Theyyam
4.5
About
Theyyam is a form of worship where man dons the guise of God and propitiates the Gods through possessed dancing; Theyyam is also known by the name Kaliyaattom. The performance of Theyyam is supposed to make life prosperous and remove all hazards. Theyyam is perhaps the most significant ritualistic art form of Kerala - God's Own Country.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
66 reviews
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Nick
3 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a 10 day tour of Kerala recently organised by Theyyam Holidays. We visited Kochi, Munnar and Kumarakom. Our driver was Rajesh who was absolutely fantastic. He stopped to show us places en-route and spent time to take us on nice walks. A really top guy so please request his services if you are going to Kerala. A thoroughly enjoyable trip in an amazing part of the world.
Nick and Nikki, England, April 2023
Nick and Nikki, England, April 2023
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottishgal5
Dundee, UK124 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
My favourite thing about travel is learning about new cultures. In Kerala I was lucky enough to go to several Theyyam festivals which were organised by Santhosh at Travel Kannur. At the fire Theyyam the atmosphere was literally electric! Imagine it..... its 3am, there is a big fire, chanting and beating drums. I could have been in a story book. The Theyyam starts running through the fire and one of the guys at the side of him seemed to go into a trance (I still can't believe neither got bad burns to their feet). Santhosh definitely seems to also be a local expert on Theyyam. He was easy to communicate with prior to coming and responded really quickly via whatsapp. What is also lovely is that he also still sends me pictures of other Theyyams. Also stayed in the home of Santhosh, his wife and children who were all very friendly and provided lovely, large home cooked meals. This made is easy for going up and out to the festivals. Santhosh also arranged for us to see Kambala (buffalo racing) which was another exciting experience. I feel absolutely priviledged to have been able to participate in both events and would highly reccomend Santhosh at Travel Kannur to anyone who is looking to do the same.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anonymous photo geek
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Disclaimer- This is a review for the Theyyam tour
If you're on some sort of a cleanse, this tour is definitely for you. Because an "all-inclusive" doesn't include a drink with every meal. Let alone a cold soda in this almost scorching heat, a bottle of water is often left out of this holy inclusivity.
Well, the least I could hope on a "photography tour" would be for my camera fees to be paid. But apparently that isn't something that would likely be a part of this "all- inclusive photography tour".
I'd have saved a tonne of heartache and disappointment if I had just ventured out alone. But stupid me who didn't want to go online and make these arrangements individually and thought a photography tour would be a great way to meet like minded people. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth.
As nearly a decade old photographer, it got painful really quickly to adapt to the continuous release of shutters all around me resulting in identical captures on all cameras around me. What even is the point of having paid 25,000 if I don't have the freedom to explore my creative abilities on a "photography tour".
That apart, without sleep and a decent meal after continuous exertion of 3 days AND NIGHTS (which by the way doesn't se to take any mentiton on their "all-inclusive" website) safe to say this was one of the worse experiences I've had in life so far.
Mentorship is great for beginners, which I could've appreciated had I not been told that not jumping amongst my fellow tour-mates to take that one stereotypical shot would reflect badly on them. What even is the point of taking a photo that I can easily download from the internet. Possibly the hunger and sleep deprivation has started getting to me.
As a digital nomad, it would've been great to have an advance notice regarding theie "sleep is for the weak" policy. And also the "I've been coming here every year for 10 years but I can't direct you towards a decent bathroom" because photographers aren't human? Exceedingly grateful to all the GODS of theyyam that I wasn't born with a weak bladder and GOD forbid someone has any special needs while going through (most literally) whatever this "photography tour" is. Excuse me for being human.
I mean I do this for fun, to relax and unwind and most importantly, to live my life. Sadly these 3 dreadful days have been the exact opposite of everything I had dreamed that is Godly experience of the majestic THEYYAM would be for me.
But, if you have that kinda money laying around, a better use of it still would be to throw it in fire than attending a tour such as this one.
If you're on some sort of a cleanse, this tour is definitely for you. Because an "all-inclusive" doesn't include a drink with every meal. Let alone a cold soda in this almost scorching heat, a bottle of water is often left out of this holy inclusivity.
Well, the least I could hope on a "photography tour" would be for my camera fees to be paid. But apparently that isn't something that would likely be a part of this "all- inclusive photography tour".
I'd have saved a tonne of heartache and disappointment if I had just ventured out alone. But stupid me who didn't want to go online and make these arrangements individually and thought a photography tour would be a great way to meet like minded people. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth.
