Travel /
Tourism
THE SPICE CAPITAL of the World, Kerala is one of the most romantic
natural attractions of the world. It soothes a traveller with vast
expanse of beaches, green shades of palm trees, lowlands, sky scraping
mountains, placid lakes and some of the most picture- perfect locations
of the world.
It's Cardamom, Pepper, Teak, Rosewood and Spices have brought the
world to her shores. These unconstrained attractions of Kerala occupies
a predominant place in the itinerary of any serious traveller.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Kerala. The
new thrust is on highlighting the unique selling propositions
Ayurveda, Backwaters,
Beach Tourism and the short
distance between the various product-strengths, which no other destination
in the world can offer.
Historically, Kerala was the gateway in the sea route of the country.
Over ten centuries ago, the Arab traders were continual visitors
to the Malabar Coast, seeking its riches in spices and condiments.
Later, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English
seafarers were all frequent visitors to these coasts.
Kerala is an exciting story of the confluence of religions.
Churches, Mosques and Temples stand shoulder to shoulder. Christians
and Muslims coexist peacefully with the majority Hindu population.
Religious tolerance is just one reason for Kerala's success.
Packed into this green patch are beaches, jungles, mountains, backwaters
and natural attractions. And the latest branded attraction is health
tourism, the attempt to rejuvenate body, mind and soul using
the age-old resources of Ayurveda.
At morning one could wake up in a hill station, swim at the sea
in the afternoon, and then glide through the backwaters in the evening
enjoying the mundane life, as the day progresses. Religious and
secular festivals abound this place year round. Caparisoned
elephants, racing dragon boats, fairs, performances and rituals
form the paraphernalia of Keralan life.
As for the cuisine of kerala, it is mildly flavored, gently cooked
and has a certain genteel delicacy on the stomach. Art in
Kerala has always been the expression of religious ideas and sentiments.
The temples have been the center of its origin and growth.
Kerala has evolved from very ancient days its typical dance forms,
which are highly expressive of the way of living and the outlook
of its people. The traditional
culture finds its biggest manifestation in the art forms,
which are particularly associated with the temple rituals. Kathakali,
the masked form of dance is the highest form of visual representation.
Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of kerala is one of
the oldest and most scientific and comprehensive systems of martial
training existing in this world today, and it has its own system
of medicine called kalari marma
chikitsa.
The state's architectural wealth is embodied in its nalukettu-
the traditional kerala house and other temple structures. These
buildings represent the art of wooden construction at its
best. Today there are very few new structures that respect the traditions
of Kerala architecture.
Forests cover 27 per cent of the whole of Kerala. Some of the forests
are so dense that their flora and fauna, in places such as Silent
Valley, have not yet been completely assessed and recorded. Medicinal
herbs, abundant in these forests, are used in Ayurveda.
Land and water share an extraordinary kinship in Kerala. The lagoons
and waterways act as vital links for the transport of goods, people
and produce. Floating in these backwaters in a country craft kettuvallam
to explore the unusual representation of Kerala through the intricate
maze of canals conjures up a surreal existence devoid of any time
sense.
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