" KERALA "- THE GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

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TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION

The origin of the name Kerala is often disputed. The theory most often advanced is that it comes from "Kera" (coconut tree) and "Alam" (land or location), but coconut cultivation was marginal until Portuguese settlement after 1498 . The word "Kera" originally derived from "Chera" ("ch" pronounced as in "chalk"), the name of the ruling dynasty of ancient Kerala. The great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE considered Keralaputhras ( Cheras ) to be rulers of the kingdom, which was one of the southern boundaries of his empire.

History

People have lived in the region now known as Kerala since ancient times. The Sanskrit epic Aitareya Aranyaka has the earliest specific mention of Kerala. Katyayana ( 4th century BC ) and Patanjali ( 2nd century BC ) show their acquaintance with the geography of Kerala. Pliny the Elder mentions Muziris (modern Kodungallur ) as the first port in India (N.H. 6.26); slightly later in time, the unknown author of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea notes that "both Muziris and Nelkunda (modern Kottayam ) are now busy places".

The emergence of the Malayalam language from Tamil sheds light on the ancient past of Kerala. Malayalam (Mala or Mountain + Alam or location) means the 'living/inhabitants in mountain' in Tamil (Malayalam, which earlier implied the geographical location of the region, was replaced by 'Kerala' and now identifies the language spoken in the region). At first, the area was simply another Tamil-speaking region, however, it became linguistically separate from the Tamil region in the early 14th century. The Chera empire ruled the area of Kerala from ancient times with Tamil as their court language. Allied with the Pallavas , they were continually at war with the neighbouring kingdoms of the Cholas and Pandyas . The Chera capital was Vanchi, whose exact location is still a matter of conjecture. A regional identity distinct from the Tamils developed in 8th-14th centuries, with the second Chera empire and with the development of the Malayalam language.

Both Buddhism and Jainism reached Kerala at an early period. Like other parts of ancient India, Buddhism and Jainism co-existed with early Shaivite beliefs and faiths associated with tribal life during the first five centuries. The presence of Brahmanism was marginal, like the rest of South India. It was only after the "Sangam" Period that large groups of Northern Brahmins started migrating to Kerala, possibly during Kalabhra, Rashtrakuta , Chalukya , Pallava and Hoysala invasions. By the 8th and 9th centuries, 2nd Chera kings inclined to Vaishnavism and some of them wrote great literary works in the stream of Vishnu Bhakthi. When all over India Hinduism was revived by intellectuals like Shankara and by Bhakti movements, and finally Buddhism and Jainism merged into their mother religion.

Jewish settlers avoiding persecution in their homeland migrated to Kerala in the early centuries. Arab merchants founded Kerala's early Muslim community, the Mappilas , in the 8th century . However, the majority of the Muslims in Kerala, especially in the northern region, were the products of Mysore Tipu Sultan 's invasion in the 17th century. The history of Christianity in Kerala dates back to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle at Kodungallur in A.D. 52. For a long time this was disputed. However in 2002 The British researcher, William Dalrymple travelled across the Arabian Sea to Kerala in a boat similar to those mentioned in ancient Jewish and Roman texts and showed how the Nasrani-Jewish people had travelled to Kodungalloor. He followed the same course as mentioned in the Acts of Thomas, a copy of which survives in a monastery on Mount Sinai. A Christian-Jewish community was later established by a contingent of Jewish Nasranis led by Knai Thoma who arrived in 345 . Cheraman Perumal, the then king of Malabar issued a proclamation giving land and priviledges to the Knanaya Yehudeya- Nasranis on copper plates on a Saturday in March (Kumbham 29), 345. This was followed by another round of migration recorded in the Tharisappally records from around the 8th century . When the Portuguese arrived in the early 1500s, they tried to impose Roman Catholicism on the Nasrani people. The Nasranis (also called Syrian Christians of Kerala) resisted the conversion attempts of the Portuguese to bring them under the Pope , and instead established an independent Church.

Vasco da Gama 's voyage to Kerala from Portugal in 1498 was largely motivated by Portuguese determination to break the Arabs' control over the trade between local spice producers and the Middle East , which existed even before Islam originated. He established India's first Portuguese fortress at Cochin (Kochi) in 1503 and from there, taking advantage of the rivalry existing between the royal families of Calicut and Cochin, managed to destroy the monopoly. The dispute between Calicut and Cochin, however, provided an opportunity for the Dutch to come in and finally expel the Portuguese from their forts.

