can be gleaned from the site by filing in the following form. Following links can be used up for convenience.
• Tropical Forests in Kerala, India
• Lake Tours to Kerala, India
Enthralling Kerala Hills Wildlife Tours to Kerala India.
The site India Kerala offers to introduce you to wildlife tour packages that take you on wildlife tours to the wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, India. There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, South India that offer sanctuaries and natural habitats for a number of wild animals.
It is quite natural to have these wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, South India as these wildlife parks are located in areas that are covered with lush green woods, dense plant growth, natural water bodies and favorable climatic conditions. So literally speaking Kerala in South India has it all, nature has been very kind to this part of India so it is but natural that there are so many wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks in Kerala, South India.
The commonly sighted animals in most of these wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries are the elephants, flying squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, tigers, tahr, wild dogs and a hoard of other wild animals. Apart from a rich population of wild animals most of the wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries are also home to a variety of birds.
Some of the popular wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks located in Kerala, South India are the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary and a number of other wildlife parks.
Thus the travel Website, India Kerala offers you wildlife tour packages to the following wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries:
• Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• For more details regarding wildlife tours and wildlife tour booking to the several wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, South India please fill up the form provided below.
Festivals of Kerala, India
The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to scout around Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India, by undertaking a travel tour to festivals in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. A travel tour to Kerala exposes and brings to relief a large cross section of color and gaiety which are the hallmarks of any festival in India with Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India, being no exception to the attendant fun and froth.
A travel tour to Kerala with an inclusive travel tour to the festivals of Kerala, god's, own country, based in south India, India, would lead to the opening up of a completely new world before the interested tourist/ traveler.
Onam, is a celebration of the fun and gaiety at the onset of a warm autumn and the outgoing wetness of a summer monsoon with the advent to the throne of Lord Mahabali who has reigned since the time of Ramrajya in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
Hotels of Kerala, South India
The travel Website India Kerala offers to present you with information regarding hotels located in the different parts of Kerala, South India. The travel guide India Kerala offers you hotel specification details and information on the facilities available at the various hotels located in Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar Island, Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kozhikode, Munnar, Wayanad, Guruvayoor and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, South India.
Most of the hotels located in the different parts of Kerala, South India offer you luxuries and comforts coupled with traditional Keralan charm that wins your heart and entices you to extend your stay in "Gods own country'.
So come and visit any of the lovely and picturesque destinations in Kerala, South India with the travel site India Kerala and stay at one of the many hotels and resorts located in Kerala, South India.
• Hotels in Kovalam
• Hotels in Poovar Island
• Hotels in Varkala
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotels in Kumarakom
• Hotels in Alleppey
• Hotels in Munnar
• Hotels in Wayanad
• Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotels in Kozhikode Calicut
• Hotels in Guruvayur
• The Beach Orchid
For further information regarding online hotel reservation and hotel booking at the various hotels in any of the travel destinations in Kerala, South India please fill up the query form provided below.
Hill Stations in Kerala, South India
The travel Website India Kerala offers to take you on Hill Station tours to the several hill stations located in Kerala, South India. Kerala, South India is known for its lovely, picturesque and emerald green hill stations. Some of the most popular hill stations located in Kerala, South India are Munnar, Chithirapuram, Peruvannamuzhi and Ponmudi.
The travel Website and travel guide offers you an assortment of hill station tour packages that offer you tour packages that take you on the most enchanting Kerala hill station tour. Kerala, South India is known for its pristine natural charm and breathtaking natural greens. People come from far and wide to visit these Kerala hill stations. They come here to relax, they come here for revitalization and some come here to heal themselves of various diseases with the help of traditional Ayurveda therapeutics that is so natural to these parts of South India. In fact the Kerala hills are covered with a generous bounty of medicinal herbs and green plants that help you to get rid of your diseases in a natural manner.
Each and every hill station that you may visit during your hill station tours to Kerala, South India has a characteristic and distinct natural beauty of its own. The calm and quiet of these Kerala hill stations, the pure, fresh and crisp mountain air, the exotic flora and enchanting fauna, the characteristic smell of wet wood mingled with the smell of forest earth gives your senses the most wonderful experience and one that you are not likely to get over soon.
Thus the travel website India Kerala takes you on Hill stations tours to Kerala, South India. Hill Resorts in Kerala, India.
