Discovering Ranipuram’s Exciting Adventure:

A realm of natural splendour, Ranipuram is a great place for adventure. The elevated place ensures a refreshing escape from the mundane. At the same time, its trekking tracks that extend to two and a half kilometre leads to a cavernous peak that presents an exhilarating experience to its explorers.

The Location and The Setting:

Ranipuram is located near the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, where the Kerala and Karnataka borders meet. At an altitude of 1,048 meters above mean sea level, Ranipuram is 48 kilometres away from Kanhangad and 85 kilometres away from Kasargod. Take a glimpse of the mighty Western Ghats along the route.

Ranipuram Hills beckons travellers with its monsoon forests endorned with shola woods, wildflowers and expansive meadows. The meadows adorned with lemongrass emanate a breeze rich in medicinal properties that include antioxidants. The place is more than just an escape, with a magnificent weaving of vibrant flora and fauna. The verdant forests connect with the Coorg Mountains of Karnataka. The vibrant ecosystem here is a testimony to the brilliance of nature.

BDB Bekal: Letting you unwind in the richness of experience:

A journey to Ranipuram Hills is an effortless endeavour when you choose BDC, Bekal as your travel partner. BDC, Bekal, an experienced travel agency, designs smooth travel arrangements, ensuring that every aspect of its traveller’s trip is handled. From transportation to accommodation to sightseeing, BDC, Bekal arranges it all. If you seek a rendezvous with Nature, Ranipuram Hills also offers cottage options, which make it a costly and comfortable place to unwind after a tiring day of exploration. With BDC Bekal as your trusted partner, your journey will be more than a vacation.

A Gem in the Heart of A Lake:

A harmonious fusion of architecture and nature, the Ananthapura Lake Temple is beautifully placed in the centre of a sprawling 302-foot lake, spanning over 2 acres and is always replenished with freshwater. A sense of peacefulness envelops every visitor here.

Ananthapura Lake Temple is a testament to the harmonious fusion of architecture and nature. This sacred sanctuary is beautifully ensconced in the centre of a sprawling 302-foot lake, which spans over two acres and is perpetually replenished with freshwater. The temple’s unique location adds to its ethereal charm and imbues it with a sense of serenity that envelops every visitor.

A Seat of Divine Origins:

Revered as the foremost residence of Ananathapadmanabha Swami, the Ananthapura Lake Temple embodies centuries of spiritual significance. The temple’s deep-rooted history is a testament to the devotion and reverence that has thrived for generations. As you step into the temple, the Sreekovil and Namaskara-Mandapam greet you. You will witness the shrines of Jala Durga elegantly positioned along the tranquil lake. A cave entrance on the right corner of the lake adds an element of inquisitiveness. The namaskara-Mandapam is accessible via a footbridge and is a gateway to the Sreekovil, where the primary deity, Lord Vishnu, redies atop a five-hooded serpent king, Lord Anantha.

Wooden Carvings and Stories:

The temple’s ceilings are rich with wooden carvings that narrate the tales of Lord Vishnu. They weave a beautiful fabric of stories from Hindu mythology and stand as a testament to their makers’ artistic mastery and devotion. The idols within the sanctorum are made from a rare blend of 70 medicinal materials known as ‘kadu-sharkara-yogam’. Later, in 1972, the timeless idols were replaced with panchaloha, five-metal alloy versions that preserve the sanctity and spiritual essence of the temple. The doors of the Ananthapura Lake Temple are open to all tourists irrespective of their social status, reflecting the universal nature of spirituality and devotion.

BDC Bekal: Your Travel partner in a spiritual journey

A journey to the Ananthapura Lake Temple is an effortless endeavour when you choose BDC Bekal as your travel partner. BDC, Bekal, an experienced travel agency, designs smooth travel arrangements, ensuring that every aspect of its traveller’s trip is handled. From transportation to accommodation to sightseeing, BDC, Bekal arranges it all. If you seek a spiritual and cultural rendezvous, the Ananthapura Lake Temple is a great option. With BDC Bekal as your trusted partner, your journey will be more than a vacation.

Theyyam: A traditional dance form handed over to the indigenous tribal communities:

The sacred duty of performing the Theyyam was entrusted to the native tribal communities like the Malayar, Pana, Vannan and Velan. The historical significance of the Theyyam dance form can be traced back to the ancient Sangam literature, where the Velan, one of the revered Theyyam dancers, Is mentioned. According to the Sangam traditions, Velan was sought after by mothers of lovesick girls to banish evil spirits from their daughters. Remarkably, all the rituals detailed in the Sangam texts and their commentaries are meticulously preserved and practiced by the Velan community and other dancing communities. Over more than 1,500 years, the dance of the Velan community has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into the vibrant and contemporary dance form that it is today. The unbroken lineage of the Sangam traditions has firmly established Theyyam as a prominent and enduring religious system in North Kerala.

Performances steeped in rituals: Witness during your stay at Kasargod with BDC, Bekal:

The Theyyam performances unfold in a meticulously planned manner. This ritual art form of North Kerala commences with an initial communication to the performer, followed by the performance date confirmation. The performer is called the Kolakaran. The Theyyam performance’s first segment is Vellatam or Thottam, also popularly called the Thottampattu. The performance takes on a lighter tone during this phase without the elaborate costumes. The Kolakaran, accompanied by assistants, narrates the origin and unique characteristics of different Theyyams. Key musical instruments include Chenda, Veekan Chenda, Ilathalam and Kuzhal. The Kolakaran’s face for the Vellatam is adorned with painted motifs, and a distinctive tuft of hair is styles on his head. All Theyyams do not incorporate the Vellatam; some instead have an alternate function of receiving the Podiyila. Following the conclusion of the ritual song or Thotta, the Kolakaran enters centre stage, adorned in appropriate makeup and costumes.

The Facial Makeup of Theyyam: A Diverse art in its own:

The facial makeup for the Theyyam is a diverse art form with various patterns. The colors used in this makeup are sourced directly from nature, including materials like Chayilyam, Aripodi, and Maniyola. The choice of makeup, costumes and ornaments depends on the specific nature and identity of the Theyyam being portrayed. Sometimes, Theyyams even incorporate fire into their hair, a fiery spectacle called the Theechamundi. The performances in sacred groves are an annual ritual; such annual performance is called Kaliyattam. Sometimes, these performances continue for an extended period, called the Perumkaliyattam.

The best time to witness Theyyam performances – in the cooler and drier months of the region:

The best time to visit Bekal to witness Theyyam is typically from October to May. Being cool and dry, this is also the best time for outdoor cultural activities. October to December marks the beginning of the Theyyam season, and performances start gaining momentum in November. January to February is months when performances continue in full swing as the pleasant weather continues. The Theyyam performances continue until May, and the temperature gets warmer by then.

Book your trip to Bekal with BDC, Bekal, to witness the captivating Theyyam performances:

At BDC, Bekal, we are deeply connected to the local culture. Get in touch with BDC, Bekal between October and June to witness the Theyyam. It is important to note that Theyyam performances follow specific schedules, with each Theyyam form having particular dates and locations. Therefore, it is good to check beforehand with your accommodation provider, like BDC, Bekal, on the exact dates and venues of the Theyyam performances. Keep in mind that the popularity of Theyyam has been growing among tourists, so booking your accommodation and planning your visit well in advance is recommended to get the best of this unique cultural experience. Check out the accommodation options at Bekal with BDC, Bekal here.