Culture - The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel

Culture

    Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Kovalam and its neighbouring city, Thiruvananthapuram, where history, vibrant traditions, and a deep connection to the arts come together in a captivating display.

    Nestled along the pristine coastline, Kovalam boasts awe-inspiring temples and historic art galleries that showcase the region's artistic evolution. Traditional art forms, such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, unfold expressive storytelling through intricate movements, complemented by the thunderous beats of Chenda Mellam and the disciplined prowess of Kalaripayattu, adding a dynamic dimension to Kovalam's cultural repertoire.

    The cultural calendar of Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram is marked by lively celebrations and festivals. These festivities provide a glimpse into the heart of local life, with joyous processions, singing, and dancing, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region. Thiruvananthapuram, as the capital city of Kerala, complements Kovalam with its own distinctive flavour, featuring historical landmarks like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Napier Museum, alongside renowned music and dance festivals that attract artists and enthusiasts from across the country. In essence, this region is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a cultural tapestry that reflects the timeless allure of Kovalam and Thiruvananthapuram.

    Visit to the richest temple in the world

    Visit to the Richest Temple in the World

    Located merely 10 Kms from Kovalam, a visit to Sri Padhmanabhaswamy Temple is a must to complete the quintessential Kerala experience. It is believed to be the world’s richest temple, with Billions of dollars’ worth of gold and jewellery stored in its cellars, but it showcases much more than its sheer wealth alone. This ancient shrine houses the family deity of the Royal House of Travancore and is still administered by them. The architecture showcases a magnificent blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles built in stone and bronze. Feast your eyes on mural paintings that adorn the outer and interior walls of this sanctum sanctorum that reflects its beauty on the surrounding lake. 

    Price: INR 2,500 per guest plus taxes

    To book your experience, please call on +91 9387599901 or email us at concierge.tlkov@theleela.com

    A Guided Village Tour in God’s Own Country

    Kovalam enjoys a languid lifestyle characterized by beaches with a huge population of fishermen and locals whose culture is regarded as susegad.

    The village tour is the best way get experience the true essence of Kerala. Life goes on in these villages as it has for centuries - serene and tranquil. Watch the weavers work their magic on handlooms, buy traditional Kerala cottons, join the toddy tapper on his morning rounds and visit the nearby fishing village. Truly, a journey back in time and through the heart of God’s Own Country. It’s a half day tour in the morning / afternoon. End your tour on a flavourful note with a traditional local fare.

    Price: INR 5,000 per guest plus taxes for a half day trip

    To book your experience, please call on +91 9387599901 or email us at concierge.tlkov@theleela.com

    A guided village tour in God’s own country
    Kerala Arts Crafts Village

    Visit to Kerala Arts Crafts Village

    Spread across 8.5 acres in the beautiful village of Vellar, near Kovalam, Kerala Arts Crafts Village celebrates the rich, diverse and multifarious craft traditions of South Asia and exhibits traditional, folk and ethnic crafts and artefacts of Kerala. The village is an inclusive shared space to revive and replenish the craft cultural in the State It houses 100 highly skilled artisans and includes craft studios, a design lab, an art gallery, an auditorium, a conference hall, a sales emporium, a fair court and a restaurant This hub of artistic heritage offers an experiential understanding to the traveller about the meticulous work involved in creating each handicraft The finished products are put for sale here itself so that travellers get to take home those unique pieces as souvenirs like Aranmula Kannadi (hand crafted mirror), Balaramapuram Kaithari (Kerala mural art, metal crafts, Nettur Petti (ornamental box), coir craft, coconut husk crafts etc).

    To book your experience, please call on +91 9387599901 or email us at concierge.tlkov@theleela.com

    Sunset Ritual

    As the evening unfolds, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance created by the lighting of diyas; delight in the graceful movements, vibrant costumes, and expressive storytelling of the performers as they bring Kerala's rich cultural heritage to life.

    To book your experience, please call on +91 9387599901 or email us at concierge.tlkov@theleela.com

     

    Sunset Ritual
    Balaramapuram

    Visit to Balaramapuram

    Nestled just 15 km southeast of Trivandrum, Balaramapuram emerges as a vibrant, albeit congested, town resonating with the rhythmic clatter of weaving looms. Stepping into its bustling lanes reveals a timeless world adorned with the classic elegance of white and gold Kerala saris. Renowned as one of the earliest hubs for this traditional craft, Balaramapuram owes its legacy to Maharaja Balaramavarma's patronage during his reign from 1798 to 1810. Here, the skilled weavers, known as Shaliyars, were originally brought from Tamil Nadu and have since settled in the town's four main streets: Single Street, Double Street, Vinayagar Street, and the New Street. Within these lanes, visitors are warmly welcomed to witness the intricate weaving process of Kerala saris, where entire households are dedicated to spinning, dyeing, and weaving, offering an immersive glimpse into the rich heritage of textile craftsmanship. Moreover, Balaramapuram also beckons shoppers with the opportunity to purchase these exquisite saris and munds, adorned in the quintessential white and gold combination, at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere in the town.

    En route to Balaramapuram, travellers are invited to pause and savour the flavours of Punnamoodu, a quaint village boasting nearly 200 households passionately engaged in crafting fresh fried snacks. Here, amidst the rustic charm, visitors can indulge in the local culinary delights, adding another layer of sensory delight to their journey through the cultural tapestry of Kerala.

    To book your experience, please call on +91 9387599901 or email us at concierge.tlkov@theleela.com