Sunshine State Decorative Artists: Fill & Download for Free

Not really sure so this is a wild ass guess. The flamingos came to popularity during the 1950s. In the post war boom many American families were buying homes for the first time thanks in a large part to the G.I. Bill. With America's growing affluence many folks were able to take family vacations. And what speaks leisure and fun in the sun more than the tropics? And so a great many folks, at least those on the east coast made their way south to Florida. The growing middle class was enticed by the lure of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and warm ocean, all wrapped up in the exotic package of south Florida. Where do we find flamingos? You guessed it. And possibly some beach town entrepreneur offered up lawn ornaments in the shape of flamingos along with the palm frond woven hats and carved coconut shell monkeys. As a momento of the family's time in the “Sunshine State" those little plastic, pink flamingos braved many a New England winter.I spent part of my childhood and teens on Miami Beach so this little scenario I just wove seemed perfectly plausible. And then, you made me curious and I googled it. Boy was I wrong. Well sort of. The original pair of flamingos was fashioned in Worcester, Massachusetts by an artist by the name of Featherstone in 1957. Huh! Actually original Featherstone flamingos are kinda a big deal among the lawn ornament afficinados. And the rest as the saying goes, is history. The intrepid little pink birds took off like a house afire! Home Owners' Associations hate ‘em, collectors and regular folks love ‘em. Part nostalgia, part kitsch, flamingos in every color of the rainbow now decorate everything from cocktail glasses to jewelery to flip flops and on and on.And still this year around Christmas, whether you live in California, or Maine there may be a little flamingo standing bravely beside Santa's reindeer, or peering into the creche watching Mary and her new born baby. So, thanks for making me learn something today. Not a bit of research that would have ever occurred to me otherwise.

For the most part, it looks just like it did before. The main difference is that a lot of buildings temporarily have their windows covered in plywood.Most of those buildings weren’t vandalized. And most are open now.It was definitely upsetting to see places like corner health clinics and the Minnesota Children’s Hospital board up their windows. What genuine prick would vandalize or try to burn a children’s hospital? (I don’t think this was attempted, but the hospital took some precautions.) But think of all that wood as two things: a big stimulus package for the lumber industry, and as face masks for businesses. It’s a quick, temporary measure to protect property from potential damage. The damage isn’t actually there. I hope the plywood starts coming down in a week or two.The flip side is that a city that had a real dearth of public street art is blossoming with color. Back-to-back with the Covid scare, and summer finally appearing in one of the coldest parts of the United States, there are plenty of little bits of humor and beauty around the city now. The humor, obviously, comes amid some anxiety. But like a lot of other people here, I’ve been out taking pics with my camera. Big historical events usually don’t have much impact on Minnesota, but this is probably the most historical thing to happen in the Twin Cities since the 1800s.Some people get jiggy with decorating all the plywood:The sun also rises:Why not liven that wall up?The whole thing has been a boon to local artists. A lot of the street art popping up is boring and repetitive. A lot of it’s really just white virtue-signalling, designed for folks to post selfies on Instagram and say, in the voice of Cominius from Gladiator, “Am I not so virtuous?!!”But some of it’s really good, conceptually. Definitely more interesting than all those boring angel wings every woman was photographing herself next to back in the “old normal.”Justice is MiracleGro:The city’s finally coming out from the under the shadow of the Covid shutdowns. Legitimate protests and some unfortunate vandalism definitely derailed the re-opening (it was terrible timing). But for a city that has some of the worst winter weather in America… it’s hotter than Colombia here today. 96 degrees.This was part of a long line wrapped around the corner at Sencha Tea off Hennepin Avenue yesterday:The shop had a sign reminding customers that they’re open. People get confused and think “Oh, Sencha has plywood up. It must be burned.” No it wasn’t:Downtown is the absolute grave. I think it’s probably going to be dead for the foreseeable future — maybe forever. Here’s the catch, though: downtown was a soulless wasteland, anyway. I always hated downtown Minneapolis. A lot of people avoided the place a year ago… because it was so dull.Here’s Nicollet Mall. Almost completely abandoned. But that’s partly because of Covid work-from-home arrangements that are going to keep office workers away for months, anyway. One of my jobs is downtown. I might not be able to work there until September. That’s not the riots.Restaurants like Muddy Waters in Uptown closed forever. But again… that was the mayor’s and governor’s preferred method for battling a virus. Not the riots.There's even some clever word play. "Crying bout they Targets. We been targets."Sightseers and families are out checking out the aftermath. Here’s the burned 3rd Precinct police station. Just another white family getting beaten up by “animals” in what the media is telling us is Baghdad. Bring out the kids:A block south of the 3rd precinct station, literally right behind the burned-out Minnehaha Post Office, there’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It’s a big food bank right now. I’m a white guy. I wasn’t murdered for showing up and seeing what’s happening at Holy Trinity. What’s happening? People getting the help they deserve. Two kids hugging:I don’t want to downplay the negative.There was defintiely physical damage to around 300 buildings. I think about ten of those got totally burned out. I’m not denying there was arson — there absolutely was. But a day or two later, people were having public BBQ’s right outside on the sidewalk. Kids in strollers coming by. That’s a BBQ:Remember this famous photograph right here? That is the exact same place where people were having a cookout maybe 48 hours later. Minnehaha Lake Wine & Spirits. As a photographer, I can tell you that both of these pictures were exposed at about 1/250th of a second (so, literally just one small moment in time.) Why is one of them considered more real than the other? Just because it’s a more dramatic photo than mine doesn’t make it more real:The