As nearly a decade old photographer, it got painful really quickly to adapt to the continuous release of shutters all around me resulting in identical captures on all cameras around me. What even is the point of having paid 25,000 if I don't have the freedom to explore my creative abilities on a "photography tour".
That apart, without sleep and a decent meal after continuous exertion of 3 days AND NIGHTS (which by the way doesn't se to take any mentiton on their "all-inclusive" website) safe to say this was one of the worse experiences I've had in life so far.
Mentorship is great for beginners, which I could've appreciated had I not been told that not jumping amongst my fellow tour-mates to take that one stereotypical shot would reflect badly on them. What even is the point of taking a photo that I can easily download from the internet. Possibly the hunger and sleep deprivation has started getting to me.
As a digital nomad, it would've been great to have an advance notice regarding theie "sleep is for the weak" policy. And also the "I've been coming here every year for 10 years but I can't direct you towards a decent bathroom" because photographers aren't human? Exceedingly grateful to all the GODS of theyyam that I wasn't born with a weak bladder and GOD forbid someone has any special needs while going through (most literally) whatever this "photography tour" is. Excuse me for being human.
I mean I do this for fun, to relax and unwind and most importantly, to live my life. Sadly these 3 dreadful days have been the exact opposite of everything I had dreamed that is Godly experience of the majestic THEYYAM would be for me.
But, if you have that kinda money laying around, a better use of it still would be to throw it in fire than attending a tour such as this one.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
binojnair
Mysuru (Mysore), India22 contributions
Nov 2022
It was a wonderful experience with Travel Kannur . Mr. Santhosh has very good background on Thyaam and local geography. Arrangements were made by him for us to visit Fire Thyaam on 11 Nov and Bhagavathy Thyaam on 12 Nov. Also the temple festivities included fireworks and temple rituals. Being with children we were not able to see the entire events ( events take place night long) but still we could experience the highlighted events and children were excited and eager to watch them. Of course , the stay at Kudil mud resorts and the homely food with services were the best and made the whole trip easier and comfortable. Kayaking in the Tejaswini river and a trip to the Hanging bridge in the rustic untouched village was the cherry on the cake. Children would definitely enjoy the stay. Also, to know about Thyaam and our heritage.
Waiting soon to return for another Thyaam tour.
Waiting soon to return for another Thyaam tour.
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Subrata Bose
Kolkata (Calcutta), India5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
We took the hospitality of Santosh ji, for the 2nd time. We went for a Theyyam tour from the 24th of March to 28th of March '22. I must say this 2nd experience was even better in all respect. Not that the 1st one was'nt good. In fact, it was extraordinarily fantastic. Santosh ji and his team and family are such wonderful hosts. Santosh ji is such an wonderful organiser !!!. As photographers we had our one of a lifetime photo opportunity. His knowledge of Theyyam is so vast that we were shooting opportunities 24 hours round the clock for 4 days on the trot. And his logistic support was just top grade. Santosh ji, I have already started to make plans for our visit next year. Hope to meet again and hope for another scintillating experience.
Thank you and Travel Kankir
Subrata Bose
Thank you and Travel Kankir
Subrata Bose
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oleksandr P
5 contributions
Mar 2020
We rarely book an agent to organize a trip but this time we made an exception and it was worth it.
We actually hired TravelKannur (Asha and Santosh) to organize the whole 5 day trip in northern Kerala. We did
1. Tour around Bekal: Bekal Fort, the ancient Mosqueue, the lake temple
2. A day on a Houseboat
3. 2 days in the beach. One on the private island, another in Kannur
4. Theyyam, Theyyam, Theyyam, so much Theyyam
In the end the highlight of the trip was Theyyam
We did two fire Theyyams: 8pm and 5am which was just mesmerizing.
It was not performance of tourists. It was not performance for locals. This was a real religious ceremony which involved a lot of dancing, drumming, costumes, body paint. We were a mere guests at someone's house. So that was the first two Theyyams we saw. Small private temple at somebody's home. ~100 people. It was so cozy and real
The next day we saw another Theyyam now in a bigger public temple. At the end there were at least a dozen hundreds locals watching the ceremony. There were many more dancers (priests?) this time. Constumes were more complicated, head pieces were just insane.
Santoch was our guide and he gave us all needed information about Theyyam. How to behave, what to do and what not to do.