• Hill Resorts in Kerala
• Tours to Munnar
• Tours to Devikulam
• Tours to Chithirapuram
• Tours to Idukki
• Tours to Nellyampathy
• Tours to Peruvannamuzhi
• Tours to Ponmudi
For more details regarding hill station tours to the several Kerala hill stations please fill up the form provided below.
The site, India Kerala, offers the interested traveler/ tourist to gather information and arrange for hotel packages to places which can enable a tourist to have a bird's eye view into the history and the reams of past attached to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. The site, India Kerala, is a perfect rejoinder to the discerning among the Keralese tourists who want to have more than their stipulated share of the bite of the history and cultural baggage attached to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
Historical Backgrounder, Kerala, south India, India The site, India Kerala, is a rich collection of facts and details harking back to the period before Christ till the penning down of the once popular, authentic and now controversial Kerololpathi published by Gundert in the year 1890 A.D which bears the record of the ruling dynasties and the outside influences on Kerala since the rule of Cheras, thousands of years back.
The political contours of Kerala have been very fast changing as a result, it has changed the names by which it has been called for over the last few centuries. The names have varied from, Venad, Kochi, Malabar and Travancore- Cochin before the present day christening to Kerala was permanently coined for general use.
The foundation myth or the legend goes on to the establish that the always angry, Brahmin seer Parasuram created the tradition of outsiders termed as "Perumals" to rule Kerala with each generational coronation taking place on the holy and very popularly celebrated festival day of Thevar. The first Perumal ruler was the legendary Keralan and the last one being Cheraman Perumal who ruled for a brief period of twelve years and from then went off to Mecca and embraced Islam after relinquishing his throne. The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to let the tourist unveil the history and culture of Kerala, located in south India, India. Additional information can be had by filing in the following form. Following links can be utilized for your convenience.
• Culture and Traditions of Kerala, India
• Cuisine of Kerala
Acclaimed by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the ten paradises of the world. Lauded by Paul Mc Cartney as truly God's Own Country. Chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Sun, Surf and Solitude in Kerala
Kerala shares its western border with the Arabian Sea. The state's 600 km shoreline is dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches in the world. These palms fringed havens drenched in the pleasant tropical sun have a singularity of their own.
Many of them are internationally renowned, like the Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram which has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Varkala also in Thiruvananthapuran, is a seaside resort much sought after for its spa, high cliffs and rich mineral springs.
Other beaches herre relate an eventful history. Thangasseri has historic attractions like the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, churches built in the 18th century and an old lighthouse. The pier, which extends into the sea at the Alappuzha beach is about 140 years old. Dolphins can be sighted at the Cherai beach bordering Vypeen island in Kochi.
Beypore in Kozhikode, a prominent port and fishing harbour of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre. The rock studded Kappad beach in Kozhikode is where Vascp da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels.
Black rocks protect the four kilometer Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer's paradise.
Remote and secluded, the Pallikere and Kappil beaches near Bekal in Kasaragod, are fast becoming major toourist attractions. The imposing Bekal Fort nearby is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala.
Kerala Networks of emerald silk
The backwaters mainly cover four districts of Kerala and extend into a few others from Thiruvananthapuram down south to Kasaragod in the north. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride (eight hours) and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Your holiday home in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboat or 'Kettuvallam', which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. It usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. You can board your houseboat from select spots along the backwaters. Kollam, one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, was earlier the centre of international trade. the Ashtamudi lake coverrs a third of the district. Here, you will spot Chinese fishing nets and meet large dugouts lugging coir, cashew, copra and local produce. the picturesque village of Alumkadavu, on the way to Alappuzha, is where you can watch
Acclaimed by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the ten paradises of the world. Lauded by Paul Mc Cartney as truly God's Own Country. Chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Leisure as one of the ten hot spots of the millennium......Kerala. God's Own Coountry is today the cynosure of the world for its unmatched attractions. Natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine.... you name it, Kerala has it.
Sun, Surf and Solitude in Kerala
Kerala shares its western border with the Arabian Sea. The state's 600 km shoreline is dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches in the world. These palms fringed havens drenched in the pleasant tropical sun have a singularity of their own.
Many of them are internationally renowned, like the Kovalam beach in Thiruvananthapuram which has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Varkala also in Thiruvananthapuran, is a seaside resort much sought after for its spa, high cliffs and rich mineral springs.