building in this next photo was a crappy old 1920s building with a bar inside. It got toasted. The Fire Department knocked the ruins down a few days ago to keep it from falling on all the sightseers. The city will move on:Is it disturbing to see stuff like “Please don’t burn, babies upstairs.” You bet:But the vandalism and arson weren’t very extensive to start with, and it’s mostly over now. I don’t think anybody was killed in the Minneapolis riots.The National Guard was around — doing good stuff, as far as I could tell, helping clean up some gutted fast food restaurants, guarding buildings from further vandalism, and keeping a lid on things while not being jerks about it. The Guard is mostly gone now. The Minneapolis Police Department is getting disbanded outright, so you don’t see much of them around.Here’s a cleanup from last week. It’s a good question if somebody else will ever build a business on that site. (The Target across the street is going to be expanded, partly beause the Target Corporation is based here and cares about the city.) Regardless, I don’t think the economy is going to fall through the floor from a missing Arby’s. Minneapolis has a lot of creative and resilient people.As far as the economy and anxiety go, there’s a lot of a parallels between all the fears over Covid-19, the shutdowns, the protests, and the looting that snuck in under the protests’ wings. Some anxious people think this city is going to be Detroit, just like other anxious people believed that 2 million Americans were going to be dead of Covid. America’s new motto needs to be: “In Exaggeration We Trust.”But even where some of those fears aren’t exaggerated, what happened with the pandemic tells us something: the story isn’t written yet. Humans can change things and respond to a disaster, mitigating the bad, trying to focus on the good. Whether we’re talking about the virus or the future of this or any other city after the riots, don’t put too much stock in hypothetical modeling. Predictions routinely fail to take important things into consideration.And I’m not the only person who thinks disasters bring good people out of the woodwork. Literally. The plywood.Back in the '70s, the great whiskey-laden suicidal poet John Berryman, who eventually threw himself off a bridge here, wrote a poem to God in Minneapolis. Berryman had been an altar boy in Oklahoma and eventually returned to the Catholic sunshine. In words that always move me, I think Berryman got it right, speaking to his "delicious author." His strange alcohol voice is almost the voice of the city this week:"Master of beauty, craftsman of the snowflake, inimitable contriver / endower of Earth so gorgeous & different from the boring Moon, / thank you for such as it is my gift…"You have come to my rescue again & again / in my impassable, sometimes despairing years. / You have allowed my brilliant friends to destroy themselves / and I am still here, severely damaged, but functioning…"Whatever your end may be, accept my amazement. / May I stand until death forever at attention / for any your least instruction or enlightenment. / I even feel sure you will assist me again, Master of insight & beauty."Who haunt the avenues of Angkor Wat…haunt me at the corner of Fifth & Hennepin."Eleven Addresses to the Lord by John Berryman | Poetry Foundation

101 things about God’s own Country: KeralaJanuary 28, 2013 by Harshita Bathwalhttp://...True. This is God’s own land. Because this land has welcomed merchants, tourists, pilgrims, globetrotters and immigrants from all over the world. Never a site of invasion, a land where no natural calamity has taken place for thousands of years and which has always been receiving the blessed monsoon showers.Welcome to Kerala! Below, I mention, some known and some new ways in which you can discover this place:ACTIVITIES TO DO:Pick your favourite team at the Snake Boat RaceAround 30 boats participate in Annual Kerala Boat Race. (Photo: Arun Kumar Sinha)Visit Kerala during the months of August and September and watch the backwaters come alive with an array of snake boats! The feeling is truly exhilarating as you watch teams of hundred oarsmen row their boats. Cheer up your favourite team and join in the rhythm of their singing as you see the rowers sway their boats at frantic speeds.Get yourself a body MassageRejuvenate yourself with Kerala Ayurvedic MassageKerala is known for its Ayurvedic body massages and health spas. Certain specially trained masseurs will be at your service and there will be a whole range of other activities to revitalize and energise you so that when you walk out of the centre, you know it was worth it. Some of the activities at the massage centre includes: herbal diets, medicated baths, yoga and meditation.Purge yourselfVarkala Beach is popular as Queen of all Indian beaches.The Varkala beach is one of the most pristine beaches of Kerala. It is believed that taking a dip in its waters will absolve you of all your sins. Lounge on the beach, take a dip in its waters or visit the nearby Vishnu temple, which is said to be 2000 year old.Ride an ElephantElephant Ride in Kerala (Photo: Jules Popo)Ever seen a procession of elephants decorated invibrant colours slowly marching down the street? Come to Kerala! The spectacle of 50-60 elephants moving together in a majestic procession will enthral you, while the drumbeats and trumpets will add to the euphoria. One can explore the countryside with an elephant ride which is even more exciting.Go Bird watchingKumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. (Photo: Suraj Rajachandradev)Pay a visit to Kerala’s famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and spot the spectacular egrets, herons, Siberian stork, darters, teals and hundreds of other migratory birds. Listen to the melody in their chirruping, watch them welcome you with their aerobatic stunts, make your visit memorable by getting a photograph clicked with the birds. Other destinations for birdwatchers would be: Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Periyar and Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.Go FishingFishermen are pulling back their boat from the sea near the lighthouse. (Photo: Sheila Nicholls)Fishing is not only an important part of people’s livelihood in Kerala; it is also a major tourist attraction. Nothing can be more spectacular than watching Kerala’s fishermen push their boats against the crashing waves of the sea and jump into them in complete coordination. Try trapping small fishes by dangling a rod and line into the water, one seldom returns disappointed. And don’t forget to treat yourself with the Kerala style fish curry, neymeen.ParaglidingVagamon is the only place in Kerala where the paragliding is possible. (Photo: Ritesh