r/india • u/sree_1983 • Jul 27 '13
[Weekly Discussion] Let's talk about:Kerala
| State | Kerala |
|---|---|
| Website | http://kerala.gov.in/ |
| Population | 33,387,677 |
| Chief Minister | Oommen Chandy INC |
| Capital | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Offical Language | Malayalam |
| GDP | Rs 74,620/- |
| Sex ratio | 1084 |
Discussions
Previous Discussions
- Andhra Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Delhi
- Goa
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu And Kashmir
- Jharkhand
- Karnataka
Original Thead which started this chains of discussion
Thanks to fuck_cricket, that_70s_show_fan and tripshed
Also, as a mallu, I have made top level discussion about food, temples and dances in Kerala
13
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
So typical food items which you have to try when you are in Kerala:
-
Puttu, you typically have it with kadala (chickpea) curry, or banana or baked banana.
-
[Appam] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appam), you typically have appam with veg stew or Mutta Roast
Please do let me know if I have missed something, I am ignoring the common breakfast between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
So now you have done with breakfast, it is crazy when it comes to lunch. So in a typical Sadya has following items in it:
Then payasam, remember one will be milk based and one jaggery based:
-
Palada prathaman, if you want to try it i would reccomend buying double horse and making it by following instructions on back.
-
Chakka prathaman, oh noes why does this exist
I am not mentioning other one on the wiki because I have never had it. As alway Banana and jackfruit paysam's will be more difficult to make compared to milk based on.
3
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Part Deux.
Some snacks which are famous in Mallu land:
So I have listed three snacks which I fondly remember.
Then finally you have Kappa, ignore the fish part it, if you follow the link you can get links to other kappa item.
Finally, Pulincurry, only thing which I eat when I visit home. It is very easy to make.
Other notable mentions:
Veg Stew, we make this and Olan also for marriages.
Inji Thairu, this dish is always made for any occassion. It is what is served with rice on final day of death rites.
4
Jul 27 '13
Hey why is adaprathaman missing? Milma's adaprathaman is the best! Staying long distance from India, no Milma products available here. cries
2
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Ada Parthaman is not milk based, it is done in coconut milk and little jaggery. It is not made for marriages. It is kept apart for death ceremony. Again, it is not bad, typically for happy feast you will have milk based one, which will either be Pal Ada or Pal pasayam. Pal Pasayam is kept for birthdays, as ada is difficult to make.
In marriages, the ada is prepared manually which is what we buy these days as mix.
1
Jul 27 '13
for death ceremony
0_0
So can have it for happy times too, I guess?
1
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
You can have it. Just that people won't make it for Birthdays, Marriages, Onam etc.
Hey, it is food man anytime you can have it. But, ada parthaman they serve during marriage is nothing but pal adda. So remember unless it is coconut milk it is not ada parthaman.
2
2
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Part Three:
Pathiri, it hails from Malabar side. It is traditionally eaten with Meat. People from That side can tell me what it goes well.
Neychoru aka Ghee rice, another Malabar dish, typically served instead of Biryani.
Ada Dosa, I dont know how to classify this, it is unique mix of tamil + Malayalam style.
Ela Ada Sweet, sweet with coconut and jaggery.
Payam Pori, another traditional kerala snack, which is available in all malayalam style tea shop.
Sugiayan, sweet with green lentils and Jaggery.
Finally Special Mention.
Kozhikode Halwa, if you are visiting Kozhikode do get them. It is awesome.
3
3
3
u/cellada Jul 27 '13
You missed pathiri..orotti..idiyappam thattu dosa for bfast..apart from common dosas vadas idlis upma..
1
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
I have mentioned Pathiri in comments below.
Orotti, I have no idea about it. Thanks for mentioning it. Idiyappam or tattu dosa is also common in Tamil Nadu. So wanted to talk about unique things.
0
Jul 27 '13
0
0
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Good Sir,
I don't eat meat :-( so that is why I didnt say about Meen curry. And regards to Parotta we will have to fight war with TN folks for that.
But I did mention, pathiri below.
3
0
Jul 27 '13
1
u/oneearth Jul 30 '13
Mallu Syrian Christian? Thats very specific if my facts are right. Does the 'Syrian' part stand for the same war affected country I hear in the news? Btw how large is the Mallu Syrian Christian population in Kerala?