Other beaches herre relate an eventful history. Thangasseri has historic attractions like the ruins of an old Portuguese fort, churches built in the 18th century and an old lighthouse. The pier, which extends into the sea at the Alappuzha beach is about 140 years old. Dolphins can be sighted at the Cherai beach bordering Vypeen island in Kochi.
Beypore in Kozhikode, a prominent port and fishing harbour of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre. The rock studded Kappad beach in Kozhikode is where Vascp da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed on the 27th of May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels.
Black rocks protect the four kilometer Muzhappilangad beach in Kannur from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer's paradise.
Remote and secluded, the Pallikere and Kappil beaches near Bekal in Kasaragod, are fast becoming major toourist attractions. The imposing Bekal Fort nearby is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala.
Kerala Networks of emerald silk
The backwaters mainly cover four districts of Kerala and extend into a few others from Thiruvananthapuram down south to Kasaragod in the north. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride (eight hours) and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Your holiday home in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboat or 'Kettuvallam', which means a boat made by tying together pieces of wood. It usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. You can board your houseboat from select spots along the backwaters. Kollam, one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, was earlier the centre of international trade. the Ashtamudi lake coverrs a third of the district. Here, you will spot Chinese fishing nets and meet large dugouts lugging coir, cashew, copra and local produce. the picturesque village of Alumkadavu, on the way to Alappuzha, is where you can watch 'Kettuvallams' in the making.
At the end of the eight hour cruise from Kollam, you reach Alappuzha, long eulogised as the Venice of the east. This place offers spectacular sights including the snake boat races and the endless paddy fields of Kuttanad. From Alappuzha your boatmen will row you past the
Natural Beauty in Kerala
The site, India Kerala, offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural beauty and richness of Kerala, God's own country as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India would reveal. The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to the willing traveler and tourist to undertake a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country to have a taste of the natural beauty and resplendence of Kerala, located in south India, India.
A travel tour to be accosted by the natural beauty of Kerala, would include a whole lot of natural bounty in the form of the azure waters by the side of the sandy spoils of beaches in Kerala, located in south India, India, and a rich tapestry of wildlife nestled amidst the hills and plantations in the sylvan surroundings of the order of Munnar, Idduki, Periyar, Coorg and other places of the same ilk.
Water bodies and the scattered islets of the order of Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake, Champpakullam, an island hamlet, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Marrai beach in Alleppey, lead to an increment in the natural beauty of Kerala, but, it is the snake boat races of Alappuzha which have given a lorish stature to the natural beauty of Kerala, located in south India, India. The Chundan Valloms or the well oiled large boats, bedecked in battle gears are the hallmark imagery attached to backwaters of Alappuzha which is a chief and primordial part of natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
The racers are all local warriors who live and prepare the boats together for the annual boat regalia. Nehru trophy boat race and Aranmula boat race are the two most popular races along with one long list of other less popular ones, which a willing traveler is bound to come to know about, on a travel tour to the backwaters of Alappuzha in god's own country, Kerala, south India, India
Idduki- A Treasure Trove of Wildlife
Idukki as a fabled hill resort in Kerala, god's own country, located in Kerala, in south India, India, is houses the largest wild life sanctuary in India, which has an expanse of approximately 777 Kilometers in the district's forested land. Animal life of the order of Deer, Giant, and Malabar Squirrel abound in plenty in this scenic hill station in India. A tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would reveal even richer places that quadruple the beauty of Kerala, as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, in south India, India reveals. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife showcases the quintessential Elephant rides, which act as the trademark beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is another of those attractions in the rich itinerary of natural beauty, which is home to creatures of the order of elephants, leopards and tigers.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has led to the sustenance and the final success of Project Tiger, which began in the year, 1979. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would show that the wildlife sanctuary is home to other species of animals like, Nilgiri wood pigeon, the magnificent thrushes and the stunningly agile flycatchers which add stars to the natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India
The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to the places rich in natural beauty in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Additional information can be gleaned from the site by filing in the following form. Following links can be used up for convenience.
• Tropical Forests in Kerala, India
• Lake Tours to Kerala, India
• Enthralling Kerala Hills
Adventure Tours to Kerala, India.
The travel site India Kerala offers to take you on adventure filled travel tours to Kerala, "Gods Own Country" in South India.
Kerala in South India has a lot of potential for adventure tours with its long coastline, steep hills and inland rivers.
