Kerala – God’s own country

Capital city – Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Popular tourist spots – Kochi, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad

Language – Malayalam

Dance form – Kathakali, Mohiniyattam

Popular Foods – Puttu and Kadala Curry, Malabar Parotta, Idiyappam, Ada pradhaman

Unique local Industries – Ayurveda Massage Therapy (Medical Tourism), Agricultural Products, Boathouse tourism

The spice capital of India, Kerala, has many stories on how it got its name. One of the most prominent version is, in Malayalam which is the language of Kerala, ‘alam’ means land and ‘Kera’ means Coconut. Combining both forms ‘Kerala’ which means ‘Land of Coconuts’. Another interesting story is the state got its name from the word ‘Keralaputo’ which was found to be inscribed on a rock from 3^rd Century BC.

Apart from Coconuts, the climatic conditions of Kerala suits perfectly for growing Tea, Coffee and Spices like Cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Cloves, etc. Kozhikode in Kerala has been trading and exporting spices to Middle East and Europe from several centuries. With presence of Coconut coir which is prominent during ancient times in making of shipping ropes, Kerala competed with other regions of Southern India in building large trading and war ship. The Indian ships in those days were said to be much bigger than the European and Middle Eastern counterparts. ‘Nava Shastra’ is the science of building ships in ancient India. Even today, Cochin Shipyard in Kerala is the largest shipbuilding facility in India.

Apart from the agricultural products, Kerala is known for its scenic landscapes. The mountains of Munnar  – Thekkady – Wayanad, backwaters and boathouses of Alappuzha, Dutch Palace – Jewish Synagogue – Chinese Fishing Nets – Indo Portuguese Museum of Kochi, richest temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy in Thiruvananthapuram, Athirappilly waterfalls also called as Niagara of South India, pristine beaches of Varkala, Kovalam, Kannur and many more make tourists feel the title of ‘Gods own country’ apt for Kerala.

With traders coming from Middle East and Europe since ancient times, Kerala occupies a special spot with respect to religious diversity. Several devotional places belonging to various religious faiths can be seen all over Kerala. Kathakali, the dance form of Kerala is a way of storytelling through dance. Stories are inspired from mythology, past and even the present days. This dance form is said to be few centuries old. One can find Mural paintings in the temples of Kerala, few of them said to be from 9^th to 12^th century CE. The cuisine of Kerala is inspired by various communities coming together. Malabar Parotta, Kerala Fish Curry, Puttu, etc are quite popular dishes in Kerala cuisine.

Kathakali Dance Performance

Besides the religious diversity, delicious cuisine and the scenic landscapes, Kerala is also known for Ayurvedic Massage Therapy. Several celebrities from various parts of the world have touched the medical tourism industry of India through Kerala. The journey to the state of Kerala will be a lifetime experience!