Femous State of Kerala in india

  By Dhananjai | September 4, 2012 | INDIAN CULTURE

History Legend says, the temperamental figure in Hindu mythology, Parsuram, was the one who reclaimed the territory of Kerala from the ocean. It is solely through his efforts that the warrior class of Kshatriyas got off their high horse and restored to primacy the priestly class of Brahmins. Parsuram was promised a stretch of land by the Gods which would be fixed at the point where the axe flung by him landed in the sea. All the myth surrounding the story came out to be actually true when geologists found that the same stretch of land that is now Kerala actually did lie under water! Kerala was ruled by the Cheras of south India till around 1100 AD. The Cheras, and after their decline the Zamorins of Calicut (present day Kozhikode), were the most powerful rulers of the Malabar before the colonial period. The Zamorins established great trade relations with the Chinese and the Arabs, and were patrons of the arts. The land of Kerala in earlier times was inhabited by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The first to trade with Kerala were the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians in the 3rd century BC. Christianity came to Kerala when St. Thomas famously landed on Kerala’s windswept shores in 52 AD. The original Jews in Kerala were the Black Jews, fabled descendents of King Solomon! The White Jews came later during the mass exodus from modern day Palestine 2000 years ago. A community of Syrian Christians also adopted Kerala as their homeland. The Arab traders brought in Islam when they established trade relations with Kerala in the 8th century AD. The “civilised” world’s great search for India ended on the coast of Kerala in 1498, with the explorer Vasco da Gama making landfall at present day Kozhikode. The Portuguese, Dutch and the British continually vied for this prized territory on the Malabar Coast. The British finally took control of the entire region in the 18th century AD, outwitting Tipu of Mysore, the Dutch and the Portuguese. In the year 1957, Kerala got the power of a free elected Communist government. The state of Kerala today comprises of the former princely kingdoms – Cochin and Travancore.

Economy The major cash crops of Kerala – rubber, coconut, cashew, spices, coffee, ginger and pepper form the bulk of agricultural exports from the State. Teak, rosewood and ebony are open to commercial government-monitored lumbering. Chemicals, fertilizers, shipbuilding, aluminium, metals, electronics, synthetic textiles and plywood are the largest industries. A large number of people in Kerala are employed in seafood exports, coconut fibre weaving, cashew processing and fishing. The tourism industry has really come up, generating good revenue for this State. The literacy rate here is about 98% and is the highest in India. Industrial investment however, has not been forthcoming in this Communist state where trade unions are very powerful and minimum wages for workers high. Economic developments like land reforms, which abolished the feudal institution of landlordism and launched a land redistribution drive, have been very successful.

Language A history of interaction with foreigners dating back to 3rd century BC has made Kerala a multi-religious society. The earliest trade was with the Egyptians, Babylonians, Phoenicians and Chinese. Jesus’ doubting apostle, St. Thomas’ arrival is pegged around 52 BC, some of the Jewish Diaspora in the 1st century AD landed at Kerala’s shores around AD 70 and the 8th century saw the establishment of strong trade ties with the Arabs. Of the colonizers, Kerala attracted the attentions of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. As a result, the tiny land of Kerala is home to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, (particularly Syrian Christains), Jews, Jains, and atheists, the Malayali senior citizens being almost all card-carrying communists. The Malayalis, as the people of Kerala are known, are of Dravidian stock. They speak Malayalam and are distinguished from the rest of India in that most of them are literate. As a norm they are well read, politically aware and the Hindus, extremely caste conscious. Opinions abound and on streets, in markets, on the walls of buildings, they are on public display. Kerala is India’s statistical aberration! Women are the majority sex, average life expectancy is closer to that in the US than India, literacy rates are almost double that of the rest of India. Traces of a matriarchal system mean that Malayali women enjoy a degree of social respect denied to women in most other communities. The Nairs are Kerala’s only practicing matriarchy today. The language spoken in Kerala is Malayalam. It is one of the south Indian Dravidian languages. English is not very widely spoken except in business circles and in the tourist centres.

Religion Hindus are the largest religious community in Kerala, where there are also significant populations of Christians and Muslims. A large section of Keralan Christians belong to the Syrian Christian Church. There are also a few Jains and Buddhists, and very few of the famous “Jews of Kochi” still live here.

