PRIDE OF ARANMULA “Oldest Boat Feast in Kerala”

Aranmula boat festival is the oldest boat feast in Kerala. The entire festivity revolves around the Hindu temple located at Aranmula, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The snake boat spectacle is not an actual race between boats, compared to other boat races in Kerala. It is a majestic procession of many boats that move in pairs to the rhythmic singing of the boat crew, while being cheered by an excited crowd on both sides of the river Pamba. There is an overwhelming belief among the devotees that Lord Krishna’s invisible presence permeates on each boat. Due to the presence of this divine grace, these marvelous boats are called ‘Palliyodams’ (Majestic Boats).

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Interaction with Irulas Snake Catchers in Tamil Nadu

This special society directly contributes to saving human lives, preserving traditional ways and at the same time taking no toil on the environment.

The Irula Snake Catcher’s Industrial Cooperative Society was formed in 1978. The Irulas of Tamil Nadu, hunter-gatherers traditionally specialized in catching by hand, snakes and rats from agricultural lands. They help farmers rid fields of thousands of these pests, a non-toxic low impact method of dealing with the problem of massive losses if produce each year. Experienced handlers grasp the snake very firmly behind the head and allow the fangs to pierce a membrane stretched over a glass vial.

Gentle stimulation causes the venom from the glands on the side of the head to collect in the container. Each snake is milked once a week and released after a month. The Venom is supplied to institutes such as the King’s institute in Chennai, The Haffkine Institute in Pune, the Central Research Institute in Shimla where anti-venom serum is prepared. This farsighted program has resurrected the Irula’s occupation, preserved their heritage and also plays a very significant role in the production of polyvalent Anti-venom serum medical world….

Onam Festival Cultural Hallmark of Kerala

Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.

One of the main attractions of Onam, is the 'Vallamkali' or boat races of Karuvatta, Payippad, Aranmula and Kottayam. Hundreds of oarsmen row traditional boats to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. These long graceful Snake Boats called 'Chundans' are named after their exceedingly long hulls and high sterns that resemble the raised hood of a cobra…

Stay Different!

Set in the heart of the serene Cumbum Valley, Harvest Fresh Farms is flanked by mountains that kiss the clouds with streams gushing down its slopes and lush farmlands. A short 15 minute drive down the windward side of Kumily, Thekkady, Kerala, the farm is strategically located at Lower Camp, in communion with pristine nature yet close to small towns and the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. A charming bullock cart ride takes the visitor to the organic farm that grows pomegranates as it chief harvest along with papaya, grapes and an apiary that produces the finest honey. The farm is also home to cows, geese, turkey, flying ducks and a flock of hens. A well laid out vegetable garden and a herbal garden ensures that there is fresh produce at all times in the kitchens. Freshly picked vegetables & fruit find their way into the sumptuous local style dishes prepared by the staff.

Your Trip

A suggested program is given below:

DAY 1 : Morning arrival in Chennai. Arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon enjoy walk in Colonial Chennai. Overnight in Park Hyatt.

DAY 2 : Sunrise visit to Mahabalipuram. After breakfast proceed for Snake catching trip & interaction with Irulas tribe. Later visit Mylapore temple. Overnight in Park Hyatt

DAY 3 : Morning flight to Trichy. On arrival, drive to Tanjore & visit temples. Continue drive to Chettinad en-route visiting Amman temple. Overnight in Visalam.

DAY 4 : Morning sightseeing of Trichy & Chettinad. Visit Pillayarpatti temple. Rest of the day at leisure or free for shopping. Overnight in Visalam.

DAY 5 : Morning drive to Periyar en-route visiting Madurai. Brunch at a local house. Overnight at Harvest Fresh in Melagudalur.

DAY 6 : Morning visit the farm. Afternoon drive to Alleppey. Overnight at Privacy at Sanctuary Bar.

DAY 7 : Celebrate Onam Festival in nearby local houses. Lunch with a local family. Later enjoy a boat cruise in Backwater. Overnight at Privacy at Sanctuary Bar.

DAY 8 : Morning drive to Aranmula. Overnight at Mannaas Veedu.

DAY 9 : Enjoy Aranmula boat race & Temple festival. Overnight at Mannaas Veedu.

DAY 10 : Morning drive to Kochi. Afternoon sightseeing. Overnight at Brunton Boatyard.

DAY 11 : Departure transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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