Kerala's the land of green magic is a narrow, fertile strip on the south-west coast of India. Its tropical climate, beautiful palm-fringed beaches with pristine stretches of sand, the serenity of the backwaters and the clear blue Arabian Sea, colourful festivals, sprawling rice fields, coupled with the rich cultural heritage, the Ayurveda spas and resorts where traditional healing therapies are practiced and the opportunity for relaxation and water sports make Kerala one of the most beautiful destinations in India.
People from far-off lands have been coming to Kerala since ancient times. They came in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory. Long before Vasco da Gama led the Portugese to India, the coast had been known to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs and the Chinese. Long contact with people from overseas has resulted in the blending of various cultures which gives Kerala a cosmopolitan outlook.
The present-day state of Kerala was created in 1956 from Travancore, Kochi (Cochin) and Malabar. Malabar was formerly a part of Madras State, while both Travancore and Cochin were princely states ruled by Maharajas. An early concern for public welfare gave Kerala a head start and resulted in the state being one of the most progressive, literate and highly educated of all states in India.
Although, Kerala occupies 38,664 sq km or just one per cent of total area in India, it supports almost four percent of the countries population with a density of nearly 700 persons per sq km, the highest for any state. Moreover a sizeable proportion of Keralites live abroad giving the state an international flavour.
For the visitor, Kerala offers an intriguing blend of cultures and some unusual ways of travelling around. Perhaps more than anywhere else in India, getting around can be a lot of fun, particularly on backwater trips along the coastal lagoons. It also offers some of the best and most picturesque beaches in India, the one at Kovalam, south of Thiruvananthapuram, being the most popular.
While in Kerala you can travel from beautiful beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Beypore and many more to the green hills of the Western Ghats within a few hours. You can listen to the silence of the sea and relax on the golden sands. One of the most memorable experience for the tourist visiting Kerala is the opportunity to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala on a house boat (Kettuvallam). The boats cross shallow palm -fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and cruise along the narrow shady canals. On the way one can see the real Kerala village life. Alappuzha or Alleppey is an important tourist centre in Kerala because of its amazing backwaters.
A number of boat races are conducted every year. You can breathe in the aroma of spices in the spice plantations of Thekkady. You can also see the splendor and fervor of a temple festival at Thrissur and the excitement of a snake boat race at Allapuzha.
Even the Kerala cuisine is known for its variety and taste. Traditionally, in Kerala, a meal is served on a banana leaf. Coconut shavings or coconut oil is a prominent ingredient in almost every dish prepared in Kerala.Local spices like cardamom, cinnamon and pepper lend their aromatic flavour. Traditional Kerala cuisine is not too spicy or hot, but has its share of chillies that gives itpungency.The crunchy papadam, banana and jackfruit chips, fried in coconut oil, can give french-fries a run for their money any day.
You can watch mesmerized as a traditional Kathakali dance performance occurs before your eyes. You can be enchanted by the graceful Mohiniattam dance, where the dancers create poetry in motion. You can see the beautiful flower carpets with which people decorate their houses on the festival of Onam and enjoy a traditional Onam feast, eaten on a banana leaf, while on tours of Kerala.
You can discover a younger and more refreshed you, after a stay in an Ayurveda resort or spa in Kerala where the healing powers of Ayurvedic massage and therapy help your stresses melt away.
You can see elephants, tigers and other wild animals in their natural environment in Periyar wildlife sanctuary on wildlife tours of Kerala. You can shop for the legendary spices, traditional sandalwood crafts, hand-woven cotton textiles and fine handmade jewellery in the markets of Kerala.
Places to visit
Alappuzha
The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this are is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
Ernakulam
Ernakulam is the green commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, seafood, rubber and coir. From times immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impressions on the town. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch etc. Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping, markets and bazaars are located.
From time immemorial Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impressions in the town. The Chinese fishing nets, believed to be erected in 1350 AD, swaying in the breeze over backwaters, the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Portuguese Architecture, Bolghatty Palace etc. enrich the heritage of Kerala.