2
Aug 02 '13
The Church in Kerala was supposedly established by Thomas the Apostle in 52 CE. Until the 15th century, it had no contact with the Church in Rome. But it did receive guidance and bishops from Eastern churches, particularly those from Syria. Hence the name.
2
1
5
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
So, next is traditional dance forms in Kerala.
-
Kathakali one of the famous dance forms from Kerala. IMO, it is very boring to watch as the same line is repeated multiple times so the dancer can enact the whole line which is being sung. Also, very strenuous dance forms. Traditionally done during midnight to early mornings in temples.
-
Theyyam, I have never seen Theyyam performance. I know about it because of my parents and Grand parents talking about it.
-
Chakyar koothu, it is an awesome experience to sit in one, the performer randomly mocks people and asks questions.
-
Kaikottikali, typically performed during onam and thriuvadura. Another Example, examples are from movie. I guess most of people will associate this with Kerala anyways
To be honest, I am not someone who can speak about dance forms. But I hope this will make people little curious.
4
Jul 27 '13
My grandfather once explained a kathakali performance as it was going on and I quite enjoyed it.
0
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
IMO, it is very boring. It takes really long time to finish. But it is still a very strenuous dance form. Wearing that makeup takes hours.
3
Jul 27 '13
That makeup gives kathakali a guiness record. I read it somewhere it takes the longest time to put on compared to any dance form in the world. The beauty of this art form is that the character development is done slowly and all events are explained in detail till the story reaches a thrilling climax. I was a student of carnatic music and used to attend kathakali performances to listen to the songs
2
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
The make up takes quite long time 8 hours or so to put it up. Depends on Characters, women characters have less elaborate compared to, Bheema, krishna, Rama and other Villain Characters.
Every word has to expressed, that is the beauty and the boring part if you ask me.
Since you are interested in Sopanam, i.e. Music style with Kathakali. Vande mukunda Hare, an asthapathi which I fell in love watching song in Devasuram. The beats starts a little late. I cannot get into technical details as I have not been classically trained in Carnatic music :-(
2
u/rockus Jul 27 '13
You can enjoy Kathakali only if you know it. My mother knows a little bit and she enjoys watching them. I like the background singing that makes it tolerable for me. At times.
8
Jul 27 '13
What is the best season to visit?
Are people ok with northy bhaiyyas?
What is the reason communists are popular in malluland?
5
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
I would suggest, don't visit during summer. Beautiful season is Onam time, i.e. just after monsoons.
19
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
What is the reason communists are popular in malluland?
Because they did a lots of good things as promised.
6
u/dreadnought303 Jul 27 '13
Are people ok with northy bhaiyyas?
I haven't seen a particular hate for any community in general the times I've been there. But if someone asks for directions in Hindi, they're never going to get any help.
Though I must admit, I was 'ragged' incessantly during my college days for being from Delhi.
4
u/pseudoforce Jul 27 '13
My north-friend who works for BEML was posted in Palakkad had very bad impression . His wife has to go trough a lot teasing and stuff. He never talks about it. He took long leave and somehow managed to get a transfer.
5
u/rockus Jul 27 '13
What is the reason communists are popular in malluland?
Though they have ended up like any other political party, their emergence and success was key in shaping a modern Kerala. They did a lot of good back then for the poor and a major force in bolstering education across all classes.
7
Jul 27 '13
2 examples of lungi-clad bad-assery:
-
Flicking the lungi upward with a back-heel using your leg, catch the hem with your fingers and make the knee-length fold.
-
Being a folded-lungi fast bowler or scoring a goal.
Wonder if the mallus here have experience of this.
2
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
I used to do that when I was a kid. These days I cannot drive a two wheeler wearing Mundu. I think I have fallen from Grace in eyes of Mallus.
5
3
u/Chocolate_Horlicks Jul 27 '13
I have batted wearing a mundu, but took it off and gave it to the umpire (had boxers underneath) while bowling.
1
2
u/dreadnought303 Jul 27 '13
Flicking the lungi upward with a back-heel using your leg, catch the hem with your fingers and make the knee-length fold
Ha ha yes! Any Mallu worth his salt knows how to do this.
-1
2
u/rockus Jul 27 '13
Flicking the lungi upward with a back-heel using your leg, catch the hem with your fingers and make the knee-length fold.
Did this a few minutes ago.
