History
Kerala is one of the smallest states in the Indian union. Its area 38.855 square kilometers is just 1.3 percent of the total area of India. The land of Indiacomprises the narrow coastal strip bounded by the Western Ghats n the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. “Its unique geographical position and peculiar physical features have invested Kerala with a distinct individuality.” Hence it has played a vital role in the commercial and cultural history of India.Kerala has been describes “as the favorite child of nature.” Like Kashmir in the north, Kerala in the south is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. Kerala, one of the smallest states in the Republic of India, was formed in 1956. It has an area of 15,005 sq. miles. [38,863 sq. km. ] about one percent of the total land area of India. The state stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula; its width varies from 20 to 75 miles.
With its evergreen mountains, dense forests stately palms, swift flowing rivers, extensive backwaters and blue lagoons, it looks like a fairyland. This atmosphere of beauty and peace has nurtured religion and art in Kerala and enabled her to become a precious gem in the necklace of Indian culture. Indian poets of eminence have showered their praises for the abundance of its peppers, the fragrance of its sandal and the wealth of its coconuts. No part of India is so widely known or has played so important a part in world history as Kerala.
Natural Divisions: Physical features demarcate the state into three natural divisions. They are the lowland adjoining the sea, the midland consisting of the undulating country east of the lowlands and the forest -clad highland on the extreme east. The lowland bordering the sea is dotted with innumerable coconut palms and the expansive stretches of paddy crops. The midland regions comprise valleys, punctuated here and there by isolated hills.
This rich and fertile region bears the largest extent of agricultural crops. The Western Ghats which range along the eastern border constitute the highland. They form a natural wall of protection to the state. Extensive tea and cardamom plantation dominate the higher elevations; while ginger, rubber, pepper, and turmeric flourish at the lower elevations. The hilly portion is broken up by long spurs, deep savines, dense forests and tangles jungles.
Geographical Isolation: The geographical position of Kerala as a narrow strip of land ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats has considerably influenced the course of its history. From the dawn of history it has created a kind of insularity. As a result, Kerala seldom felt the impact of many foreign invasions which had ravaged North India form time to time. Owing to this insularity, it took nearly two centuries for Buddhism to reach Kerala. She also evolved “its own way of life and social institutions unhampered by excessive interference from outside.
Arabian Sea
The Western Ghats
Kerala geography
- Area - 38,863 Sq.Km
- Districts - 14
- Talukas - 63
- Panchayats - 991
- Corporations - 3
- MunicipalAreities -54 (incuding townships)
- Rivers - 44
- Longest River - Bharathapuzha (251.1 Km)
- Highest Mountain - Anamudi (2652.3 Metres)
- Climate - Summer - 35 to 22.5 degrees C Winter - 32 to 20 degree
Tucked away in the south west corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.Lined by coconut trees and sinfully beautiful beaches, the coconut palms shade nearly the entire State from the tropical sun.Visitors can spend time riding small ferries through the backwater lagoons or watching elephants cavort in the wildlife sanctuaries.
Being India's most literate state and one of the few to follow the matrilinear familial system, it's a microcosm of multi-religious India, cohabited by Hindu, Christian and Muslims.
Sea and Ports
On the one hand, the Arabian Sea prevented some invaders, traders, and intruders from visiting Kerala; on the other hand, it attracted mostly traders from Europe and the Middle East. From historical records we know of Arabs from the eighth century and the Portuguese (1498). the Dutch. and the British from the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries establishing trade centers in Kerala.Kerala had a flourishing trade with Rome and Alexandria between 100 B.C. and 300 A.D
Rivers and Lakes
Kerala is rich in water supply. There are 41 rivers in the state that flow west and three rivers that are tributaries of River Kaveri and flow east. Only four rivers are more than 100 miles long. They are the Bharathapuzha (150 miles), the Periyar (142 miles), the Pamba (110 miles), and Beypore or the Chaliyar (105 miles). The average length of the other rivers is 40 miles. Many places of cultic importance are located on the banks of some of these rivers.Besides rivers, Kerala has a number of natural lakes or lagoons and backwaters along the coast, which receive their water supply from rivers and streams
Climate
Kerala's climate reaches equatorial conditions. Maximum temperatures rarely exceed 90°F (32°C); minimum rarely falls below 70°F (21°C). The annual range at Cochin is only 6°F (3.3°C) and the diurnal is about 10°F (5.6°C), Apart from the heavy rainfalls in the hills, rainfall decreases from around 120 inches (3,008 mm.) in the north to half that at Trivandrum. There is an even distribution of rain throughout the year in Trivandrum: 39% in June - August, 33% in September - November, and 28% in December -May which is dry season in most of India. Not all parts of Kerala are as fortunate as Trivandrum in the moderation
of rainfall and humidity rates.
