Get to know Kerala

Kerala - Leisure in Nature's Backyard :- Hector Dsouza

Kerala rolls out like a verdant carpet from the hills to the sea. The fabled Malabar Spice Coast of yesteryear once attracted missionaries and merchants. It now draws tourists. A state with multi-faceted virtues, Kerala realized its immense natural troves were meant for the rest of the world to be seen and experienced. Thus in the early nineties, India's most literate state was given the byline - Gods' Own Country! The tag lived to its reputation with visitors pouring in from across the globe, some spending three weeks at a stretch for health and rejuvenation programs in specialized Ayurvedic Resorts, while others came to laze and gaze at the vast stretch of the Arabian Sea skirting the state from North to South. Many `soaked' in its ancient cultures, traditions and customs. Naturally, Kerala was voted as one of the ten best places in the world for an enthralling leisure experience by National Geographic in 2000.

According to legend, Kerala's bond with the sea is like that of mother and child. It is widely believed that Kerala emerged from the sea, when Parasu Rama one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu threw his battle axe into the sea to atone for his sin of killing thousands of Kshatriyas (warriors), The seas forgave and receded, bringing into existence Kerala, a marvel of water and land. Post AD it was ruled by the Chera Dynasty for more than 1000 years, until it was defeated by the Cholas in 12 AD. The state grew in importance as a trading post for pepper and spices from its ancient trading post of Muziris (north of Kochi), trading with the Roman Empire and other international trading centers.

The southernmost state in India on the western border, Kerala stretches out with outstanding sights from the north to south, and tourist destinations accessible by road, boat and in some cases by train. A network of backwaters as well as canals map the state like arteries on a human body. Having to spend less time travelling between destinations augurs well for first time, seasoned tourists, in search of quality time to savor a destination. Journey time from Alleppey to Fort Kochi is less than two hours, yet the transformation from from the historic town of Fort Kochi to the romantic waterways of Alleppey is magical. Moving east in a span of three hours, you enter the Periyar National Park, teeming with Asiatic Elephants, Lion Tailed Macaque, Malabar Squirrel and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The quad is complete for many visitors who enjoy a scenic drive to Munnar, known for tea estates planted in the 19th century, Nilgiri Thar and Eravikulam National Park. Returning back to Kochi takes less than four hours.

Kerala's attractions don't end here, breathtaking beaches line the coastline, with Cherai, Marari, Varkala, Pulinkudi, Varkala and Kovalam to name a few, vying for visitors. The view of a shimmering beach from a hill-top alongwith the possibility of spotting dolphins on a clear day with affordable accommodation brings many backpackers to Varkala. Kovalam has a mix of discerning, luxury and first class visitors. Specialty Ayurveda resorts alongside beachfronts, overlooking languid oceans, add the extra zing for long stay visitors. Year after year, some return back. A combination of water spray and traditional hand/foot massages takes visitors to a new realm of bliss or super consciousness.

The art of enjoying a backwater ride on a rice-barge (kettuvallum) was introduced three decades ago by a bunch of enterprising tour operators. Rice boats were converted into one bedroom houseboats; as the boat chugged along, visitors were treated to insights on village lifestyle, enchanting greenery and outstanding quiet. The trend continues to this day, though the number and size of houseboats has increased many times over. The trick though is to venture off the beaten track for more secluded and serene spots. Bonding with nature, then becomes a reality. Hospitality is the hallmark of Keralan homes, this transformed into providing visitors with an experience of staying in traditional houses with owners doubling as gracious hosts as well as providing authentic Malabar Cuisine. On many occasions, visitors find accommodation memorable, inspiring and invigorating.

Northern Kerala remained largely unknown to the outside world until 2000. Today, it brings in a number of visitors in search of ancient rock-cut caves at Eddakal, pristine beauty at Waynad, and historical monuments, forts at Sultans Bathery. Kozhikode is the nearest airport, an array of magnificent resorts overlooking languid rivers offers genuine reasons for overnight.Tree houses made their mark at Waynad, the trend continues!!

Kerala's best kept secret is that as a tourist destination it keeps throwing up surprises, has an endearing branding program that ensures travelers visit `God's Own Country.' Who wouldn't!