My State - Kerala
Know something about my home land Kerala, it is one of the smallest states in the Republic of India, was formed in 1956. It has an area of 15,005 sq.miles [38,863 sq.km] about one percent of the total land area of India. The state stretches for about 360 miles along the Malabar coast on the western side of the Indian peninsula; its width varies from 20 to 75 miles. It is bordered by the states of Karnataka on the north, Tamil Nadu to the east and the Arabian sea to the west (map). The state has 14 districts and the capital is in Thiruvananthapuram [previously Trivandrum].
The rise and spread of religions in Kerala is an exciting story. A rich and diverse mix of cultural streams, Kerala holds a fascinating mosaic of people. They call themselves Malayalees but yet they have managed to retain many of the characteristics that make them rugged individuals within the complex of Kerala.
The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of Kerala's cities, Cochin is a fascinating blend of cultures. From time immemorial, it has been the favorite destination of globe-trotters and explorers. Blessed by one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Cochin has been celebrated as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In and around Cochin, there are several cities of monumental value, but step into Fort Cochin, and you are in a totally different world. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Portuguese and British Architecture, all finely blend with the rich heritage of the land, intricately woven folklore and fact.
Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest State.
Cochin
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Surrounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Kochi,
formerly known as Cochin, is an important and beautiful port city of Kerala. It is located
in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
The city has an estimated population of 600,000, with an extended metropolitan population of about 1.5 million.
It boasts of a world-class port, which connects it to many important cities over the world. Etymologically,
many theories exist pertaining how Kochi derived its name. One says the city's modern name is derived from the Malayalam words, Koch Azhi, meaning 'small lagoon'. Whereas, as per some old manuscripts, the traders who came here from the court of Chinese ruler, Khubilai Khan, during ancient times, gave Cochin the name of their homeland. |
| However, one thing constant about the city is that its strategic location has always made it stand out as a significant commercial and industrial hub of Kerala. During the 14th century, Kochi gained a reputation of being an important spice-trading center. | |
Kovalam
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Situated on the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shoreline is a small village of Kovalam. This quiet town of Kovalam came on the tourist map, when its beautiful and secluded beaches were discovered. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.The palm-fringed bays of Kovalam in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The unforgettable image of Kovalam is that of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters. This marvelous beach is a tourist's dream come true. The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach and the most popular from the three, is the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque, but photography is prohibited here. |
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The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. |
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Munnar
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Munnar is a beautiful, peaceful hill station covered with unending expanse of tea plantations is 129 km from Cochin, with an altitude ranging from 1600 to 1800 metres above sea level. Munnar boasts of the highest peak in South India - Anamudi 2695 metres high.
Munnar, the favourite summer resort of European settlers for centuries, took place on the tourism map of India only recently. Edassery East End, Royal Retreat, The Tall Trees, Misha Holiday Home, Elysium Garden, Tea County (KTDC), Copper Castle and Hill View are the main Hotels in this town.
The very name 'Munnar' means three rivers, and there are actually three of them, three mountain
streams, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, confluencing at the heart of
the town, meeting all the water requirements of the settlers and the visitors.
Access :
- Air : Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery, Ernakulam, 111 km. North-West and Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 165 km South-East.
- Rail :The nearest railway station is at Aluva 116 km, Ernakulam 130 km, Kottayam 148 km and Madurai 162 km.
- Road : Munnar can be reached by motorable roads from most parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Distance from Munnar to (Kottayam - 147 km, Kumarakom - 163 km, Thekkady - 110 km, Idukki - 60 km, Thodupuzha - 91 km, Palani - 121 km, Kodaikanal - 190 km, Coimbatore - 165 km, Amaravathy Dam - 80 km and Madurai - 162 km)
Thekkady
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There are three KTDC run hotels within the sanctuary, the main Aranya Nivas stone lodge at the head of the lake, and the romantic Lake Palace on a small island/promontory up the lake, reachable only by boat. The Lake Palace was former Maharaja's summer Palace and will satisfy the most dedicated romantics. Third one is Periyar House.
Access :
- Air : Nearest airport is at Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 140 km. East and Nedumbassery International Airport, Ernakulam is 174 km. North-West (via Kattappana, Adimali, Kothamangalam).
Aluva
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Aluva (Alwaye) is a town and a municipality in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India.
