Kerala

General info and history about Kerala

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other.

Kerala, India's Most Advanced Society:

A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state. For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.

Kerala has a rich and fascinating culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas. Depending on the time of year you can see some of these celebrations on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.

Some of the performing arts of Kerala, which form a part of the culture of Kerala are Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Kalaripayattu. There are many folk dances and performance styles in Kerala which include Theyyam - known for its fearsome masks and the trance like state of the performer, Thiruvathirakali - a graceful dance by women during Onam and Kaikotikalli a dance performed by women to celebrate a wedding.

Kathakali:

Kathakali is a classical dance form, which is very theatrical in its presentation. Depicting tales from the Indian epics, Kathakali is characterized by its elaborate costume, which takes hours for the performer to put on. A Kathakali performance is an enthralling sight,depicting the rich culture of the state .

Mohiniattam:

Mohiniattam is also known as the dance of the celestial enchantress. This graceful classical dance is performed by women wearing the traditional white sari with a golden border that is characteristic of Kerala's culture.

Kalaripayattu:

kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art of Kerala. Practiced by the troops of the rulers of Kerala, this martial art involves exercises and fighting with swords, shields, sword belts and leaping and acrobatic movements, which has been a part of their culture.

Ottam Thullal:

In Ottamthullal, a solo performer, with green makeup and a colourful costume (decorated with a long red and white band and painted wooden ornaments), acts and dances while reciting dance


Kathakali

Mohiniyattam

Kalaripayattu

OttamThullal

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