Kerala - The God's Own Country

Kerala, the God’s Own Country.

Kerala tourism, famed due to Kerala’s beauty of paradise locations engraved in nature by God Himself, hence called ‘GOD’s OWN COUNTRY’. Kerala tourism, which gives a cherishable experience to the tourists throughout the world. Kerala tourism, the nature bound tourism with all diversities such as Beaches, hill stations, waterfalls, backwater, trips to lagoons, canals and wildlife sanctuaries in a single package.

Sandwiched between the Western Ghats on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the west, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India. Kerala enjoys unique geographic features. Blessed with a congenial climate and myriad natural attractions, Kerala sets the perfect ambiance for yearlong celebrations. Beautiful beaches, serene backwaters, lovely hill stations, rejuvenating Ayurveda and lush green forests are the remarkable features of Kerala. Hunted after for its spices, sandalwood and timber, traders from Greece, Rome, Arabia, Britain, Portuguese, France and Jews etc. had come here centuries ago. The descendents of few of them, especially the Jews, Christians and Muslim are still here. 

Kerala is the land of genuine Religious Secularism, with a rich culture renowned the world over. It is a land of industrious people who achieved total literacy in 1992. Visited twice by the yearly Monsoon, The Cool, Bracing climate lends a distinct individuality that sets Kerala apart from the others. Long stretches of lush green field, cool backwaters, palm-fringed lagoons, enchanting valleys, exquisite beaches and colorful festivals including Elephant Procession, Snake Boat race, Ritual & Folk art performances which starts in the night make Kerala an exotic experience not to be missed.

History of Kerala

Kerala is the smallest state in South India. Legends say that the state was raised from the depth of ocean. Parasurama, one of the incarnations of Vishnu, had waged an epic series of vengeful wars on the Kshatriya. Then a time came when Parasurama was struck by remorse at the wanton annihilation he had wrought. He offered severe penance on a mountain and gaining profound atonement, the sage heaved his mighty axe into the ocean. Waves foamed and frothed as crescent shaped stretch of land extending from Kokarnam to Kanyakumari, surfaced at the point where the axe fell. Thus, the beautiful state of Kerala formed, a land of plenty and prosperity.

The factual history of Kerala and its Malabar Coast is closely linked with its commerce and trade. The geographical position of Kerala has also contributed to its commercial and economic prosperity. The strip of land found a natural barrier in the hills, which sealed off one longitudinal section, leaving it open to access from the sea alone. The Phoenicians were the pioneers in the sea trade with Kerala. In 1000 BC, King Solomon’s ship visited ‘Ophix’ to trade in ivory, apes, sandalwood and peacocks. The fame of Kerala spices brought the Romans in 30 AD, who were followed soon after by the Greeks, Arabs and the Chinese. The spice trade also brought Vasco da Gama to Kozhikode in 1498, who paved the way for a fresh wave in trading history starting with the Europeans. Traders from the Malayan Peninsula, the Philippines, Java and Sumatra also visited the ports of Kerala. Gold was traded by these countries form the east and west, for spices, ivory, sandalwood and peacocks.

The rulers of Kerala gave these trades all facilities and permitted them to settle down on Kerala soil.  The Portuguese gained trading rights in 1516, followed by the Dutch merchants who obtained a strong hold in 1602. But, the Portuguese were forced out of the sea by 1663, and 1795, the Dutch too had to move out, as British traders had already become the strongest power in India by that time.

The recorded history of Kerala dates back to a 3^rd Century BC inscription on Ashoka’s rock edict. It is interesting to note that till the beginning of the 11^th century, the people of Kerala and their eastern neighbors, the Tamils, shared a common language and culture. The trade with the Roman Empire and China filled the land with gold and the people were prosperous and happy.

Constant political feuds and wars between the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas, finally culminated in 1120 AD, with the breaking up of Kerala into many petty Kingdoms. These Kingdoms, were ruled by the Thampurans or chiefs, under whom Kerala attained its most brilliant period in the history.  

The people of Kerala broke away from the Tamils and formed a distinct culture of their own. A common code of conduct based on chivalry, tolerance and ancient moral codes came into existence. Malayalam superseded Tamil as the language of Kerala and Sanskrit became the badge of learning and culture. Along with trade, literature, philosophy and science too flourished during these periods. In the year 1956, the present state of Kerala was formed, comprising the Malayalam speaking tracts of South India. Kerala is today, the one fully literate state in India, which has contributed its mite to the nation in the form of eminent writers, scientists and famous personalities.

Art and Culture

Kerala’s unique selling point is its rich culture, which was mellowed by centuries –old rich heritage. Culture and heritage have a pervasive presence across the state and are kept alive through the state’s performing arts. In a land, which cannot boast of monumental architectural feats, unlike many other parts of India, the performing arts, both individually and collectively, make up for the lost magnificence. No other state in India can match the grandeur and creativity of Kerala’s performing arts. The classical and ritual arts of Kerala have always enjoyed rich patronage form the former Kings who ruled the state to the latter day Governments.

