KERALA- God’s Own Country

Kerala

Kerala is paradise situated on India’s southwest corner of India, a state in South India, known for its serene backwaters, beaches, lush hills, tea plantations and more. Kerala has a unique culture due to its long coastline and exposure to foreign influences. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep Sea border the state. Kerala is of the most scenic and popular tourist destinations in India.

HISTORY

Kerala has been a center for trade and commerce in South Asia. The first mention of Kerala can be traced back to 3rd century – BCE. It was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of Magadha. It was mentioned as one of the four independent kingdoms in southern India during Emperor Ashoka’s time. In the last remaining years of BCE, this region became well known among the Greeks and Romans for its spices especially pepper. During the initial five centuries CE, the area was a piece of Tamilakam, the region of the Tamils and was controlled partially the eastern Chola and Pandya dynasties as well as by the Cheras.

Kerala had strong trade relations with many foreign countries. Spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and dried ginger were exported to many foreign countries. The state has always been highly advanced in business because of its favorable location and successful trade relations were established with communities across the Arabian Sea. The arrival of the Europeans marked the beginning of another era in the history of Kerala. In 1498, Vasco Da Gama reached Kerala. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish monopoly over Kerala and later the Dutch and the British followed.

In 1947, after India gained Independence from the British rule, the states of Travancore and Cochin were united to form the Travancore-Cochin territory. The formation of Kerala as we know today happened in 1956 when the Travancore-Cochin territory was merged with the Malabar Coast.

Kerala – God’s Own Country

Kerala is fondly known as God’s own country and is extremely rich in cultural heritage. It has enchanting backwaters, palm-lined beaches, hill stations, rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, and diverse wildlife. It is a serene and beautiful place with an abundance of activities and sights for a vacation. Some of the famous attractions of Kerala are:

Varkala Beach

It is a beach situated on the Cliffside where you can witness scenic sunsets, dolphin sightings, and indulge in water sports like Stand Up Paddling, Surfing, Kayaking, Paragliding, and more.

TEMPLES

Kerala is home to many beautiful and sacred temples with unique architecture and detailed carvings. Temples like Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ananthapura Lake Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Sivagiri Temple, and many more are a must-visit.

TEA GARDENS

Kerala has vast tea plantations with lush green hills and a beautiful scenic backdrop where you can experience tea tasting and observe the tea-making process. A must-visit for all the tea lovers.

ALLEPPEY BACKWATERS

The enchanting backwaters of Kerala are a major part of Kerala and its beauty. You can indulge in backwater tours in traditional houseboats and shikaras through serene canals, where you can experience natural scenery and local culture.

DELICIOUS CUISINE

Kerala cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices. With a variety of delicious and authentic dishes like Appam, Puttu, Meen Curry, Payasam, and many more, there is a dish for every taste. Dishes are often thickened and flavored with coconut milk, coconut shavings, and grated coconut. There are so many varieties of spices available.

WATERFALLS

There are around twenty-seven waterfalls in Kerala with beautiful flora and fauna surrounding them to give you pristine views of the state’s natural beauty. Kerala is blessed with some of the most stunning waterfalls like Athirappilly & Vazhachal Waterfalls, Attukad Waterfalls, Mankayam Ecotourism, Kallar, and many more.

Kerala is a stunning destination with natural beauty, natural attractions, rich cultural heritage which includes traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, vibrant festivals, wildlife sanctuaries and many more unique art forms. It has a well-developed tourism infrastructure including quality hotels, resorts, tour packages and accessible transportation networks and is a popular vacation destination for domestic and international travellers. The best time to visit Kerala is during winter from October to March when the weather is pleasant, has comfortable temperature and minimal rainfall making it perfect for exploring all the extraordinary places Kerala has to offer.