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| Munnar Kerala |
God's Own Country: Exploring the Wonders of Kerala
Kerala, a state situated on India's Malabar Coast, is often referred to as "God's Own Country. The region boasts stunning backwaters, beaches fringed with palm trees, serene mountain retreats, and verdant forests teeming with life.
In this article, we will explore everything about Kerala, including its history, culture, cuisine, tourism, and more.
History
Kerala has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era. The state was ruled by various dynasties, including the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, before the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century.The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Kerala, followed by the Dutch, British, and French. The Portuguese established a trading post in Kochi in 1500, which became the first European settlement in India. The Dutch captured Kochi in 1663 and ruled the state for over a century before it was ceded to the British in 1795.
Arab trade in Kerala
The Arab trade with Kerala dates back to the ancient times when Kerala was a hub for the spice trade. Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, has been an important center of trade for centuries. The Arab traders played a crucial role in the development of trade in Kerala. This article delves into the history of Arab trade in Kerala and how it shaped the culture and economy of the state.
The Spice Trade
The spice trade was the backbone of the Arab trade with Kerala. Kerala was known for its spices, which were highly valued in the Arab world. The Arab traders arrived in Kerala to trade spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. The Arabs were impressed with the quality and variety of the spices found in Kerala. The spice trade between Kerala and the Arab world continued for several centuries, and it brought prosperity to both regions.
The Arab Merchants
The Arab traders who came to Kerala were not just ordinary traders. They were wealthy merchants who had connections with the ruling elite of their countries. The Arab merchants were a class apart and had a great influence on the trade and culture of Kerala. They brought with them their language, religion, and customs, which had a significant impact on the people of Kerala.
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| Grand Mosque of India Kerala |
The Arab Traders and the Chera Kingdom
The Chera Kingdom was one of the dominant kingdoms in Kerala during the time of Arab trade. The Chera Kingdom had a friendly relationship with the Arab traders, and they welcomed them to trade in their ports. The Chera Kingdom provided security to the Arab traders and offered them facilities to conduct trade. The Arab traders, in turn, provided the Chera Kingdom with wealth and luxury items, which helped to strengthen their economy.
The Arab Traders and the Mappilas
The Mappilas were a Muslim community in Kerala who had a close association with the Arab traders. The Mappilas were traders themselves, and they helped the Arab traders to establish their trade in Kerala. The Mappilas also adopted the Arabic language and Islam, which were brought to Kerala by the Arab traders. The Arab traders and the Mappilas had a significant influence on the culture and society of Kerala.
The Legacy of Arab Trade in Kerala
The legacy of Arab trade in Kerala can be seen in the culture and economy of the state. The Arab traders introduced new technologies and ideas to Kerala, which helped to develop its trade and commerce. They also introduced the Arabic language and Islam to Kerala, which had a lasting impact on the culture of the state. The Arab trade brought wealth and prosperity to Kerala, and it played a significant role in shaping the history of the state.
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| Munnar Kerala |
The Arab trade with Kerala was a significant chapter in the history of both regions. The Arab traders played a crucial role in developing the trade and commerce of Kerala. They also introduced new technologies, ideas, and cultural practices to Kerala, which had a lasting impact on the state. The legacy of Arab trade in Kerala can be seen in the culture and economy of the state today.
Culture
Kerala has a rich and vibrant culture that is a blend of various religions, traditions, and customs. The state is known for its classical dance forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Koodiyattam. These dance forms are characterized by their intricate facial expressions, hand gestures, and costumes.
Kerala is also known for its traditional music, including the Sopana Sangeetham and the Carnatic music. The state is home to numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram.
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| Kerala tea plantation |
Cuisine
Kerala is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine, which is a blend of local and international flavors. The state is known for its seafood dishes, including the famous Karimeen Pollichathu, which is a spicy grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves.
Another popular dish is the Kerala-style beef fry, which is made with tender beef cooked in a blend of spices and served with hot appams or parottas. Vegetarians can enjoy the delicious sambar, aviyal, and olan, which are made with a variety of vegetables and coconut milk.
Top Kerala Cuisines
Kerala, a beautiful state situated on the southwestern coast of India, is known for its scenic beauty, backwaters, and delicious food. Kerala cuisine is a blend of local spices, herbs, and ingredients, which create a unique and distinctive taste. Here are the top five must-try cuisines of Kerala that will tantalize your taste buds.
Malabar Biriyani
Malabar Biriyani is a famous delicacy in Kerala that originated from the Malabar region. It is a fragrant dish that is prepared with long-grain rice, chicken or mutton, and an array of spices like cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The rice is cooked separately and then layered with the meat mixture and fried onions, giving it an amazing aroma and taste.
Appam with Stew
Appam is a popular breakfast dish in Kerala made with fermented rice batter, coconut milk, and a pinch of yeast, which is then cooked in a special pan. It is served with a stew made with vegetables, chicken, or mutton in a coconut milk broth. The combination of soft appam and flavorful stew is a match made in heaven.
Puttu and Kadala Curry
Puttu is a breakfast staple in Kerala that is made with rice flour, grated coconut, and water, and then steamed in cylindrical or cone-shaped vessels. It is served with a spicy and flavorful kadala curry, made with black chickpeas, coconut, and an array of spices, making it a delicious and healthy meal.
Meen Pollichathu
Meen Pollichathu is a popular fish dish in Kerala that is made with marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over charcoal. The fish is marinated with a mix of spices, including turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and ginger-garlic paste, which infuses it with an amazing flavor.