Kerala’s performing arts are a fest to the eyes. A sheer variety of art forms, when performed by consummate artistes with the requisite paraphernalia, make watching them worth it. Legends and legendry characters resurrect from dog-eared pages of history books and make their apparitions on the stage, leaving the audience ecstatic. The attire and facial expressions of the artists are sumptuous treat for the eyes. Many of these performing arts are enmeshed with the cultural history of religious communities. While classical art forms such as Kathakali and Bharathyanattiyam were the stronghold of the upper class, those from lower strata of the society performed dance forms such as Theyyam and Padayani. If the former class performed in the temple premise and on specially erected stages, the latter has to venture on streets to show their artistic prowess.

Besides, the aborigines of the state have their own art forms. Cherumarkali, a harvest dance, its one among them. Dancers, men and women, with hands entwined, waltz rhythmically to the drumbeats, sending spectators into a trance. Flamboyant cultural processions are an integral part of any festival here. In temple fests, deities adorned with glittering jewels and colorful garlands are shouldered in the procession to the accompaniment of the chanting of hymns, blowing of conches and playing of nadaswaram.

Geography

Kerala is one of the smallest state in India, covering merely 1.3 % (Per Cent) of the total are of the country. Flanked by Karnataka in the north and Tamil Nadu in the east, Kerala is an enchanting strip of land ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Based on the physical features, the state can be divided into three natural divisions, namely –the study coastal region with its extensive coconut groves, paddy fields, backwaters and sea, the midland region made up of fertile reddish hills and valleys that grow most of Kerala’s agricultural crops, peaks, extensive ridges and ravines of the Western Ghats, where sandalwood, tea, coffee, rubber and most of Kerala’s exotic spices grown.

The western Ghats, which form a solid, contiguous mountain wall, seem to dominate the topography of Kerala. The 2,695 meter high Anai Mudi Peak here is the highest point in South India. The Ghats act a natural barrier during the south west monsoon, thereby ensuring a steady rainfall. More than forty rivers spring from the mountain and taking a roundabout route, they either join the backwaters and lagoons or directly merge with the sea.

Kerala enjoys balmy weather almost all through the year. It is neither too cold in the winter months no too hot in summer. The best time to visit is November- February, when the air is bracing, and on some mornings there is a light mist. Light woolens may be required in the hills in the evening and early mornings. The warmer months are March –May and September –October, when the flowers are out and nature is at her best. Mid-May to August is the Monsoon period, and one can expect a wet time. In addition, June is also a windy month.

The official language of the state is Malayalam, but English too is widely spoken and understood. Though industrially backward, Kerala is one of the most progressive states in terms of Social Welfare and Physical quality of life. The absence of the village system in Kerala is also a unique phenomenon. The people of Kerala enjoy a unique cosmopolitan outlook, which is reflected in their tolerance towards other races and religion.

The early setting of Jews, Syrians and Portuguese in Kerala has resulted in a happy blending and enrichment of the Keralite’s life and culture. This rich culture together with the peculiar ecological pattern and beauty of the region have earned for Kerala the little-“God’s own Country”.

Climate

The climate of Kerala is tropical like most parts of India. Due to its close proximity to sea, the temperature of Kerala remains equable for most part of the year. The state does not have a continuous dry spell and the summer lasts from April to June. Maximum temperature remains around 32 % centigrade. Kerala receives most of the rain from the monsoon, which touch the state in June and remain there till September. Besides the south-west monsoon, Kerala also receives rain from the north –eastern monsoon.

Winter season in Kerala begins from October and lasts till January. In winter the temperature drops a bit but the weather is never too chilly in Kerala. In winter, the average temperature in Kerala remains around 21 % centigrade. The presence of Western Ghats on eastern side of the state and across the path of the south –west monsoon creates an important climatic zone with abundant rainfall on the windward side and a dry belt on the leeward eastern side.

Ayurveda- Rejuvenating Body, Mind & Soul

Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India. This new system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by Dravidians and Aryans alike Ayurveda has been practiced ever since. Today, its unique, indispensable branch of medicine – a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body’s humours-vata, pitta and kapha- to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a while, making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.

Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (June-November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative package.

In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in india, which practice this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Traditional texts reveals that the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapies.

Cuisine

Cuisine of Kerala, God’s own country, is an exotic mixture of nature’s very best. There are a large variety of dishes which are peculiar to Kerala, be it vegetarian or the spicier non-vegetarian, ranging from the rice flavored savory “appams”  or the crunchy chips variety, to the delicious seafood delicacies or the leafy or root vegetables. Kerala has it all. Sadya- typical Kerala Hindu feast served on a banana leaf, is a sumptuous spread of rice and more than 14 vegetable dishes, topped with payasam or pradhamans, the delicious sweet dessert.

Muslin and Christians excel in their own particular non-vegetarian dishes like the ‘pathiri’, ‘bririyani’, chicken, fish dishes etc. Rice is the staple food and the curries are eaten usually with plain steamed rice. A typical breakfast can be puttu, vellayappam or idiappam made with pounded rice flour. Almost every dish prepared in Kerala uses coconut – as oil or grated, ground or with its milk strained together with spices and tamarind to flavor them. Tender coconut water is used as a refreshing nutritious drink.