Patel)Vagamon in Idukki district of Kerala is an emerging international destination for paragliders. If you are looking for some adventure during your vacation, paragliding is an excellent option. As you sweep through the lush green vegetation, get a bird’s eye view of the blue water, feel the wind across your face, fly like an eagle. Feel at the top of the world!Watch a bullock-raceThe ‘track’ used for Kambala is a paddy field filled with slush. Two pairs of buffaloes are the contestants and they are controlled by a whip-lashing farmer. (Photo: Zacharia Ponkunnam)Kumbala, or the local bullock-race which takes place every year at the Malapurram district of Malabar is one of the most exciting events of Kerala. It not only attracts several people for the neighboring districts but also from around the world. People bet on their favourite bulls and watch them run with extraordinary zeal towards the finish line. It is a truly exciting experience!A train ride, Ernakulam-Kollam-TrivandrumOn the way to Trivandrum from Ernakulam (Photo: MSV)Take a train ride from Ernakulam to Trivandrum via Kollam to get a beautiful overview of the state. Along the journey, you will come across the marvellous lakes, the sparkling backwaters of Kerala, the coconut palms swaying to the rhythm of the wind, the wide plantations and such like. It is a quick, cheap and easy way of knowing God’s own country, Kerala.Jungle safarisJeep Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. (Photo: Sophie Fishing)A tour of Kerala isn’t complete without exploring the wilderness. So take a jungle safari through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest reserve is noted for its tiger and elephant population. Besides, it is also an excellent spot for birdwatchers. Take a jeep or elephant ride through the jungles and let the explorer within you take the lead.Watch a Puppet showYakshagana Bombeyatta (puppetry) is a popular art form of Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala. The puppets, usually made of wood resemble the Yakshagana performers in costumes and ornamentation. (Photo: Raviprasad Kamila, The Hindu)Yakshagana Bombeyattu or Puppetry is an interesting art form of Kasaragod. While at Kerala, entertain yourself with the colourful puppets with curious headgears, vibrant decorations and loud costumes dancing on musical beats. Themes for the puppet-theatre are mostly based on epics and legends. The shows traditionally take place in the temples on the Koothu Madam.Go for a Flower showFlower Show (Pushpa Mela) attracts lots of tourist in Kerala. (Photo: Yes Kerala)Catch a splendid display of colours at the flower-shows that take place in various parts of Kerala like Kochi and Trivandram. Seeing those pretty asters, the glowing anthuria, the red roses, the exotic orchids, the elegant lilies and the blooming cotton candy will definitely bring a smile to your face!Learn YogaShivananada Yoga Vedanta DhanwantriWhile at Kerala, spend a day or two at the special ashrams in Trivandram and Nileswaram practising yoga. At the cultural centre of Kasaragod, sessions are conducted by gurus and learned experts on spirituality and such like. Relax your mind by attending some of these sessions.Do Rock-climbingRock Climbing in Munnar (Photo: Paintal)This is an exhilarating sport, full of dangers and thrills. Nothing beats the overwhelming feeling of victory having climbed up a cliff! In Kerala, the dam site of Kakkayam, Munnar and other places offer rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between the months of November and April.Attend the Maramon ConventionThe famous Maramon Convention is been holding annually for over a century. (Photo: Paul Parackel)Every year in the month of February on the vast sand beds of Pampa River is held Asia’s largest Christian Convention. Interestingly, the river water dries up every year before the event! It is organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association.Buy gold for all occasionsKasu mala is skillfully crafted by attaching one-gram- forming gold coins to a one gram forming gold chain.In Kerala, gold works like a uniting factor among the Keralites no matter the social or financial standing. Both foreign and domestic tourists buy gold from Kerala. There are many attractive traditional for you to choose from: Kasu Mala, Palakka and Jhimki to name a few.Watch a Malayalam movieMalayalam Movie PosterEntertain yourself a bit more by watching a movie! Malayalam films have interesting story lines and if you’re visiting Kerala during the time of the Film Festival, you will get to see good movies with English subtitles.Take a Mud bathMud Bath in KeralaKerala offers to you a variety of ways to soothe your senses. Discover the healing properties of a mud bath at Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre at Nileswaram, Kasaragod. The therapy will unwind your body and the end of the session will leave you feeling refreshed and energetic.Shop for antiquesShop Antiques in Kerala (Photo: Bharucha)Kerala is a treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts. Be it textiles, painting, woodwork, metalwork, mask-making or coconut-art , the artisans of Kerala specialise in a number of art forms. This festive season, carry back souvenirs from Kerala and gift them to your loved ones!Visit the local marketsLocal Fish Market in Kerala (Photo: Circumnevillegators)The local markets of Kerala are worth a visit. Stalls with piles of fresh vegetables and fruits, the noise from the fish market with salesmen trying to lure you with bargains, their voice getting louder by the minute! Come here for fresh buys and bring out your skills as a canny shopper.The paddy fieldsPaddy Fields in Kerala (Photo: Shagun)Take a walk through the very heart of the paddy fields, on narrow dykes. But don’t let the bright green fields dazzle you as there would be slushy water passages running through your muddy path that you should be aware of. Watch the native folks working on the fields, strike a conversation, enjoy the sun on your face, have a great walking experience!Ride a canoeTake a Canoe Ride in KeralaIfyou are interested in exploring the countryside of Kerala, go for canoeing. It gives you an opportunity to see for yourself the lives of the people in the remote villages of Kerala. As you paddle through the backwaters, be sure not to miss the scenic delightsTake a bike rideBike Ride in Kerala (Photo: Devidas Kandath)The landscape of Kerala is an ideal one for bicycling. So follow the spice route, take a ride through the tea-gardens of Munnar or leisurely float across the backwaters of Kerala. You can also explore innumerable historical sites and isolated hamlets during your trip. One can also take a motorcycle tour to Kerala that gives you the opportunity