2. Being a folded-lungi fast bowler or scoring a goal.
Tried it a few years ago and the result wasn't pretty.
6
u/da_dope Jul 27 '13
Can anyone explain to me what Theyyam is about ?
Has anybody seen it live ?
I was left open mouthed watching a video.
(Yes, I have read whatever I could find on the net)
5
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
I have seen Theyyam once, when I was a little kid. I was too young to remember the story, AFAIK, stories are typically goddess victory over evil asura.
My native place we have thullal Theyyam and thullal are typically associated with Bhagavathy temples and don't have much association towards it.
If you were intrigued by Theyyam, then there is Pullavan Pattu, and sarpam thullal. IN Sapram Thullal, they draw rangoli kind of thing and in form of song they will destroy what is drawn. It was scary thing to watch as a child. Example, typically done in serpent worshiping temple.
2
5
u/agentbigman Jul 27 '13
A few things a fellow traveler from Kerala told me while we were in China and would like someone to clarify them for me.
-
Is there a Union for every profession? He told me there is one for everyone and they call strikes for no apparent reason.
-
How actually developed is the state? I've read everything there is to it about the development, but what is the civic situation like? How are your roads, amenities, public transport when compared to other cities like Delhi, Mumbai?
-
We know all of Kerala is literate, how are the schools and colleges?
3
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
How actually developed is the state? I've read everything there is to it about the development, but what is the civic situation like? How are your roads, amenities, public transport when compared to other cities like Delhi, Mumbai?
NH-47 is a piece of shit, the road connecting Coimbatore -Palaghat - Trisshur, after Trisshur to Trivandrum is proper four lane.
Driving on NH47 is a night mare, this is the road where private buses have races and as a car you have to give way to them or else you will be pushed off the road. It is insane driving on that road.
AFAIK, there are few KSRTC buses but mostly everyone travels in private buses which ply quite often. Roads are narrow, maximum two cars wide, some roads in my native place is one car wide.
I hope that answers your question, as always I can only talk till trisshur, there are other people who are from different districts who can talk about their locality.
3
Jul 27 '13
NH-47 is getting developed nowadays though..last time I was in CBE, which was in summer of 2012, i was kinda taken aback by the road exapnsion taking place along the CBE-Avinashi-Erode-Salem section of NH47 with all the ring roads and overpasses..but still as you said,the CBE-Palakkad stretch is shitty..especially the one stretch from Madukkarai to Walayar. Was shitty when I was in college and is still shitty.
3
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Avanish Road is still under construction, its been 4 years I believe that work has been happening. Dunno why Coimbatore alone got left when most of the major cities got great highways. It is planned to be completed this year end.
But If you complain about CBE-Palakkad, you have seen Palakkad-Trisshur highway, it is even worse. It only has potholes. I remember few years ago, KSRTC reduced bus service from Coimbatore to Trisshur claiming bad roads. So all people had to resort to taking trains. That was and is still situation on NH is kerala.
2
Jul 27 '13
Dunno why Coimbatore alone got left when most of the major cities got great highways.
I have always imagined that it was because we are in one corner of Tamil Nadu and not in any major transit points - well except for NH-47. For example if you look at location of Madurai or Trichy they are in smack middle so they automatically get good roads..Dont know the real reason though..
But the road expansion has its side effects too..We have always lived in areas on the Mettupalayam road with its distinct trees growing on either side...but recently for expansion they cut down all the trees and I felt that the road has lost its identity and its life..:(
1
Jul 27 '13
Oh really? WTF is going on with Avinashi Road? I saw it in 2008 when they started roadwork to make it 6 lanes, was thinking it would been in great shape by 2009.
1
8
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
Is there a Union for every profession?
For except people working in software industries there are trade union in every profession. But I don't think they call strike without reasons, there is always reasons. The thing is Keralites are never satisfied. they always try to get more.
How actually developed is the state?
When comes to development everyone compares Kerala with cities, not states, Kerala is a state, not a city or a Country capital. I think Kerala has the best infrastructure in country.