It is one of the most industrialised towns in Kerala, though most of the factories are actually
situated in the newly minted town Kalamassery. It is famous for the Aluva Sivarathri festival at
Manal Puram (land with sand) on the banks of Periyar River.The annual Shivarathri festival is held
on the banks of the river and is a colorful celebration.
The centre of attraction is the Shiva Lingam on the sand river bank. Aluva serves as a transit point to the following four towns in Ernakulam district - Angamaly to the north , Kalamassery to the south , North Paravur to the west and Perumbavoor to the east.Aluva is well connected to all major cities in the country by air (Nedumbassery, 10 km far), rail, road and sea (nearest port Cochin 22 km away). Most trains have stops at Alwaye railway station. National Waterways pass through Alwaye. |
Bakel Fort
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The largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala,
Bakel Fort, is 16 km south on the National Highway. The beautiful Bakel beach
with the historically and archeologically significant Bakel fort in the
background is now being developed into an international tourist destination. You
can savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep sea from the
tall observation towers of the fort, once huge cannon emplacements perched on
hill top. This fort belonged in ancient times to the Kadampa dynasty and later came under the Kolathiri Rajas. Still later it became part of the Vijayanagar empire. In the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan captured it. An old mosque near the fort is believed to have been built by him. After he was overthrown by the British, the fort came under the East India Company. |
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Wayanad
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The wonderful Wayanad is a hill resort of Kerala that offers nature at its best. There are the mist-clad mountains, spice plantations and the stretches of greens as far as the sight goes. The majestic mountains of the Western Ghats add to the charm of Wayanad. Among the major tourist attractions in Wayanad, there are rock caves - Edakkal Caves, situated in the Ambukuthy Hills. The caves are famous for the ancient carvings and pictorial writings dating back to the new Stone Age. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for the nature as well as the animal lovers. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an element of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Close by are the Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks. The fabulous flora and fauna of the sanctuary are a major tourist attraction at Wayanad. |
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You may check out the coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and
rubber plantations that dot the hills of Wayanad.
Pookat Lake is another spot to chill out in Wayanad. You may visit the fresh water aquarium or the children's park, enjoying boating or even shop for handicraft items and spices at the fresh water Pookat Lake that is wrapped in high hills and gorgeous greens. The Varambetta Mosque and the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum are the other places worth visiting on your trip to Wayanad. | |
Access :
- Air : The airport and the railway station at Kozhikode are the nearest to Wayanad, Kozhikode is approximately 100 km from Wayanad.
- Road : The excellent road network links Wayanad with other important places like Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore.
Festivals of KERALA :
- Onam
- Thrissur Pooram
- Aranmula Uthrittathi
- Easter
- Christmas
- Thiruvathira Festival
- Idul-Fitr
- Makaravillakku at Sabarimala
- Vishu
- Kerala Foundation Day
- Deepavali
- Maha Navami / Vijaya Dashami
The 10 day festival is kerala's most important festival, honoring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as the golden age in the history of the state. He was the embodiment of virtues, goodness, so was his regime which was marked by equality and harmony among people.
The most spectacular spectacle in the state. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi state. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) the festival parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators.
The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa, held annually at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi asterism, in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed to be in all the boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected to arrive at their destination simultaneously.
It is the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not the birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter is derived from this paschal mystery and from the events of Good Friday.
Christmas is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all communities in Kerala.
The festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). On thiruvathira morning, devotees throng Shiva temples for an early worship which is reckoned as highly auspicious.Tradition says thiruvathira is celebrating the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of Love. According to another version, Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva. The festival has similarities to adra darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Late known by the misnomer 'Ramadan' is one of the two festivals of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. During this month the Muslims observe fast, giving up all kinds of food and drink during day time, and spend the major part of the night in devotion and prayer.
For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala.
The Malayalam New Year is celebrated by bursting crackers and going to temple.
This event is organized to commemorate Keralas recognition as a state. It is celebrated on 1st of November every year.
Deepavali is known as the festival of lights. There are many legends connected with the festival. Some say that it is a celebration of Sree Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura and others hold that it is the day Sree Rama returned from exile.
The 10 day festival associated with vanquishing demons, in particular Rama's victory over Ravana in the Ramayana, and Durga's victory over the buffalo-headed Mahishasura.