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India
Kerala Tourist Information
Kerala, a state on the Malabar Coast at the southwestern tip of India
is a major tourist
attraction. The state of Kerala is often referred to as God's Own Country
because of its spectacular natural beauty is one of four states that made up
the linguistic-cultural region known as South India. Kerala is the most
advanced state in India with the highest literacy rate and the lowest birth
rate, a common phenomenon in more advanced states and countries.
There are two versions of how Kerala's name came about.. Some say Kerala
is derived from the word "Keralam" which in Sanskrit means the "land added
on". Another version had it that it means the land of Kerala ie the Coconut.
According to legend, the Kerala was a gift from Parasurama, one of the
ten Avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Legend had it that Parasurama
threw his battle axe into the sea to reclaim the landmass, Kerala. Almost a
quarter of the land in Kerala is covered by forest and within which is the
habitat of over 3500 plant species, most of them growing in the Western Ghats.
Kerala is immensely blessed by mother nature and has won many praises
and awards from respected tourism related organizations and magazines. For
example, The National Geographic Traveler rated Kerala as "One of the 50 must
see destinations of a lifetime" and "One of the 10 paradise of the World".
Indeed it is, for Kerala is a land of sprawling lush vegetation, tranquil
turquoise beaches, magnificent mountains, sparkling waterfalls, diverse
wildlife, grand historical monuments, colorful festivals with 44 major rivers
and resplendant lakes. Is it any wonder why Kerala is called God's own country?
Tourist attractions in Kerala
Tourists are always fascinated by Kerala's numerous wildlife sanctuaries such
as the The Periyar National Park. Another interesting tourist attraction in
Kerala is the Kalarippayat, which is thought to be the world's oldest martial
art form and supposedly, the origin of all marital arts. Thousands of tourists
flock to Kerala to learn this ancient martial art every year.
Just like the tiny country of Singapore,
Kerala prides itself for religious harmony. It is always a happy sight to see
temples, churches, mosque built near each other and sometimes tourists may not
even be able distinguish them. Major festivals such as Christmas, Ramzan and
Diwali (Deepavali) are celebrated freely.
One heart warming example of religious harmony is
celebration of the Thrissur Pooram festival in April every year. Malayalees
from all over the world irregardless of religious leanings flock to this
Indian district to watch this festival, better known for its majestic elephant
marches and spectacular fireworks display.
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One very exciting activity for tourist is to tour the backwaters of
Kerala on a house boat or Kettuvallam as these boats are called locally. These
boats cruise shallow palm fringed lakes and along the narrow canals. During
the cruise, tourists can view the real Kerala villages.
Kerala Cuisine
Kerala cuisine is generally spicy hot and usually served on a banana leaf.
Almost every dish has coconut and spices added giving the dishes a sharp
pungency that is headily highlighted with a dash of tamarind.
Keralites, as the people of Kerala are called, are well known for their
gentle disposition and will always welcome tourists wholeheartedly. So if you
are visiting India for your holiday vacation, why not head down south to
Kerala, God's own country and marvel at the tourist attractions there? – Kerala
Tourist Attraction was posted on 19th Nov 2007
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