God's Own Country - About Kerala

If there is one description that aptly captures Kerala, it is ‘Gods Own Country’. A gorgeous strip of land located at southern most tip of India is blessed with full of backwaters, beaches, hill stations and rain forests. Its cultural fabric is blended with rich tradition of performing arts such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattum and Kalaripayattu to name a few. From time immemorial it has been cradle of the unique Ayurveda, which means the mantra of life. Ayurveda follows a holistic methodology of living a healthy younger life. The ethnic cuisines of Kerala alone makes you think coming back to this place again and again.

Myths about Kerala says…

Traditional legend proclaims that Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Mahavishnu threw his battle-axe into the sea. As a result the land of Kerala arose and was reclaimed from waters. Another legend of Onam, which is celeberated every year during the month of Chingam (Usually falls in Aug-Sept), is perhaps the most popular and fascinating legend prevails in Kerala. The story goes that Kerala was once ruled by an Asura (demon) king, Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. During the Mahabali’s regime everybody was happy. Rich and poor were equally treated. There was neither crime, nor corruption. People did not even lock their doors, as there were no thieves. There was no poverty, sorrow or disease. Becoming jealous at the growing popularity and fame of the King, Gods sent Vamana, a disguised dwarf to deport him to the Pathalam, the nether world

History had its tails…

Archaeological evidences at a few places in the Western Ghats show the presence of Paleolithic people using quartzite choppers. The rock shelters and paintings at certain sites like Marayur in Idukki district have yielded relics of late Stone Age. The presence of Neolithic people is attested by stray finds of Celts and hand axes at several places. There are natural rock shelters and engravings at Edakal and Tovari near Sultan Battery, identified as belonging to late Neolithic and early Iron Age.

Megasthanes, the Greek Ambassador to the court of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya (4th Century BC) mentions in his work Indica on many South Indian States, including Muziris, and a Pandian trade centre. The Greco-Roman traders frequented the west-coast during this period as evidenced by their writings as well as the hoards of their coins. Muciri, Tondi, and Mantai have been referred to in their writings as the famous ports of the times. During those times Kerala was ruled by Chera and Perumal Kingdoms. St Thomas, the Apostle visited Kerala circa 52 to proselytize amongst the Jews, who were settled here. Later many times Christians from Syria have migrated to Kerala during 3rd to 9th century to escape the religious persecution. With the advent of Islam in West Asia the traders visiting Kerala's shores contained ever larger proportions of Muslims. Malik Ibn Dinar created the first Muslim settlement in Kerala in the 7th century CE. Arab Muslims eventually dominated the sea trade with Kerala until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century CE.

Vasco da Gama's voyage to Kerala from Portugal in 1498 was largely motivated by Portuguese determination to break the Arabs' control over trade of spices grown in Kerala. It marked the begining of colonial period which lasted till 1947. Protuguese was later followed by Dutch, French and the English. The Dutch were, in turn, routed by the travencore ruler Marthandavrma at the Battle of Kulachal in 1741. Hyder Ali of Mysore conqured northern Kerala in 18th century, capturing Kozhikode in 1766. The British concluded treaties of subsidiary alliance with the rulers of Cochin (1791) and Travancore (1795), and they became princely states of British India, maintaining local autonomy in return for a fixed annual tribute to the British. After India's independence in 1947, the princely states of Travancore and Kochi were merged to form the province (after 1950 a state) of Travancore-Cochin on July 1, 1949. The state of Kerala was created on November 1, 1956 when Malabar District was merged with Tranvancore-Cochin state. The first Kerala state Legislative assembly were held in 1957, that resulted in the formation of first Communist Government headed by E. M. S Namboothiripad

Kerala In The World Tourism Map.

Kerala is named as the one of the ‘10 paradises in the world’ and ’50 places of a lifetime’ by the National Geographic traveller magaize in 1999. With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A climate enriched by seasonal Monsoon Rains. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic and ethnic cuisine. All of which offer you a unique experience. Kerala is also well-know for its eco-tourism initatives

Kerala has the unique position of 100% literate people.Its infant mortality rate is very low, lowest in India. Kerala's citizens live nearly as long as Americans or Europeans. A heritage of female-headed households highlights women have always been equal participants here. has a rate of newspaper readership that is among the highest in the world, which shows the political awarness of the people. Kerala also has the highest physical quality of life.