The Dutch would, in turn, be routed by the Travancore (Thiruvithamcoore) ruler Marthanda Varma at the Battle of Kulachal in 1741 . The British moved into the area in the form of the British East India Company and were firmly established in Kerala by the beginning of the seventeenth century. Tipu Sultan attempted to encroach on British-held territory in 1792 , but was defeated and the British remained in control until independence.

Organised expressions of discontent with British rule were relatively infrequent in Kerala. Uprisings of note include the rebellion by Pazhassi Raja , Veluthampi Dalawa , and the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt of 1946 . Mass protests were mainly directed at established social evils such as untouchability and unapproachability. The non-violent and largely peaceful Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 was instrumental in securing entry to the public roads adjacent to the Vaikom temple for people belonging to backward castes. In 1936 , Sree Chithira Thirunal Balaramavarma Maharaja , ruler of Travancore issued the Temple Entry Proclamation , declaring the temples of his kingdom open to all worshippers, irrespective of caste.

Modern Kerala was created in 1956 when Malabar , which had been part of the Madras Presidency , was merged with Travancore and Kochi. The latter two were princely states, distinguished in that they had concerned themselves with the education and provision of basic services to the residents of their territories.

Kerala State formation

The modern State of Kerala was formed by the amalgamation of three regions, the Kingdom of Thiruvithamcoore (Travancore), the Kingdom of Kochi (Cochin) and Malabar District. Thiruvithaamcoore and Kochi, former princely states, were merged to form Thiru-Kochi on July 1 , 1949 . Thiru-Kochi was merged with Malabar District and Kasargod taluk of South Kanara District to form the State of Kerala on November 1 , 1956 , based on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission set up by the Government of India .

Administration

Kerala is divided into 14 districts . They are (from north to south) Kasargod , Kannur (Cannanore), Wayanad (Wynad), Kozhikode (Calicut), Malappuram , Palakkad (Palghat), Thrissur (Trichur), Ernakulam (Cochin), Idukki , Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam , Pathanamthitta , Kollam (Quilon) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the state. Kochi , Kozhikode and Thrissur are the other cities in Keralam .

List of districts in Kerala (alphabetically ordered)

Most of the districts in Kerala has the same name as the most important town or city in the district. (Exceptions are Malappuram and Wayanad districts).

• Alappuzha (old name Allepey)
• Ernakulam
• Idukki
• Kannur (old name Cannannore)
• Kasaragod
• Kollam (old name Quilon)
• Kottayam
• Kozhikode (old name Calicut)
• Malappuram
• Palakkad (also called Palghat)
• Pathanamthitta
• Thiruvananthapuram (old name Trivandrum)
• Thrissur (old name Trichur)
• Wayanad

Demographics

According to the 1991 census, Kerala had a population of 29,098,518 with an average density of 749 persons per square kilometer. Population of men – 1,42,88,995 and women- 1,48,09,523. The population of village area is 2,14,18,224 while that of the town area is 76,80,294. Largest populated district is Malappuram (30,96,330) and the lowest populated district is Wayanad (6,72,128)  

About 60 percent of population is Hindus, 20 percent is Christians and 20 percent is Muslims. Hindus are mainly concentrated in  southern Kerala. The main Muslim area is the northern part of the State. Christianity was established in Kerala earlier than almost everywhere in the world. In 52 AD, St.Thomas the Apostle is said to have landed on the Malabar Coast , Kodungalloor, where a church with carved Hindu style columns supposedly the 4th century AD. Christians area mainly is in the central part of the State. There have been Syrian Christians in Kerala since at least 190 AD.

Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. A large number of Tamil speaking people are present in the state, perhaps the biggest Tamil population outside Tamil Nadu .

The major religions followed in Kerala are Hinduism (56.1%), Islam (24.7%), and Christianity (19%). Kerala also had a tiny Jewish population till recently, said to date from 587 BC when they fled the occupation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar . The state has many famous temples , churches , and mosques . The synagogue in Kochi is the oldest in the British Commonwealth .

Geography

Outline map of Kerala

Kerala is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. The states of Karnataka in the north and Tamil Nadu in the east are Kerala's immediate neighbours. Mahe , a part of the union territory of Pondicherry , is an enclave within Kerala.

Kerala may be divided in three  geographical regions :[1] Highlands [2] Midlands [3] Lowlands . 

