Kerala is a small state tucked away in southern most corner of India. The area of kerala is 38,864 kms, which is 1.03% of India’s total area. Kerala has 3.43% of the total population of the country. Kerala can be devided in to three geographical regions. Highlands, Midlands and lowlands. The high land is with the forest about 25.45% of the total area of Kerala. The Midlands has fertile hills and valleys with a wide variety of cultivated vegitation and hill produced spices. The low lands, the sandy costal region is with extensive coconut groves, paddy fields, backwaters and sea.
Kerala has a composite culture enriched though the ages with the contributions of various peoples and races. Its peculiar geographical position has helped the process of cultural synthesis. Its history unfolds the romantic and fascinating story of a unique process of cultural and social assimilation. In response to every challenge, Kerala has demonstrated though the ages, its genius for adaption and fusion of old traditions and new values in all spheres of human thought and endeavour. Among those who have enriched Indian cultural heritage and helped the cause of national integration, the people of Kerala have a place of honour. Kerala culture is infact, an integral part of Indian culture, and like the Indian subcontinent, the state can claim to have a culture, the history of which runs into the dim recesses of antiquity. The culture of Kerala has persisted though the ages precisely for the reasons of antiquity, unity, continuity and universality. In its widest sence, it embraces the highest achievements of human spirit in every sphere of life. Thus in its totality, it represents the quitessence of the collective achievements of a people in the fields of religion and philosophy, language and literature, art and architecture, education and clearing economic and social organization. Spirituality: Kerala has ancient links with the major religions of the world. Christianity is believed to have come to Kerala’s shore much before it reached Rome, via St Thomas, Christ’s disciple. Islamic came early too because of the Arab traders and Judaism sprung up when according to legend merchants came here as part of King Solomon’s fleet add to this a vibrant Buddhist period a pluralistic society early Kerala was faith has always been a purely personal affair, are 3 major religions, of the state, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam having their centuries old shrines and devotees visit these shrine regularly on faith and harmony.
The Keralites' preference for simple living is reflected in the attaire of the region. The Keralite has an affinity for purity is seen in the elegent traditional attire of white and off white, a favourite with men as well as women. The "mundu" a piece of fabric worn around the waist and following down to the feet is the conventional attair of most men folk. "Mundu neriyathu" is the traditional two piece costume of the Hindu women. The traditional dress of Christinan women is "chatta" (Blouse) and mundu. Latter is worn with a fanlike fold at the back. Muslim women especially in central and north Kerala wear a long dark blue or black garment with the purdah. Every day cloths for all Keralites are saris and churidar/ salwar khameets for women and shirts and trousers for men. The western style of dressing Is also quite popular with the young generation.
Kerala is a land of colorful festivals, many of which are celebrated with out a distinction of caste or community. While basic rituals and customs are practiced by those belonging to a particular religion, it is not surprising to find people from other faith taking part in the celebrations and sharing their happiness. The major festivals of Hindu origin are Onam, Vishu, Navarathri, Deepavali and Thiruvathira. Christians and Muslims in Kerala join their brotheren through out the world in celebrating festivals. Christmas and Easter are the most important Christian festivals, whole the Muslims celebrate Bakrid, Ramzan, Miladi-sharif and Muharram with favor. In addition there innumerable other local festivals associated with the Temples, Churches, and Mosques. They are unique in the scene that they are observed else where. Among the typical festivals of Kerala, the Boat Regatta (Vallamkali) has a place of honour. So does the Thrissur Pooram, a festival of the Gods, caparisoned elephants, glitter of gold and blazing colours, throbbing percussion beats, quite essential Kerala music and spectacular fire works. Celebrations: This is a land with mosaic of celebrations that transcends regional and religious profiles. With stands out in the festivities is that in the many events that are celebrated, there is a thread of harmony that practices live on; giving rise to a spirit of harmony that is Kerala’s exceptional trait. It is an attitude some term it Malayali - ness that is as distinct as the places itself and forms an important part of the ethos of its people. Come and be part of the thrilling and charming celebrations of Kerala which lasts through out the year.
Kerala experiences a moderate climate though out the year. In the hilly regions, it is quite cold, but it is warmer in the plains and along the sea cost. Two monsoons visit Kerala bringing enough rain. The south western monsoon starts in May - June and continues up to July – August. The northeast monsoon is from August – September to October –November. From March to June, it is warm and humid. For the tourist, Kerala is a land where the season never ends. While the tourist season in India usually runs from November to March, Kerala welcomes tourists during the monsoon months (Jun – Nov) too, with its hugely popular Ayurvedic health holidays and beautiful sights of nature.
