Kerala is considered the most advanced society in India due to various reasons. 100% literacy rate, world-class healthcare systems, lowest infant mortality rate, highest life expectancy rates, highest physical quality of life, and cleanest state in India are just a few of the few reasons.
These amazing, interesting and amazing facts about Kerala will leave you speechless:
ORIGIN OF THE NAME “KERALA”
According to a popular theory, the name “Kerala” derives from “Kera” (means “coconut tree” in Malayalam) and “alam” (means earth). Hence, it is called “land of coconuts” which is also a nickname for the state due to the large number of coconut trees and their use by the locals. In another theory, the word “Kerala” is first recorded as Keralaputra, which means Cherathala makan or Cheraman in a rock inscription from the 3rd century BC. A. Left by the emperor of Maurya Ashoka (274-237 a. C.). The inscription indicates the local ruler as Keralaputra, meaning “son of Kerala” or “son of Chera”. This goes against the theory that “Kera” is made from coconut.
PEOPLE AND LIFE
Kerala is one of the most developed states in India when it comes to social welfare and quality of life. The state prides itself on having one of the highest literacy rates in India, the longest life expectancy, and the lowest infant mortality rates. The literacy rate for women is one of the highest in all of Asia. By enjoying a unique and sophisticated point of view, the people of Kerala, at all levels of society, have more access to services and opportunities, as well as a greater voice in their government.
MYTHOLOGICAL ORIGIN
According to Hindu mythology, the lands of Kerala were reclaimed from the sea by the wise warrior Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, who wielded an ax. Hence, Kerala is also called Parasurama Kshetram (“The land of Parasurama”). According to legend, Parasurama threw his ax across the sea and the water receded as far as it came. This new area of land stretched from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. The land that emerged from the sea was filled with salt that was unfit to inhabit. So, Parasurama calls upon the Serpent King Vasuki, who spat out holy poison and transformed the ground into lush, fertile land. From then on, Vasuki and all the snakes were appointed protectors and guardians of the land.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Kerala’s history is closely related to its trade, which until recently revolved around its spice trade. Hailed as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala welcomed travelers and traders from all over the world, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. Almost everyone has left their mark on this land in one way or another: architecture, cuisine, literature.
CELEBRATIONS AND UNIQUE KITCHENS
Onam
Onam is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of Kerala and is reminiscent of the agrarian past of the state. It is also the state festival of Kerala with holidays for four days from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the fourth Day of Onam.
Dance
There are five unique forms of Kerala classical dance: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattom, Thullaland Krishnanattam, which originated and developed in temple theaters during the classical period. Kerala natanam, Thirayattam, Kaliyattam, Theyyam, Koothu, and Padayani are other dance forms associated with the temple culture of the region.
Meal
The rice that is consumed at all times of the day predominates. Most of the breakfast foods in Kerala are made up of rice, in one form or another (idli, puttu, appam or idiyappam), tapioca preparations or pulse-based vada.
Elephants
Elephants have been an essential part of Kerala culture. It is home to the largest domesticated population of elephants in India. About 700 Indian elephants are owned by temples and individuals. These elephants are used primarily for processions and displays associated with festivals throughout the state.
FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATION
The culture and traditions of Kerala have made the state one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. National Geographic Traveler Magazine named Kerala one of the “World’s Ten Paradises” and “50 Must-See Destinations in Life” in 2012. Travel and Leisure also define Kerala as “One of the 100 Great Journeys of the 21st Century” . It surpassed the Taj Mahal and became the number one travel destination in Google search trends for India in 2012.
Kerala’s beaches, backwaters, lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient ports, palaces, religious institutions and wildlife sanctuaries are the main attractions for both domestic and international tourists. When we calculated the number of tourists visiting the Kerala tour, Kochi turned out to be the city that receives the most number of footfalls in a year.
Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination compared to other states in the country. In 1986, the Kerala government declared tourism a major industry and was the first state in India to do so.