The mention of Kerala, conjures up images of toddy tapping, coir making, rice fields, fishing nets and of course coconut palms bordering the placid Kerala backwaters.
The travel guide India Kerala offers you packages for adventure tours that include options like angling, boating, water sports, mountain climbing, biking tours, trekking, nature treks, camping adventure tours and a lot more.
Kerala with its 575-kilometer long coastline offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating and other water sports.
Kerala, India has quite a few clearly marked biking trails in the woods near the Sahayadri's. These ranges are covered by dense woods that offer you an excellent opportunity to interact with mother nature at her best, the characteristic sweet smell of wet mud and green trees give your senses an all time high, with dry leaves crunching under your feet and colorful flowers in full bloom your adventure trekking and biking tours can be quite amazing and can make you outrageously happy.
Kerala, India is known for its rich fishing grounds and the Kerala backwaters can aptly be described as the fisherman's paradise. A leisure boat cruise could offer you myriad opportunities for angling and nature watching. During your adventure travel tours to Kerala, India you can enjoy the extremely competitive boat races that take place to mark the celebrations during special festivals like Onam.
• Water Sports in Kerala
• Nature Treks to Kerala, India
• Biking and Canoeing Tours to Kerala, India
• Boat Races in Kerala, India
For more details regarding adventure tours, adventure tour packages and adventure tour booking to Kerala, India please fill up the form provided below.
Natural Beauty in Kerala
The site, India Kerala, offers a kaleidoscopic overview of the natural beauty and richness of Kerala, God's own country as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India would reveal. The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to the willing traveler and tourist to undertake a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country to have a taste of the natural beauty and resplendence of Kerala, located in south India, India.
A travel tour to be accosted by the natural beauty of Kerala, would include a whole lot of natural bounty in the form of the azure waters by the side of the sandy spoils of beaches in Kerala, located in south India, India, and a rich tapestry of wildlife nestled amidst the hills and plantations in the sylvan surroundings of the order of Munnar, Idduki, Periyar, Coorg and other places of the same ilk.
Water bodies and the scattered islets of the order of Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake, Champpakullam, an island hamlet, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Marrai beach in Alleppey, lead to an increment in the natural beauty of Kerala, but, it is the snake boat races of Alappuzha which have given a lorish stature to the natural beauty of Kerala, located in south India, India. The Chundan Valloms or the well oiled large boats, bedecked in battle gears are the hallmark imagery attached to backwaters of Alappuzha which is a chief and primordial part of natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
The racers are all local warriors who live and prepare the boats together for the annual boat regalia. Nehru trophy boat race and Aranmula boat race are the two most popular races along with one long list of other less popular ones, which a willing traveler is bound to come to know about, on a travel tour to the backwaters of Alappuzha in god's own country, Kerala, south India, India
Idduki- A Treasure Trove of Wildlife
Idukki as a fabled hill resort in Kerala, god's own country, located in Kerala, in south India, India, is houses the largest wild life sanctuary in India, which has an expanse of approximately 777 Kilometers in the district's forested land. Animal life of the order of Deer, Giant, and Malabar Squirrel abound in plenty in this scenic hill station in India. A tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would reveal even richer places that quadruple the beauty of Kerala, as a travel tour to Kerala, god's own country, in south India, India reveals. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife showcases the quintessential Elephant rides, which act as the trademark beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is another of those attractions in the rich itinerary of natural beauty, which is home to creatures of the order of elephants, leopards and tigers.
Periyar wildlife sanctuary has led to the sustenance and the final success of Project Tiger, which began in the year, 1979. A travel tour to Kerala's natural beauty and wildlife would show that the wildlife sanctuary is home to other species of animals like, Nilgiri wood pigeon, the magnificent thrushes and the stunningly agile flycatchers which add stars to the natural beauty of Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India
The site, India Kerala, offers tour booking and travel packages to the places rich in natural beauty in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. Additional information can be gleaned from the site by filing in the following form. Following links can be used up for convenience.
• Tropical Forests in Kerala, India
• Lake Tours to Kerala, India
Enthralling Kerala Hills Wildlife Tours to Kerala India.
The site India Kerala offers to introduce you to wildlife tour packages that take you on wildlife tours to the wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, India. There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, South India that offer sanctuaries and natural habitats for a number of wild animals.