The high lands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m  with a number of peaks all over 1,800m in height. This is area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.

The midlands lying , between the mountains and low lands, is made up undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nuts, tapioca, banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables.

The low lands- the coastal area which is made up of the river deltas, backwaters and the shore of the Arabian sea , is essentially a land of coconuts and rice. Fisheries and coir industry constitute the major industries of this area.

There are 44 rivers flowing through Kerala, most of them are small and entirely fed by the Monsoons . The Kerala Backwaters , an interconnected system of brackish water lakes and river estuaries , lies behind the coast and runs virtually the length of the state.

Politics

Kerala gained the distinction, in 1957 , of having democratically elected Communist government, one of few anywhere in the world . Kerala has a reputation as one of the most left-wing states in India . The people of Kerala are very politically aware and are more active participants in the political process than those in the rest of the country. Today the political life of Kerala is dominated by two alliances, the United Democratic Front (led by the Indian National Congress ) and the Left Democratic Front (led by CPI(M) ). Currently UDF controls the government.

Oommen Chandy is the current Chief Minister of Kerala. See Chief Ministers of Kerala for the complete list.

Arts

Kerala has a rich tradition in the arts, both classical and folk. In addition to the classical art forms like Koodiyattom (UNESCO Human Heritage Art), Kathakali , Kerala Natanam , Koothu , Mohiniyaattam and Thullal , Kerala has several folk art forms performed by people in various regions of the state. The region also has a tradition of Christian and Muslim performing arts. Most of these art forms have become artefacts of the past showcased in tourism fares or youth festivals,as contemporary art forms weave their own identity according to changing needs. Mimicry and parody have gained considerable mass appeal in recent years. Though sometimes risque and often politically incorrect, these devices are used by artists to mock social luminaries. Malayalam Cinema is another mode of artistic expression, and films from Kerala are very distinct from films made in Bollywood or Hollywood .

In music, the dominant classical stream is carnatic music, the classical music of south India. Travancore king and music composer Swathi Thirunal was instrumental in popularising carnatic music in Kerala. Kerala has its own music system called sopanam which is a slow, step-by-step rendition of raga based songs. This is the music style used in Kathakali . Like rest of India, film songs are the major outlet for popular music.

Apart from such performing arts, Kerala has made its mark in fine arts as well. Modern Indian art scenario is blessed with the presence of Kerala. However these artists have not been successful in invoking mass appeal as other artforms do.

Social scene

Munnar Mountain and Tea estates view

Kerala ranks highest in India with respect to social development indices such as primary education and healthcare. Kerala was declared the world's first "baby-friendly state" under WHO - UNICEF 's Baby Friendly Hospital initiative. The state is known for Ayurveda , a traditional system of medicine which has found a new market in the growing tourist industry.

Kerala is the only state in India with a female-to-male ratio higher than 0.99 (the ratio for Kerala is 1.058 while the national figure is 0.933), according to the 2001 census. However, the ratio for the 0-9 age group is 0.963, not significantly higher than the national figure of 0.928. It is also the only state in India having sub-replacement fertility .

The literacy rate in Kerala is the highest among Indian states, but so is the unemployment rate. Education and early influences of Arabs and Portuguese have also made Kerala one of the most secular states in India. Ironically, Kerala is also noted as the state with the highest suicide rate in India.

Kerala has an ancient solar calendar called the Malayalam calendar which is used by various communities primarily for Agircultural related activities and religious functions. Kerala has its own form of martial art , kalarippayattu . Theyyam and Poorakkali are popular ritual arts of North Malabar, the northern part of Kerala.

Onam , associated with the legend of Mahabali is declared the state festival, but Keralites celebrate many other religious and secular festivals, including Eid-ul-Fitr , Christmas , Easter , Deepavali and Vishu .

Economy

The economy of Kerala is predominantly agrarian in nature. In terms of per capita income and production Kerala lags behind many Indian States, but in terms of Human Development Index and the standard of living of the people, Kerala is much ahead of most other states in India. In fact, in certain development indices Kerala is on a par with some of the developed countries. This peculiar paradox often termed as the " Kerala Phenomenon " or Kerala model of development by experts, which is mainly owing to the performance of the state in the service sector.

Kerala's economy can be best described as a socialistic welfare economy .