to ride the Royal Enfield right on the beach!Bamboo Rafting, PeriyarTourists in a small bamboo raft cross a section of the Periyar Lake, which is located in the Periyar Wildlife Sancuary (Photo: Daniel J. Groshong/Tayo Photo Group)The wildlife sanctuary at Periyar is among India’s most popular forest reserves and bamboo-rafting ride at the Periyar Lake is one of the most exciting ways to explore it. You not only get to see the many delights of this sanctuary but also experience a bit of hiking. Keep close to the banks in order to spot tigers, elephants and other magnificent animal species of the wild.Stay in a TharavadHomestays in Kerala – Coconut CreekTo get the perfect heritage experience, stay at a Tharavad. Homestays are known for their hospitality and the grand welcome they give to their guests. At a Tharavad, you’d experience life in an entirely different way. The antique furniture and the intricate woodwork will take you back to old times and the surrounding greenery will rejuvenate your senses.When it Rains in KeralaMonsoon in KeralaStep out on the road while it is raining: Kerala’s monsoon will rejuvenate your senses. Feel your body heaving a sigh of relief as the raindrops slide down your skin. The smell of wet ground, water splashing across the street as the buses and cars zoom by, the sound of thunder, the sparkle of lightening and the sight of hundreds of people, some walking, some scurrying under long black umbrellas will make your experience truly magical!Stay on a HouseboatHouseboat in KeralaAs the sun sets beneath the horizon, embark on a romantic journey on a houseboat in Kerala. Unlike the houseboat stays in Kashmir, you get to stay on the backwaters of Kerala. These traditional houseboats are fully furnished and you get to indulge your taste-buds in backwater delicacies prepared by your personal chef! So, sink yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and the lush greenery. It is also an excellent spot for birdwatchers.Live in a Tree-HouseTree House in KeralaAt Kerala, stay in the tree-houses of Palakkad. These tree-houses are made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo etc.As it is set high above the ground on top a tree, you have birds for company and the lush greenerythat will fill up your senses. So open the windows, smell the sweet scent of wild flowers and listen to the sounds of the forest. Live life the rustic way!Kerala’s Museums and Art galleriesKerala’s Museum and Art Gallery are situated in the Napier Museum compound.Go browse in the art-galleries of Kerala for hours. Take a look at some of the best collections of masterpieces by eminent artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova, Nicholas Roerich and exquisite murals from Tibet, China, Japan and Bali. Admire the temple carts, ornaments and ivory carvings of Kathakali figures at Pazhasiraja Museum in Kozhikode.The coconut trunk bridgeWalk on the Coconut Trunk Bridge in KeralaKerala, in its interiors, has plenty of small water bodies with these extremely narrow bridges. Watch the native folks cross them. You can try tip-toeing across one of them, but be careful. Though it looks simple, it does require a lot of balancing skill. Look further down the bank, you might find a more friendly bridge.Cooking inCooking in Earthenware (Photo: Sarang Hills)In most of the homes of Kerala, women cook the daily meal in earthenware. So go strike a conversation with the native folks, self-invite yourself to lunch at their place and then indulge yourself in the delights cooked by the womenfolk of the house! For some time-tested reason, cooking in earthenware renders a special taste to the food prepared.Don’t miss the FireworksFireworks in Kerala (Photo: Bhavana Jagat)The end of any important event/festival of Kerala is marked by a brilliant display of fireworks. And since every day in Kerala brings with it a new festival, you should not miss those spectacular lightings. Why not make a wish under the thousand shooting stars?Bullock carts of KeralaBullock Cart Ride in KeralaTake an unhurried ride in one of the bullock carts of Kerala. Enjoy the shades of a pleasant evening, sway from side to side with the motion of the wheels, um a tune or two, listen to the tinkling bells. Enter into a lazy reverie as you traverse the mud roads of the state.Bask in sunshineShaghumugham Beach in KeralaKerala is known all over the world for its balmy beaches. They are secluded and spell-binding. So go out there, get a tan, build sand-castles, surf with friends. The sunny atmosphere will relax and unwind you completely. So go have a whale of a time!The kali-peeli auto rickshawAuto Rickshaw Ride in Kerala (Photo: Adam Wood House)Explore the busy streets of Kerala by taking a ride in an auto rickshaw, a taxi painted bright yellow and black. If you talk to the driver, you might find him quite fluent in English, thanks to the high literacy rate of the state!MUSIC, ART, DANCE AND MORE:A spell of MohiniyattamMohiniyattam was popularized as a popular dance form in the nineteenth century. (Photo: Chennai Plus)It is one of the most expressive dance forms of Kerala. Feminine love is a recurrent theme depicted in the dance. It dates back to the 16th century when it was performed mostly in the temples and royal courts. The mudras of this dance will enthral you. So just sit back and let the wonder work.Mesmerize yourself with a Kathakali performanceKathakali is traditionally performed at temples and tells stories of the gods, specifically Krishna. (Photo: Lafayette)Kathakali is a vibrant dance form of Kerala, in which the expressions and postures of the dancer tells you enchanting stories of the place, carrying themes of passion, lust and power. The elaborate costumes of Kathakali have become one of the most recognised icons for Kerala. The performance is a major social event and it usually takes place during the night.OnamFlower Carpet – Onam FestivalOne of the most vibrant and colourful festivals of Kerala, Onam usually falls around the months of August-September. Not associated with any specific God, this festival is celebrated during the harvest season when the state of Kerala is at its magnificent best.ThullalOttan Thullal was designed by the 18th century master poet Kunchan Nambiar. (Photo: Mohan Ariyath)Among the several cultural and heritage art forms in Kerala, Thullal is a special attraction. The performance consists of devotional hymns and girls dance to the rhythm of traditional Kerala music. The ceremony is dedicated to the Gods and is supposed to bring happiness and prosperity. Watch a Thullal performance and experience true ethnicity of Kerala.Murals at KeralaKrishna Gopi – Kerala MuralHave a look at the exotic collection of ancient murals at the palaces and museums of the