Kappa and Meen Curry
Kappa and Meen Curry is a traditional Kerala dish that is made with boiled cassava or tapioca, which is then mashed and mixed with grated coconut and spices. It is served with a spicy and tangy meen curry made with fish, tamarind, and an array of spices. The combination of the soft and creamy kappa and the spicy and tangy meen curry is a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Kerala cuisine is a unique blend of spices, herbs, and ingredients, creating a tantalizing culinary experience. If you ever get a chance to visit Kerala, make sure to try these five must-try cuisines to explore the vibrant flavors of Kerala.
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| Beef biryani Kerala |
Kerala paratta with beef
Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country," is a state in South India famous for its scenic beauty, culture, and cuisine. Kerala's cuisine is a blend of spices, coconut, and seafood, and it's famous for its traditional delicacies such as Puttu, Appam, and Karimeen Pollichathu. However, one dish that stands out from the rest is Kerala Parotta with Beef.
Kerala Parotta is a type of layered flatbread made from maida (all-purpose flour), which is kneaded with water and oil, and then repeatedly beaten and stretched to create thin layers of dough. It's then cooked on a hot griddle until it puffs up and turns crispy.
Beef is a popular meat in Kerala, and it's often used in traditional dishes such as beef fry and beef curry. The beef used in Kerala Parotta is typically slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices until it becomes tender and flavorful.
The combination of Kerala Parotta with beef is a match made in heaven. The crispy and flaky texture of the parotta pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender beef. The spicy and aromatic flavors of the beef blend seamlessly with the subtle sweetness of the parotta, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Kerala Parotta with beef is often served with a side of raita, which is a yogurt-based dip that helps balance out the spicy flavors of the beef. The raita is typically made with grated cucumber, onion, and tomato, along with a blend of spices such as cumin and coriander.
Kerala Parotta with beef is a dish that's not only delicious but also has cultural significance. It's a staple dish in many households in Kerala and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Tourism
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| Kerala Munnar |
Kerala is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches. The state is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Periyar National Park and the Silent Valley National Park.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala is the backwaters, which are a network of lagoons, canals, and lakes that are connected to the Arabian Sea. Tourists can enjoy a leisurely ride on a houseboat and experience the beauty of the backwaters firsthand.
Kerala is also known for its hill stations, including Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady. These hill stations are known for their scenic beauty, tea and spice plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Ayurveda
Kerala is also known for its traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, which has been practiced in the state for over 5000 years. Ayurveda operates under the premise that optimal health is achieved by maintaining a delicate equilibrium between the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of one's being.
Kerala is home to numerous Ayurvedic centers and spas, where tourists can enjoy rejuvenating massages, therapies, and treatments. These treatments are believed to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and improve overall health and wellness.
Education
Kerala has a high literacy rate, with over 96% of the population being literate. The state is home to numerous universities and educational institutions, including the University of Kerala, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. The state is also known for its high-quality education in fields such as medicine, engineering, and management.
Politics
Kerala is a democratic state, with a unicameral legislature and a parliamentary form of government. The state has a history of coalition governments, with the two major political alliances being the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
The state has been governed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) for most of the last few decades, with the current Chief Minister being Pinarayi Vijayan of the CPI(M). Kerala has a strong tradition of political activism, with numerous social and political movements having originated from the state.
Climate
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| House boat Kerala alleppey |
Kerala experiences a year-round tropical climate, with temperatures typically fluctuating between 20°C and 35°C. The state receives heavy rainfall from June to September during the monsoon season, which is essential for the state's agriculture and water resources.
For optimal weather conditions and reduced humidity levels, it is recommended to plan a visit to Kerala between October and March. The hill stations are best visited during the summer months of April to June, when the temperatures are cooler.
Travel Access in Kerala
Kerala is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. With its lush green forests, serene backwaters, and sandy beaches, Kerala attracts tourists from all over the world. However, access to travel in Kerala can be a challenge for some visitors. In this article, we will explore the various modes of travel in Kerala and how to make the most of your trip.
Air Travel
Kerala has three major airports, located in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. These airports are well-connected to major cities in India and also have international connections to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Domestic airlines such as Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet, and GoAir operate regular flights to and from these airports.
Rail Travel
Kerala has a well-developed railway network that connects major cities and towns within the state, as well as to other parts of India. The state has around 200 railway stations, with major stations located in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. The Indian Railways operates regular trains, including express trains and superfast trains, to and from Kerala.
Road Travel
Kerala has a good road network that connects all major cities and towns. National highways and state highways are the main roads that run through the state. Private and government-run buses, taxis, and rental cars are available for hire for inter-city travel. Local transportation in cities and towns includes auto-rickshaws, city buses, and taxis.
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| Sunset in Alappuzha Kerala |
Water Travel
Kerala is known for its extensive network of backwaters, which are interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. Backwater tourism is a popular activity in Kerala, and visitors can take a ride on traditional houseboats or motorboats to explore the backwaters. The state also has a few major ports, including the Kochi Port and the Vizhinjam Port, which are used for international trade and tourism.
Tips for Travelers
1.Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip and avoid last-minute hassles.
2.Check the weather conditions before traveling, as Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September).
3.Carry insect repellent and sunscreen as the state has a tropical climate.
4.Use authorized tour operators and travel agents to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip.
Kerala offers a range of travel options, including air travel, rail travel, road travel, and water travel. Visitors can choose the mode of travel that suits their budget and preferences. With its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people, Kerala is a must-visit destination for all travelers.
Kerala is a unique and diverse state that has something to offer for everyone. Its rich history, vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and stunning natural beauty make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventurous getaway, or a cultural experience, Kerala has it all.
