With the great Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea, and the part of the Indian ocean in the west, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India. There are 44 rivers crisscrossing this state, and one could find the longest shoreline with serene beaches only in this lush, naturally tranquil state in India. For all its natural beauty, greenery, and very down-to-earth people, Kerala is truly called “Gods own place”. Kerala is attractive in every aspect. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy swanky hill stations, awesome wildlife, classy waterfalls, ever-cherishing festivals, and the oldest history of India. Kerala is also one of the major hubs for Ayurvedic health centers, and delicious South Indian cuisines. Kerala has everything that a tourist want to enjoy in a place.
General information about Kerala
Kerala is located in the southwestern coast of India, which is also known as Malabar coast. The state has a coastline of about 590Km, which is the 4th longest coastline in India. The state falls under equatorial tropical region, but the temperature in the hill stations never crosses 20 degree centigrade. Temperature in the other parts of the state varies from 28-32 degrees centigrade. The state gets pretty good rainfall with a yearly average of 3000mm.
Some important information for the tourists are as follows:
• Its capital city is Thiruvananthapuram
• The STD code of Thiruvananthapuram is 0471
• Its three Airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Calicut International Airport.
• The major cities in Kerala are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kovalam, Kozhikode.
How to reach Kerala?
Kerala is one of the best-connected state in India, with plenty of national and international airlines providing services to all of its three international airports. The state is also well-connected with the other states, and their capital cities through railways, and roadways. Normally, it takes 3.30 hours to 4 hours to reach Thiruvananthapuram from New Delhi, and 2.30 hours to reach from Mumbai through airways.
History of Kerala
The history of this famous state in India is mostly connected with the trade of agricultural produce, especially spices. It has remained one of the major spice exporters in Asia, since 3000BCE. Its spices are so popular that still it is abbreviated as the “garden of spices”. In ancient times, traders from Europe, Arab, and other African countries arrived here in search of spices. These traders, and travelers had lived and roamed around this state in large numbers, and had left their marks in the form of splendid architectures, literatures, artifacts, and cuisines.
Festivals in Kerala
Various famous festivals take place in Kerala throughout the year. In fact, cultural tourism is getting momentum in this southern Indian state, like many other states in India. Some of the famous festivals here are Onam, Thrissur Puram, Makaravilakku, etc.
Foods in Kerala
Food is a part of Keralan culture, and many of them are inherent parts of different festivals. Foods like puttu and kadala curry, appam, erissery, palada payasam, chemmem curry, pazham pori, etc. are some of the best Keralan dishes preferred by international tourists.
Socially, and economically, Kerala is counted among the most advanced states in India, with 100% literacy, top-class health care system, and the highest life expectancy rates. Over the decades, Kerala has been attracting international tourists due to its friendly people, mind-boggling serenity, spices, foods, and culture.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ashis Roy