MEETINGS

God's own country is now being touted as an ideal place for business to bloom. Rainbow Cruises offers exclusive packages of `working vacations' to Corporate warriors looking, for out of the ordinary experiences while on a vacation. Who wants to combine a spot of work with a holiday, to hold a board meeting or brainstorm on the latest corporate strategies, while relaxing on the lap of opulence. The houseboats are well equipped to meet such business needs.

NIGHT FISHING

Night fishing in backwaters under the silver moonlight can be really enthralling. If you get lucky you might get a good 'Kari meen' or any of the other exotic fishes. The on-board chef would love to come with one of Kerala's famous delicacy 'Kari meen fry' usually frenzied with 'Kallu' or Toddy which is Kerala's indigenous beer tapped from Coconut trees.

EVENTS

:: Kalaripayattu - consists of a series of intricate movements that train the body and mind. The discipline is continually practiced and complemented by the Kerala's famous ayurvedic and nature cure techniques.These are believed to have travelled to eastern China, where they inspired the evolution of other martial art forms.

:: Theyyam- a ritual dance form of Kerala, glorifying the godess. Themes revolve around the triumph of the goddess over the demon Daruka and other evil characters. Always performed by men, they also enact female roles wearing exotic make up and colorful costumes.

:: Mohiniyattam- the temptress is a recurring character in Hindu mythology. Attam means dance. It is seductive dance performed by women, sensuous in its appeal. In technique Mohiniyattam lies somewhere between Kathakali and Bharathanatyam. The symmetrical patterns of emotion flow in balanced nuances with smooth footwork, somewhat quickened body movements and special music.

:: Bharatanatyam- Is believed to be India's oldest form of classical dance. This dance form is also called poetry in motion, has its origins in the natya sastra written about 4000 B.C. by sage Bharatha. It was originally known as 'dasi attam', a temple art performed by young women called 'deva dasis'.

:: Chakyarkoothu- Is one of the oldest classical theatre arts of Kerala. The solo dance is usually presented in the koothambalam of temples to the accompaniment of the mizhavu and elathalam. The performance begins with an invocation to the presiding deity of the temple. The narration is enlivened with the thandava dance movements, gestures and facial expression according to the guidelines in natya sastra. Koothu is distinct for its comic element which adds to its dramatic character. Themes are usually from the epics. The costume is colourful and bizarre with a strange headgear.