Kerala is a state on the southwestern coast of India. The long coastline of Kerala has encouraged global maritime contact, which is evident in the diverse architecture and overseas cultural influences. Kerala has maintained a unique cultural identity with customs, arts and festivals that continue to thrive. A network of backwaters is a special attraction found along the coastline of Kerala, that allows travelers to discover the plantations and villages by navigating these man-made canals.
Some of the highlights of Kerala include the Wayanad and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for elephant spotting, exploring the spice and tea plantations around Munnar or experience the floating life of Kerala’s backwaters. Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital of Kerala with many government offices, organizations and companies. It is also a major academic center housing several premier educational institutions including the Kerala University. The Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Napier Museum and Zoo, and the Palayam Mosque and Church are among notable heritage sights in the city.
The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters. The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a strong culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique.
Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God’s own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape. There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.
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