Agriculture contributes most to the state's income in the primary sector. Kerala's major sources of exports are agro-based and traditional like coir and cashew as well as marine products and manpower. In spices, pepper is the single most important product, with Kerala being the largest producer and exporter of black pepper. Cardamom and ginger are also exported.
kerala mansoon
The beautiful, lively and enchanting monsoons of Kerala....
Every drop of rain making the season more and more lovely....
Enjoy.................
The beautiful, lively and enchanting monsoons of Kerala....
Every drop of rain making the season more and more lovely....
The Monsoons of Kerala spreads its beauty during the months of June, July and August.
Unlike other destinations, tourism booms in Kerala during monsoons because of
the beauty and romance it adds to the destinations.The monsoons are a thing of beauty and emotions
if you know how to enjoy it. This monsoon enjoy your
Language
Malayalam is the language of Kerala, the southern most state in India. Over 35,000,000 people speak this language. Malayalam, one of the Dravidian languages in India, has its own alphabet and grammar. It originally developed from Tamil and uses many Tamil words. It also has adapted many words from Sanskrit, other India languages and English. Malayalam is extraordinarily rich in every genre of literature. Every year numerous books and publications are produced in Malayalam. In Kerala alone 170 daily papers, 235 weekly and 560 monthly periodicals are published in Malayalam. The most circulated daily paper in India is in Malyalam. This language is presently taught in many Universities outside Kerala including some in the United States.
Malayalam (/malayALam/) is the principal language of the South Indian state of Kerala and also of the Lakshadweep Islands (Laccadives) of the west coast of India
Sadya – traditional Kerala vegetarian feast
Sadya is the traditional vegetarian feast of the people of Kerala, a southern state in India. Kerala sadya is usually a big feast associated with special occasions like marriages, birthdays and so on. This traditional vegetarian meal is served on a plantain leaf. Sadya provides one’s taste buds to savour sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes.This vegetarian lunch consists of parboiled pink rice accompanied by side dishes like parippu, sambar, avial, kichadi, thoran, olan, rasam, kaalan, pachadi, pickles like ginger, mango and lime. A variety of payasams or desserts will be served at the end of the meal. Snacks like chips and sarkara upperi are also part of the feast. Traditionally, the preparation of Sadya is a teamwork managed by a chief cook, who supervises the preparation for each and every dish. Featured in this video is the traditional way of preparing a Sadya as part of a marriage in Kerala.
PEOPLE, LIFESTYLE & RELIGIONS
Kerala is isolated from the deccan plateau by the mountanious belt of the Western Ghats,
but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture.
It is a highly politicized region, but has a long tradition of religious amity. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language Malayalam, and has the highest rate of literacy (100%) among Indian states. Women in Kerala enjoy a high social status
Various racial strains have passed through Kerala virtually since the dawn of time and have left the state richer in its philosophy of co-existence. Even in these modern times, with Kerala being India's only fully literate state, and having provided the nation with some of its eminent writers and satiric cartoonists, it comes to dwell in a time warp, where slow-boats still coast along backwaters, the people dress elegantly in white, and festivals are celebrated over many days with traditional gaiety.The official language of the state is Malayalam, but English is widely spoken and understood. One of the principal Hindu castes of Kerala is that of the Nairs, among two of the country's only societies that follow a matriarchal system that has brought the women into social prominence. Kerala's Brah- mins, the namboodris, till recently had a system in which only the eldest son could marry within the same caste, since the others had to find wives outside the community, they were disowned from family rights. These are now traditions of the past. But it is not only the Hindus that make up the colourful mosaic of this land.
but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture.