However, Kerala's emphasis on social welfare also resulted in slow economic progress. There are few major industries in Kerala, and the per capita GDP is lower than the national average. Remittances from Keralites working abroad, mainly in the Middle East , make up over 60% of the state's GDP . Handloom and Bamboo based industries are well developed

Agriculture is the most important economic activity. Coconut , tea and coffee are grown extensively, along with rubber , cashew and spices . Spices commonly cultivated in Kerala include pepper , cardamom , vanilla , cinnamon and nutmeg . Much of Kerala's agriculture is in the form of home gardens .

Rice is the staple food of the people. Kerala has unique cropping pattern . It accounts 92 per cent of India 's rubber, 70% of coconut, 60% tapioca, almost 100 % of lemon grass oil. Kerala is the single largest producer of certain crops like banana and ginger.

In 1997, Kerala became the first State to have public telephone in all its villages.

Cochin International Airport Ltd [Nedumbassery], India 's first private airport was opened in June 1999. In June 2000 it was raised to International level.

Isolated from the deccan plateau by the mountanious belt of the Western Ghats , but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved a unique culture. It is a highly politicized region, but has a long tradition of religious amity. It is an educationally advanced state with its own language, Malayalam , and has the highest rate of literacy (100%) among Indian states. Women in Kerala enjoy a high social status, thanks perhaps to its historic matrilineal system. Art forms of Kerala range from Kalaripayattu , the martial art believed to be the origin of various other oriental ones, to Kathakali , one of the dance forms of Kerala considered to be amongst the oldest indian dance styles. The elegant snake boat races have always been the favorite of tourists visiting Kerala.

Nature

Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. From the majestic heights of the Western Ghats the country undulates westward presenting a vista of silent valleys clothed in the richest green. Among the many rivers that glide across the plains to merge their waters with the Arabian sea , the more important are the Periyar, the Pamba and the Bharatha puzha. The elegant waterfalls at Athirampally near Trichur is a popular tourist spot. Along the coast, sand dunes shelter a linked chain of lagoons and backwaters the still waters of which are studded with sea-gulls and country canoes plying at a snails pace. The silence of the clear skies is broken only by the coos of koels, a type of cuckoo, and the frequent flutter of cranes perched on the embankments. The highest peak of peninsular India Annai Mudi is located in this state. The scenic Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary is a popular vacation destination for nature lovers.

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges from 80 to 90 F in the plains but drops to about 70 F in the highlands. The state gets its due share of both the southwest as well as the northeast monsoons, and the rainfull is heavy, averaging around 118 inches annually.

There are 44 rivers in Kerala. 41 rivers out of this, flows to the western region and the remaining 3 rivers flow to the east. The longest river is the Bharathapuzha (about 374.40 Km) and the shortest rivers are Pooraparambu and Kalnadu (about 8 Km).

The rivers flowing to the western region are Neyyar, Karamana, Vamanapuram, Ittikara, Kallada, Achankovil, Pamba, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur, Keechaery, Bharatpuzha, Thirur, Pooraparambu, Kadalundy, Chaliyar, Kallayi, Korapuzha, Kuttiyadi, Mahi, Thalassery, Ancharakandi, Valapattanam, Kuppam, Ramapurampuzha, Perumba, Kavvayi, Kariyankodu, Neelaeswaram, Chittar, Beckal, Kalnadu, Chandragiri, Mogral, Kumbala, Shiriya,  Uppala and Mancheswaram. These rivers merges to the Arabian sea or the back-waters which merges to the Arabian sea .

The rivers flowing to the eastern region are Pambar, Bhavani and Kambani. Pambar and Bhavani flows to Tamilnadu while Kambani flows to Karnataka.

Tourism

Kerala is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travellers. Among the tourist attractions are great beaches ( Kovalam and Varkala ), serene hill stations ( Ponmudi and Munnar ), wildlife sanctuaries ( Periyar and Eravikulam ) and beautiful Kerala Backwaters ( Alleppey , Kumarakom , and Punnamada ), as also the marvel of kerala building art revealed through Padmanabhapuram Palace , Padmanabhapuram . The tourism department of the state calls the state as God's Own Country. National Geographic Society described Kerala as one of the 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime. Kochi, the commercial capital of the state is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Alapuzha, the first planned town in Kerala is called the Venice of the East. Tourism plays an important role in the state's economy.