state. The largest of these masterpieces, Gajendramoksham, is on display at the Krishnapuram Palace. Most murals paintings are centuries old and depict events from mythology and popular legends.TheyyamTheyyam rituals in Kerala (Photo: Tewfic El-sawy)Like the other art forms of Kerala, Theyyam also invokes the blessings of God at the beginning of the performance. It originates from the Malabar and stands for the equality among castes. It follows the traditions of an open-theatre performance and takes place on the streets. It involves a lot of colourful costumes and elegant dance postures.Spin coirLearn the art of Spinning the Coir. (Photo: Keats Markandu)Coming back to the Kerala’s coconut connection,coir becomes one of Kerala’s most important products. The women are mostly involved in the spinning sector while the men work in theweaving sector. Alleppey is the centre of Kerala’s coir industry. One can shop at the roadside stalls for door-mats, decorative wall-hangings and colourful carpets.The Aranmula MirrorsThese unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala’s rich cultural and metallurgical traditions. (Photo: Rajesh Nair)These unique ornamental metal-mirrors of Kerala survive at the village of Aranmula. They are made of an alloy of four metals: copper, silver, bronze and lead. They are made manually by local artisans. Recently, they have become increasingly rare: not more than two or three families of craftsmen still make them.Musical KeralaPanchavadyam at Kotapuram Temple. (Photo: Ram Mohan T.V)Get yourself entranced by Panchvadyam, an orchestra of five instruments-sudha-maddalam, kombu, edakka, elathalam and timila. This temple music, along with the elephant pageants sets up the festive spirit during special occasions. Besides, Kerala’s rich stock of percussion instruments is famous all over the world. So bring alive your taste for music!The Nilgiri TahrNilgiri Tahr (Photo: Lark)At the Eravikulam National Park at Munnar, say hello to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Half of its world population live there! Remember to get a photo clicked, so that when you are home, you have something to brag about.Shop for Sari and MunduWomen dressed up in Kerala Kasavu Saree. (Photo: Rose Buddies)The ‘Kasuvu’ Sari is something which you will find in the wardrobe of every woman from Kerala. It’s an ethnic cotton handloom sari, generally white in colour with an elaborate golden work on the pallu. The mundu is a garment worn around the waist. Closely resembling the Indian dhoti or the lungi, it can be wrapped in various ways. The set mundu is the traditional dress of the Hindus in Kerala.UriyadiUriyadi – Striking pots hung on a tall pole with a stick. (Photo: Sunoj Mangalam)Celebrate Janamashtami the Kerala way. In this spirited sport, the festive pot is colourfully decorated and hung from a tall pole. All you have to do is break that elusive pot hung on the high wire before the crowd pulls it down. If you win, you take home the winnings! It’s a lot a fun besides being a rich cultural experience.Thrissur PooramThrissur Pooram festival is one of the biggest, eye catching and most awaited festivals of Kerala.Kerala is at its colourful best during the occasion of Thrissur Pooram. This religious festival takes place in Thrissur during the month of April. Witness the massive number of people offering their prayers to Lord Shiva, long processions of decorated elephants and the splendid umbrella showing competition.Theatre in KeralaArt forms of Kerala Koodiyattam (Photo: Sruthi)Koodiyattam, one of the oldest surviving form of Sanskrit theatre, originated in Kerala and is closely tied to its temples. The performance usually lasts for several days and takes place in the evening. The act is replete with hidden meanings, metaphors and delicate implications, much of which is the hallmark of Sanskrit literature. So catch a show while you are at Kerala and make your evening delightful!Watch ThiruvathiraThiruvathira is a Hindu festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. (Photo: Shela Mary)Learn exotic art forms while at Kerala. See the women folk perform their traditional dance. Join them as they sing, cheer them up as they move around the ceremonial lamp, vilakku or a floral decoration, pookalam. It’s a simple dance form and the only rule is that the women should be clad in traditional Kerala sari.Kerala’s KalamandalamKalamandalam Deemed University of Art and Culture, is a major centre for learning Indian performing arts. (Photo: Entire Education)Founded in 1927, Kalamandalam is considered the cultural repository of Kerala. It works towards reviving the various art and dance forms of the state. Mohiniyattam and Kathakali, which were slowly loosing importance, gained rebirth through the introduction of Kalamandalam. Situated in Thrissur district, it also offers training in classical performing arts.The Palmyra fanThe traditional handmade Palmyra fan is one of the cultural icon. (Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari)These fans are made out of medicinal herbal roots, palm fronds, grass and bamboo splits. They are small and portable, they come in bright colours and make very cute presents. You can also put it on your wall as a showpiece when you’re not using it.Kerala’s literacyClassrooms in Kerala (Photo: Sopan Step)As far as literacy is concerned, Kerala has been a historic state. Its literacy rate can be compared to some of the most advanced regions of the world. Not only men but women also hold a high literacy rate in Kerala. The living standard of Kerala is high. Thanks to education, Kerala is now relieved of most of its social evils.A clean CityStreet of Kerala (Photo: Eric Parker)As we see Indian cities growing continuously in terms of population as well as technology, environmental protection becomes a rising concern. Kerala is one of the few states of India which has the image of being a green and clean city. However, the state is gradually getting polluted due to improper waste disposal practices. Efforts are being made to spread awareness and raise concern both amongst the tourists and the local people.The Medicinal plants of KeralaStar Anise Fruits In KeralaThis city is home to a wide variety of rare medicinal herbs, like, curcuma caesia used for the treatment of epilepsy, Asafoetida used for the treatment of indigestion and spasms, Aniseed used mainly as a flavourant, Cinnamon etc.A Healthy BreakfastOne of the most popular items for breakfast is dosa. (Photo: Fig and the Wasp)The typical south Indian breakfast has been rated the best breakfast in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. The morning dishes include: uppuma, masala dosa, puttu, appams, vellayappam etc. Do try out the delicious appam served with