The name Kerala is believed to have been origined from the words "kerala" and "alam". Kerala means coconut and alam location. The mother tongue of Kerala is Malayalam and the natives are known as Malayalees. It is believed that Parasurama is the creator of Kerala. He converted a portion of sea into land by throwing his axe. The name of Kerala has a mention in a very old Sanskrit work "Aitareya Aranyaka" (belonging to the wilderness).
Compared to other States of India, Kerala was very peaceful during British regim. Punnapara Vayalar and Malabar Rebellion are the two revolts that took place during the British regim. Veluthampi Dalava and Pazhassi Raja were the two knwon warriors of those time. Hinduism has ancient roots here, and is the religion of the majority. Thetemples of Kerala display exquisite sculptures, carving and architectural features, which testify to the skill of the master craftsmen who created them. Some of the well-known temples of Kerala known for their design and sculptural excellence are the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district.
Several people and races have made their significant contribution to the Kerala culture. It is believed that the population of Kerala comprises of a large number of people from the Dravidians race. Hinduism is the main religion with substantial percentage of Muslims and Christians.
Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Its diverse culture is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic development of Kerala's cultural traditions. The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have developed from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combiningthe 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.
Sree Sankaracharya,Sree Narayana Guru and Charttampi Swamikal contributed a lot which paved the way for the modern culture of Kerala. They fought against untouchability. The Vaikom Satyagraham which paved the way for the 1936 proclamation by Chitra Thirunal Bala Reama Varma of Travancore for the temple entry. Thereafter Malabar and later after the independence Cochin also permitted entry to all castes.
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).
Art and Culture
Kerala's culture is a blend of Aryans and Dravidians.The north Indians are the descendants of Aryans and the south Indians are Dravidians. During 10th century Kerala was part of Tamil heritage region known as Tamilakam and was greatly influenced by the Dravidian culture. The art forms of Kerala can be classified into four groups viz. Classical Art Form, Folk Art Form, Fine Art Form, Temple Music Form.
DEVOTIONAL ART FORMS
Kerala Literature marks its separate identity from 14th century onwards. Poets like Rama Panikkar, Madvava Pankkar, Sankara Panikkar, Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ullor are known famous Malayalam poets who moved Malayalam poetry to lyrical mode. Writers like S.K. Pottakkat, G. Sankara Kurp, O.V. Vijayan, M.T Vasudevan Nair and Arundhati Roy enriched the Malayalam literature.
Kerala music also has ancient roots. Carnatic music dominates Kerala traditional music which was popularised by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma in 19th century. Panchavadyam and Tayambaka are two different forms of percussion instrument presentations wherein a group of artists perform for long hours with out a conductor.
Kerala has a large number of festivals to celebrate through out the year. It include temple, religious rituals, social and community and other traditions.One of the age old tradition and rituals is Onam celebration. It commeorates the visit of 'Mahabali' the erstwhile king to see his desiples. Pulikkali, thiruvathirakali and other songs associated with Oname celebration. The “Vishu" and vishukkai neettam associated with it is another ritual celebrated during April. Elders offer gifts and cash to the younger members of the family and bless them happiness and prosperity through out the year.
By October – November (after the rain) starts the festival season. The festivals ends by the end of April / May by the coming of rain in Mid June. Thrissur Pooram is the famous temple festival where elephants decorated in large numbers assemble with local music (Panchavadhyam and Thayampaka). Pongal (a festival of Tamil Nadu) and Deppavali (festival of lights) is also celebrated in Kerala. Keralities take part and enjpy all festivals irrespective of religion. Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are the traditional form of dances in Kerala.
The Syrian Christians of Kerala have preserved some of the original rituals of the early Jewish Syrian Christians. Likewise, the Muslims also have their own unique customs and traditions which they diligently follow during their religious and wedding festivals. The famous oppana, mapillappattu etc are some of them.
RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS
Compared to other States of India, Kerala was very peaceful during British regim. Punnapara Vayalar and Malabar Rebellion are the two revolts that took place during the British regim. Veluthampi Dalava and Pazhassi Raja were the two knwon warriors of those time. Hinduism has ancient roots here, and is the religion of the majority. Thetemples of Kerala display exquisite sculptures, carving and architectural features, which testify to the skill of the master craftsmen who created them. Some of the well-known temples of Kerala known for their design and sculptural excellence are the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district.