Pilgrim Centers :

Sabarimala: The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the Pathanamthitta district head quarters, is a National Pilgrim Centre. This famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Devotees visit Sabarimala after undergoing 41 days of ‘Vritha' i.e., self-imposed devotional penance. They, with irumudikettu (bundle with offerings to Ayyappa) on their head, climb the mountain ranges and cross the forest bare footed repeatedly chanting ‘Saranam Ayyappa' which means we seek refuge in Ayyappa. This is probably the only famous temple in Kerala, which does not restrict anybody from visiting it for not being a Hindu.

Malayattoor: Malayattoor Church , a Christian pilgrim centre situated 52 kms from Kochi beside the Periyar River at the top of a hill. The pilgrims can reach the place only by foot. This church which was established in AD 900 is believed to have been blessed by St.Thomas, one of the Apostles of Christ.

Agastyakudam: Agastyakudam, near Thiruvananthapuram, a prominent peak of the Western Ghats , is a pilgrim centre of the Hindus. This place is also noted for it's abundant Ayurvedic herbs.

Varkala: This famous Hindu pilgrim centre is situated at 48 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is noted for it's mineral springs.

Sivagiri and Aruvippuram: Aruvippuram of Thiruvananthapuram district is famous through the consecration of the ‘Siva Idol' by Sree Narayana Guru. Sivagiri is a major pilgrim centre that attracts not only the local tourists but also travellers from abroad.

Ochira: A unique pilgrim centre in Kollam district known for its Advaita Philosphy. Here there is no temple or idol for the presiding deity – ‘the Parabrahma'. The ritual performance ‘Ochirakali', which is usually held in June gathers a huge crowd.

Maramon Convention: Every year in the month of February, banks of river Pamba plays host to a famous religious convention of Christians for 7 days. This convention is addressed by the speakers of international repute and attended by people from various other communities.

Cherukolpuzha Convention: The famous Hindu religious convention held on the banks of river Pamba. It is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Places of Historical Importance

Anjuthengu: Anjuthengu situated about 40 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram, is a place of historical importance. It was here the first settlement of English was established in 1864 AD. Even today we can find the remnants of old English fort here.

Karumadi: Karumadi, 3 kms. East of Ambalappuzha, in Alapuzha district has the statue of Buddha called Karumadikuttan, which is a perennial source of interest for the tourists.

Jewish Synagogue: The Jewish synagogue in Kochi was built in 1568 AD. Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script are preserved in this Synagogue. This synagogue stands out as a testimony of communal harmony in the state for centuries.

St. Francis Church: St.Francis church at Fort Cochin is the oldest European church built in India . It was built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD. Vasco-da-Gama was buried here and recently his mortal remains were taken to Portugal .

Killikurisimangalam: Killikurisimangalam near Ottapalam is considered to be the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and trendsetter in Thullal and it's poetry.

Chittur thunchanmadam: Thunchanmadam in Chittur located on the banks of the river Sokanasini(the destroyer of sorrows) is considered to be the place where Thunchath Ezhuthachan spent his last days. A Sri Chakra and few idols worshipped by him, the stylus, the wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Anjarakandy: Anjarakandy, 19 km south – east of Kannur, is famous for the Cinnamon estate located there and the oil being extracted from it. The place has historical importance too as Pazhassi Raja and the British Army fought for the estate in 1903.

Illikunnu: Illikunnu, in Kannur district has gained significance as the place Herman Gundert had once resided. The bungalow, which was his workshop for 20 years from 1939, is still there.

Ezhimala: Ezhimala once the seat of the Mooshika Kings is a place of historical importance. It is also considered to be a treasure chest of medicinal herbs. It is situated 45 km. north of Kannur.

Mopila Bay : Mopila bay near to St. Angelo's fort in Kannur was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The remnants of Kadalundi fort and Sree Krishna Temple can be still seen here.

Thirunnavaya: ‘Thirunnavaya', the land of Mamankom is on the banks of river Bharathapuzha in Tirur. Now in every summer season the Kalaripayattu competition is conducted here. Tirunnavaya sands were also the silent observers of the Sarvodaya mela conducted there.

Thunjan Parambu: Trikkandiyur near Tirur is the birthplace of the father of modern Malayalam literature, Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. On Vijayadasami day in October, people come along with their kids to commence education in Thunjan Madom. These kids are made to write in the sands of Thunjan parambu with their fingers. During the last week of December, a great literary event by the name ‘Thunjan Utsava' is conducted. On this occasion young poets come there to offer their first poem to Thunjan.

