On the map, Kerala is a small little state on the southern west part of India. Talk of the place, and you understand that Kerala is a kaleidoscope of swaying palm trees, alluring backwaters, emerald paddy fields, and exotic golden beaches. It is a land of great beauty with hills, rivers, forests and backwaters making it a rare spectacle. Kerala is divided into 14 districts. The language spoken in Kerala is Malayalam, which had originated from Sanskrit and Tamil.
Kerala has attained 100 percent literacy. It has set records in other areas too. It has the lowest birthrate in India. It is the first place where Communists came to power through the ballot box. Above all it is the only place on earth where all varieties of spices grow abundantly.
The Capital City
The capital city Thiruvananthapuram gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred thousand-headed serpent, Anantha on which Lord Vishnu reclines. The famous Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple is dicated to Lord Vishnu and the Idol is about 18 feet long. You can see the Lord through three large doors, one revealing his feet, another his midsection (with Brahma on the lotus) and the third his chest and head.
A legend
Legend has it that Kerala was created by the great sage Parashurama. Once, his father (saint Jamadagni) learned his wife was unfaithful and in his rage he asked Parasurama to kill his mother. Parasurama hacked her to death with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased and allowed Parasurama to ask for a boon. Parasurama asked for the life of his mother. Later, Parasurama slayed the evil warriors and after the battle he prayed to the Gods for a secluded place to perform his penance. The Gods decided to give him the land he chose. Parasurama threw his axe into the sea, a mass of land rose from the sea and it was Kerala. Hence it is said to be a land abundantly blessed by the Gods and the nature.
Religion
Kerala is a land of famous temples. Sabarimala, the famous temple of Lord Ayyappa is situated here. Guruvayoor and Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu.
A very common practice followed by the menfolk is to discard their upper garment to enter the temples. Some of the temples do not allow the ladies to enter wearing a salwar/chudidar or trousers. They are supposed to wear skirts or sarees (I am not aware of the reason).
In spite of the rigidity of the caste system, Kerala seems to have been exceptionally hospitable to people of different beliefs. The main reason for all this religious awakening was the trade connection between Kerala and the outer world.
It is believed that many Keralites became Christians even before St. Peter reached Rome in AD. 68. The Syrian Christian have a special place in Kerala. The first of this group is said to have baptised by St. Thomas who landed here in AD 52 and converted a group of high-caste Numbudiris to Christian community. He constructed seven churches in Kerala. India’s oldest European church, St. Francis Church is in Kochi. Here the tombstone of Vasco da Gama can still be seen (his mortal remains buried here were transported to Portugal after 14 years). Another well known place is Pota--which is a very famous catholic Healing centre which attracts pilgrims from near and far.
Like Christianity, Islam also came to Kerala after spreading in Arabia. The Arabs who landed here after the Jewish men brought the first wave of Muslims settlers. They were the first peoples to built first Mosque in this sub-continent at Kodungallur.
Kerala even has a Jewish past and a beautiful and the oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Commonwealth, built in 1568, is in the 2000 year old Jewtown area., situated in Kochi. Ancient scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script recording the privileges granted by the rajas to the Jewish community can still be seen here.
Festivals
Onam is celebrated for the remembrance of King Mahabali. Keralites believe that the King visits their people once in a year to see how his subjects are living. Hence the people of Kerala celebrate his visit with flower carpets and lights, feasting and new clothes, feats of valour and games during the ten-day festival of Onam.
Vishu comes on the first day of Medam (April), it is the beginning of the astrological year. It is considered a very auspicious day. It is celebrated with vishukkani and Vishukkaineettam.
Martial art
Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. It is the worlds most ancient martial arts form where the fight is almost like a well choreographed dance with swords and armour. It also has a very dangerous weapon akin to a rope sword made of sharp steel blades. It is widely believed to be the forerunner of Kung-fu and other east Asian martial arts.
Ayurveda
India’s natural system of medicine, Ayurveda (the Science of Life), was developed centuries ago. Being blessed with a tropical climate and fertile soil that is ideal conditions for cultivation of exotic plants and herbs, Kerala has been able to preserve and nurture this science. Quality Ayurvedic treatment is available at many hotels and resorts. Kerala is a very popular destination for health motivated travellers and those seeking rejuvenation therapies.
Scenic Beauty
Kerala has a mixture of all that you would wish to see, beaches, old temples, hill stations, historical forts, backwaters, fresh water canals linned with with coconut and palm trees surrounded, lush green tea/coffee gardens and well known wild life sanctuaries. You can visit all in a 3-4 days stay in this little state!
Food
Apart from idli and dosa, typical Keralite foods includes avial (a mixed vegetable dish), thoran (a dry vegetable dish with grated coconut), appam, pootu, and payasam (a dessert of rice cooked in coconut milk). The non vegetarian part of the diet includes Malabar biryani, spicy fish curry and the various types of sea food!
For people who have been to Kerala before, I am sure they will not want to miss the banana chips, Jackfruit chips, tapioca with spicy fish curry, the special fish fry, fresh sweet coconut water..... hmmm!
Shopping
A few things you can buy from the Kerala are: Sandalwood, Rosewood, Kathakali dance masks (in wood or paper machae), brass temple lamps and figurines, coir (coconut fibre), and banana fibre products (table mats, coasters, etc), curios made from sea shells, the traditional Kerala saree etc.
That’s all I can say about Kerala! It is upto you folks to check it out!