| Kerala at a glance |
Kerala was always under the world's magnifying glass. This small strip of land on the South Western coast of India drew people from all parts of the world since time immemorial first in the quest for spices and now as a destination of a lifetime. But then to the outsider most things about Kerala are perplexing. Its intriguingly distinct culture despite numerous foreign influences, a fascinating case study model of development having achieved social indicators at par with the developed world and all this in the background of incredible scenic beauty has made the world stand up and take notice of Kerala all over again!
A fair share of accolades have come Kerala's way – for starters this land of coconuts was branded as 'God's Own Country' which the traveler endorsed wholeheartedly. National Geographic Traveler named Kerala among the 10 paradises in the world and one of the 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime. According to world travel and tourism council, Kerala is the fastest growing destination on the globe. But for a change – Kerala with its inimitable natural charms lives up to all this hype!
Kerala Fascinating Facts
Kerala has a Human Development Index (HDI) at par with the West with the highest literacy in India, high quality of life, women outnumbering men and newspaper readership among the highest in the world.
Kerala is land of origin of the ancient system of medicine called Ayurveda which now proves to be the most holistic medical system in today’s world and is naturally referred to as the ‘Land of Ayurveda.’
Kerala was one of the first trade centers in the world with evidence showing Arabs visiting in the 8th century, Portuguese and Chinese during the 15th century, Dutch and British during the 16th and 17th centuries to establish trade relations.
Kerala is the first place in the world to have a democratically elected communist government.
Kerala has 44 rivers cutting across and area of 40,000 square km and is the only destination in India with the tranquil backwater tourism.
The Land
Perhaps there is no destination in India which has been covered so extensively by the travel world as Kerala. With its unique mix of natural beauty, culture and history, an educated and financially progressive populace, a tourism industry with its distinct identity and all this in a small strip of land has defined the success of Kerala tourism. The geography of the land can be seen in four parts – Backwaters, Midlands, Hills and the Coastal circuit. This enviable range in such a small strip of land means that the traveler can move from the misty hills to the tranquil backwaters in a matter of hours. This is probably the greatest advantage of Kerala.
The Backwaters
With a 44 west flowing rivers across Kerala, the backwaters are linked by canal forming a 1920 km water network. The backwaters are the best way to experience the rural Kuttanad culture in the wonderful and leisurely ambience of the Kettuvallom (House boat). The backwater hubs of Kerala are Kumarakom, Alapuzha, Kollam and Kochi. Kumarakom also offers some of the world best water front resorts.
The Hills
The Western Ghats located on the eastern side of Kerala in the ranging in the height range of 500-2700 m is considered a bio-diversity hotspot. With picturesque valleys and misty hills, this place gives a whiff of the colonial lifestyle. We have numerous options ranging from the rolling tea plantations in Munnar and Vagamon, to the tropical deciduous forest in Thenmala and Wayanad. These mountains offer numerous opportunities for adventurous trekking and wild life viewing besides the cool ambience of the hills.
The Midlands
The midlands open up the magical interior of Kerala ranging from the spice town of Kumily, the wildlife hub of Periyar (Thekkady) to the rich rubber plantations of Kottayam. The grass lands with endless paddy fields which reflect the rich agrarian lifestyle is an attraction of the midlands. Palakkad and Cheruthuruthy of the midlands also open up the cultural center of Kerala.
The Coastal Circuit
The coastal circuit explores the western coast of Kerala starting from the northern tip with lesser known Bekal and Muzhapilangad (4 km long beach stretch) to Cherai, Varkala and the world famous Kovalam beach. These golden sand beaches offer an amazing view and truly relax your soul. The range of water sports activities keep you engaged here.
Evidently with this range on offer, there is so much to see and do in this land. God’s Own Country proves to be a destination for the body, soul and mind alike. It just gets under your skin.
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