Kerala has 145,704 km of roads (4.2% of India's total). This translates into about 4.62 km of road per thousand population, compared to an all-India average of 2.59 km. Virtually all of Kerala's villages are connected by road. Traffic in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10–11% every year, resulting in high traffic and pressure on the roads. Total road length in Kerala increased by 5% between 2003-2004. The road density in Kerala is nearly four times the national average, and is a reflection of Kerala's unique settlement patterns. India's national highway network includes a Kerala-wide total of 1,524 km, which is only 2.6% of the national total. There are eight designated national highways in the state. Upgrading and maintenance of 1,600 km of state highways and major district roads have been taken up under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), which includes the GIS-based Road Information and Management Project (RIMS). Kerala ranks second nationwide in diesel-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 21%.
how are the schools and colleges?
Excellent. You can study for free in schools with student concession in public transport and college education is almost free. My engineering fees as Rs.6200 per annum. If you want to study then state is providing everything. Education in Kerala
5
u/Chocolate_Horlicks Jul 27 '13
But I don't think they call strike without reasons, there is always reasons.
Maybe not unions, but I heard SFI wing in Barton Hill GEC called a strike because a water cooler somewhere in the college was not working. Co-incidentally it was during the football world cup.
6
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
haha, i think every govt. college has stories like that.
A lots of seniors in my college(College of Engineering, Trivandrum) have called water strikes(by cutting electricity to motor room) for lesser reasons. Especially during internal exams. I think during my final year there were only less than 60 regular classes went smooth. But that doesn't impact studies, because every engineering student in my college used to start studying a week or two before exams.
2
1
u/agentbigman Jul 27 '13
I ofcourse meant your CITIES vs Others. And I can check wikipedia anytime. Wanted a residents view.
Thanks though.
1
Jul 27 '13
But I don't think they call strike without reasons
Like calling for a half-day strike when Saddam was hanged. I got their point of a sovereign country being invaded and all but going on a strike is a bit too much.
I remember last year during July-August there was a news that there were 100 strikes in the first 6 months of the year.
4
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
That half-day strike was not called by any unions but political parties, both by Ruling communists and opposition congress.
9
u/BreWitty Jul 27 '13
Could somebody explain the dowry situation in Kerala?
7
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Ok, so I can only talk about what happens in my community.
If groom asks for dowry, a police complain will be filed against him and he will be blacklisted as in none from community will give this guy their daughter.
Girls parents typically adorn their daughter with gold, 51 sovereigns in middle class, then depending on your financial abilities it goes higher.
Asking for dowry is frowned up. Yes, there are different parts of Kerala where it might be norm. But I can only speak from my experience.
1
8
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
I'm from a middle class Christian family. Actually none in my family use the term dowry or never asks or bargains. But everyone has an expectation on how much they're worth and they'll be looking for a relation in families of same status. So the boy's family will have an idea what they'll get even before they go and see the girl. Also half of the total dowry will be always used to buy gold.
But in poor families there's always bargains.
5
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Good Sir,
I hope I am not offending you. But I have heard that the part of the marriage gold has to be given to the church which is conducting marriage? Is that true? So do church play a part in forcing girls family into giving more gold?
I have heard it from my mallu friends, I don't know how true it is. Can you shed some light on this?
6
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
No it's not true. Noone is going to give gold to church from marriage. :) But church asks for a small amount. For example let's say 25L dowry, then we give church 10K.
2
2
Jul 27 '13
I think this varies from church to church. For eg, one of my friend's church does not ask any form of offering. They just keep a box for donors and all donations are made anonymous.
1
Aug 02 '13
But church asks for a small amount. For example let's say 25L dowry, then we give church 10K.
Really? I'm from a Syrian Christian family but I've never heard of this tradition.
0
Jul 27 '13
No it's not true. Noone is going to give gold to church from marriage. :)
Why would anyone give the church gold? Pranthu pidicho? At max, it would be the marriage solemnisation/services fees which are pretty much standard in most RCC churches.
7
Jul 27 '13
The groom doesn't ask for it but loads of gold is given (to the girl) and its called ' 'sthreedhanam'. Even though the groom doesn't demand it is definitely expected. Gold is also the biggest expenditure in the marriage. The ceremony and feast are all still done in the old way with people sitting and food being served on banana leaf.
2
u/ranjan_zehereela Jul 27 '13
Dowry prevalent in highly educated and leftist dominated state like Kerala?
That too when there is considerable population of Muslims & Christians. Not good
4
u/YouKiddin Jul 27 '13
Oddly enough, it's the Christians who practice it the most. I'm a Hindu from the Malabar region (north Kerala) and no one in my family has every demanded or requested dowry. The most I've seen are families collecting money (more like contributions) from guests on the wedding day -- but this I've seen only in poorer households.
