13 Best Kept Secrets of Kerala That Locals Have Been Keeping To Themselves
Pristine beaches, serene backwaters, healing ayurveda and luscious surroundings- this is what Kerala is for you. Right? Well, there are obscure facts about Kerala that we know, but then, there are mysteries and secrets that are unknown! The inconsequential things about God’s own country have many hidden mines which have been clothe by the Keralites. The virgin beaches and beautiful islands have truths yet to be discovered.
Explore the buried reserves that have been inhumed in the hearts of Keralites.
1. The only Smoking Gold – Kerala Gold Or Idukki Gold
– Pixabay
Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.
Have you ever thought of smoking a pot on the immaculate beaches of Kerala? Probably not! Then maybe it’s time to try it! Kerala Gold, the infectious infamous herb is the clone of Malana cream. This Idduki produced grass has made way to the beaches of Varkala, making it a popular hippie getaway in the country. Heading to Kerala already? Wait, there’s more that you should know!
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2. The only Floating Mall of the country in Alappuzha
– K.K Mustafah for The Hindu
How about a mall with all your requirements floating on a backwater of Kuttanadu area? The Triveni super store sells anything and everything ranging from grocery items to TV, refrigerator at subsidized rates. The mall is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and for safety reasons only 20 people are allowed to board at a time.
3. Kerala houses the one and only ‘Gyps Bengalensis’ Vulture
– Wikimedia
Kerala is a home to the living White Rumped Vulture or the Gyps Bengalensis. This species of vulture is endangered and almost extinct from the planet. The beautiful bird is huge with wide wings. For bird lovers and the wildlife photographers capturing it will be a paradise.
4. The only living Tribal King in India without a palace or food
– Open Magazine
This king does not have a palace with beautiful sculptures unlike the fairy tales that we have heard of. He is the only king of Tribal Kingdom in the entire Kerala.
His life was tougher than any other normal human being of his kingdom. So much so, that he was not employed considering he is a king. He literally scorched for basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.
5. The beautiful secret route owned by the soul of a Chieftain- Lakkidi
– Sudharshan for Wikimedia
Long back, a tourist came to Kerala to see this nature’s utmost beauty. He happened to hire a chieftain named Karinthandan to discover the secret routes between the ghats of Lakkidi. On reaching his destination, the tourist killed an unknown adivasi who, he claimed, was trying to take the credit of finding out the same way. But why did the tourist do so?
It is believed that the route was discovered by the chieftain- Karinthandan who had died years ago and his soul had possessed the tourist. Post a series of such incidents, a priest was called. The priest tied the soul of the chieftain with a chain on a tree. It is now believed that the chain grows with the tree.
6. The Hidden Story Of A Meandering Ghost- Sabarimala Temple
– Vinayaraj for Wikimedia
Around a 100 years ago, thousands of pilgrims had come to attend the annual festival of Makaravilakku at the temple. On the day of the festival, a jeep crashed in the housebound of a pilgrim, whose shouts and pleads for help went unheard amidst the religious chants.
People who live nearby can still hear the voice of a man wandering around and asking for help. But, he is not seen or heard during the festival when pilgrims from all over the world come to attend the festival.
7. The Symbol Of Love – Chembra Lake
– Usandeep for Wikimedia
A popularly visited spot for sure, but did you know that India’s one and only heart shaped lake existed in the terrains of Kerala? This naturally formed body attracts travelers for its gorgeous views, salubrious weather and serene atmosphere.
8. The World Without Customs – Dowry Free Zone
– The Logical Indian for Facebook
The only area in Kerala where dowry system is actually not practiced at all! Here, Kerala proves it’s highest literacy rate in India. We can proudly say that we are not so far from building a better society.
Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
9. Religious Beliefs Or Punishment? Garudan Thookkam
– Akhilan for Wikimedia
Do you think flagellating your flesh during Muharram is insane? Then, Kerala is keen to welcome you to the festival of Garudan Thookam. The festival is celebrated with Garudan dance performances and dangles where people are hooked on a shaft. Yes, you read it right, hooked on to shafts! The devotees of lord Kali surrender themselves to her and show their love by such painful ceremonies.
10. Dancing With Fire- Theyyam
– Uajith for Wikimedia
Have you ever heard about God possessing humans? You might have; but God possessing his follower & letting him burn is bizarre! It is said that the people dance with fire because they are possessed by the almighty. Well, you’ll have to see Theyyam to believe it!
11. The Largest Growing Ground Of Cashew – Kollam
– Arunvrparavur for Wikimedia
Kerala has the largest cashew production in the world! Around 118,600 hectares of land is covered under farming. Imagine fairly 140,000 tonnes of cashew is produced every year which is used for export and consumption in India.
12. The Gift Of God- Kallu or Toddy
for Wikimedia
The state of coconut water has a holy drink in the form of alcohol. The villagers are licensed to make this drink, popularly known as kallu by localities, by taking out sap from the buds of coconut flowers and fermenting it throughout the day. They say, that your skin gets golden after having this drink of God. Try it this time, maybe?
13. This state wants you to walk through the jungles at night
Image Credit – Nebu George for Wikimedia
Want to go trekking in the wilderness at night with horror effects like movies? Kerala has got it for you! Periyar forests allows you go on a night trek. The journey starts at around 7:00 pm in the evening and lasts for 3 – 4 hours. You can take 7 people along with you. The sanctuary provides protection watchers for you to complete your trekking safely.
Further Read: 22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora
Intrigued? I am equally baffled. Now, share this with your friends and surprise them! If you know of more such hidden secrets about the God’s own country, share them with us!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Secrets Of Kerala
What can I bring back from Kerala?
You can easily have a long shopping list for things that you can shop from Kerela. But one particular thing that Kerela is quite famous for are its Cashews.
Why Kerala is known as God’s own country?
According to a popular Hindu mythology, Lord Parsurama who was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, once threw his axe from Kanyakumari towards the north which landed in the ocean from which rose a land that we know as Kerela.
Why is Sabarimala Temple famous?
Sabarimala, which is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated after he killed the powerful demoness, Mahishi. Sabarimala is a quite popular pilgrim centre in India and is located towards the east of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.
Was Ayurveda established in Kerala?
Yes. Ayurveda originated in Kerela almost 5000 years ago.
What is the drink of God?
The villagers of Kerela are licensed to make a drink which they make by taking out the sap from the buds of coconut flowers and fermenting it throughout the day. This alcoholic drink is considered holy and is called the ‘drink of the Gods’.
When is the best month to go night trekking in Kerela?
Any time between March to May would be a great time to experience the wild and enjoy night trekking.
Where can you see Theyyam?
Kannur and Bekal are some of the most popular hubs where you can witness Theyyam.
How do I get to the Chembra lake?
The easiest way to reach Chembra lake is by taking a train to Kozhikode which is 79 km from Chembra Peak Base Camp. If you plan to travel by car, you will have to get down at Kalpetta and from there take a bus or taxi till the Forrest Office.
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