Several people and races have made their significant contribution to the Kerala culture. It is believed that the population of Kerala comprises of a large number of people from the Dravidians race. Hinduism is the main religion with substantial percentage of Muslims and Christians.
Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Its diverse culture is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic development of Kerala's cultural traditions. The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have developed from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combiningthe 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.
Sree Sankaracharya,Sree Narayana Guru and Charttampi Swamikal contributed a lot which paved the way for the modern culture of Kerala. They fought against untouchability. The Vaikom Satyagraham which paved the way for the 1936 proclamation by Chitra Thirunal Bala Reama Varma of Travancore for the temple entry. Thereafter Malabar and later after the independence Cochin also permitted entry to all castes.
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).
Art and Culture
Kerala's culture is a blend of Aryans and Dravidians.The north Indians are the descendants of Aryans and the south Indians are Dravidians. During 10th century Kerala was part of Tamil heritage region known as Tamilakam and was greatly influenced by the Dravidian culture. The art forms of Kerala can be classified into four groups viz. Classical Art Form, Folk Art Form, Fine Art Form, Temple Music Form.
DEVOTIONAL ART FORMS
- Ayyappanpattu
- Mohiniyattom- the dance form of Kerala
- Arjunanritham
- Mudiyettu
- Ashtapathiyattom
- Ottamthulla
- Bhagavathyppattu
- Pallipana
- Chathankali
- Pana
- Chakkyar Koothu
- Padakam
- Kuthiyottam
- Ramanattom
- Kolamthullal
- Theeyattu
- Koodiyattom – multiple actors
- Theyyam
- Krishnanattom
- Thidambunritham
- Kavadiyattom
- Kurathiyattom
- Kathakali- the dance-drama of Kerala
Kerala Literature marks its separate identity from 14th century onwards. Poets like Rama Panikkar, Madvava Pankkar, Sankara Panikkar, Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ullor are known famous Malayalam poets who moved Malayalam poetry to lyrical mode. Writers like S.K. Pottakkat, G. Sankara Kurp, O.V. Vijayan, M.T Vasudevan Nair and Arundhati Roy enriched the Malayalam literature.
Kerala music also has ancient roots. Carnatic music dominates Kerala traditional music which was popularised by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma in 19th century. Panchavadyam and Tayambaka are two different forms of percussion instrument presentations wherein a group of artists perform for long hours with out a conductor.
Kerala has a large number of festivals to celebrate through out the year. It include temple, religious rituals, social and community and other traditions.One of the age old tradition and rituals is Onam celebration. It commeorates the visit of 'Mahabali' the erstwhile king to see his desiples. Pulikkali, thiruvathirakali and other songs associated with Oname celebration. The “Vishu" and vishukkai neettam associated with it is another ritual celebrated during April. Elders offer gifts and cash to the younger members of the family and bless them happiness and prosperity through out the year.
By October – November (after the rain) starts the festival season. The festivals ends by the end of April / May by the coming of rain in Mid June. Thrissur Pooram is the famous temple festival where elephants decorated in large numbers assemble with local music (Panchavadhyam and Thayampaka). Pongal (a festival of Tamil Nadu) and Deppavali (festival of lights) is also celebrated in Kerala. Keralities take part and enjpy all festivals irrespective of religion. Kathakali and Mohiniyattom are the traditional form of dances in Kerala.
The Syrian Christians of Kerala have preserved some of the original rituals of the early Jewish Syrian Christians. Likewise, the Muslims also have their own unique customs and traditions which they diligently follow during their religious and wedding festivals. The famous oppana, mapillappattu etc are some of them.
RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS
- Achukuli
- Sanchayanam
- Uzhichil
- Choroonu
- Sapthapadi
- Segam
- Ekadashi
- Shasthipoorthi
- Orikkal
- Kanyadanam
- Thalikettukalyanam
- Vidyarambham
- Kuttiyoottu
- Theyyattu
- Vratham
- Kuthirakettu
- Thalikettu
- Kuronthiripattu
- Veli
- Malayankettu
- Murajapam
- Samavarthanam
- Upanayanam
Kerala - from the perspective of a traveler
India is a vast country stretching from the mighty Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala offering plethora of different experiences.Each state has its own unique experiences to offer and Kerala also has its own unique experiences that set it apart ..