Vadakara: Vadakara has prominent place in the folklore of Kerala. Lokanarkavu, the famous temple of Thacholi Othenan , the hero of Vadakkanpattu ballads is only 5 kms from here.

Places of Interest

Wellington Island : This is a man made island created from the earth dredged, while deepening the Kochi port. Lord Bristow was the architect of the island. The Harbour, Airport (Navy) and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island.

Moolamattom: The underground powerhouse of the Idukki Hydro Electric Project located here is at the foot of the Nadukani hills.

Thrithala: The notable cultural monuments at Thrithala include a Siva temple, the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala – Challissery road, and the Kattilmadam temple on the Pattambi – Guruvayoor road. There is also a memorial for Pakkanar, the pariah saint near the Thrithala – Koottanad Road .

Kottayi: About 15 kms away from Palakkad this small village became famous as the native place of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Karnatic music. Kunjukurup, the Kathakali maestro also belongs to Kottayi.

Valapattanam: Valapattanam, situated about 8 km. north of Kannur is famous for timber trade. It was once considered third in the world for timber operations. Azhikkal Port is very near to Valapattanam.

Nilambur: ‘Nilambur' in Malappuram district is famous for its world's oldest teak plantation. It is named as Connolley's Plot. The plot and the Kannimari teak attract hundreds of people.

Ponnani: Ponnani – the coastal town in Malappuram gains importance both as a trading and a fishing centre. It is also famous for the ancient Muslim Mosque. Near Ponnani is the Biyyam Kayal, where boat race is held during Onam. Ponnani – Purathur belt, where the river ‘Bharathapuzha' and the river ‘Tirur – Ponnanipuzha' join together to traverse into the Arabian Sea , becomes fascinating with the wide range of migrating birds.

Chandanakkavu: The great Sanskrit poet Melpathur Bhattathiripad has a memorium at Chandanakkavu, 5 kms away from Thirunnavaya in Malappuram.

Kallai: Kallai on the banks of river Kallai in Kozhikode is a major timber-trading centre in Kerala.

Konni: About 11 kms far from Pathanamthitta lies the place Konni where wild elephants are trained.

Kodanad: Kodanad that is 45 kms from Kochi City and 12 kms to the east of Perumbavoor town has an elephant taming centre and a mini zoo. The place, which is known for it's scenic beauty, facilitates elephant ride

Festivals and Carnivals

Onam: The national festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in the malayalam month of Chingham. Many myths surround this festival. The most important is that Onam celebrates the return of the legendary king Mahabali who ruled over a golden age. Another myth is about Cheraman Perumal who accepted the Muslim faith. Onam marks the month of harvest suggesting prosperity and happiness all around. It is a ten-day long festival, starting from the day of Atham. People decorate their yards with floral carpets during these days. Each and everyone dressed in their new clothes assemble in their homes for the traditional Onam meal. The vegetarian meal eaten on a banana leaf contains traditional dishes, pappad and payasam(sweet). The meal is followed by other activities like dance, games and boat race. The ladies perform the Kaikkottikkali (a dance form). Onathallu or Kayyangali, Thallu and Onappada, which is a martial art for entertainment, are performed as part of the Onam celebrations. Onathallu conducted at Kurumbranattu and Kunnamkulam are quite famous. 

Athachamayam: Athachamayam, a colourful festival in connection with Onam celeberations. Earlier it was conducted by the Kochi Maharaja(King of Kochi) and Zamorins(Rulers of Calicut) alike on the day of Atham in the Malayalam month of Chingam. Since 1960 it has been taken over by the government and is organised by governmental bodies as part of the Onam festival. This colourful procession conducted on the day of Atham marks the beginning of Onam celebrations for ten days that concludes on the day of Thiruvonam. The festival is conducted at Thripunithura in Ernakulam district. 

Thrissur Pooram: Pooram is the festival of festivals. It is conducted at the great Vadakkunnatha temple of Thrissur . The Vadakkunnatha temple, which resembles a Japanese Shrine, is built in the ancient Kerala style with sanded courts, stone sculptures, a traditional auditorium and multi level roofs. In the evening of Pooram day, two lines of 13 elephants face each other, on the ground south to the temple. Each Pachyderm bears an umbrella holder, a peacock fan carrier and a yak-tail fly whisk wielder. Between the two lines of elephants stand percussion and wind orchestras. As each orchestra reaches a crescendo, a new display of brilliant ceremonial umbrellas blossoms over the elephants and the supporting crowd applauds. This continues till sunset when the elephants depart and late at night, the darkness explodes with a magnificent fireworks display.

