Kerala - The narrow fertile strip on the southwest coast of India, is crammed between the Lakshdweep sea and the western ghats. The western ghats with thier dense forests and extensive ridges, have sheltered Kerala from many mainland invaders, and the long coastline has encouraged maritime contact with the outside world, resulting in an intriguing blend of cultures. Stretching from some of the highest mountians of the western ghats to the lush coastal plain, Kerala captures a rich diversity of natural beauty. For many visitors, Kerala is idyllic. India's most densely populated region, it has distinctive charm. Its attractive palm lined beaches draw travellers to Kovalam and its quieter neighbouring resorts. Tucked away in the south west corner of India, Kerala is a verdant wedge on the Malabar Coast that has attracted traders and visitors from time immemorial. the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Chinese, Jews and Europeans, sought these shores fot its spices, timber and elephants. Today tea, rubber and coffee flourish side by side with its legendary produce.
A tropical paradise, Kerala's sun kissed beaches, its palcid backwaters and swaying coconut palms are a permanent invitation to the holidaymaker in search of leisure, so are its boat races, wildlife, and Kathakali - that unique dance drama form. Kerala offers the trips through peaceful lagoons and canals, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and complex cultural customs.high levels of education hand health care have given Kerala an enviable reputation elsewhere in India, and its unique balance of hindu, Muslim and Christain sets in apart even from its neighbours - Tamilnadu and Karnataka. The state's sheltered location has allowed many distinctive customs, art forms and festivals to thrive. Kerala's biggest cultural celebration is the harvest festival Onam, when the state celebrates the golden age of mythical king Mahabali Kerala for four days in late August or early September. It includes elephant processions, cultural performances boat races for the public and feasts and floral decorations in the home.
In this entrancing state, a mere strip of southwestern India hugged by the coast on one side, bu hills on the another, a fascinating voyage of discovery awaits the travellers. Splendid festivals with mysterious rituals, full of colour and open to participation, herds of elephants, leading processions or in the wild, exotic handcrafts and seafood preparations fresh from the Arabian sea, cosmopolitan cities where the past is always at hand, and small towns where time has stood still, all this and more make Kerala the ideal holiday destination, far removed from the acres of the everyday world. One will discover that it is simple things in life that matter and that life is indeed beautiful!
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Facts And Figures Of Kerala
