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An Introduction to Kerala
 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. Kerala is full of good things. 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.
There is no other state in the country that can present so
much enthusiasm for life as it is visible in Kerala. Despite high population, the economic condition in Kerala is in much
better shape than most of the other Indian states. Basic civic facilities available to the common people are well in place
and people know what there rights are. Industrialization (specially related to Information Technology) is taking place in
Kerala in its true spirit and much faster than most of the states in the country. Influence from other countries has not eroded
the cultural values of the people and they celebrate all the festivals with much enthusiasm. Combine all these factors and
you would know why Keralites consider their state as God's Own Country.
History Of Kerala
 The name of the state of Kerala has been taken from the word Keralaputra (land of the sons of Cheras), as mentioned in one
of the Ashokan edicts dating back to 273-236 BC. Chera was the first large empire that took roots in this state, and continued
to use Tamil till 7th century as their administrative language. The Chera power declined in the 10th century AD, after Cholas,
the rulers of Tamil Nadu, were successful in overthrowing the dynasty. After the decline of Cholas in the 11th century, gradually
political power in the state went into the hands of the Zamorin of Calicut. In 1496, Vasco da Gama became the first European
to find a route to India through sea and started a long-time fight for the power in this region between the Portuguese, British,
and Dutch.
For a brief period in the middle of 18th century AD, Travancore, with the help of petty kingdoms, tried
to control the political power of Kerala. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan also tried to annexe the areas south of Travancore, but
could not fulfill their dream as they were attacked by the British from the east and had to withdraw. After Tipu's first defeat
by the British, the Seringpatnam Treaty brought all the captured parts of Kerala directly under the British and Travancore
and Kochi became princely states under the British. Kerala became a separate state only in 1956 when new states on the linguistic
basis were created in India. Formerly it was a part of Madras state and to carve out a new state the regions of Travancore,
Cochin, and Malabar were added into one to be called Kerala.
Culture of Kerala
 A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the principal
religion with considerable percentages of Muslims and Christians. The craftsmen of Kerala here can pick up the humblest and
meanest bits of material and imbue them with magical mastery. Woodcarving is the most important of craft forms that this state
has developed. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of
opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. In
a sense, a lot of the fame that the state has gained is mainly due to the popularity of this dance form. Other dance forms
of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna,
and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries
in Kerala.
Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala-where one third of the area is low lying, covered
with canals, lakes, and backwaters-the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Christmas is another festival
that is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm in the state. Other important festivals of Kerala are Eid, Muharram, and
other festivals that are traditionally celebrated all over the country.
Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes
and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. For the Muslims, the lightly flavored Biryani-made of mutton, chicken, egg
or fish-takes pride of place. In seafood, mussels are a favourite. For the Christians, who can be seen in large concentration
in areas like Kottayam and Pala, ishtew (a derivation of the European stew), with appam is a must for every marriage reception.
Kerala also has it's own fermented beverages -the famous kallu (toddy) and patta charayam (arrack). Arrack is extremely intoxicating
and is usually consumed with spicy pickles and boiled eggs (patta and mutta).
Kerala Cultural Tour
The cultural heritage of Kerala is also revealed in its varied dance forms, Martial Arts and cuisine.
Dance Forms of Kerala
Kathakali
 Kathakali is one of the world-renowned dance forms of Kerala. Kathakali literally means, "story-play". Kathakali is some
300 years old but its roots go back almost 1500 years. Kathakali draws from almost every type of formalized dance, drama and
martial arts. A number of its elements and choreography have been influenced by the 9th century art of Kuttiyattam, the only
surviving form of Sanskrit theatre. Despite the inroads of modern theatre, cinema and television, Kathakali, continues to
attract enthusiastic audiences in and outside Kerala.
Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. Mohiniattam from Kerala
is perhaps one of the most graceful dances and totally identifies with the green environment; gentle singing of the palm trees
and the calm ocean waters of Kerala. Kerala has always preserved all traditional arts and the people of the state consider
it an integral part of everyday life.
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Martial Arts of Kerala
 The Indian state of Kerala is renowned for its varied martial arts. Amongst the many forms of martial arts of Kerala are
Kalaripayattu, Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali.