Food Rice is the staple of the Kerala diet. Various preparations form the base of the meal; curries of fish, meat and vegetable accompany it. Most dishes bear the flavour of coconut, curry leaves and mustard seeds, and the tastes of coconut milk and tamarind. All communities except the Namboodiris, a community of orthodox Brahmins, consume meat with gusto. Kerala cuisine is distinguished by its regional and religious differences. The food of the Malabar coast is distinct in its use of red chillis, pepper, mutton and beef preparations and the fondness for the famed Malabari ‘barotha’ a multi-layered fried bread from unleavened dough. The Travancore region is staunchly Hindu, ruled over by Hindu kings so beef was taboo but pork wasn’t! Rice is still a staple but preparations are easier in the use of pungent spices but redolent of the strong flavour of coconut oil. The Malayali people relish sea fish, mussels, pork, beef, mutton and fowl, and these may be stewed, fried or curried. Usually Muslims won’t eat pork and Hindus won’t eat beef. The influence of the Middle East is unmistakable in the richness of the meat dishes. ‘Puttu’ is a breakfast speciality made from steamed rice flour. The Kerala variation of the dosa, the Tamilian rice pancake, is called ‘appam’. The ‘pathiri’ is yet another kind of bread, which may be had sweet or stuffed with meat. The most popular sweets are payasam and pradaman. Rasam, served right at the end of a meal, is light pepper water intended to help you digest your food. Kallu and patta charayam are the local liquor: the latter is a kind of arrack and is extremely potent, and is usually accompanied by boiled eggs and hot pickles. Culinary specialities include banana, yam and jackfruit chips, avial, a vegetable curry flavoured with fresh coconut, green chilis and curd, injipuli, a tamarind and ginger sauce as well as the hot but very delicious Malabari prawn and chicken curries.

Culture and Crafts Kathakali, kuttiyatam and kalaripayattu are Kerala’s pre-eminent arts. The culturally thriving society evolved its own classical dance-drama form called Kathakali. The Kathakali dancer relies on exaggerated eye movements, a ferociously painted face and stylised dancing to convey the spectacle of good versus evil. The native martial art form of Kalaripayattu exacts physical and mental dexterity from its exponent. People dedicate entire lives to mastering the lithe deadly graceful movements. Kuttiyatam is also an ancient dance-drama form. Mohiniattam is a classical dance performed exclusively by women. Malayali literature dates back to 100AD. The poet Kumaran Asan is a towering literary figure. The folk theatre form of Yakshaganam originated in Kerala.

Tourist info centres

The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation is responsible for the promotion of tourism to Kerala. KTDC has its main office in the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. Find your way to the Tourist Facilitation Centre on Mascot Square. You can also reach their office through the phone number-91 471 2721243.
Tourist offices at KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) bus stations will have information on travelling by road: distances, bus timings, an approximation of the time it will take, and other relevant news.

How to get there by Air Kerala has three airports served by international as well as domestic carriers. The largest is the Kochi International Airport that connects several countries in the Middle East and South East Asia to God’s own country- Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram Airport comes next in the list. Well linked to most international and national routes, the airport is strategically placed in the capital and a preferred option for those who want complete access to the state’s transit services. Kozhikode International Airport is the city’s newest addition to its aviation network served by a few international flights. Carriers serving Kerala’s airports include Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates.  Irrespective of where you land in Kerala, the most convenient way out of the airport is a classic cab ride. There are private and pre-paid taxis to be hired. For a regular cab head towards the exit where a large fleet of white taxis line up for passengers. Or book a pre-paid taxi and hop in for a smooth ride to the hotel. If you’re landing at Kochi International Airport, reserve a prepaid taxi at the booking counter in the arrivals which will save on precious time and money. Light weight luggage, tight budget and a keen interest in the local topography might prompt you for a bus ride in one of the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses. Regular services and Volvo buses are parked outside the departure gates of the international terminal. A regular bus can be boarded for about Rs 50-60. High rollers can make a grand exit in one of the helicopter taxis that access major cities and landmark destinations. Kochi International Airport has recently joined hands with Bharat Airways to launch a service for Thiruvananthpuram, Kozhikode and Sabrimala. In case you’re well versed with the routes and in possession of a valid driving license, rental services offer numerous deals that may interest you.

How to get there by Rail Kerala is well-connected to all major cities of India through an efficient rail network. While there are frequent services from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, distant metropolitans like Delhi and Mumbai have weekly services that provide direct access to various districts of the coastal state. These trains are usually crowded and advance reservations are highly recommended. Thiruvananthpuram and Kochi stations are abuzz with activity as they handle the lion’s share of kerala’s rail traffic. Once you de-board and walk out through the exit, there are taxis and local buses that will drop you to your desired destination. Indian Railways has also launched a few deluxe services in the region due to its increasing popularity among the tourists. One such service is the Golden Chariot’s South Indian Rail Tour , a southern odyssey that covers some breathtaking views along the stretches of Western Ghats.

How to get there by Road Buses operated by transport agencies of different states enable travelers to access Kerala with great ease. Karnataka State Road Traffic Corporation operates frequent buses that make the journey during the night. Similar services are available in Tamil Nadu as well. Volvo shuttles owned by private organizations are a step ahead as their services are divided in different categories depending upon the luxury and comfort offered. If you love the idea of travelling in accordance with your convenience renting a car is a feasible option. The most commonly used highway is NH 47 that leads to Kochi. While driving on the highway, keep your license handy as you’re likely to come across the state authorities at various check posts. Smart drivers will adhere to the prescribed speed limits since routes to Kerala are prone to accidents under heavy traffic situations.