In a nutshell Kerala can be summarized as
- One of the most beautiful Backwaters in the world
- Land of Ayurvedha/Spices
- Plethora of Beautiful Sunny Beaches spread across the state
- Rich cultural heritages/festivals/ Experiences
- Unique culinary experiences.
In a nutshell Kerala can be summarized as
- One of the most beautiful Backwaters in the world
- Land of Ayurvedha/Spices
- Plethora of Beautiful Sunny Beaches spread across the state
- Rich cultural heritages/festivals/ Experiences
- Unique culinary experiences.
Kerala is one of the most beautiful places worth visiting in India.
1.Natural Beauty and unique geographical positioning - Kerala is gifted with natural beauty and greenery has Arabain Sea on one side and Wester Ghats on the other side, providing different wonderful experiences such as Hill stations,Beaches,Backwaters,Wild life,Waterfalls with all most all the experiences geographically closer to each other. This helps a traveler to roam around from one experience to another easily and enjoy all these experiences in a short span of time (say 4-5 Days). This gives a unique advantage to Kerala unlike many other Tourist destinations which offers only a single theme. To get better idea of this you can consider the below most famous tourist circuit of Kerala
Cochin Inernational Airport –> Cherai Beach (1 hour) -> Munnar Hill Station (5 Hour) -> Thekkady Wild life (4 Hour) -> Alleppy/Kumarakom Backwaters (4 hours) (Travel time from previous destination to current destination in bracket)
Many such Tourist circuits exists in south Kerala, North Kerala connecting the international airports in those areas
2. Moderate Climate round the year making in an all year destination for international as well as domestic travelers . Every season is Kerala is offering its own unique experience to the travelers be it Monsoons, Winter or Summer. You just need to know what to expect in each season and pick your most suited season for heading to Kerala. For knowing more details on “Best time to Visit Kerala” you can read Sreejith Puthenparambil Chandran's answer to Vacations: What is the best time to visit Kerala, India?
3. Well connected by Sea and Air with three international airports and one Sea Port falling in international ship route. Proximity to Bangalore the silicon valley of India.
4. Kerala offers the most authentic AyurVedha Experience and can be called the land of Ayurvedha.A lot of Domestic as well as International travelers are heading to Kerala for having the first hand experience of Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments and massages .
5. Easy to communicate in English. Thanks to the high literacy rate most f the people in Kerala will can speak and understand basic English making it much easier for international travelers to roam around, communicate and blend in. Coupled with tourism friendly and welcoming people and support from local authorities makes the travelers comfortable.
6. Well developed Tourism infrastructure and world class marketing from Kerala Tourism Department - There are plenty of mature professional players in all areas of the tourism sector (Accommodation, Tour Operators, Activities) , providing exceptional service with international standards which opens up a large world of different options, making travelers feel like spoiled with choices. This also prompts them to come back next time for another set of new experiences which they have missed this time. The Kerala Tourism department does a pretty good job in marketing Kerala tourism through various innovative ways and a strong social media presence.
7. Best value for money experience - High USD to INR conversion rate makes Kerala a very affordable Value for money destination for International travelers
8. Land of Spices – right from earlier centuries Kerala has marked its presence in the global spice market for its rich flavored spices. In Kerala you can visit Spice plantations and get a first hand experience of everything in the world of spices. Spice tourism is gaining momentum in Kerala
9. Rich cultural traditions and colorful festivals- Different festivals spread throughout the year (Thrissur Pooram, Boat Races, Theyyams ,Onam). Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience.
10. Unique Local Cuisines – . If you visit Kerala, the southern most state of India you will have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. Kerala, often called the “Land of Spices,” was one of the major spice shipping hubs for the globe as early as 3000 B.C. and is still a major grower and exporter of spices and foods to this day. Kerala breakfast has been listed in top 5 favourite breakfasts around the world by Travel+ Leisure.
travelandleisure.com
Wake Up and Smell the . . .You can read more about Kerala Local Cuisines here
Experience Kerala Holiday Planners' answer to What is one dish you cannot afford to miss when you visit Kerala?