Kerala Cuisine
 Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries,
aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment
with the local cuisine.
Kerala Cuisine
Kerala Cuisine
 Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries,
aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment
with the local cuisine.
A tropical paradise of undulating palms and warm sandy beaches, Kerala is a narrow strip of
coastal territory sloping down from the Western Ghats in a riot of green, luxuriant vegetation. Kerala is also one of the
richest states in India with forests and plantations of rubber, cashew, and coconuts everywhere. The meeting place of many
cultures, Hindu and Muslim, Christian and Jewish, Kerala has a particularly rich heritage of dance and drama and the people
are among the most industrious and well educated in the country.
Influence On Kerala Cuisine
Seafarers have also played an important role in shaping the history, socio-cultural background
and food of Kerala. Christianity came here as early as AD 400, and Judaism and Islam also came via the sea. Over the years,
voyagers from Greece, Italy, China France and Africa came to the spice coast of Malabar. Kerala's cuisine with its fascinating
array of meat and fish dishes is a constant reminder of the many foreigners who once came here. Kerala' s long stretch of
coast and rich sea life ensure that seafood, coconut and other such things are a part of the Malayali kitchen.
Staples in Kerala Cuisine
Rice, or rather unpolished rice, is the main food of the Keralite. Aside from the boiled
product eaten as a staple, there is also a wide range of snacks and breakfast fare made of the cereal. Pounded into flour,
it gives shape to the bamboo formed puttu, the round spongy vattayappam, the lacy edged palappam, the pancake-like kallappam,
the sweet uniappam, the idiappam that looks like fine noodles, and the stuffed ball called kozhikotta. And then, there is
the pathiri, chapatti-like bread that can be made into a plain thin one called vatipathiri, a box type pettipathiri and a
sweet cake-Chattipathiri. Pathiris are also stuffed with beef, chicken or mutton and fried, or steamed when filled with fish.
From time immemorial, the coconut tree has been an integral part of life for the people of Kerala and nowhere is this
more visible than in their food. These people put to good use whatever the land offers and the result is a marvellous cuisine
that is simple yet palate tickling.
Except for the Nambudiris who are strict vegetarians, Hindus of other castes eat
both meat and fish as a matter of course. However, they do not serve non-vegetarian food on important days, though for the
other communities no festive occasion is complete without it. It is the influence of the foreigners that, unlike most of the
other parts of the country, beef is quite popular in cuisine of Kerala.
The high ranges of Kerala boast of vast plantations
of cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, tea and coffee while in its lower elevations there are clove, ginger and turmeric. The midlands
have paddy fields, tapioca, all sorts of hardy vegetables such as yam, narrow, gourd, drumstick, etc. and a huge collection
of tropical fruits-banana, jackfruit, mango, pineapple and cashew. In the lowlands, cultivation is mainly that of coconut
trees and paddy.
Kerala Cuisine
Methods for preparing Kerala Cuisine
 Like most South Indian cuisine, be it seafood or rice and other cereal dishes, the emphasis is on 'healthy food', less use
of oil, sugar, and artificial additives, and more use of natural herbs, spices flavorings, and coconut. Spices that flavor
the local cuisine of Kerala give it a sharp pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind.
In the Kerala kitchens,
be it of any of the various communities living there, simple methods and the locally available foodstuff are used to dish
out mouthwatering delicacies. Even the ordinary tapioca root, for example, becomes a main course when boiled and sautéed with
coconut and spices, a snack when sliced fine, salted and fried, and a sweet dish when steamed with coconut and jaggery.
Specialties in Kerala Cuisine
Kerala is noted for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded
rice. Though the same ingredients are used all over the state, each of the communities has its own specialties.
For
the Muslims, the lightly flavored biryani-made of mutton, chicken, egg or fish-takes pride of place. In seafood, mussels are
a favorite. A concoction of mussel and rice flour, cooked in the shell is called arikadaka. The Arab influence on the local
cuisine is very visible in the rich meat curries and desserts. A community of Muslims who live in an area called Kuttichara,
have a special dish-a whole roasted goat stuffed with chickens inside which are eggs.
