This document provides an overview of the Indian state of Kerala by discussing its geography, history, culture, people, climate, festivals, tourist attractions, and natural features. Key points include that Kerala has a long coastline on the Arabian Sea and is bounded by the Western Ghats mountain range, has a tropical climate and was influenced by colonial powers like Portugal and Britain, and has a culturally diverse population and economy now focused on tourism, backwaters, and Ayurvedic treatments.

1.  If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India
where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal
thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. This small State
in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy
winner owning to its great mind-blowing landscape
and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity
cultural life and educated public so often dressed in
white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram Kerala
is choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and
travelers from all over the world.

2.  Sandwiched between the
Lakshwadeep Sea and the
Western Ghats, Kerala is a
bustling little green-and-
silver, coconuts-and-water
state on the west coast of
India. It is bounded by
Karnataka to the north,
Tamil Nadu to the east, and
the Arabian Sea to the
west. Thiruvananthapuram
is its capital.

3.  Original inhabitants were animists, followed by the
Dravidians. After Alexander's triumphant sweep over
Asia Minor, the ports of Kerala became a link between
the Middle East, the Mediterranean and China.
 In 1498, Vasco da Gama made his historic landing on
the Malabar Coast. In 1723, the East India Company
signed a strategic treaty with King Marthanda Varma.
For a few decades, Hyder Ali and his son -Tipu sultan
proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the British,
sweeping down several times into Kerala. In 1947, it
was the turn of the British to pack their bags.

4.  Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. The Malayali
majority belong to the Dravidian group (local race) of early
Indian peoples.
 There is a small population of descendants of Indo-
European migrants from the north. Certain hill tribes
exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast
Asia. Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large
Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and
Jewish, minorities.
 The official language is Malayalam. A long contact with the
outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and
given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook

5.  One aspect of the state's
rich cultural heritage is
manifest in its varieties
of religious architecture:
ancient Hindu temples
with copper-clad
roofs, later Islamic
mosques with "Malabar
gables," and colonial
Portuguese Baroque
churches.
 .

6.  The climate is equable and varies little from season to
season. The temperature normally ranges between 27º
and 32º C in the plains but drops to about 21º C in the
highlands.

7.  10-day annual festival in January at Sreekandeswaram
Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. In February, is the
week-long Nishagandhi Dance festival; Pooram
festival in Thrissur around April-May; Flavor Food
Festival, at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds,
Thiruvananthapuram in May.

8.  With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats
towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by
forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical
features that have made it one of the most sought after
tourist destinations in Asia. Kerala is one of the most
wanted after tourist destinations in the world.

9.  - One of the exclusive
features of the beaches
of Kerala are the clean
sands bound by non-stop
rows of palm trees. This
adds to the magic
created by
sunbathing, boating and
swimming in these
waters.

10.  - The only way to learn the
real Kerala is to cruise
along its backwaters. You
will experience a totally
different Kerala as you sail
down these calming waters
in a country craft and
absorb this unusual
representation of Kerala
life. Kerala’s centuries-old,
palm fringed backwaters
stretch over 1900 kms.

11.  Ayurveda in Kerala -Call it a blessing of God, Kerala's friendly
climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and
medicinal plants), and the cool extended monsoon season (June -
November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative
packages.
 Kerala Forts - Kerala had been the hub of much political activity in
the past and has witnessed the influx of various foreign powers, which
settled down in various parts of the state. The imposing forts such as
the St.Angelo's Fort, Bekal Fort, Palakkad Fort built by these colonial
powers speak volumes about the foreign influence on architecture.
 Kerala Hill Stations - Kerala has been well-known for its natural
riches at least since the time of King Solomon. Driving from the ocean
to the hills the moist jade of coastal rice and paddy fields and coconut
groves give way to bananas, black pepper, Ginger and tapioca. Moving
higher the road begins to wind through tea estates and plantations of
coffee, rubber and spices.
 Kerala Museums - The museums and art galleries of Kerala resound
with the glory of a bygone era that was replete with exotic art forms.

12.  - There are 34 lakes in the state. From the
geographical point of view lakes can be segmented
into three – Bordered by the sandbank and running
almost parallel to the riverbank are the first category.
These include the Vembanadu and Kayamkulam Lake.

13.  Kerala Wildlife - The Wildlife Parks, reserves,
sanctuaries and National Parks stretch from the
southern tip of Kerala to the Northern Border with
Karnataka.
 Kerala Temples - Kerala has a fairly rich mythological
heritage and there are temples of several gods and
goddesses almost throughout the state. All these
temples are not only significant from their religios
importance but are also great architectural set ups.
Some are huge and richly decorated while others are
small with simple decor, but invarianbly all speak
volumes about the highly religious temperament of
the people.

14.  Forests in Kerala - The Western Ghats, the natural mountain barriers
of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are home to the
majority of Kerala’s forests and wildlife. Not long ago, these forests
made a contiguous path for animal migration. But the unrestricted
migration of vast populations from the plains in search of cultivable
lands during the 50’s and 60’s saw the alarming denudation of the
forest cover and along with it the destruction of wildlife.
 Pilgrimage in Kerala - The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, 80
kms. from the Pathanamthitta district head quarters, is a National
Pilgrim Centre. This famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by
hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala.
 Waterfalls in Kerala - Enchanting and serene waterfalls welcome you
at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges. One can find frequents buses to
Athirappally from Chalakudy-40 km from Cochin on the Thrissur
route. Athirappally is 77 km north of Cochin (Kochi).
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