Filled with lush green landscapes and backwaters, the state of Kerala is a paradise in its own. A timeless charm, the state of Kerala is blessed with abundant natural beauty and rich Ayurveda, which has rightly earned this region a title of ‘God’s own Country’.
The state of Kerala is surrounded by the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West. As soon as you set foot in this state, the layered landscapes and the glistening backwaters will leave you in a trance. Such peace you will find while you are amongst them that you will want to stay back and stay away from the city noise. It’s like you have altogether entered into a different place. Houseboats, ayurvedic treatments, tea gardens, wild elephants and vibrant Kathakali plays are all a beautiful part of the state of Kerala. Formed in 1956, the capital of the state is Thiruvananthapurarn and the official language used is Malayalam.
PLACES OF INTEREST
A little bit of everything makes up Kerala as a state offering the unmatched tourist attractions with a lot more to explore. Rightly known as Gods own country, setting foot here takes you into the land of beauty, culture and huge trees of coconut.
St. Francis Church, Kochi, Kerala
Believed to be India’s oldest European church, it was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars. The original monument was built in wood while the current structure was only constructed in the mid-16th century. The explorer Vasco Da Gama was buried in this church for almost fourteen years before his remains were shifted to Lisbon. However, visitors can still visit his tombstone in the church.
Pardesi Synagogue, Kochi
The synagogue features and ornate gold pulpit and beautifully hand painted willow patterned floor tiles from Canton, China which were added later in 1762. Originally built in 1568, the building was partially destroyed due to Portuguese attacks in 1662.Built two years after the Dutch took over Kochi, it holds the treasures of Belgian Chandeliers and colored glass lamps.
Museum of History and Heritage, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Built in an informative manner to present the history of Kerala to the visitors, the museum exhibits a number of bronze and terracotta sculptures claimed to be from the Iron Age as well as murals, floor paintings called dhulichitra and traditional Kerala homes recreated models.
Tea Museum, Munnar
The lush green tea gardens surround the town of Munnar. Around 1.5 km from the town, the Tea Museum accommodates a demo model of a working tea factory, which shows the basic process. The museum contains artifacts from the Colonial era as well some photographs and 1905 tea-roller. The video section in the museum explains the history of Munnar and its tea estates. One can walk down or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the museum.
Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha (Alleppey)
The main beach is located 2kms west of the city centre, but the beach in itself is a little unsafe due to the strong currents of the waters. However, one can sit in one of the various restaurants and coffee-shops and enjoy the view, especially the sunset.
Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Inside an 1880 wooden building designed by Robert Chrisholm, lies the Napier Museum. The museum houses a huge display of bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, temple carts and ivory carvings. The stunning interiors of the museum make it worth the visit.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, it occupies an area of 777sq km and an artificial lake that was created by the British in 1895. Boasting of a population of 1000 elephants, 46 tigers and varied other animals like the sambar, bison, wild boar, it is a place that brings you on an epic journey of jungle trails and makes it an enjoyable visit.
Abraham’s Spice Garden
Located on the way to Thekkady from Kottayam, the Abraham Spice Garden has spice gardens that inform the visitors of the various spices grown in Kerala. It introduces the visitors to the culture of spice farming and even bring agriculturists so that the tourists can interact with them and gain a deeper knowledge of the spices and their cultivation. Visitors can also buy different farm fresh spices and ayurvedic medicines from here.
Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi, means ‘eight coned’ in the Malayalam language. Situated in the Kollam district of Kerala, it is the most popular and most visited backwaters of the state. Possessing a unique wetland eco system and a large palm shaped water body, it stands second in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem -which is also in Kerala. It is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboats and backwater resorts.
Lakkom Water Falls
Originating from the Erivakulam National Park and flowing down to river Pambar in Kerala, the Lakkom Water Falls provide a mesmerising view as it falls down the hills. Located on the road to Munnar from Marayoor, there are even tea and souvenir shops on the road near the falls.
KERALA: THE LAND OF AYURVEDA
Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, sprouted in India some 5000 years ago. It is the oldest healthcare system in the world and combines the profound thoughts of medicine and philosophy. Since then Ayurveda has stood for the wholesome physical, mental and spiritual growth of humanity around the world.
Kerala has a number of Ayurveda treatment centres which offer various packages. The state possesses an unbroken tradition of Ayurveda that has surpassed the many invasions and intrusions both foreign and native. From treatments like uzhichil and pizhichil to curing illnesses like arthritis to beauty massages for the skin and hair; there is no place better than Kerala to seek the benefits of Ayurveda. Kerala has a number of natural herbs such as Aswagandha, Amalki, Katphal, Brahmi, Bharangi, Yashtimadhu, Shankhupusham to name a few. Turmeric, Cinnamon, Keezharnelli (Phylantus Amarus), Kilukillapa (Crotalaria Retusa Linn). Koduveli (Plumbago Zeylanica Linn) and many more herbs with medicinal values are found in Kerala.
Being the only resort of treatment for the people, the Vaidyars of Kerala were challenged to interpret the theories of Ayurveda and adapt them actively into effective healing systems in everyday life. Thus almost all the contemporary procedures and protocols of Ayurveda have evolved in and around Kerala.
In Kerala Ayurveda is not just a healthcare system but it is a part and parcel of every aspect of life, in fact it is a lifestyle in Kerala so to speak. The miracles like paralysed people walk, incurable diseases cured etc. that happen even today inspires respect and awe for the vaidyars of Kerala.
INTERESTING FOOD SERVED:
The Land of Spices, i.e. Kerala is well known for the use of various spices in its cuisine which is linked to its history, geography, and culture. The state is called Land of Spices because of the historical context where it traded spices with Europe and many other ancient civilizations. The oldest were the Sumerians from 3000 BCE.
Offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind and asafoetida are the main ingredients of most of the dishes. The food is prepared with love and served on a banana leaf. Rice is the main accompaniment of the dishes while sea food is considered to be the main diet of the people living in coastal areas whereas vegetables are the main diet of the people living in plains. Rice and Tapioca are the staple food of Kerala.
Kerala Sadhya is an elaborate banquet of vegetarian dishes that is prepared during a festival or ceremony. It consists of boiled rice along with twenty other accompaniments and desserts. Served on a banana leaf, various foreign dishes have also found a place in this platter by blending into the traditional tastes. The use of coconut and coconut milk in thickening and flavouring make the dishes more unique.
Due to a long coastline and fishing industry holding an important place in the region, seafood also holds a major position in the Kerala platter. Black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon are commonly used. The Brahmin community on the other hand is known for their rich varieties of sambhar and rasam.
A typical Kerala meal consists of rice, fish and some green vegetables. Other important Kerala dishes are the idli, dosa, apam, idiyappam, puttu and pathiri. The Malabar Biryani is the most sought after biryani. Usually cooked with chicken, it is also often experimented with egg and mutton. In the famous Malabar cuisine of Kerala, the cuisines of Kallummakaya or the green mussel are a specialty where dishes such as Arikkadukka are made from it. Use of prawns, crab and other kinds of shell fish are also prominent in the cooking.
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