There are three wonderful reasons why Kerala lives up to the slogan ‘God’s own Country’. It is easy to know how Kerala gets its name. It is derived from the word ‘Kera’ which means coconut in the Malayalam language. Coconut trees abound in this coastal state of India and its spiky dark green fronds cover the entire state when one looks at it from the sky. Coconut plays a very vital role in the lives of the Malayalees (the natives of Kerala) and is virtually all-pervading. Every part of the coconut tree is utilized in one way or the other. The leaves are used for weaving fronds for thatching roofs. Coconut shell is used for burning, coconut is used in curries and the coconut oil is used for cooking and as hair-oil. The husk of coconuts is used in making coir ropes. The wood is used for making furniture and panels.
The first reason why Kerala is called ‘God’s own Country’ relates to its mythical origin. According to legends, Parasurama, the warrior sage who is one of the Avathars (reincarnation) of Lord Vishnu, one of the three major Gods of the Hindu pantheon, reclaimed the land from the sea when he threw his battle axe from Kanyakumari to Gokarnam to the north, across the ocean. The land that arose from the waters was blessed with natural beauty and richness.
Naturally, Kerala is recognized as one of the most beautiful states of India. It is today so popular as a tourist destination that The National Geographic’s Traveller magazine presented Kerala as one of the “10 paradises on the world”. Visitors would love the fact that the climate is equitable but having lots of rain. It is neither too warm nor too cold but a bit humid. The people are friendly, healthy, have a rich and varied cuisine including a variety of seafood and meat curries. They are well educated such that even the auto rickshaw driver can speak in halting English but would be willing to discuss books of Gabriel García Márquez or Paulo Coelho, as may be your inclination. Kerala has everything to offer for a tourist. It is one location that can offer a varied experience ranging from pristine beaches, teeming modern cities, backwaters, cool hill stations and majestic wildlife. Also, no part of Kerala is more than a couple hours’ distance from an Airport.
The third reason is that Kerala is home to diverse religions and communities. The spices of Kerala was valued around the world for centuries and brought merchants and consequently, their religions and thoughts to Kerala. Thus, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism came to Kerala centuries ago – perhaps even before these religions spread to Europe! This is why you can witness the oldest active synagogue and the oldest European church, both from the 16th century, in Kochi – the commercial capital of Kerala. The Hindu temple architecture, arts and culture play a significant role in the State. The traditions and art forms are alive and thriving and are witnessed in classical dance-dramas like Kathakali, the snake boat races called vallamkali and the elephant pageant of Thrissur Pooram. Whatever be the reason, the people of the state know that they are truly blessed.
