By: Rita Jain
Submitted: 2007-08-16 12:00:40
Wearing a cloak of green vegetation, carved out of splendid inland waters, the state of Kerala has emerged as the most happening State of India and has gained recognition from its latent state of inertness. Kerala the land of seas, sylvan nature and clear skies is home to people belonging to different cast and religion, like Hinduism, Islam and Christianity all living in harmony, celebrating the same festival and participating in all religious events together.
Shielded by enormous mountains of the Western Ghats on the east and flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west, this ‘God's Own Country' is stretched over a coastline of 580 kms giving a panoramic view of vast blue seas and palm fringed beaches. Kerala being located along the coastal belt of India has emerged as an immensely sort after destination for Backwater cruise, Ayurveda therapy and Spice plantation. Though the principal language is Malayalam yet stress is being laid on foreign languages like English so as to enable effective communication with visitors and tourists. The literacy rate of Kerala is also the highest in India and it has a record 87.86% female literacy rate. This coastal state is also a great fishing ground and is coloured with awesome festivals throughout the year.
As Kerala lurks in the backdrop of lagoons and backwaters with countless rivulets emptying at its bosom, this state is a master of fairs and festivals, the glimpses of which can be had in festivals like Guruvayur, Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Chundan boats and Onam the most celebrated harvest festival when the entire state ware lush green attire and embellished with colourful flowers. Kerala is also a hub for great Indian culture and traditions that can be showcased in its most famous Kathakali Dance. The classical dance is one of the major art forms of India and successfully attracts huge disciples from around the world. The state is also recognized worldwide for Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is a plight of huge boats on Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha.
Its surprising, Kerala no lacks in its shopping bonanza. It is recognized as a great shopping mart for its large variety of spices and Ayurveda products that mostly grow in the hills of Munnar and Periyar supported by the great geographical location and cool and pleasant weather. Apart from growing spices, Kerala has also become a major exporter of spices in the world as spice export crosses $500m mark almost every year. The spices of Kerala are famous worldwide for their distinct taste and flavour and this is what enhances its huge sale. The winding rows of spice gardens on the hilly terrain with the aroma of spices in air can be absolutely engrossing. The spice tour of Kerala so is catching fever among tourists and shopping for spice is a must.
The Sun blanched state of Kerala also has emerged as a great destination of tourism in India. The backwaters play a major role in its promotion apart from other natural sceneries like the sea and the beautiful landscape. Kerala also nourishes other skills that aid to inflow of tourists in Kerala from around the globe. This helps to generate huge revenue for the state. Ayurveda treatment in Kerala is one such skill, and plays a major role in making the dominating influence of Kerala felt. People from all over the globe visit Kerala on regular basis to take up Ayurveda rejuvenating programmes, which are indeed quite result oriented. More and more people are developing faith towards this herbal treatment and Ayurveda resorts which provides all sorts of herbal therapies along with comfortable accommodations. The south Kerala districts like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha are famous for backwater tourism and it also has the maximum concentration of Ayurvedic treatments. Chinese Fishing Net deployed on the sea shores is a legacy got from China, a technique which is quite fruitful even in today's world and also a great source of lively-hood for the local population. Half of the state's population is dependent on fishery. Temples like Sabrimala Abode of Ayyappa, the Wayand Wild Life Sanctuary and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - most famous for its elephants are places that tourists just love to visit. The divine marshal art 'Kalarippayattu' is also a great fascination and tourists just enjoy to watch this divine fight. There are various institutions where one can get training in this ancient marshal art of Kerala.
Kerala as a destination offers enchanting beaches, majestic wooden palaces of erstwhile Kerala Kings, the romance of backwaters, wildlife in Periyar, green hill station Munnar and the thrill of shopping from an eclectic mix of spices. So, tourism definitely has emerged as a promising industry for Kerala and instances of this fact can be found from the revenue that tourism generates for the state every year. The figure is in millions and always seem to be invoke confidence!
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