Kerala Tours, Kerala Tourism, Tours to Kerala, Kerala Gods Own Country, Tourist Place in Kerala, Travels to Kerala, Tourist Spot in Kerala, Kerala South India Trip |
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| Information About Kerala Kerala in South India has a long and varied history. From a legendary land, famed for its aromatic spices to a tourist's paradise popular for its palm-fringed beaches, backwaters and Ayurveda resorts, Kerala has made its presence known to the world throughout history. Explore the history and attractions of Kerala when you travel to the tourist destinations of Kerala with Kerala Backwater. Hoysala Temples,History of Kerala According to legend Kerala arose from the sea, when the sage Parasurama threw his axe northwards into the waves after sitting in penance at Kanyakumari. The waves receded and the land of Kerala came into being. Geologically Kerala was created possibly as a result of a seismic shift that caused part of the seabed to rise, or as a result of silting from South Indian Rivers over millions of years. Kerala was known to the ancient Phoenicians as a coast from which fabulous spices, such as pepper, cardamom and ginger, were exported. They also came to Kerala for sandalwood and ivory. Cranganore or Muziris was known as an important port for trade with the Mediterranean region. The Arab merchants used the monsoon winds to cross the Arabian Sea to Kerala and carry prized goods back to Arabia, from where the goods were taken to towns in the Mediterranean region by camel caravans. The first inhabitants of Kerala according to historical records were the Pulayas, Vetas and Kuruvas. The Chera dynasty ruled over Kerala during the time of the Mauryas in North India. By the 10th century, the Brahmins or Namboothiris dominated Kerala. Other communities present in Kerala were Christian and Muslim traders and Jews. Power passed from the Namboothiri Brahmins to the warlords including the Zamorin of Calicut, whose admiral Kinjali Marakkar fought with great valor and distinction against the Portuguese. Vasco da Gama's arrival in 1498 opened a new chapter in the history of Kerala as the era of European conquest began. Conflict between the Portuguese, Dutch and later the English dominated the years of colonial trade. The French also established a settlement at Mahe on the Malabar coast. The British domiance over Keral was complete by the 1800's after the defeat of Tipu Sultan and the local rulers of Kerala. The Mopilla Revolt was a peasants' agitation, which was ruthlessly crushed. The independence movement across India also took root in Kerala. Movements to open temples to people who were considered "untouchables" and the so-called "lower castes" were also important parts of the independence movement. After India gained independence, the people of Kerala brought the first democratically elected communist government to power in 1957. The history of Kerala since then has seen repeated changes of government, Kerala's emergence as one of the most literate states in India and the phenomenal growth of tourism in Kerala. You can see the history of Kerala come alive in its temples, churches and monuments and hear its stories from the people of Kerala, on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater. |
| Kerala has over 900 Km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of Kerala backwater cruises. These Kerala backwater destinations are a mixture of historic and modern towns and scenic holiday getaways in the backwaters of Kerala. Tourists from all over the world come to these Kerala backwater destinations to see their scenic attractions. Some of the scenic Kerala backwater destinations that you can see on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater are: Cochin : This historic port city called "the Queen of the Arabian Sea," is known for its natural harbor. Consisting of a cluster of islands Kochi as it is now known, is the starting point for many Kerala backwater cruises and has many historic buildings, making it one of the most popular Kerala backwater destinations. Alappuzha : This Kerala Backwater destination is also known as the "Venice of the East," because of its surrounding waterways and canals. Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, is famous for the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race held here every year, around the festival of Onam. Large Snake boats called" Chundanvalloms" propelled by teams of rowers compete for the trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minster of India. Kasargod : Kasargod a town in North Kerala is known for the Valiyaparamba stretch of backwaters, an incredibly beautiful and green corridor along the coast of Kerala. You can travel through this scenic backwater on Kerala backwater destinations tours with Kerala Backwater. Kollam : Situated just over 70 Km from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is an ancient seaport on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. The cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha, which lasts eight hours, is a magical ride along the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Kollam is also known as the "Gateway to Kerala's Backwaters." Kottayam : Kottayam in Kerala is known for its fascinating backwaters on the seacoast and beautiful hills further inland. Crops such as rubber are grown in plantations in Kottayam district. You can see the backwaters and plantations of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. Kozhikode : Kozhikode in North Kerala, is an important port, previously known as Calicut. Calico - a variety of checked cotton cloth derives its name from Calicut. It was at Kappad beach just 16 km from Kozhikode, that Vasco da Gama landed in Kerala in 1498. Kumarakom : Situated in the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a paradise on Earth. The bird sanctuary, the scenic beauty and the tourist resorts along the backwaters make Kumarakom one of the most sought after Kerala Backwater destinations. Kuttanad : Known as the "Ricebowl of Kerala" Kuttanad brings to mind images of verdant paddy fields. A unique feature of Kuttanad is that the fields are below sea level and are barricaded from the surrounding backwaters by earthern bunds similar to the dykes of Netherlands. Thiruvallam : Located 6 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvallam is a beautiful backwater destination at the conjunction of two rivers - the Killi and the Karamana and near the scenic Veli Lagoon. Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala, previously known as Trivandrum, is a starting point for your tour of Kerala Backwater Destinations. Thiruvananthapuram is also known for its museums, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and proximity to the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Enjoy seeing the scenic attractions of Kerala Backwater destinations on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. |
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