FAVOURITE KERALAM
KERALA is a beautiful strip of land between Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats The place is known for its richest natural beauty, highest literacy, culture and traditions. The people of Kerala are known for their enterprising nature and it is an indebatable fact that they get along well with the people of that place where they go to.
To begin with, a little historical and geographical details of the place is given below:
Kerala is one of the smallest States in the Indian Union. In the words of Sreedhara Menon, “Its unique geographical position and peculiar physical features have invested Kerala with a distinct individuality.”
Geographical Isolation:The geographical position of Kerala as a narrow strip of land ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats has considerably influenced the course of its history. From the dawn of history it has created a kind of insularity. As a result, Kerala seldom felt the impact of many foreign invasions which had ravaged North India form time to time. Owing to this insularity, it took nearly two centuries for Buddhism to reach Kerala. She also evolved its own way of life and social institutions unhampered by excessive interference from outside.
”Kerala has been described as ‘the favourite child of nature’ because of its breath-taking natural beauty. It is really a sight to see the evergreen mountains, dense forests, flowing rivers, backwaters and blue lagoons ! One would feel that Mother Nature has bestowed her full interest and Blessed Kerala with all her flourishing and nourishing Wealth ! Needless to say that this beautiful atmosphere has nurtured religion and art in Kerala ! Almost all poets of Kerala and other parts have full praise for the State’s enchanting fragrance of Sandal, Coconuts and all other Spices! Estates of Tea, Rubber, Pepper, and Turmeric are plenty in Kerala. The State is known for its growth of Jack Fruits, Cashew, Plantain and Mango !
Natural Divisions: "Physical features demarcate the state into three natural divisions. They are the lowland adjoining the sea, the midland consisting of the undulating country east of the lowlands and the forest -clad highland on the extreme east. The lowland bordering the sea is dotted with innumerable coconut palms and the expansive stretches of paddy crops. The midland regions comprise valleys, punctuated here and there by isolated hills.
This rich and fertile region bears the largest extent of agricultural crops. The Western Ghats which range along the eastern border constitute the highland. They form a natural wall of protection to the state. Extensive tea and cardamom plantation dominate the higher elevations; while ginger, rubber, pepper, and turmeric flourish at the lower elevations. The hilly portion is broken up by long spurs, deep savines, dense forests and tangles jungles.
Scenic Beauty and Backwaters of Kerala : The charm of Kerala lies in its unique attraction, something which is not seen or experienced anywhere else in the world. And there is not just one or two of these. One can just keep counting as Kerala has got so many of her scenic beauties to be shown to the visitors! One such unique attraction,rather an exhilaating experience is to witness the Backwaters of Kerala. Backwaters are nothing but the water formed when the sea water gets colleced at beach by the motion of waves. In Kerala, it constitutes about five large lakes, which are connected by canals of about 1500 kms in length. The canal water are in turn supplied by about 38 rivers flowing through the entire State. Generally the feeling about backwaters is that a travel through them will give so much of dissatisfaction because of its untidy nature. But in case of Keral Backwaters it is not like that. It would really create a happiness in the minds of the people who travel through it. One would be surprised to see such a clear water all through, with a lot of scenic beauty to cool the eyes. The video given hereunder, though a bit long, would give clear picture of Backwaters starting off from Alappuzha, a major Backwater Destination and the Venice of East. An intricate network of canals in Alappuzha, especially the ones that are a part of the Vembanad Lake are just the place if you wish to see some really awe inspiring beauty. Scenes enroute are a varied lot - paddy fields, coconut lagoons, secluded islands, men on country boats busy fishing and shepherding their ducks to new pastures and school children being taken across the canal. Alappuzha known as Venice of the East has several backwaters. Kerala Backwaters (especially Alappuzha) are world famous for its beauty and serenity. Vembanattu Kayal between Alappuzha and Kottayam Districts is the largest backwater in Kerala. The area surrounding this backwater is known as Kuttanad. Tourists from all over the world come here to see its natural beauty. Kerala is blessed with numerous rivers and backwaters as well as the long sea coast. The rivers and backwaters of Kerala are store houses for a variety of decorative fishes as well. Besides paddy cultivation, one of the main sources of revenue for the people of this region is fishing. Pearls spots, Mullet, Prawns, Crabs etc are some of the tastiest varieties found in this area. Among these fishes, pearl spots are the most in demand and the costliest variety. Pearl spots from Kuttanad are quite well known for the foreign tourists as well. Prawns are the costliest and most exported variety of fishes in Kerala.
Kuttunad, the rice bowl of Kerala, is at the centre of attraction here. This is perhaps the only place where farming is done on land below sea level.
It is worth mentioning here about an interesting mythological story regarding birth of Kerala, in which it is said that the sage warrior Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and the distance covered by the axe gave way to a land which came to be known as Keralam. (MORE TO FOLLOW...)