The word Ernakulam comes from a Tamil ‘Erayanarkulam’ meaning abode of Lord Shiva.
In and Around Ernakulam
BOLGHATTY ISLAND - This long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, it became the seat of the British Resident later. In 1976, the palace was converted to into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds. This island is connected by frequent ferry services with the mainland Ernakulam. Boats to this island start from the High Court Jetty. Country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired near the Jetty.
CHINESE FISHING NETS, Fort Kochi – The Chinese fishing nets are a fascinating sight to us. These nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters with pivots of wood, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in 1350AD.They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala.
THE DUTCH CEMETERY - The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.
DUTCH PALACE - This Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 A.D. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the 'Dutch Palace' as the Dutch renovated it during their short-lived reign here. The palace is well known for its mural paintings, which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the 'Puthra Kameshtiyagam' to Rama's return to Ayodhya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. They cover nearly 300 sq. feet of wall surface. In the central courtyard of the Palace is the temple dedicated to Panhayannur Bhagavathi. In the Coronation hall there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Cochin. The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and National holidays.
FORT IMMANUEL - This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM, Tripunithura - It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage museum located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. The museum premise has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from Central America to Australia. It is situated 12 Km. away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Mondays and National holidays. There are frequent private buses from Ernakulam to this place. Tripunithura was the head Quarters of the Maharaja of Cochin and his palace and his palace. The Pooorna Trayeesha Temple at Tripunithura is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and there are two festivals every year each lasting 8 days the most important festival falls in November -December and on the last day of the festival the image of the deity is taken out in an impressive procession on beautifully caparisoned elephant."Athachamayam" is celebrated here 10 days prior to Onam, August-September the national festival of Kerala. A Cultural festival is held as the part of the Celebrations. Tripunithura is situtated 10 km away from Ernakulam and is connected by frequent Private buses to this place.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE - This synagogue built in 1568 A.D., was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two year after Scroll of Old Testament and a number of the Copper Plates inscribed in the Hebrew script script are preserved in the synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. excepted on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
KALADY - Kalady is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the Great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century it is situated on the banks of river Periyar there are two Shrines in memory of Sri Sankaracharya One dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharadha. The ancient Sree Krishna Temple situated here was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankaras shrines in kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste. Kalady is connected by road with important cities in south India there are frequent buses to kalady from Angamaly and Aluva.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram the capital of Kerala, located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.
In and around
Kovalam Beach : 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple : The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum : The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.
The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.
Sree Chithra Art Gallery: Located near the Napier Museum. This art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India.
Other places of interest are The Zoological Park, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Observatory, Shankhumugham beach & Connemera Market.
Idukki
Located in the central part of Kerala, the District is bound on the East by Madurai District of Tamil Nadu State while on the West by Ernakulam and Kottayam Districts of Kerala. In the South it is the Pathanamthitta District.
Idukki Arch Dam - This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage.
Ilaveezhapoonchira - 55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha)This is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district.
Keezharkuth: Keezharkuth - (25 km from Thodupuzha in Idukki) The Rainbow waterfalls, which cascade down a rock from a height of about 1500 mt is a wonderful attraction of this spot.
Mangala Devi Temple - (15 km from Thekkady) the ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
Mattupetty - (13 km from Munnar): Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project.
Munnar
Nyayamakad - (10 km from Munnar): Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls - The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres.
Palkulamedu - (12 km from Idukki): Kochi, Alappuzha and other nearby towns can be seen from this peak which is located 3125 m above sea level.
Peermede Pothamedu - (6 km from Munnar): Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trek.
Power House Waterfalls - (18 km from Munnar): This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level.
Thekkady
Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Idukki - : About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.
Tribal settlements in Peermede - The Orali, Malapandaram and Malayarayan tribes live in the hills of Peermede. The main tribal settlement here is Plakkathadam which is also known for its trekking trails.
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam - This is a picnic spot (35 km from Thodupuzha) also ideal for meditation, relaxation and watching sunset.
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