Kerala...Gods own country.

Kerala is gods own county and an enchantingly beautiful piece of land.Its a tropical paradise sandwiched between the tall mountains and deep sea.The tall coconut trees dominates the landscape.

Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. At the widest, Kerala is a mere 120-km from the sea to the mountains. Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains and on the other side the land is washed by the Arabian Sea waters. The land is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Kerala's exotic spices have lured foreigners to her coast from time immemorial.

The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala.Kerala has a fascinating heritage of art and culture. kathakali, a rhythmic dance based on ancient epics and 'Kalarippayattu' the worlds oldest martial art are known all over the world. Kalarippayattu is said to be the origin of all other marital arts in this world. Tourist flock the shores of Kerala to learn these art. Some of the other forms are 'Koothu', 'Koodiyattam', 'Mohiniyattam', 'Ottamthullal' etc.

Kalarippayattu

Kathakali

Theyyam

Kerala stands as an example for religious harmony. All the temples, churches, Mosque stand shoulder to shoulder that sometimes one fails to distinguish between them. All the festivals like Christmas, Ramzan, Onam, Diwali is celebrated here same pomp and gaiety. Another interesting example of religious harmony is celebration of Pooram festival at Thrissur. Malayalees from all over the world irrespective of religious sentiment reach this district to watch this festival. This festival is known for the elephant march and fire-crackers.

Historically, as far back as the 3rd century BC, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians had trade relation with Kerala. In the early 17th century, the Dutch, the French and the English too were lured by her wealth of ivory, teak and spices like like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. Even today one can find the remains of these all around Kerala.

Today Kerala is the most advanced state in India wiht the highest literacy rate and the lowest birth rate. Almost a quarter of the land area is covered by forest, with more than over 3500 plant species, most of them growing in the Western Ghats. Kerala's forest's abundant and diverse habitat support a variety of wildlife population. Cultivation varies from Paddy fields and coconut palms over the plains, while up in the hills, there are plantations of areca nut, cardamom, rubber, pepper, tea and coffee.Keralites (the people of Kerala) are know for their harmony and temperaments among themselves. They always welcome outsiders with open hands and heart. Hospitality is a part of Kerala culture and are the best host one can see in this world.