meat/vegetable stew.Iringal crafts villageExperience the culture of Kerala in its most vibrant colours at the Iringal Crafts village. Located near Kozhikode, the village is spread across 20 acres of land. Local artisans and craftsmen bring their skills together and sell their products to the visiting tourists. Not only can you buy beautiful artefacts from this place, but you can also attend art workshops here and learn to make a few art pieces yourselfKalaripayattuKalaripayattu is an Indian martial art from the southern state of Kerala. One of the oldest fighting systems in existence. (Photo: Kalari Academy of Performing Arts)More than 3000 years old, Kalaripayattu is a famous form of martial arts that has its origins in Kerala. Though it had lost much of its significance in modern times, it is gradually making a comeback. There are several schools in Kerala which provides training for Kalaripayattu. Do watch a performance and be mesmerized by the swift and athletic moves of the fighters.Astrology and palmistryAstrology is one of the six disciplines of the Vedanga, it is also called as the Vedic astrology, or the Aagam Shaastra or the Indian astrology or the Hindu astrology.(Photo: Unni Kirshn)The practice of hand-reading is an old one in South India. This occupation has a wide history of more than a hundred years. Nowadays, a large number of people are eager to know about their future. While at Kerala, show the fortune-teller your palm and let his parrot pick your card from the pack.PLACES YOU MAY VISIT:Trekking at ParunthumparaParunthumpara is one the fast growing tourist location in Kerala. This place can be described as a hill point blessed with natural beauty at its peak.The Parunthumpara Trek or the Eagle Rock trek is one of the lesser known treks in Kerala. As you get to a viewpoint close to Peermade, Idukki, you will get breath-taking views of Trishanku Hills, Pampa and Sabirimala forests and a panoramic view of the deep trenches and valleys. The road to Parunthumpara is lined by unending stretches of cardamom, tea and coffee.Nelliyampathy HillsNelliyampathy Hills – Palakkad, Kerala (Photo: Faisal Iqbal)Located close to Palakkad, amidst lush tea and coffee plantations lies the Nelliyampathy Hills in Kerala. Its cloud-caressed peaks, extensive paddy fields, privately owned hotels and resorts, its bio-farms and the fantastic valley views are truly some of the most beautiful sights to behold. Besides, there are some enchanting trekking trails here that can be explored.Kerala’s backwatersKerala’s Backwater (Photo: Wikipedia)Not found anywhere else in the world,it is the most famous tourist attraction of Kerala. Travelling in a traditional houseboat along these backwaters and enjoying the scenic landscape is an extremely popular activity, especially among the foreign visitors. Take a kayaking tour of the backwaters and explore the rare aquatic flora and fauna. Some of the major centres for backwater tour in Kerala are: Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Pathiramanal, Kollam and Kochi.KalamachalKalamachal is near Vamanapuram near the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo: Neowebarts)It is another beautiful yet little known hill station of Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Vamanapuram River, Thiruvananthapuram, this place is perfect for people who want to get away from crowds. Simple village with small rubber plantations, some paddy fields and a few hills, Kalamachal has still not found a place in the list of important tourist destinations of Kerala. However, it is one of the few places which will offer you the best escape from the hustle bustle of city-life.Temples of KanjirapallySt Dominic’s Church – Kanjirappally, Kerala (Photo: Jayapen)It’s a small town in the Kottayam district of Kerala that boasts of its religious harmony. It has a flourishing Christian population and home to some of the oldest churches, St. Dominic’s Cathedral is one of them. Noteworthy temples of this place are: Ganapathy Kovil and Madhura Meenakshi Temple. Nainaru is one of the popular mosques of the region.Vagamon for honeymoonersVagamon is a place blessed with the holly presence of hermits with Europeans legacies.Nestled among tea gardens, serene valleys and sloping hills, this place is a favourite spot with honeymooners. It also offers adventure-loving tourists options like paragliding, rock climbing and mountaineering. Many south Indian films have been shot here. If you love to shop, get yourself some of the best quality spices here.Pachakanam, perfect getawayPachakanam range,Its the largest ever green forest in India. Its located in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. (Photo: Jain Angadi)Curl up with a book amidst the silence of the jungles, take a jeep ride through the plantations, watch birds of rare species, stay at the Downtown Bungalow: Pachakanam offers to you a variety of ways to get away! Till about two centuries back, this place was almost inaccessible. But now, it’s a place worth a visit.Blue Mangoes HomeSituated in the boundary of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Blue Mangoes Home is a quiet and beautiful homestay. For those wanting to explore the mysteries of the rain forests and the animal kingdom, Blue Mangoes would be an ideal place. Located in the heart of Thekaddy, it is a convenient and affordable place to stay while also offering you a warm and hospitable welcome. During the evenings, cultural events can be organised upon your request.Spot a dolphin at Cherai beachVypeen, an island, situated in Vembanadu lake in Ernakulam. The Goshree bridge connects the island to the city of Kochi through ferries. (Photo: Amelie)This beautiful beach, bordering the Vypeen Island and the backwaters, is an upcoming tourist destination. This long, unspoiled and serene beach is an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. Lined by thick coconut groves and fishing nets, the view is simply fascinating. