Kerala is located in southern India, and like most states in India, has its own unique cultures and traditions. People from Kerala are often called Malayalees because of their language, Malayalam.
The language has been featured in multiple reports as one of the most difficult languages to learn. If you're travelling there, you don't need to worry as almost everyone can speak English, while some speak Hindi and/or Tamil as well.
God's own country
The phrase was originally coined by an advertising professional named Walter Mendez at the behest of the Kerala Tourism Department.
Known for its greenery, serene backwaters, jungles, beaches and more, believing the tagline is easy. Kerala is well-known for its religious co-existence and unmatched tolerance between Hindus, Christians, Muslims and others. People are hospitable and educated - the state has the highest literacy rate in the country.
Kumarakom backwaters
Kerala is known across the country and the globe for its backwaters. Every tourist comes in with a list that will have 'take a ride in a houseboat on the backwaters' that needs to be checked off. Kumarakom backwaters is the best-known and most popular, with its waters emptying into the largest lake in the state - Vembanad Lake.
You also get traditional food on-board most house boats, which includes fresh caught fish, fried to your liking, covered in spices that might be a little too much to handle for the unaccustomed.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is not just a great spa treatment method to get while you visit. It is more popular among tourists as well as Malayalees for treatment of chronic illnesses, ulcers, PCOS, allergies or hives, orthopaedic injuries, stress and mental health among other conditions. One of the oldest holistic healing systems in the world, Ayurveda today combines modern and ancient methods of treatments for various ailments.
Forests and hills stations
Vayanad is a unique destination to visit where you can hike through the lush green jungles, and even live in cottages and tree-houses inside the forests. A ride on an Indian elephant or a bath with one is a must-do for animal lovers. Elephants are revered in the state and are a highlight of many festivals and rituals.
You also get your hill stations with cooler, drier weather and expanses of tea and coffee plantations. Idukki and Munnar are the most visited out of these.
The origin of martial arts
While it is not popular knowledge, many historians and researchers agree that martial art forms such as karate and kung-fu most likely originated in Kerala as an evolution of the local martial art form. The indigenous martial art is called 'Kalaripayattu' and the oldest mention of this dates back to the third century B.C.
- Jasmine Simhalan performing steps and postures of 'Kalaripayattu'
It is understood that a properly trained ' Kalaripayattu' warrior could kill with just one touch to a 'marmam' or vital point in the body, and is also well-versed in traditional healing massages.
Hospitality
Malayalees are known for their hospitable nature, and the best and most economic choice while visiting would be to opt for one of the many home-stay venues available. Most home-stay venues offer food as well, with an option to request food items that you usually eat, which can then be cooked or delivered.
Anyone on the road including cab drivers, auto-rickshaw drivers or pedestrians are happy to help with directions and as mentioned earlier, almost all can speak English. However, college students or youngsters might send you on a wild-goose chase - from first-hand experience. Stick to an age group of 30 and above for asking directions if you don't want to fooled into going around in circles.
The food and festivals
Kerala cuisine or Malayali cuisine is one of the most diverse ones with a perfect balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to try. Rice is a staple and while there are many vegan and vegetarian hotels, most outlets will serve all kinds of meat including beef, mutton and chicken. For the most authentic food experience, we recommend trying local shacks.
Festivals in Kerala, like all over India, are colourful and full of music, drama and dance. 'Kathakali' and 'Mohiniyaatam' are traditional dance forms while temples have their cultural performances now and then. Thousands flock to attend the Thrissur 'pooram' and 'Vallam kali' (snake boat racing) but even if you don't make it to these, there will always be some local temple hosting celebrations. Churches also hold extravagant celebrations that are fun to attend.
