The History

Original inhabitants were animists, followed by the Dravidians. After Alexander's triumphant sweep over Asia Minor, the ports of Kerala became a link between the Middle East, the Mediterranean and China.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama made his historic landing on the Malabar Coast. In 1723, the East India Company signed a strategic treaty with King Marthanda Varma. For a few decades, Hyder Ali and his son -Tipu sultan proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the British, sweeping down several times into Kerala. In 1947, it was the turn of the British to pack their bags.

The People

Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. The Malayali majority belong to the Dravidian group (local race) of early Indian peoples.

There is a small population of descendants of Indo-European migrants from the north. Certain hill tribes exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast Asia. Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and Jewish, minorities.

The official language is Malayalam. A long contact with the outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook

Culture

One aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches.

Splendid paintings, especially murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles. The land is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form. The state has also a rich theatre tradition: the only surviving Sanskrit drama, Koottiyattam, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya-Shastra are evident in their presentations.

Climate in Kerala

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges between 27º and 32º C in the plains but drops to about 21º C in the highlands.

Winter - 32 to 20 º C. Kerala is strongly buffeted by both the southwest and northeast monsoons. Rainfall in many parts of the state exceeds 118 inches. Best season: October to March.

 

Tourism in Kerala

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Kerala is one of the most wanted after tourist destinations in the world.

The main tourist attractions of Kerala include the hill station of Munnar, backwaters of Kumarakom along with its house boat cruises, beaches of Kovalam, wildlife sanctuaries etc.

 

Kerala Festivals

10-day annual festival in January at Sreekandeswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. In February, is the week-long Nishagandhi Dance festival; Pooram festival in Thrissur around April-May; Flavor Food Festival, at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram in May.

Onam Week celebrations, the annual harvest festival of Kerala begins in August and lasts for 10 days. Another important festival is the annual Pongala Utsavam, to which only women are allowed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Therayattam festival is held to propitiate the gods and demons recognized by the pantheon of the Malayalis.

 

Kerala Beaches - One of the exclusive features of the beaches of Kerala are the clean sands bound by non-stop rows of palm trees. This adds to the magic created by sunbathing, boating and swimming in these waters.

Kerala Backwaters - The only way to learn the real Kerala is to cruise along its backwaters. You will experience a totally different Kerala as you sail down these calming waters in a country craft and absorb this unusual representation of Kerala life. Kerala's centuries-old, palm fringed backwaters stretch over 1900 kms.

Ayurveda in Kerala -Call it a blessing of God, Kerala's friendly climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool extended monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages.

Kerala Forts - Kerala had been the hub of much political activity in the past and has witnessed the influx of various foreign powers, which settled down in various parts of the state. The imposing forts such as the St.Angelo's Fort, Bekal Fort, Palakkad Fort built by these colonial powers speak volumes about the foreign influence on architecture.

Kerala Hill Stations - Kerala has been well-known for its natural riches at least since the time of King Solomon. Driving from the ocean to the hills the moist jade of coastal rice and paddy fields and coconut groves give way to bananas, black pepper, Ginger and tapioca. Moving higher the road begins to wind through tea estates and plantations of coffee, rubber and spices.

Kerala Museums - The museums and art galleries of Kerala resound with the glory of a bygone era that was replete with exotic art forms.

Kerala Monuments -Travel back in time to the rich palaces of the Kings of yore to be crowned a king. Lose yourself amidst cool, tranquil monuments. Marvel at the exquisite architecture. The intricate stone carvings, and the delightful fables wander around enchanting museums. Explore the ruins of ancient forts.

Lakes of Kerala - There are 34 lakes in the state. From the geographical point of view lakes can be segmented into three – Bordered by the sandbank and running almost parallel to the riverbank are the first category. These include the Vembanadu and Kayamkulam Lake. The second type has its front side covered with land. The last category includes the lakes that extend till the west of the coastal area and running almost perpendicular to the riverbank. Ashtamudi Lake belongs to the third category.The largest is the Vembanadu Lake covering an area of 260 sq.km. followed by the Ashtamudi.

Kerala Wildlife - The Wildlife Parks, reserves, sanctuaries and National Parks stretch from the southern tip of Kerala to the Northern Border with Karnataka.

Forests in Kerala - The Western Ghats, the natural mountain barriers of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are home to the majority of Kerala's forests and wildlife. Not long ago, these forests made a contiguous path for animal migration. But the unrestricted migration of vast populations from the plains in search of cultivable lands during the 50's and 60's saw the alarming denudation of the forest cover and along with it the destruction of wildlife.

Kerala Temples - Kerala has a fairly rich mythological heritage and there are temples of several gods and goddesses almost throughout the state. All these temples are not only significant from their religios importance but are also great architectural set ups. Some are huge and richly decorated while others are small with simple decor, but invarianbly all speak volumes about the highly religious temperament of the people.

Pilgrimage in Kerala - The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the Pathanamthitta district head quarters, is a National Pilgrim Centre. This famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala.

Waterfalls in Kerala - Enchanting and serene waterfalls welcome you at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges. One can find frequents buses to Athirappally from Chalakudy-40 km from Cochin on the Thrissur route. Athirappally is 77 km north of Cochin (Kochi).

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