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see dolphins springing out of the waters doing their grand acts.The Mattancherry PalaceThe Mattancherry Palace is famously known as the Dutch Palace. (Photo: Go Kerala)One of the most celebrated historical landmarks of Kerala, the Mattancherry Palace is located close to Ernakullam. The murals inside the palace speak about ancient culture and the artefacts that are on display take one back to the royal era. To reach Mattancherry Palace, take a boat ride from Ernakullam.Star gaze at Kerala’s planetariumsTo get a spectacular view of the night-time sky, buy yourself a ticket at the Cochin Planetarium and immerse yourself in the evening star-gazing sessions to discover the wonders of the universe!The Kovalam BeachKovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.Kovalam, located 16 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram in South Kerala, is an internationally renowned beach and a favourite haunt of foreign tourists. Here, you can spend your time sunbathing, swimming, catamaran cruising, getting a body massage or attending a cultural programme. The beach complex also provides budget cottage and shopping facilities.Holiday on an islandPoovar is an unexplored destination engulfed by the unruffled backwaters. (Photo: Signature)Spend a special weekend on Kerala’s islands or lagoons with the mesmerizing sunset, balmy backwaters and scrumptious seafood! Among the popular islands are Bolghatty, Pathiramanal, Poovar, to name a few. To reach these places, you can only take a ferry or a boatRelax at MunnarMunnar – Perfect Honeymoon Destination (Photo: Sushmita Sarkar)This had always been the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers for its tea plantations, the serene valleys, the exotic species of flora and fauna and the aroma of spice that surrounds the place. There are several ways to enjoy your time at this captivating hill station. Cycle down the plantations and get a peek into the rural lifestyle of Kerala. Major attractions are: Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty, Chinnakanal waterfalls, Tea Museum.Fort CochinThe Chinese Fishing nets (Cheenavala) are mostly found in Kerala rather than China. (Photo: Jon & Laura)Embark on a walking tour down the cobbled streets of Fort Cochin, famous for its mansions, churches and bastions built by the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese 500 years ago. Vasco da Gama, one of the world’s most famous explorers, was buried here. While you are exploring the heritage of this place, do stop by at one of the cafes that line the streets and sip some coffee while watching the sea.Marari BeachMarari beach make it an ideal spot for those seeking to be in tranquility.Spend an evening walking on the endless miles of Marari sand-beach, amongst the swaying palms and the tranquil backwaters. Watch the men going out to the sea with their fish nets. Stay at a pool villa and unwind completely.Visit WayanadThe word Wayanad is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it ‘The Land of Paddy Fields’.Often called the abode of India’s tribal population, Wayanad is a bio-diverse region situated on the lofty Western Ghats. Some of the popular attractions of this place would be: the spice plantations, the Chembra Peak, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, the Edakkal Caves and of course, the waterfall and the mist covered valleys.The Silent valleyThe Silent Valley National Park (Photo: Basanth)Located in the Nilgiri Hills, this National Park is a unique preserve of the rich mosaic of natural habitats. It is home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque and many other animal species that are not found anywhere else in the world! The Kuntipuzha River drains the entire length of the Park. Though this park is largely known for its exceptional ecosystem, its stability is fast dwindling.Parassinikkadavu Snake ParkThe Parassinikkadavu Snake park houses a variety of snakes and other small animals, including the Spectacle Cobra, King Cobra, Russell’s viper, Krait and various pit vipers. (Photo: Mavilayi)If you are fascinated by reptiles, visit the Parassinikkadavu Park in the Kannur district and have a different kind of adventure. Watch the long snakes with differently chequered bodies crawl and hiss within glass houses. Do not forget to greet the grand Cobra, lest you might annoy him!Explore the sandalwood forestsSandalwood Forest – Marayur (Photo: Naveen Guptha)Situated at a distance of 40 kms from Munnar, Marayur is a place known for its natural preserve of sandalwood forests. Explore its wilderness on an elephant top or hire a taxi. Do also visit its caves and have a look at those rock paintings which date back to the pre-historic area.Athirapally waterfallsAthirapally waterfalls (Photo: Krishna Srivatsa)Indulge in the splendour of Athirapally waterfalls which are in full flow after the monsoons. The Athirapally forests are home to some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna, including the Great Indian Hornbill, Cochin Forest Cane Turtle and lion tailed macaque. The place is also a popular location for Bollywood film shoots.Arabian Dhow at BeyporeThe wooden sailing vessels — call them the dhow, uru, machchua or the jalbooth — have been plying on the Arabian Sea. (Photo: The Hindu)The making of an Arabian Dhow is a 1500 year old tradition at Beypore, a small town located close to Calicut in Kerala. The Arabian Dhows, or Urus, are massive ships that are made here and then supplied to the Gulf. These ships are made entirely by hand and they require minimum maintenance. And there is no metal used, except the nails! In the modern times, the Arabian Dhows are fast disappearing from the shipping scene.Kuttanad, the lowest altitude destinationKuttand is known for its picturesque vast paddy fields and its geographical peculiarities.Kuttanad is a town in Kerala which lies around 1 to 2 metres below the sea level. It is well known for its paddy fields and its several villages. There are many rivers that flow through this region. So take a tour of Kuttanad andwatch in amazement the beauty of this place.Vembanad LakeVembanad Lake (Photo: Indian Biodiversity)One of the most beautiful lakes of Kerala, Vembanad is located close to Kottayam in Kumarakom. It’s a popular picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination. It provides fishing, boating and sightseeing experiences that are truly marvellous. Visit the lake during the festival of Onam when it comes alive with snake boat races.Christmas in Central TravancoreChristmas Celebration (Photo: The Hindu)Central Travancore is wrapped in an air of festivity during the time of Christmas. The whole town is lit up with patterns of stars and LED lamps. Carol groups enthral people with their chorus singing in the evening. Major churches prepare a variety of cribs at their premises. St. Mary’s Cathedral would be one among them.Coastal MalabarMalabar Coast (Photo: Telegraph)Come visit this region to relax your weary senses! The Malabar coastline owes its picturesque beauty to the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea located on either side of the coast. Besides, its deciduous forests make the region picture perfect. Do not miss a ride in the famous Malabar boats. One can also visit the Thusharagiri Waterfalls and the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary while in this region.PonmudiAranmula Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s Charioteer in the Mahabharatha warBereft of the humdrum din of the