Kerala – 'God's Own Country'

Where backwaters whisper, traditions dance, and nature paints life in a thousand shades of green


Kerala, colloquially known as 'God's Own Country,' is a state where emerald canopies, serene backwaters, and rich cultural heritage merge together to offer an experience that one would never forget. Located at the southern end of India, Kerala is caressed by the Arabian Sea on its west and the towering Western Ghats on its east, hence a heaven for tourists, nature lovers, and culture vultures.


The Luxurious Brocade of Kerala's Past

More affluent than its soil, Kerala's past is intriguing. It emerged as a focal point of trade of spices such as black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, drawing Arabs, Chinese, and Greeks, followed by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. This inescapable world traffic shaped the state into a melting pot of society. At the heart of this state's folklore lies the legend of Parasurama, the warrior saint, who created Kerala by hurling his axe into the sea.


Natural Beauty: The Emerald Strip



Kerala is indeed an emerald strip of land, filled with natural riches. It's where you can enjoy a relaxing boat tour on the tranquil backwaters—the tranquil canals and lagoons of Alleppey and Kumarakom—on a globally famous houseboat holiday. Outside of the inland waterways, the coast offers secluded beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari for beach vacations. Journey deeper into the state to the rolling hill stations of Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, the slopes of which are covered with tea gardens and spice plantations. Last but not least, the state's conservation promises are seen in the Periyar and Silent Valley wildlife sanctuaries, which contain precious reserves of elephants, tigers, and exotic birds.


Culture & Traditions

Culture of Kerala is a very rich blend of ancient and modern synthesis.


Techniques of Dance: The state gives origin to a number of unique forms of performance arts. Kathakali is a classical dance-drama in which the actors enact wearing elaborate headgears of high profile and bright face paint, and Mohiniyattam is characterized by soft, feminine movements. Theyyam is a ritual art form reflecting Kerala's wealthy spiritual heritage.


Festivals: The most familiar festival is Onam, the harvest festival, with the beautiful art of Pookalam (decorative flower carpets), fast-paced Vallamkali (snake boat races), and the lavish, vegetarian Onam Sadya (a humongous feast). Other significant festivals are Vishu, the New Year ritual of prosperity, and Thrissur Pooram, a colorful temple festival with procession of decorated elephants and fireworks.




Kerala Cuisine

Kerala cuisine is a spicy combination of coconut, aromatics, and rice.


Vegetarian fare: Absolute must-haves are Avial, Sambar, Thoran, and Olan.

Non-vegetarian fare: An absolute must-try are Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped and cooked in a banana leaf), Kerala beef curry, and Malabar biryani.

Breakfast staples: The breakfasts themselves are local icons, such as Appam with stew, Puttu with Kadala curry, and Idiyappam.

Sweets: Sweets such as Payasam and Ada Pradhaman finish off any traditional meal.

A lot of meals are eaten on a banana leaf, particularly during festive seasons, for a truly local experience.


Martial Art: One of the oldest in the world to endure, Kalaripayattu was conceived on the Kerala soil.


Tourism: A Key to Kerala's Identity

Tourism is an intrinsic component in presenting Kerala's distinctive offerings:


Ayurveda & Wellness: Kerala is a unique place worldwide in terms of traditional Ayurvedic treatment and wellness resorts, welcoming people who are keen on traditional healing techniques.




Eco-Tourism: Eco-friendly tourism activities in places like Thenmala and Wayanad have established Kerala as a trendsetter in eco-tourism.


Adventure: The diverse landscape welcomes adventurers with the options of trekking, bamboo rafting, wild life safari, and spice plantation tour.


Literacy & Lifestyle

Due to extremely high human development indices, India's most educated state is Kerala (over 96% literate). The inhabitants here are famous for their liberal mindset towards education and health care, but things move at a relaxed pace with modernity being complemented by age-old traditional values in perfect harmony.


Handicrafts & Artistry

Kerala is also famous for its beautiful crafts, such as coir items, Aranmula mirrors, Kasavu sarees with intricately bordered gold, and bright mural paintings. These all depict the style and expertise developed over the generations.




Why Visit Kerala?

Kerala is not a place; it is a state of calmness—halfway between sea and land, yesterday and today, flesh and spirit. If you yearn for a leisurely sojourn in the backwaters, an adventurous climb in the hills, or a gastronomic explosion of festivals and dances, Kerala opens her doors wide for you. It is not just a state; it is an experience—a living poem of nature and culture.


VAISHNAVI YADAV 

BJMC 3

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