Kerala
Historical Discriptions :
God's
own country Kerala is one of the southernmost state of India and is situated
at the south-west coast of India. Kerala's history dates back to Mauryan
Empire. The first written history of Kerala can be found the Ashokan
inscription, where emperor Ashoka(269-232BC) had mentioned four independent
kingdom in the south of his empire and Kerala or the Keralaputras is one of
them. The Sangam literature talks about three empires : the Ays, the Cheras
and the Ezhimalas which now constitutes Kerala.
Earlier Kerala and Tamil Nadu were together known as 'Tamilakam', once
sharing a common language and culture. But in the early 14th century, Kerala
became a linguistically separate region. Kerala has a very long list of
contact with the outside world. The ports of Kerala were a major link
between the Middle East, Mediterranean and China. In 1498, Vasco da Gama led
the Portuguese to India for spice trade. But during the mid 18th century,
with the coming of British East India Company, the British gained supremacy
over the spice trade. In the late 18th century, after the four Anglo-Mysore
Wars, the region became a part of the Madras Presidency. After India's
Independence in 1947, the Government of India's State Recognisation
Act(1956) formed a new state Kerala incorporating Travancore, Cochin and
Malabar, which was formerly part of Madras State.
Kerala Cities :
Attractions of Kerala :
Kerala
is one of the most popular tourist destination in the southwestern India. It
offers an endless list of destinations including bewitching beaches,
backwaters, hill station, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, historic cities
with numerous ancient temples, churches and palaces. Besides, its
traditional classical art, ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy and traditional
cuisine also attract tourists from all over world. The Kovalam beach,
Alappuzha and Kumarakom backwater, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kumarakom bird
sanctaury, Munnar Hill Station are some of the major attraction of the
state.
Shopping in Kerala :
Kerala offers a range of shopping items to its visitors. The main items
include jewellery, spices, handicrafts, handloom and several antique
objects. The state also offers many precious metals and stones and among
jewellery items gold necklace, bangles, earrings, studs are some most
purchasing items by visitors. Coir products, wooden handicraft items,
traditional dress materials are some other products to purchase.
Festivals of Kerala :
Like most parts of India, Kerala also celebrates numerous colourful
festivals that are symbols of its varied cultural heritage. In Kerala, every
community and every religion has something to celebrate throughout the year.
Some of the major ones are :
» The Onam Festival - Celebrated in the month of
August, it is the annual harvest festival of Kerala and continues for 10
days. Elephant procession, classical dance & music, folk dance &
music, water carnivals are the prime features of this festival.
» Thrissur Porram Festival - Held in the month of
April/May, it is one of the most popular festival of Kerala celebrated at
the temple of Vadakkananthan in Thrissur district. Various rituals, prayers,
spectacular firework display and a procession of decorated elephants bearing
the idols of gods on their back are the prime attractions of this festival.
It is one of the annual event on the tourist calender of Kerala.
» Vishu - It is another most popular festival of
Kerala. Vishu falls in the month of March/April, which is the Malayalam New
Years Day. It is considered as an auspicious day for new beginnings.
» Attukal Pongala Festival - It is the festival
celebrated by women, who assembled at the Attukal Temple and offer cooking
food to the goddess. The food is taken to home, after all rituals done by
the chief priest.
Other important festivals of Kerala are several boat festivals, Id,
Muharam, Deepavali and several other including many national festivals that
are celebrated all over the country.