It is quite natural to have these wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, South India as these wildlife parks are located in areas that are covered with lush green woods, dense plant growth, natural water bodies and favorable climatic conditions. So literally speaking Kerala in South India has it all, nature has been very kind to this part of India so it is but natural that there are so many wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks in Kerala, South India.
The commonly sighted animals in most of these wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries are the elephants, flying squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, tigers, tahr, wild dogs and a hoard of other wild animals. Apart from a rich population of wild animals most of the wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries are also home to a variety of birds.
Some of the popular wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife parks located in Kerala, South India are the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary and a number of other wildlife parks.
Thus the travel Website, India Kerala offers you wildlife tour packages to the following wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries:
• Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• For more details regarding wildlife tours and wildlife tour booking to the several wildlife sanctuaries located in Kerala, South India please fill up the form provided below.
Festivals of Kerala, India
The site, India Kerala, offers a golden opportunity to scout around Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India, by undertaking a travel tour to festivals in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India. A travel tour to Kerala exposes and brings to relief a large cross section of color and gaiety which are the hallmarks of any festival in India with Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India, being no exception to the attendant fun and froth.
A travel tour to Kerala with an inclusive travel tour to the festivals of Kerala, god's, own country, based in south India, India, would lead to the opening up of a completely new world before the interested tourist/ traveler.
Onam, is a celebration of the fun and gaiety at the onset of a warm autumn and the outgoing wetness of a summer monsoon with the advent to the throne of Lord Mahabali who has reigned since the time of Ramrajya in Kerala, god's own country, located in south India, India.
Hotels of Kerala, South India
The travel Website India Kerala offers to present you with information regarding hotels located in the different parts of Kerala, South India. The travel guide India Kerala offers you hotel specification details and information on the facilities available at the various hotels located in Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar Island, Kochi, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kozhikode, Munnar, Wayanad, Guruvayoor and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, South India.
Most of the hotels located in the different parts of Kerala, South India offer you luxuries and comforts coupled with traditional Keralan charm that wins your heart and entices you to extend your stay in "Gods own country'.
So come and visit any of the lovely and picturesque destinations in Kerala, South India with the travel site India Kerala and stay at one of the many hotels and resorts located in Kerala, South India.
• Hotels in Kovalam
• Hotels in Poovar Island
• Hotels in Varkala
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotels in Kumarakom
• Hotels in Alleppey
• Hotels in Munnar
• Hotels in Wayanad
• Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotels in Kozhikode Calicut
• Hotels in Guruvayur
• The Beach Orchid
For further information regarding online hotel reservation and hotel booking at the various hotels in any of the travel destinations in Kerala, South India please fill up the query form provided below.
Hill Stations in Kerala, South India
The travel Website India Kerala offers to take you on Hill Station tours to the several hill stations located in Kerala, South India. Kerala, South India is known for its lovely, picturesque and emerald green hill stations. Some of the most popular hill stations located in Kerala, South India are Munnar, Chithirapuram, Peruvannamuzhi and Ponmudi.
The travel Website and travel guide offers you an assortment of hill station tour packages that offer you tour packages that take you on the most enchanting Kerala hill station tour. Kerala, South India is known for its pristine natural charm and breathtaking natural greens. People come from far and wide to visit these Kerala hill stations. They come here to relax, they come here for revitalization and some come here to heal themselves of various diseases with the help of traditional Ayurveda therapeutics that is so natural to these parts of South India. In fact the Kerala hills are covered with a generous bounty of medicinal herbs and green plants that help you to get rid of your diseases in a natural manner.
Each and every hill station that you may visit during your hill station tours to Kerala, South India has a characteristic and distinct natural beauty of its own. The calm and quiet of these Kerala hill stations, the pure, fresh and crisp mountain air, the exotic flora and enchanting fauna, the characteristic smell of wet wood mingled with the smell of forest earth gives your senses the most wonderful experience and one that you are not likely to get over soon.
Thus the travel website India Kerala takes you on Hill stations tours to Kerala, South India. Hill Resorts in Kerala, India.
• Hill Resorts in Kerala
• Tours to Munnar
• Tours to Devikulam
• Tours to Chithirapuram
• Tours to Idukki
• Tours to Nellyampathy
• Tours to Peruvannamuzhi
• Tours to Ponmudi
For more details regarding hill station tours to the several Kerala hill stations please fill up the form provided below.
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