About Kerala
God's Own Country Kerala enjoys unique geographic 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 stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. waterfalls. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting artforms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine.
And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two-hour drive from the other. India's most advanced society A hundred per cent 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.
No prizes for guessing but severe reprimand for missing. It's Kerala, "the land of cheras" or the land of Kera or coconuts, instantly spellbinds the travel-veary visitors with its beautiful sea beaches and a landscape dominated by tall elegant coconut palms. The folklore's say, this land was created by Hindu god Parashurama, who gave up his blood thirsty ways and threw away his weapon - the axe. The axe from heaven landed in this part of India and formed the fertile Malabar Coast. Another tale goes like this : goddess Bhadrawati, who is the chief deity here, is said to have made the demon Darikan paying for his arrogance with his life. And when asked by Lord Shiva to select a place on earth and reside there as the protector of the place of the mankind, the goddess came to the land of Kerala.
CULTURE
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.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The colorful mosaic of Kerala fairs and festivals is as diverse as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration, that is an essential part of the State. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems, ornamenting the crown of Kerala tradition and culture. Round the year the fests keep Kerala life vibrant and interludes in the mundane affairs of life.
Every season turns up new festivals, each a true celebration of the bounties of nature. The festivals exhibits an eternal harmony of spirit. Packed with fun and excitement, festivals are occasions to clean and decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts.
Onam Festival
The 10 day Onam festival is kerala's most important festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as the golden age in the history of the state. He was the embodiment of virtues, goodness, so was his regime which was marked by equality and harmony among people.
Thrissur Pooram
The most spectacular spectacle in the state. This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) the festival parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Tthrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators.
Aranmula Uthrittathi
The famous snake boat carnival on the Pampa, held annually at Aranmula on the day of Uthrittathi asterism, in connection with the Onam festival is to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna on that day. The deity is supposed to be in all the boats that take part in the carnival and all of them are expected to arrive a t their destination simultaneously.
Easter
Easter is the oldest Christian festival, as old as Christianity itself. The central tenet of Christianity is not the birth of Jesus, but his resurrection. Easter is derived from this paschal mystery and from the events of Good Friday.
Thiruvathira Festival
The festival falls on the asterism Thiruvathira in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December-January). On thiruvathira morning, devotees throng Shiva temples for an early worship which is reckoned as highly auspicious.
Tradition says thiruvathira is celebrating the death of Kamadeva, the mythological God of Love. According to another version, Thiruvathira is the birthday of Lord Shiva. The festival has similarities to adra darshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Makaravillakku at Sabarimala
For centuries, Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala.
Vishu
The Malayalam new year is celebrated by bursting crackers and going to temple.
Heritage
Culture 
