TOURIST INFORMATION
There
is so much that is unique to Kerala that the only way to experience its rich
atmosphere, its history and culture is through travelling in the state and discovering
a new facet every day. Here are some things the tourists will need to know to
make the most of their Kerala visit -
Climate
of Kerala
Kerala is fortune in that it can boat of balmy weather almost all the year through.
Unlike the north, it never gets too cold in the winter months, while the summers
do not have the harshness of some of the parts of the country. The result is
a destination that is accessible year round.
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People,
Lifestyle & Religions
Various
racial strains have passed through Kerala virtually since the dawn of time,
and have left the state richer in its philosophy of co-existence. Even in
these modern times with Kerala being India's only fully literate state, and
having provided the nation with some of its eminent writers and satiric cartoonists,
it comes to dwell in a time warp, where slow-boats still coast along backwaters,
the people dress elegantly in white, and festivals are celebrated over many
days with traditional gaiety.
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Legend and History
Long
ago, in the mists of time as it were, Lord Vishnu descended from the heavens
in his incarnation of Parshuram. After slaying the evil kings 21 times over
to repeal their force from earth, he did penance for waging the terrible war,
and threw his axe into the sea. The area where the axe landed, from shaft to
blade, rose from the sea as Kerala, a land of plenty and prosperity.
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Travel Infrastructure
Access
to Kerala is no longer as difficult as in the ancient days of the spice-trade.
Trivandrum is now an international airport with services from Sri Lanka, the
Maldives and the Gulf touching here directly. Domestic Services use the Thiruvananthapuram
and Kochi hubs as the main entry points, as do the railways. Transport within
the state is provided by a network of slow trains, or by coaches and taxis playing
between major tourist destinations. Visitors will find that at least one journey
by ountry-boats through the bakcwaters can be a very relaxing experience.
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Cuisine and Crafts
For
those who are willing to experiment with local cuisine, Kerala offers several
gastronomic opportunities. Spices that flavour the local cuisine give it a sharp
pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it
its richness, absorbing some of the tongue-teasing, pepper-hot flavours. As
in much of South India, there is a tendency towards vegetarian restaurants.
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Special Notes for Tourists
There has been a change in the names of a number of towns in Kerala, which have
reverted to their original places-names.
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Spice Trade
Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which in turn was wholly
dependent until recent times on its spice trade. Kerala was celebrated as the
Malabar Coast, known for its spices, and travelers from around the world journeyed
here to trade and to gain control over this rich land. The first travelers were
the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs and the Chinese; latter-day traders included
the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the British.
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Weather of Kerala
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Railway Timetable
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Maps of Kerala
