Kerala is an overwhelmingly green land with silken realms of emerald backwater, long charming shorelines fringed with palm groves, spice scented hill tops veiled in mist, lush green jungles, exotic wildlife, spectacular art forms, colourful festivals and its rich culture and traditions make Kerala unique. Kerala has charmed millions into her, people from all walks of life and cultures, of all hues thronged this place, for here they found nature at its best - unexplored. Hence truly called 'God's own country'.

Kathakali, Theyyam, Mohiniyattom, Ottam Thullal are the various dance forms, Kalaripayatu is the martial art form from which all the modern martial art forms are believed to have evolved.

The 'Science of life', one of the oldest treatment system evolved around 600 BC and is believed to have been passed on by the Gods themselves to the sages and then on and on to the present generations. Ayurveda has been a part of Kerala life for centuries. kerala's eaquable climate, natural abundance of forests and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayur veda's curative and restorative powers.

The Palm fringed beaches of the Kerala coast extend for over 700 kilometres, and it has some of the world's most famous and safest beaches on it namely Kovalam, Papanasham, Cherai, Kappad, etc to name a few.

The emerald green backwater lie mostly in central Kerala and it has its own maze of canals, backwater and canals and a cruise along these backwater is sure to take your breath away. It also offers opportunities for Keralites to indulge in resplendent water carnivals and regattas like the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and many more.

Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, many of which are celebrated without distinction of caste or community. While core rituals and customs are practised by those belonging to the religion, it is not surprising to find people of other faiths join in the celebration and happiness. Major Hindu festivities are Onam, Vishu, Navarathri, Deepavali and Thiruvathira. Christian festivals are Christmas and Easter and Muslims celebrate Bakrid, Ramzan, Milad-I-Sharif and Muharram.

Being that most of the Western Ghats lie in Kerala, it has a lot of hill stations in it that offers nature at it best with its pristine beauty at some places, while some others have the hill tops scented with the various varieties of spices and abundant tea plantations.

Various architectural styles in which the monuments have been built are quite interesting. The traditional style is the one thats mostly seen in temple and old palaces. These has been considerable foreign influence too. The Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Bekal Fort, Anjengo Fort, Napier museum, etc are some existing examples.

Keralites are very friendly and hospitable people. They strongly believe in the saying 'Adhithi Devo Bhava' which means Guest is God and they do whatever possible to make the guest comfortable and feel at home. This priceless virtue of Keralites makes one feel at home, away from home.

Kerala with its vast variety has some of the best resorts in the continent each one blending in with its surroundings perfectly. Each resort in Kerala looks as if it was designed to have been at that place and no where else. The quality offered is also of very high standards. Keralites have a very good sense of personal hygiene and cleanliness, thereby not just the resorts, almost every place in Kerala is bound to be clean.

The Western Ghats houses various mountains and hill stations. Besides this it also has several wildlife parks which are home to a large variety of rare species of flora and fauna. Some of these can be found only in this part of the world. A truly must see sight for those interested in adventure.



The people of India are universally known for their warmth and hospitality. More than the scenic beauty of the country its the warmth and affection of the people of India which lingers in the minds of the tourists. India's cultural ethos emphasizes the axiom "ATHYTHY DEVO BHAVA" which means "GUEST IS GOD" is reflected in the hospitality extended by its citizens.

 

 

Click to Enlarge