Summer: Feb – May (24 – 34º C) Monsoon: Jun – Sep (20 – 30º C) Winter : Oct – Jan (18 –28 º C)
Lying on the wind ward side of Western Ghats, Kerala has a long chain of lush mist clad hill stations that are home to exotic wild life. Nestled in the luxuriant forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are fourteen wild life sanctuaries and skirting these exotic destinations are some of the delightful trekking trials in the country. Deep forest trecking, bamboo rafting, para gliding are also part of adventures tourism.
Kerala has a rich tradition in art and dance forms. Like any land, Kerala also has its own typical art forms, which reflect the life and out look of the people. Kathakali Kerala owes its transnational famed to this nearly 300 years old classical dance form that combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomine. This is a visually powerfull art form. The dance drama, which has a unique costume and make –up, depicts stories from great Indian epics- The Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Chavittunatakam
A Christian art form of Kerala, evolved at the turn of the 16th century AD during the Portuguese colonization and bears definite traces of the European Christian miracle play opera and ballet. Oppana
A dance form essential to the wedding entertainment and festivels of the Malabar Muslims, Maidens and young female relatives sing and dance around the bride,Clapping their hands.There are more exciting performing arts like ‘Mohiniyattom, Kakkarissi Natakam, Kolkali, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Thiruvathirakali, Daffmuttu” etc.
Ritual Arts
Most performed ritual arts are Theyyam, Patayani, Poothavum Thirayum, Koothu, Panna, Mudi yettu, Kannyarkali, Aruna Nritham, Velakali, Tholppavakoothu, Margomkali, Kavadiyattom, Theeyattu, and Kummattikali’etc. Marital Arts
The marital arts form of Kerala – Kalaripayattu – is believed to be the mother of all marital art forms in the world and for that matter, the most scientific one . It consists of a series of intricate movements that train the body and mind.
Evolved around 600 BC in India, it is believed that the God themselves handed over the wisdom of Ayurveda – “Science of Life” – to sages for the benefit of mankind. The system of Ayurveda was carefully preserved and nurtured by traditional families of Ayurvedic Doctors. Traditionally this was carried on by eight families of physicians known as the Ashta Vaidya. Scientific knowledge was handed down from father to son, and the eldest son practiced independently only after the death of his father. Ayurveda has been a part of Kerala life for centuries. Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative powers. Here, the science lives on, practiced with authenticity and dedication. Kerala’s hilly tracts and forests – with their rich biodiversity – are home to numerous herbs, creepers, plants and trees invaluable in the prepration of Ayurvedic medicines. According to traditional texts, Ayurveda for rejuvenation is best carried out when the climate is neither hot nor cold. The monsoon season in Kerala (June to November) is acknowledged as offering the most suitable climate condition for rejuvenation programmes.. During the monsoon, the air is comparatively dust free and the atmosphere cool. Pores of the skin open and permit maximum absorption of Ayurvedic medicines and oils. Herbs used to make medicines are fresh and rich in medicinal value at this time of the year.
Possessing one of the finest health indices in the country, with primary as well as super specialty health care facilities that comply with global standards, Kerala has made remarkable strides in health care. Indicators like low infant mortality rate, high life expectancy and crude death rate are at par with those of a developed country such as the USA. Besides this, the state has put Ayurveda on the world map. The emphasis on Ayurvedic Tourism made this Ancient system of medicine the Mantra not only for Rejuvenation and Relaxation, but also for medical treatment. There are a number of high tech super specialty hospitals with highly qualified doctors and dedicated medical team providing excellent world class health care at an affordable cost.
Yoga is a way of life. It is predominantly concerned with maintaining a state of equanimity at all costs. All yoga schools of thought emphasize the importance of the mind remaining calm, because as the saying goes, only when the water is still, you can you see though it. Yoga Darshan or Yoga philosophy also happens to be a valid discipline of Indian metaphysics ( Brahma Vidya). It is the result of human wisdom and insight on physiology, psychology, ethics and spirituality collected together and practiced over thousands of years for the well being of humanity. The basic idea of yoga is to unite the atma or individual soul with the "paramatma" or the Universal Soul. According to Yoga philosophy, by cleansing one’s mind and controlling one’s thought processes one can return to that primeval state, when the individual self was nothing but a part of the Divine self. This is the sense encapsulated in the term "samadhi". The aim of the yoga is to be able to perceive the world in its true light and accept that truth in its entirety. In Sanskrit, the term ‘yoga’ stands for ‘union’. A yogi’s ultimate aim is to be able to attain this ‘union’ with the Eternal Self with the help of certain mental and physical exercises. It is often said that "Hiranyagarbha" (The Cosmic Womb) Himself had originally advocated the traditional system of yoga.
Kerala has a cusine as distinctive as its cultural life influenced by its long coastline and flavoured by the all – pervasive coconut; it is enriched by exotic fruits, vegetables and sea food and garnished to perfection with the distinctive aroma of spices.