It is a highly politicized region, but has a long tradition of religious amity. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language Malayalam, and has the highest rate of literacy (100%) among Indian states. Women in Kerala enjoy a high social status
Various racial strains have passed through Kerala virtually since the dawn of time and have left the state richer in its philosophy of co-existence. Even in these modern times, with Kerala being India's only fully literate state, and having provided the nation with some of its eminent writers and satiric cartoonists, it comes to dwell in a time warp, where slow-boats still coast along backwaters, the people dress elegantly in white, and festivals are celebrated over many days with traditional gaiety.The official language of the state is Malayalam, but English is widely spoken and understood. One of the principal Hindu castes of Kerala is that of the Nairs, among two of the country's only societies that follow a matriarchal system that has brought the women into social prominence. Kerala's Brah- mins, the namboodris, till recently had a system in which only the eldest son could marry within the same caste, since the others had to find wives outside the community, they were disowned from family rights. These are now traditions of the past. But it is not only the Hindus that make up the colourful mosaic of this land.
Festivals
Festivals abound in Kerala, but there are some that are better known than others. Since all temples celebrate their individual festivals, chances are that on your visit you will come across atleast some form of the cele- bration. The most spectacular of these is Trichur Pooram, the annual temple festival in Tirchur. Held in April-May, it includes a spectacular proces- sion of ten temple deities. Some thirty elephants of a uniform size are dressed in glittering chain-mail to lead the celebrations.
OnamOnam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.
Thrissur pooram
Thrissur is best known for its mammoth Pooram Festival, which is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. Thrissur Pooram, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators form all parts of the Statethrissur pooram and even outside.The legends and myths behind each festival
Kerala tourism
 |
| she is thinking too much...and now she is confused :) |
Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime .The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, themajesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom &
Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.
That such a small terrain can hold diverse geographical features and cultures is a wonder in itself.
Munnar
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more.
Marayoor – The Hub of Sandalwood Trees
Marayoor, located forty km from Munnar, is a rain shadow village lying in the eastern side of the Western Ghats and is bordered by the neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees.
A reduced rainfall is most suited for the the sandalwood factory run by
the Forest Department is of tourist interest. Although compared to the neighbouring states like Tamilnadu and Karnataka, Kerala has less acres of sandalwood forests, the same being confined to Marayoor and a few forest areas in Wayanad hills, the state possesses the best types of sandalwood trees owing to a reduced rainfall which favours its abundant growth.
Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam- Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level.
Vagamon is a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens , Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest ,small waterfalls , attractive meadows inviting you to vagamon.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Thekkady
Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms.
The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.
| |||
The Silent Valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. Within an area of 237. 52 Sq.km, it houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. Out of these springs the amazing variety of life forms some of them endemic to the Western Ghats.
| |||
The Valley exudes a quite grandeur, a mystery half revealed and half concealed that is part of a story older than mankind, for this rainforest probably dates back to 50 million years. Silently she beckons us to witness the marvelous exuberance of life that expresses itself in an incredible chaos of plants and animals and birds and insects. At the heart of her many songs is a still, deep silence which only those who tread softly and wait patiently may learn to hear.
| |||
Kerala Homestays
Homestays in Kerala, India is found similar in some ways to the bed and breakfast. enables you to enjoy a quiet retreat in a scenic mesmerizing environment. It promotes peaceful setting, relaxation, privacy and memorable holidays to the guests with homely environment at the homestay and tasty traditional home-cooked Kerala food. The advantages of a Kerala homestay are that guests can interact with hosts, understand the local culture, language, activities and customs.
Kerala-India Homestays are soothing destinations for couples, family, and even singles who desire a private peaceful holiday and that is the reason why Home Stays in Kerala are popular with tourists who visit Kerala. Kerala HomeStays promotes peaceful setting, relaxation, privacy and memorable holidays to the guests with homely environment at the homestay and tasty traditional home-cooked Kerala foods/cuisine. Kerala Home Stays enable tourists to enjoy Kerala nature and have a rural life experience since Kerala homestays are located away from the rush of city life and busy traffic.
A Kerala Home Stay is a home away from your home wherein guests are hosted with utmost care. And Homestays have all modern facilities as that of a hotel of resort in Kerala-India. Guests who reside in home stays in Kerala make life-long friends after their stays. So why go in for a hotel or resort when you can get all facilities at homestay programs which take care of you like family members while respecting your privacy? Tourists visiting Kerala are thus invited to experience the hearty hospitality of Kerala Culture which is being witnessed in Kerala Home Stays.
