January 3, 2014 (PowerHomeBiz.com) Lush green vegetation, historical sites, temples, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and plenty of cultural elements are the prized possessions of the state of Kerala. Located towards the southern tip of India, the state of Kerala has received distinction in various avenues including literacy, greenery and above all, a major tourism destination. It is one of those states in India which has been marked as one of the top 50 destinations in the world for vacationing and various travel forums have recognized the state as a leading tourism destination. Going through the history and heritage of the land, it would be a revelation for tourists to find that these are associated deeply with the culture of the land. Hence, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Kerala culture is clearly evident in the sightseeing tours of this ‘God’s Own Country’.
Cultural importance of Kerala sightseeing places
Backwaters with a history of goods transportation – Without the visit to Kerala backwaters, no tour itinerary is complete because of the amazing criss-cross network of rivers and lakes across some hundreds of kilometres. In these backwaters, the culture of the state is seen in the villages lining the banks. Many communities in the past had evolved along these backwaters and were important trade centres. Most of the transportation of goods was carried out with the help of boats along these backwaters. During the tours of Kerala tourist places, Alappuzha and Kottayam are the prominent places for the backwater trips. Nowadays, these travel boats have been converted into houseboats, which are being used to provide backwater holiday trips to the tourists. Although, backwaters can be found in majority of the state, these two places are more prominent destinations for backwater Kerala itineraries.
Boat races in backwaters – From these backwaters, another important event that has evolved is that of the boat race or snake boat race or Vallam kali. Alappuzha is one of the prominent destinations for the snake boat races, as a number of races are organised every year in these waters, Nehru Trophy boat race being one of the popular events. Various religious anecdotes are there and these are associated deeply with the religious beliefs and Kerala customs.
Age old Ayurveda practices – Ayurveda resorts and beach centres in Kerala are quite well known among the tourists coming to this land. To add cultural and traditional flavour to the Kerala sightseeing places, Ayurveda centres are coming up in the beaches in Kovalam, Kochi, Kumarakom, Kozhikode and few others. Such rejuvenating practices are another way in which Kerala culture can be experienced, while people are in their vacations.
Architectural marvel of temples – Temples and monuments in Kerala are spread out across the state in different cities. During the visits to these historical and religious structures, people can get a feel of the culture of the land in form of Dravidian and south Indian architectural designs, rituals exclusive to the Kerala temples, use of elephants in various celebrations and various musical and performing arts practices like Kathakali, Carnatic music and even the ancient martial arts form, Kalaripayattu.
Celebrations with pomp and distinct rituals – Visit to Kerala sightseeing places like Kannur, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kochi and few others will showcase the best of the temples in Kerala. When these visits are timed with important celebrations like temple festivals, Onam and others, the rituals and Kerala is revealed.
Kerala has plenty of offerings in terms of Kerala places and cultural extravaganza. Tourists need to simply book their tickets and plan their tour itineraries and then relax in the cool environments of backwaters, marvel at the architectural excellence and return with enchanting memories of their trip to various places in ‘God’s Own Country’.
About the Author
Rajat Sharma is a prominent writer of travel articles and in this article he is talking about Kerala sightseeing places and kerala culture.