Getting around Kerala’s public transport provides easy and affordable connectivity to most districts within the state. There are helicopters, buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and ferries for inter-city transfers. Just board your ride and you’re all set to feel the charm of God’s own country. Air  Helicopter taxis can be hired at Kochi and Thiruvanathpuram from the city airports. These services require travellers to make advance reservations, which are mandatory during the festive season especially if you’re planning to head to pilgrimage spots like Sabrimala. Ferry  With a coastline running over 500 sq Kms of land along the Arabian sea, Kerala’s marine transportation is just as active as it road and air transit system. Small boats and sea jets ferry passengers from one district to the other, while houseboats cruise on the backwaters. The port city of Kochi is Kerala’s marine transit hub. Here you can book a journey on any of the vessels of your choice and receive info on the various routes connected with the local waterways. Train  The inter-city rail network is the best for long haul trips to villages and attractions scattered within the territory of state. There are local services and express trains to choose from. The express trains run nonstop between any two cities whereas the local service will make a few stops before getting to a destination. Tickets are fairly priced and can be obtained at any of the stations. Keep in mind that the local network is subject to technical snags resulting in short delays. Passenger trains are practical for short trips to areas that are left out by the express services which are slightly expensive. But on a tight schedule, spending a few bucks extra on express tickets may prove to be extremely beneficial. Bus  Budgetary constraints will never spoil your vacation in Kerala as its transit system offers diverse options to cater to different pockets. State-run buses and privately operated ‘coaches’ to Kerala come in various degrees of speed and comfort. There are regular, fast, super fast and deluxe buses that cover long and short distances throughout the state. Regular buses may be a little too rugged and appropriate for short journeys. Fast buses are certainly better in terms of condition and ideal for a trip to large towns and villages. Super fast and deluxe services operate widely on the routes of the cities. Auto Rickshaws and Taxis  Taxis are convenient but at times outrageously expensive. Ambassador taxis painted in black and yellow are common in a few districts. Indica cabs have also registered their presence on the roads. All cabs charge passengers in accordance with the distance travelled. Since fares are revised in every few months, it is advisable to gain relevant information on taxi charges from tourist offices and residents. Auto Rickshaws often end up charging more than the prescribed rates. Therefore, while hiring an auto, make sure that the driver has agreed to use the meter. If the driver’s insistent on going by a fixed rate, bring your bargaining skills in action before striking the deal.

Where to Stay in Kerala

Kerala’s ample charms couldn’t have remained hidden from the world long, and they didn’t. Tourism blossoms in this tiny state in South India and there is no dearth of places to stay in Kerala. At the established seaside resorts like Kovalam and Varkala you can find a variety that ranges from 5-star luxury to cozy cottages that will not boast a strip of private beach, but will have rooms with attached bathrooms and balconies.
Top-end accommodation is also available at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Taj Malabar Hotel at Willington Island in Kochi is often lauded for its exceptional hospitality fused with a fine touch of opulence. Equally rich in luxury is the Trident Hotel that caters to business travellers as well as those seeking leisure. Three star properties like Kovalam Beach Retreat and Kumarakom Lagoon assure equal comfort while going easy on your budget. 
In smaller towns you can expect to find decent mid-range hotels that are clean and equipped with basic amenities and communication networks such as cable TV.
You could also spend a night on the backwaters of Kerala, between Allepey and Kollam, in a rice-boat. Hire a Kettuvalam; spend the day wafting past emerald green embankments. Luxury accommodation abounds in and aroundPeriyar Wildlife Sanctuary with Forest rest houses as budget accommodation options.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The ideal and probably best time to visit Kerala is between October and March. No month is completely dry but these are less wet than the rest of the year. Humidity is relatively low and the weather is balmy. January-February and September-October average at 28º C in the plains and 22º C in the hills. This is also the period when many of Kerala’s colourful festivals are celebrated.

Climate Kerala’s location is perfect for the moisture laden North-Easterlies that bring rain to the subcontinent. The monsoons arrive in Kerala in the month of May, shedding much of their moisture on the windward side of the Western Ghats first. However, the period between October and March are less wet than the rest of the year. Humidity is relatively low and the weather is balmy. January-February and September-October average at 28° C in the plains and 22° C in the hills. May and June are extremely hot, humid, wet and these months face incessant rain. The temperatures in the plains go up to 32° C, but the high humidity levels make the season seem warmer.

Things to do in Kerala

A traveller has plenty of things to do in Kerala because of its rich cultural heritage, and abounding scenic beauty. Take a sightseeing tour to the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, the pristine beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, backwaters at Alleppey, forests of Periyar, Parambikulam Sanctuary, the town of Munnar, and Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
One can go shopping for idols, vessels, and lamps in metal. Traditional jewellery, horn carvings, and several other artefacts are also potential buys. The choice of outdoor activities in Kerala is vast and a traveller has the option from angling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, and white water rafting to camping, mountaineering, para-sailing, and trekking.
Apart from the famous festival of Onam, many other local festivals are celebrated all over Kerala. Some of these are the Ashtamudi Craft & Art Festival, the Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, the Ettamanur Festival, and the Pooram Festival, to name a few