Kerala

Colourful Kerala, the land of the Kera (coconut palm) is an enchanting kaleidos cope of deep rooted cultures, traditions and delightful sensations. This narrow strip of land at the south-western tip of India is about 560 kms. long and just 120 kms. at its widest. It is an exotic blend of nature’s very best-cool , mist shrouded highlands, fertile plains, dense tropical forests, palm- fringed sandy beaches and a complex maze of backwaters. The State is flanked by the high ranges of Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea on the west. Thus, the beaches and backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations are all located in close proximity, providing a unique experience to the travelers visiting this land of great beauty.

Kerala also unfolds a vibrant cultural canvas unseen any where else in the world. Its rich cultural heritage is very well exhibited in its frenzied tempo of snake boat races, classical dignity of Kathakali, lyrical beauty of Mohiniyattam, the satirical wit of Ottan Thullal, martial skills of Kalaripayattu and the exquisite workmanship of Kerala handicrafts.

The Antiquity of the state can be traced as early as 5000 to 3000 BC.People have been sailing to Kerala in search of species, Sandalwood and Ivory for at least 2000 years. Its coast were known to the Phoenicians, Romans and later on to the Arabs and Chinese, Long before Vasco Da Gama came to India.

Kerala, `God`s own country` is also an epitome of secularism and a master peace of unity in diversity. The entire landscape is dotted with Temples, Churches Mosques, Synagogues. This land of valuable cash crops also has the distinction of having highest literacy, life expectancy and lowest infant mortality among Indian states.

Today Kerala has emerged as a major tourist destination and is ranked among the ten paradise of the world by the `National Geographic Traveler.`