Ancient History
of Kerala:
Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," has a rich and ancient history dating back over 3,000 years. The region was inhabited by indigenous tribes like the Adivasis before the arrival of the Dravidians. Kerala has a long history of maritime trade, with ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese trading with the region for spices, especially black pepper. The region was also a major center of Buddhism and Jainism during the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Kerala's culture was deeply influenced by Hinduism, with the arrival of Brahmins and the establishment of temples and rituals. It later saw the rise of powerful dynasties like the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, followed by European colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Kerala Tourist Places:
Famous Places
• Munnar: Known for its sprawling tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and the Eravikulam National Park.
• Alleppey (Alappuzha): Famous for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
• Kochi (Cochin): A historic port city known for its Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi, and the Mattancherry Palace.
• Kovalam: Renowned for its pristine beaches, lighthouses, and water sports like surfing and parasailing.
• Wayanad: Known for its lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient Edakkal Caves.
Off-Beat Places
• Vagamon: A serene hill station with meadows, pine forests, and trekking trails, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
• Marari Beach: A tranquil beach destination with pristine shores, traditional fishing villages, and Ayurvedic resorts.
• Kumarakom: A serene backwater destination with bird sanctuaries, traditional houseboats, and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
Where to Go
• Munnar: Visit the Tata Tea Museum, enjoy a tea plantation tour, and explore the scenic beauty of Echo Point and Top Station.
• Alleppey: Experience a houseboat cruise through the backwaters, visit the Alleppey Beach, and explore the Alappuzha Lighthouse.
• Kochi: Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, visit the St. Francis Church, and enjoy a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
• Kovalam: Relax on the beaches of Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach, visit the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, and indulge in water sports.
What to Eat
• Appam with Stew: A traditional Kerala breakfast dish consisting of fermented rice pancakes (appam) served with vegetable or meat stew.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: A famous Kerala seafood delicacy made with pearl spot fish marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves for grilling.
• Sadya: A traditional Kerala feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes like avial, thoran, and sambar, along with rice and desserts.
How to Reach
:
• By Air: Kerala has three major airports in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, with domestic and international flights connecting to major cities.
• By Road: Kerala is well-connected by national highways, with regular bus services from neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• By Train: The state has an extensive railway network, with major railway stations in cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, served by trains from all over India.
What to Pack
• Light Clothing: Kerala has a tropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothes like cotton and linen.
• Mosquito Repellent: Especially if visiting during monsoon season, carry mosquito repellent to protect against mosquito bites.
• Umbrella or Raincoat: Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during monsoon season, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat.
Best Time to Visit
• Winter (October to February): The best time to visit Kerala, with pleasant weather and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Monsoon (June to September): Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during monsoon season, but it's a great time to experience the lush greenery and enjoy Ayurvedic treatments.
• Summer (March to May): Kerala can get hot and humid during summers, but it's a good time to visit hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad.
Dos and Don'ts
• Dos: Respect local customs and traditions, try local cuisine, and support sustainable tourism practices.
• Don'ts: Avoid littering in natural surroundings, disrespect
