Kerala

Kerala the god’s own country is one of the major tourist attractions   located in the southern tip of India. The pride of Kerala are its gorgeous and exotic beaches, breathtaking hill stations, backwaters, enchanting waterfalls, beautiful lagoons, meandering rivers and amazing natural scenarios. These colors have made Kerala as a land of beauty and paradise on earth. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valley, lush and evergreen rain forest, coconuts gardens, spices and foods items. The houseboats are first and best preference of the tourist to enjoy the beautiful lakes and back waters of Kerala. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam on Periyar river in Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Other attraction are Vembanad Lake India’s longest lake, Sasthamkotta lake and Cheruthoni Dam

DEMOGRAPHY

Kerala is a state in India on the Malabar coast in the southwest region of the country. Kerala is bordered by Tamil Nadu to the south and east, Karnataka to the north and northeast, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west.

Kerala has an estimated population of 35 million, up from 33.38 million in 2011. It is the 13th most populous state in India with an overall population density of 2,200 people per square mile, or 860 per square kilometer. Kerala is home to almost 3% of India’s population and its land is three times more densely settled than the rest of the country.

The coastal regions are more populated than the mountains and eastern hills of the state with 2.5 times the overall population density.

HISTORY

Kerala was formed by merging the princely state of Cochin, the kingdom of Travancore and the Kingdom of the Zamorin of Calicut”

“It’s one of the most advanced states in India in the fields of education, transportation, communication and health care delivery”. Kerala is one of the smallest states in India along the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, with 15000 square miles that stretch 75 miles in breadth and 20 miles in width. Kerala is a distinct region, which is separated by the Western Ghats that runs parallel to the sea for about 85 miles along the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Kerala’s main native language Malayalam is originated as an offshoot of Tamil, the principal native language of neighboring Tamil Nadu. Kerala was formed out of three political units- the princely state of Cochin, which dates back to the middle ages, the kingdom of Travancore, which was created in the 18th century, and the Malabar district which was the former Kingdom of the Zamorin of Calicut. Among the modern line of traders – the Portuguese, Dutch, French and the English, it was the English that presided over the fate of Kerala from 1791, to the end of British rule in 1947. The state of Kerala was created on November 01, 1956 when Malabar District was merged with Tranvancore-Cochin state and Kasargod taluk of South Kanara District. Based on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission set up by the Government of India, elections for the new Kerala Legislative Assembly were held in 1957; this resulted in the formation of a communist-led government headed by E.M.S. Namboodiripad.

Kerala is one of the most advanced states in India in the fields of education, transportation, communication and health care delivery. Most of the advancement since independence has reflected in the field of education.

CULTURE

The culture of Kerala is a combination of both Indian and Dravidian culture. Nowadays this culture is being influenced by the neighbouring states as well. The main feature of Kerala is its performing arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Martial Art of Kalaripayattu. As for the heritage of Kerala, it can be said that this heritage holds a special and important place in the Indian history. Providing a national integrity is the Kerala Heritage. This culture and heritage of Kerala are reflected in its various art forms, martial arts, dresses, the people and cuisine. When in Kerala do not miss a cultural art performance. The visitors can enjoy the following art performances in Kerala.

Kathakali – A 300-year-old dance that combines opera, ballet, masque and pantomime.

Mohiniyattam – The dance of a beautiful enchantress

Kalaripayattu – a martial art form that involves synchronizing the mind and body

LANGUAGE SPOKEN

In Kerala, the inhabitants speak a wide array of languages. These languages are not only spoken in Kerala but are also taught here. The most widely spoken languages in this state are Malayalam and English. Since people of this place are highly educated and learned, English language is used predominantly in schools and colleges. Beside these two languages, there are many more languages spoken here. These languages reflect the diverse ethnicities not only in the state but also in the country. The state boasts of  communities that speak  dialects and languages that are not heard anywhere in the country. About sixteen languages are spoken in Kerala that have been recognized by Kerala State Authorities.

Tamil language is also used as a language of conversation by many communities residing in this state. Tamil was the language that was used by Dravidian settlers as a form of expression. The rulers of this place officially recognized Tamil language for communication. Tulu, Telugu and Kannada were the other main languages used in this state. These languages fill the gap of communication.

People of Kerala are also Hindi educated.