GOD'S OWN COUNTRY
This tiny southern state tucked in between the picturesque Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea has many firsts to its credit. This was the state where the Apostle St. Thomas, first landed in 52 AD, and the first Christian community established. This was the state where Vasco da Gama first landed in 1598 at Kappad beach. It was here that the great Indian philosopher Adi Shankara was born. The first mosque in India (built in 662 AD) is situated in Methala, 2 km from Kodungalloor in Thrissur district of Kerala.  This is also the state where the world’s first Communist government came to power through the ballot box.


Kerala has been in the forefront of education and has an excellent quality of life. This is also one of those rare places where Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and Jews have been living in harmony for ages. Renowned for its spices, Kerala had trade links with Ancient Rome, and it was the spices, which lured Vasco Da Gama to search
for a new trade route to Kerala.


Places like Alleppey are centers for backwater cruises. Alappuzha is known as the traditional home of coir industry in Kerala.Also known as the rice bowl of the state, it has predominant position in the production of rice. The state is also well known for its traditional industries that include coir, cashew, village industries, handicrafts etc.

 

The combination of three religions gives the state a rich cultural heritage, with colorful festivals throughout. Art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Oppana, Koodiyattam, and Thiruvathira are Kerala’s unique contributions to the rich culture of India. Hot and spicy, Kerala cuisine is marvelous and produces some of the best foods on earth.






Beaches of Kerala make it a tourist haven. Kovalam, Vizhinjam, Kappad, Varkala, Alappuzha are some of the major beaches of Kerala. The captivating high ranges like Munnar, Peerumedu, Wayanad, and Ponmudi are places that offer an excellent stay with fine climate.


Blessed with good rainfall and a temperate climate, Kerala has a rich flora and fauna. Tall and elegant coconut trees skirt the beaches and paddy fields with enchanting backwaters and lagoons. It is no wonder that it is a paradise, known by the name ‘GODS OWN COUNTRY’.


Thiruvananthapuram, the administrative capital is a seaside city built on seven hills.  The commercial hub of Kerala, the city of Kochi is dynamic with soaring land prices and rapidly industrializing suburbs. Kochi is blended with historic places, palaces, forts, old churches, beaches, backwaters, museums, and business centers. The Jewish synagogue, constructed in 1568 is the oldest synagogue in the Common Wealth. Ernakulam is the commercial center and forms the mainland of Kochi. Kochi is indeed called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. 



Beaches and lakes, tribal cultures, spiritual leanings, wildlife and Ayurveda, art and fascinating history – Kerala is home to one of the most fantastic attractions in India. With promises of beaches and Ayurveda, Kerala brings visitors back time and again.