11. Last but most important World class Experiences Kerala offers, be it BackWaters or Sunny Beaches or Hill Stations. Kerala was named top 5 family destinations in the world by Lonely Planet in 2014
Best family travel destinations for 2014 - Lonely Planet
1.Natural Beauty and unique geographical positioning - Kerala is gifted with natural beauty and greenery has Arabain Sea on one side and Wester Ghats on the other side, providing different wonderful experiences such as Hill stations,Beaches,Backwaters,Wild life,Waterfalls with all most all the experiences geographically closer to each other. This helps a traveler to roam around from one experience to another easily and enjoy all these experiences in a short span of time (say 4-5 Days). This gives a unique advantage to Kerala unlike many other Tourist destinations which offers only a single theme. To get better idea of this you can consider the below most famous tourist circuit of Kerala
Cochin Inernational Airport –> Cherai Beach (1 hour) -> Munnar Hill Station (5 Hour) -> Thekkady Wild life (4 Hour) -> Alleppy/Kumarakom Backwaters (4 hours) (Travel time from previous destination to current destination in bracket)
Many such Tourist circuits exists in south Kerala, North Kerala connecting the international airports in those areas
2. Moderate Climate round the year making in an all year destination for international as well as domestic travelers . Every season is Kerala is offering its own unique experience to the travelers be it Monsoons, Winter or Summer. You just need to know what to expect in each season and pick your most suited season for heading to Kerala. For knowing more details on “Best time to Visit Kerala” you can read Sreejith Puthenparambil Chandran's answer to Vacations: What is the best time to visit Kerala, India?
3. Well connected by Sea and Air with three international airports and one Sea Port falling in international ship route. Proximity to Bangalore the silicon valley of India.
4. Kerala offers the most authentic AyurVedha Experience and can be called the land of Ayurvedha.A lot of Domestic as well as International travelers are heading to Kerala for having the first hand experience of Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments and massages .
5. Easy to communicate in English. Thanks to the high literacy rate most f the people in Kerala will can speak and understand basic English making it much easier for international travelers to roam around, communicate and blend in. Coupled with tourism friendly and welcoming people and support from local authorities makes the travelers comfortable.
6. Well developed Tourism infrastructure and world class marketing from Kerala Tourism Department - There are plenty of mature professional players in all areas of the tourism sector (Accommodation, Tour Operators, Activities) , providing exceptional service with international standards which opens up a large world of different options, making travelers feel like spoiled with choices. This also prompts them to come back next time for another set of new experiences which they have missed this time. The Kerala Tourism department does a pretty good job in marketing Kerala tourism through various innovative ways and a strong social media presence.
7. Best value for money experience - High USD to INR conversion rate makes Kerala a very affordable Value for money destination for International travelers
8. Land of Spices – right from earlier centuries Kerala has marked its presence in the global spice market for its rich flavored spices. In Kerala you can visit Spice plantations and get a first hand experience of everything in the world of spices. Spice tourism is gaining momentum in Kerala
9. Rich cultural traditions and colorful festivals- Different festivals spread throughout the year (Thrissur Pooram, Boat Races, Theyyams ,Onam). Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience.
10. Unique Local Cuisines – . If you visit Kerala, the southern most state of India you will have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. Kerala, often called the “Land of Spices,” was one of the major spice shipping hubs for the globe as early as 3000 B.C. and is still a major grower and exporter of spices and foods to this day. Kerala breakfast has been listed in top 5 favourite breakfasts around the world by Travel+ Leisure.
travelandleisure.com
Wake Up and Smell the . . .You can read more about Kerala Local Cuisines here
Experience Kerala Holiday Planners' answer to What is one dish you cannot afford to miss when you visit Kerala?
11. Last but most important World class Experiences Kerala offers, be it BackWaters or Sunny Beaches or Hill Stations. Kerala was named top 5 family destinations in the world by Lonely Planet in 2014
Best family travel destinations for 2014 - Lonely Planet