For the Christians, who can
be seen in large concentration in areas like Kottayam and Pala, ishtew (a derivation of the European stew), with appam is
a must for every marriage reception. There would also be beef cutlets with sallas (a salad made of finely cut onions, green
chilies and vinegar), chicken roast, olathan erachi (fried mutton, beef or pork), meen moilee (a yellow fish curry), meen
mulligattathu (a fiery red fish curry), and peera pattichathu (a dry fish dish of grated coconut). Another interesting feature
is the abundant use of coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut milk.
Kerala also has it's own fermented
beverages -the famous kallu or (toddy) and patta charayam (arrack). Arrack is extremely intoxicating and is usually consumed
with spicy pickles and boiled eggs (patta and mutta).
How To Eat food in Kerala
The method of serving a sadya or meal in Kerala is very precise. The leaves to be eaten
from are always the end section of the plantain leaf. When it is laid on the table, the narrow part of the leaf must always
be on the left side. Serving begins from the bottom left half of the leaf on which is placed a small yellow banana. Next to
this are served jaggery coated banana chips plain banana chips and papad. Then beginning from the top left half of the leaf
are placed lime curry, mango pickle, injipuli (a thick ginger tamarind curry), lime pickle, thoran (a dry mix of any vegetable
with coconut), vegetable stew or olan (gourd is the main ingredient), aviyal (a thick mixture of vegetables in a coconut based
gravy), Pachadi (raw mango and curd mixture) and khichdi. Only after all these are placed on the leaf, does the person begin
eating. Thereafter the rice is served at the bottom center. The sambhar (a lentil based gravy that came to Kerala from neighboring
Tamil Nadu) and kalan (a curry of yam and curd, spiced with pepper) is poured onto the rice. When the meal is over, pradaman
(rice flour, coconut milk and jaggery) or pal payasam (sugar sweetened milk and rice) is served onto the leaf. After dessert,
rasam (fiery pepper water) is poured into cupped hands to be drunk and then a little bit of curd to aid digestion.
Onam Festival
| Time of the year |
September |
| Places to visit |
Kerala |
| Duration |
Seven to ten days | Onam Festival
Onam is a time for sports, festivities, and ritual celebrations in
Kerala. The Keralites celebrate this festival in memory of the golden era of King Mahabali whose spirit is said to visit the
state at the time of Onam. Colorful aquatic festivals are organized along the sacred rive Pampa as part of the celebrations.
After three months of heavy rains, the sky becomes a clear blue and the forests a deep green. The brooks and streams
come alive, spouting a gentle white foam, the lakes and rivers overflow and lotuses and lilies are in full bloom as if to
welcome the spirit of the King. It is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice.
When Onam is Celebrated?
Depending on the positioning of the stars and the moon, the festival
is held at the end of August or beginning of September, less than a fortnight after the Malayalam New Year, Chingam begins.
This is the biggest festival of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Onam also marks the time when one should visit Kerala.
The color, enthusiasm, and celebrations associated with Onam are enough to make you return again.
Onam Celebrations
The celebrations begin within a fortnight of the Malayalam New Year and go on for ten
days. The last day called the Thiruonam is the most important. All over the state, rituals along with new clothes, traditional
cuisine, dance, and music mark this harvest festival.
In Trichur, a vibrant procession with resplendently caparisoned
elephants is taken out while at Cheruthuruthy, people gather to watch Kathakali performers enact scenes from epics and folk
tales. Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season. Performers painted like tigers in bright yellow,
red and black, dance to the beats of instruments like udukku and thakil.
At Aranmulla, where there is a temple dedicated
to Lord Krishna and Arjuna, thousands of people gather on the banks of the river Pampa to witness the exciting snake boat
races. Nearly 30 chundan vallams or snake boats participate in the festival. Singing traditional boat songs, the oarsmen,
in white dhotis and turbans, splash their oars into the water to guide their boats to cruise along like a fish on the move.
The golden lace at the head of the boat, the flag and the ornamental umbrella at the center make it a spectacular show of
pageantry too.
Each snake boat belongs to a village along the banks of the river Pampa and is worshipped like a deity.
Every year the boat is oiled mainly with fish oil, coconut shell, and carbon, mixed with eggs to keep the wood strong and
the boat slippery in the water. The village carpenter carries out annual repairs lovingly and people take pride in their boat,
which represents their village and is named after it.
