Kerala - God's own country stands by a famous mythological legend. The sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the warrior sage Parasuram, stood on a sky-high cliff and ordered the violent sea to recede. He threw his warrior axe into the sea, and the land of wealth and abundance emerged. Situated at Malabar Coast, this state in India has magnificent mountains, tranquil backwaters, and palm-lined beaches. Famous for tea, coffee, and spice plantations, this piece of heaven is truly mesmerising.The capital city is Thiruvanthapuram known for its grandeur and rich heritage. Want to know more about Kerala? Let’s read this guide!
Also known as Ketalaputo, as found on the rock inscription from the Mauryan era, Kerala history was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms during Ashoka's reign. Mutated into an International Trade Hub, Cheras altered the face of Kerala by establishing foreign trade relations through the sea route. Losing it to Cholas and Rashtrakutas in repeated attacks, the Cheras reclaimed control over the affluent state in the 9th century. Ravi Varma Kulasekhara of Venad established a short-lived supremacy over the southern state at the beginning of the 14th century.
Then began the colonial era in 1498 when Vasco Da Gama made his way to Kerala and raised Portuguese settlements. By the 17th century, the rich territory of Kerala opened the avenues for European traders to export exotic spices to their country. Kerala became a paradise for spice and ivory. The coastal area remained the most flourishing foreign trade centre for almost 3000 years. By the end of the 18th century, the British took control of the land and ruled until India was declared independent in 1947. After Independence, the Kingdom of Travancore, the Kingdom of Zamorin, and the princely state of Cochin were merged into Kerala.
Kerala culture and tradition is an assemblage of cultures and civilizations that have been a part of its ancient history. Native and foreign multiculturalism has a great impact on the rich tapestry. Kerala has been a state that introduced Christianity and Islamic religions to India. Kodungallur in central Kerala is where the first church and mosque were built.
Hinduism and Islam are the two major religions of Kerala. According to statistics, more than 50% of people in Kerala follow Hinduism, more than 25% follow Islam, around 20% are Christians, and the remaining community follows Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and other religions. Kerala has the highest literacy rate and education level in India. The paradigm of religious harmony in Kerala is a definitive example of diversity at its best. Boasting some unique festivals, folks in Kerala display their cultural ethnicity through the Pattadakal Dance Festival, Village Fair, and many more.
Art and Handicraft represent the artistic inclination of a state that has been followed by one generation after the other. Kerala is a hallmark of eco-friendly tourism, and most of the handicrafts crafted by dexterous artisans are made from naturally available materials. Ivory, bamboo, palm leaves, seashells, wood, coconut shells, clay, cloth, metals, stone, and coir are transformed into exquisite, vibrant pieces that are famous worldwide.
The intricately carved figurines, metal statues, figurines carved with rosewood and sandalwood, lampshades, vases, baskets, etc, are unique and display the excellent craftsmanship of artisans in Kerala. Besides these handicrafts, the folks of Kerala have an innate inclination towards music, dance, and literature. The two most famous art forms - Mohiniyattam and Kathakali, are absolutely stunning and require lots of strength and practice as they are performed wearing elaborate costumes and heavy makeup. Other prominent dance forms are Theyyam, Koodiyattam, Ottamthullal, and Chakyar Koothu, representing the state's unique dance culture.
Read More : Offbeat Places In Kerala
From chicken, mutton, beef, and pork to a wide range of seafood, Kerala is a gastronomic hub for non-vegetarians. Mussels, crab, tiger prawns, king prawns, oysters, sardines, mackerel, tuna, and luscious red lobsters - there is no shortage of seafood. Also known as the land of spices, every kitchen in Kerala smells of tasty delights. Chillis, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and tamarind dominate the dishes, while no dish is complete without coconut or coconut milk.
Appam with stew, Idiyappam with egg curry, Kerala prawn curry, Puttu and Kadala curry, Erissery and lentil stew, fish moly, beef fry, Naadan kozhi curry, Erachi Varutharacha curry, Ada Pradhaman, Chatti pathiri, and Coconut toddy are a few of the famous dishes from the very long list of lip-smacking delights. Also, bananas are plentifully used as fritters and halwa. Traditionally, the food in Kerala is served on banana leaves.
The land paying homage to many water bodies captivates tourists across the state or nearby regions and the corners of the whole country. Being home too many off-beat destinations, Kerala is truly picturesque and pristine. Here is a compilation of significant tourist attractions that contribute to Kerala tourism at its peak.
Your trip to Kerala, God's country, will leave a lasting impression. Exploring these best tourist places in Kerala can surely assist in compiling the best memories of a lifetime. One of the best tourist destinations in India, visitors to this beautiful land can enjoy the tranquil climate while spreading their wings in the lap of nature.
One can easily obtain Air connectivity to Kerala through four International Airports in the state namely Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport and Kannur International Airport. These airports are conveniently located and linked with important cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.,and other international cities. Once you land, you can also hire a taxi or board a bus to any part of Kerala you wish to visit.
Kerala is accessible with a fairly good road network, meaning that reaching the place is not a problem. One can also drive in their own car or even a bus from neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The KSRTC and other private operators have daily services to different cities in Kerala such as Coimbatore, Kottiyur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Madurai. The highways such as the NH 66 and NH 544 are used to connect this region to the rest of the country and these are very beautiful roads passing through beautiful areas of greenery.
Kerala has splendid train connectivity with several stations located in different parts of the state. Some of the important stations of the state are Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam Junction, Kozhikode and so on. Currently there are many stations and trains originating from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai etc and they run very frequently to these stations. The Indian Railways also provides different classes of travel to provide comfort to all travellers. Instead, once one reaches a railway station, there are other means of transport that one can use to get to the final destination.
Kerala, sometimes referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ is an exquisite location with many places of interest such as backwaters, beaches, and hill stations. Kerala is easily accessible by air, road and train transport services as it has direct flight, bus and rail connectivity from different parts of the country. The transport infrastructure is very developed, so if you immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape and the diverse culture of the state, you will not have any difficulties on the way. Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations in India and no matter whether you have decided to spend your holidays in a calm way or have an adventurous tour, it never lets you down.
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Q. What is the best time to visit Kerala?
A. The best time is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant.
Q. Are there direct flights to Kerala from international destinations?
A. Yes, Kerala's major airports have direct flights from several international destinations.
Q. Can I travel to Kerala by bus from neighbouring states?
A. Yes, there are regular bus services to Kerala from states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Q. How long does it take to reach Kerala by train from Mumbai?
A. Depending on the train and route, it usually takes about 24 to 36 hours.
Q. Is it safe to travel to Kerala during the monsoon season?
A. While Kerala is beautiful during the monsoon, some areas may experience heavy rainfall and landslides. It's best to check weather conditions before planning your trip.
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