Kerala wakes up to one of the most fabulous breakfasts in the world both in terms of taste and nutritional value. Some of the items that usually occupy the morning table are the Puttu (made of rice flour and coconut) and Kadala (gram) curry, Idiappam (Noodle like rice cake) and Egg/Vegetable curry, Appam (soft central lacy paw cakes) and Mutton/Vegetable stew. Little wonder – the travel leisure chose Kerala’s morning spread s one of the best breakfast of the world.
Served on a plantain leaf and eaten with hand, the Sadya is the traditional Kerala Feast. A three course meal the Sadya includes an amazing variety of up to 40 vegetarian delights. Crispy Pappadoms (wafers deep fried in coconut oil) and a verity of pickles accompany this sumptuous spread. The Sadya is around off with different varieties of Payasams (sweet deserts).
With a long coastline, over 44 rivers innumerable lagoons and lakes, Kerala has abundant marine wealth. Among the sea food delicacies are Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs, Mussels etc. all enticingly cooked with exotic spices. Karimeen or Pearl spot, a backwater fish is famous for its great taste.
The Moplah cuisine of Malabar and Syrian Christian cuisine are the unique in its rich flavour. While the former show clear Arabic influences, the later has Syrian, Dutch, Portuguese and British influences. Extensive use of fish, red chilies and Kudampuli, a souring agent, sets apart the Syrian Christian cuisine. The lightly flavored aromatic Malabari Biriyani is a treat for these buds.
Kerala is an ideal place to shop. The state is renowned for its Handlooms, Gold ornaments, Spices etc. The handicrafts of Kerala are known for their uniqueness of style, perfection of form and elegances of design. Nettur Petty: Richly embellished with a conical lid, this ethnic jewel box of Kerala was once the priced procession of the rich and famous. Made of Rose wood, this fully handcrafted casket is a collector’s item. Kasavumundu: The handloom saris of Kerala are known for their elegant simplicity. Soft and light and laced with gold kasavu, they are treasured items. Spices: The high ranges of Kerala are home to endless stretches of spice plantations. The state produces twelve verities of spices including Pepper, Clove, Cardamom, Cinnamon etc,
Traditional Golden Jewellery: Kerala’s traditional jewellery items like necklaces, chains, bangles, ear rings etc, are rich in variety and design. Natural motifs like flowers, leaves, birds etc, used as embellishment set them apart.
With a 600 km coast line that extends its entire length, 11 out of Kerala’s 14 districts have a beach to flaunt. Serene, secluded and spellbinding, they are among the best in the world. These palm fringed havens drenched in the pleasant tropical sun have a singularity of their own, with Ancient Light House, Old Piers, High Cliff, Mineral Springs, Fishing Hamlets and imposing Forts lending them a unique charm.
A unique network of innumerable lagoons, lakes, estuaries and canals snake through the heart of Kerala. A journey through this network, collectively termed as the backwater, in a house boat (Kettuvallam) is the best way to experience the waterfront life style of Kerala, a comfortably furnished house boat the Kettuvallam comes with one to four bath attached bed rooms, an open lounge deck, kitchenette and crew comprising an oarsmen, a cook and a guide. Day cruises and moon light cruises through these magical water ways allow you to soar in the picturesque beauty of the backwater.
Lying far inland, Kerala has a long chain of lush, mist-clad hill station, that offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all virgin beauty. Punctuating the forested hills and rolling plantation of spices, tea, coffee and rubber, picture board towns, sandal wood forests and numerous waterfalls. Some of the states rare flora and fauna can be found here. Much sought after by honey, the hill stations are excellent adventure sport too.
The forests of the Western Ghats are punctuated with large and small waterfalls that roars, gurgles and splashes down the mountain side. Almost all these scintillating cascades are the venue for picnic and excursion round the year.
Nested in the lush forests of Kerala are the twelve wild life sanctuaries and two National Parks, home of rare animals and birds, reptiles’ insects and plants. Among these are Neelakurinji the exotic blue flower that blooms only once in every twelve years; the end angered Niagara Thar and the lion tailed macaque, world’s rarest butterflies and world’s largest moths. Skirting these exotic destinations are some of the delightful trekking trails in the country- some of them adventurous excitement.
Visa: We are recommending you to carry your Visa for entry to India / Kerala, For clarification please contact Indian Embassy / Counsulates. For Visa extention, contact Commissioner / superintend of Police. Money: No limit to the amount of Foreign Currency Tourist Can Carried. Best time to visit: High season: December – May Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June – November
Travel kit: Cotton out fit, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc, top less sun bath/ swimming not permitted. Bikinis only on beaches. Drugs: Heavy penalties including imprisonment for pocession of narcotic drugs. Ayurveda: Visit only centers classified/ approved by the department of tourism. Temples: Some temples do not permit entry to non Hindu. Foot wear not allowed inside temple premises. Water: Tap water is purified and safe to drink.Bottled mineral water also available.
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