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About Kerala |
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| Unique
Kerala culture |
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Glimpse Kerala in a new light with Kerala India Vacations and
discover the rich Kerala culture that is the lifeblood of this
naturally beautiful state in South India.Kerala has a rich
history of art and culture. Glorious and vibrant classical
dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Theyyam,
Thiruvathirakali and more than 30 varieties of folk dances and
tribal arts form an integral part of the intricate Kerala
culture that ornaments this beautiful and scenic land
sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the vast Arabian Sea.
The traditional Kerala handicrafts, folk and classical music,
gold jewelry and paintings form an inseparable part of the
Kerala culture. Shop for bamboo and coir artifacts at the
local bazaars located in different parts of Kerala, South
India and be captivated at the intricate skill and artistic
acumen of the locals. Woodcarving is an important Kerala craft
that provides livelihood to the people of Kerala, South India.
Kerala in South India has the distinction of being selected by
the National Geographic traveler, as one of the ten must visit
vacation destinations of the world. The social and cultural
Kerala life has several unique characteristics, distinct
tastes and particular styles. The passion that Keralilites
share for theatrical art forms and literature is reflected in
the Kerala culture and lifestyle. Kerala, South India is
famous for a variety of martial art forms such as the Parisa
Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kalaripayattu and Njaninmel Kali. The
colorful hues of the Kerala festivals and carnivals add to the
joyous Kerala culture.
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Kerala, India’s
more verdant state, has several unique geographical
features which makes it one of the most popular tourist
destinations in India. Rated by National Geographic
Traveler as one of the world's 50 must-see destinations,
the lush flora of Kerala is very distinctive. The word
Kerala has been derived from the term “Keralam” in
the native Malayalam language, meaning, “Land of the
coconut palm trees”. Kerala is fondly called
“God’s own Country” as it is blessed with the
bounty of nature in its pristine best, rich traditions
and culture and myriad art forms. Kerala is also the
most searched for tourist destinations on the internet
in 2007. According to the list of the top ten places of
interest compiled by online search giant Google, Kerala
came first followed by Singapore, Goa, Australia,
London, Dubai, Rajasthan, Jaipur, Kashmir and Ooty. It
is the land handpicked by National Geographic Traveler
as one of the ten paradises of the world. Washed by a
600 kilometre long coastline and carpeted by some of the
last remaining stretches of tropical evergreen
rainforests, Kerala is also blessed by a unique network
of backwaters that criss-cross the picture book villages
and cooled by mist-clad hill stations and spice gardens
that stretch endlessly. Feeling better already ?
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The greenery of
Kerala is very rejuvenating and often tourists have
stated that they start experiencing this even when they
are over the Kerala skies. Kerala has a shoreline with
serene and exotic beaches. Kerala also has a network of
canals connecting several large lakes and these
collectively form the backwaters of Kerala. A total of
forty-four rivers run through the state facilitating
vegetation and making the state most attractive for
serene backwater thus promoting tourism.
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The coconut palm trees on one of the islands of Kerala
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Idling away in the
majestic “Kettuvalloms” (houseboats) drifting gently
over the serene backwaters, sipping coconut water under
the tropical sun is an experience desired by many a
tourist. Eastward, the spice-scented Cardamom Hills and
wild elephants of Periyar beckon, while a short flight
westward takes you to the little-known but sublime
tropical reefs of the Lakshadweep islands. The
backwaters, beaches, hill stations, waterfalls and the
wildlife in Kerala are filled with the elements for
indulgence and enjoyment.
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Kettuvallom drifting past in the Vembanad lake
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The Athirapally Waterfalls
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Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary
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Kerala is famous for its
temples, art, poets and musicians, its traditional dance forms,
distinctive architecture and innumerable places of historic
interest. Craft workers in Kerala continue the ancient arts of
woodcarving and wall-painting. For ages, the rich and vibrant
culture of Kerala has intrigued people worldwide. The songs and
dances of the people, their ballads, their rituals and their
intellectual pursuits have always evoked keen interest in the
Western minds. Kerala has its own typical art forms, which
reflect the life and outlook of the people. From the renowned
Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as it
synthesizes all that is best in the fields of drama, music and
dance, to the folk dances, which are reflections of the rhythmic
art forms of highly sensitive and artful people. Kathakali,
Krishnanattom, Kolkkali, Oppana, Thiruvathirakali, Koodiyattom,
Thullal, Mohiniyattom and Duffmuttu are popular performing art
forms of Kerala
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Art forms of Kerala
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Kalaripayattu, the mother of all martial arts,
originated in Kerala. Kung- fu, popularized by the
monks of the Shoaling Temple traces its ancestry to
Bodhi Dharma - an Indian Buddhist monk and
Kalaripayattu master.
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Kerala is a land of colourful festivals, which have a long
history and tradition behind them. Kerala's innumerable
festivals however stand out because of their uniqueness.
Notable among these are the Onam (a harvest festival which
falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam – ie during the
August-September months), Vishu (the first month of Malayalam
Calendar is Medam (April-May) and the first day of Medam is
celebrated as Vishu, the New Year day) and Chirstmas which
Keralites celebrate with great pomp and show. There are
several other festivals organized by followers of various
religions. There are many regional festivals too.
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The Thrissur Pooram festival Boat race during
the Onam festival
Caparisoned elephants are
seen standing in front of a temple
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Boat race during
the Onam festival |
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Floral carpet during Onam
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Sumptuous feast
during Onam |
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Kerala is also one of the
major Ayurveda and Yoga centers of the world. Rejuvenation
therapy through Ayurveda and Yoga is extremely popular all over
the world and thus Kerala becomes a major center for
revitalizing the body and spirit.
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| Ayurveda
and Yoga |
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From the socio economic viewpoint,
Kerala is a well-managed state with high literacy rate, above
average per capita income and has a typical culture with rich
traditions.
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Marine Drive, Kochi City
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We heartily welcome you to Kerala, an ideal
holiday destination.
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HOME
Kerala is usually marketed as a
health destination for its Ayurveda packages. Medical
tourism is marketed along with ayurveda and other health
packages.
