~~~God's Own Country~~~. Review on Kerala, General

I am sure the Americans didn't land in the moon, since there is no tea shop yet in the moon by a Keralite. Kerala people are often known for their outgoing nature to feed the families. The state is blessed with natural beauty which can take any tourist by heart and no wonder it is been named as 'Gods Own Country'. It is also said that God has its pharmacy in Kerala for its wide range of plants and the perfume store for its varying spices. Spices & sandalwood, the world knows the land even before the time of Solomon. Welcome to Kerala, the beautiful southern state of India which is a leader and model in many areas.

It is widely believed that Parasurama, one of the avatars of Vishnu gained the land of Kerala by throwing an axe. However, the modern day state was formed on 1st November, 1956, uniting three kingdoms, The Thiruvithankoor, Kochi & Malabar. Malayalam, the language was the unifying factor. The state have 38,863 sq. km. of area. One who wants to travel the width of the state can do it within few hours. However, to cover the length, i.e. from Trivandrum to Kasarkod, it may take about a day in full. The state has a long western coast to make a beach accessible from any point of Kerala within hours. Kovalam is the sole leader known in the world tourism map, but in any 5 Kilometeres of length, you can find small or medium, natural and beautiful virgin beaches.

It is a densely populated state with 819 people per square kilometer which is comparatively much higher. (The state must be the first in effectively implementing the population control and that is a cent percent.) The female population is higher than the male numbers thanks to the big number of NRIs staying outside are not counted and they are a considerable force. The first democratically elected communist government in the world is formed in this small state. The only state which implemented a land reform act is now more or less deserted for agriculture. Agricultural tourism is a no for the state now.

The state is well proud of its full literacy tag, the first to attain in India is the major supplier of Doctors, Nurses, Engineers, Accountants and skilled labour not only for other states but for many parts of the world. Vasco De Gama who first landed in Kozhikode and the missionaries followed are mainly responsible for this educational uprising. Together with the communists they formed the larger educated middle class of the state. Cheap but quality Higher education is one area the state can sell if properly advertised.

Ayurvedha and the traditional medicine is one area of attraction for westerners. The modern hospitals are however a hope for quality treatment at an affordable rate for third world countries which include heart transplantation. The scenario however is not so promising for the residents of the state. The private institutions except the religious institutions are nothing like money collecting machines and the government hospitals nothing but a sick unit. Thankfully with the arrival of a lot of medical colleges, both government and private the situation is getting much better in the last decade.

The state is blessed with a good climate for the tourists. March, April & May (30 degree plus) are summer months following the monsoon of June & July which witness heavy downpour. August to February is the best season to visit the place for one who wants to avoid summer and monsoon.

Thekkady, Kumali, Devikulam, Ponmudi, Wayanad are the famous hills stations. Athirappilly, Palaruvi & Thumboormuzhi are the known waterfalls. Guruvayur, Sabarimala & Malayattur are the famous religious tourist attractions whereas the Elephent fort in Guruvayur is a not to miss destination. Backwaters of Alappuzha, Marine drive in Kochi, Boating to Fort Kochi, The Hill Palace, The Jew Synagog in Mattanchery, Bakel fort, History museum in Kaloor, Travancore Palace, Kumarakam, Kalady....there are more and more places to go if you want to dig deep into the beauty of culture of Kerala.

Malayalam and English are the major languages used where Hindi too is known for the younger generation. The people of the state are comparatively conservative however the foreigners are generally exempted of the local rules. Strikes or the Harthals are possible for say 10 days in a year and it can hit at any time as they simply wait for a reason. The emergencies and the airport travel may not be hindered. Food and travel is comparatively cheaper. Good hotels are available in major cities with reasonable prices.

Be at your peace and you may talk to the God within from this beautiful land in the earth. Tourism map of the world will be incomplete without Kerala and why not visit it when you get a chance??