GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

KERALA


Kerala is an enchantingly beautiful, emerald green land, flanked by the Western Ghats on one side, the Arabian Sea on the other, and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation in between.

For tourist, Kerala offers Nature on a platter. Sandy beaches of Kovalam, blue Lagoons at Veli, Hill stations at Ponmudi and Munnar, backwaters of Kollam and Alappuzha, greenland plantations in the highranges, wildlife, high mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, magnificent forts and intricately decorated temples - Whatever one can ask for.

What's more, everyone of these charming destinations is only maximum a two-hour drive from the other. A singular advantage, which no other destination offers.


Kerala History;


Legends of Kerala attribute the creation of Kerala to Parasurama. After his return from pilgrimage he found his father murdered and mother beating her chest twenty one times. This provoked him and he swore to wipe out twenty one generations of the Kshytriya clan who were responsible for his father’s death. His mission accomplished, he found the blood stained land unsuitable for Brahmins to inhabit. Parasurama threw his battle-weary axe into the ocean to atone for his sins of mass killing. As soon as the axe landed, the waters receded and a new swathe of land arose. This pure land was Kerala (from Keralam, Sanskrit for ‘the land added on’), which he gifted as dakshina to the Brahmins. Which is why even today Kerala is also referred to as Daan-Kshetra.

The name ‘Keralam’ or ‘Kerala’, as it was derived by the English language, comes from the Malayalam words ‘Keram’ meaning Coconut Palm and ‘Alam’ meaning Land or Place. Keralam is therefore ‘The Land of Coconut Palms’. Sandwiched between 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. Kerala is a bustling spot of little green-and-silver, coconuts-and-water state on the west coast of India. It is bounded by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west. It has an equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, Waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields. It also has Ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, Historic and cultural monuments. 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, with its exquisite beaches and pristine backwaters, lofty mountain ranges and deep forests, verdant fields and coconut palms that sway their heads in tune to the cool breeze against the skies, fertile soil and fragrant spices, is truly God’s own country, a veritable gift of nature. She is also famous for presenting an exotic cuisine of sorts.

The cuisine of Kerala is now considered to be amongst the tastiest in the world, and the average Malayalie is a culinary connoisseur, understanding and deeply appreciative. The diversity that one sees today in Kerala’s food evolved from the various people who invaded, colonized, traded with or settled here. All left their indelible mark on the cuisine that in course of time, evolved into one with an identity of its own.

Kerala’s highly palatable cuisine is just as distinctive as its colourful cultural life and religious traditions. It is a cuisine influenced by the long coastline - and flavoured by the ubiquitous coconut. One enriched with exotic tropical fruits, vegetables, cereals, fresh seafood and herbs. It is garnished with the unmistakable aroma of pepper, cardamom, chillies and cloves. A holistic and natural cuisine that follows the tenets of Ayurveda, mildly flavoured, gently cooked and with a certain genteel delicacy on the stomach. In short, it is a cuisine that is truly in harmony with the health conscious.
Kerala’s tryst with spices remains as strong as ever. Trading between Kerala and the world goes back to the third millennium and left a great impact on Kerala’s history. The traders also brought in their religion and culture, resulting in the shaping of this land as it is today. Wars were fought between the invaders and local kings vanquished, all for the sake of this aromatic bouquet – pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric and chillies.

Kerala offers a wide range of Tourism possibilities. Nature tourism, Backwater Tourism, Monsoon Tourism, Eco Tourism, Cultural Tourism and Health Tourism are the important forms of Tourism offered by Kerala. Here we list the most important tourist spots of Kerala. These are the gems among all the tourist spots in Kerala. If you are planning to visit Kerala, make sure you don’t miss any of these.


KERALA DISTRICTS ;


1. KASARAGOD


A district with rare and different beauty , Kasaragod is poised for growth in the area of tourism. Kasaragod , known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches is the most enchanting district of Kerala
Lying at the northern tip of Kerala, the district is demarcated by the Western Ghats on the east, the Arabian Sea on the west, the Kannur district on the south and Karnataka on the north. It is a land of Temples, Mosques and Churches. It has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for the art forms of Yakshagana, Bombe-yattu and Theyyam. Traditional art forms of pulikkali, oppana etc adds colour to festivals and celebrations.It has twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, Kasaragod is an enchanting beauty of Nature’s creations.
Kasaragod is a land of Temples, Mosques and Churches. It has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for the art forms of Yakshagana, Bombe-yattu and Theyyam. Traditional art forms of pulikkali, oppana etc adds colour to festivals and celebrations.