Petta Thullal: The ‘Petta Thullal' at Erumeli, in Kottayam District is a prominent religious festival. Every year multitudes of Hindu pilgrims before trekking to Sabarimala perform Pettathullal.

Kondotty Nercha: Malappuram district is famous for the Kondotty Nercha, a 7 days festival held during March conducted in Pazhayangadi mosque of Kondotty. The tomb of Mohamed Shah, the Sufi exponent, is close to the mosque.

The Great Elephant March: A ceremonial show of caparisoned elephants. The elephant march traces its origin to temple festivals where trained elephants in their traditional grandeur offer a majestic and glittering show of colour and pageantry. The elephants in their ceremonial outfit are paraded at a ground accompanied by temple music. Elephant marches are organised in different towns and cities. Tourists can enjoy a ride on the back of the elephant and a tug of war with them.

Nehru trophy boat race: Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is considered as the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat pageantry, which precedes the boat race, is a marvelous treat to the onlookers. The snake boats with 100 to 120 oarsmen plough the waters to the tune of the legendary songs.

Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival instituted the Nehru Trophy. This boat race attracts a large number of tourists.

Aranmula Boat Pageant: Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple . Though, large snake boats take part in this festival they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to be present in each boat. Since 1971 this procession has taken the present form of a race conducted by the Palliyoda Seva Sangh. 

Kavanattinkara and Kumarakom boat races: Every year during Onam season, Kavanattinkara and Kumarakom Boat Races are conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers respectively. Around 50 boats including a few snake boats participate in these races. 

Livestock sector

Livestock sector plays a vital role in the economy of Kerala. This sector has high potential for alleviating poverty and unemployment in rural areas. The majority of livestock owning farmers are either small and marginal or even landless. In view of its suitability for combining with crop subsector and its sustainability as a household enterprise with the active involvement of the farm women, livestock rearing is emerging as a very popular supplementary vocation in the small farm segment. Rural women play a significant role in the development of the livestock subsector and are involved in operations like feeding, milking, breeding, management, health care and running micro-enterprises. It is estimated that about 32 lakh (3.2 million) out of the total number of 55 lakh (5.5 million) households in Kerala are engaged in livestock rearing for supplementing their income. The homestead settlement pattern, the relatively high level of literacy particularly among women, the highly favourable agroclimatic conditions conducive for biomass production and the long tradition in livestock rearing are inherent strengths which the Kerala economy possesses in favour of livestock rearing. There is a Livestock department is in keralam for promoting livestock in kerala. This advocate farmers on their issues. Kerala livestock development board took the initiative to produce the cattle breed "SUNANDINI".

Road network

India has more than 3.3 million km of road network at present making it one of the largest in the world. Length of roads in Kerala is 145704 km (4.2 percent of that in India). Kerala has 4.62 km of road per thousand population, against the national figure of 2.59 km. Road network in Kerala has the distinction of achieving connectivity to all the villages in Kerala. But as the villages are relatively large compared to other states, the development has not ensured connectivity of all the habitats. Main arterial roads are built and maintained by the Kerala Public Works Department.

Traffic on the roads in Kerala has been growing at a rate of 10 to 11 percent every year, resulting in excessive pressure on the roads. Total road length in Kerala increased by 5 percent during 2003-2004. The road density in Kerala is nearly four times the national average, and is a reflection of the unique settlement patterns in the State.

National Highways form the prime arterial routes in India, spanning 58,112 km throughout the country and cater to about 45 percent of the total road transport demand. The National Highway network in Kerala is 1524 km, only 2.6 percent of the national total. There are eight National Highways in the State.

A major challenge has been taken by the state government for the upgradation and expansion of important roads to the standards prescribed by the Indian Road Congress for each category of road. Upgradation and maintenance of 1600 km of state highways and major district roads have been taken up under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP). The much applauded GIS based Road Information & Management Project(RIMS) is developed under KSTP.

Trivia

•  Arundhati Roy 's Booker Prize winning novel The God of Small Things is set in Kerala.

•  Salman Rushdie 's novel The Moors Last Sigh begins in the coastal area of Kerala (Mattanchery) and talks about the spice     business.

•  The town of Alleppey was featured on the American reality show The Amazing Race .

•  Kerala is picked by National Geographic as 50 Places of a Lifetime

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