1
u/verifix Jul 27 '13
It is there in Muslim community too.
1
u/YouKiddin Jul 27 '13
I know it is, but is that prevalent - or mandatory? My Muslim friends never had to pay anything or demanded anything. But pretty much every Christian friend of mine had to deal with it.
1
u/vivtho Jul 30 '13
It's not dowry per-se ... it's called 'streedanam' which is a gift from the bride's parents to the bride. It is not handed over to the groom/in-laws but stays with the bride.
7
u/CG10277 Jul 27 '13
-
What is the best vegetarian food?
-
Is it true that at least one person per family works abroad (gulf)?
-
What are the reasons behind this large-scale migration?
8
Jul 27 '13
What is the best vegetarian food?
Puttu, Kadala Kari... man that is delicious breakfast. Mothers make it best!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puttu#Serving
Is it true that at least one person per family works abroad (gulf)?
From a handful of what I know, not all serve in Gulf. Most of the women turn to nursing, and men a combination (variety) of professions.
What are the reasons behind this large-scale migration?
Lack of industries? See my post in this thread below.
3
u/Froogler Jul 27 '13
You missed Avial..that's the best
1
Jul 27 '13
See u/Sree_1983 post below, he covered more. Breakfast wise, nothing can beat puttu-kari
7
u/popeculture Jul 27 '13
Puttu works any time in the day, with any curry vegetarian or non-vegetarian or bananas. Talking about puttu....
6
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
Is it true that at least one person per family works abroad (gulf)?
It used to be gulf once, but now it's spread across the world. And I can say at least one person in most families works aboard.
What are the reasons behind this large-scale migration?
People are educated, and not enough good paying jobs.
1
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Good Sir,
Please look at this, I have barely scratched the surface will be updating with more once I am back after having morning coffee.
1
u/tripshed Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
What is the best vegetarian food?
Idiaappam and stew/kadalakari ... those two were the main reasons I put on weight while I was in kerala. So delicious. Also a typical Kerala sadhya is awesome. But it depends on who is making it.
-1
Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
What is the best vegetarian food?
As a non-keralite, appam and kadala curry/muttai roast, parotta and chicken kurma.
Keralites, learn to make dosas please. And please dont charge for that extra chutney. :)
2
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13
Actually, you get Dosa's these days. As Tamil influence has crept in these days. There are quite a lot of Tamil + Malayalam style restaurants creeping up these days.
In my childhood, road side hotels, served puttu or appam. Dosa was frowned upon.
1
Jul 27 '13
What is the best vegetarian food?
As a non-keralite, appam and kadala curry, parotta and chicken kurma.
Endha saare, idhu engine?
0
Jul 27 '13
Oh shit...its kind of default...parotta means chicken kurma...got carried away..lol
0
Jul 27 '13
:D
Some of my friends did that in college.. their claim? "After all, chickens eat plants etc so it is like vegetarian"
12
u/da_dope Jul 27 '13
Mallu girls are hot.
Edit: Please don't interpret this as a sexist remark. Was just trying to compliment them.
5
Jul 27 '13
I am married. I respect Women...... and I believe they look beautiful!
2
10
u/eyeing Jul 27 '13
let's applaud kerala for this..
Kerala's attitude toward female children is an anomaly as well. Of 8,000 abortions performed at one Bombay clinic in the early 1990s, 7,999 were female fetuses. Girl children who are allowed to live are often given less food, less education, and less health care, a bias not confined to India. In China, with its fierce birth control, there were 113 boys for every 100 girls under the age of 1 in 1990. There are, in short, millions and millions of women missing around the world--women who would be there were it not for the dictates of custom and economy. So it is a remarkable achievement in Kerala to say simply this: There are more women than men. In India as a whole, the 1991 census found that there were about 929 women per 1,000 men; in Kerala, the number was 1,040 women, about where it should be. And the female life expectancy in Kerala exceeds that of the male, just as it does in the developed world.
source:http://www.ashanet.org/library/articles/kerala.199803.html
4
u/blazerz Jul 27 '13
Wonder what the reason is....is it because of widespread education (99.8% literacy) or is it cultural.....
6
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
We have materalical society. I cannot comment much further, even in our stories, women play significant part.
