Kearla God's Own Country
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KEARLA GOD’S OWN COUNTRY Geographical studies about Kerala will reveal that this charming state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, offers some of the leading cultural genres. A major favorite with tourists all over the globe, the state sees the advent of several tourists throughout the year. History Having derived its name from the word Keralaputra (land of the sons of Cheras), as mentioned in one of the Ashoka edicts dating back to 273-236 BC, Kerala shows evidence of ancient pottery and granite burial structures in the 10th century BC which bear a resemblance to their counterparts in Western Europe and the rest of Asia. Culture With the Dravidian culture donning the background, Kerala and its people exhibit facets of the culture. Most of the inhabitants are Hindus and there are considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians as well. Woodcarving is one of the most important forms of artwork in this state. Dance forms including Bharat Natyam, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali are exclusive art genres. How To Reach Air: There are three airports in Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kozhikode and Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery. Rail: The cities and towns of Kerala are well connected with each other and other cities of the country by regular train services and approximately 200 railway stations. Road: A good network of metalled roads links most of the places in Kerala. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India Kerala Wildlife Wildlife in Kerala is one of the major attractions in the state, which is well known all over the world for its tourism, especially its backwaters. The National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are famous tourist destinations and are of utmost importance to Indian wildlife as they provide protection to some of the rare and threatened species found in the region. The most famous wildlife destinations in Kerala are, Periyar, Eravikulam, Silent Valley and Wayanad. Beaches of Kerala The Kerala beaches along the Arabian Sea fringed with rocky promontories and coconut palms are absolute delights to vacationers. During your tour to the elongated stretch of the state of Kerala you will be thankful to your plans of touring this city in the first place while you hit the beaches in Kerala. A city of several beaches, Kerala offers the following options: Alappuzha Beach Varkala Beach Kovalam Beach Thirumullavaram Beach Dharmadam Island Ezhimala Beach Moppila Bay Tanur Beach Varkala is also a getaway from Ponmudi, which is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage as well a famous beach. The beach is adorned with high cliffs and mineral-water springs all around the coastline. The prime attractions of the Varkala are the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple and the Nature Center.es and worries. Amongst the most popular ones, are the Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Fort Kochi Beach, Kappad Beach and Marari Beach. Holidaying in these beaches can be an experience of a lifetime. KERALA HILL STATION: Munnar Kerala: Munnar, located at an altitude of 1,600 m, is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Munnar has the highest peak in south India, Anamundi, which rises to a height of 2695 m. Munnar was the most favored summer destination of European settlers for centuries. Munnar actually means the 'Three Rivers' and derives its name from the three-mountain stream, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Ponmudi: The beautiful and peaceful hill station of Ponmudi is situated at a distance of 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram and at an altitude of 1000 m above the sea level. Come to Ponmudi to fall in love with the bountiful nature, serene surroundings and several tourist attractions. Palakkad : Palakkad also known as Palghat lies on the foothills of the Western Ghats. On the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Palakkad is 80 km towards northeast of Trichur and 50 km towards southwest of Coimbatore. Palakkad district is called "the Granary of Kerala". Palakkad attracts a lots of tourists every year because richness of the natural beauty of the dense forests, fertile valleys, huge mountains, long rivers, several streams and diverse flora and fauna. Vagamon Hill: Kerala also known as 'God's own country' is the home to some of the most beautiful hill stations in the world. Waynad, Munnar, Vythiri, Idduki and Ponmudi are just some of the beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Located at a high altitude , Vagamon Hill,is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala is engulfed by three hills. BACKWATERS AT KERALA One of the top destinations for travelers all around the world, Kerala offers a huge array of natural riches, all of which are exclusively enchanting. Of these, the backwater holidays in Kerala perhaps are the most attractive among tourists. The backwater cruises in Kerala past bamboo thickets, palms fringes and bushes, coir makers' villages, bunch of water lilies, coconut palm groves, and traditional huts with their thatched roofs are some of the favorite tourist activities here. Alappuzha: Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products. Kumarakom: Kumarakom located 16 km away from Kottayam town, is one of well known tourist destination in Kerala. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Tourist retreats in Kumarakom. Kollam: A costal district of Kerala, Kollam is located 71 km from Trivandrum. One of the beautiful backwater district of Kerala, Kollam was once port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. Trivandrum City: Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram as is locally known, the capital of Kerala is a beautiful city to visit. One can be seduced by the panorama of beautiful landscapes, beaches and waterways, coconut palms and, of course, beautiful, friendly people. TOURIST ATTRACTION: Padmanabhaswami Temple , Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery , Boat Ride. Culture Of Kerala: India is a vast and varied country and every nook and corner of the nation display a special cultural bias, escorting you into the ethnic and traditional base of the particular place. Arts and Crafts : Arts and crafts of Kerala speak volumes about the culture of Kerala in general. In fact, the Keralite craftsmen are capable of creating innovative and wonderful items with the humblest and meanest bits of material and mold them with magical mastery. Woodcarving, amongst these, is the most popular and the artisans give shape to some of the exclusive wooden items. Festivals of Kerala The Indian state of Kerala is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Be it family reunions, dances, music and large-scale feasts mark the festivals in Kerala. Malayalis celebrate one festival irrespective of caste and creed: Onam. There are a few other festivals that are important like Thiruvathira, Vishu and Sabarimalai pilgrimage. There are also many local festivals in Kerala and every temple and church has its own annual festival. ONAM Onam is celebrated in Kerala when the August monsoon rains give way to the pleasant warmth of autumn. Onam is the celebration of the return of Mahabali, the once and future king. This king ruled "when all men were equal, when no one was poor, when there was neither theft nor dread of thieves"..