A Day at Amal

Rituals and Wellness Activities

Wellness activities are an essential part of the Ayurvedic way of living. By engaging in activities such as these, one can reduce stress, engage in positive social interactions, and achieve optimal wellness through the stimulation of the mind and spirit.

Cultural Experiences

While in one of the most beautiful parts of the Indian subcontinent, an experience would be incomplete without the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional arts of the region. Kerala is a land of deep-rooted history and culture, and is home to some of the oldest, and most beautiful forms of music, dance, and martial arts. We invite our guests to open their senses, minds, hearts, and souls to the healing nature of the performing arts.

Kathakali

Kathakali is one of the oldest, most sophisticated forms of performance art dating as far back as 500 BC in Kerala. It is distinguished by elaborate masks, traditionally built onto the face with make-up – a process that in itself was considered a ritual, and traditionally took hours to complete. The art form fully developed by the 17th century, and was best known for long plays performed by artists overnight, depicting stories from ancient Hindu epics. The artists are skilled at isolating every muscle on their faces and bodies, and engaging a sophisticated set of hand gestures to communicate stories in one of the most nuanced forms of Indian classical dance.

Kalaripayattu

Popularly known simply as Kalari, this is an traditional martial art form, originating in Kerala. Kalari is considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial art forms. Training of these skilled artists begins at a young age. Regular an oil massages of the entire body keeps the body agile and supple. Feats like chattom (jumping), ottam (running) and marichil (somersault) are also integral parts of this art form that places equal emphasis on strength, flexibility, and grace – the ultimate balance of mind and body. The practice and performances also feature the manoeuvring of weapons including swords, daggers, spears, maces, and bows and arrows.

Veena Performance

The veena is one of the oldest of Indian musical instruments. Specifically, the Saraswati veena is used in Carnatic music of South India and the Rudra veena is the most commonly played veena in Hindustani music of North India. This ancient string instrument produces the most haunting of melodies that allow for complete immersion in the beautiful synergy of history and art.

Mridangam Performance

The origin of the mridangam can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology, where stories suggest that the sound created by this ancient drum matched and represented the movement and dances of the Gods. The mridangam is made from a large piece of carefully hollowed out jackfruit wood. The two openings on either end are covered with goatskin that are stretched attached to each other with tightly bound leather straps. The two sides of the drum are of different sizes, allowing for bass and treble sounds from a single drum. One of the main percussion instruments of the Carnatic style of music, these percussion instruments stand strong in solo performances as much as in orchestral ones, and promise to stimulate the sense like never before.

Backwater Cruise and Village Tour *

This experience offers an exploration of the backwaters of Alleppey through a scenic and peaceful boat cruise. We invite our guests to experience up close the practices of clam collection, de-shelling, and fishing on a captivating village tour. Here, our guests can catch a glimpse of local day-to-day life. Guests may also catch the sight of Pathiramanal – a close by island, uninhabited, untouched, and home to a variety of rare migrating birds.

*Charges apply

Dhanwanthari Temple Visit *

Lord Dhanwanthari is known as the God of Ayurveda. Amal Tamara offers its guests an increadible visit to the nearby Dhanwanthari temple at Maruthorvattom, Cherthala. This diety, Dhanwanthari, is perceived as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that he emerged with a pot containing Amruth, or the nectar of immortality. The westward-facing temple also includes idols of Ganapati, Sastha, Bhagawathi, and Shiva in Nalampalam. It is believed that name of the temple – Maruthorvattom – is derived from the Malayalam phrase ‘Marunnu Oru Vattam’ which means ‘a single dose of medicine’.

*Charges apply

Coir-Making

From time immemorial, Alleppey has been well known for the manufacture and trade of coir. Coir-making has long been a major source of livelihood here. From the process of husking, retting, and defibring, to rope making is laborious work, practiced by women in every village of Alleppey. Through this coir-making experience, our guests are invited to engage in the mesmerising work of combining combed coir fibres to form intricate and strong ropes with the traditional spinning wheel, along with the local women in Alleppey.

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