Kerala
Kerala is a state on the Malabar Coast of south-western India.Graced by the Arabian Sea on the west, the Western Ghats on the east and networked by forty-four rivers. Kerala lies on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Kerala is one of four states that compose the linguistic-cultural region known as South India.One of the most preferred destinations in the world, Kerala attracted the notice of people from other parts of the world from olden times itself. Kerala is the ideal place to visit during your tour to South India.Today, Kerala has its own place in the world tourism map. From mind-blowing landscapes to infinite intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life to the educated public, holidays and tour in Kerala is a unique experience in itself. Kerala is a land of rivers, backwaters and beaches. One gets to experience the tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters of Kerala, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife, Ayurveda health resorts, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, exotic cuisine and singularly beautiful people during ones tour to this lovely state.The major tourist destinations in the State include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Munnar, Alappuzha, Kollam, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
History
According to legend, Kerala was saved from the aggressing sea by an act of Parasurama, an avatar of Mahavishnu.
The name Kerala is now widely explained today as the "the land of coconuts", derived from Malayalam word "kera" which means coconut.
Kerala then became a linguistically separate region by the early 14th century.The dependence of the Chera kings on trade with
West Asia meant merchants from these regions were allowed to establish trading outposts and settlements on Kerala's
shores.Many of them especially the Jews and early Christians. Conflicts between the cities of Kozhikode (Calicut) and Kochi
(Cochin) provided an opportunity for the Dutch to oust the Portuguese.
After India's independence in 1947, the princely states of Travancore and Cochin were merged to form the province of
Travancore-Cochin on July 1, 1949.Finally, the Government of India's November 1, 1956 States Reorganisation Act inaugurated a new state Kerala incorporating Malabar District, Travancore-Cochin (excluding 4 southern Taluks which was merged with Tamil Nadu), and the taluk of Kasargod, South Kanara.
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Culture
God's own country, Kerala also pride itself for its repertoire of rich cultural heritage. Kerala holds a place of honour among the people of India who have enriched Indian Cultural Heritage and helped the cause of national integration. Kerala's culture is in fact, an integral part of Indian culture.
Folk arts:- Theyyam,Mudiyettu, Kaduvakali, Kakkarissinatakam, Chavittunadakam, Margamkali, Kolkali,Parichamuttukali, and Thiruvathirakali are a few.
Martial arts:-Kalaripayattu is the comprehensive system of the marital arts of Kerala regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world.
Koodiyattam:- Koodiyattam is a form of Sanskrit dram a which is associated with temple rituals, it is the oldest form of classical arts in Kerala.
Kathakali:- Kathakali is perhaps the only dance form in which the entire body is used to portray a story.
Mohiniyattom:-Mohiniyattom( the dance of the enchantress) is a distinct type of dance form.
Thullal:- Thullal evolved as part of social reformation..Thullal is a solo dance-drama created by Kunjan Nambiar.
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Festivals
Referred to as God's Own Country, the southern Indian state of Kerala is renowned for its colourful festivals. Festivals in Kerala are an integral part of the social and cultural structure and every community, every religion has something to celebrate about all through out the year.
Onam:- Onam, the harvest festival is the most popular festival of Kerala. A festival that celebrates a happy blend of myth and reality, Onam is part of the cultural repertoire of every Malayalee.
Vishu:- Vishu falls on the first of Medam (March-April), which is the Malayali New Year's Day. Since it is considered propitious to view good things on this day for year round good fortune.
Thrissur Pooram:- The most spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur Pooram. Celebrated in Medom (April-May),With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators to Kerala.
Aranmula Uthrittathi:- Jalolsavams evoke the waves of enthusiasm in the minds of Southern Keralites. Down the years the boat race has accrued sporting value and tourism importance.
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