This can be seen only in Beypore, near Kozhikode. The 1500 years old tradition vanished elsewhere in the world. An expert team of about 30 takes minimum 2 years to make a vessel in wood. Locally called uru, this Arabian shipping vessel is faded from the scene.

Eight kilometers from Kozhikode (Calicut), Beypore could pass off as just another suburb at first glance; however at a closer look, the rich history of this town would start to unfurl.  You can see the tell tale signs of this flourishing industry in its many shops that sell the model of ships and huge iron anchors lying on either side of the road. These magnificent masterpieces in wood take shape in the many tall thatched sheds dotting the banks of the River Chaliyam. Ever since Vasco da Gama landed in 1498 in Kappad beach, the Malabar Coast registered its name in the maritime map.

Khalasis have been the traditional boat builders based in Malabar region for over 5000 years. The Portuguese traded spices through sea routes in these massive, hand -made country boats called dhows. Beypore forms the hub of  dhow making and these exceptional boats and the rich tradition have attracted international acclaim and has stood the test of time by continuing well into the 21st century.

The master craftsmen of khalasis use certain Sanskrit shlokas as their guide to ship building; nothing has been documented on paper for posterity. Even today, the formula of dhow making remains a closely guarded secret that is handed over from generations to generation. Today, only four master craftsmen are left behind, with Bavamoopan leading the pack.

A sweet delicacy. Prepared with milk, rice and garnished with raisins and cashewnut fried in ghee is a delight for the palate. The payasam is made in different flavours. Ask the hotel to arrange. 

Palpayasam is an essential ingredient during all special occassions and religious feasts. In Kerala temples  palpayasam  is considered as an auspicious offering for deities. The palpayasam of Ambalapuzha Srikrishna temple deserves special mention in this regard. For Kerala weddings normally there will be two desserts of palpayasam and another dessert made using jaggery.

Simple yet tasty, palpayasam can be made in a few minutes and could make a handy dessert for the unexpected guests too. Just mix equal proportions of  water and milk and boil. Add rice and cook well and when done you can add the remaining milk, condensed milk and sugar. To enhance its flavour cardamom powder can also be added.

We bet, you would fall in love with this sweet delight that is easily available in all restaurants and hotels. If you happen to be in Kerala during August, September, the whole state will be going abuzz with Onam trade fairs and food festivals, where you can sample various types of desserts that are unique to Kerala. It has a short shelf life and is best taken fresh. However, you can preserve it for a couple of days in refrigerator. No matter whether you have  a sweet tooth or not, you would not be able to resist this sweet dish for long.
 

Kerala is rich in handicrafts. Almost all handicraft centers have extra-ordinary collections of wood, coir shell and sandal wood souvenirs, trinkets, jewellery etc. Wood carved snake boats, elephants, masks of Kathakali, ottamthullal, Kalaripayattu, Jewellery box and many more. These are great gifts and keep sakes.

The magnificent metal mirrors of Aranmula kannadi is a must buy and is quite popular in the shopping list of tourists. These ornamental mirrors are worth spending on as these are something unique to Kerala, which are not available anywhere else in the world.

The ethnic handloom 'mundu' with beautiful golden thread borders and designs is another hot pick in the shopping list. Made from pure cotton, these handloom clothes reflect grandiose and royalty. Check out the weaver's shops at Karalkada to Thiruvananthapuram to purchase some of the finest kasavu clothes, which make valuable gifts for someone special.

Before winding up your trip to Kerala, do not forget to buy cashew nuts, a popular seasoning for desserts. Kollam is undeniably the best place to buy nuts as it has many processing units. You can make your pick from salted, buttered or plain nuts depending on your tastes. The souvenir list is virtually endless and picking up the best is easier said than done.