" Relive the tradition experiencing culturaloneness of GOD's own country."
 |
| A.. kerala home stay..... |
|
Ayurvedic Treatment
The term ‘Ayurveda’’ is a tatpurusha combination of the term ‘ayus’ implying lifeor life adherence, and the term ‘veda’ which implies to a system of knowledge. HenceAyurveda could be considered as being related to the measures to safeguard ‘ayus’ that incorporates healthy living along with the therapeutic measures thatassociate with physical, mental, social as well as spiritual harmony.
Ayurveda is presently a statutory, acknowledged medical system of health care compared to any other medical systems prevailing in India. The massage of Ayurveda formulae are a kind of treatment of varied age associated and other common ailments. Some of the benefits that can be accorded to Ayurveda are range from relief from any pain, improved forms of circulation, relief from stress, able to have better sleep, athletic performance, flexibility, and emotional advantages and on.For almost any type of ailment, Ayurveda has its treatment
.
KERALA ARTS
.
.jpg)
KERALA ARTS
BHARATANATYAM
Bharatanatyam, also spelt Bharathanatyam, is a classical dance form of South India, said to be originated in Thanjavoor of Tamil Nadu.
 It was known as "Daasiyattam" since performed by Devadasies in temples of Tamil Nadu long ago. The name 'Bharatanatyam' is derived from three basic concepts of Bhava, Raga and Thaala. The modern Bharatanatyam was systematically regularized by well known 'Thanjavoor Brothers', Ponnayya, Chinnayya, Sivanandam and Vativelu.The dance is performed in the stage as Nritham, Nrithyam and Natyam. Bharatanatyam is based on the theories of the books 'Natyasaasthram' and 'Abhinaya Darpanam'. The dance form is based on 'Adavu' (steps) and 'Hasthamudra' (hand gestures). There are 64 basic 'Adavu' and they are divided into 9 parts, on which 'Thattadavu', 'Naatadavu', 'Kuthithumettadavu', 'Mandiadavu', 'Sarikkal' and 'Thattumettu' are very important. Communication is done through 'bhavabhinaya' (facial expression) and 'hasthamudra' (hand gestures). The performance starts with the prayers to God Ganapathi and worship of Nataraja Moorthi. |
KATHAKALI
Kathakali is the classical dance-drama of Kerala, South India, which dates from the 17th century
 and is rooted in Hindu mythology. Kathakali has a unique combination of literature, music, painting, acting and dance. In the following pages we have placed photographs and videos of Kathakali performances and songs by famous Kathakali singers |
MOHINIYATTAM
Mohiniyattam is a dance form said to have originated in Kerala. It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu,
which was originally called 'Dasiyattam'. Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine love in its myriad forms - carnal, devotional and maternal- with accent more on Lasya and Bhava. In the main items Cholkettu, Padavarnam and Padam, Mudras and facial expressions are more important than the rhythmic steps. Costumes and ornaments of Mohiniyattam have much in common with female characters of Koodiyattam and Kathakali.
Once Mohiniyattam was performed only in Temples premises and royal courts. The first reference to Mohiniyattam is found in 'Vyavaharamala' composed by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboodiri, of 16th century AD. Major contributions to this art form were given by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, Irayimman Thampi and Kuttikunju Thankachi.
THE MATERIAL ART -KALARI
Kalaripayattu - The Orient's treasure trove, a gift to the modern world and the mother of all martial arts. Legend traces the 3000-year-old art form to Sage Parasurama- the master of all martial art forms and credited to be the re-claimer of Kerala from the Arabian Sea. Kalaripayattu originated in ancient South India. Kung- fu, popularized by the monks of the Shoaling Temple traces its ancestry to Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and Kalaripayattu master.
Crafted in ancient South India drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms - Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Snake, and Crocodile ........ Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes
" Thanks to readers ..and i welcome all the people who wish to visit kerala "
our concept
" adhidi devo bhava " wihch means " guest is like god "
so am welcome every one
come and enjoy ...
" happy journey "
" thanks "
" happy newyear "
....................................." this journey will not end ".........................................
