Kerala

Kerala is a small state in the south - western region of India. The name Kerala originated from 'Keram' (it means coconut in Malayalam). It is well known for its rivers and back waters and hard working people of the state  considered to be the most enterprising people of India. The neighborhood states are Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

People and Culture

Generally Keralites are of good complexion to look. Their civilization and culture are some what like Thailand style. The regional language is Malayalam. In literacy this state ranks first place in India with 100%. Rice is the staple food for keralites.

Physical Features

Green vegetations all over the state due to the natural fertility of the soil. The state is full of coconut palms. Kerala is gifted by south west monsoon with a correct schedule of rainfall every year. Promptly Trivandrum / Thiruvananthapuram is the administrative capital of the state with a port on the west coast.

Industry

As to the industrial growth the state is not much developed with large scale industries. Cottage industries are remarkable in the state. Coin products, handloom, wood craft, ivory craft. The state is the pioneer for celico cloth.

Historical Importance

The Portuguese sailor Vasco-da-gama landed in Calicut port in 1498. After some years he died and his tomb was erected in Cochin.

Important Towns

This state consists of 14 districts. Ernakulam, Cochin harbor, Calicut, Cannanure,  Alappuzha, Palghat, Kottayam, Quilon, Trichur, etc.,

Tourist Places

Kumarakom (16km from Kottayam) is maintained by Kerala tourism development corporation. Alappuzha is a coastal town with inland water ways. This place is famous for boat race. Eranakulam is an ultra modern city with long back water parks and roads. And also a favorite tourist destination of Kerala because of its many ayurvedic treatment centers in the city.

Ayurveda Treatment

Ayurveda is the one of the ancient forms of treatment practiced widely in Keraka. The ayurvaedic clinics in Kerala employed the doctors who are well versed in the traditional form of preventive and therapeutic ayurvedic treatment. The treatment involves the use of herbs and body massage. Tourist's from different part of the world keep visiting for the treatment throughout the year. KOTTAKKAL is a place and head quarters for ayurvedic treatment in Kerala state. This ayurvedic centre has its own herbal estate near Calicut. The significance of this treatment is permanent cure in long course without side effects.

Crops

Rice, tapioca, jack fruits, cashew nuts, pepper, tea and cardamom.

Festivals

'Onam' is the main festival of Kerala celebrated in the month of September and 'Vishu' (Malayalam new years day) is also celebrated on grand scale in the 14th April of every year. On both the occasions the 'KATHAKALLI'  is a time honored traditional dance - drama is performed entire Kerala. The remarkable feature in this play is with no dialogues and use of only hand gestures, expressions with rhythmic dancing with spectacular color of make up.

Temple Towns

Ernakulam, Trichur, Guruvayur and Sabarimalai are some of the important temple towns in Kerala.