2. KANNUR


Kannur a coastal Districts of Kerala is of great historical importanc and known for its Handloom and Beedi industries. Marco Polo once referred to Kannur as great emporia of spice trade. In the 15th century with the arrival of Portuguese, Kannur came into the political limelight.

Bounded by the Western Ghats in the East, Arabian Sea in the West, Kasargod in the North, Pondicherry in the South, Kannur is endowed with sufficient number of rivers which are navigable. It has extensive forest areas which are classified as reserve forest and vested forests


3. WAYANAD


This unspoilt expanse of virgin rainforests in the Western Ghats in northeastern Kerala, (south of Coorg) is bordered by the Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai. The misty environs of Wayanad offer a wide range of trekking opportunities, plantation visits and wildlife tours.
Wayanad derives its name from ‘Vayal nadu,’ which means land of paddy fields. With its unique and peculiar geographical position, Wayanad is blessed with mist clad mountains and sylvan valleys. It is situated at an altitude of 700 to 1200 meters above sea level. The Panamaram and Mananthavadi Riverlet originate from Thondeumudi peak joins together six km. North of Panamaram forming the river Kabini. The Kabini river system of Wayanad is the perennial source of water to Kaveri. With the green plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom and the panorama of undulating hills and dales, Wayanad is a fairy land for the tourists. The population of the district is predominantly tribal. The Headquarters of the district is Kalpetta.


4. KOZHIKODE


Kozhikode or Calicut as it was known to the Europeans was where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. It was earlier visited by the explorer Marco Polo in 1320 AD who talked about the ‘Great Province of Malabar’. Kozhikode was once the capital of the powerful sea lords known as Zamorins or Samuthiris, and till date is a prosperous centre of trade and commerce. The idyllic setting, with the Arabian Sea on the west and Wayanad Hills on the east, has made it a popular tourist destination over the years. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and ayurvedic medicines

5.MALAPPURAM

The district name “Malappuram” literally means “a land atop hills” which is situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha 50 Km southeast of Kozhikode bounded by the three great rivers of Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram nestles between the Lakshdweep sea on the east, the beautiful Nilgiri hills on the west, and is bounded by the other Kerala Districts of Kozhikode on the north and Palakkad on the south. The district is popular for its unique natural beauty of undulating hills, meandering rivers alongside the coconut-fringed seacoast.


6. PALAKKAD


Palakkad district provides the passage to the state of Kerala from the other parts of India through a natural gap at the Western Ghats. In the 960 km long Western Ghats, this gap forms the most influential factor in the unique characteristics of this district. It has contributed immensely to the cultural and commercial exchanges between Kerala and the neighboring states. The plains in the district are so fertile and productive that it is called the granary of the state. The second longest river of Kerala, Bharathapuzha flows through the state. Unlike the state’s longest river Periyar, it is shallow and rocky, but holds a unique place in the cultural psyche of the state.


7. THRISSUR


The name Thrissur is derived from ‘Thiru Shiva Perur’ which means the town with the name of Lord Shiva. It is known as the cultural capital of Kerala and the land of Sakthan Thampuran, the foresighted ruler who contributed much to the development of the place. Thrissur has a rich past as well as a vibrant present, It is here that Kerala’s most extravagant and passionate festival, the Thrissur Pooram takes place. The Vadakkumnathan Temple here is said to have been consecrated by Parasurama, the creator of Kerala.For centuries, it has been an important religious and cultural centre. Thrissur was occupied by the Rajahs of Kochi from the 16th to the 18th century, and then it fell into the hands of the Zamorin of Kozhikode and then into Hyder Ali in the late 18th century. Sakthan Thampuran is the very architect of Thrissur. For those who want to explore the cultural heritage of the State, a visit to Thrissur is inevitable.


8. ERNAKULAM


Ernakulam is where the buzz of modern day Kochi exists. Alive throbbing with people, shopping centers, cinema theatres, offices, hotels, plush buildings, roadside eating joints, exotic restaurants; the factors that come together to create the quintessential city life can be experiences here. Ernakulam is a witness to the amalgamation of the old and the new, it is only here that you can enjoy the conveniences of an urban lifestyle that is now increasingly prevalent in the big cities of India.
Kochi has been rightly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Her palms studding the glistening waters appear like jewels exquisitely set on a royal crown. The silent welcoming of the great ships from oceans afar into her arms; the continuous buzz of activity that is her ambience; the joyous hospitality of her people; the grandeur and antiquity of the buildings that constitute her very being; the strong aroma of spices wafting in the breeze that sighs through her streets, prove that Kochi cannot be called by another name.