I highly recommend TravelKannur to your trip to northern Kerala
We actually hired TravelKannur (Asha and Santosh) to organize the whole 5 day trip in northern Kerala. We did
1. Tour around Bekal: Bekal Fort, the ancient Mosqueue, the lake temple
2. A day on a Houseboat
3. 2 days in the beach. One on the private island, another in Kannur
4. Theyyam, Theyyam, Theyyam, so much Theyyam
In the end the highlight of the trip was Theyyam
We did two fire Theyyams: 8pm and 5am which was just mesmerizing.
It was not performance of tourists. It was not performance for locals. This was a real religious ceremony which involved a lot of dancing, drumming, costumes, body paint. We were a mere guests at someone's house. So that was the first two Theyyams we saw. Small private temple at somebody's home. ~100 people. It was so cozy and real
The next day we saw another Theyyam now in a bigger public temple. At the end there were at least a dozen hundreds locals watching the ceremony. There were many more dancers (priests?) this time. Constumes were more complicated, head pieces were just insane.
Santoch was our guide and he gave us all needed information about Theyyam. How to behave, what to do and what not to do.
I highly recommend TravelKannur to your trip to northern Kerala
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kinitaac
San Francisco, CA15 contributions
Mar 2020
I rarely book through a travel agent but TravelKannur was able to organize our five day trip for four people amazingly! Santosh and Asha worked with my requests and were very adaptive. The price they quoted was fantastic and included lodging and most meals, in addition to the Theyyam performances (a Northern Keralan Hindu religious ceremony that happens in the winter). All four of us were completely blown away by the Theyyam. Some was in a local temple and others were held in the private temples of people's homes. Every ritual was astounding and felt like the real deal--not just a performance put on for spectators. TravelKannur are definitely the top experts on experiencing this. They were also able to book us an amazing overnight houseboat, as well as hotels/homestays that were right on the beach. It often felt like we had a private beach just 20 feet away. If you are at all interested in experiencing Theyyam or the unspoiled Kannur/Kasaragod/Bekal area, this is definitely the best and most economical way to do it.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minakshi
Agartala, India13 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
Breathtaking performance by the artists. A nice evening spent . We were literally feeling goosebumps by the performances. A must do activity.
Written 8 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarkKingscliff
Chennai (Madras), India141 contributions
Dec 2018
I had read about Theyyam and with the help of an agency, Travel Kannur, I was able to experience small village life and the spectacular Theyyam Ceremonies of northern Kerala. They arranged to pick me up from Mysuru and then taken by car to a homestay in the countryside north of Kannur. I went to probably 4 different ceremonies in remote village temples to witness up close and to be surrounded by the ritual performance with not another 'western' visitor in sight. A fascinating experience that is well off the tourist track, and north Kerala has its own backwaters, unspoilt beaches and life that is well worth the effort to get there.
Written 2 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kumar sujith
32 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Dance or invocation is generally performed in front of the village shrine. There are 400 types of theyyam. Normally from October to April is the season of theyyam.
Written 22 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shashank404
Atlanta, GA17 contributions
Are there dates for 2018 - 2019 calendar year posted yet somewhere?
Nimit
Goa, India
You can check theyyam.app for the schedule.
J C
Melbourne17 contributions
Hello All :)
Can anyone please tell me the exact dates of the Theyyam Festival 2017 and
whether Kannur is the only major area in Kerala in which to see it?
Kind regards
JC
travelkannur.com
Kannur, India62 contributions
kindly visit travelkannur theyyam calendar have all theyyam dates of 2017 ...
travelkannur.com
Kannur, India62 contributions
what time theyyams are performed
Amrutha D
Bengaluru, India5 contributions
parassinikadavu has it aroun 6 am or 6.30 am.. but during sabarimala season i guess its not there.. not sure though
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Frequently Asked Questions about Theyyam
- Hotels near Theyyam:
- (0.00 km) Kairali Heritage
- (0.00 km) Costa Malabari
- (0.00 km) KTDC Tamarind Parasinikadavu
- (1.10 km) Hotel Central Avenue
- (6.24 km) Kannur Beach House
- Restaurants near Theyyam:
- (0.00 km) Rara Avis
- (0.01 km) Indian Coffee House
- (0.34 km) Raandhal
- (0.33 km) Brownnies Bakery & Coffee Shop
- (0.44 km) Blend Cafe & Restaurant