Culture

Kathakali Dancers Kathakali is one of the world-renowned dance forms of Kerala. Kathakali literally means, "story-play". Kathakali is some 300 years old but its roots go back almost 1500 years. Kathakali draws from almost every type of formalized dance, drama and martial arts. A number of its elements and choreography have been influenced by the 9th century art of Kuttiyattam, the only surviving form of Sanskrit theatre. Despite the inroads of modern theatre, cinema and television, Kathakali, continues to attract enthusiastic audiences in and outside Kerala. This dance-drama of Kerala has also been able to retain much of its original stylized form, rich in its theatrical traditions and unique values, based on the ancient Natyashastra, a rhetorical work on dramaturgy, which lays down principles governing the art forms of dance and music.

Veli tourist park Found in Trivandrum, this park has a boating lake, its own beach and as you can see locally produced sculptures.Well worth a visit if you are in Trivandrum.

Beachfront restaurant Just a short walk down a palm strewn wooded area from the property. The "Lobster Pot" restaurant is at Sandy beach and serves local and continental foods. Or you can just relax and take in the ambience with a drink. You can also hire beach beds and parasols for a small charge.

Foot massage This is a form of Avurveda massage. This is an all over massage with feet, not to be confused with having your feet massaged!! This is a very strong and invigorating type of massage. You could also induldge in other forms of avurveda massage which concentrates on the mind and body when treating ailments with a holistic aproach, and is based on herbal preparations without ay side-effects.

Elephant parade Perhaps an hour or two away by taxi (approx £10 at time of writing(may 2007)). These festivals are Hindu celebrations and there are abundant decorated and painted elephants. There are often bands witht the local people dressed up. A wnderful spectacle, don't forget your camera.

Fishing A local woman brings home the catch.

Sunset What a beautiful way to finish off your day watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.