The swing is another integral part of Onam, especially in the
rural areas. Young men and women, decked in their best, sing Onappaattu, or Onam songs, and rock one another on swings slung
from high branches.
Popular Beaches of Kerala
 Amongst the popular beaches of Kerala are the Kovalam Beach and Varkala beach. The other much-visited beaches of Kerala are
Thanagasseri Beach, Cheria Beach, Tanur Beach, Padinharekara Beach, Beypore Beach and Kappad Beach. There are several other
beaches of India that are worth visiting.
Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerala. It is 16 km
from Thiruvananthapuram city. Kovalam beach of Kerala is internationally renowned and it consists of three adjacent crescent
beaches. The southernmost beach of Kovalam, 'Lighthouse Beach', is the most popular beach.
Varkala Beach is another
popular beach in Kerala. It is 41 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. The 2000 years old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the
Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions at the beach.
Thanagasseri Beach features amongst the worth visiting
beaches of Kerala. It is 5 km from Kollam town. The beach has the ruins of an Old Portuguese Fort and Churches built in the
18th century.
You may even holiday at the Cheria Beach of Kerala. It is 45 km form Ernakulam city. This beach of Kerala
borders Bypeen Island, and is ideal for swimming. Dolphins may also be seen here.
Then there is the Tanur Beach of
Kerala. It is situated in Malappura District. It was one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. Keraladeshapuram Temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a must visit in Tanur town.
Padinharekara Beach, Beypore Beach and the Kappad Beach are
the other beaches of Kerala that are thronged with tourists for their natural beauty.
Kovalam Beach Resort
 Just 12 Km from Trivandrum, Kovalam is the most popular in southern India. An uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed
with rows upon rows of tall palms, a sheltered bay, a wide choice of water sports; Kovalam is about the perfect place for
a seaside holiday. There are four main stretches of beach, each about 400m long, with a rocky promontory, on which stands
the Ashoka Beach Resort, dividing them into North and South sections.
Kappad
 Kappad is a small beach near Calicut. The importance of Kappad is because of Vasco-da-Gama's arrived at this place. This
is the historic beach where Vasco - de - Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, A.D. with 170 men in three vessels. The rock
studded, pleasant beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that
protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.
The nearest place of attraction is
Calicut, which is one of the major cities of Kerala. Calicut was a leading trading center of spices on the West Coast of India
during the medieval period. Ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, Calicut found a place in World History with the discovery of sea
route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco-De-Gama. The landing of Gama at Kappad near Calicut changed the political
scenario of India, which ultimately ended with its colonization by the British. It remained under the Madras presidency till
the formation of Kerala in 1956 after Independence.
Beaches of Kerala
 For those of you who wish to go far from the madding crowd, the beaches of Kerala are the best option. Serene, calm,
in the lap of Mother Nature these beaches of Kerala beckon the weary souls for complete rejuvenation. Get ready to be bowled
over by the beautiful tropical beaches of Kerala like Chowara, Shangumugham, and Bekal.
Chowara Beach
 Chowara Beach is a virgin beach of Kerala, 9 kms south of the renowned Kovalam Beach. This beach is the hot spot for the
nature and leisure travellers. The beach is the picture perfect combination of nature where you can enjoy lush the gorgeous
greens, whispering sea breeze and the murmuring surf. This beach of Kerala is a "must visit", it home to renowned heritage
and Ayurvedic resorts.
Shanghumugham Beach
Shanghumugham Beach is a popular city beach near Thiruvananathapuram
airport. This beach of Kerala makes a refreshing holiday option for the city dwellers. Thousands of tourists throng the Shanghumugham
Beach of Kerala. Several recreational facilities are available on the beach. This beach of Kerala wears a festive look during
the temple festivals.
Bekal Beach
Bekal Beach of Kerala offers mesmerizing views of the swaying palms.
Located just 14 km away from Kasargode in Kerala Bekal Beach is worth visiting. The roaring waves take over the tourists at
the Bekal beach. The Bekal fort in the vicinity offers a great view of the beach. The blue of the beach and the greenery all
round presents an unforgettable view.
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