Home » DESTINATIONS » GODS OWN COUNTRY | KERALA
Kerala Gods own country is surrounded with the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east and in between forests, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, weedy rivers and lagoons. Coconuts, black pepper, cardamom, paddy, cashews , coffee and a weather which is always suitable for anyone and any cultivation . Simply because of the natural resources that our Kerala is God’s own country, is one of the ten heavens in the world or you can call the paradise for holidays or the green canopy of India.
In 1986, when Kerala received the status of tourism industry and adopted the title of “God’s own country”, there was a huge leap in the tourism sector. Our hilly areas, backwaters, beaches and natural beauty have been a boon to attract foreign tourists to the Malayalee who has always accepted good things with open arms. Among them is the skill of Ayurveda.
Munnar, Wayanad, Nelliampathi, Vagamon, Ponmudi besides National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been able to develop the tourism route. From Kappad beach, where Vasco da Gama set foot in 1498, to Kovalam beach, which is still crowded with foreigners, have become tourist destinations. It is the ‘Venice of the East’, the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and the hospitality of Travancore that makes tourists come here. From Bekal Fort where Kerala culture sleeps to Sri Padmanabhan’s Ananthapuri, the tourism sector has long prospects.
Unique art forms like Kathakali, Ottamtullal, Mohiniyattam, Theyam, Padayani and Chakyarkooth are performed to attract tourists. Poorams where elephants are paraded, festivals full of different customs and legends, waterways like boating and boating. Words are not enough to tell about our little Kerala, which is known as God’s own land. Our Kerala is now moving forward in the development path…
When you say Kerala, the definition of ‘God’s Own Country’ comes to mind. When Malayalees go to other places and introduce themselves by saying that they are from Kerala, they are surprised and ask back ‘Oh God’s on country’. Just listening to it gives you a feeling of excitement. But do you know why Kerala is called ‘God’s Own Country’?
The current younger generation is unlikely to know why. The older generation may have forgotten history.
When India got independence on August 15, 1947, only the Travancore region was not interested in joining the Centre. In June 1947, Travancore was declared a separate country by the then King. The king had developed Travancore better with public transport, telephone network and heavy engineering industries. He bore all the expenses himself. Above all, all Hindus were allowed to enter all temples.
He implemented this historic decision at a time when there were problems, protests and segregation all over India related to caste and color etc. All this was discussed by the Indian government representatives and King Chithiram Tirunal Balarama Varma visited with the demand that Travancore country should be part of the Indian Union. His reply was, ‘This land is not mine, it belongs to Padmanabha Swami. I am just an administrator. If Lord Vishnu asks me, I will do it’.
The officials who came to the discussion did not believe the king’s words. They mocked him. The authorities scoffed at it as an excuse to walk away from the discussion. The Travancore authorities, who understood this, showed them the passage written on January 20, 1750 by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in the writing pad. He wrote in his writing that the Travancore part including today’s Kanyakumari and Paravoor belonged to Lord Vishnu. This is the reason why Kerala is called God’s own country.
Kerala boasts lush greenery, rolling hills, serene backwaters, and pristine beaches, creating picturesque landscapes that are often compared to paradise.
The backwaters of Kerala, a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons, are a unique feature of the state. Cruising through these tranquil waters on traditional houseboats is a popular tourist activity.
Kerala is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes vibrant dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, traditional music, and ancient martial arts like Kalaripayattu.
Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness therapies. Visitors come from around the world to experience rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and treatments in the state’s serene surroundings.
Kerala’s cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, use of coconut, seafood, and aromatic spices. Dishes like appam with stew, karimeen pollichathu, and Kerala-style biryani are must-try delicacies.
Kerala places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism and ecotourism initiatives. Visitors can explore the state’s diverse ecosystems, including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and hill stations.