Our Legengary Jhani Ka Rani, Unniarcha
→ More replies (1)
9
u/Froogler Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
Had been waiting for this AMA. Love Kerala and its people and they are my favourite 'neighbours'...Don't have many questions since I have enough friends to ask.
Despite being the most literate state and stuff, why is Kerala behind neighbours in terms of software centres? I know there are a few, but shouldn't there be a lot more?
4
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
There should be more. But the politicians in this century as fucked up. They didn't foresee the future earlier. Usually communists take the first step, but unfortunately they were against computers at start.
1
u/gcs8 Jul 27 '13
So are you guys aware of the inherent limitations of following a socialist/communist model now? If it weren't for employment opportunities in other states that absorb a lot of the educated youth, do you think the people of Kerala would have forced a change?
→ More replies (3)1
u/cellada Jul 27 '13
Its communist philosophy means less industry in the state. A large percentage of educated youth leaveto find work outside.
1
u/happygolucky Jul 27 '13
The simple reason for not have software industry the size of neighbouring states is lack of comparable metro city. Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai were all huge metroes even before the s/w boom. Software industry needs talent from all over the country. Since cities in Kerala are smaller and not really cosmopolitan, engineers prefer other cities. Even after a company like Wipro set up office in Kerala, they are struggling to get non-mallu engineers to work there.
7
u/puppuli Jul 27 '13
For People who wanna know about Kerala model development, here is a collection of articles.
5
u/pratyashi Jul 27 '13
Deer Saar, I have heard of and seen some soft core produced in Kerala. I understand that it is still a thriving industry thereabouts. Please give us some gyan about this.
4
u/rockus Jul 27 '13
Soft core is not a thriving industry any more. Was a fad in early 2000s and before that in late 80s. I doubt a resurgence because of the ubiquitous nature of mobile Internet.
1
3
u/dreadnought303 Jul 27 '13
The softcore trend in Kerala is more towards the BBW variety. Shakeela is all you need to know. She's so famous that even some legit movies sometimes give her cameo roles in lighthearted jest.
Plus, most 'pettikadas' (roadside stalls) will always have a variety of 'Mutthuchippi'/'Fire' (softporn magazines) etc. at hand.
23
u/sree_1983 Jul 27 '13 edited Jul 27 '13
In this post I will be talking about few temples in Kerala, mainly in Thrissur district.
So lets get biggest fish out the way.
Thrissur Pooram, it is one of the most colorful festivals in Kerala. Please read the link to know all the participating temples.
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Shiva temple. It has its own unique way of offering prayer to the god. The boards were in Malayalam, since I cannot read or write it. I had to follow guidances of my family.
Nalambalam, set of 4 temples dedicated to, Rama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shatrugna. These are visited during Karkithakam/aadi (don't know english name). It is currently in season.
Pambummekkattu, a very traditional temple which worships naga's. AFAIK, it is not open throughout the month anymore. You will have to find the right time to visit.
Sri Krisha temple
--- Outside Trisshur ---
Sabarimala Ayyapa temple, AFAIK, only Malayalam Hindu temple which allows non-hindus. Also point to be noted, girls older than 10 years are not allowed. Women can visit the temple after they are 60 years old. Also, only temple where I know you visit Muslim Vavar when you are on pilgrimage to visit Ayappan.
Tirumanthamkunnu Temple, where famous mangalaya pooja is done, this is place where people whose marriage is not happening go to pray.
I am ignoring Padnambaswami temple as most of you will know from news. There a lot of temples in Kerala, and trying to list them out will be a futile effort, so I have listed out few which I have visited, except Tirumanthamkunnu.
Then before anything, yes temples in Kerala has a very strict dress code:
Mundu, Short - Allowed.
Lungi, full trousers - Not allowed.
Salwar Kameeze - Not allowed, few temples are relaxing this rule.
Saree - Allowed.
You cannot wear shirts when you are in inner courtyard of temple, i.e. for men.
Now, you guys can question why are these dress code around, I don't have a convincing answer for any of those. But these are the temple tradition and rules.
--- Other interesting temples----
Chottanikkara, this is temple which is said to cure possession, i.e. ghostly possession. Take a look at the legends section in wiki. Temple tree the famous temple tree which is nailed with iron nails supposedly containing spirits which haunted humans.
[Vishnu Maya Temple](http://www.devasthanam.com/], this is your kutti chattan temple. These temples do serve interesting prasadam.