Kerala, God's Own Country

Paradise On Earth

Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" by the national geographic traveler magazine, Kerala in the south, like Kashmir in the north, is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty.
With its long shoreline of serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters and blue lagoons, evergreen mountains dotted with lush hill stations, dense forests of stately palms, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, swift flowing rivers, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, Kerala is one of most preferred tourist destinations in the world.

Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives with its unique culture and traditions, equable climate, ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural architectural wonders and an exotic cuisine..

Vibrant Multi-faceted Cultural Heritage

God's own country, Kerala prides itself for its rich cultural heritage. Kerala holds a place of honor among the people of India who have enriched Indian cultural heritage and helped the cause of national integration. Kerala's culture is in fact, an integral part of Indian culture.

Kerala is a cultural treasure house with its varied dance forms, martial arts and cuisine. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime.

Kerala is also renowned for its varied martial arts which are difficult to master. Amongst the many forms of martial arts of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.

All in all the culture of Kerala can be understood as a composite and cosmopolitan culture to which several people and races have made their significant contributions.

Rich Language

Malayalam is the language of Kerala, the southern most state in India. Over 35,000,000 people speak this language. Malayalam, one of the Dravidian languages in India, has its own alphabet and grammar.

It was originally developed from Tamil and uses many Tamil words. It also has adapted many words from Sanskrit, other India languages and English. Malayalam is extraordinarily rich in every genre of literature. Every year numerous books and publications are produced in Malayalam.

History of Kerala

The history of Kerala (the state at the southern most tip of the Indian peninsula) dates back to the glorious period of the Mauryan Empire which had spread across most of the Indian subcontinent in 232 BC.

‘The state’s cultural foundations struck deep roots during what is known as the Sangam Age, a period of dynamic cultural and spiritual growth in India and myths and legends still abound in Kerala’s folklore about this age.

Kerala next faced a cultural upheaval when the Europeans first arrived in Kerala in 1498. By this time there were strong trade links between India and the Arabs, which the Europeans were determined to stop, and the Portuguese introduced new trade links. This resulted in civil unrest in Kerala, due to the disagreements over trade links. Eventually a treaty was signed in 1513, which tried to put a stop to the constant discord.

Shortly after the treaty the Dutch followed by the British tried to ‘cash-in’ on the potential Indian trade links. Subsequently, several regions came under British power, with the Dutch the French and the native Keralites all battling for power. Throughout the early 20th century Kerala was waging a battle for Independence from the Imperial British Rule along with the rest of India. Eventually India gained independence in 1947.

After India's independence in 1947, the Government of India's November 1, 1956 States Reorganisation Act inaugurated the state of Kerala, incorporating Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin (excluding four southern taluks, which were merged with Tamil Nadu), and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara.

A new legislative assembly was also created, for which elections were first held in 1957. These elections led to the emergence of a communist-led government — one of the world's earliest—headed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Subsequent social reforms favored tenants and laborers. This facilitated, among other things, improvements in living standards, education, and life expectancy.

Since then the regions of Kerala have bonded together to usher in economic growth and social welfare, emerging as a shining example in human development index in the world.

Tourism has developed and has in recent years witnessed rapid growth, providing the world with a fantastic opportunity to experience Kerala as it is today… a beautiful, exciting, vibrant, and deeply cultural land.

About Kerala

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala At A Glance

Location : Southwestern tip of India.

Area : 38, 863 sq km.

Population : 3,18,38,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Language : Malayalam;English is widely spoken.

Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Time : GMT +5:30

Currency : Indian Rupee

Climate : Tropical.

Summer : February - May (24 - 33⁰C)

onsoon : June - September (22 - 28⁰C)

Winter : October - January (22 - 32⁰C)

Transport

Air: There are three international airports in the state. They are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Nedumbassery (Kochi) and operate international flights and domestic flights.

Road and Rail : The state is well connected by rail and road.

Seaports :

Major : Kochi
Minor : Beypore (Kozhikode), Alappuzha, Kollam.

Major Beaches : Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Kappad and Bekal.

Major Wild Life Sanctuaries: Thekkady (Periyar), Parambikkulam, Wayanad, Silent Valley, Aralm, Peechi-Vazhani, Chimani, Shenduruny, Idukki, Chinnar, Peppara, Neyyar.

Bird Sanctuary : Thattekad, Kumarakom. Major Hill Stations : Ponmudi, Peerumade, Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad.

Farm / Cash Crops : Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices, Pepper, Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut and rice.

Exports : Marine, Coir, Handicrafts, Spices, Food and other Products.

Major Industries : Tourism, Information Technology, Fertilizer, Oil Refining and Power Generation, Ship Building, Machine Tools, Electronics, Cables, Rubber.