9. IDUKKI


This district’s name, ‘Idukki’ is supposed to be derived from the Malayalam word ‘idukku’, which means a narrow gorge. That could well be true, for narrow, steep-sided valleys are not strange phenomena in this hilly district, flanked by the Western Ghats in the east. The river Pamba originates in the mountains of Idukki. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with Power Generation. Idukki, the abode of spices and energy, forms the bulk of the High Ranges. Gifted with pristine natural beauty, Idukki abounds in forests. These forest areas are homes for a variety of flora and fauna besides being home to the wild life tigers, bisons, deer, monkeys etc. There are 14 peaks including the state’s highest peak Anamudi in the Kannan Devan Hills lying at heights 2500 meters above sea level in the district. The rainfall, temperature, humidity in the district shows a high degree of variation and in the winter, the temperature falls down to freezing point at the peaks. The scenic beauty of Idukki is unique in every respect. It has nothing to boast of the rise and fall of dynasties, but it has housed a flourishing civilization. The Mangaladevi Temple dedicated to Kannaki of ancient Tamil literature, Marayur Caves known as ‘Muniyaras’ with ancient cave paintings, Muthalakkudam Church built in the 13th century, Minar mosque built by Vadakkumkoor Rajas etc speak volumes of the civilization that flourished in Idukki.


10. KOTTAYAM


Kottayam District, bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and the Western Ghats on the east, abounds with beautiful natural scenes. The district is blessed with a network of canals and rivers that drain in to the Vembanad Lake. The famous tourist spot, Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary which is a paradise for the tourists, is in this district. There are vast stretches of rubber, tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in the district.

Kottayam was the first town in India to become fully literate which triggered a mass movement in the state to transform Kerala into the first fully literate State in India.The District Headquarters of Kottayam has a unique and distinct place in the cultural, educational, and socio- economic history of Kera dominated by the Syrian Christian Community, It was in Kottayam that Benjamin Bailey, a Christian Missionary, established the first vernacular Printing Press in Kerala in 1820 A.D. It is the home of a number of newspapers and magazines including the countries largest selling vernacular daily, ‘Malayala Manorama’.


11. ALAPPUZHA


Alappuzha district occupies a prominent place in the tourist map of Kerala interlocked with lakes and canals.The Vembanad Lake stretching up to Kochi, the rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pamba and a net work of canals in the district are used for inland navigation. The vast stretch of paddy fields of Kuttanad, which is popularly known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala,’ is in this district. Coir and coir products form a thriving industry in this district. The exciting and unforgettable boat cruises between Alappuzha and Kollam offer intimate glimpses of backwater life and an unforgettable journey watching Coir making, boat building, toddy tapping, fish farming and the rugged village life.
Alappuzha, the Headquarters of the district, is an ancient centre of trade and commerce. The town is popularly known as ” VENICE OF THE EAST’. The most famous attraction in Alappuzha is the NEHRU CUP SNAKE BOAT RACE.


12. PATHANAMTHITTA

Pathanamthitta District located near the Western Ghats and blessed and enriched by nature, is famous for its scenic beauty with its unending stretches of forests, rivers like the Achankovil, the Pamba, the Manimala etc., rural landscapes, fairs and festivals.

13. KOLLAM

The district is endowed with natural gifts of hills, forests, rivers, streams, backwaters and lakes. The district has several beaches comparable to the best in the world, breath-taking cascades, and thick evergreen forests with a lush distribution of flora and fauna. It is an ancient centre of trade and commerce. It is a major centre of marine products and cashew industry in the state. The port of Neendakara on the Arabian cost is the centre for trawlers and ice plants. Kollam is located 70 km north of Thiruvananthapuram on NH 47 and easily accessible both by road or rail.


14. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM


Thiruvananthapuram is the southern most district of Kerala state. The name can be split into thiru-anantha-puram, which means the abode of Anantha or Lord Vishnu. The British anglicised it to Trivandrum. The capital of Kerala, the city is clean and green and believed to have grown around the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple – the family diety of the royal family of Travancore. The important backwaters of the district are Veli, Kadinamkulam and Edava Nadayara canals. There is a fresh water lake at Vellayani near Thiruvananthapuram city. Neyyar, Karamana and Vamanapuram are the three major rivers in the district. The important backwaters of the district are Veli, Kadinamkulam and Edava Nadayara canals. Neyyar, Karamana and Vamanapuram are the three major rivers in the district. The Secretariat government offices are the focus of this city as a good number of people are government employees. There is also a spattering of businessmen, professionals and of course the IT industry.