KERALA
- – THE GOD'S OWN COUNTRY
Kerala is one of India’s states, formed on 1 November 1956 following the States Reorganization Act. It is located right down in the southernmost tip on the Malabar Coast rammed between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats. It is bordered by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Lakshadweep Sea. The state was formed by merging Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara. Kerala is the thirteenth largest populated state with the population of around 33,387,677. Malayalam is the official language of the state. It is known for its spice exporting business. This state has extremely rich flora and fauna, most of its biodiversity being in the Western Ghats. Three quarter of the lands of Kerala was covered with lush green forest till the 18th century. 25% or more of India's 15,000 plant species are believed to be in Kerala. It boasts off 4000 flowering plant species. Kerala is equally rich in its fauna. It is well known for its diversity priding with 118 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 189 species of freshwater fish, 173 species of reptiles, and 151 species of amphibians. There is more of Kerala that makes it one of the most sorted vacation spots of the travelers around the world like the luring beaches and back waters. Furthermore the Government of Kerala started the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival in 2007 with the view to promote tourism in Kerala. Tourism indeed forms the major part of the state’s economy. The air of Kerala is so clean you will feel it the moment you step foot on the state. It is simply a treat to your senses and truly deserves to be called one of the ten paradises on earth.
History
There is a Hindu mythology that says that Kerala was actually recovered from sea by the warrior sage Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, therefore Kerala is also called by the name of Parasurama Kshetram meaning "The Land of Parasurama" and the Snake King Vasuki is said to have spitted holy poison on the soil of Kerala which converted the lands into fertile lush green forests. The marine fossils found have however proved that a major portion of the state was indeed under the sea. Kerala was a major spice exporter since 3000 BC. The coast became important to the Greeks and Romans in the last centuries BCE for its spices, especially black pepper. The Jewish connected with Kerala in 573 BCE, Arabs had trade linked with Kerala, before the 4th century BCE.
In the 1980's Kerala suffered from the problem of high human development and low economic development because of which plenty of educated unemployed went out to the Gulf countries, which gave birth to many travel operators and soon enough they were enlightened with the idea that their state could be a tourist destination. Kerala Travels was the first travel agency in Kerala, founded by Col G.V. Raja of the Travancore royal family along with P.G.C. Pillai. By 1986 tourism in Kerala had already picked up speed and it never looked back after that. Today, the tourism of Kerala is growing at the rate of 13.31%.
Culture & Tradition
Kerala stands out for its varied culture, including arts, cuisine and dance forms. The culture of Kerala is in fact considered to be the culture of the Nation. It is a blend of Aryan and Dravidian culture. People of different ethnic groups and religions live here in peace. The first inhabitants of this place though are believed to be the Negritos. Hindism is the most followed religion in the state but apart from this other religions are also followed like Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc. The most grandly celebrated festivals in the state are Onam and Vishu, other festivals are also celebrated though. People here are very careful and particular when it comes to preserving their culture and traditions. They would go to extremes to maintain it. More emphasis is laid on the religion, philosophy, language, education, art and social organizations. The Koodiyattom was announced as the Human Heritage Art by the UNESCO. This is a form of drama of stories of Gods. Kathakali and Kali are the other two forms of art. Kalarippayattu is yet another form of art attracting the attention of the world. It is actually a fight which is demonstrated in dance form. It is just amazing. If you haven’t witnessed it then you have got to. Kerala has a rich tradition of Folklore which is basically formed of elements from the traditional lifestyle of the people of Kerala. The folk art and songs of Kerala reflect traditional beliefs, customs and rituals. Kerala’s classical musical genre is dominated by the ragas and talas of lyrical and devotional Carnatic music. Kerala has its own native music system, sopanam, which is a melancholy and step-by-step recitation of raga-based songs. Coming to the cuisine of the state, Kerala also prefers spicy cuisine. They mostly use chili and black pepper. Coconut grows in abundance here therefore different forms of coconut is used as an ingredient in many of its dishes. Rice and cassava are the staple foods of Kerala, which is served with Kootan. So Kerala with its marine beauty and interesting culture definitely becomes one of the jewels of India.
Places to Visit
Alleppey :
This is that spot that tops the list of the most beautiful places in Kerala. It is famous for house boat vacation, backwater trips and houseboat stays. It was tagged as the Venice of the East by Lord Curzon.
Munnar :
This is a very popular hill station in Kerala. This hill station is specially suited to the couples or the honeymooners. It is known for tea farming with 80,000 miles of tea plantation. The beauty is mesmerizing with greens everywhere.
Kumarakom :
This is another beauty of Kerala worth boasting. It is blessed with scenic treasures of abundant forests with exotic flora and fauna, mango groves, coconut grooves, lakes, paddy fields and backwaters, delicious fresh coconuts and explicitly fresh air. There are activities like boating, cruising, houseboat stay and fishing available for you to indulge in.
Wayanad :
Meaning the lands of paddy fields. This is one of the greenest parts of Kerala. There is something divine about this place. Creativity of nature and humans will blow your mind away. Small waterfalls here and there add to the charm of the place.
Thekkady :
This is a piece of heaven on earth hidden away in the depths of the thick forests of Kerala. It houses some rare animals like tigers, sambars, gaurs and lion tailed macaques and also some other animals like elephants, lions, deers, bisons, boars, and the Great Indian tigers.