cities, Ponmudi is another of Kerala’s hill-stations that is the centre of attraction for people who are looking for small holiday locations. This place lies close to the Aranmula boat race venue held annually as a part of Aranmula Temple Festival. Be a part of the festival and make your holiday tour a memorable one!Vythiri resortVythiri ResortTucked away in the hills of Wayanad is an arcane world where you can feel the cool breeze brushing your face and view the mist kissing the mountain peaks. Out here, you will get to experience the world-renowned services of Kerala’s top spa resorts. Daydream while sitting by the water pool, explore the wilderness of the forests of Wayanad or spend a romantic evening around the bonfire with your special someone.KodanadKodanad – Elephant Training Centre (Photo: Indian Panorama)Kodanad is located on the southern banks of the Periyar River amidst the high ranges near Perumbavoor. It’s one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. It is definitely an attraction for elephant lovers. Also, the famous Malayatoor Church is situated near Kodanad.The Bakel fortBekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala, grandiloquent poetry in laterite, spreads over 35 acres of land jutting into the Arabian Sea. (Photo: BRDC)This is one of the most well-preserved forts of Kerala, located close to the state of Karnataka. It would be apt to call it an archaeologist’s haven since it has been the site of several excavations for a long time. Many religious structures and other artefacts had been dug out, giving the historian a peek into ancient times.KollamKollam or Quilon, an old sea port and town on the Arabian coast in Kerala, India, on the Ashtamudi Lake. (Photo: KTDC Kerala)Extolled by discoverers and travellers of the Old World, like Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta, this place had been one of the leading trade capitals once and now is the country’s centre for cashew trading and processing industry. The Malayalam Calendar kollavarsham derives its name from this city.FOOD/ BEVERAGES:Toddy to get you HighToddy – Palm wine, an alcoholic beverage. (Photo: City Journal)Kerala and coconut go hand in hand. Coconut palms pervade the landscape of this place. A sip of the cool and refreshing coconut nectar is a must! Also enjoy a scoop of the soft white flesh, which is nutrition at its natural best. And do not forget to ask your tour guide to arrange for you madhura kallu, the freshly extracted toddy from coconut palm. It tastes best with karimeen pollichathu (baked freshwater fish) or spicy pickles. It is an intoxicating drink and an important part of Kerala’s traditions.Have some SnacksBanana Chips (Photo: Zesty South Indian Kitchen)Kerala has a wide variety of crispy snacks. Some of them are: ethkka (banana) chips, chakka vattal (jackfruit chips), pappadam, achappam, kuzhalappam, cheeda and churuttu. Carry back bagful of these snacks. Enjoy them with friends or serve them to guests. All are definitely worth every penny spent on them!Taste PayasamPayasam is an Indian sweet which is very popular in Kerala. (Photo: Cooks Joy)Treat your sweet tooth with payasam, Kerala’s no.1 sweet delicacy and also a favourite among the tourists. It is prepared with in milk with vermicelli and rice/ gram. It can also be garnished with dry fruits like raisins and nuts. It tastes best with salty snacks.Spice up your lifeKerala – Spice Capital of India (Photo: Lettuce)Kerala is often called the Spice Coast of India owing to the variety of spices that grow here. This festive season, take home a bagful of exotic spices and impress your guests by your aromatic cooking. Spices that grow well in this region are: cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, mint, curry leaves, rosemary, oregano and vanilla. Also avail yourself of the special gift pouches!Have some teaThattukada – Road Side Tea Stall in Kerala. (Photo: Nizar)Kerala is very well known for its tea plantations. As you take a walk through the green tea hills of Kerala, the strong aroma will lead you to factories which had been established over a hundred years ago. Here, you get to taste some of the finest variety of tea in the country. Also, do not forget to stop by athattukada, a roadside kiosk, for a metre of the best tea you will ever taste!Go bananasBanana PlantationThis is yet another thing Kerala is known for: its banana plantations here, different types of plantains’ come in various colours and sizes, from which are made crisp banana chips that are a popular snack in Kerala. Bananas are perhaps the most versatile fruit as they can be used to make a variety of eatables like chips, milk shake, ice cream and special banana dishes.Munch an UppumangaKanji is an inevitable part of Keralite life. (Photo: Aswathi Babu)During the mango season, Keralites start picking good quality tender mangoes and make various things with it. These mangoes are preserved in brine for months (uppumanga), which then goes very well with Kerala style porridge or “Kanji”.Feast yourself on a SadhyaOnam SadhyaSavour the typical vegetarian meal of Kerala. It’s a multi-course feast of rice, 12-15 vegetarian dishes, pickles, banana chips, pappadams, plantains and payasam- the dessert, served in a specific order on a banana leaf. So sit yourself on the floor, roll up your sleeves and get started!Kaikka’s and Pai BrothersEnjoy Biryani in Kerala (Photo: Suja Manoj)At Kerala, the cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious. For example, the biryani at Kaikka’s in Mattancherry is almost legendary. The rice is cooked in ghee and is then strewn with mutton pieces. The complimentary chutney is made out of marinated plump dates. Also drop in at the Pai Brothers for their 36 varieties of thattu dosas!Thodupuzha and pineapplesMalankara Reservoir is an artificial lake created by the Malankara Dam constructed across the waters from the tail-gate of the Moolamattom Power House. (Photo: AHEC)Often called the “pineapple city”, this place abounds in pineapples. Blessed with natural scenic beauty, Thodupuzha is also a major tourist destination. The Malankara Dam is a beautiful reservoir across the Thodupuzha River. Other tourist spots here are: Elapilly waterfalls, Nadu Kani Pavilion, Paramada Echo Point and Thumbichi Point. Because of its beautiful surroundings, this place is also a hot spot for movie makers.Go nuts!Munch on dry fruits this winter! At Kerala, you can avail yourself of cashews at surprisingly affordable rates, especially from Kollam where these plantations abound. Eat them raw or get them grilled, fried, salted or spiced. Carry them back home and mix them with flavoured milk or sweet dish.Kerala – God’s Own CountrySo are you ready to treat yourself with a holiday this season? Have a blast!