Koovappara Cave – a natural wonder in Kasargod

Visiting the Koovappara Natural cave is an experience of a life time. The delegates of the SMiLE Ambassadors Tour organized by Kerala’s Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), could have the chance to visit the cave, which is one of the largest caves discovered in Kerala.

“SMiLE Ambassador Tour” is a three-day programme of BRDC, as part of their experiential tourism ventures, which has started on 5^th December and will conclude on 8th December.  The participants of the event are the members from the travel and tourism industry. The event has been organized in association with the Association Tourism Trade Organizations India (ATTOI).

ATTOI members inside the cave

While sharing the experience of the programme, Anishkumar PK, a delegate of the smile ambassador tour, said it was the first time he was visiting the place and it was an unmatchable experience.

“This region is having a number of unexplored tourism products and everyone should definitely come and experience them. Even the cultural programmes like the puppetry show, the mangalam kali etc. are very unique and ethnic,” said Anish, who is the Managing Director of Travel Planners, a travel and Tourism Company, and former president of ATTOI.

Anishkumar PK sharing his experiences

Another delegate, Shailesh Nair, who is the Managind Director of Mystikal Holidays and Co-founder of Green Earth Hotels, said what a tourist could take back from a destination that matters and Kasargod had lots to offer for them.

“There are lots more to see in North Malabar. The nature is in abundance, the beaches are pristine, the hills and backwaters are absolutely clean and the pricing out there is reasonable. The accommodation, mainly the home-stays are at very reasonable prices and they are promoting their facilities in a very beautiful way”, said Shailesh.

“Once Kannur Airport is functional more tourists will come to these areas,” added Shailesh, who is a blogger and Youtuber as well.

Shailesh Nair sharing his experience

Mangalam Kali was another attraction in the tour. Mangalam Kali is a folk dance performing as entertainment mainly performed during marriage functions. As it was related to Mangalam or auspicious functions, it came to be known as Mangalam kali. This art form is popular among the tribals and other indigenous communities.

The team could also experience Alamikali, a  popular regional art form in Kasaragod, performed by ‘Alamis’, the soldiers of Tipu’s army. Alamikali was celebrated to commemorate the Karbala war, an important event in the history of Islam.

The Alami players dressed and painted by black with charcoal and white dots in between. They will wear garlands of fruits and leaves and long hats on the head decorated with red chrysanthemum flowers. Costume of alamikali is dhotis, reaching upto the knee and carrying wield small sticks with bells attached they visit houses andance in squares drawn on the ground and receive alms. Being wanderers, the Alamis go about singing songs based on rhythm, a feature of Alamikali.

Performers of Alamikali

The initial two days of the tour programme has been focussing on tourism hotspots in Kasaragod and experience the cultural diversity of the region. On the last day, 8^th December, the team will move to Kannur. There the delegates have the chance to experience Theyyam. Later they will visit the Kannur International Airport.

Watch the Koovappara cave here: